Monday, December 29, 2014

You Reap What You Sow in Seeds

Plant a seed and begin a garden. "Seeds" represents all that we grow in our hearts, minds, and souls. The various colors of the seeds on this plant's branches are showing the different stages of development.


We make plans. Long term plans. Short terms plans. Plans that life throws at us. Each came from a different seed we planted. 

The next time you want something, plant a seed. If you water your intention enough, it will grow.

Thank you.


Sunday, December 28, 2014

How Faces is the Subconscious Consciousness of Your Unconscious Life

Have you every had one of those nightmares you do not really remember but a weird image sets your mind in motion like trying to remember a vague memory? That is "Faces." An indescript manifestation that haunts your waking psyche.


There are holes where eyes should be. Lines where mouths should be. No shape where a head should be.

You would expect such a scene to be on a paranormal investigative program and not in your mind. So what are our nightmares? And why have they followed me into the conscious realm? 

We may never know. 

Thank you.


Friday, December 26, 2014

The Day After Madness Speaks Volumes about Society

'Twas the Day After everyone's holiday of gift giving and filled bellies, and now what?

Shopping! 

Hasn't everyone had enough already? Apparently not and that says volumes about our society. No moral or ethical wherewithal. Shop 'til you drop. Don't be engaged with reality. Just spend, spend, spend. 

What happened to the American Society of Truth, Justice, and the American Way? Have we really not taught our current younger generations about decency or respect? Black Friday, you say? Okay, never mind.

If Generation X cannot walk away from the sin of overspending, then how can their children learn the value of anything? Thanks to cheap foreign labor and corporate greed to give us less for more, we know the cost of things, but not the value.

For instance: if you work for $20 an hour, a $5 toy is 15 minutes worth of your time at work. Mowing someone's lawn for $20, which takes you two hours to do right... that toy now costs you 30 minutes of your sweat. Cost versus Value. Why do we not teach this concept anymore?

It appears we have allowed ourselves to be duped by cheap materialism. We have hoarders. We have people glued to their cellular phones. We have no one paying attention.

So we have Black Fridays. People harming others for trinkets. We have young people who do not take responsibility for their actions. These examples are crimes against the soul.

If our society does not begin to teach value of people, time, labor, paychecks, and things, then we are doomed to be hamsters on the retail shopping wheel for life.

And, condemn future generations with us.


Thursday, December 25, 2014

Hello Cold Front, Good-bye Autumn

Wow.

Phoenix is blustery today. It was kind of warm, anything below 90 is not warm to a desert rat like myself, for a few days and then here is the cold blast. 

Dear Polar Vortex, you can keep it.

That's right, folks, the Arctic can remain in the Arctic. Phoenix is a desert. It is not Detroit 2.0. 

Wind, cold.... then rain on the way. El Nino must be really upset this year. Although I will not argue rain, we always need rain to clean out the dirty atmosphere. 

Last night the AirNow people measured 179 in unhealthy air particulates because people in Phoenix, at 50 degrees, needed to run their fireplaces instead of the ones on Youtube. We live between mountains. There is a cold inversion layer that traps the smog in the general breathable air column. There was no wind. So let's all give smoke inhalation to everyone in the metro area.

The gift that keeps on giving to respiratory illness patients who now are at the ER or sucking on their nebulizers. Yeah, thanks bunches. Now we all have lung gunk to deal with.

Awesome! 

Do not even get me started on the gun shots and perhaps fireworks. Phoenix has become the Third World. Sane people hide in their houses until day break, if you can breathe that is. It is quite upsetting to see such a great place to live become a holiday war zone. 

Bright side, I heard no helicopters last night. Shocker. Usually someone is giving the police a chase through our golf course area. Maybe all the rift raft were too busy impressing others by lighting matches or using firearms. 

Nah, they were stealing people's Christmas lights and scenes. It is really shameful to steal people's decorations. Even for a prank. It is the holidays, not grab bags are us. 

That was cathartic. I got my disappoint right out and in record time. At least me and the kitties are safe and sound. We have pizza and each other. We have more than most.

We are blessed.

For the rest of the year, I am working on art for the Abstracts link. 

Have a Happy and Wonderful Holiday Season.


Wednesday, December 24, 2014

'Twas the Night Before Xmas... Zombie Style

I discovered this rendition of "Twas the Night Before Christmas, but this one is a bit creepy.

Here take a listen: Happy Creepy Christmas.

Enjoy!

Bob Ross: Christmas Eve Snow

Bob Ross.

The name invokes paint and PBS in the memories of those who loved to watch him paint every week. He left us many, many gifts of joy on canvas. Here is one for Christmas Eve:


For the video and the article to this image: visit the VDP Gazette.

The rest of us can reimagine a world with him in it. Miss you, my friend.

Have a safe and wonderful holiday season.


The Holiday Reminder

It’s the holidays again
and you are feeling blue
There are no presents
There is no tree
There is nothing around for you
The bitterness is not from the cold outside
but from your endless empty heart
Hopelessness has taken hold inside
Instead of sitting there wishing
for objects that do not matter
Be thankful for what you do have
for it is probably more than most
Look around and invite friends over
and raise such a clatter!
Drink with a merry toast to all
You do not have to have what is material
or need to feel discontent
As long as love and good cheer
is in everything you do everyday
So open your heart with happiness
and brighten the holidays with a smile
All you need is there for the taking
It is real and alive and waiting
but only if you believe in the goodwill
of all the inhabitants of the Earth
It’s not about religion
It’s not about money
It is the idea that we are more
than a shell of flesh and blood
we are so below as above
spirits with an abundance of love
so throw off the yoke of taking
and begin to receive what is yours
The holidays are not about things
It’s about if you care more for others
than what can be purchased at the stores.


