Idle Thoughts

Well, the weatherman lied as usual. It's been colder than those couple of days were, and snowier too. Oh well.

The holidays, so far, have been quiet. I'm working on a new project in writing, exploring a genre I've not before given thought to. I'm not going to go into it now, but I'll keep you apprised of the progress without going into much detail until I'm ready to reveal things.

Other than that, here's to the New Year. May it be a damn sight better than this last one!

BRRRRRRR!

According to the weather prediction I saw before this lovely blast hit us, these are supposed to be the coldest days all season. I think I can live with that. Of course, that means that other snows will be warmer, and likely wetter, so they'll be heavier.
My only consoling thought is that my brother has to break out his sweater! Miami's lows are down near 40 degrees. Poor him.

'Tis the Season...

to be grumpy, I guess. I was in the parking lot of one of our mega-sprawls when I saw a pick-up truck pull out of a space behind me. I raced around the section to get back to it before it was gone. As I pulled in, I noticed a car just pulling up with it's blinker on.
"Didn't you see my blinker?" The woman driving asked.
"Yes, I did." I said, making sure my door was locked properly.
"I was waiting for you to pass. That's my spot." She said angrily. "Don't you know common courtesy?"
In my cheeriest voice possible, I said "Lady, you wouldn't know courtesy if it came up and bit you on the nose."
"You're a dick." She said as I walked towards my destination.
I thought of the perfect come-back while I was inside the store. I should have said "Yes, I'm a dick. You're a bitch. Let's have sex."
I wonder what her reaction would have been?

Happy Thanks-Give-Me!

Give thanks where-ever you are, and be grateful for those in your life.

Before the Law of Attraction

Before the Law of Attraction was big, there were two books that paved the way for people to focus on what they wanted and how to get it.
"Write It Down, Make It Happen" first came out in 2000, but it draws on such works as Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich" and James Allen's "As A Man Thinketh". It is filled with different ways to write out want you desire and to focus on those desires. It shows that no one way is THE way. In fact, you are expected to mix them up and/or add your own way. The techniques in this book are a wonderful add-on to those who journal daily, or a way to start for those who do not. I, myself, journal sporadically, as shown by my blog posts. But, this book is propelling me to write more, and with more focus on those things I desire in life.
Next, "The Magic of Believing", which was first published in 1948, is a leader in helping people achieve all of their long- and short-term goals. I first read this book as a teenage, and it shaped my search for mind powers and enhancements. In direct and no-nonsense speaking, the author teaches you how to harness the unlimited power of the subconscious mind. He also teaches you the "law of suggestion" to step up your effectiveness in everything you do.
I strongly suggest you add these two books to your LOA arsenal and follow their advice to get what you want out of life.

Vision Board Experiment Two - Day Thirteen

I'm learning something new - papermaking. I'm going to make it green as only I can make it, and most if not all the steps it entails. I know there are all sorts of papermakers out there, some even doing recycled stuff. I just aim to make it a little bit different, and use the end product in new ways, too.

The Vision Board experiment is still going. Nothing new from this one or the first one.

Vision Board Experiment Two - Day Ten

I'm beginning to notice that some of the things I did in the first Vision Board are starting to coalesce. It's nice to have something work.

I'm already working up some ideas for the third VB experiment. I'll start that probably with the New Year, although there is nothing that says I have to finish one to start another. Or, better yet, I could just add to this one and let it keep running, even into the New Year. I think I'll do it that way.

Vision Board Experiment Two - Day Eight

I'm finding that by combining various aspects of other peoples ideas on manifesting that ~something~ is bound to work. For instance, in addition to the vision board, I'm also using the One Command, and the Bahga from Quantum Jumping. Further, Ive been affirming that I am worthy of success and I am allowing it into my life.
I've found the Bahga to be an excellent tool for immediate needs or desires, such as a parking place near the front door of the store I'm going to.

So, little things keep happening. The big things are coming. I'm sure of it.

