I love this place... but, I've grown.

It's not you, it's me.

I feel like it is a bit like my last confession.
I love Blogspot.
I've grown up with it, from my very first little blog posting, it was here.
But now, I have needs. Needs which require more personalized attention, needs which blogspot isn't giving me.
I'm sorry, but Blogspot, I have to break-up with you.

I will be soon mitigate a transition over to Wordpress.

Everything will stay here that is already here, but new and improved things will be added (with a little more pizazz, focus and adventurous direction) over at a new wordpress site.

I love you Blogspot.
It's not you...
... it's me.

p.s. and if this move to wordpress brings about the next apocalypse.... it's totally not my fault.

p.p.s. Everything will stay here (including all my contact info), but all new posts and website info will be directed HERE.

Thanks for your patience.

It's the symptom, not the problem.

Welcome to Money Monday, and our frank discussion today about Debt.

First, let's be clear. Debt is the symptom, not the problem. Debt is the tummy-ache caused by too much candy and the only way to cure the tummy-ache is not by eating a handful of Tums, but to immediately stop eating candy!
(Even though you have a sweet tooth and it tastes sooo good)

It is simple really. Money problems result from a combination of excessive spending or insufficient income. AND, excessive spending and insufficient income are caused by life habits. That is why debt and credit problems are so difficult to resolve for most people. It is a personal life problem masquerading as a financial problem. You look for financial solutions but they don’t exist because you’re looking in the wrong place.

Everybody knows the cure for debt and credit problems is to make more money or reduce spending. That is the basic premise for budgeting, Duhh! So what? Getting it done is the surprisingly difficult part because the solution looks financial but is actually personal. Of course it is! (This is why you buy that latte every morning instead of saving that $4, Because, you are a complex human being and the latte makes you FEEL good).

You are an emotionally based person with wants and desires which are reflected in a rational currency based economy. The only way to stop the 'tummy-ache' is to address the emotional issues which started it in the first place. That doesn't mean you have to deny your desires for that snickers bar every once in a while, but BALANCE is the key!

So commit to your growth and freedom! Make this year the year you finally break the bonds of consumerism and debt slavery. Make this year the greatest year of personal growth and freedom you have ever had. And, if you need help, I'm just a click away.

A safe explosion.

There is a level of vulnerability when it comes to writing. A vulnerability that comes from the cracking open of one's soul to let the inner most, passionate creation out. In the last few months this observation has never been more keen.

When I was traveling, I wrote 5 books in a little over 4 months. Then, when I got back stateside I (and some friends) helped with editing, cover art, publishing and marketing. It was easy.
They were done.
(and you can get your copy today through my online shop)

Now I am looking at the 5 other books I started when I was on the road and have yet to finish with .... well, with exasperation.

I had such high hopes and expectations of myself to have gotten these done. and each day I look at the pile, those expectations just add a serving size amount of stress onto my poor little shoulders.

I ask: Why was it so easy to write when I was on the road, with no home, no job and no car, and it is so damn difficult now that I am back?

Then I realize....
It takes a huge amount of vulnerability to write. It takes a Universe-sized crack in your soul to open up and let the words flow. It is like the birth of a Universe exploding out of your chest.

For this level of creativity, the deep vulnerability, the passion and birth of something so wonderous, there is one secret little thing I've been missing. One thing I had when I was traveling, one little thing in which I soon hope to have again very soon.

Safety.

Not physical safety, but the emotional kind. The mental space and emotionally safe surroundings to crack through a hard candy shell and reach inside to pull out all the passionate, sticky, universe-exploding, deliciousness.

But don't worry, things are shifting changing and moving and I am too. Very soon, I will be all happy and settled and warm and safe and get back to my debaucherious rantings, writings and wriggly good times.

Too-Big-to-Fail? I don't think so.

In honor of Money Monday and the first Monday of 2012, I dedicate this post to Big Banks, and the notice that average Americans are sending you.
You are not too big to fail.

If you haven't already, now is the time to move your money out of big banks.
Consider it the healthiest New Years Resolution you can keep.

Arianna Huffington recently wrote a great piece on moving your money out of big banks, and supports the Move Your Money project.

In a time when corporations are people, and our elected officials seem to have more concern for the bottom line of business than the health and well-being of the populous, your dollars now become your voice.
... and collectively, our voice is powerful.

*Netflix lost 800,000 customers in the 3rd quarter alone after it announced a 60% price hike.

*Verizon scrapped their '$2 convenience fee' due to customer backlash.