 ---~o0o~---oOo---~o0o~---oOo---~o0o~----oOo---~o0o~---

 Publication Credit: Villa de Paz Gazette. December 24, 2014.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Time Passes When You're Ain't Having a Good Time

Vertigo.

Spin you round and round and you haven't gone anywhere. Awesome! I have been having dizzy spells for a while but today was a full on vertigo episode. 

I guess that is my Yule present this year! 

All I wish for the holidays is to gain some measure of health. Being ill is not fun or a vacation, it is hard work. Plus with everyone burning in their fireplaces... really, in Phoenix? Yeah, it's sooo cold to be smoking the rest of us out of our lungs.

I am in bed like i have been most of this year. I need a new mattress. That's not going to happen either. 

Hmmm... something needs to go right here. What can I think of? Sleep. I can sleep the night and day away. Maybe I will gain enough sleep credits to be well enough to do some writing. 

I think I found my New Year's Resolution. 

Sleep. 

Have a Safe and Wonderful Holiday Season!


Saturday, October 18, 2014

Sleeping the Day Away

Well my body has decided to take epic naps.

I set my alarm for a two hour nap and I wake several hours after that. Even when I rouse to turn off the alarm, my body just says: no way. So it is sleep time. 

With the agriculture, cotton spraying and moldy soil drudging, my body is overwhelmed. Too many airborne toxins, so little time. Plus the geoengineering rampant in the skies above, I am not all psyched about going outside these days.

At least my black and white cats likes to play fetch. He brings me his toy, I throw it, he chases and returns with it. Such smart kitties I have. 

I know totally off the subject of being ill but I am apart of a cat colony. When I don't feel well, toys are brought to me. I either play with them or toys pile up where I usually get out of bed. And I do mean pile. It is not one toy; it is the whole toy box. 

I guess she does not like that toy to play with, we'll bring her the other one, and the other one... oh, and this one too! 

It is hilarious. 

Cat logic. Cat naps. Well, those subjects did go together.

Have a halloweeny kind of day!


Thursday, October 16, 2014

How Lines in the Sky Hurt the Disabled

The second day of GeoEngineering over Phoenix, AZ and my lungs cannot take it anymore.

I feel like getting out my oxygen and sucking on it.... and we're not too far from that now. I hate that corporations and governments are allowing the destruction of our atmosphere. GeoEngineering, Climate Engineering, or Weather Modification, no matter how you spell it; it is poisoning the Earth for nothing. 

Global Warming does not exist, and I have actual facts to back that statement up. The spraying of the entire population like rats and cockroaches has got to end. 

But if you want real information, here is an interview with Dane Wigington about the subject: Investigating Chemtrails and Climate Engineering Cover-Up with Dane Wigington.

Then buzz over to Skyder Alert and become actively involved in creating a better world. 

Have a happy respiratory illness day!

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Migraines, the Gift that Keeps on Giving

It is nice to see some things never change.

Another day, another migraine. This one took me out for several days. Since I suffer from Environmental Illness, I do not get the luxury of pain relief. No medications for me, I am on my own. 

It is great when you add in the skull splitting pain. 

So how was your weekend? My cats were so worried that a shrine of toys was left at my bedside. I get up to get a drink of water and there are cat toys lining the floor. 

At least my kitties are considerate. I am officially apart of their cat colony and when I go down, they take notice. 

Awww, kitty love. 

I hope your day is full of love from your fur friends too. 

Have a scary, fright filled day!

Thursday, October 9, 2014

On the Road Again

It's just not a Willie Nelson song.

Of course, I feel like I have traveled this road one too many times. The street names are all the same and you never cruise above 55 miles an hour. There's something wrong with this road. 

So I have to off road from time to time. I pick some unfamiliar exit and make a mad dash for it. I usually end up in some forest. 

I'm on TV! But, it's not Survivor. It's Finding Bigfoot or Call of the Wildman. 

It seems to be all about the hunt for me. Travel down a road to nowhere for only so long and you are on the prowl. Good thing in reality I do my hunting at the grocery store. 

Things could get messy if civilization wasn't so civilized. 

Still civilization has its drawbacks. We, humans I mean, don't get to nourish our primal instincts, our wild side. 

Movies, tv shows, and marketers like to psychologically target and overemphasize the sexual motivation of our species, but they do not realize that that is not the basis for our urges. It's survival. 

I know a little bit about survival. 

So the next time you write remember what drives your characters. Is it sex? Is it escape? Or, is it the basic instinct of survival? 

One of the best survival mechanisms is to know yourself, and your character. 

Have a happy haunted day! 

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Writing is Such Fun My Cats Help Me

That Steampunk idea really kicked my writing of Blood Oath, Blood War off.

I've written a good solid 15 pages of dialogue. The word count will really rise when I back fill and write all the descriptions. The plot too has expanded.

I am really excited about how the main character Riley Austen is changing from a simple gallery owner into a leader and romantic figure.

In my editing of the finished product, I hope I remain true to its humble beginnings and keep the action moving and the dialogue snappy.

All of which would go a lot faster if my calico cat would stop laying on my lap so i cannot type very well. She is quite the character, especially reaching over the keyboard to stretch and setting of F4 - F8 at times.

Nothing says mommy's little helper like having to reboot my computer.

Have a scary, autumn day!!

Friday, October 3, 2014

Steampunk, Paranormal Romance, and the Age of Alternative History

Awesome.

That is a load of words to say isn't it? I had been reading up on how to write the genre because I have a half done historical novel waiting for a great plot twist. 

My novel is more like a Paranormal Romance slash Historical novel, but I wanted to update it. 

Low and behold, Steampunk incorporates the supernatural. I can do that.

It is an exciting way to revive an old story and it has opened my mind to possibilities. So much so that the new concept has broadened my understanding of  Blood Oath, Blood War. 

