Origisims - Change

New Artist Spotlight - JJ Keyes aka "KEYEZ"

Watch this new video "Mrs. Lover"

by 
an up and coming new artist:

JJ Keyes

Guest Author - Natalie O'Neil

Guardian House

by 

Natalie O'Neil

Trailer: https://youtu.be/_28l3LaygJc

Curious. That’s the one word Alice uses to describe herself in her Group Therapy sessions. She thinks it has a nicer ring to it than the crazy her parents called her before they abandoned her at Guardian House with other unwanted misfits. Thanks to a childhood incident, Alice can’t remember if she actually visited the fantasy land that appears in pieces of her memory. But she knows her instincts are trying to tell her something is up at Guardian House, and she is too curious to avoid it.

After years of struggling to find her own kind of normal, Alice has found a sense of sanity with some of the patients, especially her best-friend-she’s-basically-family Dorothy, and her hunky crush Tim. Alice’s goal, aside from finding the courage to let Tim know how she feels, is to be discharged and leave Guardian House. That is, until mad Hattie reminds them of the legend of the evil Red Queen. Aided by quirky Therapy friends, secrets of the mysterious Dr. Wize, and a little magic, Alice must fight to save her friend’s lives – even if it means betraying the only thing she has grown to rely on.

Trailer: https://youtu.be/bZOv3AsKdzE

Author Bio

Natalie O’Neil is proud to announce the publication of her first novel, Guardian House, an urban fantasy mash-up of her favorite childhood mischief-makers. Enticed by the bizarre, Natalie’s unconventional predilections have been know to lead her down more than one path not frequently taken, and she’s always up for the adventure.

Natalie is fascinated by the Victorian Era, Steampunk, and alternate realities, allowing her to often romanticize about a time and place that never actually existed, except for in her mind. This magical, whimsical, and sometimes frightening imaginary world inspires both her writing and her real life.

A graduate of Rutgers University, Natalie taught high school English & Creative Writing for many years before becoming an innovator in educational technology. As a Technology Coordinator, Google Certified Teacher and Trainer, Raspberry Pi Certified Teacher, and Adjunct Professor, Natalie is passionate about sharing the benefits of technology and the arts with educators around the world.

When she isn’t traveling, Natalie can be found at home in New Jersey with her husband, often spoiling her American Eskimo pup, refinishing shabby chic home furnishings, or finding creative ways to entertain and educate.

Trailer: https://youtu.be/EquqifPB8h4

Guest Author - Thomas Bell

Madonna del Monte, Aviano, Italy; setting for A Diamond in Venice

A DIAMOND IN VENICE

by
Julian Bell

In June 1966, 20 year old Johnny Jones joins the Air Force and is shipped to a base in Northern Italy. Little did he know he’d have a torrid love affair, play professional baseball in the Italian League and be offered the opportunity to become an officer and fly fighter jets.

A Diamond In Venice is the story of a young man from the Midwest who at the end of his sophomore year of college has no clue as to what he wants to do or what he wants to be, so he decides to join the armed forces. When he arrives at Aviano Air Base located in Northern Italy, he meets Maria, a gorgeous Italian girl from a wealthy family who is working on the base to perfect her English. They fall deeply in love and Johnny realizes that he now knows what he wants to do – marry Maria and become an officer. He discovers, however, that there are a few obstacles, including Maria’s father who is opposed to their relationship. Johnny must somehow find a way to win him over.

Along the way he becomes a star playing shortstop for Venice. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever think he’d be signing autographs before a ball game.

Excerpt 1 – Johnny meets Maria

My gaze fell first upon her black high heels and her thin ankles. I worked my way up past her perfectly shaped legs, to her waist which couldn’t have been more than 22 inches, to her chest which was considerably larger with all the right curves, then to her beautiful face. Her complexion was slightly dark and flawless. Her long flowing hair was jet black and her eyes were the darkest brown I’d ever seen. When I found myself looking at those unique eyes, I realized they were looking directly at me. Our eyes were locked on each other for what seemed like an eternity, but in reality was maybe 10 seconds. She smiled, bit her lip, as if to signify a little embarrassment, and then looked away and completed her business with Airman Stokes.

I couldn’t take my eyes off her! She was the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen. After she finished with Stokes, she turned and walked past and glanced my way for a split second. For the next four or five days I was hoping that she would visit my tub file, but she didn’t. On two occasions we passed in the hallway. Both times our eyes locked and she bit her lip, but no words were exchanged.

On the Friday of my second week I was coding documents, when someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned and heard a slightly husky voice, “We have not met. I am Maria.”

I jumped up, banging my knee on the tub file. My heart skipped a beat. “Hi. I’m Airman Jones.”

“Yes, I know. I have seen your name tag. But what is your first name?”

