Sweet Dreams – Or Not

Daily Prompt asks us to write about dreaming today. No, not nightmares this time, the good stuff:

What is the best dream you’ve ever had? Recount it for us in all its ethereal glory. If no dream stands out in your memory, recount your worst nightmare. Leave no frightening detail out.

Photographers, artists, poets: show us IMAGINARY.

Well –

I do tend to dream vividly, and that quite often. Most of the times these dreams are of the following kind:

• vivid – those whom I am supposed to learn something from
• nightmares – yeah, the really fun stuff

Pleasant dreams, those that I actually wish I would remember, I do not remember so much. I do find dream interpretation a fascinating subject though. There is so much you can learn from what your subconscious is trying to tell you, and stuff you might be too afraid, or busy to work through during your working hours.

Yeah, you know those dreams, where nothing makes really sense, but you have a feeling that there is a reason why you should pay attention to it. If you are not familiar with basic dream symbolism, that can be frustrating. Maybe this short video I found on YouTube could help a bit

Or find a book like this one:

Dreams are cool, they are interesting, as long as they are not scaring you half-way out of your mind, and keep you from getting a really restful sleep. But because we all dream, and remember at least on occasion one of our dreams, why not take the time to study those darn things.

Sweet dreams!

Book Review “You’re Not Safe” by Mary Burton

“You’re Not Safe” by Mary Burton
Publisher: Kensington Books
Puplishing Date: March 25th 2014
Rating 3/5 Stars
Genre: Romance/Crime
The book promises a fast paced story, with a potential to combine romantic as well as mystery/crime elements, but it fails to deliver a fast pace. While the characters are engaging and well rounded, there are moments in the story where too many conversations and hints to character background, give it a sluggish feel, dragging the reader along, rather then making me want to race to the next moment in breathless anticipation. The potential is there, there are no confusing elements, there is no switching back and forth between point of views as some other examples in this genre do, but I do miss the pace, to the point that I wanted to shake the book awake, at times.
It takes too long for the main characters to make a romantic connection, which in itself would be okay, if the action part of this crime/romance combination would make up for the lack of it. But it does not.
I personally do not think that this book should be dismissed completely, and it was an enjoyable read, comparable to a lazy Sunday afternoon movie. But Sunday afternoon movies are for those times when there is really nothing else going on. And there are many other novelists out there who engage a reader from the beginning to the end. If that is what you are looking for, then you will not find it in this book.

Performance

The happiest memories of my childhood where on stage. Singing in our choir, having the honor of actually performing in theaters, at conventions, at festivals gave a break from an otherwise dreary existence. Our choir leader, was the head of the Musical Department of the town I grew up in. He took our performances seriously. So did I.

The teachers in our school where a part of the whole experience. The Director created a teacher’s band, who assisted us, my English teacher on the classical guitar. German schools are not exactly known for their creativity, but in this environment we could explore, sing in different languages, work with different instruments, express ourselves.

Speaking about expressing oneself. For the ultimate creative experience on how to make the most of your musical talents while playing with vegetables watch the video below. I did not know a carrot could sound so good.

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2014/02/25/daily-prompt-we-got-the-beat/

Dare To Dream

Dare To Dream – A Haiku

every breath a risk
anticipating changes
should I dare to dream?

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2014

Taking chances does not have to be as grand as “Walking on the Moon”.  Taking a chance by making a change is a dare enough.

Being a part of the Daily Prompt is a risk – will people read what you write?

Changing the direction of a blog is a risk – will people read your new focus and accept the change?

Writing about long held fears and personal tribulations is a risk – will people think I am weak?

Taking risks, daring to dream, reaching out of one’s comfort zone does not have to be of grandeur, its size is not the importance but the stretching of ones mind is. Do you dare? Or will you stay within your own self-imposed borders, that if left too long in the same place, can become a prison of your own making.

Dare to dream – take the risk!

P.S. speaking of taking the risk, I am actually going to make spirit dolls. I made the hands and face for the first doll yesterday, and he is resting now, drying ( I am using natural clay, so this will be a process). Once he is finished, I will post pictures on my other blog, you know the one with all the witchy stuff.  And then he is going for sale on Etsy. Yay!

