Life Defined

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

In which I update my blog and say a few words: Desiderata and Some...

Good Morn, Chaps:

Today is the first day of spring - a time, as good as any, in my opinion, to update my blog with random thoughts and whimsical words. Perchance the day is keen on it? It certainly looks chipper beyond my windowpane. The sun's rays are playful, splashing upon the leaves of ivy and oak - papery things marked by green and gold that dance against the cool breeze. Yes, spring is here... Though it is hard to believe that we're to expect snow in the days ahead~

Anyway, I've spent some time in idle contemplation for the better part of the week, randomly letting my mind roam free and wander as it will. At the same time, I've allowed myself to venture into the realm of "hard caffeine," as I think of it... (in other words, coffee). Yes, I've grown quite fond of one of the "coffee" options at Starbucks, and of late, I have been visiting either Starbucks alone or a Barnes & Noble/Starbucks combo and ordering said drink. I am always sure to carry a book with me - as well as a chess set.. (you know, for those chance times someone may wish to play), and I often read between sips or sit back and... well, think. I've had it said that I am now "hooked" on caffeine, as it seems most of America is when considering such a bizarre substance as coffee. But - no. It's not that I am now a prisoner of the concoctions (granted, I've yet to stray beyond my sole "drink") that Starbucks offers, as it is - in truth - no better than the homemade cocoa I prepare at home-base; rather, it is the environment of Starbucks or Barnes & Noble that compels me to journey forth and spare my time. If you ever visit said locales and observe the surroundings, you will find that others in the area are either there for quiet introspection, a casual meeting with another, or for the appearance of having a separate, esoteric purpose. All of the above are interesting to witness, even if the appearance of some is meant for assumption of demeanor, but I appreciate the atmosphere that is brought upon by the conventions of coffee and/or books in an enclosed space nonetheless. (The comfort of books is a given for me, however - and forever shall be, as pages of ink comprise my soul). The music of the environment is pleasant, the people are cordial, it's a tad bit too chilly, but the warm coffee... satisfies. Although books do indeed whisper to the entrants (or whoever takes the time to listen) and make for pleasant company (when considering a B&N/Starbucks combo), one would think coffee held a somewhat "otherworldly" status for some - as if it were a deity all its own. I find this amusing - this revered status - and as I sit to contemplate and sip, immersing myself in America's favorite alternative pastime, I realize that I am not there for reasons other patrons to make when visiting. No - I visit for something. But what something? ...to happen? ...to show? I cannot say. In truth, I do not know. When I wish to write or express my inner machinations, I find that the Muse is not restricted to any given environment. In this, I mean that I can be at home, in a vehicle, at the university, what have you.... and still be able to jot down whatever it is that washes over me in the spur of a moment. Yet something about this new Starbucks discovery is stirring something within me (something other, as I've said). Perhaps it is the psychologist in me that is wanting to know exactly what compels others to converge upon such humble places, and that I am simply curious as to what it could be that drives people (it has to be more than just coffee), but I have yet to find out. In the meantime, as the inner whimsy directs me, I shall continue my jaunts to the coffee shop and/or realm of books, seep myself in warm brew and heavenly aromas, and all the while read while I observe my surroundings (perhaps fancying myself a round of chess or two) and - most importantly - think. What may come may come. But the Muse - or something "other" - is stirring. Perhaps it is that a new story is slowly molding itself in the background. Perhaps I am about to venture forth on a new adventure. Whatever else, it is something. I can feel it.

[To be continued...] 

***


By the by, I found this quote on a puzzle the other day, for those interested. I am quite fond of puzzles - as well as this quote - so I very nearly picked it up. But - alas - I decided against it. Yet I still wish to share the words as depicted above. They are simple - yet... together, they craft a gem.
(As a side note: I sought long and hard to discover the speaker of said words, but all I could find was an Unknown attribute. It is my habit to give credit where it is due, so if anyone happens to discover the speaker, please inform me promptly. Thank you.)

Speaking of beauty in simplicity, I ran across a poem by Max Ehrmann last night - one of which I quite liked. The poem is titled, Desiderata, which means something along the lines of: "that which is necessary or desirable or, if in lack, is needed or sought after." I appreciated the strength of the words, despite their simple configuration - as well as the interwoven emanation of "coexistence" that seems to linger throughout (as God, as written, represents a sort of [insert deity/belief here] message rather than what else it may seem). Whatever else, I hope others find appreciation for Mr. Ehrmann's words~


Desiderata 

"Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy."

