Creativity For Sale :: Jackie D. Rockwell

How To Find a Ghostwriter or a Toastmaster

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 06:49:00 +0000

THE BLOG

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 04:19:00 +0000

This year I celebrate my third year as a blogger. So why don't you get over to JackiesMagic and read about my adventures in writing and publishing my first book called Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth, whilst I go through what I'm going through as a single mom about to send my only child off to college.

And "Thank You" for coming here to learn more about me and my writing and the services I offer. Please tell a friend. ~ Many blessings. Much Love, Jackie.

Pull Up a Chair, Let Me Tell Your Story

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 14:35:00 +0000

My Teen Daughter is My Valentine

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:45:00 +0000

This is a slightly rewritten repost from a few months ago. Since it's Valentine's season, I am feeling so in love and falling more in love with my teenager right now. I wanted to share this again. For her...

A social networker/friend wrote this about teenagers...

... "ALL THEY DO IS COMPLAIN, AND SOMETHING IS ALWAYS WRONG WITH 'EM.. THEY DON'T HAVE JOBS AND DON'T PAY NO BILLS.. SO WHAT DO THEY HAVE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT?"

I say: That's not ALL teenagers do! At least not my teenager and her friends, and other teens I've met. Sure they give us a run for our money. But we're equipped to handle it. We've been there already!

Mark Twain once said.. "When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years."

I've always believed that my child is my best teacher. By the time she's 21 I'll have a Doctorate in Life! I witnessed her come here first hand straight from Heaven. And everyone who met her at birth said.. "She looks like she's been here before." By now it sometimes feels like she's forgotten everything she learned back then, and Up There. At times, I totally forget to laugh! 'Cause the stuff she can put me through, just isn't that funny! But why cry over the little trials when I have had so many treasures and memories of my relationship with her? Teenagers aren't always a prize. But no matter what mine offers, or how she offers it, I will always do my best to receive it as Love. She's offering love. Or asking for some. And when I'm 91, I know she'll come up with some wonderful ways to repay me for fulfilling my obligation to her as a mom!

I don't know why people hate on teenagers. Where they are in their lives as teens, is not who they are for the rest of their lives. And the good things is... they are still growing and learning. I totally count on my teen to be blessedly different and more awesome next week!

laughing out loud

Here are a few other writings I've shared in the past about my Indigo Child!

There is a fun side to teaching your teen to drive

Spoken like a true wise fool

Love Is The Movement...

Oh! And here's... a gift from FROM her:

"Something cute for my mom and her blogger friends! From the Indigo Child.."

"A Love Song for You!"

From Old School... to New Age: Blacks in the NEW "Church"

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 18:44:00 +0000

I'm collecting first person narratives/stories for an upcoming book I'm writing, tentatively titled "From Old School.. To New Age." It will feature narratives by African Americans raised in the old school traditional "church" who've made New Thought or New Age or Practical Christianity, Zen, Buddhism, Scientology, Christian Science, Unitarianism work for themselves for 5 years or more.. With special attention to how they've managed criticism and alienation from relationships with friends and family of the "old school" persuasion whilst nurturing and maintaining and strengthening their convictions and personal beliefs.

Contact me for the Call for Submissions:

My Gift For Dallas Moms in Distress

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 20:05:00 +0000

My MOMmassage Ministry: Therapeuticly Divine Touch for Dallas Moms

I'm formally trained in Swedish Massage, and I've always dabbled in aromatherapy and reflexology, too! After school was over in Atlanta, I realized practicing massage was laborious at best, as I was in demand intern with a healthy supply of robust ailing Navy and Marine Corps reservists. After becoming a mom, surprisingly I had no interest in practicing massage therapy.

That was then this is now.

Over the past 17 years of being a care-taker daughter and mom, I've become more sensitive spiritually and mindful of the benefits of therapeutic touch. As a working mother, I've found that even the precious touch of my toddler's little hands on my shoulder can send waves of relief to my soul. Back then, I only had to ask for a back rub. It would be short and sweet, but it would be just enough to get me by 'til the next time! When she was in middle school, I'd have to come up with some cash! Now.. it's "You rub my back - I'll rub yours." I don't mind. These days, I'll take a back rub any which way I can get it!

When it's all said and done, my ministry is offering Relaxation Massages - Complimentary to stressed out and frazzled moms. My gift back to my own mother who has chronic pain, and my teenager who is now dealing with migraines.

Contact me to find out how you or your church, school, organization or ministry can benefit from a Mom Massage Ministry partnership.

FREE MASSAGE FOR BODIES IN knead! - For Dallas moms in distress.

