Hi ho, MMMLOGerinos!

PREPARING FOR DISASTER--PERSONAL AND OTHERWISE

I'm as optimistic, perhaps more so, as the next person. I suffer what may be considered a stunning defeat and eventually come back hard--after a good deal of swearing and "why-meing". Yet, deep within lies an urgency, a compulsion to hedge my bets on a universally bright tomorrow.

Perhaps this started when I was a small child in the northwestern Arizona desert town where some startlingly "independent and interesting" folks resided until corralled at 24th and Van Buren in Phoenix, the state hospital. One such fellow drove a late 1940s vintage white cockroach-shaped car painted with warnings of a dire nature. He called himself, his car, the Human Radio. It seemed that every time we went downtown, his rolling billboard was parked at the library, the post office, next to us! Scared me spitless as I knew and felt his abject fear of the terrible world in which we lived. I couldn't resolve the feelings or the fear, just as he apparently couldn't, though he tried mightily via his painted messages on his car and driving around town.

I mentioned the Human Radio to my mother some weeks ago and her response was, "There were many crazy old guys like that after the war." Oh my. Perhaps they weren't the only ones reacting to fearful times. Remember the Cold War, the Cuban Missile Crisis? My mother once asked us kids which we'd like to have, a swimming pool or a cabin in the mountains. We voted for the pool and Mom bought the cabin in the mountains. What I really wanted was a fallout shelter! I realize now that I was again intuiting, feeling, the generalize fear of a nation and personalizing it.

The government, FEMA and other agencies have been warning us for a very long time to prepare for whatever disruption in services. Here in the Seattle area, it's earthquake and possible tsunami. We're advised to have supplies, food and water enough for the family for 72 hours in case water, power and other services are disrupted. I wonder how many actually prepare? After much experience, many people in the hurricane regions seem to have it down. They usually evacuate when advised to and maintain a disaster prep kit. Others don't want to leave, or get stuck on the roads, become caught in the disaster and dependant upon emergency services, which can't possibly help everyone. People suffer. We rally to help them and our desire to help with prayer, money, disaster relief volunteerism proves our best hour, collectively and personally.

To my thinking, we can all do more to help our people, our nation, ourselves in such events. We can plan ahead, ask ourselves--what would I do if there were no one to rescue me? Where would I go if I had to leave my home? What would I do if my cell phone didn't work and my car was stuck on the freeway in a twenty mile backup? If I had to stay put in a disaster, do I have enough food, medicine and emergency supplies for my family, my pets? We can lessen the strain on our emergency response systems by taking it upon ourselves to plan and prepare for whatever possible disaster that might befall us in our region of the country or when we travel.

Preparation isn't a negative reaction to fear. It's a proactive response born in striving for independence and not expecting the government agencies to take care of us. I don't know about you, but I don't want to find myself with no place to go and with twenty-five thousands other disaster victims in a sports stadium without a roof in stifling heat and overflowing toilets, lining up for hours to get my MRE for the day. However, if despite my planning and preparation, I should end up in such a situation, I know I'll be glad for the help of the American people. Though I do know that I'm much more comfortable giving aid and will do everything I can to keep myself able render aid rather than be a recipient of it.

I know, these are bold words for a one-eyed fat man . . . but that's the way I feel today as I send prayers and all the material help I can to the hurricane victims. I can't donate blood to the Red Cross. They won't take it because I lived in England with the other mad cows and Englishmen who go out in the noonday sun and eat beef.

Ciao, ciao, MMMMMMMMMMMMMMelinda

Hi ho, MMMLOGerinos!

I've gotten another wonderful review of ESSENCE OF TRUST from Coffee Time Reviews'Cassandra, who's given the book a rating of 4 Cups!

(Click on the title to purchase an autographed copy at great discount and a receive free copy of GHOSTLY ACTS, my first book!)


ESSENCE OF TRUST
MELINDA RUCKER HAYNES
ISBN: 1-59414-116-9
May 2005
Five Star Publishing
295 Kennedy Memorial Dr., Waterville, ME 04901
Hardcover,$26.95, 253 pages
Paranormal Romance/Suspense
Rating: 4 Cups

Rian Farsante, a former psychic spy, now devotes her abilities to help people realize their spiritual potential. Rian has a vision where she sees her godson Marty and his parents Michael and Dorel in danger. She does not want to contact her former fiance and godfather to Marty, Jonathan Spencer, about Marty but feels she has no choice.

