tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32255092071399125402024-02-19T06:34:53.897+01:00Riley QuinnLove with a Touch of MagicRiley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.comBlogger171125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-35078271403670488002011-05-04T08:00:00.001+02:002011-05-04T08:00:05.009+02:00Something NewI know I haven’t been around much lately. I had some family obligations come up and needed to take some time to recharge. Not sure when I’ll be back to a regular blog post schedule, but don’t give up on me.<br />
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I did want to share some exciting news. I’m joining 14 other authors in a new venture. We’ll be blogging Monday through Friday, bringing original fiction, book reviews and other fun stuff. We’ll have the blog on Amazon so if you have a Kindle and want to pay Amazon’s convenience fee, you can have it automatically uploaded to your device. Or you can go to the blog directly and read for free.<br />
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I’ll be posting twice a month. I’ve decided to release my werewolf novella as a serial, available at The Digital Digest (our blog). I’ll have more information as we get closer to the launch date of June 1.<br />
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I hope you check me out on The Digital Digest.Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-3285789865771613612011-03-28T08:00:00.010+02:002011-03-28T08:00:03.846+02:00Subliminal StimuliToday I want to talk about something that is related to the brain wave series we just finished up, but is different.<br />
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Subliminal stimuli.<br />
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You’ve heard of advertising executives tout the advantage of inserting a flash photo into an advertisement to sell more products. Some people worried so much about becoming “brainwashed” that the FCC banned subliminal messages in advertisements in the 1970s.<br />
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The idea behind it is that the flash of a picture or words spoken so softly as to be heard clearly bypass the conscious mind and lodge in our subconscious. It’s similar to hypnosis in that it bypasses the conscious mind. The difference between the two is the method of delivery.<br />
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But does it actually work?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKrC7ZITtHZXZ6fuGz7Vnhd3Pf7uaEvudXKvpLKXJBnmYmv7nMP4b1aPd6BAzIxiyOcGLZ5AaVhL_-GU40XaMpBUi25S03kOgtqQfuGaP6ZbWu1PxEMm-SLmVQDLsvIGlJ-p67Q7Bkho/s1600/subliminal-message.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKrC7ZITtHZXZ6fuGz7Vnhd3Pf7uaEvudXKvpLKXJBnmYmv7nMP4b1aPd6BAzIxiyOcGLZ5AaVhL_-GU40XaMpBUi25S03kOgtqQfuGaP6ZbWu1PxEMm-SLmVQDLsvIGlJ-p67Q7Bkho/s320/subliminal-message.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I found myself needing a bit more self-discipline to get certain things done during the day so I decided to find out.<br />
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I ordered a CD specifically for self-discipline/willpower. It recommended listening to it for 1 hour per day and once a week reading through the list of affirmations that were on it.<br />
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So I did.<br />
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I’ve been using it for about 3 weeks now and I have to say I’ve noticed an improvement. Is it possible that it’s all in my head? Yep. But here’s the thing. Whether the affirmations playing under the music are what helped me get my butt in gear or my brain thinking they would help so they did doesn’t really matter in the long run. Not to me. What matters to me is that I had the focus to do what I needed to do.<br />
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I’ve not been this productive in quite a while. I’m running with it and not looking back.<br />
In case you’re wondering where I ordered the CD, I ordered from <a href="http://www.innertalk.com/">Inner Talk</a>. I did some research and chose to trust them and they’re patented technology.<br />
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What do you think about subliminal messages? Do you think it works? Have you tried it? Care to share your experiences?Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-74486642170062150822011-03-25T09:56:00.000+01:002011-03-25T09:56:48.953+01:00Gamma WavesWe’ve spent the last two weeks talking about brain waves and we’ve covered them. Except for gamma waves.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUAhyphenhyphenZMUCxphEEa3ZZrK_2EUTYrPtW0OrPsmM35GHXVbRaCyOXRvR9io6rPmnrtYB_z8wW4kF1gs-MpmMXnOAB-PCykQneXiD7fnTsYKcYLS-MBeuSXNLc3iathGBjKQzVw2cstYzVWs/s1600/brain01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUAhyphenhyphenZMUCxphEEa3ZZrK_2EUTYrPtW0OrPsmM35GHXVbRaCyOXRvR9io6rPmnrtYB_z8wW4kF1gs-MpmMXnOAB-PCykQneXiD7fnTsYKcYLS-MBeuSXNLc3iathGBjKQzVw2cstYzVWs/s1600/brain01.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Quite honestly, this one is a new one for me. When I’d originally started looking at brain waves, this one never popped up. Recently I’d been looking at Dr. Jeffrey Thompson’s CD offerings and found 2 for gammas. I was intrigued.<br />
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So I did some research and what I found prompted me to slap down the money and buy those darn CDs.<br />
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Gamma waves are considered the brain’s optimal frequency of functioning. They are associated with compassion, happiness and increased mental abilities. They’re found in every part of the brain and help to improve memory and perception.<br />
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Benefits of increased gamma brain activity include boosted memory (as stated above), processing multiple senses at once, increased compassion, high level information processing, natural antidepressant, advanced learning ability, increase in I.Q., higher energy levels and higher level of focus.<br />
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As always, too much can cause problems. Too many gamma waves can cause some anxiety. Also, some people are not prepared for the mental awakening associated with gamma waves so it’s best to start off slow.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0F09MZy2JTCyQsfdhLCb0rY_8cx7_CKASoI_O8gf5W5e1-z1e849foUfZJhoggK-R7K5eExVOj7HwM8Aoj0kI3IvSIdudRoDma90tDppgvaMYcEw64jGuGjlCxmlRuUGqpTUFBtgGaE/s1600/gammawaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0F09MZy2JTCyQsfdhLCb0rY_8cx7_CKASoI_O8gf5W5e1-z1e849foUfZJhoggK-R7K5eExVOj7HwM8Aoj0kI3IvSIdudRoDma90tDppgvaMYcEw64jGuGjlCxmlRuUGqpTUFBtgGaE/s1600/gammawaves.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Healthy ways to increase gamma brain waves include:<br />
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1. Brain entrainment – You knew I was going here. I recently (in the last month) purchased Dr. Jeffrey Thompson’s <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gamma-Meditation-System/dp/B001200MCS?ie=UTF8&tag=riley04-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Gamma Meditation System</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=riley04-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001200MCS" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gamma-Meditation-System-2-0/dp/B0011ZVL6K?ie=UTF8&tag=riley04-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Gamma Meditation System 2.0</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=riley04-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0011ZVL6K" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. I haven’t gotten to really use it yet, but if it’s a good as the previous CDs I’ve purchased, I’ve no doubt that it’s awesome.<br />
2. Sleep – Gammas are present during R.E.M. sleep and sometimes associated with dreaming, along with thetas.<br />
3. Meditation – I’ve mentioned this several times.<br />
4. Hypnosis/self-hypnosis – The more often you participate in this, the more your gamma waves increase.<br />
5. Yoga – Again, mentioned several times.<br />
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There are no known unhealthy ways increase gamma waves and virtually all activities that are detrimental to mental health with decrease gammas.<br />
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If you’re already a smart and compassionate person and experience many of the benefits listed above, chances are high that you naturally produce enough gamma waves.<br />
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If you’ve been keeping track, you’ll notice several of the same things increase most brain waves in a healthy manner. Getting enough sleep, a regular meditation practice and doing yoga on a regular basis. You’ll also notice that these activities keep your body healthy too.<br />
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If you want missed my posts on <a href="http://rileyquinnauthor.blogspot.com/2011/03/slow-down-and-meditate.html">meditation</a> and <a href="http://rileyquinnauthor.blogspot.com/2011/02/yoga.html">yoga</a>, check them out.<br />
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I hope you’ve found this information helpful. Monday I’m going to touch on a topic that is somewhat related – subliminal messages.<br />
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Now that you’ve read about all the different brain waves, their benefits and how to increase them, what do you plan to do? Have a great weekend everyone.Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-22796001396211898142011-03-23T08:00:00.002+01:002011-03-23T08:00:23.273+01:00Delta WavesWe’ve covered a lot of ground – beta, alpha, and theta brain waves. Next up is delta waves.<br />
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Beta waves were fast waves. Then we slowed it down with alpha before going even slower with theta. Delta brain waves are the slowest of all. Whereas theta waves are associated with the subconscious mind, delta waves are associated with the unconscious mind and like other slower brain wave patterns, generated in the right hemisphere of the brain.<br />