-Max Ehrmann 

***

With that, I bid you all a merry adieu~



Thursday, December 27, 2012

Hydra Publications: Holiday Giveaway

Good Day and Happy Festivities:

I trust the holiday season has been treating everyone well thus far? It has certainly been a jolly time on my side of things. Although this is the first winter in which my beloved cat, Prince, is not here to witness, I have still been able to find the joy and peace that this particular season seeks to incite; and I hope all are able to find contentment in the moment - despite the trials and tribulations Fate may dangle upon us.

As far as the holidays are concerned, my publisher - Hydra Publications - is hosting a giveaway in which anyone who enters has the chance to win one of 20 ebooks (including my own fantasy novel: Empyreal Fate). The season of giving is not yet over, folks! Why not enter below for your chance to win? ;)



"Be like the bird who, pausing in her flight awhile on boughs too slight, feels them give way beneath her, and yet sings, knowing she hath wings."
-Victor Hugo 


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

"Perfect Nothing" is Officially in Print - and Other News

G'morning to all and a Merry Holiday Season to those who wish it so:

Finals Week has now ended at the University of Oklahoma, and I am officially on break for the holiday season. Sometime during the hubbub of what we refer to as "the holidays", I mean to write a post on my experiences during the past semester - particularly in regard to my Anatomy Cadaver Lab class. It was quite an exciting experience, and I was intrigued by many of the discoveries I, and several of my peers, made throughout the course. To see a human body (and many of them) stripped down to the barest mechanics that construct it... is mind-boggling, fantastic, and, in some small ways, almost a let down (and I'll let you know what I mean by that later on). Our bodies seem almost to work in such a magical, harmonious way - yet in other aspects, it is quite simplistic and not at all unique from other living organisms. (Now the brain... that's a story in and of itself). But again - I shall tell my tale soon.

As of now, I wish to announce the print release of the "One" anthology, which features my short story, titled, Perfect Nothing, a piece that recounts my physical and almost "spiritual" (if you wish to call it) relationship with an eating disorder. It was a period of time in which I was at my sickest, and although I am not proud of that stage in my life, it has made me who I am (with all the madness, curiosity, inspiration, what have you...)  - and I hope that it may provide strength to those who currently face the insidious disorder, incited by a certain emptiness - a certain hollowness - of the soul. It is, at the very least, a small part of me - a small part that reflects and seeks to incite courage in those who need it most.

For those who are interested, the link for a copy of the print version of "One" (which also features eleven other short stories from various authors throughout the world) is provided here: 



I do so hope you all enjoy it - and also that Fate treats all well this holiday season~

Fare thee well, my friends~

Rachel


"The finest thing in the world is knowing how to belong to oneself."
-Michel de Montaigne


                                                                   

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Scarlett Phoenix Blog Tour and Giveaway


Greetings on this pleasant November morning!


It's been awhile since I last updated my blog, as classes have been taking up quite a bit of my time, (remind me to write a post about my Anatomy class at some point – particularly regarding Anatomy Cadaver Lab) but what better way to begin blogging again than to introduce a lovely author’s work via a Blog Tour and Giveaway? Yep. Today I’ve the pleasure of hosting Ms. Bella Harte, author of The Seraphoenix Saga. She is not only here to introduce her writing for her Scarlett Phoenix Blog Tour, but she is also giving away some beautiful bracelets in the mix:

 
Tune in to learn more about this up-and-coming author~

 

The Seraphoenix Saga

Bella Harte

Scarlett Phoenix Blog Tour November 2012

All About Scarlett 

Please answer the questions in less than five words!

What is your favourite colour? 
Red
What is your favourite food?  
Spicy food (Mexican or Indian)
What is your middle name? Phoenix
Who is/are your best friend/s? Alex & Clover
What is your favourite drink? Hot Chocolate with mini marshmallows
Who is your favourite type of music? Dance music ~ all kinds
What was your favourite holiday? Pompeii and Positano ~ Italy
If you could go anywhere, where would it be? China to see the Pandas
Where is your family originally from? USA
Who are your favourite actor/s of 2012? Paul Wesley & Ian Somerhalder
What is your favourite TV show?  Vampire Diaries
What is your favourite hobby? Reading
What is your favourite book?  Gone with the Wind

What is your favourite movie? 
East of Eden (James Dean)
What sport do you most enjoy doing? Horse Riding
What are your favourite animals? Horses & Cats
If you were reincarnated as a mythical creature, what would it be?  Pegasus
Do you believe in ghosts? Yes
Do you believe in the supernatural?  I do now!
What is your dream or what are your goals? To Survive (and go Shopping)
What is your biggest fear? Being trapped in small spaces
Is the glass half full or half empty? Half full
What is your favourite month of the year?  October
What is your favourite gemstone/s?  Ruby and diamonds
What is your favourite Holiday season?  Halloween (then Christmas)
What is your most embarrassing outfit?  My 18th Birthday party outfit!
Would you ever dye your hair red to match your name?  No
And finally, who is/are the person/s that most inspire you? My parents.