Jonathan Spencer wants to recreate the Swords of Balance. Spence has delved into the darkness of the sexual ritual but has had no success in recreating the swords. He thinks he will be able to defeat their enemies once and for all with the swords. But Rian refuses to help him thinking it will be their deaths, even though she originally created the swords in a past life for Spence. Spence grows farther apart from his friends as he tries to recreate the swords.

When Rian contacts Spence about Marty being in danger, he thinks she is playing with his mind. Spence realizes that Rian is correct when Marty is kidnapped by their old enemy, Ian Stoddard. Ian is convinced that Marty is the One, the Essence, and he wants control of that power. Spence will do whatever it takes to get the swords and Marty back. Can Rian pull Spence back to the light and show him he is going down the path of destruction before it is too late?

Essence of Trust has everything from reincarnation, Egyptian gods, Native American spirit warriors, tantric sex, and ancient samurai swords creating a complex story that will leave you spellbound. The six characters' development is important to the plot. This book is the third book in the Eternal Trust saga. Not having read the other two books, I was able to follow along with the storyline. Ms. Haynes has created a romance that lingers long after you close the book. You will not be disappointed with this non-conventional romance.

Cassandra
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance


How about that!
Ciao, ciao, MMMMMMMMMMMMMmmelinda

Hi ho, MMMLOGerinos!

Our master horror writer pal, John Dark honored me with a read of my first book, a young adult paranormal,GHOSTLY ACTS

John writes:
"Wanted to let you know I just finished a great book by someone with initials M.R.H.. You of course. It was Ghostly Acts and I had a blast reading it. The characters all were very interesting and how Ele and Eugene continuously were messing with each other reminded me of what went on between me and my brother and sister. The romance in Ghostly Acts developed in a funny and believable way and I absolutely loved the bad guys. Those were guys you loved to hate and they were incredibly funny. There were also a lot of good messages all the way through the book about trying to see things from others points of view. It was a very good novel. The only problem was I didn't want it to end. You have a way of pulling readers into the story that is wonderful. The worlds you create people don't want to leave. Thanks for writing that one. I had fun reading it."

Author Activism
John Dark has just finished a first draft of his new book, Blood On Celluloid. His process is to let the draft sit for a few months before typing it and cleaning it up, fixing whatever problems he finds. He writes everything in longhand then types it later. John says "any profits from the book are going to ECPAT. There is a problem in the Orient with children being taken from their homes (either bought from poor families or kidnapped) and being put into prostitution. In some Asian countries it's not even illegal to do this. It's an ugly subject and hard to look at. BOC was designed to bring some awareness to the problem. Writing a book that integrates that problem into a work of fiction was not easy."

Like John Dark and other writers, I also try to shine an awakening light on societal problems. My current author activism takes the form of writing romance novels that give hope and inspiration to the victims of domestic violence. I also donate ten percent of every sale on this site to Domestic Abuse Women's Network (DAWN). Check out THE LIST for more romance novels by writers that deal with the issue of domestic violence and offer hope to DV victims.

Greater Seattle RWA's Emerald City Writers Conference, October 7,8,9, 2005 donates a generous portion of their annual bookfair to DAWN. Click Register for the conference. I'll be giving a couple of great workshops and hope to see you there!

Ciao, ciao, MMMMMMMMMMMMMmelinda

Hi ho, MMMLOGerinos!

Yup, Red Therapy has landed back in Seattle and the DH took off for Shanghai. It's the Airedale and I holding down the fort for the next few. The DH is also going to get to see our son in Japan, lucky guy!

As you may know we buzzed down to Arizona for my high school class reunion, and don't ask me which one it was. Though it was the first one I was able to attend in these many years since I graduated. It was truly amazing to see everyone and try to catch up, which proved rather difficult as we all had many years of the life to cover. Speaking of older women and our precious perspective . . . a friend sent me the following piece by Andy Rooney of 60 Minutes on women over 50:

As I grow in age, I value women who are over 50 most of all.
Here are just a few reasons why:

A woman over 50 will not lay next to you in bed and
ask, "What are you thinking?" She doesn't care
what you think.

If a woman over 50 doesn't want to watch the game,
she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does
something she wants to do. And, it's usually
something more interesting.

