Blog – Page 2

The Next Piece

February 9, 2021 by Valerie Flynn 6 Comments

So if I want to be a writer, I need to write. Build up the habit of writing every day. This is me writing something. Maybe my second piece could be about writing. My mom is the one who put the idea in my head to write.

My mom is pretty smart and used to be my dad’s writing partner. She spells really well and knows grammar in and out. I can barely make a sentence diagram. I know what a verb is. Subject, I take an educated guess. Adjectives I mostly know. These sentences will probably make my mom shake her head at me. We might leave them as they are so you can feel her pain. She’s my first editor. She probably going to talk me into fixing these sentences. And in matters of grammar, I usually bow to her wisdom. (Mom: Only minor things. After all, this is stream of consciousness writing.)

I really love my mom. She’s pretty cool and chill. And she thinks I’m wonderful. She’s slightly biased; but, I’m glad she’s my mom. We have fun doing these writing things. I write and misspell stuff and she reads through it all and fixes my mistakes. We talk about anything that she needs to clarify or we figure out what to do with this or that.

My dad used to write by hand and my mom deciphered his handwriting. Since she knew how to type and work the script softwares, she’d type up what my dad wrote. I remember some of the screenplays that they worked on. I wish we could have produced my dad’s work. He was a good writer, understood characters and wrote them well. He wrote great dialogue, too.

I won’t ever be a great writer like him. I write whatever comes into my mind and edit it away with a chisel. He edited it in his head. He’d get lots of ideas, but wouldn’t write a word unless it revealed character and/or moved the story forward.

I used to write fanfiction. I like it, but I’m in a non-fiction stage right now. Maybe someday I’ll get back into it and pick up my story where I left it hanging.

I’m going to stop and take a break now. Maybe I’ll get a little bowl of goldfish crackers. That was my dad’s writing snack. Yeah, see you in a minute. Well, I got my mom some goldfishes too. She laughed when I told her the name of the piece. She got a kick out of it when I explained I’m writing about writing. It feels good to make people laugh. My dad was good at that and so is my brother. Making people laugh for good reasons, not the mean ones.

So this piece is kinda a-behind-the-scenes look at my budding writing career. I’m trying to build up the habit of writing. And so I decided after a chat with one of my friends yesterday to try to write for at least 15 minutes a day, Monday through Friday.

It’s funny. I sat down with no idea of what to write and now “The Next Piece” is born. Writing about writing.

Why am I writing. I’m hoping to eventually sell and publish some of my writings. Which, wow, what an impossible dream that is. There’s a lot of talented writers out there. I have a slight impostor syndrome when it comes to writing.

I don’t have the mechanics of writing down. Hopefully, I’ll get better over time. There’s a lot where I can improve.

My friends’ and mom’s feedback keep telling me to write. I may never make money from writing. But, gee whiz, it would be nice if I could, miracle of miracles, make a living writing.

I don’t drive due to vision issues. And writing is something I could do right here in my own home. Sit down everyday and just write. Write and something new would be created. The old writing proverb, “In the beginning was the word.” As my dad used to say, “Nothing happens without a piece of paper.”

What do I want to write? And I need to figure out some good topics for my blog. I could go through my book notes and do some pieces on what I learned. I don’t know. Maybe it would be better to just do stream of consciousness for the journaling. Probably do a mix of the two.

I really don’t know what to say. Writers ought to have some depth to themselves with interesting things to say or keep you reading to see what will happen in the story next. I never used to be into journaling. But now it seems the only way I want to write.

Woke up early this morning around 4 something and finally got up around 5am. Had a nice devotional time and then read until 10am. Finished a Marie Kondo manga about tidying up. I’ve been stewing on the why behind the clutter revealed by Marie Kondo. People are either attached to the past or live in fear of the future. Then I read some of Jordan Peterson’s book, “12 Rules for Life”. I got up to the fourth chapter. The rule was something about compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not someone else today. But, that’s the gist of it. It would be helpful to find what sparks joy for me and orient myself towards the highest good.

