Lisa Vaughn's Blog, page 3
October 28, 2011
FridayFeelGood: What are YOU afraid to lose?
What are you afraid to lose? Your iphone, your bank card?
I'll have to sheepishly admit my first knee-jerk reaction is my teeth (my biggest fear of ALL time) or my ipad...something of that nature. And then I say it out loud and realize how silly and superficial that really is. Those 'things' can all be replaced - yes, even teeth can be bought pretty easily if you think about it (although I'm not tempting fate you understand!)
The REAL thing we should all be afraid of first and foremost, is losing OURSELVES.
Oh, believe me, it happens pretty easily. One day you wake up and the life you are living is no longer recognizable as anything you would purposely sign up for. Been there? Are you there now? I sure have, and it's the worst feeling in the world - like being suffocated one minute at a time. Tick tock, tick tock.
The day I found true happiness, is the day I was completely honest with myself...my authentic self. No more would I live a life based on what others expected or wanted me to be.
Wow, pretty simple isn't it? Yes, it's THAT simple!
Easy to put into action? Well, not so much sometimes...that's where the work comes in, depending on your situation. But like we've always been taught, nothing in life worth having comes easily, so why should this be any different? But the good news is, once you get your life aligned to meet your authentic requirements, you're basically there - from then on all it takes is maintenance to keep your environment clean of unwanted 'debris' so that you may continue to live your authentic life.
Ask yourself one simple question: Am I living as the TRUE me? Or am I posing ? Wearing a mask all the time - even after Halloween?
My life came full circle when I finally figured out this simple equation: Being true to your authentic self = True happiness. Put that into action and I guarantee you cannot be anything BUT happy! After all, we are who we are - all originals in our own ways...why in the world would you ever want to be anything else? You can't!
Thanks for stopping by! If you get a chance, check out my memoir - The Gifted Ones. I've had a lot of experience experimenting with finding out exactly WHO my authentic self really is - and this book is proof of my journey!
Make it an awesome day folks!
I'll have to sheepishly admit my first knee-jerk reaction is my teeth (my biggest fear of ALL time) or my ipad...something of that nature. And then I say it out loud and realize how silly and superficial that really is. Those 'things' can all be replaced - yes, even teeth can be bought pretty easily if you think about it (although I'm not tempting fate you understand!)
The REAL thing we should all be afraid of first and foremost, is losing OURSELVES.
Oh, believe me, it happens pretty easily. One day you wake up and the life you are living is no longer recognizable as anything you would purposely sign up for. Been there? Are you there now? I sure have, and it's the worst feeling in the world - like being suffocated one minute at a time. Tick tock, tick tock.
The day I found true happiness, is the day I was completely honest with myself...my authentic self. No more would I live a life based on what others expected or wanted me to be.
Wow, pretty simple isn't it? Yes, it's THAT simple!
Easy to put into action? Well, not so much sometimes...that's where the work comes in, depending on your situation. But like we've always been taught, nothing in life worth having comes easily, so why should this be any different? But the good news is, once you get your life aligned to meet your authentic requirements, you're basically there - from then on all it takes is maintenance to keep your environment clean of unwanted 'debris' so that you may continue to live your authentic life.
Ask yourself one simple question: Am I living as the TRUE me? Or am I posing ? Wearing a mask all the time - even after Halloween?
My life came full circle when I finally figured out this simple equation: Being true to your authentic self = True happiness. Put that into action and I guarantee you cannot be anything BUT happy! After all, we are who we are - all originals in our own ways...why in the world would you ever want to be anything else? You can't!
Thanks for stopping by! If you get a chance, check out my memoir - The Gifted Ones. I've had a lot of experience experimenting with finding out exactly WHO my authentic self really is - and this book is proof of my journey!
Make it an awesome day folks!
October 26, 2011
Why DO People Write Anyway?
Ask that question to 100 writer's, and I'm sure you'll get that many different answers, as writing truly is a personal form of self-expression at its core. And I'm sure each and every piece is unique for the author in it's own way, as well. Of course I can only speculate, as I've only published one book so far.
My memoir, The Gifted Ones, started out solely as a selfish way to deal with unfinished business concerning my deceased mother. Writing, I found, truly is a great therapeutic tool - just as my art is when I need to express myself - writing can be just as healing and expressive, maybe even more so - in a more direct manner.