Vision Board Experiment Two - Day Six

Okay, little things are starting to happen now.

For instance, I sold one of my books on Amazon - less than $10, but it's better than nothing.
My van went kaput Saturday - my sister-in-law paid for the tow and is paying for the repairs it desperately needs.
I've started waking up earlier and having more energy in the daytime - the kitchen doesn't look so daunting now.

These are all good things, and I'm allowing more of them as well as the *big* things into my life.

THY ________ IS NIGH!

End, Doom, whatever apocalyptic word suits your fancy. *sheesh*

A friend of ours listens to Glen Beck with the fervor of a religious acolyte. She called today to tell me to stock up on food staples as the "financial gurus" predict bread is going up to $30 a loaf. Gas is hovering around $3 a gallon again, and we're all supposed to be scared? Hello! Has anyone heard of the Great Depression? I, like my grandparents before me, am learning to make do with the things around me. Except my pop. That will have to go up mighty high before I give it up. (Probably do my body good if I gave it up sooner)

GW Bush came into office - we're still here. The stock market crashed - we're still here. Gas goes astronomical - we're still here (and still driving!) All hype and no help.

People have got to learn to stop listening to others - especially if the news is bad or depressing - and do for themselves and their neighbors.

Vision Board Experiment Two - Day Five

Progress! I've made a sale on Amazon, a small amount, but a sale nonetheless.

I have the Board running now, even as I work on this. I believe I know what the key factor in this board is, as opposed to the first board I did. I'll let you know once more has come to pass.

Vision Board Experiment Two - How Long?

I'm going to let this vision board experiment run until the first of the New Year, or until something manifests from it, whichever comes first. I'll keep you posted.

Vision Board Experiment Two - Day Four

Even though I haven't begun my "meditation" for the day, my fertile mind has been absolutely popping with ideas! The assembly-line *****-making is going well, with new ideas coming for the one sticking point I ran into. It's still not bug-proof yet, but it's getting there.

I also found ToolMonger - a tool review site that is very interesting. Even though it's full of things I'm not likely to own anytime soon, it gives me plenty of food for thought.

Vision Board Experiment Two - Day Three

I have no set limit on this experiment. I'm simply going to run it until it comes true.

Today was another day from Hades, added to all the other days. The van broke down and TJ and I walked for an hour and a half to get to MJ's. I haven't walked that far in years. I'll be feeling it tomorrow, that's for sure.

Vision Board Experiment Two - Day Two

I started a new Vision Board experiment yesterday, letting the subliminal picture program run about an hour. Today, I did it for another hour and added subliminal flash, which is short affirmation-like sentences flashed at 10ms. Aside from a slight headache (most likely sinuses), I'm off to a good start.

In other news, I'm no longer looking to start a business. Everything is reverted to hobby status and if I make any money from it, so much the better. SO, added to the hypnosis and mind expansion is cardboard artistry, found artistry, and paper models. Oh, and paper making, but I haven't started that yet. Truth be told, the only one out of the previous list that I ~have~ done is paper models. I'm going to try my hand at making steam-punk models, with no template or pre-made art.
First step for any of them is to create workspace, whether that entails re-arranging my current workspace or cleaning the dining room and creating new.

Kardboard is Cing!

I've discovered a wonderful medium to work with! And to think it was right in front of me this whole time.
This book is a great way to learn how to work with cardboard and a number of different things you can make. From Christmas tree ornaments to furniture. How to Make Simple, Sturdy, Inexpensive Furniture from Cardboard
I have all three books mentioned in this post, and will be giving more in-depth reviews in the near future. I suggest these books for anyone that would like to explore their creativity.

Selling Now!

I'm selling part of my library to raise money for two of my creative projects. If you would like a list of the books available, please comment to this post with your email address, and I'll send you the list and prices. I also have some old electronics equipment for sale. When you comment, please let me know whether you want the books list, or the electronics list or both.