I need something to aim for. Getting published is too expedient a goal. Need something more meaningful. What would I like to write? I like eclectic things. Should I funnel in on something? Focus in and make a choice. This is something my brain can stew on. I don’t have a deadline or anything like that hanging over me. Writing is a process of discovery for me. Learning what to say and how to say it. I like that as my aim.

I’m a writer. I can say that now. It gives me a vocational identity. Which is helpful in this world. Everyone asks, “So what do you do?” I can now say, “I’m a writer.” Maybe it’s prideful or egotistical to admit wanting to say I’m a writer. There are writers out there more talented than I am. Some published, some not. Several of my friends are real wordsmiths.

They say writing is a lonely profession. Most of the time you’re just in your head and alone. I’m lucky to have friends who write. Sometimes we get together, on Discord, and read some of the stuff we wrote. I think it’s great. It’s interesting to hear others’ writings.

I’ve been trying to think on what to write about and what sparks joy and what to aim for in my writing. Other than stumbling on a book on how to take smart notes, I don’t have much. Perhaps, I will learn what to write about as time goes on. Maybe my writing will evolve like my interests do. At this time I don’t have a book I want to write.

It’s been a while since I last wrote this. Been trimming and editing. I have a couple of updates to add. I purchased several things, a book “Byline Bible” and the 2021 Christian Writer’s Market Guide. So now I can look for places to publish my writing. Got feedback that I could publish my first piece. So I’ve been looking and trying to figure out where to publish it. It’s way longer than the 900 word pieces the Byline Bible says certain types of articles should be. Now I know what kinds of pieces sell and what to write. This piece is too long and more personal. So it’ll probably be posted to my blog. The first piece I wrote ended up at 2,400 words. Way too long for the 400 – 900 word personal essay. I did get another book, “You Are A Writer (So Start Acting Like One)”. It’s about writing and building your author platform. Also picked up the latest Writer’s Market.

Following advice from “You are a Writer…” book, I joined Twitter. Because that’s where the writing community is. It’s been a bit of a learning curve. In order to pursue writing professionally, I need to build up a writing habit. I also need to build a platform to connect with fans and friends. Luckily, I already have a website and a few blog posts. None are geared towards writing. I have one blog post about essential oils. I’m going to leave it up along with my essential oil links. Because that’s a part of who I am. I’m not going to hide that part of me. I’m just going to hide other parts of myself instead.

My website should reflect my eclectic interests. I might make some other blog posts about the books and other things I’ve learned. I might write more about things I learn or know. I’m going to keep being me. I don’t want to write about the controversial stuff. Yeah, I have opinions on things, but I don’t need to try to make you believe what I believe. Maybe I might stand on my social media soapbox someday, but not today. I’ve got my hands full just living my life, helping my family and now writing.

Writing Resources

So if you’re a fellow writer just getting into the business; here are a few helpful resources for you.

Byline Bible: Get Published in 5 Weeks book cover

“Byline Bible” explains how to build up experience and get published in magazines. I learned a lot from it, taking 20 pages of notes from it. According to the author, there are 5 basic types of essays / articles that are always in demand and easier for newer writers to write.

Writer’s Digest publishes a directory of book publishers and publications every year.

2021 Christian Writer’s Market Guide.
https://christianwritersinstitute.com/

Writer’s Digest is a magazine for writers. They have a lot of articles on their website. https://www.writersdigest.com/

How to format your manuscript. Writer’s Market had slightly different margin and font choices. So, I think some of it’s up to personal preference. Including this link because you gotta start somewhere.
https://www.firstwriter.com/traditionalpublishing/manuscript_format.shtml

Alternative Links to Writer’s Market
Some of the links are outdated. But, I only knew about Writer’s Market and was curious as to what else is out there.
https://www.quora.com/Is-there-an-online-equivalent-to-Writers-Market-If-so-what-is-it?share=1

Writer Beware: Literary Agents

LITERARY AGENTS

What writing resources do you recommend? Post them in the comments below.