All about Scarlett in five words or less is now complete.
Thank you, Ms. Scarlett, for being such a great sport!
It was my pleasure and thank you for asking!

***


And now, for a bit about Bella's work~


Book Cover:


(Image Copyright Africa Studio, 2011 Used under license from Shutterstock.com)

Book Blurb:

"She is the only one of her kind, he is her last hope."

Scarlett Paige is just a regular teenager until her parents suddenly decide move to back to America after living in England for the past 17 ½ years.  Thrust into a new school, a new town and a whole new way of life, things can't seem to get any worse until her 18th birthday arrives.  

Her world as she knows it is irrevocably changed by a set of life threatening complications when she discovers her true identity.  That she is The Phoenix the only one of her kind, a hybrid human being with supernatural powers beyond mortal imagination. But she is untrained, and unable to use her mystical powers without guidance and training from The Seraphoenix Angels.

Worse still, two mysterious and powerful Angel brothers are looking for her.  One to save her and one to kill her, who will win?

Scarlett finds herself amidst a battle that’s been waged since the beginning of time, as she discovers the disturbing truth that Angels aren't always good! One brother has a terrible plan to rid the world of humanity, while the other strives to save it and Scarlett is caught smack in the middle as both the Angels need her Phoenix powers to accomplish their goals. 

Will she become a pawn in their schemes, as she is thrown into total chaos and plunged into an entirely different future and one that is utterly unexpected?

There are fatal consequences she never saw coming. Beings she never knew existed, and homicidal demon creatures that she wished never existed at all, are conspiring to change her life forever!

 ‘Scarlett Phoenix’ is the jumping off point for this exciting new YA PNR series ~ The Seraphoenix Saga.

To find out more about this new and exciting novel see the buy links below. 

Buy Links:

 
________________________________________

Author Bio: 

Bella Harte has been writing for well over a decade, and completed several novels before deciding to go in a whole new direction and write for the Young Adult genre. More specifically the YA PNR – Young Adult Paranormal Romance category.

Her first published YA Novel is ‘Scarlett Phoenix’ - Book I in The Seraphoenix Saga, with Book II:- ‘Crimson Fire’ being schedule for release in early 2013 and Book III:- ‘Red Ashes’ for later in the year.


She has also been working on two other YA PNR series:

The Angel of Death Series

 Book I – Reaper     Book II – Touched     Book III – Afterlife

Nine Lives Series

Book I – The Glaring    Book II – Midnight Calling     Book III - Hunters Moon  
Aside from writing, Bella has been worked as a fashion designer, interior designer, artist and currently she is figuring out ways to best market her novels. She attended Business College after leaving school, followed by Art College, where she studied ceramics, fashion design, pattern cutting, textiles and art.  

She has a solid business background and has worked for a World-Wide Export Company which enabled her to travel to far off places around the globe and enjoy a wide and varied cross section of cultures.   

Bella says of the future: No one can predict what’s around the corner, but the journey will be a fascinating one to say the least and I always expect the unexpected!
_______________________________________________



 My Links:


***

Scarlett Phoenix Blog Tour November 2012
Tour Dates:

1st November ~ www.selfpublishordie.com
9th November ~ www.thoughtsonhigh.com
11th November ~ www.sweetesttaboobook.com
13th November ~  www.rachel-m-hunter.blogspot.com
15th November ~  www.abluemillionbooks.blogspot.com             
17th November ~ www.curseofthebibliophile.blogspot.com
19th November ~ www.cassiesreviewsde-la-mazing.blogspot.co.uk
21st November ~ www.louisewise.com
23rd November ~ www.sarazaske.wordpress.com

***

Thank you all for visiting today. Feel free to enter below for a chance to win a Swarovski crystal bracelet, compliments of Bella Harte~


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Until next time! Adieu~
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