*In the 3rd Quarter alone, more than 650,000 people moved their money to credit unions. (See articles here, here and here for more info).
(To find a Credit Union, or research your options, click here and go to the National Credit Union Administration)

If you don't think you matter, you are wrong. Your money matters. If you want to see a more sustainable, locally driven economy in your community, then support the local businesses with your dollars.

"Be the change you want to see in the world."
~Ghandi

It's hard to build a mountain when you keep digging holes.

Today, for Money Monday, I dedicate this post to credit cards.
Credit Cards.
Oh how I loathe thee.

I am putting the average American Credit Card user on notice - >
If you have to put something on a credit card - you can’t afford it. When it comes down to it, if you’re putting the new stove or sofa on a credit card (or even worse, a store credit card) then you really shouldn’t be buying that item at all. Remember, back in the day people used to do this crazy thing called “saving.” Today, we’re all about instant gratification. Buy now, pay later. And by the time we’re finished paying something off, it’s time to get a new one. The cycle never ends.

There is no need for you to be spending beyond your means anymore and digging a bigger hole. You want to build mountains of wealth!

PAY OFF YOUR CREDIT CARDS!
You can do it!

Use the chart:

Rank your cards to which one you are going to pay off first, then PAY IT OFF!

Don't be a slave to the banks any more!

For more information on how to get out of debt and free yourself, buy my book on How to Create Wealth (Available in paperback through my store and on Amazon).

And start making mountains out of mole-hills.

Money Monday Makes Merry Mortals.

It seems as though lately, money makes everyone happy. A little more money just makes things a little bit easier, smoother, nicer and more beautiful.

As idealistic as I might be about the fact that 'The Universe will provide' or 'There is always enough', the cold hard facts remain.
Money is a form of barter/exchange that EVERYONE agrees upon.
You need money.

So, in honor of Manic Monday, here are a few 'Money Monday Madness' tips for you.

*Budges are a lot like diets, everyone needs to do it, but no one wants to talk about it.

*A budget will determine whether you have money at the end of the month, or month at the end of the money.

*It doesn't matter if you budget $10 or $10,000,000 the only difference in a budget is where the decimal point lands. (Even Oprah famously stated that she signs every single check she writes.)

Need more?

More assistance on budgeting and personal money management.

Need personal assistance? (click here)

Have more complicated questions about your secret stacks of cash buried in your backyard? These guys can help.

And... Click here for instant happiness.

Transformation is coming.

2012 is just a few short weeks away.

If you haven't heard about the evolutional-world-ending-neo-hippy-woo-woo-conspiracy theories on 2012... just type it into Google and lose yourself, or you can cheat and just click here to read a great article USA Today published.

In part, Journalist Lawrence Joseph is quoted in the article to say, "Part of the 2012 mystique stems from the stars. On the winter solstice in 2012, the sun will be aligned with the center of the Milky Way for the first time in about 26,000 years. This means that "whatever energy typically streams to Earth from the center of the Milky Way will indeed be disrupted on 12/21/12 at 11:11 p.m. Universal Time," In short, 2012 seems to be a big deal.

The most significant about this whole 2012 debate (in my little world) is, I turn 33 years old just 2 short weeks into 2012.

33 is a Master Number (according to numerology). "It is the most influential of all numbers. It is the Master Teacher. The 33 combines the Master Numbers 11 and the 22 and brings their potential to another level. When expressed to the fullest, the 33 lacks all personal ambition, and instead focuses its considerable abilities toward the spiritual uplifting of mankind. What makes the 33 especially impressive, is the high level of sincere devotion. This is shown in its determination to seek understanding and wisdom before preaching to others. The 33 in full force is extremely rare. 33 is the Master Teacher. This individual's focus is on reaching the world and uplifting the loving energy of mankind. They are not concerned with personal ambition, and have great devotion to cause."

So to prepare for this 'sacrifice of self and great devotion of the cause', to celebrate a Master birthday on a apocalyptic year, and to forever document the transformations in my life that got me to this point, I am getting Tattooed. Not a dolphin-on-the-ankle variety, but an intense design I have been working on for well over 3 years. It incorporates the elements of earth, water, air and fire. It embodies death, transformation and rebirth. It will be an initiation done in ceremonial fashion and it is a living tribute to ... well... living. In essence, it will be an artistic masterpiece. I have already completed the first stage, the second stage is scheduled, and the third and final piece (for my 33rd birthday) needs your help.
(Are you catching the theme of 3's here?).