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Delta brain waves have been linked to stages 3 and 4 of sleep. If you’ve ever woken up and felt irritable, confused or disoriented, you probably woke up during your delta stage of sleep.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5f3LWy40LcZhetmV0_iV9fpd7ZizP90qrpds2o3NlAZO-JGtsm-Z5WtZAb3SW3KLDlLauEv5S19n8Tbmo_l3rBcqaSIBNOu_JTc6AN4iArrY6YRhTZb3jZKMjVwNFlvy9F974DpUjPLM/s1600/make-delta-waves-800X800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5f3LWy40LcZhetmV0_iV9fpd7ZizP90qrpds2o3NlAZO-JGtsm-Z5WtZAb3SW3KLDlLauEv5S19n8Tbmo_l3rBcqaSIBNOu_JTc6AN4iArrY6YRhTZb3jZKMjVwNFlvy9F974DpUjPLM/s320/make-delta-waves-800X800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Delta brain activity has been linked to boosted intuition and the cultivation of psychic skills in some people. Think of them as a radar system for our intuition. Delta waves allow us to be more aware of information that isn’t available to our conscious, beta brain. This is our “gut” instinct.<br />
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Healing of the mind and body have been linked to delta brain waves. Researchers have discovered that it’s possible to produce melatonin and Human Growth Hormone (HGH) within the delta range. These substances help to slow or reverse the effects of aging.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqpg07SNYk2bRyDtd-jCl-pznq9cgLK-JGbr0d41ve2JmNk9_60i2pjkX6kkILSR6uuaW9b-4fNAzSz2omHJcNcnEQEZpVKtvVo0ldB33w9NzuJJV6mORfp6rC7ER7Waa0r3IPt6tRGM/s1600/deltawave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqpg07SNYk2bRyDtd-jCl-pznq9cgLK-JGbr0d41ve2JmNk9_60i2pjkX6kkILSR6uuaW9b-4fNAzSz2omHJcNcnEQEZpVKtvVo0ldB33w9NzuJJV6mORfp6rC7ER7Waa0r3IPt6tRGM/s1600/deltawave.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Increasing delta waves can reduce the production of cortisol. Cortisol is often produced in times of stress and increased levels can kill brain cells, as well as speed up the process of physical and mental aging.<br />
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Some problems associated with too many delta brain waves include an extremely unfocused mind, extreme sleepiness, and hyperactivity.<br />
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Healthy ways to increase delta waves are:<br />
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1. Brain wave entrainment – Yep, you guessed it. Dr. Jeffrey Thompson has this one covered too. I own the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Sleep-System/dp/B0011ZYCHA?ie=UTF8&tag=riley04-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Delta Sleep System</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=riley04-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0011ZYCHA" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> and there is also the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Sleep-System-Jeffrey-Thompson/dp/B000654YF6?ie=UTF8&tag=riley04-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Delta Sleep System 2.0</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=riley04-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000654YF6" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. When I or hubby go through a bout of insomnia, I set these CDs to play through the night and they do wonders.<br />
2. Sleep – Getting a good night’s rest is important for staying healthy and while plenty of sleep won’t increase your delta waves the next day, you’ll experience their benefit during your non-dream sleep.<br />
3. Meditation – I just can’t say enough good stuff about this practice.<br />
4. Hypnosis/self-hypnosis – If you practice frequent enough, you may find yourself able to tap into your delta brain wave awareness.<br />
5. Yoga – Again, can’t say enough.<br />
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Sometimes, skipping sleep will produce delta brain waves. This falls under the unhealthy label. In addition to some delta wave increase, cortisol is also increased.<br />
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Most people don’t produce large amounts of delta waves unless they are in the deepest sleep stages. If you experience too many of the listed negative effects, you may want to consider speeding up your brain waves into the beta range.<br />
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Just one more brain wave to go. What do you think so far? Do you recognize yourself in any of the healthy or unhealthy aspects of these brain waves?Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-80435923761113632552011-03-18T08:00:00.012+01:002011-03-18T08:00:13.075+01:00Theta WavesWe’ve talked about beta waves and alpha waves. Next on the list is theta.<br />
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These brain waves are usually associated with sleep and dreaming. Generated in the right hemisphere of the brain, they kick in when we feel emotional, relaxed, daydreamy, unfocused or asleep.<br />
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Benefits of increasing theta waves include deep levels of relaxation, advanced intuition, peak levels of creativity, advanced problem solving skills, lower anxiety and stress, the ability to learn a new language easier, boost in learning ability, stronger immune system, improved long-term memory, the ability to hyperfocus and replenishing the body and mind.<br />
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People that naturally generate high amounts of theta waves are extroverts, people who regularly meditate, children, and people with ADD or ADHD.<br />
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As with the other brain waves we’ve discussed, it is possible to generate too many. Some problems associated with this include the inability to focus, too much daydreaming, depression, sleepiness, lack of excitement, extreme impulsiveness, hyperactivity, and an overly receptive mind.<br />
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Healthy ways to increase theta brain activity includes:<br />
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1. Brain entrainment – Again, Dr. Jeffrey Thompson has the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Theta-Meditation-System/dp/B001200T08?ie=UTF8&tag=riley04-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Theta Meditation System</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=riley04-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001200T08" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> and the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Theta-Meditation-System-Jeffrey-Thompson/dp/B00067Z2A0?ie=UTF8&tag=riley04-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Theta Meditation System 2.0.</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=riley04-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00067Z2A0" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> I have owned and used the first for many years.<br />
2. Listening to music – All genres of music, except classical, target the brain’s right side and increase theta levels.<br />
3. Sufficient sleep – Getting a good night’s sleep is important for good health in many ways. <br />
4. Meditation – Yep. This one again. <br />
5. Hypnosis/self-hypnosis – As with alpha waves, regular hypnosis helps reduce stress by increasing theta waves.<br />
6. Yoga – Another activity that I’ve recommended more than once.<br />
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Unhealthy ways to increase theta waves include taking valium, drinking alcohol and taking hallucinogenics.<br />
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Theta brain waves can be an intense experience. If you find yourself overemotional and depressed, increasing theta waves would not be recommended. Are you already an overemotional person? If so, you may already produce high amounts of theta activity. If you experience too many of the negative effects, perhaps speeding your brain waves to beta would be beneficial.<br />
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Do you think you have an abundance of theta brain activity? Do you think you’d like to increase it? Have you tried any the tips so far? What have you found?Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-48457589502617777142011-03-16T08:00:00.008+01:002011-03-16T08:00:06.327+01:00Alpha WavesToday I want to talk about Alphas. No, not heroes this time. Alpha brain waves.<br />
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Monday I told you about beta waves and that when we are actively using our minds, these are most prevalent. They are fast waves.<br />
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Alpha waves are considered relaxed brain activity. These waves are usually generated in the right hemisphere of the brain or in a synchronized pattern between both sides. We experience this brain activity w hen we are relaxed and free of stress.<br />
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In people who are relaxed and creative, alpha waves are more prevalent than beta waves. When we close our eyes, alpha waves dominate. They are considered the healthiest wave frequency and the safest to train.<br />
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Benefits of increasing alpha brain waves include a relaxed body and mind, higher levels of creativity, improved ability to solve problems, emotional stability, boosted immune system, positive thinking and increased levels of serotonin.<br />
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Who tends to have naturally high levels of alpha waves? Extroverts, people who meditate on a regular basis and children.<br />
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Of course, it’s possible to have too much. How can anyone be too relaxed, I’m sure you’re asking? Too many alpha waves can lead to lack of focus, too many daydreams, depression, tiredness, lack of excitement, lack of visual awareness and being overly receptive to suggestions.<br />
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Bottom line is that it’s not recommended to increase a brainwave that you already have high levels of.<br />
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Healthy ways to increase alpha brain waves include:<br />