I found out just how healing writing truly was as I was spewing out the words that needed to be bled from my soul. During this purging release, I realized IF and WHEN those words ever became an organized work, there were really only three people for which I wrote my words for, and only three that truly needed to read them.
*First, and foremost - myself. I needed this outlet to purge my pent up anger and frustration for my mother, family, society as a whole. I needed to see my story in black & white, so I could justify my actions, and confirm I was not crazy or wrong at all.
*Second - my husband. We had been together for well over a decade at the time, and this was the only snippet of my life he knew nothing about - the missing puzzle piece. Not that I didn't want to tell him, mind you, as I have never been ashamed or embarrassed of my story - or hid anything from him. No, it was more out of respect for him, as he does not like to hear of any past relationships- quite the jealous guy I have here, turns out. But I knew deep in my heart to love me wholly, is to know me wholly - even if it might bruise his ego a tad. It was time he knew my past and how I became who I am today.
*Third - the 'other-half' in my book - my first love - Selina. I realized after she left and we went our separate ways, she never really heard 'my side' of the story, or probably never realized the impact her short presence in my life truly made. I deeply wanted to reconnect with her and make sure she knew just what she had meant to me, and how I didn't hold a grudge or any ill feelings whatsoever, in fact, quite the opposite.
It took about two years, but I am happy to say I accomplished my main goals. My husband accepted my story with grace and total acceptance. He had always loved me unconditionally, and this 'surprise' certainly did not change that - if anything it brought us closer. To understand someone's past is to know them at their core, and who wouldn't welcome that in a partner?
I've also since reconnected with Selina - making this project more than worth it. She is, and will always remain my BFF - I can't imagine my life without her in it now. We shared a special time that can never be denied. And deep down we both know we are still 'gifted' as we share our special soul-sister bond, hopefully till the day one of us takes our last breath.
And lastly...myself. To say this book changed my life would be an understatement. It has aligned me with myself, my environment, and those around me who truly matter - allowing me to discover my purpose in life - and that purpose, I believe, is to live an authentic life, living each day being true to who I really am, and also to spread the message from which my story was born from - the message of acceptance. It truly is what drives me to push and promote my book on a daily basis.
I personally didn't write to become famous, make a living, or get rich. I wrote because I HAD to, and now I realize I HAVE to share my story, as that is my true purpose for publishing. As they say, if reading my words can help one person or open a closed-mind, then I've done my job.
And THAT is why 'I' write.
Thank you for stopping by, and if you'd like to check out exactly what I speak of - my synopsis and purchase links are all above!
And again, thank you for supporting indie authors & artists!
Make it an awesome day!
My memoir, The Gifted Ones, started out solely as a selfish way to deal with unfinished business concerning my deceased mother. Writing, I found, truly is a great therapeutic tool - just as my art is when I need to express myself - writing can be just as healing and expressive, maybe even more so - in a more direct manner.
I found out just how healing writing truly was as I was spewing out the words that needed to be bled from my soul. During this purging release, I realized IF and WHEN those words ever became an organized work, there were really only three people for which I wrote my words for, and only three that truly needed to read them.
*First, and foremost - myself. I needed this outlet to purge my pent up anger and frustration for my mother, family, society as a whole. I needed to see my story in black & white, so I could justify my actions, and confirm I was not crazy or wrong at all.
*Second - my husband. We had been together for well over a decade at the time, and this was the only snippet of my life he knew nothing about - the missing puzzle piece. Not that I didn't want to tell him, mind you, as I have never been ashamed or embarrassed of my story - or hid anything from him. No, it was more out of respect for him, as he does not like to hear of any past relationships- quite the jealous guy I have here, turns out. But I knew deep in my heart to love me wholly, is to know me wholly - even if it might bruise his ego a tad. It was time he knew my past and how I became who I am today.
*Third - the 'other-half' in my book - my first love - Selina. I realized after she left and we went our separate ways, she never really heard 'my side' of the story, or probably never realized the impact her short presence in my life truly made. I deeply wanted to reconnect with her and make sure she knew just what she had meant to me, and how I didn't hold a grudge or any ill feelings whatsoever, in fact, quite the opposite.