And, that's how creativity works. 

One creative epiphany leads to another. So Steampunk can revitalize a historical romance and set in motion more crime-drama in my vampire novel. 

That is why I love writing. You wake up with doubt and leave with hope. 

Have a great and wonderfully spooky day!




My Favorite Time of the Year

It is October. 

I must confess: I never imagined that I would live this long. Not more than four years ago, I was bedridden on oxygen and unable to care for myself.

Instead of proper medical care, my former family and friends sought to abuse me in a manner that is criminal. Now I am having to deal with their immature and criminal acts once again. The stress takes its toll.

Well, you have seen from my non-posts. Sorry about that. I am still dealing with the situation, but I am hoping the family works out the details and no longer is apt to dragging me into the situation.

As for writing, well, none of that has happened. Sorry again.

I hate being of delicate in nature and I hope my constitution bounces back one of these years, for I would love to finish all of my books in a timely manner as well as meet any of my readership in actual person.

I have lofty goals, I know, but there is not one goal I have set that I have not attained in one manner or another. 

Which brings us to Halloween! October is my favorite month. I would like to return to giving out candy, dressing up, and decorating the yard, but alas that will not be this year. I did it once two years or so ago, and I did not fair well. 

I shall return to my former activities, slow and slow, but I shall.

Right now, I must get back to writing for myself, the Gazette, and my readership because nothing says entertainment like a chick with brain inflammation, knowledge, internet access, and an axe to grind.  

And, this is the time of year for axes. 

Have a scary and unpredictable day! 
 
_____
 
A writer at heart, Undawnted's own creative spark, DL Mullan, began writing short stories and poetry before adolescence. Over the years, Ms. Mullan has showcased her literary talents by self-publishing several collections of her poetry. She also writes novels, designs apparel, and creates digital art. Ms. Mullan‘s creative writing is available in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. As an independent publisher, she produces her own book cover designs as well as maintains her own websites. She is an award-winning digital artist and poet. In 2022, DL Mullan begun sharing her knowledge via A Novelist Idea Newsletter. If you too want to become a Fearless Phile, then subscribe to her newsletter at her Substack.

Learn. Grow. Master… with Undawnted.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Down for the Count

Serious illness is unpredictable.

I guess it's back to writing! The cats don't care; they're asleep all over. Some on the bed. Some of the dresser... Some are missing.

What a great life a house cat has.

Maybe, I should start writing about them!

Have a great and wonderful day.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Paying It Forward

Every once and awhile, we come across a creative and generous soul that is selfless, honorable, and compassionate.

Too often in our current time, we find ourselves surrounded by people of faith and wealth that are neither solvent in their hearts as they are not faithful to their commitment of their own religion. We see these individuals on television telling us what is wrong with the world, who is the convenient scapegoat. These morality imposters cry foul as they take more than we can give and still want more when we are broken.

Common ideas are not what makes her tick. She takes action where others fail humanity. For she follows her own compass: true north to where the soul hides its deepest, darkest horrors, yet she does not falter in the face of challenges. She embraces human fragility and seeks to uplift it. Not many individuals can withstand seeing the earth shattering banality of what humans are capable of doing to one another and remain steadfast in their dreams to correct such negativity.

But, she does.

This illustrates a true spiritual warrior. It is beyond the simple foolishness of faith. It is beyond the idle temptations of corruptions like money, power, or influence. For these depravities are child’s play to someone who understands the working of the inner universe, the inner sanctum of humanity, she is above them.

Yet, she has been called upon to shoulder a huge burden in addition to her endless service: cancer. Sometimes a spirit warrior takes on the ills of the physical world wholeheartedly as part of their soul contract. This symptom is what is cured in others by her courageous heart.

Cancer has manifested in her body in order to keep the darkness from seeping back into the human collective consciousness. In her illness, she again spares us.

Everyone who has come into contact with her knows her true spirit: it is breathtaking. I am honored and humbled just by knowing a person like her exists, but to know her in person can make this writer go speechless.

I think it’s time the currency of faith, hearts, and souls should manifest to take that which she has cured in all of us and we should cure in her. In our act of gratitude, we will not only save her, we save ourselves.

She cannot do conventional cancer treatment for HER2 does not respond to chemotherapy or other conventional protocols. She must use specialized medical care that costs a lot of money and is not covered by any insurance company.

If you could repay this spirit warrior for her service and dedication to humanity with anything that you can spare, please donate to the MJ Christian fund:

http://settingthemfree.org/cause/mary-jo-christian/

Let’s appreciate this spirit warrior while she is still here to receive our gratitude.

Thank you.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

RIP Robin Williams

It was a great shock to learn of Robin Williams passing yesterday.

I grew up with his comedy. I watched Mork & Mindy. I saw Mrs. Doubtfire. The fact that he looks very similar to my own father makes this moment a little more difficult to swallow.

I am estranged from my dad. He chose to go on a path I could not follow him on. That is life sometimes.

Today as I celebrate the life of a comedic actor, I also am reminded about how the divisions in families hurt. I'll never get that time back. Just like Mr. Williams's family will not get back the time he stole from them.

No matter how you leave this world, you have to face what you've done in the afterlife and future human life. What you have not learned or ran away from, you will have a redo. A reincarnated life with unresolved issues can be worse than the one you have now.

So suicide is pointless. 

Suicide creates holes in people's hearts. It creates blame and sorrow. It's just a negative act that keeps impacting others long after you are gone. 

I know your soul makes a pact before you are born, but I say it is a choice. 

Remember, suicide is never the answer. It makes the world a less better place because of it. If he had stage 4 cancer, my opinion would be different. However he was vibrant, well respected, and accomplished, Mr. Williams' you will be missed.

Thank you our friend and entertainer for your devotion to your craft.