Vision Board Experiment One - Epilogue

As I reported yesterday, the subliminal messages run all the time now. I'm going to let them run for a few more days, as I started them late in the game. I may run the images on and off over the next few days, but now it's time to just wait and see. Or, work and see.

In any case, we shall see.

Vision Board Experiment - Day Thirteen (Retro) and Fourteen

The subliminal messages run at all times now. I run the images when I'm doing mail or doing research for my three current projects. Two of them require more leg-work than usual and the third is going to require some creativity on the part of scrounging and building.

My focus is definitely improving. Now to just keep moving forward.

Vision Board Experiment - Day Twelve - In Retro

Yesterday I ran a new program behind the vision board program. Sentences flashing at 10ms each makes for a lot of exposure. I also got a new set of visualization subliminals. I run them with the next vision board experiment. Or perhaps, before. In either case, things are shaping up nicely.

Vision Board Experiment - Day Eleven

A few ideas came today. Mostly along the same lines as yesterday's ideas. Nice to see my focus is narrowing.

If you are enjoying these posts and would like to donate to my fund for further experiments, please use the Donate Button provided. Thank you.

Vision Board Experiment - Eureka!

My brain has ignited with ideas. They are flowing at a rate I've not had in a long time, and they are all related to each other, rather than each being something completely different! While this was not part of the vision board, I'm crediting it and my inspirational music with this burst of creativity.

Onward and upward! Avanti!

Vision Board Experiment - Day Ten

Nothing new. Still going.

Vision Board Experiment - Day Nine

The head cold feeling returns when I run the software in the background while working. It goes away faster now, as I assimilate the information more quickly.

Vision Board Experiment - Day Eight

Missed most of the day due to appointments and prior commitments. I'll add a day at the other end to make up for it.

Vision Board Experiment - Day Seven

The head cold feeling moved to the top of my head today. Also, I was struck with a really good idea that I shared with one of my relatives. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Vision Board Experiment - Day Six

The head cold feeling was not as strong, nor stayed with me as long today.I've decided to extend the experiment another week to see if the effects appear, or stay subtle.

One thing that has come out of this (I think) is a firm resolve to explore sound therapy.

Vision Board Experiment - Day Five

Got up today feeling like I had a head cold. The feeling stayed with me most of the day. I did the vision board program a bit differently, letting it run most of the day while I worked or played at the computer. While the head-cold feeling has dissipated, I still feel a bit out of sync with the rest of the world.

What shall tomorrow bring?

Vision Board Experiment - Day Four

Nothing new to tell. Perhaps the changes are too subtle and I won't really notice them until something happens. In any case, I go on. Tomorrow is another day.

Community

(these posts copied from http://www.feverbee.com)

Most Community Halls Are Empty Tonight

There is a gap in the market for genuine sense of community.

Churches no longer unite us. We don't find that sense of community in our lives much these days. Community participation has been dropping since the second world war. Most community halls are empty tonight.

Organizations can step up and provide these community experiences. (Note, that's experiences folks, not products. There are enough products in the world). Genuine communities are rare.

Companies already attract people with a similarities. It's not a huge leap to give them a platform to talk, things to talk about and experiences they can share. It's simple, even. However, if you're trying to promote a product on the cheap, go elsewhere.

If you're genuinely trying to be that new place for a community of people to gather, then be genuine. Don't disservice members by persuading them to join then trying to promote products or guide the conversation. Don't make any demands. Just be that place they go to. Be genuine.

We are social beasts, we still need a community. We spend a lot of time searching for them online. Right now, on the internet, it's clear the more you genuine you are, the more you will stand out.

Churches and Communities

For centuries churches were the pillar of communities.

It wasn’t an accident. People didn't stroll by and decide to pop in. Churches worked hard to build their communities. They organized events for most nights of the week. Dances, games, prayer, social meetings, singing, music lessons, book clubs. They provided advice for people with problems. My nan used to go to church 5 nights a week. She met my granddad and her best friends there.

