tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80664992225369669852024-03-21T16:24:07.588-06:00Marti's ForumAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-8722810744536505582017-01-15T22:12:00.001-07:002017-01-15T22:12:19.776-07:00QA What Motivated you to write? 14Jan2017<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LPDKFyTzmDc" width="459"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-56389045630759699572017-01-07T19:50:00.001-07:002017-01-07T19:50:26.597-07:00QA: Is it difficult to get published?<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N-Vuqc36064" width="459"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-8704779130222372762013-12-03T19:16:00.001-07:002013-12-03T19:16:34.260-07:00Deanna's Tidbits: Pirate Lovers...Stop in to meet author Marti Melvi...<a href="http://deannajewel.blogspot.com/2013/12/pirate-loversstop-in-to-meet-author.html?spref=bl">Deanna's Tidbits: Pirate Lovers...Stop in to meet author Marti Melvi...</a>: A Visit with Marti Melville Please welcome Marti this week! She's taken time from working on the screen play of her new ...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-4710820583135053372013-12-02T12:38:00.001-07:002013-12-02T12:39:30.281-07:00What are the Deja vu Chronicles?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Imagine: DaVinci Code meets Black Sails & Sleepy Hollow</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsv8MVR2rWRmdqVzZJyKJ24cxDOkHmSeTMaKiNvIW0QWsExtR1cjO_22xS4FxYZTJBYoLKaCbFf7WB8wVR0IxgIKIA6ackaDkS6t1FTPCawUvAGUB_tMXIpkNbydd9-pqTHcQqTUBSy7Un/s1600/Silver+moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsv8MVR2rWRmdqVzZJyKJ24cxDOkHmSeTMaKiNvIW0QWsExtR1cjO_22xS4FxYZTJBYoLKaCbFf7WB8wVR0IxgIKIA6ackaDkS6t1FTPCawUvAGUB_tMXIpkNbydd9-pqTHcQqTUBSy7Un/s320/Silver+moon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.martimelville.com/">www.martimelville.com</a></div>
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Deja vu Chronicles: Midnight Omen Deja vu (book 1), Silver Moon Deja vu (book 2), </div>
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Onyx Rising Deja vu (book 3) and Cutthroat's Omen: a Crimson Dawn (book 4)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-44203652343715748272013-10-22T18:19:00.000-06:002013-10-22T18:19:35.664-06:00Can You Really Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRFTFCiZdVgf9uz3e6Lu-9TSeLJkdYo4h0HRZ3oiBbf-ujcg0oH0dPQpk64LbWreu814komQ7uq2NLYBC4YF7V1OzU7wZHJsVs5EdJMBA6UmFDAOezMzaQE7iyhT5fmW63bEz6NOxNPAp/s1600/Be+my+Valentine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRFTFCiZdVgf9uz3e6Lu-9TSeLJkdYo4h0HRZ3oiBbf-ujcg0oH0dPQpk64LbWreu814komQ7uq2NLYBC4YF7V1OzU7wZHJsVs5EdJMBA6UmFDAOezMzaQE7iyhT5fmW63bEz6NOxNPAp/s320/Be+my+Valentine.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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It's been nearly two hours since I started my search for the meaning (and purpose) of an RSS feed. I know, I know...I can see your eyes roll. But for this old lady, RSS was just as foreign as FLK or AFK would be to anyone outside of an ER. (Oye, the acronyms!) Finally, my head is wrapped around the concept. However, the process still eludes me. </div>
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Finding a safe place in the ever-evolving cyber world of online communication and information exchange is daunting to say the least. I realize that I'm not the first to blog about this issue - just the first in my own household. <br />
<br />Writing the <a href="http://www.martimelville.com/" target="_blank">book(s)</a> is easy. Marketing and getting them "out there" is not. Research and becoming savvy to the processes required to market a product in this era can be a full time job. Personally, I'd rather hire someone else to do it. Alas, finances doesn't allow this. Fortunately, there are resources for people like me who struggle with understanding just what the "next step" would be. <br />
<br />
Create Space (Amazon's publishing house) has provided amazing resources to those of us who seek assistance with our marketing plans. Their free assistance to <a href="https://www.createspace.com/en/community/docs/DOC-1555" target="_blank">marking for fiction </a>is invaluable - providing links to everything from website design to website analysis to retail wholesale companies (the people we market to). <br />
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My past few years has been focused on target audiences that center around my series genre: Paranormal Historical Romance, Fiction and PIRATES. The efforts have been rewarding , fun and eventful bringing in profits which have been notable. However, these avenues are limiting.<br />
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Finding time to learn "new tricks" necessary to succeed in current markets is a key element to sharing the amazing story found in the <a href="http://www.martimelville.com/apps/webstore/" target="_blank">Deja vu Chronicles</a>. I supposed, with the prospect of "getting it out there" through cyber tactics, learning a new trick or two won't hurt this old gal!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-67651883919491967542013-03-18T23:19:00.000-06:002013-03-18T23:19:20.335-06:00Thoughts...Just Thoughts for a Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAT0i2KkwDQc32Tf7croWTi_t8thGyh_gbntOR4gUxvMNcWlcMaw3H705mhi8umf-_Iw43cMVKZfqsARtjaYvhexMi_QPZMhYsgsgIhWVY6G_egseQfE0QV2MJwdSf7WoX-egUBttoFAX/s1600/skier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAT0i2KkwDQc32Tf7croWTi_t8thGyh_gbntOR4gUxvMNcWlcMaw3H705mhi8umf-_Iw43cMVKZfqsARtjaYvhexMi_QPZMhYsgsgIhWVY6G_egseQfE0QV2MJwdSf7WoX-egUBttoFAX/s320/skier.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Today's began amazing! The mist settled over the beaches and passed through the trees outside my balcony. Tiny sparrows played hide-n-seek with a hummingbird just feet from where I sat with my feet wrapped in a blanket and book on my lap. It was the perfect way to begin a new day.<br />
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Hours later, I still sat with a blanket wrapped around me even though the sun was out and the dog begged for another walk. My joints ached and my head pounded. Something was trying to invade every cell of my body and it was obvious I wasn't going anywhere except back to the soft chairs on the balcony with the blanket and book. <br />
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I think it was meant to be though.....<br />
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Taking up my Nook, I decided to read Oprah's magazine and found three questions she had asked her staff that month. The questions resonated with <a href="http://www.martimelville.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white;">me</span></a>. I pondered them for quite a while. These are amazing questions that breathe life into a typically mundane existence. I am grateful that I was able to answer them and while I would be happy to do so (should anyone ask...), I would prefer to post them here for your benefit. Take a minute and ponder these questions as they relate to your life, your week, your day. Answer them and share, if that feels comfortable to do so on this blog. I take joy in reading about others' accomplishments and triumphs, as do so many of you!<br />