Book Review: ” Deadly Beginnings” by Jaycee Clark

Deadly Beginnings by J(something)
Genre: Romance (adult)
Release Date: January 24th 2014
Ratings: 4/5
A suspenseful romance with strong characters, and an interesting story line, that keeps readers involved. The two main characters in this story are very likable and relate-able, with interesting back ground stories, specifically when it comes to the female main character. While the details are very well thought out, this novel gets the feeling of being rushed, as the writer is trying to get in as much information on the female protagonists background, without exploring it too much, making the story feel a little choppy at times.
The main focus of the story – the relationship between the two lovers – is intense, and without giving too much away, complicated by insisting ex-fiance, who like a bad nightmare, just keeps on staying around for another repeat performance. You have to admire his determination, but he does come across as a one dimensional bad guy, which makes you wonder how anyone could fall for him in the first place.
Overall this novel was entertaining and delivered everything a romance novel should, a steamy relationship, hard times, personal growth, and a happy ending. I had fun reading this book, and recommend it highly to those who love this type of suspenseful romance.

Award Season

Yup it’s award season. Well at least the tail end of it. Only three major events left in Hollywood, the CAS Award, the CDG Awards and the Oscars.

Acceptance speeches practiced, changes of winning calculated, perfect place picked out for the statue that comes with the glory, possibly the mantle in the living room, or as a centerpiece of that special shelf, set aside just for those times.

It is also the time when many dream of standing upon the podium themselves, or at least be nominated for a dream they have not dared to live. It is too hard, they say. The chances are minimal, why bother trying, others whisper. Another may have even harder words that crush the dreams of an inspiring actor, or custom designer, or singer.

Another light burned out before it even got a chance to burn bright enough to shine. What a shame.

Let’s remember that those whom take home those awards where the same dreamers whom at one point had the same chance, the same fears, the same people whispering in their ear – their faces may have differed, but the message was clear – stop dreaming, give up, you are such a fool.

But they did not stop. They, somehow found the drive, the resolve, the determination to stop looking at those naysayers and continued. And they stuck with their dream. Hard work won.

Your goal does not have to be the award of a lifetime, or the bestselling novel series a’la J.K.Rowling. If it is – good for you, I am rooting for you. But if your dreams are different, like running a successful blog, or owning your own business, or maybe getting that degree – do not listen to the naysayers.

Dream, dream big or small, but dream. Let your light shine, we need your light to shine. The world is a better place filled with people whom are doing what they love.

I am doing what I love – writing. And to my surprise, apparently someone thought this little corner of interwebs space I am dancing around on, was worth awarding. How about that! Well thank you, Jae, I think you are pretty awesome too.

Well she did leave me with a task – an acceptance speech in a way I guess, 10 little questions. So without further ado, I shall go and answer her request.

1. If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? Why?

I would love to be Ironman – his superpower is his intelligence. A genius, now that is a power I could really use. With that, you can achieve just about anything you want to. And it would be a hell of a lot easier.

2. What would you do if you won the lottery? Why?

Buy a house in Beverly Hills, because it is really close to the college my daughter wants to go to. Also it is in the center of all of the creative arts we are involved in, a lot of video game developers have their offices there (my son’s dream), acting (my daughters dream) and script writing (one of my dreams) and yes, even with Millions we would not stop our dreams, they just would be easier to accomplish.

3. Would you rather trade some intelligence for looks or looks for intelligence? Why?

For my job intelligence is more important then looks. There is always plastic surgery.

4. What is your nationality?

I am German.

5. If you were prime minister/ruler of the world what laws would you make? Why?

Not a role I would like to assume. Not ever.

6. Which form of public transport do you prefer? Why?

Public transport – well if you include flying, then that – going on an airplane. Hey I love to travel. And flying is fun. Otherwise trains.

7. Have you ever been approached by someone who knew you but you couldn’t remember them for the life of you? Tell us about it.

That does happen to all of us. I really try not to dwell on little things like that. I honestly do not remember.

8. What was your favorite nursery rhyme?

Bake, bake Kuchen, der Baecker hat gerufen, – not an English one, but my Grandmother kept on saying that to me, roughly translated it means “Bake, bake a cake, the baker is calling.” I did not say it made any sense, lol.

9. What nicknames do you have/have had?

Mom – my favorite nickname.

10. What was the first film you remember seeing at the cinema?

Wow, I really do not remember that one either. I went to a lot of movies growing up. As a teenager I befriended the person who worked with the projector ( I have no idea what his job title was), but he let me see all the movies I wanted for free. So I did. And I fell in love with the art form “Cinema”. Add that to my other childhood refuge “books” and there is not much of any surprise that I am a writer, and an aspiring script writer.

Now here are my little bloggers and other mischief’s I am nominating for this award

thoughtsofrkh – honey you are fabulous!