If you like massage, you will love this! My line of handcrafted organic bath and body products:
"You Touch It You Rub It." It's almost edible! My Brown Sugar Love Scrub & Bath Infusions are amazing!
This holiday season I'm looking to retail on a small scale, these products made from the best organic quality ingredients that I personally use. If you know of a book/gift store that would like to add my line to the offerings, please contact me! Every referral gets their own free stash!

Click here to read more about my "YOU TOUCH IT ~ YOU RUB IT" Brown Sugar Love Scrub..

Want some?

The Benefits and Joy of Being Around Positive People

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 04:19:00 +0000

After five long and horrendous months of migraine pain management for my sixteen year old, and more than a year of unemployment for me.. These past couple of weeks of back to school and back to work, sort of eased us into some different powers and capabilities we'd almost forgotten we had... Powers I'll call, Corporate Joy. That positive energy of productive busy gainfully employed and motivated people is allowing us to blossom again, as we get back to the business of being back in school and the work place.

But this experience I'm talking about is not about me exchanging my time and skills for a pay check. I am grateful, yet greatly under-employed, still. I love running things. And... even though the work I'm doing is worthy of my attention and commitment, well.. it's not my highest occupational calling. And it's not about the new high school and educational opportunities of junior year for my teenager. She willingly declined a demanding Honors and AP load in exchange for a migraine free life. For us, this season is all about being connected to the energy of positive people, again!

As mundane, and negative and even boring as the corporate (and public school) world can be, to some, the energy of the people in it, expands our understanding and awareness of our true selves. For my daughter and I, that means that our minds are clear and our hearts are sensitive to others and not just ourselves, and school and work projects have burned away the impurities of our emotional, physical and mental systems of the months and months of quiet desperation and isolation.. Like a really good massage melts away built up lactic acid in hurting tired muscles after a long hard workout.

I have found that new people to meet and greet and support and collaborate with, and have lunch with and coordinate and plan with.. and saying "good night" and "good morning" to, have dispersed certain worries and anxieties, grief, and other irritations of the very personal stay at home/temp-contractor/care taker/summer vacation variety.

For me, getting back to work with a diversity of people around expands the field of magnetism and has opened me up to receive impressions, inspiration and transforming energies..like.. hearing from new coworkers with similar health experiences and unemployment anxieties as I have. There's certainly joy in being encouraged and offering encouragement in these instances. And joining a new Toastmasters club to lift up and affirm my speaking voice, when all I've been doing with it for the past few months is writing.. And that good looking guy who makes accidental eye contact with me.. could be someone to invite to a holiday party. (Naaa! I'm not that desperate.) But I'm just sayin'.... That kind of contact in a matter days has profoundly enriched my creative abilities and lifted me up to a higher vibrational plane.

In essence, being around busy positive people for learning or for earning heals and balances us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. If you know someone who has lost a job, or is sick and shut in, go to them and support them in person. Anyone can text and send email greetings. You can do better than that! My daughter never got a visitor or a card or flowers from any of her school or church mates the entire last semester of school that she was absent. A huge part of her grief while recovering was dealing with her loss of friends and social opportunities. Thankfully, she has that all back now!

And finally.. Let's all get connected and stay connected. The joy of being connected on a higher plane as people having spiritual experiences with each other, can have a real healing effect on everyone who is receptive to it.

The book of life

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:33:00 +0000

Marianne Williamson on facebook said: According to A Course In Miracles , death is not an end but a continuation. The book of life never ends; only chapters do.

My response: My extended family has experienced three deaths in 30 days. One 4 yr old. I am profoundly aware of everything.. from the essentials to the superfluous. I cut my hand yesterday, and the living colors of 1st blood to last drop were amazing to see, and now the healing is miraculous, to me. That's how I've processed the losses of physical life..And my own memories and the testimonies of others create these next chapters for those gone away -in my heart.

Taking The Scenic Route

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:58:00 +0000

I could take the main drag or I could take a side street.. to and from my daughter's school to our house. Even when she has to be there early, we drive in high traffic. Coming and going, any time of day, the main road is more stressful.. And at certain points from one end to the other, it has a few of the most deadly intersections in the country. Hardly anything to boast about, but it makes my point. The back road, on the other hand, is not as busy.. For one thing, it's residential, and I take great comfort in driving at a slower pace knowing I won't kill myself looking.. at the scenery.. I just don't mind being distracted by...

