Obviously, someone put this outdoors--from the background. Are they trying to warn drivers? Guess more than deer to fear hitting your car with in this place. LOL
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Fantasci 2010
On Saturday, June 26, 2010, we got up at 4 a.m. in the morning, packed into the car what we didn’t pack into the night before, and by 5:10 a.m. were on our way to Chesapeake, Virginia, where the Chesapeake Central Library and the one-day convention, Fantasci, would be.
By 7:10 a.m. we had arrived. After unloading my stuff and fixing up the table they had for me, at 9 a.m. when the con officially started I was ready. I had a stack on my new book, Spectre Nightmares and Visitations, set up behind a copy on a holder with a raven perching on top. I also had out copies of Haunted Richmond, Virginia, Haunted Virginia: Legends, Myths and True Tales, and some other books written under my pseudonym, Sapphire Phelan. Many other authors, artists, and dealers, along with fan groups like Starfleet Atlantic and Tidewater Alliance, also had everything set up on their tables. Across from me a couple of guys were putting together the Klingon jail.
That’s right: a Klingon jail. You know those aliens in Star Trek? The jail was for charity, and people could have friends arrested and put in jail for the most ten minutes. Of course, someone had to pay three dollars to get the jailbird out, but it was all for charity. I even had my husband arrested! I got him out too, just in time to watch my table as I headed for my first panel with fantasy author Leona Wisoker on world building at noon.
The second panel I was on, Quick writing was hilarious as always, where audience members gave us key words to put in a story, that each author contributed the beginning, the middle and the end to.
Not long after that panel, it was time to pack up and leave the library. We headed over to an author friend’s house nearby for a barbecue. We finally got home around 11:36 p.m. It was a good day.
And yes, my new book sold well!
Check out the photos above from Fantasci. And for those who missed it, bookmark the official website to know when Fantasci returns to the Chesapeake Central Library: http://www.fantasciconvention.com/
By 7:10 a.m. we had arrived. After unloading my stuff and fixing up the table they had for me, at 9 a.m. when the con officially started I was ready. I had a stack on my new book, Spectre Nightmares and Visitations, set up behind a copy on a holder with a raven perching on top. I also had out copies of Haunted Richmond, Virginia, Haunted Virginia: Legends, Myths and True Tales, and some other books written under my pseudonym, Sapphire Phelan. Many other authors, artists, and dealers, along with fan groups like Starfleet Atlantic and Tidewater Alliance, also had everything set up on their tables. Across from me a couple of guys were putting together the Klingon jail.
That’s right: a Klingon jail. You know those aliens in Star Trek? The jail was for charity, and people could have friends arrested and put in jail for the most ten minutes. Of course, someone had to pay three dollars to get the jailbird out, but it was all for charity. I even had my husband arrested! I got him out too, just in time to watch my table as I headed for my first panel with fantasy author Leona Wisoker on world building at noon.
The second panel I was on, Quick writing was hilarious as always, where audience members gave us key words to put in a story, that each author contributed the beginning, the middle and the end to.
Not long after that panel, it was time to pack up and leave the library. We headed over to an author friend’s house nearby for a barbecue. We finally got home around 11:36 p.m. It was a good day.
And yes, my new book sold well!
Check out the photos above from Fantasci. And for those who missed it, bookmark the official website to know when Fantasci returns to the Chesapeake Central Library: http://www.fantasciconvention.com/
Friday, June 25, 2010
FOUR QUESTIONS FRIDAY
Four Questions Friday asks about what do you do to keep cool these hot summer days.
1. Is it hot right now where you are at?
2. When you are outside, how do you keep cool?
3. What your favorite indoor thing to do where it's air conditioned?
4. What's your favorite thing to do outside even when it's very hot?
1. Is it hot right now where you are at?
2. When you are outside, how do you keep cool?
3. What your favorite indoor thing to do where it's air conditioned?
4. What's your favorite thing to do outside even when it's very hot?
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
WEIRD WEDNESDAY
Check out this hanging rhino statue from someplace called Potsdam. Wonder what they are trying to convey here?