What can you do? Please chip in! Consider it an early birthday present. Consider it a donation to the luck of a Master number, or just do it because it feels good. BUT, there is one catch. A caveat perhaps. Please donate with the number 3. $.03, $.33, $3, $33 or $333. Keep the energy alive and pass it forward as we enter into 2012.
I created a chip-in account to help keep track.



Thank you!
As soon as I get the three pieces done, I will be sure to post pictures.

p.s. A special Shout-out to Miss Endi Clark for her inspiration to not only go public with this observation of turning 33 in 2012, but also for her encouragement to set up a Chip-in account and get others involved! Thank you!

Update: I just got the design back from Nina (who is doing all my work) and I have to say - WOW! I can't wait for it to be on my body.

Paper seduces me.

There is something so alluring, so beautiful, so seductive and so romantic about a book. There is something about the crisp paper dancing on my fingertips, the allure of the turning of the pages. It has not been without struggle, but the romance has finally arrived. Today, I am very happy to announce my books are available in Paperback! They are currently available through my shop, and will be available for purchase through Amazon.com by the first week of December.

But, for you, special readers of my blog, a DISCOUNT for you! If you would like the Wealth book, order HERE and use this discount code -->U85DMR8R for $2 off!

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More for your Purchasing Pleasure (It is the holidaze after all):
There is a little cult leader in all of us.

Wear this in case of bad decisions.

Beautiful handmade baubbles. Vaunt to flaunt.

For your entertainment:
A warning to starfish - RUN little Starfish RUN!(Spongebob is next).

A tech-savy Kitteh

and...

for those of you who have made it this far and are curious what I am going to throw at you next... I hope you aren't scared of clowns.

Courage comes in many forms.

Courage.
One word can evoke a thousand images in the mind.
One word. Whose connotation evokes the ideals and ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty or intimidation. To act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal or discouragement.
Courage.

When I was in grade-school, we put on a performance of the Wizard of Oz and I had a starring role as the Cowardly Lion. Perhaps it was that moment of being cast, or the lines, or perhaps the dozens of shows we did over the school year. But there was something I took away from that experience that has shaped me.

I have never thought of myself as particularly courageous. Adventurous? Yes. Brave? No. Yet, as I get older I find that just taking a small step outside of one's comfort zone takes courage. Courage whispers in your ear when you are busy paying attention to other things in 'life'.

It takes courage to live. It takes courage to stand up for what is right. It takes courage.
Every day is an opportunity to start a new adventure, to live with courage.

Thus the reason for my blog name: Begin an Adventure.

Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature,
nor do the children of men
as a whole experience it.
Avoiding danger is no safer
in the long run than outright exposure.
Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.
--Helen Keller

What is your adventure?
Muster the courage to take one small baby step outside your comfort zone and begin it today.

(Here is a very long winded but good article on the Courage to Live Consciously)

Pigtails, A Word of the Day and Zombies.

First, for fun, I put this on my twitter account on Sunday for the Win.

*************************

Second, learned a new word.... Inveigles - To persuade someone to do something by means of deception or flattery.
"Casey's voice is pained and passionate, playful and poignant, permissive and provocative. She sings to the soft little hidden spot inside your soul which holds all your secrets. She innocently inveigles and melts your heart like a handful of M&M's, leaving you desperately licking yourself to savor each divine drop.". Check it out and help support an artist living her dream.

************************
And guess what, the Zombies are waking up.

In the Senate.
In Colorado.
and
In the Classroom.

A glittery day is on the way

If you follow me on Twitter, or even on my Facebook page, you will know by now that I have put in a very big order to the Universe.
Now, I've written on the Universe before, and I will be patiently waiting for my little brown box to arrive.... on FRIDAY.
Friday, if you haven't heard already, is a pretty big day.
It is 11/11/11 and it also happens to be the 3rd Quarter (full) Moon in Taurus.

So, if you haven't already, put your order in.
The Universe is gonna deliver something big!

p.s. I ordered mine with extra glitter.

NANOWRIMO - No big change, just more snippits.

No big update or big word numbers to add today, but here is another snippit I was working on.
Enjoy.

*************************

She didn’t understand what he meant, and as she was gasping for air her movements were becoming less violent. Her body was jerking and trembling. She heard the blood pounding in her ears. Her lungs were on fire. Her head was splitting. Tiny little flash bulbs began popping in front of her eyes.

and he kept squeezing.

She thought,

This is it.