It took about two years, but I am happy to say I accomplished my main goals. My husband accepted my story with grace and total acceptance. He had always loved me unconditionally, and this 'surprise' certainly did not change that - if anything it brought us closer. To understand someone's past is to know them at their core, and who wouldn't welcome that in a partner?
I've also since reconnected with Selina - making this project more than worth it. She is, and will always remain my BFF - I can't imagine my life without her in it now. We shared a special time that can never be denied. And deep down we both know we are still 'gifted' as we share our special soul-sister bond, hopefully till the day one of us takes our last breath.
And lastly...myself. To say this book changed my life would be an understatement. It has aligned me with myself, my environment, and those around me who truly matter - allowing me to discover my purpose in life - and that purpose, I believe, is to live an authentic life, living each day being true to who I really am, and also to spread the message from which my story was born from - the message of acceptance. It truly is what drives me to push and promote my book on a daily basis.
I personally didn't write to become famous, make a living, or get rich. I wrote because I HAD to, and now I realize I HAVE to share my story, as that is my true purpose for publishing. As they say, if reading my words can help one person or open a closed-mind, then I've done my job.
And THAT is why 'I' write.
Thank you for stopping by, and if you'd like to check out exactly what I speak of - my synopsis and purchase links are all above!
And again, thank you for supporting indie authors & artists!
Make it an awesome day!
October 25, 2011
Store Bought Pumpkin Pies-Ever Wonder How They're Made? #WordlessWednesday
Kinda makes you wanna bake your own, doesn't it? Happy Halloween everyone!
October 24, 2011
Lucky Spoon/Burnt Plate~Memories of a Childhood Game..What?
Long before Nintendos, X-boxes, and i-whatevers, there was a period where imagination was your toy of choice, in fact, you had no choice, as that was really it in the toy department...remember those days? If you're a child of the seventies or before, you know exactly what I speak of - when a pile of bricks in the backyard magically 'became' a bat-mobile and tinker-toys ruled.
This year a lot has changed in my life, as the passing of one generation (my parents) gives way to the next (mine). I've had many private 'reflective' moments here recently, and one is so simple and so expressive of the times I speak of, I thought I would share it with you.
It's a game my sister and I played called 'Lucky Spoon/Burnt Plate'.
The rules of this game were simple, and only known between the two of us.
In our cupboards housed two pieces of kitchenware that made up the game. An odd-ball spoon that did not match the rest of the patterned cutlery, and a melmac plate that had a burned edge on it - probably absentmindedly left by the gas stove too long one day. Each day at 3:30pm sharp our small family of four gathered around our round kitchen table for dinner, as my father worked the nightshift and this was our only opportunity for 'family' time. We each had assigned seating, with my sister and I facing each other, my parents on either side. My mother would always set the table beforehand, as we listened to the clanking of dishes from upstairs in our bedroom, anxiously wondering if we would be a 'winner' or 'loser' that day. Of course my mother was not privy to this game, as that would put a biased spin on it, which we didn't need. When we heard her calling out 'Dinner's ready!' we'd race downstairs to check our standings...if your place setting included lucky spoon:You WIN! Burned plate:LOSER! Or worse, 'the combo' - lucky spoon AND burned plate..still a loser, as burned plate trumped everything, but more painful, as you HAD lucky spoon and could of won.
I laugh now at the simplicity of this daily routine, but we really took this seriously, as if reading our horoscope or tea leaves to discover our fate for the rest of the day.
It truly was an era when you really used your mind to discover and develop unique creativity - merely through boredom, if nothing else.
While I was up north this past year helping out with my ailing father, I took the liberty of cleaning out some drawers - discarding useless items, and guess what I came across? There it was, tangled within a bunch of junk, but sitting pretty in the drawer after all these years...lucky spoon! My heart skipped a beat, and a smile instantly came to me as I snatched up my long-lost friend - no way was this treasure going to the landfill, oh no! It went straight into my suitcase to travel home with me, where I envisioned it safe within MY cutlery drawer, living out the rest of it's life with ME.
And now, back with me where it belongs, I smile every time I reach in and pull it out (randomly of course, as searching for it would be cheating). That silly spoon still holds the same magic for me today, somehow making me feel a little more 'lucky' the days I get to use it.