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1. Brain entrainment – I mentioned this Monday with beta waves. Again, I suggest Dr. Jeffrey Thompson’s CDs. I personally own and use his <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Relaxation-System/dp/B001202UD2?ie=UTF8&tag=riley04-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Alpha Relaxation System</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=riley04-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001202UD2" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. He now also has <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Relaxation-System-2-0/dp/B001200PP2?ie=UTF8&tag=riley04-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Alpha Relaxation System 2.0</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=riley04-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001200PP2" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. I haven’t tried this one, but I’m sure it’s as great as the original.<br />
2. Meditation – This is a great way to increase alpha waves, plus there are other benefits that go along with a regular meditation practice. Check out <a href="http://rileyquinnauthor.blogspot.com/2011/03/slow-down-and-meditate.html">last Friday’s post</a> for more information.<br />
3. Self-hypnosis – Doing self-hypnosis on a regular basis will help reduce stress by raising your alpha waves.<br />
4. Visualization – Close your eyes and try to imagine. This goes hand in hand with meditation, but can be used separately.<br />
5. Yoga – Another great activity with more benefits than just raising your alpha activity. Check out my post <a href="http://rileyquinnauthor.blogspot.com/2011/02/yoga.html">here</a> if you’d like more information.<br />
6. Deep breathing – Again, this one goes along with meditation and yoga. Deep breathing does wonders in stress reduction.<br />
7. Saunas/hot tubs – Sitting in a hot tub is relaxing, right? Natural state to be in for alpha waves. Same goes for laying in the sun.<br />
8. Watching T.V. – Who would have thought watching television was healthy for anything? After just 30 seconds of watching television, your brains alpha waves kick in. The radiant light from the cathode-ray technology in televisions cause the brain to shift into alpha mode.<br />
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Of course there are unhealthy ways to increase alpha waves. Drinking alcohol or smoking marijuana will do the trick, but they are not the best choice.<br />
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If you already experience many of the listed benefits, you probably don’t need to boost your alpha waves. If you experience too many of the negative effects, you may want to try upping your brainwaves into the beta range.<br />
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Where do you think you fall? More towards beta or alpha? Does increasing certain brainwaves sound like something you’d like to try?Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-57428681289173450152011-03-14T08:00:00.005+01:002011-03-14T08:00:27.223+01:00Beta WavesThe brain is an electrochemical organ. It can generate small amounts of electrical activity. This electrical activity is called brain waves.<br />
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There are several different kinds of brain waves and I’ll be discussing them all over the next couple of weeks. The first I’m going to talk about is beta. These waves are considered fast brain waves and are usually generated in the left side of the brain.<br />
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Beta waves indicate a strongly engaged mind – someone participating in active conversation, making a speech, thinking logically, feeling stressed or tense. Basically, when you’re awake and alert, your brain is giving off beta waves.<br />
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Some benefits of increasing beta brainwaves include the ability to think quickly, being more social, being more goal-oriented, high levels of focus, more energy, the ability to write easily and quickly and an increase in I.Q.<br />
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I know all these benefits sound great, and they are. But remember, it is possible to have too much of a good thing.<br />
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When beta wave levels are too high, you may experience anxiety, stress, paranoia, muscle tension, elevated blood pressure and insomnia.<br />
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There are ways to increase your beta waves. Healthy ways include:<br />
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1. Brain entrainment – this is a method that I use when I want to change my brain waves. Personally, I like Dr. Jeffrey Thompson’s CDs and own several. He uses classical and soothing music embedded with sound frequencies to stimulate the appropriate brain waves. If you’re interested in trying to stimulate your own beta waves, you might consider his <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Brainwave-Symphony-Beta-Jeffrey-Thompson/dp/B00001ZSU1?ie=UTF8&tag=riley04-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Brainwave Symphony: Beta</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=riley04-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00001ZSU1" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />.<br />
2. Neurofeedback – I don’t know much about this one, other than it is very expensive though effective.<br />
3. Brain training games – these games increase thinking and naturally speed up your beta activity. Some possibilities include Big Brain Academy for the Wii, Brain Age for Nintendo DS or the <a href="http://www.lumosity.com/">Lumosity.com brain program</a>.<br />
4. Doing homework – using your brain to complete assignments, particularly math problems or reading short stories are another natural way to increase your beta waves.<br />
5. Drinking coffee – the caffeine gives a jolt of energy to the brain, increasing beta waves. This effect is different for everyone, though, so it may take more or less to get your own motor revving.<br />
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Unhealthy ways to increase beta activity include snorting cocaine, taking diet pills, taking amphetamines, drinking energy drinks and smoking cigarettes. I think these are pretty self-explanatory.<br />
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Beta brainwaves are great, but you need to judge whether increasing them is right for you. Are you already a positive thinker with lots of energy? If so, your brain probably produces large amounts of beta waves naturally and you may even benefit from slowing down to alpha waves (Wednesday’s topic). Are you tired a lot and feel unmotivated or bored? Then you may benefit from an increase.<br />
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Are you familiar with the different types of brainwaves? Have you ever tried any methods of training your brain? Think you want to try?Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-56975826721855526172011-03-11T08:00:00.002+01:002011-03-11T08:00:04.621+01:00Slow Down and MeditateOver the next couple of weeks, my blog posts will be centered on an area of interest that I’ve been studying for a while – how the brain works.<br />
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I’m not going to get all neurological on you. I don’t have the expertise for that. In fact, what I share with you will be what I’ve learned as a layman. I have no expertise in any of this. I just find it interesting.<br />
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Today I’ll talk about meditation and in succeeding posts, I’ll talk about the different brain waves we produce and how we can access them.<br />
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I started meditating about 10 years ago. I’d like to say I’ve done it steady that whole time, but that would be a lie. I’ve lapsed the last couple of years and I’m working on building my meditation practice up to a daily occurrence again.<br />
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There are many benefits to meditation. Regular meditation can lower blood pressure, help relieve insomnia and help you relax and handle everyday stresses easier. On a personal note, my husband can tell when I meditate because I apparently don’t anger as easily as when I don’t meditate.<br />
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I started with guided meditation. I found it easier for me. There are lots of CDs and books that can help you get started. Believe it or not, I started with John Edward’s set of CDs (although they were cassette tapes at that time) called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Developing-Your-Own-Psychic-Powers/dp/1932128034?ie=UTF8&tag=riley04-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Developing Your Own Psychic Powers</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=riley04-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1932128034" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. The first guided meditation is that one that I used exclusively for a long time. It creates such a beautiful scene in my mind and I love to visit that place.<br />
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What I look for in a guided meditation is 1) music that is relaxing and pleasant for me to listen to, although drums are nice too, and 2) a voice that is pleasant to listen to. It does no good if you are irritated by either and can’t relax.<br />