Like that lady's husband who's jogging towards me. Ooooh! And that other married man.. jogging away! Hmmmmm.. And over there! That guy fixing his flat.. These guys know I'm watching, you think?.. But.. Oh my. There's no sin in looking. Keep your eyes on the road, Jackie. Keep your eyes on the road.

And see that million dollar dad, in his million dollar car, down there? Delivering his million dollar son to his .03% of a million dollars public school teacher? I wonder if he belongs to one of those million dollar homes with those million dollar lawns.. Could his be the yellow brick house that stands out from all the rest? With those beautiful French doors and windows and wisteria arches? Oh. And TP in the trees? LOL..

So many more lovely and visibly obscure people and homes and goings on.. to see when you take the scenic route. Offering the less fortunate just enough of a sneak peek to inspire, or wonder.. who Bernie Madoff screwed? Or who's getting by, or who's struggling.. by their own hands? Or the man?

Looks can be deceiving, you know.

But I'd rather have this scenery than deal with what's going on on the main drag.. where the 10 ton pickup truck driver enjoys tailgating little cars whilst he sucks cigarette butts and hits repeat on Lee Greenwood's "Proud to Be An American." Or that mom in her SUV text messaging.. whilst making a mad dash over to Starbucks from clear across 3 lanes!

Life is good and can be made more simple and stress free.. If we choose to take a different route occasionally. Get off the main road. Take the scenic route. Cast our eyes on some different things. Different people. Have some different experiences. See things as they really are.. or as they are not. Find out something new.. Ask.. Is it true? Look, and you will see that taking the scenic route can be quite an eye full!

Use Your Voice For Good!

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:00:00 +0000

I love my voice.

Not just the audible sound of my words when breath flows with inspired thought from my brain, through my diaphragm and out my mouth into your ears! But the life and love affirming voice of points I get to make on occasion.. with passion! To address things like deliberate untruths and shameful misunderstandings. This voice, I got to use this morning on someone who took it upon himself to push my one good hot button! Push THAT hot button, and I can be like the Incredible Hulk (or is that Bruce Lee when he tastes his own blood?) gone beserk, when someone does this undeservedly. Now.. I'm not beneath a good telling off every once in a while, and even when it's not deserved.. I'm usually able to grin and bear it. But every once in a while, I need to break out that can of whoop-ass to help make things right and undo some unnecessary negativity.. by using my voice. At least in my mind, that's what I'm doing - with my voice.

One thing for sure, when I'm in this mode, I'm not mean spirited or ugly. And I speak what I understand to be the truth in love. Not brash. Not trash. Or boldly. Or brutally. Even if I get it wrong, no one can ever accuse me of being indignant or disrespectful.

All the more reason I know I am on the right path with my new blog and new identity "The Zenspiration Babe" theme. I'm not meant to be angered or hurt anymore by what I've experienced or seen. I'm meant to be inspired and use my voice to inspire other to do the right thing.

Have you figured out what your voice is? What ticks you off? What slows you down? What inspires you? What gets your juices flowing? You do realize that it's necessity not laziness that inspires invention? Is there something you need to say? Express? Be? Do? USE YOUR VOICE to do it! Screamer it. Do it. Write it. Speak it. Create it. Make it. Invent it. Cook it. Bake it. What ever it is.. let that be your voice and use it!

I used to dislike my own observations of all things negative and hurtful. Afraid that what I was seeing and hearing was actually a projection of what I was thinking. That law of attraction was kicking my behind. But like a psychic or intuitive, I realized that my ability to see and hear such things was a Gift.. and is complimentary to my Voice. I must use it for good. And so must you.

Love is Greater Than Fear

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 17:24:00 +0000

Ok. So...

It's NOT a Mosque!

President Obama is NOT a Muslim.

NOT all Believers are Christians.

And when we know what the truth IS,

we also know what it IS NOT.

This is not to cast dispersions on the people who are afraid of what it would look like to the rest of the world, if we could allow for a supposed Mosque to be built @ Ground Zero. But these people should surely get over their fears and themselves. Isn't it about time that truth and Love prevail? The dearly departed of the September 11th tragedies are resting in peace. And those of us, left behind, are bickering about something so meaningless to the grand scheme of things. I, for one, have grown tired of the contradictions of our supposed morality, and am listening up for the debate on how love is greater than fear, and that's the truth of our reality!

Why do people choose to promote fear more than love? Or believe in what sounds most frightening than what is most lovely? What comes to your mind as something that you are afraid of most?

I love Mark Twain quote..

“Power, courage, love and fear. Love requires the power to recognize fear and act in spite of it. Love generates an authentic expression of courage: “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear.”

Do you have the courage to prove resist your fears or prove them wrong?