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Mindscape

September 7, 2020 by Valerie Flynn

Mental Health, Psychology, and Personages

In the summer of 2018, I took two free classes on Mental Health, (Mental Health First Aid and SafeTalk suicide prevention), Both courses were coincidentally hosted by churches. At the second class I was curious about how psychology and biblical principals interacted in such a complex way for believers. I must have asked my question with the wrong words for the instructor kinda disengaged with me for the rest of the class. She might’ve taken it the as a unintended challenge or some such. Sadly, that never got cleared up, but I learned a lot and would recommend those courses for anyone interested in being prepared for a neighbor in need.

In January 2019 my rabbit trails ran dry and I asked people for YouTube or book recommendations. One of them was Paul Tournier’s classic “The Meaning of Persons”. Dr. Tournier was a Swiss physician, Christian counselor and author who lived from 1898 – 1986.

“Drawing on his long experience as a practicing physician and psychologist he stresses the fundamental importance of personal relationship between doctor and patient on the one hand, and between God and man on the other.”
Translator preface in The Meaning to Persons

Tournier explained that psychology in all its complexity, various theories and disciplines was limited to the “mechanisms of the mind.” The person was so much more than that. Of which the doctor went on to explore in the book.

Information is intellectual, whereas communion is spiritual; but information was the path that led to communion. Information speaks of personages. Communion touches the person.
The Meaning of Persons page 25

In the preface the translator explains that he kept the word personage, which Jung would probably use persona, because Tournier and Shakespeare used the same vernacular. And referenced the famous “world’s a stage” quote.

The person is the original creation, the personage is the automatic routine.

More than just an ego or a mask, but like a role we can have more than one, (daughter, sister, friend, co-worker, manga fan, etc.) And that personage is like a low level resolution to interact with the person. When the role or avatar doesn’t truly reflect person that’s when all manner of things might be misaligned or go wrong. Whether its not integrating one’s shadow or false personage hiding or subduing the person’s true self.

So now what?

The human psyche is a portion of the whole person according to Tournier. The personality bleeds from the psychological into the spiritual being. I don’t quite understand how it all works since psychology is quite complex on its own.

But, one of the take aways I’ve gleaned from the Mental Health classes, Jordan Peterson’s biblical lecture series and Paul Tournier’s books is that we are very complicated beings. We really don’t know why we do what we do. The strings and pulleys behind our motivations are mostly hidden from us. There’s a lot to study and learn from. But when it comes to the mind and consciousness, there’s a lot we don’t know. The mindscape is a fascinating yet mysterious thing.

Sometimes things go wrong and people need help. And that help, (whether medicine, counseling, etc.), isn’t always up for the challenge. Some people wrestle with the stigma of having mental illness. To not be able to trust your own mind. To live with such a shadow and its conditions can be demoralizing.

But, the old adage of “loving your neighbor” might be the right prescription for when people are facing challenges they can’t overcome. A little bit of patience and agape love can help lift the spirits of people that face a mental health illness. Doctor’s can’t always cure the illness. Sometimes they can manage the symptoms. Make life more livable. But a miracle happens when we see and treat the person instead of the disease. See them as more than the condition or label. Attempt to see the true person behind the personage.

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Essential Oils: Don’t Do Stupid Stuff

July 17, 2019 by Valerie Flynn

Knowledge is Power

Herbs and other natural health remedies have various do’s and don’ts, so do essential oils. Just because a thunderstorm is natural doesn’t mean its safe to fly a kite or stand in the middle of a field with a long metal pole during one.

The thunderstorm has cleansing benefits and other meteorological benefits for the air, ground, etc. Those who dream about what’s beyond the rainbow and dance in the rain, understand best how beauty transcends words. Uplifting the atmosphere in various ways.

Our Nemesis: Ignorance and Carelessness.

Knowledge can empower you to brush aside ignorant recklessness and misinformation. Then you won’t do stupid stuff. Well, we’re human, you probably do it about 98% less. With common sense as your sidekick, you’ll survive the adventure to enjoy the comedic relief.

Safety Tip #1: Oil in Eye? No Water!!!!!

If and when you accidentally rub your eyes with oils still on your fingers and get that highly uncomfortable reminder why that is a big “No, No.”

