Writers' palaver

John Bagnato (he wrote a book in 2006 called "The Dupree Legacy") is very funny. He's been giving me some fantastic criticism and advice, really delving into the characters (Why does Kara's wolf spirit appear when she's stressed? Is there another way you can differentiate between telepathic speech and internal monologue? Do the twins have a secret twin language? KISS, of course.)
He's sent me some of his short stories, and they're wonderful. He uses action more than explanation to describe what's happening; his stories are extremely character driven, and I'm left in shock thinking, "Oh, that poor kid, he should have gotten a prosthetic arm and kicked mobster ass to avenge his parents' murders in style!"
He told me it was okay if I ever wanted to tell him to bug off, and I said hell no, this was great. I need this. I need someone in the industry to tell me, "This works, this doesn't, try this, don't do that, for the love of God never ever do this, always do that, keep going, find your voice and keep it. Oh, hey, that was unique and interesting, keep doing that."

Because of him, I am going through each chapter with a fine-toothed comb. And no longer wincing. Writers are so hard on themselves.

Oh, and Tristan, I'll send you Chapter Two tonight. I went to my roommate's birthday party last night and didn't get a chance to play on my laptop for very long. Okay, so I also just plain forgot. This will remind me.

My Butterfly, My Psyche

And this brings my spirit soaring, knowing that I had such an integral part in its creation:
Walk In Beauty's Psyche Body Lotion
Originally, months ago, I had requested a custom blend Harmony Elixir Spray, which can be used for perfume. I wanted oils of Wild Rose, Orchid, and Chamomile-Neroli. When I got it, I fell so deeply in love with the scent that I asked Vicki if it could one day become a lotion. After several weeks and a lot of emails, Vicki told me that she was sending me a gift with the order I'd placed then. When my package arrived, I yelled in happy surprise and danced around: Vicki had made a test bottle of the Psyche Body Lotion, complete with the image I had emailed her. I actually just now ran out of that bottle, so the lotion's debut makes me very, very happy.
The scent really is divine, you know: orchid, wild rose, chamomile, neroli. That's the scent blend I'd dreamed up, along with the image of the goddess and the butterflies. And this lotion has goji berries, making it even more unique. Vicki has infused the lotion with all the oils, extracts, butters, harmonic essences, and flower essences that I love. She also infused it with qi energy, and has suggested that I use it to anoint my chakras, and to massage it into any sore and painful muscles. Vicki is a certified Qigong instructor and infuses all her products with Qigong and Reiki energy. I firmly believe that one can infuse inanimate things, even skin care products, with healing energy. I don't believe it necessarily does anything except promote a powerful sense of harmony, healing, well-being and peace; but that is really all it needs to do.
When I first tried the lotion, I really did feel so tranquil and at peace and serene, and my body immediately relaxed as my mind went to a place it often goes when I meditate deeply. The blend of essential oils and flower essences wrapped around my senses like silk. Pain melted away, replaced by joy and love. I can only imagine how strong the debut blend is now.

This is my baby. Vicki will send me a bottle as a "birthing" gift.

I am incredibly proud.