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Brain Entrainment and Reprogramming

I am not religious.

As a spiritual person, l look at all sides but I never conform to dogma. Organized religion is man made. I don't follow the path of men, but of spirit. If you want to call that spirit god or not, I call it the source of all creation.

We can all tap into this powerful, healing, and loving connection to the universe.

I have spent much time learning the different perspectives. I am going to being publishing the research materials I find interesting. From David Icke to David Wilcock, I am sure there will be something for everyone.

I don't say believe in everything you hear, but to hear other author's for their take on the universe. I will post meditations and other information. I am writing a spiritual book along with my fiction.

I'm a busy writer!

So take everything in stride and take a listen. The way to open yourself and your writing is to hear ideas foreign to your own belief system. Don't shy way.

You never know what will trigger a new character or plot line.

And, have fun. I'll keep posting about writing, cats, cooking, and environmental illness too. What would be the fun without them?

Have a great and wonderful day!

Soul Talk and the Christ Consciousness with Truth Frequency


The universe is not what it seems.

I like listening to others who have traveled beyond this plane of existence in order to share with the rest of us what the universe is truly like. 

Have a great listen:

Truth Frequency with Chris and Sheree Geo:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWLSuuU6V8c&list=UU1CW21KbWnF2M1poLwq59Dg

Funny, in this discussion Chris Geo explains about a rift in the fabric of our universe by an evil entity, which is fed through evil acts on our planet. That rift is a plot point in one of my speculative fiction novels. I began writing it ten years ago. So there was no influence from his talk. 

How the soul talks to us when we think we cannot hear it. 

The Night Shift

Nights are a wonderous time.

The moon is almost full. So bright is the rays that I do not need any electric lights outside. I do anyway for safety's sake but it is really bright out there. 

I have begun a list for things I must do to get ready for winter. Weatherize the pipes. Get kitty beds all set up. Indoor rugs where they are needed. A few more curtains. There, done.

Now I have to scour my usual online haunts to do a budget of what I'll need and how much it's going to cost me. Joy. 

At least it's something to do and an accomplishment to look forward to.

Now back to the Night Shift. 


Saturday, August 9, 2014

What's Cookin'?

Cooking... it's what's for dinner.

I like to cook a large pot of brown rice. I just have to boil water, clean the rice, add some seasoning and let it cook for 45 minutes. No fuss, no muss. 

After the rice cools, I can freeze it in portions. Now I don't have to cook until I run out of rice. So when I have reactions, have bad days, have no energy to get out of bed, or just hate the world, well at least I don't have to cook. 

When I have to fix a meal, I make more than I am going to eat so I have enough to freeze. 

That makes life so much easier. 

So what's cokin'?

Friday, August 8, 2014

TGI... what? It Can't Be Friday Already

This week has whizzed by.

I went to the grocery store, i've done my online shopping.  I did go into one store extra and got sick. There must be mold damage in that store. Reactions, breathing issues, and sinus bleeding all par for the course with sick building syndrome caused by water damage and mold. 

Isn't that great? My super power is a bloody nose! 

I have been thoroughly exhausted.  I have slept and taken naps all week long. So, no, no writing has been accomplished in the realm of fiction. Nonfiction aka journalism, writing has been sparse but doable. 

So have fun. I'll write more later. I have to get out trash and then it's beddy by time for me! 

It's nice to cook and clean when it's cooler in the nights and mornings.


Thursday, July 31, 2014

Alibis and Other Misnomers

I didn't do it!

Who knows for sure? Do you have an alibi? I sure don't unless you count sleeping a room full of cats. I bet the judge would not allow their testimony in court, now would s/he?

I was thinking of a scene for one of my novels and how I would react to a certain situation. Would I be hurt? Defensive? Offensive? How many four letter words would I use in that moment?

Okay, lots... but what would my character do?

When writing from a character's point of view sometimes it is difficult to cut yourself loose from that moment with them. You have created your own little alibi. I was with my character at the time. 

But isn't that the fun of writing?

Have a great and wonderful day!

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Budgets, Budgets, Budgets

It seems that every week I am going over my budget.

What did I buy? What did I pay? What has gone through? What hasn't?

Sometimes I just want to throw my ledger out, but then I realize that after all that is said and done I have a few bucks at the end of the month. I can't do anything with a few dollars unless I add it to whatever I have left for next month.

So then I'll have two bucks! hahaha!!!

Writing is a lot like my budget. You put in some more; you take out some more. You have to find a balance or you end up with a bankrupt story. 

Now back to dreaming about what I can do with my stash.

Have a great and wonderful day.

Monday, July 28, 2014

A Little Inspiration

Sometimes when I need to feel something, I turn to my DVD collection.

Want to be in love? Watch Kate and Leopold. Want to feel scared? Watch The First Power. If you want to be motivated as an action hero, then Witchblade should be on tap.

I used to love watching that show. Of course I refuse to watch the second season. The show went from a web of teasers and subplots to episodic nonsense. I wish someone would do as good as version here soon. I need my feminine action hero fix. Rizzoli and Isles just don't cut it for me. 

Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2 rocked the slick chick with a chip vibe.

Anyway, when you need a mood for yourself or a character you are writing, being in someone else's universe can be positive. Even music can be a mood enhancer, I know I have some favorites in the CD player.

So a little inspiration can go a long way. Just remember not to get so caught up in the external that the internal creative drive suffers. It's easy to be sucked in by Hollywood.

Now back to Witchblade. 

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Stormy Nights and Restless Mornings

How I love the sound of thunder and rain. 

Mostly rain. We need a few good deluges where I live. The desert seeks to rekindle life during its yearly monsoon season. 

How I love to watch the fire of lightning, hear the crackle of thunder, and dance in the perceptional. Poems are written on such occasions. I write many myself.