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And so...the questions are this:<br />
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<li>What is my greatest accomplishment?</li>
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2. The most risky thing I've ever done is...?<br />
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3. If I had no fear, I would......?<br />
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Namaste ~Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-73234333063401518892013-03-15T21:55:00.003-06:002013-03-15T22:07:49.435-06:00How To - Writing, Step 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEt48r4sL3-YPyZ1nYI7GT1uxCs9FGiacVwbXQkyq9DemniePt6xbaqaHzVQgkfW965dD47QaXE8mVCDHy97XbzZUztn8CdyAX0L1Fgt4NJLjA7zrsL4SE5kzXKIr6Owwo7zanPkhOuoM/s1600/Pirates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEt48r4sL3-YPyZ1nYI7GT1uxCs9FGiacVwbXQkyq9DemniePt6xbaqaHzVQgkfW965dD47QaXE8mVCDHy97XbzZUztn8CdyAX0L1Fgt4NJLjA7zrsL4SE5kzXKIr6Owwo7zanPkhOuoM/s1600/Pirates.jpg" /></a></div>
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Your notebook is gapes open with scores of ideas scribbled in no particular order - organized chaos speaking volumes to the author. An outline beckons you to fill in the gaps and fatten its skeletal framed entity into a fat, juicy story.<br />
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...Now for the fun part....<br />
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Today is a day of genesis - the birth of your characters. In stillness, take your mind and spirit to sit with the main character of your story. What does he/she/it look like? What is their scent? What does this character eat? How do they cry and what do they laugh over? (or can that character laugh?). Describe <em>every</em> single detail as if you were living that character's existence. Experience in completeness the very being of the character.<br />
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Write it down. Write and write and write until each and every nuance of that character is recorded.<br />
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Then do it again...with the next character and the next. Be sure to leave space to include detail that may inadvertently crop up as the <a href="http://www.martimelville.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #351c75;">manuscript</span></a> unfolds. Keep intricate notes and know these characters intimately. It's imperative!<br />
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There is very little that will be as rewarding as the actual creation of the characters in your story. You assume great responsibility, almost altruistic in nature, when you create these beings. You are meant to relish the experience, savor creation at its fullest. Enjoy!<br />
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Now...go create.....<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-72214815400264991532013-03-08T14:26:00.000-07:002013-03-08T14:36:09.966-07:00How To - Writing, Step TWO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTURzmMlfar0AZzA6sdjnKnc7Co_sZYFOOt7vKxFe7sunskP-hR3hwupgn2xVCACbrqmHm1FfYQjOfQe6pq32vN-QHzHqsyrlCvMAJSW9hr3R6_oyiNiRzicxb6HNvdPzn1y2D0HIRHOyE/s1600/tumblr_lymnedrQbO1r60zwwo1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTURzmMlfar0AZzA6sdjnKnc7Co_sZYFOOt7vKxFe7sunskP-hR3hwupgn2xVCACbrqmHm1FfYQjOfQe6pq32vN-QHzHqsyrlCvMAJSW9hr3R6_oyiNiRzicxb6HNvdPzn1y2D0HIRHOyE/s320/tumblr_lymnedrQbO1r60zwwo1_400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A few weeks have passed and the little notebook, kept inseparably attached to your writing pen, is rapidly filling with notations, sketches, thoughts and images. Random though these may appear, you now have the opportunity to create an organized story out of the scrolled chaos scribbled over the pages of that precious little book.<br />
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The assembly of your cacography into a coordinated thread of ideas is the next step...aka: creating an Outline.<br />
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(This is actually my least favorite step!)<br />
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Typically, once an author has a fair number of pages filled with ideas, he also has a relatively good idea about what his story will become. At this point, the great temptation is to begin the act of writing the actual story, bypassing the important step of outlining the plot - including character devlopment. <a href="http://www.martimelville.com/" target="_blank">I am one of these authors</a> who have been unmercifully enticed into skipping the outline in lieu of writing the story. However, this is <em>never</em> a good idea....particulary for me!<br />
<br />
I learned a valuable lesson from a very famous, very successful author - someone I admire tremendously. J.K. Rowling understood the importance of the outline. For FIVE YEARS, Ms. Rowling outlined the <strong>Harry Potter</strong> series, beginning with that infamous train ride sketching ideas on napkins as she travelled through Scotland the day Harry Potter was created. Not only did J.K. Rowling outline the plots, she also outlined the details of each intricate allotment in her stories, ie: the type of feather used in each wand, the smells and tastes of the food consumed in the dining hall, the rulebook for Quiddich, the color of the woodwork in Snape's office, etc. My admiration for the dedication of this talented writer allowed me to take a step back, breathe deep and begin the process of outlining my own series. <br />
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Initially, outlining your story will feel an arduous task. Fortunately, the notebook you have compiled will assist you and as your outline progresses, the skeletal portion of your story will take shape. Start by identifying the conflict and subsequen resolution. What ultimate antagonism will your hero/heroine face and how will they overcome it (assuming they do)? The events that occur prior to this climax and those that follow are the rest of the outline.<br />
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<a href="http://www.midnightomenproductions.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #351c75;">Creating the basic blueprint</span></a> for your novel is worth your time and dedicated effort to complete. My advice is to follow the example of those who have proven successful - such as J.K. Rowling. There will be much more to add to this outline in time but without it, detail will be lost and the spine of your story will be soft. <br />