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A few that I like are <a href="http://www.amazon.com/First-Step-guided-Meditation/dp/B003QY01LA?ie=UTF8&tag=riley04-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">First Step</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=riley04-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003QY01LA" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> by Gary Guthrie, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Soul-Of-Healing-Meditations/dp/B001OFIJ62?ie=UTF8&tag=riley04-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Soul of Healing Meditations</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=riley04-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001OFIJ62" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> by Deepak Chopra, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Enchanted-Wood-Unguided/dp/B002QPMGUO?ie=UTF8&tag=riley04-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Enchanted Wood</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=riley04-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002QPMGUO" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> by Adam James Wakeling and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Silence-Being-Guided-Meditations-Inner/dp/B001N08COW?ie=UTF8&tag=riley04-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Silence of Being</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=riley04-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001N08COW" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> by Mary & Richard Maddux.<br />
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Amazon has samples of most that they offer. Just type “guided meditation” into the search box and several pages will pop up. Listen to those that interest you to see if you find them soothing and relaxing.<br />
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You’ll find, if you give it a chance, that the more you meditate, the easier it is to slip into that meditative state. There are also things you can do to facilitate it.<br />
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1. Meditate the same time every day. This can be difficult when you have a busy schedule, but if you can find a time you have open on a consistent basis, this will help.<br />
2. Meditate in the same place every day. Try to find a place where you won’t be interrupted and where you feel comfortable.<br />
3. Ritual before you start. I like to light nag champa incense before I start. At this point, just smelling that scent starts the relaxation process. <br />
4. Deep breathing. A lot of guided meditations will start you with breathing techniques. Again, after you’ve done it for a while, just practicing these techniques will relax your body.<br />
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These are just a few things that have helped me over the years. I hope you decide to give it a try if you haven’t before. It really does benefit your body.<br />
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Have you ever tried meditating? Do you meditate on a regular basis? What, if anything, would hold you back?<br />
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I’d love to hear about your own experiences and next time I’ll be discussing Beta brain waves.Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-8012430281108452142011-03-09T08:00:00.002+01:002011-03-09T08:00:13.326+01:00Shake Your BootyIf you haven’t exercised all your life, it can be a hard habit to pick up. Let’s face it, if you actually liked it, you’d already have been doing it, right? Maybe.<br />
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Sometimes it just takes finding the right activity to get you started. Sometimes it’s just making yourself do it.<br />
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For myself, I find that once I’m actually exercising, I’m fine. I love the way I feel afterwards. But I can really psych myself out, if I’m not careful. You’ve heard the excuses: I don’t have time, I’m tired, it’s boring, etc. I think I may have mentioned before that I’m really great at rationalizing anything I want to do.<br />
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How do I get past this? The easiest way is to get up and exercise first thing in the morning. If I don’t have time to think about it, I’m already halfway done before I realize it. Another thing that helps me is music.<br />
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Research shows that listening to upbeat music while you exercise helps you work out longer and harder, leading to faster calorie burn. Sounds great, right?<br />
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I recently came across a website that groups songs that might be good workout music by genre, decade and beats per minute (BPM). Genre and decade are self-explanatory, but BPM? Yes, you can use music that have a lower BPM to warm-up or cool-down and faster BPM music for your workout. The website is called <a href="http://www.runhundred.com/">RunHundred</a>.<br />
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In addition to this website, there is an app for your iPod/iPhone called Cadence that will go through the music in your library and find the BPM for those songs.<br />
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Have you heard of either of these? How do you find your workout music? What do you like to listen to?Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-61709774384721921002011-03-07T08:00:00.001+01:002011-03-07T08:00:07.291+01:00Ebook Week March 6-12, 2011Not sure if you’ve heard, but this week is Ebook Week, celebrating electronic books. I started reading ebooks about 8 years or so ago. I found them quite by accident.<br />
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At the time, I’d discovered Angela Knight’s Mageverse series and loved it. So I jumped onto her website, looking for more books. I found one that she had offered through Loose Id. I bit the bullet and bought it.<br />
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Then I found other publishers. I don’t even know how much money I spent in the beginning. This was before ereaders were so popular. I read most of my books on my computer. Then I talked hubby into buying me an ereader.<br />
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Choices were limited. I went with the Ebookwise reader. It was a little bulky, especially compared to today’s models. It worked, though. I LOVED it. I still have it, though nowadays I do most of my reading on my iTouch. I’m considering another ereader, but don’t know what I want so I hold off for now.<br />
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In honor of Ebook Week, some electronic publishers are giving away free ebooks or giving great deals. Check out the websites below for deals. I hope you enjoy. If you know of any others, please share in the comments.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ebookweek.com/">Ebook Week</a><br />
<a href="http://www.imajinnbooks.com/">ImaJinn Books</a>Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-2625460633179424642011-02-16T08:00:00.003+01:002011-02-16T08:00:07.442+01:00Yoga!Last week I talked about my foot ailment, plantar fasciitis. It definitely slowed my progress. I took a week off from my exercise class. It seemed to help and I went back. It hurt again. This was a couple of weeks before we planned to leave for the States so I ended up taking all of December off and part of January.<br />
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Before I went back to class, I started exercising again with a 3 mile walk with Peanut. By the time I got home, my feet hurt. What to do?<br />
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I didn’t want it to get so bad that I needed surgery, but I still needed to work out. I’d made so much progress that I hated to backslide. Then I remembered. My awesome teacher, Sarah, who you met here, also does yoga classes in the evening.<br />
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I had taken yoga for a semester in college. It’s something that I had always wanted to try and I’d enjoyed it at the time. Afterwards, I tried to find a yoga class that I liked, but none ever clicked for me and I let it go.<br />
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When I thought about the yoga class here, I thought it would be the perfect solution. If it didn’t hurt my feet.<br />
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I’m happy to say that the yoga doesn’t affect my feet at all, so I’m able to continue the exercise without injuring myself further. If you’ve never tried yoga, I encourage you to do so.<br />
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Many people think it’s just stretching, not real exercise. I would counter that they are wrong. There is some stretching, but it’s so much more than that. You use your muscles in a more gentle way, if that makes any sense, but you still use them. <br />
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In fact, my arms and legs have been feeling the yoga workouts more than the Sculpt & Burn workouts I’d done previously. And with yoga, there are other benefits as well.<br />
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It increases your flexibility, which in turn, makes you look younger.<br />
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It massages the organs in your body. I know that seems weird and you’re probably wondering why you would even want to do this. The stimulation and massage of the organs actually helps keep away disease. A regular yoga practitioner can also develop an awareness of their body that will warn of impending health problems.<br />
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Detoxification. By gently stretching the muscles and joints and massaging the organs, yoga pushes the blood throughout the body, flushing out toxins from everywhere. This delays aging and increases your energy level.<br />
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Toning. Of course, the toning of your muscles. <br />
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So you see, there’s a lot to be said for yoga. I’m enjoying it again and may switch to this permanently.<br />
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Have you ever tried yoga? Want to? What do you think of it? Do you find it’s a good workout?Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-20348891020217101262011-02-14T10:12:00.000+01:002011-02-14T10:12:17.140+01:00Happy Valentine's DayHappy Valentine’s Day.<br />
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I don’t know about you, but this holiday sure seems to put a lot of pressure on and inspire feelings of insecurity in a lot of people. Particularly single people.<br />