I have lived in the midwest and west coast. I have visited the east coast. Nothing is more energetic and mysterious as the desert monsoon season.

You never know what you are going to get.

Writing is like that. Some days, a writer can write up a storm. Other days: a drought manifests. In the end, writing a good story is what counts.

Ah, the thunder comes again.

I wonder what Mother Nature writes with each passing rain shower.

Have a great and wonderful day!

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Shut the Door

116F 

Should I say more? I'm not going outside unless I have to. I could die of heat stroke just walking out my front door at 9am.

Welcome to the desert in late July.

Most people I encounter online ask why I live in the hottest region of the United States besides Death Valley. I list the facts: there are no tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, blizzards, or other potential natural disasters apart from some monsoon action. 

I don't have to run to a basement or tuck myself into a bathtub. I lived in the midwest and western coastal region. Phoenix may be unbearable for about 90 days a year but at least if all else fails, I can go to the local grocery store and hang out until the sun goes down. 

It's not perfect but at least I am not afraid. 

Plus it is the perfect weather to write. I'm not going outside. I'm not jogging or walking or exercising of any kind. Nada.

I have a plan and that is to write 2K to 5K words a day. 

A person I know said one paragraph a day and you can write a book in a year. I'm too OCD for that. I like writing, then I stop for a while, and then I begin again at a furious rate. 

So it's time to do a little pacing of my writing habits. 

It's better than pacing in the heat!

Have a great time writing this summer.


Wednesday, July 23, 2014

So It Begins

It's funny.

When you are working on fleshing out one of your stories, you start to cheer for every page and/or 1000 words you can add.

Of course my cats don't care. They hang out in the room with me. Some sleep on the floor. Some sleep on the dresser. The brave ones sleep on the bed while I type.

Brave because I am in and out, up and down. I must refill my glass. I must get a munchie. I need a break. Sometimes I go just to pet and tease a cat! 

Now that it is 111+ here in Phoenix, I keep the house cool in the back part. The front part gets most of the sun so I close the accordion door on the hallway I had put up a few years ago and chill out in my room.

I am laid up in bed anyway, I might as well take advantage. 

Oh, you don't know about accordion doors? Shop online at Lowes or Home Depot. Then have a handy man place one at the end of your hall. The door helps keep the heat or the a/c in the bedrooms and not where it's not needed during the day or night. 

I am so glad I put one up.

Now for solar...

Have a great and wonderful day!

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

And That's the Word

When I edit works, other people's or my own, I am always looking for that perfect word.

Merriam Webster online really gets a workout when I am searching for words. Do I mean this or that? Is it spelt correctly? What's in the Thesaurus that might sound better?

And God forbid me to use the same descriptive word twice. 

I have got to find words that I can use without misuse and overuse. Bored readers are not what I want. I want people to enjoy as well as understand the pieces.

A tall order to say the least but that's what writing is. It's not just grammar and spell check. Writing is about conveying several ideas at once in a clear, concise, and albeit fun manner. 

Because who doesn't want to have fun?

The only secret to writing is making it look easy.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Novella, Where Art Thou Novel?

So you wrote a novella you want to make into a novel.

60,000 more words and you have it made! Yeah, right. Sounds like a few thousand bags of chips and blocking out reruns on the television for the next two months. 

But you wanted to be a writer... didn't you?

Shoulda, woulda, coulda. My other job qualification these days is disabled, allergic to the world person. So writer should do. That title sounds better than I just spent the last four to five days in bed with a recurrent migraine and several ice packs.

I wonder if I gave my ice packs names, if I could count them as dates? Anyone?

Joking aside, I feel the need for a legal pad and a number two pencil. I wish I could do the whole highlighter and print out thing but I'm pretty much allergic to the printer, its ink, and some types of new paper. Hell, all my books are ebooks now.

So much for the smelly part of learning through musty, dirty books.

Let the horrification begin!

So that was my day after looking up word counts.

Hope yours was better!

Word Count

I was perusing the internet about word count.

Talk about confusing, every genre has its own definition of what a novel's word count should be plus no one wants to see a first time author write more than 100,000 words. 

Please, I have some novels way past the 100K mark. Of course those stories are trilogies and such.

I guess it's back to the grind for me.

Happy writing!

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Birthdays, Attitudes, Chores and Wishes Galore!

I love when a migraine lasts for days.

Sometimes when things seem to go awry, other things fall into place. Interesting concept but it happened today. It's my birthday so good news should happen.

A little over four decades and I have survived more than my share. Actually, I'm giving away my share if anyone wants the bad stuff. I'm only into the good stuff now.

So I went to the store, got my bday dinner, and came home. I found a cab driver who doesn't use toxic chemicals and air fresheners so I am going to employ her this week. It is tough to find a cab that isn't so heavily scented.

As for me, I did my customary gambling. Once near my birthday and once by New Year's. I spent five dollars and won two back. Funny, funny, funny.  I never get that kind of return playing the lottery. I may stick with cheap scratcher's tickets from now on.

So on this bday post of mine, I am glad to be getting some things accomplished this week so I can get down and dirty with my actual chores next week.  Lots to do.  People who need their attitudes checked and paperwork to be sent off are all on my to do list. 

I love people who believe that because I am disabled means that I am mentally handicapped and therefore deserve to be bullied or my favorite: talked down to. I am ill. Sick does not mean stupid. 

Some people. 

I guess their karma is going to find them some day. Well, I can only hope. I want to get beyond karma and investigate the reality of our reality. 

Isn't that funny or what?

Have a great and wonderful day, I know I am!

Monday, July 14, 2014

Life is Full of Suprises

I was searching the internet not to long ago and discovered I had been published in another book.