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So here's to the strength of a well-written story! Here's to the OUTLINE!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-6167321536363748522013-03-04T20:49:00.001-07:002013-03-04T20:49:28.034-07:00How To - Writing, Step 1 1/2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQ502AXBDEQNqvKtLRzdVYdDwnAM_KealDxRWopZb3abVvQGb0_qUgfzdvsduZu2771eOJ1p34osnz0Gbnz5pyTFym-xw0Lqqm-oPudqfqcd6SC8TgOQIA4bYbzvXsRRpiFixpCSmPctJ/s1600/Bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQ502AXBDEQNqvKtLRzdVYdDwnAM_KealDxRWopZb3abVvQGb0_qUgfzdvsduZu2771eOJ1p34osnz0Gbnz5pyTFym-xw0Lqqm-oPudqfqcd6SC8TgOQIA4bYbzvXsRRpiFixpCSmPctJ/s1600/Bible.jpg" /></a></div>
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I pulled out my blue notebook the other day. The edges are worn and some of the pages are torn from the binding. At first glance, it looks like a student's day-planner filled with scribbling and old post-it notes stashed in between notations and numbers. For me, it's the pulse of my story - the life force of <em><strong>Deja vu</strong></em>. My ideas, thoughts, images, phrases, poetry and pictures are scribed inside that black-and-blue cover. What would the series be without it, I wondered as I leafed through the pages once again.<br />
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The need to keep a notebook such as the simple one I keep by my side cannot be emphasized enough for the serious author. It's importance is brought to the forefront of my writing everytime I sit down and gather my ideas. Truly, such tools - this one in particular - will be invaluable as you write your story.<br />
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So what comes next? <br />
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Honestly....FAITH. I know that seems a strange idea to present, especially when the student of artistic creation is ready to move ahead and begin the journey that will become his beloved project. But I stand by my attestation (is that a word?) of the need for faith...also patience and an open mind. Indeed, this sounds a little like scripture which proports the importance of personal virtues. Perhaps that is part of my intent. <br />
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There stands a tremendous need for an author to remain open and willing to hear what is brought to him. Often times, ideas will present themselves at the most in-opportune time (hence the reason for the notebook). These ideas need to be reverenced and honored (and written down!). Other times, people will offer insight into your ideas, thoughts, dreams, plans, plot, etc. These comments also need to be honored and given appropriate consideration. Yours, as the author, is the right to cast aside that which doesn't belong. Your "gut" will tell you what is valuable "advice" and what isn't.<br />
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As your work becomes ready for editing and a publisher's scrutiny, be prepared to have a very un-emotional, open mind to suggestions for a successful novel. An agent from Pennsylvania contacted me at the beginning of my submission process and made some suggestions to <a href="http://www.martimelville.com/" target="_blank">Midnight Omen</a> which, at the time I received them, did not make a heck-of-a-lot of sense. Fortunately, I wrote them down (in my little blue book). Yesterday, as I thumbed through the pages and re-read the agent's suggestions, I could see that she was exactly right-on for the genre, market and sales potential. Wow! <br />
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Faith in yourself, ability and in the Universe allows you to accept these suggestions and ideas as they are presented to you. Take the time and have the courage to jot down all that is given to you. Time will prove its value and the story will dictate what you use.<br />
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My challenge to each of us this week is to jot down one idea, comment, criticism or thought each day as it presents itself. (You will find that more and more is presented as you open your mind to receive...this I PROMISE!). I would love to hear about your experience if you are willing to share!<br />
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Happy writing! <br />
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(By-the-way, attestation IS a word): <br />
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<tr><td nowrap="" valign="top"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Main</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">Entry:</span> </span></td><td><div class="Headserp ocfs" id="Headserp">
<span class="queryn" id="queryn"><b>attestation</b></span><span class="aud" id="aud" title="Listen to the pronunciation of attestation"><span audio="http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/dictionary/audio/luna/A07/A0794600.mp3" default="http://dictionary.reference.com/audio.html/lunaWAV/A07/A0794600"></span> </span><span id="pronsetspell"><span class="show_spellpr" style="display: inline;"><span class="prondelim">[</span><span class="pron">at-e-<span class="boldface">stey</span>-sh<span class="ital-inline">uh</span>n</span><span class="prondelim">]</span> <a class="questionmark" href="http://thesaurus.com/help/luna/Spell_pron_key.html" target="_blank"></a> <span class="pron_toggle" style="display: inline;"><a alt="Toggle for IPA" class="pronlink" href="http://www.blogger.com/null" title="Click to show IPA">Show IPA</a></span></span><span class="show_ipapr" style="display: none;"><span class="prondelim">/</span><span class="pron">ˌætɛˈsteɪʃən</span><span class="prondelim">/</span> <a class="questionmark" href="http://thesaurus.com/help/luna/IPA_pron_key.html" target="_blank"></a> <span class="pron_toggle" style="display: inline;"><a alt="Toggle for Spelled" class="pronlink" href="http://www.blogger.com/null" title="Click to show spelled">Show Spelled</a></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td nowrap="" valign="top"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">Part</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Speech:</span> </span></td><td><i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">noun</span> </span></i></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Definition:</span> </span></td><td><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">confirmation</span> </span></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Synonyms:</span> </span></td><td><span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">authentication,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">corroboration,</span> </span><a class="theColor" href="http://thesaurus.com/browse/declaration" rel="nofollow">declaration</a><span id="hotword">, <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #0055bb; cursor: pointer;">documentation,</span> </span><a class="theColor" href="http://thesaurus.com/browse/evidence" rel="nofollow">evidence</a><span id="hotword">, </span><a class="theColor" href="http://thesaurus.com/browse/proof" rel="nofollow">proof</a><span id="hotword">, <span id="hotword" name="hotword">substantiation,</span> </span><a class="theColor" href="http://thesaurus.com/browse/testament" rel="nofollow">testament</a><span id="hotword">, </span><a class="theColor" href="http://thesaurus.com/browse/testimonial" rel="nofollow">testimonial</a><span id="hotword">, </span><a class="theColor" href="http://thesaurus.com/browse/testimony" rel="nofollow">testimony</a><span id="hotword">, <span id="hotword" name="hotword">validation,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">verification</span> </span></span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-12329021155220195212013-02-24T22:45:00.000-07:002013-02-24T22:45:20.915-07:00How To - Writing, the First Step<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"So Marti, what is the very first step to writing a novel?"<br />