Photo belongs to Koreana

Dear Eyes,

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 05:08:00 +0000

I've used you for forty eight years, for seeing beautiful things, goodness, badness and ugliness, and for weeping through the night, and for crying tears of joy, and a few of the crocodile variety, and even for crying over spilled milk that was not deserving of your energy. For all this I thank you profusely, and I apologize sincerely.

Today I used you to see love in the eyes and tears of mourners of a lost distant relative who passed away waay too soon. In the prime of his life. And I used your not so distant relative, my ears, to listen to the loving testimonies of the bereaved. What eyes have seen and ears have heard today has helped me believe, and remember to see and speak --all the more, that Love is all there is. Love is all that matters. That tomorrow isn't promised, and I might as well use you for your true intention.. all of the time. To See Only Love.

I apologize that I've sometimes misused you to not see only the good in others. When I know that the core of the human spirit IS Love. And since Love's eyes are too pure to behold our man-made iniquities.. Who do I think I am to see things differently than God does?

Thank you, my lovely eyes, for always being there for me. For always showing me Love.

I Want Some of What She's Got!

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:20:00 +0000

Once upon a time, I worked very closely on a temp project with someone I was terribly annoyed with most days. Her tendency was to abuse the phone use privilege.. and it was a major distraction to our project work. At least for me. Then one morning we both arrived to the office at the same time with identical (personal) customer service issues to resolve over the phone.. But with different providers. At every red light from home to work, and on a slow stroll from the parking garage to my desk, I went through multiple agents with no resolution to my issue.. When she dialed in from the office, it seems the first person she spoke to was responsive and diligent. I eventually hung up from my call, problem resolved but extremely dissatisfied with the level of service I got. She, on the other hand, hung up from her call singing their praises.

Fortunately for me, I was paying attention to her.. "Would you do me a favor, please?".. and "Thanks a Million! You've been most helpful.." Her pleasant and gracious tone of voice and demeanor contrasted my no non-sense get it done right now or lose me as a patron, attitude. Yes. I say "Please" and "Thank you." But until that morning, I wasn't consistently as overtly gracious and kind as she was.. But until that morning, I hadn't wanted to be.

Later in the day, fed up with her misuse of the phone use privilege, I decided to show her another way. For my sake!! I deliberately placed a few cell phone calls throughout the day.. and excused myself from our office each time, in order to make the calls. Returning quietly after each call, to resume work on the project. Surprisingly, she mimicked me.. thereafter. Talk about a miracle! I knew that tactic worked with little children, but I'd never seen an adult copy cat behavior like that.

Too many times we are so quick to quit or vent, retaliate, get even or get out at the first sign of danger. Yes, I was tempted to quit that project or even confront her. It was just that bad. But because I stopped and asked myself the question .. What is this about? I was able to save my job and my sanity!

It's definitely not about the the annoying phone calls, or the multiple customer service agents, the way the day is going, or whatever we find our attention has turned to.. It's about our own mental confusion about those things that are distracting and annoying..

My co-worker's innocence was my annoyance, and I was guilty of flawed perception. As it turns out, she needed me, and I needed her. And we worked in harmony together until the project was over. We're all here to remind each other that we all serve a purpose for one another. And love does prevail, even when we can't stand each other sometimes!

Zen for Single Mothers. Is there such a thing?

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:44:00 +0000

This is what I know about single mothers....

we have a potential for success unlike any other women!
we have an appreciation of unsurpassed quality!
we have a special understanding of one another!
we may be sisters under the skin to all other women...
but among ourselves, we are sisters of the skin. This is special!
and it is why we never give up our desire to help each other achieve!

The Something within me

I am a never married single mom. It's a long story and you'll love the book! But for now, my almost 17 year old and I are doing just fine and I don't really have any complaints. The ones that I do have, well.. I usually talk it over with my spiritual adviser.. God. The Universe. My Higher Self. Jesus. I don't do mommy blogs. I've tried. My focus hasn't been too much on meeting Mr. Right. My focus hasn't been on climbing the corporate ladder. My focus for the past seventeen years has been on raising my spirited indigo child! I must tell you, she's been my GREATEST teacher.

She's a young lady now, in high school and every day she grows and matures more. I'm always amazed by her. People praise me for doing such a good job, but.. I just can't figure how I had anything to do with it. As she matures, I sometimes envision her out in the world as a lamb amongst wolves. But I know this isn't true. This is not who I have been. I have not raised her to be unaware and afraid or vulnerable. My choices have been about our journey together.