Remember – DON’T use WATER!!!!

Use a carrier oil, (olive oil if you don’t have any), or milk as a diluting agent. Water acts as a driver which will escalate that Ow, ow. into a more emphatic OWW, Gah!

Safety Tip #2: Don’t put oils directly into Eyes, Ears, and Nostrils.

News Flash: essential oils ARE NOT eye drops or ear drops. And must be heavily diluted to even use in a nose spray blend. Good rule of thumb is to keep oils, especially hot oils, out of those sensitive areas. What’s a hot oil? See Rule #3.

Effective methods for internal application – See page 11-12 of this e-book.
https://media.doterra.com/us/en/ebooks/internal-use.pdf

If the essential oil or blend does help to support eye health, put it on the temple &/or around the eye zone, (the forehead / cheekbone area should be close enough without it being too close.) Try not to let it drip into the eye(s).

If you do, remember Rule #1 – No water in the eyes.

If you want to put an essential oil on the outer ear, use a swab to apply it. Don’t poke the swab into your inner ear canal. Listen to your faithful sidekick, Common Sense, on this point. He’s looking out for you.

Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash

To clarify, yes some oils can be taken internally. A helpful reference list of which oils are GRAS. What’s FDA GRAS? (Generally Recognized as Safe)

See page 5 in the Cooking With Essential Oils e-book. https://www.doterra.com/US/en/ebooks-cooking-with-essential-oils

Some people have differing opinions of which can and can’t be taken internally. Check with the manufacture company directly. Their answer will the most conservative and probably the most accurate. Many brands, like Doterra, you can call them directly or check the FAQ section of their website.

How Do I Use Essential Oils Safely
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/using-essential-oils

FREE audio books and eBooks on Essential Oils
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/ebooks

Safety Tip #3: Be Sensitive – Not Neat!

Many oils may be applied topically to the skin neat.

“Neat” means applying oils on straight, without diluting with a carrier. Whether it be a carrier oils, lotion, shampoo, etc.

Heroes are strong, but have sensitive souls. Superman and Wonder Woman use their gentle strength for the innocents. So, like the awesome hero you are, don’t apply ANY oils without diluting them for children, the elderly, animals and others with sensitive skin. Some blends are already diluted, ready for use.

DON’T PUT HOT OILS on the skin without diluting it with carrier oil. Like *cough*Oregano*cough*.

Which oils should be diluted before topical use? See page 8 in this Essential Oil e-book: https://media.doterra.com/us/en/ebooks/topical-use.pdf

Different carrier oils? Why so many? Which ones are better? Your faithful sidekick, Common Sense, hands you this clue after he gives our arch-nemesis, Ignorance, a beautiful right hook into the next scene.

http://www.aromaweb.com/vegetableoils/

Followed with this punch line…

Topically speaking, what’s AromaTouch?
https://www.aromatouch.com

Safety Tip #4: Allergies, Asthma and Epilepsy…

Because essential oils don’t have protein molecules in them, they don’t cause allergic reactions. So, technically no. BUT, some people do have sensitivity reactions to some oils and/or allergic reactions to perfumes, scents, etc. Due to asthma or whatever.

As always, respect other people’s boundaries. Don’t be a preachy parrot. When the day is done, ride off into the wild orange sunset. Common Sense says, “Live and let live.”

There’s different species of Lavender. If someone really wants to use it, yet they’re have sensitivity reactions to it, have them check out another species that doesn’t have the chemical component that’s causing the sensitivity reaction.

Science focused articles for our chemistry geeks.

Learn more about Lavandula
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/dicine-and-dentistry/lavandula

Patch Testing with Main Sensitizers Does Not Detect All Cases of Contact Allergy to Oxidized Lavender Oil
http://www.aromaticscience.com/patch-testing-with-main-sensitizers-does-not-detect-all-cases-of-contact-allergy-to-oxidized-lavender-oil/

Here’s a simplified summery for us mortals:

The Difference Between Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandin Essential Oils
https://www.gurunanda.com/blogs/essential-oils/the-difference-between-lavender-and-lavandin-essential-oils

Epilepsy: There’s a list of DO NOT USE essential oils for folks with this this condition. If you or someone you know deals with seizures, check out the oils with “Anticonvulsant” properties.