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In elementary school, we had to give everyone a card. Not so bad. Then comes middle school (junior high) and high school. In my school, they offered carnations for sale for $1. There were a bunch of different colors, each meaning something else. The cheerleaders (I think) would bring them around in the afternoon, “delivering” them in front of everyone.<br />
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Of course, as we get older, it carries more significance. No one wants to be single on this day of love. I have to admit, I never had someone special during this time until my husband and I got together. So that first year, I went all out on gifts.<br />
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And he didn’t.<br />
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I’m convinced most guys don’t really get the concept behind V-day. After a few years, I stopped going crazy on the gifts for hubby. Now we pretty much just do cards, maybe a nice dinner somewhere. Every so often, he’ll bring or send flowers home.<br />
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This year, I think we made up for all the past years. Hubby has been dying for one of those automatic coffee machines. After our neighbor was able to organize one for less than half the price and I made sure we’d be able to use it in the States when we go back, I relented.<br />
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We picked it up yesterday. I’m calling this a gift to each other.<br />
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I had planned to have a gift for all of you in the form of a free read. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to finish it in time. So instead, I have another gift. As some of you may know, I write erotic romance under the name Scarlett Jameson. As such, I’m a member of an erotic stories blog and we publish each month into an ebook.<br />
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So my gift to you is a coupon code for a free book on Smashwords, if you’d like. (I know this isn’t everyone’s cuppa.) Since some of the stories are serials and Volume 1 is already free, I’ll start with the code for Volume 2.<br />
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Volume 1 can be found here: <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/33799">Everything Erotic Volume I</a><br />
Volume 2 can be found here: <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/33802">Everything Erotic Volume II</a><br />
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Coupon code for Volume 2: TR69U<br />
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What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? Do you and your honey have any special traditions?Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-3588620658662396162011-02-11T08:00:00.002+01:002011-02-11T08:00:02.407+01:00Paige Stewart and the Ghost Cat of Columbia SquareToday we have a special treat. Paige Stewart (aka Rachel Lynne) is sharing a story with us. I know you’ll enjoy this little interlude, as well as her Jewel of the Night series contribution, Ring of Lies. <br />
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“The Davenport House was built in 1820 by master builder, Isaiah Davenport. The house is designed in the Federal style commonly seen in the New England area where Mr. Davenport was born and learned his craft. The focus of this museum is to provide an accurate portrayal of a middle class life in 1820’s Savannah. If you’ll follow me, we’ll explore the drawing room, foyer, and office.”<br />
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Paige Stewart obediently trouped behind the group of tourists and wondered what had possessed her to take the tour. Historical restoration and ‘living history’ museums were her sister Anne’s, idea of fun. Paige smirked. Her preferences leaned toward the living and the night life.<br />
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“You’ll notice the rooms on the first floor feature more elaborate moldings, fireplace mantels, and furnishings than those of the second and third floors. This is because Mr. Davenport used the home as a showcase for his business and he entertained prospective clients in these rooms.”<br />
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Paige tuned out the docent’s spiel and surveyed the room. The house was beautifully restored, right down to the foyer’s floor cloth painted to resemble black and white tiles. She scratched her head. If memory served, there was something similar in the upstairs hallway at Oak Point. Paige rolled her eyes. It used to be there anyway. No doubt her father’s trophy wife had pitched it into a dumpster as part of her ‘modernizing’ of the family’s two hundred year old plantation.<br />
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Paige grimaced at what she might find when she returned to her childhood home on St. Stewart’s Island. If Tiffany the Yankee bimbo’s,(Paige refused to think of her as a Stewart), redecorating of the Stewart townhouse on Pulaski Square was any indication of her plans for Oak Point, the Stewart ancestors would be lined up at the Pearly Gates with sharp knives in eager anticipation of her father’s arrival.<br />
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“In 1955, seven civic minded ladies founded the Historic Savannah Foundation after learning of plans to demolish the Davenport House to construct a parking lot. Saving the Davenport House was the catalyst for the organized preservation movement that has turned Savannah into an international tourist destination. The foundation has helped to save over three hundred and fifty buildings. We’ll now move upstairs to the family rooms. Note the cantilevered staircase …” The docent spun around and glared at Paige as the theme from the Twilight Zone rang out from her purse. “Ma’am, cell phone use is not permitted during the tour. We specifically ask our guests to turn them off.”<br />
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Paige flashed a tight smile and rummaged through her bag. She groaned as she read the caller id. Mouthing an apology to the docent, Paige pressed the green button and retraced her steps down to the gift shop. “Hello Clayton.”<br />
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“Paige? Where are you?”<br />
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She grinned. “I’m in Savannah, how about you?”<br />
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A snort from Clay sent static through the speaker. “Don’t be flippant, Paige, you know what I mean. You are supposed to be at the Seventeen Hundred Ninety Inn, yet I get a call from my secretary saying the reservation was cancelled. Mind explaining that?”<br />
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Paige drew a deep breath and counted to ten so she didn’t bless him out. She was still uneasy over what occurred in room 204. “Certainly. If you’ll explain to me how I came to be booked in the so-called haunted room.”<br />
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Clayton chuckled. “So that’s it. Were you scared to sleep alone Paige?” His tone softened. “Want me to come down and keep you company through the night?”<br />
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A shiver ran down her spine and it had nothing to do with ghosts. A vision of Clay’s toned body entwined with hers rose before her eyes. She gulped and blinked the image away. Clayton Moore was her boss and she had no intention of mixing business with pleasure, at least until she finished the Spectral Savannah series anyway; after that … all bets were off, and clothes too, if she were lucky.<br />
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“Paige? Cat got your tongue?”<br />
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Paige dragged her thoughts away from their carnal fantasies and tried to recall the gist of the conversation. “Yes …, er, no! No, Clay, I don’t need you to protect me from things that go bump in the night.”<br />
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“Sure? It would be fun …”<br />
<br />
“Umm hmm, I’m sure it will—I mean would! It would be –“<br />
<br />
“Freudian slip, Paige?”<br />
<br />
Paige flushed at the knowing tone in his voice. Please God, open a hole in the floor so I can crawl in!<br />
She cleared her throat and attempted to get the conversation back on a professional footing. “Did you just call to tease me or was there something you needed?”<br />
<br />
“Oh, I need you all right …” His sexy laugh filtered down the phone line sending a wave of desire coursing through her. She’d wanted him from the moment they met two months ago but she’d denied herself; knowing business and pleasure didn’t mix. She’d even tried convincing herself he was a naïve, ghost hunting fool. Good looking and charming, but a little shy of a full deck. Paige sighed and faced the fact that the effort had been futile. Her body was intent on overriding her brain.<br />
<br />
“Paige, you there?”<br />
<br />
Paige drew a deep breath and told her rebellious body to chill; she had a job to do. “Yeah, Clay, I’m here. Look, I’m missing this tour so ….”<br />
<br />
“What tour? Are you digging up some good ghost stories to replace the Seventeen Hundred story you chickened out on?”<br />
<br />
Paige gritted her teeth. “I did not chicken out; those people were nothing but two bit con – never mind. I’m touring the Davenport House Museum. It has an interesting history and the restoration had a tremendous impact on the city –“<br />
<br />
“Uh, that’s great Paige but … is it haunted?”<br />
<br />
Paige huffed. “I don’t know Clayton and to be honest that isn’t my first priority at the moment –“<br />
“Well it’s mine! I hired you to write ghost stories. My readers don’t give a damn about the –“He laughed. “Geez, you know how to push my buttons.”<br />
<br />
Paige laughed. “Well I don’t mean to.”<br />
<br />
“Good, bodes well for our future! Look Paige, you’re a damn fine reporter and everything you’ve turned in so far has been excellent so I have no reason to doubt you this time. Besides, I don’t want to fight with you …,” He chuckled. “I actually called to see if you were free for dinner Friday.”<br />