My present mantra on motherhood and womanhood goes like this.. "I made a good baby. She has a good life. Now it's me time. Not the mom.. Not the wife." And, so.. with my understanding of and love for single moms.. I do what I can do for the sisterhood.

I'm on a quest to find more inspiration and practical zen for single mothers who are still very young or brand new to the single mother hood. Please subscribe to my RSS Feed for updates to this list of offerings of the most ZEN I can find for single moms online! Do you know a website or blog or forum that is similar in focus on Single Mothers? Please submit links in comments to this post.

MOMSWEB - for ALL MOMS!
Zenmothers.com - seems more for moms of young ones!
Singlemommyhood.com - got issues? get answers here!

EVERYthing is Beautiful

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 05:26:00 +0000

Criticism is one of the most ordinary activities of people. If you were to recall your day, you could probably come up with a bigger list of complaints than compliments, right? Example: My daughter and I, pressed for time, had a brief meet and greet with my mom, grandmother and aunt. Breezing away, I slipped a thought & silly laugh to my 16 yr old...
............ "They act like they've never seen us before!"

Immediately, I felt embarrassed for criticizing the love and attention they'd lavished on us with their kisses and hugs, touches and tugs.. From our hair, to our complexion, to our teeth, knees, jewelry, eyes, my skirt, her shorts, our weight.. height, toes, fingers, nail polish.. and breath, even!...

Not that I didn't love all the attention. I just noticed my daughter enjoyed it all! Outward expressions of petty annoyances could ruin somebody else's joy. By the end of the day, I would have been more annoyed than gracious.. 3 times over. But also, by the end of the day.. Love has shown me a more excellent way to think about what I've been through and what I've seen...

And I just love the way God shows me things:

As I closed my eyes to escape the sounds of pipas and reality t.v., I felt overwhelmed with my sense of indebtedness to the Universe.

I began to feel beautiful and fabulous, as if it was 9am again, just after I first opened my beautiful eyes, to greet my beautiful 16 yr old and her beautiful cat.. Then to maintain my beautiful health with beautiful supplements and beautiful food, and my hygiene and grooming using beautiful body and skin care and makeup, and choosing the beautiful clothes I would wear, and styling my beautiful hair .. to go about doing the beautiful needful things for my beautiful family. It was HOT as you-know-where outside, but the beautiful scorching sunlight was a welcome nutrient to my beautiful skin and beautiful psyche.. I managed to go all the way across this beautiful city and back, with the beautiful flow of all the other beautiful people on the beautiful road. We went beautiful places and did beautiful things. Returned beautifully safe, and beautifully sound. Then at 9pm when I found fault with my beautiful daughter for taking two beautiful migraine pills @ fifty beautiful bucks a pop!! in order to stay on her beautiful job to "be there" for her beautiful and supportive new manager.. Instead of!! calling me to come and get her- . It was at this beautiful moment during my beautiful meditation that the next beautiful thought that came to my beautiful mind was... "Hey!...

Everything is beautiful!"

So stop you bitchin'

Got that Image above @ Hot Cute Myspace Quotes

The School of How to Choose A Party Plan Business

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 03:58:00 +0000

Ok ladies! Here is short lesson on making a decision about which party plan company to join. I've been there, and I continually meet women who go from party plan company to party plan company, month after month, kit after kit, in search of the perfect part time business opportunity! Yes... No... Maybe? Can't make a decision and wish you could? You know you should.. because the extra money would be good! So I've created a list of questions to ask yourself that will help you make up your mind. Breeeeathe this info in and put it to good use.. And then get busy! Planning your work and working your plan!

Questions to ask yourself:

I have used, sampled, bought the core products. Why do I love them?
Do I see myself marketing and promoting (selling) these products?
Do I love the company image, website, logo, marketing materials, catalogs?
Do I know what they are, and can I afford all of the start up costs?
I've read the fine print. Can I live with the Terms and Conditions for being a rep?
Am I willing to embrace the culture of the company and the team I would join?
My would be sponsor speaks my Love Language? Not just push my HOT BUTTONS to sign me up.
Do the rewards and incentives motivate me? (i.e. A trip to Vegas does not appeal to me.)
What is my gut feeling about every aspect of this these products and this company?
Do I have ANY inhibitions about their price points, quality, consultant support, and customer service?

Dismissing any nagging feeling or uneasiness after answering these questions is tampering with what your intuition is telling you. When you get a free and clear vibe about an opportunity, or the people involved, it could mean it's time to move forward. Deciding shouldn't take days or weeks or months. My break-though moment came when I met a sponsor who spoke my Love Language. She didn't mutter, stutter, or put the onus on me. She took full responsibility for "showing me" how to do what she was doing to make the kind of money she was making. The Universe likes speed. So I jumped in to follow her lead!