More flashes, brighter, growing in size, filling her vision. And then, between the flashes, blackness. Small patches of blackness between the flashes of light. The blackness grew. It slowly overwhelmed the flashes of light, slowly replaced them. The darkness grew until it was all that was left. Darkness. Pure blackness.

And silence.
Total, complete silence. She was enveloped in blackness. Soft. Velvety. Black. She was floating in it. Floating free with no pain, no fear. Just silence, stillness and total blackness.

Death was deliciously welcomed

NANOWRIMO - The Adventure begins.

This year, a big ADVENTUROUS year, I have decided to participate in NANOWRIMO. What is NANOWRIMO you ask? It is National Novel Writing Month.

and I thought to myself, what better way to hold myself accountable for my writing than to take my find Blog readers along for the Adventure with me!

Well, today is the end of day 2, and I have good news. I have written 10,722 words (which does not include Blog posts, Facebook posts or Twitter updates). Which translates into about 35 pages. WHEW! It has been a very busy busy two days. I'm not sure I can keep up the pace (considering there is *life* that happens, and not just me sitting at my computer day in and day out).

At this pace I will not only finish my novel, but the three other books I have on the 'pending' shelf before Christmas! YAAAAY

But I can only do it with your love, well-wishes and support!
Specifically:
Leave me a comment.
Shoot me an email or note,
Buy a Book or support with an Advertising pledge.
Or even a Donation (so I can continue to write and still have food to eat and a roof over my head) would go a long way!

Here is a sneak peak of a little bit of what I wrote today, Chapter 1 of the new novel:

October 22, 1994
12:17pm

It was a perfect fall day. The smell of crisp leaves, crinkling and dancing down the street with the breeze. It is football season, high school dances and dress-up. Faces of created and hollowed out ghouls await with heavy anticipation of dusk and the lighting of a fire in their bellies to beacon forth those masked and caped in nearly a week. The small town is abuzz, the local high school hosts a homecoming dance tonight. Flowers shops are busy with corsage’s, boutonnieres, bouquets and balloons. Car washes are packed with young boys taking their dad’s car to get washed before the prince and his chariot will pick up his princess of the night. Last night the football team lost the homecoming game, but this is nothing new to this small town of farm-boys and 4-H’ers. They haven’t won a single game in three years. No matter, there was still plenty of screaming and excitement when the Homecoming court was announced at half-time. A ritual repeated thousands of times across the country, to the same excited screams.

In 2 days, I'll have 30 days. Sounds like a bad math problem to me.

Excuse me while I have a mild heart attack.

Excuse me while I say... 'oh yeah, that tree branch waaaaaay out there, yeah, I'll go and stand on it."

Excuse me.
For just a moment.

I did something ..... scary.
I signed up for NANWRIMO.

Check it here:

UPDATE:
In addition to.... I have also signed up for the Richard Hugo House's New Works Competition....

(slight panic)

Breathe....
Breathe....
No pressure.

This is your brother.

Look at this man.

Here he is again, in uniform (with an helmet on).
In Iraq.

Look at him.
Look at his eyes, his face, his body. Look at his courage to not only join the military but go to war in Iraq TWICE in defense of this country.

This is your brother, my brother. He is my uncle, cousin, son, father and beloved.
Look at him again.

I have never met him. My introduction to this man, was this picture.

This man, my brother/father/lover, was shot in the head with a tear gas canister by the Oakland Police Department while marching PEACEFULLY with the #Occupy protests.

He is now laying in a hospital in critical condition with a fractured skull and brain swelling.

Cards, flowers and well wishes can be sent to:
USMC Scott Olsen
Highland Hospital
1411 East 31st Street
Oakland, CA 94602

UPDATE!
Scott Olsen has Brain Damage.
See Here:

First seen as reported on my Twitter feed from @UncleRush

Back in the arms of an old lover...

You know those times when you and your significant other get in a fight? A full-on, heated, melt-down kind of fight? The kind that you swear if you ever saw them again it would be too soon?
The kind where you pack up your bags and leave.
and you don't say goodbye.
and you don't look back.
then...
as more time passes,
the hurt fades
and fades
and fades
and the fond memories return.

Until one day, years later, you run into that old lover and they swoop you up in their arms, and you squeal and wiggle and the happiness bursts from where it hid deep within every pore.
The old lover knows you. Knows how to hold you, and you feel safe, they know how to stroke your hair and touch your skin, and you feel loved. They almost know you better than you know yourself. They welcome you back with open arms, because they love you. They always loved you.
And deep down, you love them too.
Passionately.