I only wish I could of saved 'burnt plate' too, but I think he met his fate long ago. And really, of the two, I think I'd rather have lucky spoon, but don't tell burnt plate if you see him, as I don't want his bad karma on me ever again!
What were your kooky childhood games?
THE highly sought-after 'lucky' spoon
This year a lot has changed in my life, as the passing of one generation (my parents) gives way to the next (mine). I've had many private 'reflective' moments here recently, and one is so simple and so expressive of the times I speak of, I thought I would share it with you.
It's a game my sister and I played called 'Lucky Spoon/Burnt Plate'.
The rules of this game were simple, and only known between the two of us.
In our cupboards housed two pieces of kitchenware that made up the game. An odd-ball spoon that did not match the rest of the patterned cutlery, and a melmac plate that had a burned edge on it - probably absentmindedly left by the gas stove too long one day. Each day at 3:30pm sharp our small family of four gathered around our round kitchen table for dinner, as my father worked the nightshift and this was our only opportunity for 'family' time. We each had assigned seating, with my sister and I facing each other, my parents on either side. My mother would always set the table beforehand, as we listened to the clanking of dishes from upstairs in our bedroom, anxiously wondering if we would be a 'winner' or 'loser' that day. Of course my mother was not privy to this game, as that would put a biased spin on it, which we didn't need. When we heard her calling out 'Dinner's ready!' we'd race downstairs to check our standings...if your place setting included lucky spoon:You WIN! Burned plate:LOSER! Or worse, 'the combo' - lucky spoon AND burned plate..still a loser, as burned plate trumped everything, but more painful, as you HAD lucky spoon and could of won.
I laugh now at the simplicity of this daily routine, but we really took this seriously, as if reading our horoscope or tea leaves to discover our fate for the rest of the day.
It truly was an era when you really used your mind to discover and develop unique creativity - merely through boredom, if nothing else.
While I was up north this past year helping out with my ailing father, I took the liberty of cleaning out some drawers - discarding useless items, and guess what I came across? There it was, tangled within a bunch of junk, but sitting pretty in the drawer after all these years...lucky spoon! My heart skipped a beat, and a smile instantly came to me as I snatched up my long-lost friend - no way was this treasure going to the landfill, oh no! It went straight into my suitcase to travel home with me, where I envisioned it safe within MY cutlery drawer, living out the rest of it's life with ME.
And now, back with me where it belongs, I smile every time I reach in and pull it out (randomly of course, as searching for it would be cheating). That silly spoon still holds the same magic for me today, somehow making me feel a little more 'lucky' the days I get to use it.
I only wish I could of saved 'burnt plate' too, but I think he met his fate long ago. And really, of the two, I think I'd rather have lucky spoon, but don't tell burnt plate if you see him, as I don't want his bad karma on me ever again!
What were your kooky childhood games?
THE highly sought-after 'lucky' spoon
October 23, 2011
MondayMindset Of A Hippie-Chick: People Come,People Go-The Inevitable
Over this past year I've experienced the entire gamut of emotions. From extreme highs; publishing my debut memoir - to debilitating lows; burying my last parent. Yes, it's been quite a year, and it's not even over! But I know life works like that, so I'm never too surprised when I'm temporarily taken off-guard by its unpredictability.
But one thing that is hard to get used to: The people who seem destined to come-and-go in our lives.
I've always believed you meet everyone in your life for a reason - whether it's for your benefit or their's, or perhaps a mutual need to be fulfilled. What I am having a hard time with is accepting some will not hang around forever, including family - the hardest to fathom.
I often make reference to the two 'D's that will be the end-all in most relationships - death or divorce. The divorce one I'm more than familiar with, but this death one is new to a degree...and it's a stinker. Not only are you separated from the loved one who has died, very often their family goes with them too.
When you divorce, more than likely it's not just the person you're married to that you'll be saying good-bye to, it's the whole brood - that's almost a given. I still miss all my ex's families! Sure I hear through the grapevine (my son) how they would LOVE for me to drop by if I'm ever in town...but you both know you never will. (Can you say 'awkward?')