You already know you want a home based direct sales party plan business.. So when your heart tells you this is the one, then go for it. Direct sales and party plan are legitimate work for yourself business opportunities. The problem is, there are just so many good ones to choose from. I hope this exercise helps you make up your mind.

"Do All The Good You Can"

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 07:07:00 +0000

These words of John Wesley ring true for me right now.. Since receiving a call from a 16 year old girl, whose now divorced parents are friends of the family. It's back to school time for children everywhere, and the last time she called me it was nearly Christmas. She has needs and wants, above and beyond what the child support check provide for.. I didn't know it was her when I answered my phone. And I might not have answered if I had known. She frequently changes phone numbers, and my calls to her always go unanswered. Never the less, I love hearing from her! And as always, she's eager to get past the small talk, so she can ask if I've seen or heard from her dad...
...A bad phone number or address is his excuse for not being in touch with his own child like he should. And then there's this gentle power struggle for me when she calls. Because chances are, I have heard from her dad.. And her childish interest turns to her mother's plaintiff whine.. for his home, cell or office numbers.. That I gently decline. Isn't that sad? He doesn't want me to give her his phone numbers. And this time, like all the others, I could neither explain or make excuses to this child her father's absence from her life. And she does ask "How come...?" But I always do my best to encourage her to continue to believe he loves her, no matter what.

Making sure a message of love gets through to her, is my intention. I resent the child and her mother and her father for that. But I do it any way. Getting to a place of love and vulnerability takes energy but evokes closeness between the two of us.. Albeit, brief. I don't believe she trusts me. So I wonder sometimes why I even bother. Whether or not she's heard from her dad by now, I don't know. But I'm sure I'll get another call from her, from a brand new number in another six months. To do all over again and again, all the good I can.

My Zenspiration Reading Room

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 03:42:00 +0000

Welcome to my Zenspiration Reading Room & Boutique.

In a nut shell: Most books I love are spiritual, sensual, soulful in nature. If you're looking for something good to read, please explore here, and choose from these favorites that excite, inspire and encourage me to lighten up, let go, live, & love! I add new books on the regular. And would love to know what you love... And why.

Shelfari: Book reviews on your book blog

Inspiration for Writers

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 06:28:00 +0000

"Run fast, stand still. This, the lesson from lizards. For all writers. Observe almost any survival creature, you see the same. Jump, run, freeze. In the ability to flick like an eyelash, crack like a whip, vanish like steam, here this instant, gone the next—life teems the earth. And when that life is not rushing to escape, it is playing statues to do the same. See the hummingbird, there, not there. As thought arises and blinks off, so this thing of summer vapor; the clearing of a cosmic throat, the fall of a leaf. And where it was—a whisper.

What can we writers learn from lizards, lift from birds? In quickness is truth. The faster you blurt, the more swiftly you write, the more honest you are. In hesitation is thought. In delay comes the effort for a style, instead of leaping upon truth which is the only style worth deadfalling or tiger-trapping. In between the scurries and flights, what? Be a chameleon, ink- blend, chromosome change with the landscape. Be a pet rock, lie with the dust, rest in the rainwater in the filled barrel by the drainspout outside your grandparents' window long ago."

-Ray Bradbury (b. 1920), U.S. author. "Run Fast ...," Zen in the Art of Writing, Capra Press (1989).

The Meaning of Love

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:30:00 +0000

Click on the image to go to Andrew Cohen's latest article on the meaning of Love. I love corn on the cob, too. Except.. sweet corn on the cob! But is there any other kind, these days? And I really love steak fries with globs of ketchup. And I love those Jolly Rancher suckers. But most of all.. I really love my daughter.

It's Not What You See, It's What You Don't See

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 23:31:00 +0000

I once told a neighbor off, after 20 minutes in 20mph school zone traffic with her headlights on my bumper. She was too close for comfort, and I was ticked off about it! We were in and bout of the school at the same time. I'd dropped my daughter off, but no child was with her. I was compelled to confront her, saying.. "You know... it's not safe to tailgate."

"Excuse, me?" She asked....
... I stopped, got face-to-face to her, and repeated myself. She began to weep and tell me slowly but surely.. she wasn't at all aware of her driving.. She wasn't even sure how she got where she was. She was in a daze and in shock that her husband had just asked her for a divorce. She was only there to drop the house keys off for her elder son to pick up her kindergartner after school. Since daddy wasn't going to be around to do it today.