A woman over 50 knows herself well enough to be
assured in who she is, what she is, what she wants
and from whom. Few women past the age of 50 give a
damn what you might think about her or what she's
doing.

Women over 50 are dignified. They seldom have a
screaming match with you at the opera or in the
middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you
deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you, if
they think they can get away with it.

Older women are generous with praise, often
undeserved. They know what it's like to be
unappreciated.

A woman over 50 has the self-assurance to introduce
you to her women friends. A younger woman with a man
will often ignore even her best friend because she
doesn't trust the guy with other women Women over
50 couldn't care less if you're attracted to her
friends because she knows her friends won't betray her.

Women get psychic as they age. You never have to
confess your sins to a woman over 50. They always know.

A woman over 50 looks good wearing bright red
lipstick. This is not true of younger women or drag
queens. Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman
over 50 is far sexier than her younger counterpart.

Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell
you right off if you are a jerk if you are acting
like one! You don't ever have to wonder where you
stand with her.

Yes, we praise women over 50 for a multitude of
reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocated. For
every stunning, smart, well-coiffed hot woman of
50+, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants
making a fool of himself with some 22-year-old
waitress. Ladies, I apologize.

For all those men who say, "Why buy the cow when you
can get the milk for free." Here's an update for
you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage.
Why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an
entire pig, just to get a little sausage.
(By Andy Rooney)

Ciao, ciao, MMMMMMMMMMMMMmmelinda

Hi ho, MMMLogerinos!

NEW! ~ NEW! ~ NEW! ~ NEW! ~ NEW! ~ NEW! ~ NEW!
New Online Workshop Scheduled
April 1-30, 2006 Online Workshop Presented by Earthly Charms: MMMMelinda's Motivating Your Plot and Your Life. This is a month-long online workshop and costs only $15. Go to WORKSHOPS for more information on the content. Register at Earthly Charms.

NEW! ~ NEW! ~ NEW! ~ NEW! ~ NEW! ~ NEW! ~ NEW!
The August Melinda's Creative Centre e-Newsletter is out. Please email Melinda if you haven't received yours.

NEW! ~ NEW! ~ NEW! ~ NEW! ~ NEW! ~ NEW! ~ NEW!
10% of all MMMmmmmelinda's website book, CD and creative development tool sales will be donated to Domestic Abuse Women's Network.


Writing Talk--Heroic Visualizing
Have you ever noticed that your ideas hit you not on demand but at the strangest times? Like when you're washing dishes, taking a shower, driving to work. Or, as happens to me, in dreams that I'll forget if I don't write them down immediately.

During a class I was teaching one of the students was having a problem with visualizing her story's hero. I suggested meditating about the hero in the following way: sit quietly where you won't be disturbed and allow your eyes to close. Indulge in some lovely deep breaths as you form your intention to "see" your hero's features . . .

Now, the interesting thing about framing intention to perceive the hero's features can mean a lot more to your subconscious than an intention such as: I want to have a clear picture of the hero's face, etc. Perhaps the important thing about the hero that you may not have been "clear" on, is some facet of his personality or history/backstory that is affecting him within the timeline of your story and can be shown by his mannerisms, choice of dress, or way of talking.

For this exercise, you might imagine that he is sitting across from you and begin to dialogue with him. Ask him what his favorite feature is, and his least favorite and other questions that might "flesh" him out to you. Ask him what he wants readers to know about him or how he wants them to see him BUT how he believes or knows they will see him. Take notes or speak into a tape recorder.

This really works! I've done it with my characters who are hiding something from me. It's very illuminating and a kind of a variation on the Gestalt chair dialoguing of the early 70s, which my fellow therapists may remember.

Try it and have a wonderful time!

Vacation Time Approacheth
Remember, Guys, the DH and I are heading out on a road trip at the end of this week. I'll try to MMMLOG along the way, but please have patience--are you hearing me, Kansas Heckler?

Ciao, ciao, MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMelinda

Hi ho, MMMlogerinos!

SOUL FRIENDS
It has been said that one is made by one's friends. I would count myself so blessed as I have great friends who are lovely, talented souls that support and teach me.

As you may know I ascribe to the notion of past lives. I really like the idea of the universe working that way, sort of a competency-based education plan, if you will. You keep coming here, or there, for certain lessons, to teach and learn, until you get it right and achieve a level of competency and move along. Suits my Obi Wan anthem, "Move along, move along."