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If I had a dollar for every time I've been asked this question....but what an honor to be asked! The same question escaped my lips not many years ago as a fledgling-author attending the first writer's seminar of my life. My guess is that every writer has been similarly perplexed at some point during their career. Fortunately, we are all part of a thriving team of creative thinkers seeking the same "correct" process.<br />
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So what <em>is</em> the first step?<br />
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Anyone asking that question will receive as many varied answers as there are stories waiting to be written. Let me give you my take on the subject.<br />
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To begin, open your mind and lose any expectations. I say this because stories have a magical way of weaving their own tale when the author is willing to step aside and allow the plot to evolve. Ideas are genuine and valuable even when they make no sense at all. Eventually, the fabric of creative thought weaves itself into a beautiful quilted story. Because of that phenomenon, it is critical for every author to be prepared to capture ideas, thoughts and images as they reveal themselves. The method for being the "tool", whose job it is to capture these revelations, varies with each author.<br />
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As a "tool", I chose to write with a pen on actual paper held within the confines of a plastic cover...aka: a notebook. Indeed, I keep a notebook with me at all times and have been known many-a-time to pull over while driving to jot down dialogue that suddenly sounds or an image that appears, all within the confines of my very active mind. <br />
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The notebook - my lifeline within the pool of imagination I swim in daily. There is freedom that comes with having the ability to allow creativity at any time, in any place. This freedom comes with having some way to facilitate the ideas that present themselves. Of course, if the "tool" is not predisposed to writing long hand, anything else that allows some form of note keeping works. It is simply a means to record the ideas as they come to mind allowing the author to draw on these documented ideas at a more convenient time. <br />
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To say that my notebook is invaluable to my writing is the grossest understatement. So many revelations are inscribed there. I am thankful daily for the chance to preserve creative thought as it is gifted to me. <br />
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And so this is my offering - the first step - a keeper of ideas documented within a journal. <br />
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Happy writing and may creativity be gifted daily ~<br />
MartiAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-30824780095932112012013-02-11T14:07:00.000-07:002013-02-11T14:07:17.872-07:00The Necessity to Write<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Only recently have I realized the correlation between the breath and my need to write. Both are events which occur without much thought until the desperate moment when my soul become starved from lack of it. Indeed, as the industrious Captain Phillips experienced when cast overboard, the survival instinct surfaces as oxygen is depleated. Writing becomes oxygen and a fight-or-flight instinct to sit in silence and create is no less the survival process for an author.<br />
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Many have contacted me asking what to do when that urge to create bubbles. Unaware of the "tools" needed to write, these talented authors struggle to "breathe" life into their story. How to do it is the question..."how do I survive with this story screaming to surface?"<br />
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The thought crossed my mind that perhaps my brief experience as a <a href="http://www.martimelville.com/" target="_blank">published author</a>, screenwriter and now <a href="http://www.midnightomenproductions.com/" target="_blank">producer</a> might be of benefit to some. The resulting shift in my intention for this blog site steers a different course for the words to be written on this site. That intention will be to write for authors, historians, film creators and those who hunger for the means to release their story. My hope is that I can offer something of substance to you. This is done in humility and with the sincerest desire to share experience only, never assuming that you (my very learned collegues) are lacking. In fact, the opposite is the case....I desire to learn from you as well and hope this blog will become a forum for authors, writers, visionaries, creators and imaginations everywhere. Indeed, that is the title of the blog and the intent from the beginning.<br />
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Please return and partake of my experience, learn from my mistakes and successes and let's move forward as creators and imaginaries together. Until the next post....<br />
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Namaste ~Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-34892593144973631632013-01-11T01:10:00.001-07:002013-02-11T13:11:49.896-07:00Resolutions? Not for THIS Girl!!2013 just arrived and I'm taking a new approach. NO more resolutions!! No way, no how! I don't know anyone who has ever kept their New Year's resolutions so I'm not doing it either. Actually there is a good reason for my outspoken offense about this annual tradition - I believe in Intentions.<br />
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For the past several years, the power of intention and positive thought has been a subject of interest to me. I believe in this...call it "faith". Pure, unadulterated, let go and let be FAITH. The sheer strength of the power of faith has manifest itself over and over again in my life, more recently than I remember from my earlier years. Perhaps this is because my altruistic belief in my own invincibility has waned somewhat with age and experience. I've been forced to turn to a higher power and have faith that there is someone or something more powerful than me that loves me enough to create the exact experience I am meant to have during this lifetime. The concept blows the mind. <br />