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Catch Me at Fantasci This Saturday, June 26th--Chesapeake, Virginia
I will be a author guest at Fantasci 2010 this Saturday, June 26th. The free, one-day science fiction, fantasy, horror and paranormal convention will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Chesapeake Central Library 298 Cedar Road Chesapeake, Virginia 23322. If you need directions or more informations, you can call the library at 757-410-7100. There'll be panels (I'll be doing two of them--one at Noon and the other at 2:30 p.m.)--http://www.fantasciconvention.com/programs.html . PLus there'll be free giveaways, books for sale (like mine), authors, artists, fan groups and special guest like Dr. Madblood. And all are welcome--including kids.
I will be premiering the print version of my collection of short horror/dark fantasy stories, Spectre Nightmares and Visitations , so a good time to get it and get it signed. So stop by my table to get your copy.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Father's Day
My father was someone who took me fishing, let me help him in the vegetable garden, and told me tales. I was close to him and when he passed away due to a heart attack in November 1974, I was devastated. It took me a while, until winter 1975, before I realized he was in a better place, free of the pain he suffered through. That he was still with me and that death couldn't separate us.
Today, thirty-six years later, I give myself a few minutes to remember him. He wasn't perfect, but still, he was my Dad. Someone who marked my life to where I am today. I like to think he is watching from Heaven with pride that I am a published author, that I got to act in some movies and on stage. But most of all, that he keeps an eye on me. Just like a father would do.
Father's Day was set aside in 1910, thanks to Sonora Smart Dodd, because she wanted to clebrate what her father had done for her. And it wasn't until 1966, when President Lyndon B. Johnson made the third Sunday of June Father's Daythe static date we know today.
My thought is that though there are special days set aside for fathers and mothers, that you should honor them all the other 363 days of the year. Love has no boundaries or set dates.
Today, thirty-six years later, I give myself a few minutes to remember him. He wasn't perfect, but still, he was my Dad. Someone who marked my life to where I am today. I like to think he is watching from Heaven with pride that I am a published author, that I got to act in some movies and on stage. But most of all, that he keeps an eye on me. Just like a father would do.
Father's Day was set aside in 1910, thanks to Sonora Smart Dodd, because she wanted to clebrate what her father had done for her. And it wasn't until 1966, when President Lyndon B. Johnson made the third Sunday of June Father's Daythe static date we know today.
My thought is that though there are special days set aside for fathers and mothers, that you should honor them all the other 363 days of the year. Love has no boundaries or set dates.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Four Questions Friday
Since I do write dark fiction and have my collection of short horror/dark fantasy stories coming out in print, Four Questions Friday asks about fear and what scares you.
1. What is the most scariest nightmare you ever had?
2. What was the one horror novel you read that frightened you over all others?
3. Can you give the name of one good horror novel you think others should read?
1. What is the most scariest nightmare you ever had?
2. What was the one horror novel you read that frightened you over all others?
3. Can you give the name of one good horror novel you think others should read?
4. Do you have a phobia, and what is it?
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
WEIRD WEDNESDAY
Today's Weird Wednesday picture is a pod house!? What do you think it is used for (and no, I don't know where this place is at)?
Friday, June 11, 2010
FOUR QUESTIONS FRIDAY
Since I had a guest blogger this week, talking about dreams and more, here are four questions asking about dreams.
1. Do you believe dreams can be psychic intuitions or just dreams, nothing more?
2. Have you ever read a book on interpreting dreams ever in your life?
3. What was your most scariest nightmare?
4. What dream led you to do something in your waking life you never thought you have done if you haven't dreamt it?
1. Do you believe dreams can be psychic intuitions or just dreams, nothing more?
2. Have you ever read a book on interpreting dreams ever in your life?
3. What was your most scariest nightmare?
4. What dream led you to do something in your waking life you never thought you have done if you haven't dreamt it?
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
WEIRD WEDNESDAY
I am not even going to ask how the shark (surely not a real one) crashed into this building. Or did it crash into the roof? On purpose?
Monday, June 07, 2010
The Sorcerer's Dream: An Initiation into the Sorcerer's World
Today, author Alysa Braceau about her book, About the Sorcerer's Dream: An Initiation into the Sorcerer's World. Welcome her, and do leave a her a comment. If you do, leave your email if possible too, as you might win something if your name is picked!