“Johnny.”

“I’m happy to meet you, Johnny.” Her smile was infectious. Like all of her other attributes her lips and teeth were also perfect.

I smiled back. “I’m glad to meet you, Maria.”

Excerpt 2 - Trying out for the team

Now it was my turn. I stepped in right-handed. The pitcher threw five straight balls, none were close to the strike zone. Out of frustration I swung and missed the next pitch, which was high and away. I then proceeded to foul a couple off, hit a couple of grounders and then popped one up. I glanced at Gelindo and Rick who were looking at me and whispering to each other. I thought, if I don’t do something soon, I won’t be coming back. I heard Alex yell, “Come on Johnny. Show’em what you can do.”

I switched to the left side. I took the first pitch then lined one to right center that rolled to the fence. The pitcher, thank God, then threw me four pitches in a row that were all up and over the plate. I hit each further than its predecessor. All four cleared the fence in straight away right field with the last two clearing the bleachers and landing in the canal. Each of the last two traveled over 400 feet. Rick called time and yelled, “Johnny, that’s enough. We don’t wanta lose more balls.”

After practice Gelindo and Rick called Alex and me over. Rick did the talking.

“Alicks anda Shjohnny, weeda be honored to hava you to join our team; will you play for Venezia?”

Alex answered for both of us, “Si, Si, Signore Rick, we’ll play for you. Grazie.” I just smiled and nodded.

Author Bio

Thomas Bell, who writes under the pen name, Julian Bell, grew up in Vienna, Virginia located just outside of the District of Columbia. He is a graduate of Miami University of Ohio, where he obtained a degree in Marketing and later a M.B.A. His education was interrupted by a 3½ year stint in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Aviano Air Force Base in Northern Italy, which provides much of the setting for his novel A Diamond in Venice.

After college Mr. Bell located in Cincinnati, Ohio where he had a very fruitful business career. He was President of Skyline Chili, Cincinnati’s premier chili offering. He was also chief operating officer of two other food products companies before completing his career as Executive Vice President of Baker Concrete Construction, the nation’s largest concrete construction company.

Recently retired, Mr. Bell continues to reside in Cincinnati. When he isn’t writing or consulting, his three grown children and nine grandchildren find ways to keep him busy.

He is currently working on his next novel.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR COPY

Author Links:

Facebook: https://facebook.com//julianbellauthor
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com//julianbell183
Website: https://authorjulianbell.com

Blogger Spotlight - Alexander Ezike

Alexander Ezike's insight on the miracles of nature is a wonderful reminder that the complexities of the universe remain an unexplained mystery surpassing all human theory and religiosity. 

Alexander Ezike, Author

When I Look at Nature I Know that God Exists

I am not a Christian or Muslim, not a Buddhist, Hindu or Sufi, not a Zen, an atheist or agnostic. Never met Krishna, haven't seen Allah, couldn't hear from Jesus or a chat with Amadioha. But, when I look at nature, I know that God exists. Nature is God's signature of his existence, an expression of the divine, and the wondrous mysteries untold. It's beyond science and technology, it’s deeper than logic and critical thinking, it transcends human understanding. It is nothing like Astrology or Numerology. It shares no affinity with black magic or cultism. When I look at nature, I see the artistic talent of God in visible form. An awesome work of art, marvelous in the eyes and I say to myself – "God must be an artist".

The Earth is God's gallery, Man is God's crayon, and Nature is God's portrait.

Look at the rainbow color of humanity, we all come in different varieties. We are brown, white, yellow, black, mixed – we are God's divine crayon. We are God's masterpiece. 

When I look at nature, I see the beauty of God, it is real, it lives with us, and it stays with us, like the human soul which assumes the dark image of a shadow on the beam of light. The Supernatural X-ray showing Man's wickedness in God's gallery.

The shadow is the divine evidence of sin, little wonder it reveals itself when the mortal body comes in contact with light. Light – the symbol of holiness, the divine aura of God. "Let there be light" a heavenly mantra calling for holiness in God's gallery. God is light, God is holy, and God is divine. And we can see God in action, through the wondrous work of nature.

So, when I hear the proud thunder, roar from the blue sky, I know that God is speaking in a heavenly language. It's a cry, it's a warning. God is saying something but we're not listening. When I see the flashes of lightning in the dark clouds, I see God's hand writing. It's a message, it's a letter. God is writing something but we're not reading.

When I look at nature, I know that God lives. I see the greatness of God in its portrait – the mountains and hills, rocks and plateau clipped to the ground, unshakable, immovable, durable, everlasting and invincible in nature. A divine revelation of God's thickness, power and strength. A collection of God's toys in its gallery.