Article: Essential Oils that are safe and those to avoid for epileptics.
http://www.rscdiagnosticservices.com/blog/are-essential-oils-helpful-for-seizure-disorders

Exercise Induced Asthma: Doterra’s Breathe blend really helps me when I get winded or have shortness of breath from a workout.

Safety Tip #5: Sunny Oils for Night Owls

Good rule of thumb to remember: If you apply any citrus oils topically, avoid sunlight on your skin for 12 hours. You probably won’t turn into a vampire. But your skin won’t get all irritated and other uncomfortable stuff.

More details on Sun Sensitivity, see page 9 in this ebook: https://media.doterra.com/us/en/ebooks/topical-use.pdf

For the chemistry geeks among us, here’s an e-book you’ve been craving. Essential Oil Chemistry eBook
http://joom.ag/obYY

Uh, no its okay, you don’t have to teach me about the constitute types of the isoamyl angelate vs. the geranyl-acetate. Actually, I’m impressed you know how to pronounce those words. Here’s another link since you’re an awesome scientist.

Aromatic Science
http://www.aromaticscience.com

Common Sense points out a new trail for Indiana Jones to dig for more information.

Organic Essential Oils Information Link Directory
https://www.fragrancex.com/fragrance-information/organic-essential-oils.html

**Valerie Flynn**
Independent Wellness Advocate
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/site/valflynn

Congratulations, you now know how to avoid doing stupid stuff with essential oils! Breath easy and stay safe out there. Common Sense, your faithful sidekick, is rooting for you.

Please share this article to thwart our dastardly arch-nemesis, Ignorance and Carelessness. Knowledge is power and sharing is caring.

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Story Camp’s Fifth Anniversary

June 27, 2018 by Valerie Flynn

My dear friend Mrs. Laure Hittle is the mastermind behind Story Camp and the head librarian at Clearwater Church Library. I’m her willing minion in plotting for Story Camp and the Faith Libraries of Northern Colorado.

What is Story Camp?

Story Camp is a week-long VBS-style storycrafting adventure for elementary-aged kids. This is our fifth year! Each day includes storytelling games, a readaloud, snacks, some writing exercises, and time for the kids to write their own stories.

Our first year was a blast, as campers traveled the magical world of Roverandom together and learned about storycraft concepts such as setting, character, and plot. Our second year we build an entire Story Town together. In our third year we used puzzle pieces to find connections between our characters and their world and motivations. Last year Henry and the Chalk Dragon guided our creative adventures.

This year we expanded it to TWO weeks of Story Camp: June 11-15 and June 25-29. Below is a short story I penned in honor of Story Camp’s fifth anniversary.

There and Back Again
by Prism Kite

Once upon a time there was a homemade and slightly weather-worn patchwork kite named Prism Kite. It was a modest Delta kite, but it did rather enjoy daydreaming of flying windward someday. Time passed, then one day it was packed up along with a few of the other kites for a trip to the park.

The other kites went up first. The youngest child was mentored on how to launch and wield the string. Then one of the adults double-checked that the cross-sticks were properly attached to both sides, as well as snugly tucked into the top nose bag and the spine tunnel.

Shortly afterwards, Prism Kite was launched, only to fall or spin back to the ground. Suddenly a great wind blew and the patchwork kite flew up and up. Higher and higher. Swirling, twirling drifting and gliding upon the air currents. The view of the park and the sky shifted as though the kite was stationary and the world around it was pushed helter-skelter by the wind.

A blast of strong wind blew and carried Prism Kite higher than even the box and diamond kites. The clouds darkened and the wind became more erratic and stronger. The string handle jerked out of the child’s hands and the line slackened. Prism Kite soared and spun out of control, tossed hither and yonder by the storm.