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Looking back over the last two years I can see events that came into my life creating exquisite pain, turmoil and self-doubt. Out of those events bloomed opportunity and the knowledge of self ability and worth. Specifically, a <a href="http://www.martimelville.com/" target="_blank">story</a> generated in my head one summer during the deep, dark star-filled nights which was discovered and now slated to become a <a href="http://www.midnightomenproductions.com/" target="_blank">feature film</a>. It never would have happened had I not lost everything I had hoped for, subsequently turning my life course in a different direction entirely. At that moment when I felt the most despair at the prospects facing me, I opened my soul to whatever my higher power had waiting for me. That moment of abandonment, the instant when there is no plan and life is turned over to the outstretched hands of God waiting to accept everything, is the moment of Faith. <br />
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Letting go and letting God.<br />
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Resolutions are self-controlled, self-driven projects that occasionally produce our limited ideas of what success is meant to look like. However, I propose that the power of Intention (asking for that which is wanted from the deepest places within our hearts - then letting go of the outcome, knowing what is exactly perfect for us will be given) brings true success and immense accomplishment, joy and peace. This is my intention - along with a few specific tangible "wants", like the film production and the release of my second book. Ultimately, I know whatever is exactly perfect for me will be mine in 2013 if I simply let go and believe...have Faith.<br />
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And so, my 2013 will exist with Intention - <br />
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Happiest New Year!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-75243456106687532112012-10-22T10:22:00.001-06:002012-10-22T10:23:34.168-06:00This Time of Year Totally ROCKS!<div style="text-align: center;">
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This is my favorite time of year! Ask my kids and they'll tell you there is nothing like Halloween at my house. Initially, my intentions weren't pure but rather those of a desperate single mom attempting to keep her five rambunctious kids off the street. It worked, actually. Our yard became a giant cemetery with something created (by hand of course - another day designated to keep those kids busy and out of trouble) each year - a "new addition", so-to-speak. Glow-in-the-dark tombstones, red satin lined coffin and gum eyeballs made quite the impression on the neighbors. I was impressed myself with it all until one year we went a little over-the-top, I guess. Speakers for the sound system were wired on top of the roof (surround sound screams were amazing), a bonfire in the middle of the driveway in a very urban neighborhood broke all the "rules" and a 7-foot tall grim reaper wandering the grounds was definitely the "creme de la creme" that year. No one came. Yup, too scary. Dutiful parents rushed their trick-or-treaters past our driveway to the next house while I sat despondently holding all of those eyeballs.</div>
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So, the next year we turned our skeletons into pirates. I don't know what became of the satin-lined coffin but it was gone. Everything else morphed into an 18th Century Caribbean artifact. The timing worked well for my book's promotion too. Plus, my kids stayed home. I'd hit the trifecta!</div>
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Pirates stormed my yard to include a 17 foot ship (thanks to Brett, Mike and Danny...and Home Depot), two fog machines, a treasure chest and those amazing eyeballs. Life was good and we had scores of trick-or-treaters once again. Even the media showed up to film the merriment. Huzzah! I was in my Halloween Heaven.</div>
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This year as I pull out the Halloween bins and prepare to set up the grotto, there are no kids to boss me around, set up the ship and re-dress the skeletons. I'm sailing solo on this Halloween stuff and doing my best to keep dry eyes as I decorate this house with memorabilia from days long ago with five kids and a night of threatened trouble. I think I've done okay this year. The treasure glints from underneath the lanterns while empty sockets grin under tricorn hats and cutlasses. Below the balcony, I hear gasps from kids as they pass, taking in the detail of an 18th Century grotto. The effect is the same as it was years ago and I smile inside remembering happy times with my rambunctious five. I'm sure Rich, Jeff, Brett, Rachel and Brooke will be celebrating in their own tradition, hopefully a pirate will be amongst their decor in honor of their mother. But whatever happens, kids are the same this year as in the past - pounding the pavement dressed up on the one legal night to pretend, collecting candy and looking for that scariest costume or house - perhaps even a pirate grotto that hands out those amazing eyeballs! I'll be waiting.....</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-38004773835928699072011-12-29T11:30:00.000-07:002011-12-29T11:30:37.395-07:00The Age of Aquarius - 2012A paradigm shift and the Year of the Dragon blends as we move into the Age of Aquarius.<br />
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</div><div>2011 was a rough year for me...and I'm not alone. So much anxiety with economy declines, loss, illness, traumatic events in the world, (I could go on). The earth itself groans under currents of change bringing about nature's calamities. Yes, 2011 was a tough one and I'm ready bid "adieu" to the last twelve months.</div><div><br />
</div><div>As the image of myself waving "good-bye" to 2011 flashes in my mind, I see the image pivot as the approaching year comes into view, ready to be greeted with celebration. Of course, that's what most will be doing on Saturday night, celebrating the arrival of 2012.</div><div><br />
</div><div>But what does that mean? What awaits us all in the 365 days of the approaching year? The answer lies with a dragon. It's the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac and true to its name, we can look forward to a year of ambition. Unafraid of challenges and ready to take risks, this year will be one displaying itself in grandeur. Success, passion and unbridled determination follow those who live under the sign of the Dragon and 2012 will be no exception.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Indeed, major changes are occurring even now all over the world, preparatory to moving into the progressive age ushered in by the Dragon, 2012. Vibrant and positive are the characteristics of this new age, a time sung about in the annals of the late 1960's - the Age of Aquarius.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Best described as a creative period, Eric Rankin defines the Age of Aquarius this way:</div><div><br />