But, the reasons you left the first time are still there. Still haunting you in the back of your mind. Those reasons left your heart broken and bleeding and no matter how much time has passed you can still feel the scars.

I got in a fight like that recently.
Only it wasn't perhaps really with the person I was seeing, but more of the city I was living in.
And that city welcomed me back.
And we danced and danced and danced and danced. Danced until I was sweaty and exhausted. Danced until I collapsed into its arms for a night of warmth, safety and love.
But in the morning....
I remembered.
I remembered the hurt, pain and heartbreak.
I remembered when my heart bled.

And...
I remembered why I left in the first place.
and yet...
Scared, wounded and cautious...
I'm still willing to give this city another chance.

The very best of....

I was thinking today about how there are some blog posts I've written that have gotten buried. They have been funny, informative, inspirational or whatever. Perhaps it was my own desire to read the brilliance that has poured forth from my brain, or perhaps I was just reminiscing. Either way, I wanted to put together an all time 'best of' blog post page.
These are some of my very favorites, Enjoy.

Best Transportation Adventure

Best Self Observation

Best Zombie vs Vampire war

Best Dirty Post

Best Rant

Best 'Out of the Office'

Best Secret

Best ever

Don't forget to check out my new pages!

$.99 at a time...

Available now for just $.99:

Here on Kindle
and Here on Nook

This is the first in a series I have been working on, and for you, my gentle readers of this blog, YOU get a sneak peek, an exclusive preview of the next two books coming soon!

and

Let me know what you think.

...By the people, For the people...

‎
"The first rays of light have broken upon the night sky heralding a new dawn after the darkest of hours. A song of change has been heard. A chant of hope, a group of people who speak of a better tomorrow, a brighter future and a more effective (and efficient) form of 'government'.... Ruled by the people, for the people. A new era of democracy is upon us. The kind our founding fathers could only dream of."

Educate yourself.

Opinion on #occupywallstreet - UPDATED + Again

I've heard many of the critiques of the movement, saying everything from:
"They need a unified message"
to
"They need a list of demands"

But, I see those critiques and requests as nothing more than a way to figure out how to pacify the people and make this movement just 'go away'.

#OccupyWallStreet will never "Go Away", I guarantee you that.

Well, then, what is this about?
Everything.
That's the thing about the movement, it includes everyone, regardless of race, gender, age, political orientation, sexual orientation or what-have-you. Everyone has an opinion, everyone has a grievance, and everyone has a reason for their voice to be heard.
EVERYONE has one demand.

Who is everyone?
Everyone is the 99% of people who have received the short end of the stick. The people who pay too much in taxes, people whose homes have been foreclosed, people who have lost their retirement in Ponzi schemes and Enron scandals, people who have no food to put on the table for their kids, people who work 60 hours a week for minimum wage with no health insurance and people who are just plain sick and tired of not being heard. We are the 99% who have to split a very small amount of monetary pie. It includes everyone from
Grannies for peace

to Pilot Unions, Teachers Unions, and Mass Transit Unions.

To even our most recent Middle-East war Vet's

(on a side-note, my sister is being deployed to Afghanistan in the next two weeks. God-speed sis, I love you. Come back safe.)

and...
Where are you?

Facts are:
There isn't just one demand - that is what makes this beautiful.
There isn't just one person - that is what makes this powerful.
There isn't just one place - it is spreading.
This is why the movement is growing. This is why the movement will not go away.
The power is the people.

United We Stand!

It is not longer about race, gender, position, age or sexual orientation. It is about all of us. It is about humanity.
It is about existence.
It is about democracy.

An un-defined, un-leadered, un-organized, beautiful, organically growing movement that is history in the making.

Are you going to be a part of it?

UPDATE:
I found this great article on Inequality in America (p.s. it is greater than Egypt, Tunisia or Yemen).
And another great article published in Vanity Fair.

A great article in Huffington Post
"Occupy Wall Street may expose the Achilles' heel of many other civil protests. Occupy Wall Street has no repeated cheer to stop coal mining, or to grant civil rights, or even to end a war. This protest cannot be boiled down to a simple soundbite because this protest is ambitiously seeking a complex, fundamental, philosophical change in the social, political, and economic infrastructure of our country. (Try feeding that line to Katie Couric before she goes on the air and see what kind of terrified, vacuous stare you get in return.)"


“Education is a human right with immense power to transform. On its foundation rest the cornerstones of freedom, democracy and sustainable human development.” ~ Kofi Annan