But this summer I've had to come to the realization that I've probably hugged my own relatives for the last time too - at my father's funeral. My aunts and uncles from both sides of the family were there, many I hadn't seen, well, since my mother's funeral in 2005. It was great to see everyone, but bittersweet at the same time. I live 1000 miles from them, and not being a very close-knit family, I know in my heart that encounter was more than likely my last with that eclectic group. Unless one of my younger siblings die before I do - and has a traditional burial - I do not see myself heading north, towards that area, anyways. Sure, you trade phone numbers and emails, but over time all that gets lost in the shuffle of our everyday, as life goes on, suddenly without them in it.
THEN my sister announces plans for her departure from HER marriage! Another one bites the dust! Now I'm glad I hugged my brother-in-law (whom I've known for more than 25 years) and thanked him for all he has done for my family during my dad's long, drawn out illness, when I was up there for his funeral - as that was probably my last encounter with him as well.
So a lot of changes this year, to say the least. Out with the old crowd, in with the new? I don't know. I can only hope life has a plan for me with another crop of good people to surround me - I am hopeful it does. But then I remind myself, 'Never say never', a phrase I recite often. After 30+ years, I never thought I'd reunite with my first love - the one my memoir is written about - but because of that project, I did...so sometimes we DO get a second chance.
Maybe that's the true life-lesson here - the relationships that are meant to stand the test of time, will...IF we put the effort into them.
Every death has a birth to mirror it, as nothing is forever - including loved ones.
Appreciate all who surround you in your everyday, tomorrow might be too late.
And if that person is special enough, I bet you'll find a way to keep them IN your life. I hope you do, I hope I do too.
~~~
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Thank you for stopping by for my thoughts of the day...and if you get a chance, please check out my memoir, 'The Gifted Ones' at the top of my page, for THAT relationship was one worth holding onto.
Have a Happy Monday!
Peace Out.
In memory of my mom and dad
But one thing that is hard to get used to: The people who seem destined to come-and-go in our lives.
I've always believed you meet everyone in your life for a reason - whether it's for your benefit or their's, or perhaps a mutual need to be fulfilled. What I am having a hard time with is accepting some will not hang around forever, including family - the hardest to fathom.
I often make reference to the two 'D's that will be the end-all in most relationships - death or divorce. The divorce one I'm more than familiar with, but this death one is new to a degree...and it's a stinker. Not only are you separated from the loved one who has died, very often their family goes with them too.
When you divorce, more than likely it's not just the person you're married to that you'll be saying good-bye to, it's the whole brood - that's almost a given. I still miss all my ex's families! Sure I hear through the grapevine (my son) how they would LOVE for me to drop by if I'm ever in town...but you both know you never will. (Can you say 'awkward?')
But this summer I've had to come to the realization that I've probably hugged my own relatives for the last time too - at my father's funeral. My aunts and uncles from both sides of the family were there, many I hadn't seen, well, since my mother's funeral in 2005. It was great to see everyone, but bittersweet at the same time. I live 1000 miles from them, and not being a very close-knit family, I know in my heart that encounter was more than likely my last with that eclectic group. Unless one of my younger siblings die before I do - and has a traditional burial - I do not see myself heading north, towards that area, anyways. Sure, you trade phone numbers and emails, but over time all that gets lost in the shuffle of our everyday, as life goes on, suddenly without them in it.
THEN my sister announces plans for her departure from HER marriage! Another one bites the dust! Now I'm glad I hugged my brother-in-law (whom I've known for more than 25 years) and thanked him for all he has done for my family during my dad's long, drawn out illness, when I was up there for his funeral - as that was probably my last encounter with him as well.
So a lot of changes this year, to say the least. Out with the old crowd, in with the new? I don't know. I can only hope life has a plan for me with another crop of good people to surround me - I am hopeful it does. But then I remind myself, 'Never say never', a phrase I recite often. After 30+ years, I never thought I'd reunite with my first love - the one my memoir is written about - but because of that project, I did...so sometimes we DO get a second chance.
Maybe that's the true life-lesson here - the relationships that are meant to stand the test of time, will...IF we put the effort into them.
Every death has a birth to mirror it, as nothing is forever - including loved ones.
Appreciate all who surround you in your everyday, tomorrow might be too late.
And if that person is special enough, I bet you'll find a way to keep them IN your life. I hope you do, I hope I do too.