</div><div>"...we are shifting away from old, fear based habits and imagining a whole new reality for ourselves - a reality based on hope rather than despair, of abundance rather than lack, of peace rather than war, of contentedness rather than yearning, and of connectedness rather than separation. We are awakening to the fact that a new era is upon us, and we have the ability to co-create the hopeful future we desire for ourselves and this planet."</div><div><br />
</div><div>Hope, creation, content, abundance and connections. These are the energies we will greet in 2012. Now is the time to begin. Now is the time to take up your creative genius and move ahead with that dream. <a href="http://www.midnightomenproductions.com/" target="_blank">Resources</a> will present themselves to you as you open yourself up to the endless possibilities awaiting you in this new year. Let's face it with welcoming arms and move with grace into the powerful Year of the Dragon and the innovative Age of Aquarius!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-79335434605798584352011-11-19T16:53:00.000-07:002011-11-19T16:53:46.102-07:00Midnight Omen Deja vu Trailer<iframe width="459" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JBHZN1iu9Co?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-29399517037022382402011-11-18T16:51:00.001-07:002013-01-11T10:28:42.555-07:00Personalized Press Release Available to Authors<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 9pt;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Media source information: Midnight Omen Productions, LLC 310-709-0210 moprod@live.com</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 24pt;">Midnight Omen Productions, LLC Offers Holiday Publicity Services to Authors!</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">For a limited time, authors will be given the opportunity to receive professional press release services from a film and media company based out of Beverly Hills, CA.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.midnightomenproductions.com/">Press release</a> services include: Professionally written press release on the author which is then submitted to all of the major newswires, search engines and websites to help increase awareness. Media service is tailored to fit each individual budget - $100 for a single release, $350 for four individual press releases or $1000 for 12 for twelve (to be released over the period of 4 per month) – a $5000 value!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">NOW FOR THE HOLIDAYS</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">~ <b><i>Authors receive a discounted rate of $50 for each individual <a href="http://www.midnightomenproductions.com/">press release</a> with the referral of a friend!</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-6986660986123388622011-11-04T13:33:00.000-06:002011-11-04T13:33:11.303-06:00The Stubby Pencil: Thursday Book Review--Midnight Omen Deja Vu by Mar...<a href="http://maryanndennis.blogspot.com/2011/11/thursday-book-review-midnight-omen-deja.html?spref=bl">The Stubby Pencil: Thursday Book Review--Midnight Omen Deja Vu by Mar...</a>: Midnight Omen Deja Vu by Marti Melville 5 out of 5 stars! Katherine, an Emergency Room RN, suffers from day dreams during her workday. Ar...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-35711092502749150902011-01-10T12:04:00.002-07:002013-01-11T10:31:55.775-07:00Self Survival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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January is the month for Capricorns and I always tend to think about this sign every January. The reason isn't really as random as it may seem, I have two Capricorns in my family. The are amazing men; assertive, intelligent, self-disciplined, driven, hard-working and hard on themselves. Their Saggitarian brother (born only a few weeks earlier) is my "surfer son" whose laid-back approach and live-in-the-moment attitude is a flagrant contrast to his sibling brothers.<br />
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As I researched this month's moon and planetary signs for the Pirate Prophecy (yes...I really based the piratical horoscope on actual planetary predictions for this month), I realized the personal trait of being hard on oneself isn't relegated to just Capricorns. We all do it. In fact, we tend to be so hard on ourselves as human beings that we drive ourselves to placate the guilt and injury that results, sometimes in self-destructive ways. Why is that? <br />
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Once upon a time...I heard a speech that changed my life. The speaker asked us to visualize ourselves at a very young age, say 3 or 4 years old. Once that image was captured and we were looking into the eyes of our very young selves, we were asked the question: "Would you treat that child the same way you treat your adult self?" Powerful! I wept when I thought of it and vowed to never be cruel to that little girl with big blue eyes again. Of course, it's been difficult because she's tucked away deep in my spirit, but she's still there and she still cries when I hurt her. So, the task is to protect, respect and love ourselves. Value who we are and know we are precious. Our actions could shift to a more spiritual awareness of ourselves when approached this way. <br />
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There is a famous saying that sailors are known to recite (you all know it): <br />
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<em>Red skies at morning, sailors take warning</em></div>
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<em>Red skies at night, a sailor's delight</em></div>
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Perhaps as we look for our own Red Skies, we can recognize the signs that fall with the "Red skies at night" and look for those delightful times. Should the morning raise crimson, it is my hope we will protect, defend and love that which is most dear - choosing joy and kindness for ourselves. <br />
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Fair Winds Be Yours ~<br />
MartiAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-21561109370612676272010-12-31T13:49:00.000-07:002010-12-31T13:49:21.965-07:00Happy New Year<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0c343d;">Wishing you health, happiness and peace for 2011</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-19945034974787384972010-11-28T10:56:00.001-07:002010-11-28T11:01:18.383-07:00We Made Elvis Cry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ShEAUXz2lKc/TPKUHKgZ6ZI/AAAAAAAAAGM/7ULLWwPidI8/s1600/Shari+and+Marti+freezing+on+some+Marvin-type+outing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ShEAUXz2lKc/TPKUHKgZ6ZI/AAAAAAAAAGM/7ULLWwPidI8/s320/Shari+and+Marti+freezing+on+some+Marvin-type+outing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I love this picture of Shari and me...obviously we're freezing (look at Shari's rather cherry nose) and we're getting along well in spite of our winter-weather chill (observe my elbow nailing Shari where it counts). The pic really doesn't have anything to do with this post except that we were younger girls and it was winter when it happened...<br />