The proud sea, the great ocean, the silent river, the colored lake, the talking stream, the noisy waterfall and the calm valley – the mysteries of the waters, deep and wide, a world of its own. God's unique greatness demonstrated in different forms. Extraordinary and full of wisdom, a wisdom that never runs dry like the earthly waters. God is a mystery, difficult to understand. God is mighty, deeper than we think.

When I look at nature, I feel the breath of God. The wind and its silent echoes as it journeys from the sea, forest and the sky above the earth. Wrapping its invisible wings of life on plants and animals. Hence, we grow from a tiny seed to an Iroko tree. We grow, from an egg shell to a flying eagle. We grow, from a timid cub to a fearless lion. We grow, from a tadpole to a bull frog. We grow, from an infant to a matured adult. The mysterious breath of God – a divine touch working wonders on humanity – a masterpiece from the invisible artist.

I see God's painting, when the fetus becomes an infant. I see God's painting, when the infant becomes an adult. I see God's painting, when the adult becomes old and grey. Indeed, we can see God in action, through the wondrous work of nature.

Look at the sun, glowing like a golden ball on the sky wall, shedding light to humanity during the day. Powerful and bright, great and mighty, radiating with splendor and majesty. See the moon shining like a crystal ball on the sky wall to light up the earth during the night. See the stars glittering in their numbers from a distance. A masterpiece from the invisible artist – a wondrous work of art – a divine portrait of God’s wisdom and power. 

Hear the birds chirping as they flap their wings on air, gracing the carpet sky in unison. Listen to the ducks quacking, as they rest their tails on the rivers, with their webbed foot beneath the waters. See the ants marching in groups like soldiers in search of food. The proud bee and its sweet honey, the unfriendly crab and its pincers, the kangaroo and its pouch, the tortoise and its shell, the fish and its gills, the scorpion and its sting, the prawn and its antenna, the spider and its web, the lion and it pride, the leopard its spots, the cheetah and its speed, the tiger and its stripes, the horse and its shoes, the monkey and its tail, the butterfly and its colors, the snake and its fangs, the elephant and its tusk, the rhino and its horn, the whale and its blowhole, the octopus and its tentacles, the pigeon and its coo, the cock and its crow – the wondrous works of the invisible artist.

When I look at nature, I know that God exists.

This poem "When I look at nature" was written by Alexander Ezike also known as J.Ezike

Poem Spotlight - I Wonder by Jeannie Kirby

One of my favorite poems as a child and still to this day.

I WONDER

By: Jeannie Kirby

I wonder why the grass is green,

And why the wind is never seen?

Who taught the birds to build a nest,

And told the trees to take a rest?

O, when the moon is not quite round,

Where can the missing bit be found?

Who lights the stars, when they blow out,

And makes the lightning flash about?

Who paints the rainbow in the sky,

And hangs the fluffy clouds so high?

Why is it now, do you suppose,

That Dad won’t tell me, if he knows?

2013 MMF Interview with Naturopath Jean Slatter

Enlisting Angels

I had been doing this most of my life without realizing. Learn how to ask for divine assistance from Naturopath and Spiritual teacher, Jean Slatter. 

Trust me this works!

Coming August 2015

"There is a vast literary intellect behind Camille and The Bears of Beisa: Drafnel, and it belongs to author Simone Salmon. The language is transfixing, bewitching, erupting into that realm between an epic poem of breakneck pace, and the clarity and rigor of an after-action report meant only for a general’s eyes. This story operates in many rich dimensions. It reads like a graphic novel, but without need of illustrations, as the events explode like fireworks in the mind’s eye. What an amazing piece of writing!"

Robert Blake Whitehill, Screenwriter, Author

The Ben Blackshaw Series

www.RobertBlakeWhitehill.com

Visit my website for udpdates:  www.ssalmonauthor.com

Quote of the Day

"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles." 

- Audrey Hepburn

Quote of the Day

"What does it mean if I'm afraid? Does it mean something bad is going to happen?" 

"No, it doesn't mean something bad is going to happen. It just means that you have the chance to be brave."

― C. JoyBell C.

Quote of the Day

To meet everything and everyone through stillness instead of mental noise is the greatest gift you can offer to the universe.

ECKHART TOLLE

The Hypocrisy of Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby. I never liked the man. He just always creeped me out. So it was no surprise to read the accusations. The horrific details of his blatant disregard and disrespect for the opposite sex. His condescension at anyone even considering the validity of the incriminating evidence. More surprising were the women who defended this slime ball. Worst is the fact that his staunch supporters needed actual proof - his unsealed court testimony - to  get off the Cosby bandwagon - @missjillscott. 

Really?!

So all of those women, who had no legal recourse, but were courageous enough to tell their truth and be exposed to public scrutiny, not to mention the senseless barrage and vilifying rhetoric of social media character assassinations, their word held absolutely no value, no weight, no credibility?