<br />
Paige gulped and tried to ignore her quickening pulse, and his use of the word ‘our’. “Umm, this Friday? I thought you were in New York.”<br />
<br />
“I was but I flew into Charleston yesterday. We’re looking at doing a series on their ghosts after your Savannah articles run. So, how about it? I’ll drive down Friday afternoon. We’ll have dinner and, since I don’t have to be back in New York until Monday, I thought you might give me a tour of your island.”<br />
<br />
Paige laughed. “St. Stewart’s isn’t my island.”<br />
<br />
“It’s named after your family …”<br />
<br />
“Yes, but we don’t own it, well not all of it anyway.” Paige glanced at her watch and jumped. “Oh! Clay, I’ve got to run. We’ve been talking for thirty minutes, and the tour only lasts an hour. I’d love to have dinner with you Friday night but we’ll have to wait and see on the island tour, okay? I’ll talk to you later –“Paige started to click the phone off but stopped as Clayton yelled her name. “Yeah Clay, whatcha need?”<br />
<br />
“Sorry to keep you from your scintillating tour but … I don’t know where you’re staying.”<br />
<br />
Paige laughed. “Oh, sorry! I’m at the Kehoe House on Columbia Square, catty corner to the Davenport House.”<br />
<br />
“I know it. I’ll pick you up around 8:00. Enjoy your tour!”<br />
<br />
Paige turned her phone off and muttered, “I will, if it hasn’t ended!”<br />
<br />
Paige ran up to the second floor and paused to catch her breath. The tour was nowhere in sight and the house was silent. She wandered down the hall, peeking into the rooms in hopes of slipping back into the group. The last thing she wanted was another scold from the guide.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEtopH-JnmA1Dv5bcVH81sugRMoknQ5Be5LUYG-Q8o_dOFoHiU0tBnM_Joe-2nHEttkWq9jmixWIgA_VWX6DmhmTTTPVTgIgtMDc9XhB-01qxnMrHv5DqXfCzaQmYyRr3Vf1OttSFi8c/s1600/GA-IsaiahDavenportHouseMuseum-masterbedroom-postrestoration_picnik1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEtopH-JnmA1Dv5bcVH81sugRMoknQ5Be5LUYG-Q8o_dOFoHiU0tBnM_Joe-2nHEttkWq9jmixWIgA_VWX6DmhmTTTPVTgIgtMDc9XhB-01qxnMrHv5DqXfCzaQmYyRr3Vf1OttSFi8c/s320/GA-IsaiahDavenportHouseMuseum-masterbedroom-postrestoration_picnik1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
She glanced into what she assumed was the morning room and found it empty. The master bedroom also yielded no results. She frowned. One room left, and the door was closed. She hesitated, wondering if the room was off limits to guests but, hearing someone singing, she opened the door. A young girl, dressed in a period costume, similar to the docent’s, sat on the floor playing with a grey tiger striped cat.<br />
<br />
Paige smiled and bent to stroke the cat. “Do you know where your mother took the tour group?”<br />
<br />
The little girl pointed to the floor above.<br />
<br />
“Thanks!” Paige scratched the cat’s chin one last time and headed for the stairs. Half-way up, she paused. The Davenport House was a museum filled with priceless antiques. While a child dressed in period attire certainly added to the atmosphere, she doubted the foundation intended the child to be left unsupervised. The docent would likely be reprimanded for letting her daughter wander and it might even cost the woman her job if they found out her child let a cat inside.<br />
<br />
Considering it her good deed for the day, Paige made her way back to the bedroom but found it empty. I tried. She shrugged and returned to the staircase, just in time to receive another glare from the docent.<br />
<br />
“Ma’am. At the start of the tour, I clearly stated that visitors were not to wander off alone. I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to leave.”<br />
<br />
That’s the thanks I get for trying to save your ass?<br />
<br />
Paige bit back the retort. “I’m sorry. I had to take a phone call. I was trying to find you when I stumbled upon your daughter playing in a bedroom. She told me you were upstairs so I started to join you but then I came back down. It occurred to me that she isn’t supposed to be up here alone either, and I’m sure her cat isn’t allowed inside at all.” Paige smiled. “I was going to bring her to you so you wouldn’t get into trouble, but I’m afraid she’s run off.”<br />
<br />
The docent frowned. “Ma’am, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t have a daughter and there had better not be a cat running loose in here!”<br />
<br />
“But I …”<br />
<br />
The docent pointed toward the basement steps. “Please, I think it best you leave.”<br />
<br />
Confused, Paige followed the woman down to the gift shop. It made no sense. She’d clearly seen and spoken to the little girl. Hell, she’d pet the cat! The woman was obviously lying … but why? Annoyed, Paige walked over to the cashier’s desk and leaned across the counter.<br />
<br />
The docent sighed and halted her conversation with the clerk. “May I help you?”<br />
<br />
Paige’s eyes widened at the woman’s hostile tone. What on earth had she done? “Look, I’m sorry to bother you but … I know I saw a little girl and her cat upstairs. She’s dressed in costume. Now, if she isn’t your daughter, don’t you think –“<br />
<br />
“Oh for goodness sake!” The docent rolled her eyes. “Please stop. You’re not funny and that gag is getting old.”<br />
<br />
“What gag? I’m not trying to be fun-“<br />
<br />
“Ma’am, you’re not the first to come in here and try to pull this stunt. The story of the little girl and her ghost cat is hardly new. The Davenport House is not haunted by the daughter of Isaiah Davenport or a cat. We are a serious history museum. If you wish to hear, or tell, ghost stories I suggest you take the haunted hearse tour. Now, for the last time, please leave the premises!”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DymLWJToUdVcxwCa-tEwLq7VkcRjuh2OLBBjWnHUfAXH8jXKb-kcEkFx7TF6uQqoEUYJgn0DGOcZJaYPA8Ft-3_Ai-032_9ACI-8xY5V-EBCqZP3ZyrICgY2dWUbmwlr1JbZnECoYSQ/s1600/53611542_f7879461c5columbia+square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DymLWJToUdVcxwCa-tEwLq7VkcRjuh2OLBBjWnHUfAXH8jXKb-kcEkFx7TF6uQqoEUYJgn0DGOcZJaYPA8Ft-3_Ai-032_9ACI-8xY5V-EBCqZP3ZyrICgY2dWUbmwlr1JbZnECoYSQ/s320/53611542_f7879461c5columbia+square.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Paige stumbled outside and walked over to Columbia Square. She sat by the fountain and stared at the Davenport House, trying to make sense of what she’d just heard. She wanted to believe the docent was lying but, after years as a journalist Paige knew the truth when she heard it. Which left her with no acceptable explanation; she’d been hallucinating or …<br />
<br />
She jumped up and gave herself a shake. The only reasonable explanation was the power of suggestion. Clay had put the idea of ghosts into her head right before she hung up and imagination took it from there. That was the only reasonable thing to assume. I either accept that or get fitted for a straight jacket.<br />
<br />
Determined to take a nap, Paige walked toward the Kehoe House. Half-way across the street she stopped and stared. Her mouth dropped open as she watched the tip of grey tail disappear through the brick wall surrounding the Davenport House’s garden; a child’s delighted laughter drifted on the wind.<br />
Paige rubbed her eyes with a trembling hand and wondered what size jacket to request.<br />
<br />
<br />
Riley, thank you so much for allowing me, er Paige, to visit your blog! Intrepid reporter Paige Stewart may be fictitious but the history and lore of the Davenport House are all true … to one degree or another. I wonder if Paige will get her nap. Children apparently like her … and the Kehoe family had 10! <br />
Rachel Lynne<br />
<br />
You can find me, and my books, at my <a href="http://www.rachellynneauthor.com./">website</a> and I often hold contests on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-Lynne-Escape-the-ordinary-/126136164085946">FaceBook Fan Page</a>, so why not join?<br />
<br />
If you want to see what happens to Paige at the Kehoe House, visit my <a href="http://wwwrachellynneauthor.blogspot.com/">Blog</a>; the link and date of the next adventure will be posted in the News column. And, if you can’t wait for another suspenseful tale set amidst the beautiful and historic city of Savannah, may I suggest my romantic suspense novel <a href="http://www.thewildrosepress.com/ring-of-lies-p-4350.html">Ring of Lies</a>?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcj9Ynk0GNFzXsjnFuwkvR4S8ezsedQ2kpFwUWCL387WPnWZ6X_7OXa9537FoYd6p8V2JVMgOPxYVxCrShXBJfON-jnLXvDf9e9EmaX0VrmDYtifgTDcVtWAOKXOH24zrhLeWl8i232OE/s1600/RingofLies_w5448_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcj9Ynk0GNFzXsjnFuwkvR4S8ezsedQ2kpFwUWCL387WPnWZ6X_7OXa9537FoYd6p8V2JVMgOPxYVxCrShXBJfON-jnLXvDf9e9EmaX0VrmDYtifgTDcVtWAOKXOH24zrhLeWl8i232OE/s1600/RingofLies_w5448_300.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Secrets, Lies, and Murder surround Ivy Michaels amidst the backdrop of Savannah’s annual St. Patrick’s Day festivities!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/rachellynne1?feature=mhum">Book Trailer</a> for Ring of Lies: A café owner and an ex-cop must solve the mystery of a hot blue diamond in order to catch a stone cold killer! <a href="http://www.rachellynneauthor.com/ringoflies.html#excerpt"> Excerpt</a><br />
<br />
Things seem to be heating up between Paige and Clay. It’s just a matter of time before I convince her to give my <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RachelLynneAuthor/">newsletter</a> readers the inside scoop so be sure to subscribe!Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-37685382869021354512011-02-09T12:26:00.000+01:002011-02-09T12:26:43.656+01:00Sometimes it HurtsI know I’ve talked about getting fit, healthy and becoming more active. I’ve been working at that since last August. What I don’t think I’ve shared is that I developed plantar fasciitis.<br />
<br />
I’ve never had it before so for the longest time, I had no idea what it was. I thought my tennis shoes had lost their support since they were about a year or so old. So I got new ones.<br />
<br />