Hahahaha! It is now listed in the Bibliography section of the Press Paquet.  Three Line Poetry Issue #7 is the magazine/chapbook and it is on Amazon just like the other poetry book I was published in. It's funny how submitting for publication works!

That gem was the highlight of my day. Quite a discovery. I guess I better submit more poetry to publishers and see what gets accepted. 

Writing is always exciting, isn't it?

Have a great and wonderful day.

Sunday, July 13, 2014

A New Life; A New Path

I love my Rune set.

Runes are a great way to figure out where you are on your spiritual journey. I started this blog/website to begin anew. That is what the Runes told me. 

I am to begin a new path.

That is what I like about spiritual divination. I'm not looking for winning lottery numbers, even though that would be nice; I'm seeking knowledge. Knowledge of myself, my path, and the universe.

The Rune I pulled is of completion. My old life, old ways of doing things have come to an end. That is why I have a few projects to do as my priority. Books I need to edit and send out into the publishing world, personal business, and medical issues.

All have culminated into the now.

But I also must ground myself and meditate. Free from external and negative influences, I will prevail.

Positive energy, humor are my guides now. I wonder if the universe means I should watch more Jeff Dunham or Lewis Black? Hmm...

Have a great and wonderful day!

Saturday, July 12, 2014

More Creativity On The Way

I am going to take some time and research the likes of lulu, amazon, create a space, and cafepress.

It has been a while since I have ventured out onto the internet looking at what can and cannot be done. What can be bought and sold. Hell, I might even look into ebay.

Keep your fingers crossed. 

I might be adding to my Store links very soon! 

Have a great and wonderful day.

Friday, July 11, 2014

Another Day, Another Dollar

I wish I had a dollar!

Today was quiet. I had to stay inside because a neighbor had their weeds sprayed. I wish people would stop using pesticides. Those chemicals are toxic and not good for anything.

Remember if you can't ingest it, why are you using it?

There are far better, easier, safer, and cheaper ways to kill weeds and insects than industrial strength poisons. 

Beyond the ritual toxicity of life, I have been really uploading writing projects of mine this week. I hope I find more in my archives to post. It is always exciting to discover a piece of writing you had forgotten about. Plus I have hidden an Easter Egg on the site. That will be a place for little treasures for my readers.

You never know when a coupon code may just pop up there for something I am selling like a book, art piece, or a design of mine.

I'm just sneaky that way. 

This weekend I will be piling on more of my archives and maybe I'll find something to post on lulu.com or Amazon.  It's not like I am hurting for words.

Have a safe weekend!


The Reading Room

On the left, the menu section has a new item: The Reading Room.

Instead of traipsing all over the blog/website for poetry and writing samples, there is a place where these creations will be listed and linked to. The area is empty but not for long. I try and write something every day. 

Well I better get back to placing more content on Undawnted. While you are perusing, check out my new Facebook and Authorsden pages!

Have a great and wonderful day!

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Poetry Content Upload Complete

I hope you all have enjoyed the poetry and writing samples. 

Still more writing to come as I have essays, drabbles, and short stories to find and upload. If you want to read all the poems I have published on Undawnted, then click the Nonfiction tab. Chapbooks are listed, click that link and below will be all the poems after the chapbooks that will be published soon. 

It's been a busy day and I am tired. 

See you tomorrow!

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Blood Oath; Blood War Debut

In the past I have written many stories, but none so experimental as Blood War

Crime drama, family story, comedy, and horror all rolled into one piece. I like taking an established genre and mixing in other elements. That is how Blood War began.

I have placed the story on a writer's forum for critiques. The positive feedback I received was amazing. I never knew readers were so hungry for new. 

Over time, I have edited, added, and polished the story to fit within the definition of a horror novel. The additions have created a better story that I named: Blood Oath; Blood War. I cannot wait to publish this emotive and provocative story.

To read more about this novel and my other writings, please go to the Fiction page.

I hope to publish the book this coming October 1st.

*****
Blood Oath; Blood War is: In the Name of Blood find the novel in the Long Fiction section.

Critical Acclaim, Future with a Hint of Hope

I have been going through my writings and I have discovered many positive critiques to my writing. 

That feels so good. Now I have to revise and edit so I can get my writings published. It will feel good again to be apart of the world. 

I do have some chapbooks full of poetry I can publish. Then the fiction stories are next. I have so much writing to go through and edit that reading over more of my writing will take a few more months. See I was doing something will I wasn't posting. 

That and I was ill. Chronic illness, the one thing that I can truly count on. ;) 

So have a happy hump day and keep coming back as I keep updating and publishing more of my original works.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

New Look; New Outlook

I wanted to design a blog/website that was more like me: cutting edge and creative.

With brain inflammation/injury, sometimes accessing that part of the mind is a challenge. Lately, I seem to have found it again. I like being creative.

I hope you enjoy the art and writing too.

Insights are us? Maybe not yet, but it will come.

Run. ;)

Have a great and wonderful day.

Monday, May 26, 2014

Updates

I love it when there's a glitch and then you get dropped. Awesome. And, it wasn't even my glitch!

Oh, well, so we are back to updating the blog/website. Watch our dust.

Have a great and wonderful day!

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Dawn in the Sky with Diamonds

I'm switching my time again.

Up at night, down by noonish. It's summer in the desert and I don't want to be caught trapped in the house all day because it's too hot to go outside. Or, in fact, do anything even inside. 

I'm on a time of use plan with my electric company. (Thanks to the lies of Sustainability and Agenda 21, I can barely afford air conditioning.)

In the summers, the higher electrical use is during the afternoons. So if I turn the thermostat up during the day, I can sleep through the heat. At night, I can be out in 90 to 70 degree weather for a few more months. Then the monsoon will arrive and bring in the humidity. 

No one is safe from the heat after that until Halloween.

Don't worry, I usually turn myself around in August and September. It's a slow transition. So I make it as smoothly as possible. 