Rima Hassan – your blog is beautiful!

Under The Monkey Tree – what a wonderful title for a blog!

Well now please write an acceptance speech a la Oscars, yup you read that right, and  include a list of 10 random facts about yourself, link that post back to me and nominated someone else worthy of recognition (well we are all worthy, but just pick a few. I know its hard).

Okay, that’s it folks.

Love you all! Follow your bliss!

Number 49

“Did you see her?”
Who? The younger woman frowned at her mother.
“The one who walks in circles around the complex. She is walking again.”
“I am surprised, it is still a little cold.” Mel rinsed off the Granny Smith apple and bit into it with enthusiasm.
Mumbling, she chewed, “Those are good.”
“What did you say?”
“The apples, Mom. I like those.
“Great, those green ones used to be my favorite growing up. Tart and juicy.”
Looking away from her daughter and glancing through the kitchen blinds, the older woman frowned at what she saw. The long parking lot, holding two rows of cars, not just from their building of condos, but three more, arranged so it formed an oval driveway through which the owners moved their vehicles. And walked their dogs.
Or strolled round, and round and round. A woman, heck a girl about the same age then her daughter in way to thin clothing for this time of year.
“She must be freezing.I wonder how long she is going to keep this up tonight. Probably another hour or two, judging by the last few days.”
A dog barked, its high pitched sound echoing through the otherwise quiet neighborhood.
The girl walking jumped at the sound, flinching. Then continued to walk. Around again.
“Poor thing is scared of dogs.”
Glancing at their own two rescues sleeping on the living room couch, Mel sighed.
“Then this is the wrong neighborhood for her.”
Louise nodded.
“Something is just not right there.Strange young girl.”

*

She turned up the volume of her IPod, hoping it would drain out the barking of the dogs. Loud music, drowning out the voices of others, the sounds of the cars, the fierce and threatening growl of the four legged minions, others called pets.
Drowning out the sounds of her parents yelling at each other, the drunken speech, slurred and wet, both inebriated before they day was dark.
Just walk. Keep on walking.
Pretending she did not see the glares of the people walking by, the curious frowns drawn in her direction, while nodding their Hello’s. She pulled her thin jacket closer, trying to keep both the colder evening air away from reaching her, and the sight of the bruises upon her shoulders away of the nosy glares she felt upon her through the windows.
If they only knew. If anyone would just ask about her personal little hell, she lived every day. The one she escaped through those moments of walking by the cars, listening to any sound, other then what the real world had to offer.
Just walk.
Jennifer turned her head, just in time to see the curious peak of what seemed to be a woman, eyes lazed with something different then the usual disapproval.
Concern.
Lifting the blinds, the woman nodded and smiled, and Jen smiled back, while continuing to walk through the neighborhood, a flicker of hope grasping for her heart.
Maybe someone did care. Maybe she was not all alone. Maybe one day she could talk to whomever was behind the thick white blinds in Number 49.

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2014

This flash fiction was inspired by today’s daily prompt, “vice”. 

Classes In Society

 

Classes in society – an outdated concept?

A label of separation we give ourselves to define our differences between each other. It also indicates less of fluidity between motion of successful and just starting out, reaching ones goals, or failing to do so. 

My neighborhood for example.

I live in a nice “middle class” condo complex. It is well taken care off, has everything that a nice complex should have, beautiful pools, a club house, grounds well kept, a lake, boat and RV parking, security. We all pay the same, our properties are worth about the same. So you would think we would be all of the same level, approximately in income or “class”. 

Wrong.

We have one person who takes his turns to dig through the dumpsters. We have another whom has a weekly maid service, as well as gets her car detailed – at home. We have people who drive antiques, and people who’s car if it had a wash would fall apart. We have families with 7 kids in a 2 bedroom condo, and a retired NFL player, who lives there with his 2 purebred dogs and his elegant wife. We have a person who changes his luxury cars (which are worth more then his condo) faster then other people their outfits, and a single Airforce captain. Some struggle to make ends meet, some like us, get a weekly organic vegetable delivery, well because I can. 

We all live in the same neighborhood, under the same roofs, separated by (sometimes) too thin walls, and expectations about life. We are all what you would call middle class, but if defined by income and our way of spending money, have nothing in common. 

But we do have something in common. We are not classes. We are people. We are filled with the same emotions. We all have dreams. We could choose to separate ourselves, but we don’t. We all have value. We all live here, in this corner of the planet. 