It didn’t go away. So I got another pair of new shoes. My feet still hurt all day long. That’s when I decided I needed to get checked out.<br />
<br />
The following is what I’ve since learned. Remember, I’m not a doctor or involved with healthcare at all.<br />
<br />
The plantar fascia is a tendon that runs along the bottom of your feet, connecting the heel bone to the toes. This is what creates the arch in your foot. When it’s overstretched or overused, it can become inflamed. This is called plantar fasciitis.<br />
<br />
When you have this, there is pain in the bottom of the heel. I also noticed that it hurt worse after sitting for a while on the sofa with my feet up or in the morning first out of bed. Apparently, this is one of the ways to tell it’s plantar fasciitis.<br />
<br />
So I started following treatment advice. This included:<br />
<br />
1. Resting<br />
2. Stretching, particularly stretches that stretch the calf muscles<br />
3. Wearing shoes with good support at all times<br />
<br />
At the time, I didn’t realize how long of a process this would be. Since, I’ve found out that treatment can last anywhere from several months up to 2 years, with 9 months being the average.<br />
<br />
There are other treatments as well, but since mine wasn’t too severe, the above has been sufficient thus far.<br />
<br />
I’m sharing this because one, injuries sometimes happen when you’re more active and two, if gone untreated, surgery could be required for this ailment.<br />
<br />
Have you ever had plantar fasciitis? How long before you were back to normal? What other ailments have you encountered while trying to get fit and healthy?Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-47497054229277351182011-02-07T08:00:00.005+01:002011-02-07T08:00:00.226+01:00Different Kind of Cover LoveI mentioned last week (or maybe the week before) that I was agonizing over the premise of a free read I wanted to put up on my site for Valentine’s Day. The good news is I’ve finally figured things out, I’ve got the scenes up on my storyboard and I’ve started writing it.<br />
<br />
I’ve also been working on a cover for it. Me! I’ve never really done anything like it before so it was a bit daunting and exciting at the same time. I was pleased with how it turned out for the most part, but after some good feedback, I’ll be going back in and playing with the text a bit.<br />
<br />
I don’t think I’ll be switching my focus to graphic design anytime soon, but it was a fun project.<br />
<br />
What about you? Have you ever tried your hand at graphic design? How did it go? Is it something you’d like to pursue?Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-89973067249365217812011-01-31T08:00:00.001+01:002011-01-31T08:00:07.820+01:00Gotta Have ItAck!<br />
<br />
Hubby and I went furniture shopping this weekend. Last year, we bought a cabinet, TV stand, sideboard and a coffee table. There was a final cabinet in the set, but we decided to wait to make sure we had plenty of room for it.<br />
<br />
Then the uncertainty of his job made us hold off. It’s 8-10 weeks from ordering the furniture until it’s delivered. We wanted to make sure we’d still be here.<br />
<br />
Once we were sure, we talked about ordering it. It was around Thanksgiving and we were planning a trip back to the States for the holidays. We’d wait until we came back.<br />
We may have waited too long.<br />
<br />
The salesman was unable to place the order through his computer program on Saturday. He has to call the manufacturer today to see if it’s possible. I should hear sometime today or tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Keep your fingers crossed for me!<br />
<br />
Now heading out to get some lamb. I’m going to try lamb stew for the first time this week. If it turns out good, I’ll post the recipe on Friday.<br />
<br />
How did your weekend go?Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-44059701437645177562011-01-28T13:20:00.000+01:002011-01-28T13:20:28.973+01:00Making DoI love living in Germany. I really do. But sometimes, I miss the convenience of shopping in the States.<br />
<br />
I was looking for some dried violet flowers to make some potpourri. I was able to find all kinds of places that sold dried violet leaves. Not what I needed. I found 2 places that looked like they carried it. One appears to be out of business as both phone numbers listed on the website are disconnected. The other wouldn’t return phone calls or emails.<br />
<br />
What is even more frustrating for me is that I know I already have some. In storage in Texas. I remember buying them. I just wish I could remember where I bought them. I’m almost positive it was at some health food store that sold bulk herbs, but that’s all I’ve got.<br />
<br />
It won’t be the end of the world if I can’t make the potpourri exactly as I want to, although I will admit that it tweaks the little touch of OCD that I have.<br />
<br />
So I’ll have to placate myself by planning another trip here in Europe to remind myself one of the greatest reasons for being here. I am planning a cruise in August. I’ll leave Stockholm, dock in Estonia and St. Petersburg. Short but fun. I’ll be able to add 3 more countries to my list of places visited.<br />
<br />
What helps you get over small disappointments?Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-33435783985611091452011-01-26T11:38:00.000+01:002011-01-26T11:38:06.704+01:00Free Doesn't Come EasyI’ve been kicking around an idea for a free Valentine read. It’s actually a prequel to another story that came to me one day. I thought that this would be a great way to give back to readers and set up some of the world building needed for this other story.<br />
<br />
Some of the ideas I’ve come up with actually lend this idea out to being a series. I know, I just can’t help myself when it comes to series. I love to read them and I like the worlds I build so much, I’m just not ready to leave. Hopefully, readers feel the same.<br />
<br />
One of the major cornerstones of not only this story, but the world building itself, has really had me stumped. I need to have a certain rule in place and I've been trying to figure out why it had to be that way. I wouldn’t buy ‘just because’ so why should anyone else.<br />
<br />
I’ve been noodling it since Sunday and last night, I caught a glimmer. I need to think about it some more, kind of push and pull on it and see if it works.<br />
<br />
The free read would need to be up by Feb. 13 so, you know, no pressure. Although, as counterintuitive as it sounds, I tend to do some of my best work when my back is up against the wall and a deadline is breathing down my neck.<br />
<br />
So I’ll keep poking at my idea and see if it gels. I won’t lie, though. It’s fun coming up with new worlds, so while I <i>do</i> want to figure it out, I’m enjoying the journey.<br />
<br />
What kinds of things do you do when you’re trying to flesh out an idea?Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-65623313826148967892011-01-24T10:31:00.002+01:002011-01-24T10:31:54.057+01:00Conference BoundRegistration opened up this past week for the RWA National conference. This year it’s in New York City.<br />
<br />
I jumped in on Tuesday, the first day for registration. I’d heard a rumor that there was a limited amount of rooms at the conference hotel so I hurriedly snatched one of those up too. Didn’t matter that I had no idea who I would room with.<br />
<br />
Turns out, I didn’t have to worry for long. I reached out and contacted a lovely lady I met at conference last year. We clicked there and ran into each other several times. We’ve kept in touch since and I thought of her when I wanted to find a roomie. Lucky for me, she’s attending conference so the roommate situation is cleared up.<br />
<br />
That leaves me with a plane ticket to buy. I’ll hold off on that for a little while. I’m hoping to accrue enough airline miles to upgrade again this year. That long flight over the water can be brutal, but business class goes a long way towards making it bearable.<br />
<br />
I made RWA PRO last year so I’m eligible to attend the PRO retreat. I learned the secret handshake and everything. Last year they had Donald Maass, as well as some other great speakers. I’m sure this year’s line up will be just as awesome.<br />
<br />
I’ve never been to NYC so I’m arriving a couple days early so that I can see some sights. Maybe even fit in a show. I know I won’t be able to see everything, but I can hit a few landmarks.<br />
<br />
On a side note, I may be bringing a companion back to Germany with me when I come back home. My niece, who will be 17 then, may be staying the month of July with us. It’s not all carved in stone yet, but keep your fingers crossed for us. I’m excited to have her stay with us.<br />
<br />
What about you? Going to National conference this year? Gonna pitch? What are your plans?Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-6378192021001035462011-01-19T08:00:00.001+01:002011-01-19T08:00:07.725+01:00I Love It When a Plan Comes TogetherCan’t tell I just watched The A-Team this week, right? :D<br />
<br />
One of the things I’ve found most effective in achieving any of my goals is setting a plan of action. I have my long range goals, say a year. Then I break them up into smaller chunks. In this case, by month. Then I break them up again into weeks. Last, I have my daily goals.<br />
<br />
This may seem elementary. But how many times have we seen a large, seemingly insurmountable goal and been so overwhelmed that we give up before we ever start?<br />
<br />
For over a year now, this is exactly what I’ve been doing. I haven’t accomplished everything – yet, but I’ve gotten so much more work done that I would have without this approach.<br />
<br />
There are many goal setting websites out there that can help you organize your priorities and keep track of your progress.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goalforit.com/">GoalForIt</a> is one that I recently learned about. I’ve just only started playing around with it. It lets you set goals, add the steps you’re going to take to reach plus a place to add pictures for motivation. It also lets you set up a daily to-do list, assigning points to each task. We all like to “get” something when we finish our work like good boys and girls, right?<br />