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There was the most cantankerous individual sharing residency in the neighborhood where I lived. His name was Elvis and <em>everyone </em>was afraid of him...at least afraid of being on the other side of his wrath. He stood maybe 5 foot 6, stocky and wore a military flat top. Nobody, and I mean <em>nobody</em> messed with Elvis.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ShEAUXz2lKc/TPKUAAK6hfI/AAAAAAAAAGI/cGCoaPDPnN0/s1600/Marti%252C+Dad+and+Shari.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ShEAUXz2lKc/TPKUAAK6hfI/AAAAAAAAAGI/cGCoaPDPnN0/s200/Marti%252C+Dad+and+Shari.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>One day, my dad pulled me and any sisters (who happened to be within voice-range) aside and said, "Who wants to see Elvis cry". Oh YEAH! I'm down! So we loaded in the car and drove off to watch my dad take Elivs on! After only about five minutes, we arrived at Elvis' doorstep and dad bravely reached up to the doorbell and pushed the button with superhuman confidence. As the door edged open, I watched as my hero dad lifted both hands (I knew this was going to be good...no thought of the blood sacrifice, he was going to let Elis have it!). Dad lifted both palms...and handed Elvis a turkey. Yup! A store bought, frozen 20lb turkey. <br />
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And guess what that mean old Elis did.....he cried.<br />
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Elvis was a little softer with my dad after that day and I was a little wiser (not sure about Shari and Mindy, but I'm thinking they remember that day as well as I do).<br />
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Today it's snowing again, steady and very picture-postcard like. Brett and I donned our shovels and began scraping the driveway. Almost simulataneously, we turned to each other and said, "let's go shovel <em>that </em>driveway". It belongs to the Elvis living here on on my street. <br />
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Yup! Today I delivered the "Millstream Elvis" a turkey....and I cried.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-25940353097866763112010-11-23T20:05:00.001-07:002010-11-23T20:05:27.569-07:00There's a Blizzard Outside and I'm Hunkerin' Down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ShEAUXz2lKc/TOyAg-XL3CI/AAAAAAAAAGE/pFdQUOcxtgU/s1600/snow+on+a+tulip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ShEAUXz2lKc/TOyAg-XL3CI/AAAAAAAAAGE/pFdQUOcxtgU/s320/snow+on+a+tulip.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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This afternoon, I was sitting in my office catching up on some reports and injecting late-comers with the seasonal flu vaccination at about 2:30 pm today. An email "alert" came across my desk that stated hospital officials supported state weather alert warning by offering over-night accomodations for staff that would not be able to return home after their shift due to the storm. Flash-back to the 2007 Firestorms in San Diego! My mind immediately began to subconsciously check off our "emergency preparedness" supplies at home in anticipation of hybernating for the next few days. <br />
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Fortunately, I was prepared with food, water, comfort "treats", lanterns, first aide, etc. if needed. We could lose power, water and the ability to be mobile at any time and still be okay (of course, we'd definitely feel the effects of losing the TV and DVD player with the power loss, but hey...BOOKS are in the many bookcases lining this house!)<br />
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There is a feeling of peace that comes with being prepared. There is joy in "hunkering" down with family in a cozy home that is filled with love and laughter and good food! I sit here, right at this very moment, watching a downpour of white snowflakes blanketing everything outside of my cozy "four walls" and I feel safe, warm and happy. <br />
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Surviving the storms in our lives make us strong and bring confidence that the next storm will be conquerable. Finding joy and putting color in a flat-light moment attests to our power to overcome.<br />
I wish for you the ability to be prepared for whatever life may hurl your way, strength to overcome and peace in knowing who you are and what you can become.<br />
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Happiest of this Thankgiving holiday!<br />
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MartiAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-6255836196915093982010-11-10T21:58:00.000-07:002013-04-09T18:34:59.828-06:00Mindfulness and Difficult People<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This afternoon, I had a patient enter my office with long, bold strides, interrupt my work and demand to "speak her mind". I thought her overtly aggressive entrance was appaulling and sat, I'm sure, staring with wide-eyed wonder at this rude woman intruding on my time and space. Fortunately, I was not in the mood to confront her offensive behavior (I had just come from teaching a meditation course and was still feeling very "mellow" from it all), so I inhaled and sat quiet for a moment. The sound of Japanese wood flutes played softly from my computer, encouraging stillness in the room. <br />
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I spoke only her name. She looked at me rather abruptly and literally fell into the chair behind her, exhausted from expelling so much negative energy. <br />
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It was an interesting experience. <br />
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Tonight, I ran across a wonderful post in Pema Chodron's blog. Her title is nearly copied on this blog, as the words written carry the reader down a new path to dealing with the difficult people in our lives. One line from her blog, I would like to quote for you: <br />
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<em>"If we can learn to open our hearts, anyone, including the people who drive us crazy, can be our teacher." </em></div>
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(Pema Chodron) </div>
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What an interesting concept. I still have not grasped it but hope to meditate on it and come to a better understanding of it through this week. This will be my challenge, one I hope you will share with me. Let me ask the same questions Pema asked, "Who in you life drives you bananas? Can you put yourself in their shoes, seeing their pain, and begin wishing them well? What does this teach you about yourself?" <br />
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So I ask myself, how did this patient become my teacher this afternoon and what did she need to teach me at that moment? I have not found the answer yet, but I will let you know when it comes. I hope you will too... <br />
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Namaste ~ <br />