Since I was imprisoned in my home and bedroom for so long thanks to my illness and abusive caretakers, I don't like going one day without standing outside, or seeing the moon, stars, or planets.

I guess that is why I am so set against geoengineering, except for the basic ludicrousness of it, I am trapped inside while non-elected entities poison the sky and hide the sapphire blue sky, the twinkle of diamonds from far away galaxies. It's just not their right. It's mine to live a good life.

Another reason to report and document what is happening to our lovely Earth: Geoengineering Daily Report, April 24.

I hope you join me in posting pictures to Skyder Alert and writing government officials to stop the madness. 

The Earth is not a military laboratory. It's our home. Shouldn't we be more diligent than poisoning everything and everyone?


Monday, April 21, 2014

An Empty Nest

In this lifetime, there was no children for me and with this illness, there will not be any.

So when I take care of the creatures around me and do a good job, they leave. That was true for today. The baby hummingbirds did not return to their nest this evening.

Sad for me. Wonderful for them.

I hope in the coming days or years, they stop by and let me know how they are doing. Such sweet sorrow. Maybe next year, one will nest again where I can watch over them.

Or, maybe I should say: watch over me.

For now there is an empty nest in my gazebo planter, but never empty in my heart. 


Hummingbird Graduation Day

It's Graduation Day at the my house.

Baby hummingbirds are taking their first flights this morning... awww! 

I did take some pictures this weekend of the babies because they were getting too big for their nest. I knew their time to investigate the wider world was not far away. Today was that day.

So I went out and all the babies were gone from their nest. As I stood around the gazebo, the last of the babies buzzed up to me. She wanted to show me she got her wings. I put my hand up for her to land and she decided to go another direction... which she smacked into my six foot fence wall. 

She bounced a few more times until she hit the ground. Irene, my outdoor cat, pounced on that stroke of good luck and proceeded to get the baby in her mouth... but Irene listens to me. I kept repeating NO! until my cat released the baby bird. It must have been quite the mental struggle for Irene to let go of such a tasty treat, but she did.

Even Ivanka, my indoor calico who gets a free pass to the outdoors a few times a week, wanted to capture the baby hummingbird. It was such a scene of me yelling and running around to save that baby bird from two feisty felines. In the end, I was victorious.

I gathered that little bird into my hand and made sure she wasn't bleeding anywhere. Then I moved my wrought iron loveseat so I could bring down the planter with the nest in it to my level. I placed the baby back in the nest and hung the planter back up so mother hummingbird could take a look for herself... 

Boy, was she concerned. I think more that I touched her baby then about the cats. Anyway, the baby is good, being refueled by mom, and encouraged to take another flight. I am staying inside as to not create another incident. The baby's wings got tired too easily when confronted with a challenge.

I'll just watch from my glass security door... but those first few seconds of "look human what I can do!" was priceless and to make me apart of their Graduation Day was sweet of them.

See what happens when you help out your fellow creatures? You get rewarded in ways that are too emotional for words. I hope tomorrow is a better day for the baby hummingbirds and that they spend a few more nights in their nest. 

Sometimes saying good-bye is such sweet sorrow. 

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Technology is My Drug of Choice

There's nothing like getting yourself back into a state of euphoria.

I got my laptop and cpu monitor on my desk again. That makes my life less complicated. Granted, the technology of the laptop is a few years older than dirt and the Dell cpu is from the Jurassic era, but at least I can write on one computer and research with the other. (My tech is refurbed stuff so it's basically worthless to anyone but me.) A seamless transition of ideas. At least, it's the theory.

You don't know how much I have missed the ability to multitask. 

Well, with brain inflammation, it is more like being reminded of what you are supposed to be doing by looking at the other monitor! 

I do need new mice and keyboards. So some upgrades in the future are going to be necessary for my writing sanity. Still, I think I have what I need to do what I need to do... at least for the time being. 

Now that I am set, I hope to update this blog a little more. I just have to get used to the computer chair. It hurts my back and lungs to sit up right. My muscles are not strong enough to support my skeleton yet.

I guess it's time to raid the bedroom closet for some pillows and a cushion!

Have a great and wonderful holiday weekend! 


Friday, April 18, 2014

Something About Anniversaries

On this day, one year ago, my adopted cat Irene had four cute little wigglebutts.

Thus the house was never the same again. The End... just kidding!

I have four little furry people who think I am their world. Riley, my Bombay, is playing fetch with me. I throw her toy and she brings it back for me to throw again. She is self taught. 

My calicoes, one is a bday girl and one is a year older from another litter, are both best friends. Those cats understand and nurture each other. Very cute.

The siamese screams and yells around the house with his bankie (a small, decorative wool blanket the size of a large index card for display items) in his mouth. I wake up in the mornings usually with one next to me. The other times, I yell back that I am in here (whatever room that tends to be). I explain to him with seven creatures in this house, there is no way he could ever be alone.

My black and white kitten is full grown and acts like his feral father. Boy, what a boy! He likes to be dominate especially over an older white male in the house, but I don't allow that. 

For creatures who are supposed to be dumber than dogs, these cats are really smart. They listen to what I have to say and do my commands when I talk loud enough. Cats are not stupid. You have to train them just like a dog. I associate words with actions and treats. 

Neighbors have even complimented me on how the outdoor cats listen to me.

Well, in the babies case, I fed Irene really well, took care of her, and trained her babies. These one year olds are very smart because I took the time and energy to raise them right. Doesn't mean they still don't act up and out like cats. They're cats! Of course, they do, but they also think and evaluate situations like how annoying can we be until the human gets the squirt bottle out and how fast can we run to avoid getting wet. 

Kitty logic.

Their presence has really helped me. My family abandoned me. A friend suggested: left me for dead three years ago. That leaves a lot of healing to do. 