About The Sorcerer’s Dream: An Initiation into the Sorcerer’s World:
This is the autobiographical story of a young woman bumping into the enigmatic sorcerer Running Deer and her initiation into the sorcerer’s world and mastering conscious dreaming. It takes the reader throughout the magic realms of the unknown and gives a new approach to the traditional training of women sorcerers.
The riveting autobiographical account The Sorcerer’s Dream written by Dreamshield takes the reader throughout the magic realms of the unknown and mastering conscious dreaming. This book, following the traditions of Carlos Castaneda and others, gives a new approach to the traditional training of women sorcerers.
The author describes her initiation into the surrealistic world of dreaming and magic, following the teachings of ‘Man of Knowledge’ Running Deer. In the heart of Amsterdam, a thrilling stride unfolds in obtaining the knowledge of the Second Reality on the way to the ultimate goal: finding the Totality of the Self!
The combination of unusual instructions and experiences within the sorcerer’s world and the level-headedness of a very Dutch woman offers the reader excitement and contemplation on the way to the source of this reality, finding the ultimate self through the experiences and understanding of Dreamshield herself. Up until the last page the reader remains intrigued whether Dreamshield will reach her goal.
Right by the author’s side or facing her stands the character of Running Deer. Sometimes mysterious, then challenging, strict as a guru, or vulnerable as a visitor in a foreign country. However, the precise description of these distinctive steps on the road to her initiation stand like milestones in the landscape of this unique history.
In The Sorcerer’s Dream, my initiation into the sorcerer’s world, I describe among others, techniques for mastering conscious dreaming. The following is a short excerpt which gives you an impression of mastering this skill.
Travel with your dream bodyLearn to dream consciously
Conscious dreaming gives you a great feeling. If you dream consciously (dreaming while being aware that you are dreaming), you have control over events. Or at least the realization that you can control the situation. There will be a day that you can instruct yourself to dream about something; to fly like a bird or to meet a deceased loved one.
Learning to dream consciously really starts with attentiveness, being aware of your surroundings and your actions in daily life. And by writing down your dreams and to leave no detail behind, it becomes clearer what has happened in the dream and that gives you an overall awareness. If you are aware of this reality and consciously deal with your dreams, you will find out that your dreams develop and that you become conscious in your dreams.
In my book The Sorcerer’s Dream I describe techniques by which you can achieve conscious dreaming in about 4 weeks. And to give you a foretaste: with the technique described below you build so much energy to develop a dream body by which you can travel outside known reality to the boundless second reality of dreaming and creativity. And it finally takes you to totality where will you discover and be aware that you are creating your own reality.
Finding the dream stoneWith the following exercise, you learn conscious dreaming and develop a dream body.
Take any kind of stone and study it in detail, you need to know it inside and out, every line, every dent, every outline. Then visualize the stone between your inner eye - the place between your eyebrows. Practice as long as it takes to get it in your mind and aim at finding the stone in dreaming within the next ten days. And then you start counting down the days until you find it. When you don’t find it within that time then you start all over again, until you get it right.
Before going to sleep you look at the stone in detail and place it somewhere near, close your eyes and visualize the stone on the inside of your inner eye. Then it is important to become conscious of the moment right before you fall asleep. At that specific moment you visualize the stone immediately inside your inner eye and you will find out that you get dream flashes which you can fixate or stop as an exercise in order to start mastering your dreams.
It’s actually enough to have the intention to be conscious and that you will stop your dreaming before falling asleep. Attempt it.
Aim to wake up consciously every morning and let your inner eye visualize the stone. Pick up the stone and move it closer from an arm’s length to the tip of your nose as if the stone is coming towards you. And do not forget to repeat to yourself that you will find the stone.
Good luck! May your dreams come true.
Dreamshield
We invite you to join Alysa on the virtual tour for The Sorcerer’s Dream by Alysa Braceau (Dreamshield). The full schedule can be seen at http://bookpromotionservices.com/2010/05/03/sorcerers-dream. Learn much more about Dreamshield and her work on her website – www.dreamshield.nl. The book can be ordered on Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Sorcerers-Dream-Dreamshield-Alysa-Braceau/dp/1609101561. SPECIAL OFFER - Every time you post a comment on any tour post - you will be entered into a drawing for a $35 Amazon gift card -- so, share your thoughts with her.