If we would do ourselves a favor and stop looking at classes, but rather at each other as people of value, all in our own way, maybe we could reach outside of our (sometimes) self-imposed prison of social class. 

Have a wonderful day!

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2014/02/18/daily-prompt-west-end-girls/

This post is a part of the Daily Prompt:

Every city and town contains people of different classes: rich, poor, and somewhere in between. What’s it like where you live?

Legacy

Imagine yourself at the end of your life. What sort of legacy will you leave? Describe the lasting effect you want to have on the world, after you’re gone.

Photographers, artists, poets: show us LEGACY.

My legacy – I did it my way

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2014/02/16/prompt-dont-foget/

Pink Liebster Award

What a wonderful and sweet surprise from Steve Green who nominated me for The Pink Liebster Award. I am very grateful indeed, especially coming from someone who’s flash fiction I enjoy reading very much. He is a very talented man, so I am humbled by his choice.

The Liebster Award, like many has some rules attached, so let me share those with you first before I continue.

1) Link back to the person who nominated you.
2) Answer the 10 questions they gave you.
3) Pick some favourite bloggers of your own to nominate.
4) Pose 10 questions of your own for them to answer.
5) Make sure that the people you nominated know about it.
And have fun.

Well Steve’s question for me and my co-nominee Casey Douglass is to post 10 random or unusual facts about ourselves. That should be easy, considering that I am a bit unusual/weird.

1. My pets are color coordinated – now that was not by choice but just happened to be like that. First we adopted a light brown and white Beagle/Corgi mix, and she is just the sweetest dog, but she really needed a friend. We went back to the shelter a month later, and brought home Athena, a beautiful light brown and white Ridgless Rhodesian Ridgeback. We thought we were done with animals until our move to California, but we were wrong. One night a cat – and yup the same colors as my dogs – decided to go for a walk with us. He decided he liked the dogs and we were now his family. He has been a sweet (and now indoor) addition to our humble home.

2. I am a practicing Witch. That is not exactly a secret, as I am very open with my practice and belief system. Still there are not that many of us whom are as open about our practice then I am, so I might be the only Witch you know. Just to clarify – I am not Wiccan – there is a difference.

3. We are a homeschooling family. I have homeschooled my children for 12 years now. Both kids are college bound and very driven. Best decision I have ever made. The only school (k through 12) I would send my kids to would be Hogwarts.

4. I like nutella way to much. Okay sue me, I can not stand peanut butter anything, but for Nutella, well lets say I am glad that they sell it here everywhere. Nutella is my vice.

5. Vice number 2: Coffee – that is not much of a surprise considering that drinking coffee is a major part of just about any celebratory gathering in Germany (no, it is not beer, sorry). Kaffeeklatsch – picture the British tea time, just with coffee, was a large part of my connection with family and friends. Oh, and I can read coffee cream for divination. Or your coffee grounds. And tea leaves.

6. I love The Avengers – and all of the other movies that are a part of that world surrounding them. Yup, I am a Geek/Nerd – I guess that makes me a geeky Nerd Witch?

7. I follow the teachings of Abraham Hicks. Think channeled version of Law of Attraction-way of teaching. Combine that with Witchcraft and bam -well it works for me, lol.

8. I am almost always cold. There are a few reasons for that, at least I was told those reasons. I am constantly slightly anemic – I have been since I was a teenager, and my poor daughter inherited that from me (sorry hon), and I was told that the veil is thin around me. In any case, I could not imagine living in Germany again, just alone for that reason. I would simply never leave the house.

9. I am a Grobanite. No it’s not a disease, it simply means I am a Josh Groban fan. That dude has a voice to die for. Incredible. And he is funny too.

10. If you would have told me a year ago, I would be writing Flash Fiction for fun, I would have laughed at you. While I had never tried writing any before that, I thought I would not possibly enjoy it. Guess what, I do enjoy it. And I also enjoy writing Haiku – never thought that was possible either.

All right, now you know my secrets. There are open secrets. Now off to nominating a few more bloggers. Ah, whom should I choose?

Because there are so many wonderful bloggers out there, I chose two blogs.

Both bloggers do not post their name – unless I missed it somewhere, then I ask for forgiveness.

Drumroll please!

“hocuspocus13” and “Perspective on life, universe and everything“

Yay! You guys are awesome, and I wanted to make sure you know. 

So for the two of you, I will send you some questions to answer, then it is your turn to choose. I am looking forward to discovering your choices for the award.

Have a wonderful weekend!