With my new-found family, I don't have to worry about being alone in my house now. I have love and companionship. It may be unconventional but I don't see any human giving up their materialistic lifestyle to spend a life of isolation with me. 

Hell, I would be the greatest candidate to go to Mars, or some other colony. As long as I have a cat, the internet, and entertainment, I'm good. I wish I wasn't so ill. 

So off I go to get the office back in shape. I cleaned, organized, and am getting everything set up still. I am going to get back into writing novels and books again, not just do the periphery actions. If I start now, I should be done in about five to ten years! Isn't illness fun?! 

Have a great and wonderful day. 
 
_____
 
Novelist, DL Mullan, has Biotoxin Illness from industrial chemicals, black mold, and pesticides from her former employer. Her office was in the same building as the water treatment plant. Years later after receiving no recompense, she uses natural supplementation, sugarless diet, and detox methods to regain a small quality of life. She may never be whole, or able to work in an office ever again, but with perseverance, Ms. Mullan is beating the odds against a low functioning/collapsed immune system. 

Support her efforts by purchasing her apparel, art, and books.


Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Walking Like an Egyptian Bearing Cats

I was playing around on the internet the other day and discovered I was born during the Egyptian astrological sign of Bastet.

I love cats. I have cats. Cats are the one thing in life I am not allergic to. I even have a statue from a store that is of a cat with ancient Egyptian markings.

So, I wonder: do I have an old Egyptian soul?

It would make a lot of sense. Cats are attracted to me. Even mad, feral cats seem to find their way to my yard even if there is no food left in the garage. Freaky.

Really freaky because is this life, I'm Irish. 


Bad Moon Rising

The total lunar eclipse was a blast! 

I could only see up until totality but I am proud I made it that far. My energy has been drained and I am a couch potato today. No surprise.

Even though I took some pictures, I wish I could have gotten images for after totality. 

There are four of these total lunar eclipses in a row. Next stop, October 2014. Maybe I'll get my pictures then. 2015 will have another set of these eclipses. This foursome won't happen again until 2032... so make a date skywatchers!

As for my pictures, I posted them here: Lunar Shadow Dancing: April's Total Eclipse Highlights.  

I hope everyone else had fun at their star parties. My party was for one, yet it was a great time. I hope to do it again soon.

Have a great and wonderful night! 

Monday, April 14, 2014

Total Eclipse of the Heart... Lunar Style

What a night it is going to be!

A total lunar eclipse is going to be visible in the Americas... finally. I have been waiting for another eclipse for a while now. We have the one tonight, in October and next May (2015). 

I hope I get to see another solar eclipse soon. The last one was fun. A neighbor came out while i was taking photographs and she's said: why is it so dark out here? hahaha!!! Hilarious!

Onto tonight, I have batteries charging, telescope ready, camera on its tripod. After 8pm, I am going to start setting up in my front yard. *Excited*

I love when we get a taste of the universe. 

Here is my article on the gazette if you need to know exact times: Total Eclipse of the Heart: Moon Goes Red for April.

Also remember that Mars will be the closet to us until next year as well Saturn will be visible too!

So have fun out there! If I get any cool photos, I will try to post some here.

Have a great and wonderful evening!


Wednesday, April 9, 2014

It's HOT, HOT, HOT!

Well the desert woke up today.

Mid-90's for the high... ouch! It's back to sleeping during the day and staying up all night again. I won't put the system into full use until I see 100+ on the weather map as an everyday occurrence.

Up all night has it's advantages, I am pretty much free to do what I want without witness as long as I am quiet. I get to track the stars, constellations, and planets, which is very cool. Although I do like the winter sky more than the summer sky. 

And at night is when I am more creative. I like to write at night. When dawn hits, I get that second wind to clean and organize until I fall on my face around noon time. 

I think this summer is going to be a good time. 

I have plans I am working on. One is to get more stable in my reactions. Another is to invoke my creativity onto the next level. I need to. I miss it.

That means: finger painting! Just kidding. 

But I do need to get some new pastels to see if my body will allow me to use them. Ah, the joys of chemical allergies and collapsed immune systems.

No wonder I like the night full of possibilities!

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Up in the Sky, It's the Moon, Mars, and Jupiter!

The universe is beautiful.

Look up to see the Moon setting with Jupiter and Mars coming overhead. It is magnificent. I love it.

I just wish my hands were more steady so I could take better photos. I used to be good at stills like that. Now with the neurological damage, not so much.

But the eclipse set for next week, I am going to get out my telescope, binoculars, and an old tripod. I better get some good photos of the moon, stars and planets then!

I love astronomy. When I look up and see the solar system, it makes me feel that I belong to something bigger than myself. It makes me feel complete.

Then the worries and angst wash away.

How can one stay stressed out looking at creation?


Monday, April 7, 2014

Patient, Heal Thyself With Some Rest

Lazy weekends, it is what we all deserve.

I spent mine going to the store and collapsing from exhaustion. When someone stresses me out to that point, I cannot do anything else until I get my strength back. I had an incident with a cabbie.

Well the next day, I still had to go out for groceries. As I was carted around in more taxi cabs, I asked a whole bunch of questions. Come to find out, the cabbie that threw a fit was in the wrong. He was so in the wrong. 

So now I have to write up a complaint about him. Oh, joy, another tax on my strength. 

But today is going to be lovely, about 90 degrees. I have to change my air filter and air out my a/c unit. We're supposed to hit near 100 degrees this week and I don't want to be caught with my pants down. I want to be able to cool down the house for a restful sleep.

Not that sleep every really helps my energy level but it is part of the healing process. 

So sleep, rest and help your body do it's job. 

Now, off to do my job: clean, clear, and add more positivity to my healing process.

Have a great and wonderful day.


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