By this time, she was sitting in the driver seat of her car, and I was kneeling, apologetically, holding her hands as she wept.. Wondering how she would make it through the day, on her job as a comptroller. It worried me that she had a commute. And I felt ashamed and embarrassed that I had disturbed the remainder of her peace by confronting her. Or perhaps, I had saved someone's life. By bringing to her attention that she was in no shape to drive on the tollway!

That was 11 years ago, and I often wonder how that mom survived that day. I prayed for her then, and I still pray for her now and again. I thought she was just another rude driver in the school zone. And on that day. Eleven years ago. That mom.. quietly and wonderfully inspired me to think before I judge. Tailgating is still unsafe, but.. We all want to be safe. When we do unsafe things, it's usually because we're distracted.. Not necessarily because we're stupid and neglectful. I like the idea of being given the benefit of the doubt. So do others.

How about you? When have you misjudged or misinterpreted someone or something and got bent all out of shape, only to realize it was totally unnecessary? Or was it?

Prayers & Wishes

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 07:54:00 +0000

Do you believe that wishing is praying? We never hesitate to wish upon a star, birthday candles, closed eyes and crossed fingers, or dandelions blown with the wind of our breath. Somehow superstition puts the power of our thoughts into action. And for many, those work just as well as getting on our knees and "praying." This, to me, is a reminder of the simplicity of prayer. Standing in the gap for the bereaved. Asking for ourselves, communities, nation, planet.. universe.

I am choosing to share this thought as an expression of my own wish to actualize writing in new and expansive ways. This blog, A Woman of Her Words™ is a place for me to commit to sharing and not worrying about who reads, befriends, or subscribes... Or not. I launched this site in late 2009, and since then, it has changed several times over. Now the time is ripe to explore and share more..

So whilst you might giggle and snicker about the continuous improvements... Just know. This is a seed, the ripening will reveal the blossoms as time unfolds.

Going Through Happy Changes!

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:38:00 +0000

AWomanofHerWords.com is going through changes again, and I'm very happy to tell you about it!

I'd been wondering what to do with the many blogs I've created over the past couple of years, that were all but abandoned because I was running out of words and energy for each of them. I've literally wanted to pull the plug on every web site, including this one. But just couldn't do it...

First there was:
JackiesMagic.. It's the Journey Not the Destination....

Then came:
The Checkbook Dad

Then came:
$oul $avers, Deals & Discoveries for the Discerning

Then came:
Mom/Goddess in Apt10b

Then came:
AWomanofHerWords.com

After talking with an adviser about the direction of the many irons I have in the fire, it was decided that I wouldn't and shouldn't abandon any thing I've been inspired to create. And another thing! I'm no self help guru. I don't presume to be able to teach anybody anything based on anything I think I've learned. I'm just a story teller. And I'm not convinced I'm anything more than that. So.. all the little ideas I've had or been encouraged to write books about, such as on single parenting, derelict & deadbeat dads, friendships with women, mother daughter relationships, dis-organized religion... will be presented in the form of a big fat juicy novel I know you will love!

Five changes I've made for some happy insanity:

I'm writing my first ever novel instead of blogging all over the place and trying to write several little books.
AWomanofHerWords.com will transform into a website that offers Honest Reviews and Soul $aving Deals & Discoveries & Giveaways for the Discerning! If you are interested in hosting a deal or giveaway please post a comment here that includes a link to your website and or email address.
My home business is beginning to boom! I finally made up my mind about what I want, and how to pursue it! It's the sweetest unfolding I've ever done.
I am Miracle Minded!
I am keeping it simple!

Life. An indirect approach to death.

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:34:00 +0000

7:49A Jul. 22, I'm on the southbound Red-Line train to downtown, and my Cantaloupe Island ring tone awakens the other passengers as well. Digging furiously into my hand bag, I can't find my phone fast enough! Who could be calling me - and for what? At this hour? Have I missed a call from my 16 year old driving to class? God, I hope nothing's happened involving her.

It wasn't my daughter after all. It was my brother. I dialed back, and his fragile cracking bass voice answered... "I have some bad news." My mind scanned for some rationale to this message... Unlike past random calls from my youngest sibling, there was no humorous anecdote or strange wisdom to deliver. This morning, he cleared his throat and said.. "Anthony died." "Anthony who?"...... 1 second... 2 seconds.. 3 seconds.. In unison; I asked, he declared... "Haynes?!" My baby brother's best friend, who was born on the same exact day, the same exact year as he was. Dead? Say it's not so!