~~~
[image error]
Thank you for stopping by for my thoughts of the day...and if you get a chance, please check out my memoir, 'The Gifted Ones' at the top of my page, for THAT relationship was one worth holding onto.
Have a Happy Monday!
Peace Out.
In memory of my mom and dad
You Know It, You Love It..SixSentenceSunday! 'The Gifted Ones' A Memoir
Six Sentences from Chapter 8: The Nightmare Continues
I began sleeping with the enemy, so to speak. I towed the line and gave them what they wanted. I went to work, kept my nose to the grindstone, and eventually was allowed to go back to school full-time, promising to stay isolated from Selina, of course. I had my principles, but how could I not agree to that? Of course, I did. Remember, I was attempting to beat them at their own game. Over time, I worked on convincing them this whole thing was just a kooky teenage phase, and I was over it now. I'd been healed! Hail Jesus!
***
Thank you for stopping by and for supporting indie authors!
If interested in reading more, please see my other posts in 'archives'on right - bottom of page. Purchase links for Amazon & Smashwords are above: Ebooks $.99 ~ Print on sale @Amazon for $9.89!
I began sleeping with the enemy, so to speak. I towed the line and gave them what they wanted. I went to work, kept my nose to the grindstone, and eventually was allowed to go back to school full-time, promising to stay isolated from Selina, of course. I had my principles, but how could I not agree to that? Of course, I did. Remember, I was attempting to beat them at their own game. Over time, I worked on convincing them this whole thing was just a kooky teenage phase, and I was over it now. I'd been healed! Hail Jesus!
***
Thank you for stopping by and for supporting indie authors!
If interested in reading more, please see my other posts in 'archives'on right - bottom of page. Purchase links for Amazon & Smashwords are above: Ebooks $.99 ~ Print on sale @Amazon for $9.89!
October 21, 2011
Come Get Your SaturdaySample On With 'The Gifted Ones'! Bite-Sized Snippets
Excerpt from Chapter 9: Gaining Ground, Losing Ground
Slowly, over time, life took on a more normal and familiar shape. When I say slowly, I mean at a snail's pace. I religiously attended school and work, attempting to convince my parents that I had turned over a new leaf - keeping my nose clean. Of course I still saw Selina at school, naturally picking up right where we left off, playing it overly-cautious this time. They had totally underestimated the power of love. Wild horses couldn't keep us apart. It was hard not seeing her outside of school, but this plan would have to suffice for now. We had lived through much worse, so this was a welcomed sacrifice, actually. Something was undoubtedly better than nothing. I had survived the dark days and never wanted to go back. Just seeing her beautiful face once more made me realize how much I wanted, and truly needed her. Her smile bringing me to my knees, it seemed. So naturally it didn't take long for us to start getting anxious, as our teenage hormones screamed wildly at us. We had been apart for what seemed like forever, and longed to spend the night with each other once more. Well, necessity is the mother of invention, you know. So once again, we had devised a brilliant plan to get us through this dry spell.
***
Intrigued? Find out what the 'plan' was and much more as you discover 'The Message' in my memoir, The Gifted Ones.
Links to Amazon & Smashwords above! Ebooks are $.99 ~ Print on sale at Amazon for $9.89!
And as always, thank YOU for visiting and supporting indie authors!
Slowly, over time, life took on a more normal and familiar shape. When I say slowly, I mean at a snail's pace. I religiously attended school and work, attempting to convince my parents that I had turned over a new leaf - keeping my nose clean. Of course I still saw Selina at school, naturally picking up right where we left off, playing it overly-cautious this time. They had totally underestimated the power of love. Wild horses couldn't keep us apart. It was hard not seeing her outside of school, but this plan would have to suffice for now. We had lived through much worse, so this was a welcomed sacrifice, actually. Something was undoubtedly better than nothing. I had survived the dark days and never wanted to go back. Just seeing her beautiful face once more made me realize how much I wanted, and truly needed her. Her smile bringing me to my knees, it seemed. So naturally it didn't take long for us to start getting anxious, as our teenage hormones screamed wildly at us. We had been apart for what seemed like forever, and longed to spend the night with each other once more. Well, necessity is the mother of invention, you know. So once again, we had devised a brilliant plan to get us through this dry spell.