Churches also had dedicated community managers (priests). These priests built relationships with regulars. He know them and their families. If someone went missing, he came to find out why and bring them back. He worked hard.

It's the most obvious secret to developing a successful community; working hard. But too many organizations ignore this bit. They don't allocate the time or resources for hard work. They don't work out what events they're going to be hosting for their community, nor have someone actively reaching out to individual people at a time to bring them into a community. They don't actively pursue missing members and bring them back.

It worked for churches for centuries. In many churches it still does. Copy their work ethic, their community strategies and their simple tactics.

Vision Board Experiment - Day Three

Not much to talk about today. I missed two hours of my meditation time due to other issues. I'll try to make it up tomorrow.

In other news, I got a new library card. I already have 43 books on hold. I'm going to try to stop at 50, but we all know how well ~that's~ going to work.

UPDATE: Stopped at 55. Along with the over 40 books I've on hold using Ariana's card that she got at the beginning of the month...I think I'm doing pretty good.

Vision Board Experiment - Day Two

Today I implemented a schedule for doing the Vision Board meditations. I have three thirty minute meditations - one upon waking, one around noon, and the third between four p.m and five p.m. Then, I have a ninety minute meditation around ten p.m. Today I ran the Vision Board program for a couple minutes on and off during the day, between the "scheduled" times. I figure I should get exposure to each image of the Vision Board well over two-thousand times a day!

Nothing to report as to verifiable results yet.

Acronym for the day - Sin - Spirituality in need

Vision Board Experiment - Day One

So begins the experiment. I've added another image, to bring the total to 16. I'm running the loop with four recordings I have - three of thirty minutes each and one of ninety minutes. One hundred eighty minutes makes for two-thousand two-hundred fifty exposures to the Vision Board images per day. For seven+ days, my exposure to the images will be well over fifteen thousand times!

Vision Board Experiment - Introduction

This evening I've started a vision board experiment using some software I found on the 'Net. Essentially, this is a subliminal software, as it flashes images on my screen for 300 milliseconds each. I've used subliminal programs before, with varying degrees of success. This should be interesting, to say the least.

I have 15 images going, which works out to 4.5 seconds per loop. So far, I've received the images about 400+ times each. Each minute more gives me 13+ times through the loop. I'm going to run this experiment for a week solid - Monday to Monday. I'll let you know how it goes.

Where did FU go?

I tried. I really did. But the ideas never came, or if they did, they weren't right for a beginning. Maybe I'll try again another time. ~after~ the writer's block is gone.

Food Underground - A Quiet Revolution

Starting today, I'm working on a story-blog called Food Underground - A Quiet Revolution. Now, this is a first for me, putting a writing of mine in public. I would certainly never put a work-in-progress up. So, be gentle with me, please.

In any case, I hope to post much more frequently, either here or the story-blog. And I look forward to hearing from you.

Sebastian

Lofty Thoughts

Airship Adventures by Greg Olsen

All aboard the kitchen table
for a journey to the sky!
It’s now our magic airship,
and it can really fly!

Off to new adventures,
above the clouds we go,
Sailing on imagination’s breeze,
we leave the earth below.

For fun we like to parachute
and quietly float down,
And have our vessel pick us up
before we hit the ground.

Up here there are no limits
to the sights that one can see,
And we think that we could sail forever into eternity.

Then comes the call that sends us home
as fast as we are able,
It’s dinnertime, and Mother says we have to set the table.

Thought Experiment

The Empire is coming! Soon there will be a flurry of activity at the Embassy in America, creating documents and proclamations as Emperor Sebastian the First begins to build his empire! Watch this space for positions that shall need filling, from the lowliest gardener to the Prime Minister of the Empire!

Happy New Year!

Another year come and gone. Another year a-dawning.

With this new year, I hope to start the construction of my Great Machine. I've begun collecting the parts of it's "heart", or at least the pieces that will make it "tick". The Grand Design is finally in motion.

Happiest of New Year's, everyone!