Stunned. I listened.. as he told me as much of the details as he knew. Silently extending to him everything I was lacking.. from God's storehouse... Not my own. 'Cause I wanted to cry out loud. Scream and curse! But was acutely aware of where I was. On a train, in close proximity to others who were listening, as I might have been. My heart was breaking... breaking.. Completely broken. Feeling my brother's pain.. "Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy." I heard myself saying, over and over. How will we cope? How will he cope? His best friend is dead. "I'm sorry, TQ. I'm so very sorry."

Before I canceled my Facebook account a month ago, Haynes was the only none family member.. I listed as family. He was the only other one I really enjoyed IM chats with. And he'd always initiated chats with his customary "Whats up, Sis?" We'd exchange greetings about nothing much or his adventures on the road as a long distance truck driver. He and my brother were like natural brothers since the day they met. I knew my brother would have to look past his pain and direct his mind toward the corporate mission and the recognition that he was an employee first, today! And so was I. This inseparable part of that which is the core of what should be going on for everyone in this country... But how dare they need us more, today than yesterday! Don't they know? Should we tell them!! We just found out, my brother's best friend is dead!!

After a few minutes of gazing at fast moving trees, and clouds and traffic from my window seat, I called my mother to inform her and to seek maternal solace for me and her absent baby boy. I felt a twinge of strangeness after she said... "You scared me. I thought you were going to tell me something bad about one of us." "Anthony is one of us!" How had she missed the connection? Ho hum. I guess I have the task of putting my mental peace and quiet back together, for myself.. As it was time to get off the train and go to work like nothing was the matter.

From boys to men..
Gosh. They say, youth is wasted on the wrong people. The two of them had an abundance of youthful charm, good looks, and great 'old school' attitude.. Youth was not wasted on them! They were the good guys. Doing the best they can with what they had. And they're the kind of guys that are easy to forgive if they couldn't get it right! Gone too soon, is an understatement. I can only regret not being on Facebook right now to share in the memories and help go through the muck.. and or help find purpose in his departure. If there is any.

Oh well. I have my own memories to cherish and dwell on... Like my brother's wedding, when I enjoyed watching them both act all grown up. And a couple of New Years' Eve's ago, when our slightly smashed trio rendered Auld Lang Syne truly forgettable via phone from Houston to Dallas. My mind doesn't know which single vision to carry as Anthony Haynes in heaven. The past memories, or the present truth. I'll have to wait and see which one gives me more peace.

Here from Heaven and back again...

My baby brother's best friend is gone. And it tugs at my soul that I can't see him to give him a hug in his time of grief. How does life go on? I can only imagine it's harder for TQ to reach outside his deeply personal thoughts and feelings to fill and envelop his loss while he's on the job today. But I'm having a hard time coping with this thing, too.. We didn't just make friends with Anthony, he was a trusted beloved keeper, friend. He was family.. And He would have been the first one I called if I needed him to find TQ.. like my TQ needed to find him, after he wasn't responding to phone calls and text messages since Monday. They tracked his path to a rest stop in Chicago. Too too far away from his loved ones in Houston. Oh, God!!!!! No more Haynes for TQ to say... "Guess- what?" to. Or to disclose or betray some soul-baring confidence between him and his darned near twin, my baby brother.

Well. What I really need to say to Haynes right now, is this: Because you were best friends with TQ (my best friend), you held a lost piece of me. And I will miss your undivided devotion, and personal connection to him. I love you. I miss you. So does he.

I'll see you on the other side, my other baby brother!

How To Be A Gratified & Satisfied.. Well Behaved Woman.. Lover... Lifegiver

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 04:06:00 +0000

I'm every woman. And every woman is a thousand women. A mysterious blend of contradictory tastes and desires. Each woman, is spiritual, soulful, sexual and sensual by nature. So we need a positive and fun view of our selves and the relationships that perceive us.

With uncanny warmth, deep compassion and non-judgmental wisdom, I will soon be presenting "How To Be A Gratified and Satisfied Well Behaved Woman" HappyHour After5 Podcasts to set the course for a quiet revolution in the heart of every lover and life-giver listening!

It doesn't have to be a long & demanding journey for the fire of passion to be strong and resolute. Yes, listen in to my HappyHour After5 Postcasts and you will giggle our @#*! off, but you will also learn to be who you want to be.. for every occasion, every desire and every relationship. My words will hopefully empower you to go forth and be all you truly are.. Sacred. Compassionate. Erotic. Generous... Sensuous.. With no shame or condemnation.. With and for the one you truly love.

More to come...