Lightning flashed, thunder boom-boomed and rain ripped through the kite’s fragile fabric. Dizzy, exhausted and drenched, Prism Kite crashed-landed into the spiky, hard branches of a tree. The storm raged on, the cold rain poured down and the thunder boom-boomed on who knew how long.

Prism Kite rested, for it couldn’t move. Its sticks were broken and its string was entangled among the branches and around itself. Nothing could be done for quite a few nights and days.

A warm, bright day brought some tree-climbing children Prism Kite’s way. Upon discovering the mangled patchwork kite, they cut its string and dropped string, ripped fabric and broken sticks to the ground. Once finished with their play, the tree climbers took all the kite’s makeshift parts home to their father, a book maker.

The book maker listened to his children’s odd tale and asked for the mangled kite. They gave it to him. The young tree climbers had nearly forgotten the whole matter until they discovered little journals with each of their names on them sitting on the table. Each small book was hardbound with Prism Kite’s fabric and hand stitched together with its string.

The Tree Climbers Club joined the Bubble Hunters in many exciting adventures, the tales of which were written in their patchwork journals.

The Quest Continues…

The last line was a running gag from a storytelling game from Story Camp this year. This short story is dedicated to Madam Sidler aka Mrs. Hittle and all of our Campers from the last five years!

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“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”

June 13, 2018 by Valerie Flynn

Sometimes life is a mixed adventure of fortuitous happenstance, unfortunate mishaps and curve balls. Moving to Loveland in 2006 was, ironically, all three for my family. Moving is always a tumultuous endeavor. Life circumstances aside, we were very, very happy to move to Loveland. I’m hoping to live here for the rest of my life.

Loveland has the same laid-back, friendly atmosphere of when we first moved to Colorado from New York back in 1980. It was in Loveland that we met our dear neighbor, Rusty, who ran across the street when he heard our car wouldn’t start. He offered to give our car a jump, then drove his truck across the street. After thanking him profusely and rushing off to meet with our production client, I remember our dad, George, telling my brother and me, “That’s how neighbors used to be when I was growing up. They would have backyard barbecues and everyone was always inviting each other over. They were family. That was normal.”

For over a decade, Rusty became one of the best neighbors we’ve ever had. Little did I know that my father’s words planted an important seed in my heart, which has been beginning to sprout within the last seven months. “Is there a way to bring that old-fashioned family of neighbors back to life?” We’ve never owned our own home, but it’s always been a dream of ours. I wish our mom could enjoy the same type of community I’m blessed with thanks to my circle of geek friends. But how?

During my research, I discovered intentional communities and co-operative housing. In the 1980s, a couple of architectural college students went to Denmark. In order to get to their school they had to walk past an oddly designed neighborhood. The individual homes were built much closer together surrounding a cooperative building that was shared. Curious, they interviewed some of the residents. They learned how the buildings’ functionality and physical closeness were designed to increased the neighbors’ social interaction with each other. Bringing back to the States what they gleaned, the college students started a quiet movement which grew into a national organization and fourteen cohousing communities in Colorado.

Some of the benefits of cohousing include reduced living expenses, authentic friendships that form a mutual support network for rides, childcare/elder care and shared weekly meals. So, why aren’t there more communities? Forming and building a mutual / intentional community is very time intensive commitment and initially more expensive than a traditional home. Another reason cohousing isn’t more popular, is because a majority of Americans just don’t have the personality or temperament for this alternative group oriented lifestyle.

Speaking for myself, it’s quite an attractive possibility to create a my own neighborhood with people we know, trust and love. A community of like-minded creators, learners and doers. In the words of Mr. Rogers, “Won’t you be my neighbor?”

Question: What is cohousing or intentional community?

Answer: Here’s how to find out.Check out: www.SowersTrust.org.

Question: Is there a Loveland Cohousing Club?

Answer: Not yet, wanna start one together? Check www.ILoveLoveland.org for updates, details and/or to volunteer.

Valerie Flynn is a lifelong learner who enjoys following rabbit trails wherever her curiosity leads her. She’s fond of writing, hat collecting, essential oils, hanging out with her geek friends and libraries.

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Mindscape

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So now what?