No. Of course not. Mr. Cosby is an icon, they scoffed. He's done so much for his community, they shouted. He's Cliff Huxtable for goodness sake! He's in his seventies! Let him live out his last years in peace! And let's not forget this statement by his TV wife: "This is not about the women," Phylicia Rashad said. "This is about something else. This is about the obliteration of a legacy."

What the hell is wrong with our society? Have we all gone bat-isht crazy?!

As long as you're a public figure or can contribute millions to universities, charities, or causes then you, of course, must be an upstanding citizen. Your word should be taken at face value. Your morals should never be questioned. Atrocities, acts of violence - well...let's call a spade a spade shall we - RAPE - those could never be actions committed by someone so knowledgeable and well-versed, especially on such topics as the failures of his own people. Not someone publicly hailed as highly moral, altruistic and philanthropic. Noooo. Never!

To commit rape after rape is unconscionable. To deny your actions is irresponsible. To victimize the victims is despicable. And defending someone like this, a sociopath, well that's just a downright disgusting display of inhumanity at its finest.

He will not apologize. Narcissists rarely do. Besides, his apology is worthless. Let him seek refuge behind some sanctimonious sympathizer hoping to make headlines and profits. They always do. 

http://www.tvguide.com/news/bill-cosby-judd-apatow-quaaludes-camille-phylicia-rashad-jill-scott/?rss=breakingnews

Guest Author - Jim Cronin

The Story

His home world is dead; the victim of a supernova, but this does not stop Karm from attempting to save the Brin, his extinct species. Rescued by an alien race from a derelict spacecraft as a vial of DNA, then cloned, Karm must travel back in time, convince a small team of co-conspirators to join him in his quest, and outmaneuver a power hungry monarch and his fanatic brother, leader of The Faith, both absolutely committed to opposing him. 

All of Karm’s plans rest on the untested and controversial cloning theories of the young geneticist Dr. Jontar Rocker, and the abilities of his bodyguard, personal assistant, and surrogate niece, Maripa. Will their combined efforts be enough to overcome the power of the monarchy and the planet’s most influential religion? Will Karm’s secrets destroy the trust of his companions and ruin his campaign to save the Brin?

GET YOUR COPY HERE (Amazon.com Page to Pre-Order): http://www.amazon.com/Hegira-Jim-Cronin-ebook/dp/B010E3EKC6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1435425640&sr=1-1&keywords=Hegira+jim+Cronin

Author Biography

I worked for thirty five years as a middle school science teacher, but am now semi-retired, working part-time as an educator/performer at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. I have been married for thirty seven years to the love of my life, Diane. Together, we raised two incredible sons, and now have a beautiful granddaughter to spoil rotten.

I was born in Kansas City, Missouri and lived in Arlington, Virginia before moving to Denver where I attended High School and eventually college at Colorado State University, graduating with a degree in Zoology and a teacher certification. I currently live near Denver in the small town of Parker.

While I have always enjoyed reading science fiction stories, actually writing one never seemed possible. Just ask any of my former Language Arts co-teachers. They will confirm my complete mystification by the English language. However, on a lark, and at the urging of my brother, I labored to learn to write. It only took three years of editing, rewriting, and regular rejections to finally produce this book. It has proved to be a fascinating and incredible journey.

Social Media Contacts

Website: http://www.authorjimcroninhegira.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Jim-Cronin/704524026327838?ref=hl
Twitter: @authorjimcronin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/hp/?dnr=kjTxJ-RsTaDhq19ukZhtJ3GJTaCRW19d27h8

2013 Interview - Psychic Medium, Dierdre Abrami

Deirdre Abrami is a sixth generation psychic intuitive healer who is an internationally known spiritual teacher, counselor and former radio show host. After her near death experience in 2003 her passion became her purpose. Today she offers private psychic intuitive readings, group readings, psychic development courses, workshops and conferences.

Deirdre’s Message

The biggest lesson that I have learned is to trust your own intuition. I find the more I trust my intuition, the more accurate messages and guidance I receive. I find if you do not trust yourself, the less accurate the message…it is that simple. I feel everyone is born with intuition, just like we are all born with two arms and two legs. Unfortunately many of us do not use our intuition because of religious beliefs, family, friends, and fear of being judged.

Over the years I have learned so much, and I look forward to learning more to expand my mind, body and spirit to a new level. I feel so blessed being able to connect with so many wonderful people and helping them fulfill their life’s journeys.

I encourage you to start your journey today! It is so worth it, your life will never be the same…I promise you!

Listen to our interview below.

Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

Unlike Society: Changing Lives with Flowers

Unlike Society: Flowers: Spread Positivity Whenever Possible

Quote of the Day