<br />
There are others. Some entail a cost. GoalForIt is free.<br />
<br />
For the most part, I use Word and Excel to keep track of my own goals. I get a very satisfying feeling of accomplishment when I can cross out a task as completed.<br />
<br />
However you do it, making a plan and keeping track of your progress can go a long way towards keeping you on your path.<br />
<br />
Have you used any programs to keep track? Ever tried GoalForIt? How do you keep on track?Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-35352706264104490652011-01-14T08:00:00.004+01:002011-01-14T08:00:06.120+01:00Fangirl Friday - Reading RecommendationNo guest today, so I’m going to take this time to tell you about a book I recently read. It’s a paranormal YA, the first in a trilogy. Or rather it started out as a trilogy, but there will be more books coming out as early as April of this year.<br />
<br />
It’s about a 16 year old girl that realizes she can see those things that go bump in the night and those that fight them. She becomes embroiled in a race for a cup when her mother is kidnapped by the man who wants it…her father.<br />
<br />
She falls in with the hunters, and is attracted to one in particular. I don’t want to give away any twists so I’ll leave off there.<br />
<br />
What I will say is that I really enjoyed the book. I understand it to be the author’s debut novel, and as such, was well done. The world building was strong without big info dumps. Since our young heroine knows nothing of this world, we learn about it along with her. I thought it was a great way to introduce things in a more natural way.<br />
<br />
The characters were well done. There was the normal teen angst amid the saving the world stuff that made them more real. There was depth to them and I connected to them fairly quickly into the story.<br />
<br />
The stakes were high. These teenagers were trying to get a magical cup before the villain to stop the demise of their species, as well as the needless murder of countless humans. The tension rose throughout the story, but was paced well with everyday teenage concerns.<br />
<br />
Have you guessed what book this yet? It’s City of Bones by Cassandra Clare.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitA06QQ0cjRM-KqOYM6afhEeAjCf-N6wTj0KT8C1a5wwnQnAjZhHugA77NqI66EZJdsulExYhxFX_TAT0DvW8wPPeL9MQ07XXPGveQ2Zq-9Eek9l_aBzTh0FQZDNRj9sHagug_c2lpcQY/s1600/city-of-bones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitA06QQ0cjRM-KqOYM6afhEeAjCf-N6wTj0KT8C1a5wwnQnAjZhHugA77NqI66EZJdsulExYhxFX_TAT0DvW8wPPeL9MQ07XXPGveQ2Zq-9Eek9l_aBzTh0FQZDNRj9sHagug_c2lpcQY/s320/city-of-bones.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><br />
I first found out about this series when I was looking for a steampunk novel to read. I found Ms. Clare’s Clockwork Angel, the first in the prequel trilogy. I read that book first and enjoying it as I did, went back for City of Bones.<br />
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Now I have the second book, City of Ashes, to read next. It showed up in the mail yesterday and I’ve already gotten a good start on it. Oh, and as a bonus, they're making this book into a movie. They've cast the actress for the heroine and working on the rest still.<br />
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Give this author a try. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed if you like paranormal.<br />
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Have you already read these books? What did you think? Think you’ll check them out?Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-27074409248623746212011-01-12T08:00:00.001+01:002011-01-12T08:00:00.558+01:00Keep GoingSo who made resolutions to lose weight or exercise more? We’re almost 2 weeks into January. Still sticking with it?<br />
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Motivation can sometimes be hard to find, to keep up. What do we do when our gas tanks are on low? We go in for fill-up. We can do the same thing with our motivation.<br />
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How do we recharge our motivation? There are several ways that help me.<br />
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One is being accountable. If I tell someone I’m going to do something, like go to Sculpt & Burn class, I feel that I need a really good reason to not follow through. “Didn’t feel like it” isn’t one. While not particularly motivation, it does help keep me on track.<br />
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Two is rewarding myself. I mentioned a while back about a <a href="http://rileyquinnauthor.blogspot.com/2010/10/rewarding-yourself.html">reward plan</a>. If I stay on track and hit my goals, I’ll gift myself with a new CD or book. If I’ve hit a particularly big goal, there are weekend jaunts all over Europe. Spa treatments are good. Yeah, I don’t have any trouble coming up with rewards and that helps me stay the course.<br />
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Three is a strong support system. It’s awesome when you can turn to someone when you’re feeling low and they remind you how far you’ve come and that they’re proud of you. I don’t know about you, but that really makes me want to keep going.<br />
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Today is my first day back to the gym after vacation. I’ve got a little ground to make up, but I’m confident that I’ll do it. Then I’ll kick it up a notch. I think I mentioned a running club? That should be starting soon. We’ll be training for a half marathon in Prague for the spring. In addition to that, I’ll be adding weight training to my regimen come February.<br />
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I’ve got big plans. I’ve got a support system in place. I’ve got goals. I’ve got motivation. I’m ready for the new year and all the changes it’s going to bring.<br />
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How about you?Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-27611856118574352502011-01-10T08:00:00.001+01:002011-01-10T08:00:03.234+01:00Here We Go Again!It’s a new year. Yeah, I know I’m a week or so late informing of you this. Lucky for me, you’re all smart cookies.<br />
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What’s kept me away this past week, you ask? Travel and the ramification of such.<br />
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As you know, I was in Texas over the holidays. We left on Sunday to come back to Germany. Side note: any of you that travel, noise-cancelling headphones are worth their weight in gold and then some.<br />
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Unfortunately for me, I don’t sleep well on the plane. So from start to finish, I was up for about 24 hours by the time we reached our apartment. Of course, it snowed while we were gone. So we dropped off our luggage, picked up the puppy from the neighbors’ (I missed her soooo much) and shoveled the driveway so hubby could get the car out the following morning.<br />
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Then two days of laundry, two days of errands and grocery shopping and not to mention a week’s worth of jet lag. Yes, it really does take my body that long to get back into the swing of things after crossing that many time zones coming east.<br />
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Anyway, for good or ill, I’m back.<br />
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Wednesday, we’ll have another Weightloss Wednesday. Yes, I’m still continuing my quest for a healthier and more active lifestyle.<br />
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Friday will probably be a Fangirl Friday. I’ll either have a guest or I’ll tell you about this great new-to-me series I’ve started reading.<br />
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I’ve got lots of plans for the new year and I hope you stick around.<br />
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What do you have scheduled so far? What are your great plans?Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-71539198108810704752010-12-31T21:27:00.000+01:002010-12-31T21:27:26.114+01:00Happy New YearHere we are, folks. The last day of the year.<br />
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I have to admit, I had a pretty good year. My first two novellas came out this year with The Wild Rose Press. I’ve made some great new friends between this blog, Facebook and Twitter. I got to go RWA National Convention, I made PRO, I finished up my associate degree I’ve been working on forever, and I’m back to writing full-time. Those are just the highlights. I can’t complain.<br />
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I’m expecting next year to be even better. I’ve got a full load planned for writing, I’ve got great friends and critique partners to help keep me on track, I’ll be starting my bachelor degree, and I’ll be pursuing an agent this year. I’m excited to get started.<br />
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I'll be spending the evening with wonderful friends, playing games and having fun. Tomorrow is family day and Sunday I'll be winging my way back to Germany to brave the snow. <br />
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How has 2010 treated you? What are your highlights? What have you got planned for 2011?<br />
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Have fun celebrating, but stay safe.<br />
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Happy New Year!Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3225509207139912540.post-61429196120752974872010-12-24T15:51:00.000+01:002010-12-24T15:51:24.173+01:00Merry ChristmasI arrived in Texas, safe and sound. Maybe a little bit frazzled, but that's another story.<br />
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Since I've been tied up with family the last two days, no blog post today.<br />
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I'd like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a season full of love. Be good to each other.Riley Quinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02363595230073330154noreply@blogger.com2