***
Intrigued? Find out what the 'plan' was and much more as you discover 'The Message' in my memoir, The Gifted Ones.
Links to Amazon & Smashwords above! Ebooks are $.99 ~ Print on sale at Amazon for $9.89!
And as always, thank YOU for visiting and supporting indie authors!
FridayFeelGood: Zen Moment With Blast of Nature's Color!
I know a majority of you are now facing those grey winter months, where temps are falling and colors are fading to neutral at best. If you're anything like me, color in my world is a must, as without it my existence seems pretty bleak.
So let me give you a little color boost from my backyard - a little zen moment to make your day a little 'brighter' and your feel-good a little 'righter'.
So let me give you a little color boost from my backyard - a little zen moment to make your day a little 'brighter' and your feel-good a little 'righter'.
October 19, 2011
'The Gifted Ones' Trivia - What Does 'Gifted' Mean? The Title Explained...
I've been asked this question a few times, so I thought I'd solve the mystery for those inquiring minds that want to know! Giving you the low down on just what 'gifted' means. ***
Excerpt from Chapter 6: The Journey Begins
..we saw it as a sign that we were above rules and society. We were above mere mortals. We were clearly different from the herd, no doubt about that. We were Special...We were Gifted...We were Prophets.
We shared each other's thoughts, and finished each other's sentences. We had a mental telepathy that rivaled anything we knew was even humanly possible, recognizing we shared a truly unique gift that we believed no one else possessed. Experiencing a level of love that people just can't verbalize, or perhaps, never achieve. A feeling that is so pure, so honest, so deep. We were living in The Place. That "Place" where you are so connected that you literally become one. The word "bizarre" became a staple in our everyday language, as it seemed this new world of ours was just that, truly bizarre! We discovered a parallel universe that just housed the two of us. Living in that universe was surreal, it truly was pure magic.
***
The word 'gifted' is actually a word Selina and I used to describe our unique relationship, our special bond. In our young teenage minds, we were one of the few - if not the only ones - to experience this level of commitment, this level of pure love. Described as 'The Place' in the book, I try to take the reader into the depths of that 'pureness' we experienced - a very hard thing to do, especially if one has not experienced this level of love before. We realized, even back then, this was truly something special...a 'gift' - something not everyone would get the privilege to experience in a lifetime. We felt we were the chosen ones, the gifted ones - even if society told us it was immoral and sinful, we knew different. It was good, and it was right, and it was our purpose to prove them wrong.
It had nothing to do with being above average intelligence or possessing extraordinary talents, unless you categorize the ability to love based strictly on the purist level of what love really is - seeing past gender and everything we had been taught as 'normal', challenging societies rules, then yes, I guess we were above average in that category. True 'trail-blazers' of the seventies, in our small world, that is. And yet oddly, here I sit...thirty plus years later, still asking that same haunting question: How can loving someone ever be wrong?
If you've read my memoir, I hope this gives you an insight as to where the title came from, and if you haven't read, then I hope it will spark some intrigue to follow me on my journey - seeing life through the eyes of the unaccepted - you just might be shocked where it leads me...and where it will lead you.
And as always, thank YOU readers, for supporting Indie authors and artist!
Author of 'The Gifted Ones' Guest Posts: Who Would Want To Write A Memoir?
Please join me as I guest post over at Mary Pax's site today, discussing why on earth anyone would want to write a memoir - especially an unknown hippie-chick like myself!
As I always say, everyone has a story...this just happens to be mine. Find out what drove me to 'share' mine after 30+ years.
(Sorry to redirect you, but you're just one click away now!)
http://mpaxauthor.blogspot.com/
A big THANK YOU to Mary for this awesome opportunity to share my message!
And again, Thank YOU, the reader, for supporting indie authors and artist!
Please come back soon and visit my blog! Tomorrow I explain the meaning behind my title.
As I always say, everyone has a story...this just happens to be mine. Find out what drove me to 'share' mine after 30+ years.
(Sorry to redirect you, but you're just one click away now!)
http://mpaxauthor.blogspot.com/
A big THANK YOU to Mary for this awesome opportunity to share my message!
And again, Thank YOU, the reader, for supporting indie authors and artist!
Please come back soon and visit my blog! Tomorrow I explain the meaning behind my title.
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