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Marti<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-45508319175737971252010-11-08T08:45:00.004-07:002010-11-08T08:56:55.723-07:00Saying GoodbyeI have been delinquent with blogging and want to apologize to those of you who look for this every Sunday and Wednesday. I have a good excuse though....<br />
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This weekend was a quick trip to Denver, dropping off my dearest four-legged companion with my daughter-in-law (the reason for this is another blog...). The weekend flew by with happy moments spent with Miss Izzy and Miss Abby, and of course Kindall. Delightful to have my granddaughter climb onto my lab and cuddle with both tiny arms wraped snug around my neck as we watched college football.<br />
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Unforgettable as bright blue eyes looked at me with a whispered "ohhh" as her sister discovered once again the bright lights of a familiar toy.<br />
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Such joy cannot be contained!<br />
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Then came the "goodbyes" and I pulled each of them into my arms, kissed them and promised "HuHu will be back again very soon". I blinked quickly as tears welled and hugged my sweet beagle who looked at me with trusting eyes. I knew these three innocents could not comprehend that this woman they loved would return or what the words whispered to them really meant. Only I knew the depth of the promise left to them. So, I said goodbye and walked away from them, tears now spilling as I saw three faces watch me go wondering why they weren't going along.<br />
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How treasured is the trust and faith of the innocent. I felt it yesterday and comforted my feelings of abandonment and guilt through a new resolve to make the trip out to visit again soon, as I promised. That promise is real to me and hoped for by them. <br />
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Until that blessed day when I can gather them all in my arms again...<br />
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MartiAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-41773349629528212032010-10-29T20:51:00.000-06:002010-10-29T20:51:29.112-06:00All Hallow's Eve<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ShEAUXz2lKc/TMuGQEjN2DI/AAAAAAAAAE8/9J_9FdcVPVU/s1600/Bass+Cemetery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ShEAUXz2lKc/TMuGQEjN2DI/AAAAAAAAAE8/9J_9FdcVPVU/s320/Bass+Cemetery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><br />
Fall is truly my favorite season! So many traditions make it that way for me: the evening air turns crisp and paints nature a vibrant array of colors, football season dominates the weekends of sports fans, eating yellow vegetables is totally cool, scary stories and tales of ghosts pulls me into the pages of my favorite books, cemeteries are my favorite haunts and humankind waits for Halloween when tricks and treats stalk the streets as adult and children alike shed their daily image and don a new identity.<br />
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Year after year, from times earliest record, All Hallow's Eve has been a night of tradition. Fires burned in ancient Celtic rituals celebrating Samhan, hallowed Saints were honored by Christians and European folk traditions collaborated to create the Halloween we celebrate today in America.<br />
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Of course, I am one who has grown up loving "The Great Pumpkin" with Charlie Brown and was always the first in my family to create the perfect costume for trick-or-treating through Millcreek. Too soon it seemed I was designated as "too old to trick-or-treat". Yet as an adult, there is still a compulsive draw to the mystic moons and creepy cemeteries that become "appropriate" when Fall makes it appearance. <br />
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Why is that, do you think? <br />
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I don't have the answer of course, but the desire is there and excitement builds as I anticipate becoming my favorite alter-ego, a pirate, and my house converts to a grotto filled with treasure, an authentic wheel from a ships' helm (held by a long-dead helmsman whose skeleton features send chills down young kids' spines as they watch him sailing a sunken vessel in a foggy night). Torches will burn and lanterns will flicker, lighting the path to the candy waiting for any mate who'll come aboard shoutin' "Trick-or-Treat!"<br />
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May ye all be safe an' have a most Happy Halloween!<br />
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M'Lady Marti <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ShEAUXz2lKc/TMuHPxjjDFI/AAAAAAAAAFM/o6O6cEE-hoo/s1600/Signing+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ShEAUXz2lKc/TMuHPxjjDFI/AAAAAAAAAFM/o6O6cEE-hoo/s320/Signing+books.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><div align="center"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066499222536966985.post-73630746910877759372010-10-22T19:14:00.000-06:002010-10-22T19:14:35.988-06:00Rain on a Full Moon WeekendRain is falling on a full moon weekend! Spooky times ahead and pernicious pirates make mischief this month~ <br />
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That has been my "theme" (if you will) for the past few weeks. I like how those words work together, they just sound good when spoken aloud. But more than that, I love the meaning. <br />
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October always brings a hint of mystic mindset and wide-eyed eerie watchfulness, particularly so when the moon is full and it's a little hazy outside at dusk. That's how its looks outside my window right now and when the sun fully sets, a full moon will rise and cast a pale glow, throwing shadows in places seen only out of the corner of the eye.<br />
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Only four days until our annual Cemetery Stroll and I can hardly wait. My sisters (mainly Shari and I - Mindy has already stated she's "NOT going! It will give me bad dreams!"...'nuff said) and our children stop at the local Starbucks to fuel up for a chilly, spine-tingling evening walking among the dead. Mostly, we just laugh and scare the you-know-what out of each other and take lots of photos. Some of those photos can be viewed on Shari's site. Note: the pic of Shari with her head chopped off and lying on a tombstone that has TAYLOR inscripted across it. These are memories in the making and definitely not something for the faint hearted (or loose bladder). The photos, I will definitely post!<br />
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In the meantime...enjoy your eerie autumn weekend. May you stay warm and happy (and a little bit on edge!)<br />
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MartiAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047762140307172780noreply@blogger.com2