I study, research and write about the concept of soul groups. The same souls keep coming around together with agreements for various teachings and learnings among themselves, playing roles for each other that offer the best opportunities for the souls to achieve their goals for a given life.

Haven't you seen someone you were instantly drawn to and you couldn't explain why? Aside from my DH, one other person I absolutely HAD to met and get to know many years ago was famed Pacific Northwest guitarist and song writer, Kathye Long. I saw her at an aerobics class some fifteen years ago. She was very reserved, quiet and business-like, there to get the job done. I was there to play, meet new people and immediately turn beet-red when I exercise, puny blonde athlete-wannabe that I am. I finally wore Kathye down and discovered a rare treasure--she's vastly talented, a cleverly funny smartass and a very kind, generous soul. I'm sure hoping I have a pre-life agreement with her that goes something like this--she brings hope and inspiration into my later life with beautiful music and friendship, which I earned for some great sacrifice of self like saving children from a burning building in a past life, or something.

In any case--Kathye, thank you for your latest encouragement!

Childhood Issues
Okay, I grew up in northwestern Arizona and surrounded by a certain attitude--those "prunelanders" are gonna take over someday. In homage to my pretty much dissolved roots of Californian-phobia, case in point--my DH is a third-generation "prunelander", I offer the following joke from a former classmate, Dan Harshberger:

Four Women on a Road Trip

Four women were driving across the country. Each one was from a different
state: Idaho, Nebraska, Arizona and California.

Shortly after the trip began, the woman from Idaho started pulling potatoes from her bag and throwing them out of the window. "What the heck are you doing?" demanded the Californian. "We have so many of these darn things in Idaho, I am just sick of looking at them!" the woman from Idaho answered.

A moment later, the gal from Nebraska began pulling ears of corn from her bag and tossing them from the window. "What are you doing that for?" asked the lady from Arizona. "We have so many of these things in Nebraska, I am just sick of looking at them!" the Nebraskan replied.

Inspired, the lady from Arizona opened the car door and pushed the Californian out.

Ciao, ciao, MMMMMMMMMMMelinda

Hi ho, MMMlogerinos!

If You Are What You Eat . . .
then I'm a walking snack chip--all greasy and salty. That's how my cholesterol read a few months ago, anyway, when Dr. Kelley wrote "Bad! Bad! Bad!" across the top of the report. Today we have finally achieved mind/body agreement and say--we've had enough! And the reason is last night I suffered with pain in the upper right abdomen--yeah, where that little organ is feeling kinda angry. So, for the next few I'm enjoying no solid food, no fat to be sure, no salt and all the detoxifying pure apple juice and alfalfa tea I can drink. Oh ugh. But I'm feeling better, the pain has diminished and I'm planning on living to get these proposals out of here as well as pack to go on vacation next week.

I've got to get back at it and will let you know tomorrow how fabulous I'm feeling.

Ciao, ciao, MMMMMMMMMMMMmelinda

Hi ho, MMMlogerinos!

Ladies Keep Quiet
That's what many grandmothers and mothers used to teach their daughers. There's a place and a time to disagree, to air grievances, but mostly ladies should keep quiet about their problems to anyone else but family. And it was just wise to keep quiet there, too. I'd so hoped that day was done.

The recent yeeeehaaaa within Romance Writers of America is producing some interesting blogs and list sermonettes. Most are very vocal against the awards ceremony hijacking and one or two others regret the organization's difficulties hadn't been aired in public, especially not in Publishers Weekly. Oh. My. Whatever will the neighbors think? The industry won't respect us in the morning if we let them know we have problems. They won't take us seriously. They'll call us a bunch of women! And not in a good way, either. Yada yada yada. So what?

As Gilda Radner said, "It's always something." As so this is. And it too shall pass or morph into something else that becomes an outlet for the excess energy created when competitive creatives vie against each other for attention, aka publicity, and power or whatever.

Go ahead, put your hands over your ears and repeat after me, "Lalalalalalalalala."

See, much better now.

Ciao, ciao, MMMMMMMMMMMMMelinda

Hi ho, MMMlogerinos!

The Chance of Winning
I get a certain magazine that many Boomers my age won't confess to receiving. In any case, I get the magazine because I joined the organization when I became eligible as my in-laws told me that one of the benefits was great insurance rates on our cars and house. And that's one great benefit! The magazine is full of stuff of interest to a certain demographic. If I see one more article on Alzheimer's I may consider forgetting to read this mag. Though more and more my age group is represented in the articles on health and alternative health care, recreation, investing and spotlights on famous people like rock stars.