About Alysa Baceau, Dreamshield
Dreamshield (Alysa Braceau) studied social work and is a freelance journalist who writes for newspapers and magazines. She has a Healing Practice and gives workshops about the Art of Mastering Conscious Dreaming and Dream Healing.
In The Sorcerer’s Dream, my initiation into the sorcerer’s world, I describe among others, techniques for mastering conscious dreaming. The following is a short excerpt which gives you an impression of mastering this skill.
Travel with your dream bodyLearn to dream consciously
Conscious dreaming gives you a great feeling. If you dream consciously (dreaming while being aware that you are dreaming), you have control over events. Or at least the realization that you can control the situation. There will be a day that you can instruct yourself to dream about something; to fly like a bird or to meet a deceased loved one.
Learning to dream consciously really starts with attentiveness, being aware of your surroundings and your actions in daily life. And by writing down your dreams and to leave no detail behind, it becomes clearer what has happened in the dream and that gives you an overall awareness. If you are aware of this reality and consciously deal with your dreams, you will find out that your dreams develop and that you become conscious in your dreams.
In my book The Sorcerer’s Dream I describe techniques by which you can achieve conscious dreaming in about 4 weeks. And to give you a foretaste: with the technique described below you build so much energy to develop a dream body by which you can travel outside known reality to the boundless second reality of dreaming and creativity. And it finally takes you to totality where will you discover and be aware that you are creating your own reality.
Finding the dream stoneWith the following exercise, you learn conscious dreaming and develop a dream body.
Take any kind of stone and study it in detail, you need to know it inside and out, every line, every dent, every outline. Then visualize the stone between your inner eye - the place between your eyebrows. Practice as long as it takes to get it in your mind and aim at finding the stone in dreaming within the next ten days. And then you start counting down the days until you find it. When you don’t find it within that time then you start all over again, until you get it right.
Before going to sleep you look at the stone in detail and place it somewhere near, close your eyes and visualize the stone on the inside of your inner eye. Then it is important to become conscious of the moment right before you fall asleep. At that specific moment you visualize the stone immediately inside your inner eye and you will find out that you get dream flashes which you can fixate or stop as an exercise in order to start mastering your dreams.
It’s actually enough to have the intention to be conscious and that you will stop your dreaming before falling asleep. Attempt it.
Aim to wake up consciously every morning and let your inner eye visualize the stone. Pick up the stone and move it closer from an arm’s length to the tip of your nose as if the stone is coming towards you. And do not forget to repeat to yourself that you will find the stone.
Good luck! May your dreams come true.
Dreamshield
We invite you to join Alysa on the virtual tour for The Sorcerer’s Dream by Alysa Braceau (Dreamshield). The full schedule can be seen at http://bookpromotionservices.com/2010/05/03/sorcerers-dream. Learn much more about Dreamshield and her work on her website – www.dreamshield.nl. The book can be ordered on Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Sorcerers-Dream-Dreamshield-Alysa-Braceau/dp/1609101561. SPECIAL OFFER - Every time you post a comment on any tour post - you will be entered into a drawing for a $35 Amazon gift card -- so, share your thoughts with her.
About Alysa Baceau, Dreamshield
Dreamshield (Alysa Braceau) studied social work and is a freelance journalist who writes for newspapers and magazines. She has a Healing Practice and gives workshops about the Art of Mastering Conscious Dreaming and Dream Healing.
Friday, June 04, 2010
FOUR QUESTIONS FRIDAY
Today's Four Questions Friday asks about history.
1. Do you ever attend events that have to do with history?
2. Have you ever been to a museum?
3. Have you ever done reenactments with any of the groups out there: like Civil War, SCA, etc...?
4. What is your favorite time in history that you like to read books set in or even see movies?
1. Do you ever attend events that have to do with history?
2. Have you ever been to a museum?
3. Have you ever done reenactments with any of the groups out there: like Civil War, SCA, etc...?
4. What is your favorite time in history that you like to read books set in or even see movies?