One such article in the last issue was about how to retire rich even if you've just started to think about saving, investing and the R word. There was a list of easy ways to save $10 a day which started with make your coffee at home rather than drop $5 at your local Starbucks. That's not going to go over well in Seattle, I'm telling you! Another was stop smoking as a pack of ciggies costs about $7 off the Res. And then gasp--stop playing the lottery! Apparently one woman the author knows spent $9. a week on lottery and over ten years had spent almost $9,000 and won only $200. Okay, I get the point. Like playing the slots, playing the lottery is a sucker bet. But I still invest in Lotto, Quinto and MegaMillions. And yes, I do believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and UFOs, so there!

Not only that, every weekday I listen to Smooth Jazz KWJZ for my name to be drawn in their vacation a day giveaway. And I'm by golly gonna win that one of these first days, as a Montana ranch woman acquaintance used to say. I also listen for my mother-in-law's name and my DH's. I signed 'em up. Wait, it's almost 9:45 when they draw the name. I gotta go. And I must check my ticket for last night's Lotto, too.

Buena suerte, everyone!

Ciao, ciao, MMMMMMMMMMMMelinda

Hi ho, MMMlogerinos!

Many days no MMMlog, the Kansas Heckler reminds me, as I apparently promised to log in on 7/31.

NEW ~ NEW ~ NEW ~ NEW ~ NEW ~ NEW ~ NEW
I'm pleased to announce that 10% of each sale on the site will be donated to Domestic Abuse Women's Network. So, buy lots of books, CDs and creative development tools and help me help women and children victims of domestic violence. Be sure to check out THE LIST of romance novels that give hope and inspiration to DV victims.

NEW ~ NEW ~ NEW ~ NEW ~ NEW ~ NEW ~ NEW
THE SPANISH BLADE wins second place in the RWA Historical Chapter's RTTA contest.
The chapter kindly invited me to attend their annual meeting and awards ceremony at the RWA conference in Reno. Those historical writers know how to throw a lovely party! Beautiful food and goodies abounded. It was a great treat to be included and I was very pleased to have my story honored in the contest that was open to both published and unpublished writers.

A Conference Retort . . .
The twenty-fifth annual conference of Romance Writers of America took place at the Reno Hilton last week. The conference food was actually very good and the rooms . . .well, if Monk had been there with his blue light, OH MY! Old facility and not well maintained. We found out the place wasn't even a Hilton, though paid big $$ to the Hilton corporation to be listed in the Honors program, apparently.

The conference itself was same ole-same ole workshops with punched up titles. I had a lovely lady stop me to say that she'd taken my online plotting workshop in April and then submitted her project to an editor who told her it was the best organized and plotted one she'd ever seen! That thrilled me. I remember her book, a cute and original idea, but rather unfocused. She reworked it perfectly during the class!!!

I caught up with friends Gaye Walton, Cindy Dees, Kathy Grayle and Connie Cox who in turn introduced me to many new friends. Lovely ladies, these, and I'm so grateful for such talented friends. I did enjoy guiding three great writers on an impromptu regression in the PAN lounge. It was wonderful as I'm always so energized by this and didn't choose to take private regression appointments at this conference as I have done in the past. I wanted to relax and just cruise a bit.

Darcy and Lisa did major damage in the hotel shops and casino. Darcy talked me into investing a twenty dollar bill in a penny machine. I promptly lost eight bucks and cashed out. I'd rather invest in a glass of mediocre but drinkable wine than give my money to machine that promises little and delivers frustration. DeeAnna and I retired early on Saturday night while Darcy and Lisa had their last goes with the penny slots after the awards. Yar. We didn't attend the Awards Ceremony, which was held in the theatre. The line of fancy-dressed romance writers waiting to be seated wound through the casino back to the elevators. I don't do lines well and am glad I didn't have to stand for that. Apparently there was some pre-ceremony drama, though exactly what I have no idea. I was glad to get home to my DH and darling dog, who were equally glad to see me.

Now it's head down and elbows tucked, hunching over the keyboard. I've got deadlines, baby!

Ciao, ciao, MMMMMMMMMMMMMelinda