Metacreative Magazine May/june 2007 Premiere Issue!

MetaCreative Magazine

Premiere Issue - May/June 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1::

Cover

2 ::

Table of Contents

3-4 ::

The MetaCreative Vision/Network - Mystikka

5 ::

Submit Art

6 ::

Intentions - Lara Elizabeth

7::

Layout and Design – Lara Elizabeth

8-9 ::

The Fun Police – Scott Kalechstein

10-12 :: Abril Andrade - Art Layout 13-14 :: MetaCreative Radio 14 ::

Myspace Information

16-17 :: Luckylulu - Art Layout 18-21 :: Positive Energy – Judith Orloff, M.D. 22-24 :: Caleb Morgan - Art Layout 25-26 :: Feng Shui for Writers - Lisa Logan 27-28 :: Anastasia Pellerin - Art Layout 29 ::

Becoming the Miracle That You Would Like to See - Danielle Egnew

30-32 :: Carrie Hawks AKA Tigerpixie – Art Layout 33 ::

The Artist’s Plight in a Civilized World - Jack Bowman

34-35 :: Soulosphere – Art Layout 36-38 :: Harp Magic - Peter Sterling 39-40 :: Christopher J. Puccini – Art Layout 42-43 :: Vegetarian Kitchen - Goldfish 1925 44-46 :: Lisa Clark – Art Layout

The MetaCreative VisioN Welcome to MetaCreative Magazine, the collective mindscape of myself and the artists, writers and volunteers who have brought this project together. Thank you so much to everyone who has been a part of this ‘blooming vision.’ I see a collective purpose among diverse, progressive and creative communities. We all want to expand our inner vision, and pass our inspiration along to others in an artistic way. I find familiarity in the abstract and esoteric aspects of life. Real spiritual seekers go to the far reaches of mind, heart and soul to find pieces of the puzzle that connects us all, and they end up discovering that our unity is the source from which art is inspired. It is a combination of characters in the melting pot of creative culture that brews the rainbowseasoned nourishment for conscious evolution. We are now able to easily network outside of our normal local social circles, and tap into a sea of possibilities that the internet and Web 2.0 have opened up for us. We can connect in ways that reach beyond the experience of any other generations before us, to find each other regardless of our environments, and blossom into a rich community of like minds. MetaCreative Magazine is a platform for diverse progressive artistic communities to express themselves creatively, share their gifts and network with filmmakers, producers, artists, publishers, actors, poets, authors, podcasters, editors, hypnotists, psychologists, and anyone else who is a part of the MetaCreative Network.

The MetaCreative Network Please add us to your myspace accounts and/or bookmark our pages to keep in touch with us! In Positive Consciousness,

Mystikka – Empathic Psychic – Author of The Love Crisis Survival Guide – Host of MetaCreaive Radio – Founder/Publisher of MetaCreative Magazine - http://www.mystikka.com

MetaCreative Radio: http://www.myspace.com/MetaCreativeradio http://MetaCreativeradio.com

MetaCreative Magazine http://www.myspace.com/MetaCreativemagazine

Conscious Intentions by Lara K.

::MY WISH FOR YOU:: I wish you a million wonderful moments, each one better than the previous. This will make your present moment the best moment ever. The here and now is the happiest moment of your life. Be here now.

::Conscious Beings:: Awareness is the first step to consciousness. Being aware of your own intent will change the way you perceive the world. When you understand the power of intention, it feels as if you are aware of something special and sacred. I intend to help beings to become aware, kind, loving, empathetic, and grateful. Encouraging them to move towards consciousness, on the path of enlightenemnt. I believe that raising your consciousness is evolution of the mind and spirit. One way to raise your awareness is through meditation. When people first begin meditation they feel as if their mind, body, and spirit are full of chaotic energy. From chaos comes peace. Does your mind control you, or do you control your mind? If you make a conscious decision not to pay attention to the constant ramblings of your mind and if you can truly be quiet; complete awareness/consciousness and eventually true enlightenment will occur. When open and present in the moment; you will become your own guru. Listen. Breathe. Be. Everything happens in the here and now. It is all we have. Focus on the breathe and it will bring you into the present moment. We all have the power to be aware; fully conscious beings. Be here now. Be the change. Become aware, chose to be present. Embrace collective consciousness. OM SHANTI SHANTI SHANTI Lara K.

MetaCreative Magazine Layout and Design by Lara K.

LK-INDIGO

Thank you Mystikka for the opportunity to be a part of the MetaCreative movement. Thank you all for believing and participating.

Namaste, Lara K.

www.myspace.com/lkindigo

The Fun Police

By Scott Kalechstein

I have come to believe that how much joy and creativity I experience in any given moment pretty much boils down to how much permission I give myself to have it. Sounds simple enough, but for many of us, after a lifetime of withholding permission from ourselves, we might notice some subtle resistance to increasing our joy allowance. This year I’ve been pushing the fun envelope in many ways. In the last few months I’ve taken up jazz guitar, tennis lessons, and a comedy improv class. The one thing these activities have in common is I’m enjoying the hell (heaven?) out of them. I’m not doing them for a future reward, profit motive, or esteem-boosting accolades: I’m in it for the fun. Sometimes I worry that I’m having too much fun. A few times lately, when people have asked me how I’m doing, I’ve heard myself answer, “I’m having so much fun, the Fun Police are after me!” Now I don’t know where I picked up the idea of a Fun Police, but I seem to have some affection for it. It came out of my mouth, so I figure they must exist, even if just in my psyche. One morning I went into meditation and asked to speak to the Chief of the Fun Police, and, sure enough, was connected to his secretary, who set up an interview. Worried that I might not be able to maintain the objectivity needed for the dialogue, I called Phil Donahue, who recently came out of retirement to host a nighttime talk show. Phil graciously agreed to conduct a private interview, and here it is:

Phil: Thank you very much for taking the time to talk to me. Fun Police Chief: No problem, but I’ve got five minutes and then it’s back to my job. Phil: And what exactly is that, your job? Chief: I’m on the lookout for Scott having too much fun, spontaneity, gaiety, laughter, joy...you know, that sort of thing. Phil: There’s a danger? Someone could have too much? Chief: Well, if Scott has too much fun, he stops thinking about all the things that are wrong with him and his life. He could get real lazy about trying to fix himself, which in my opinion, he already isalready lazy, that is, not already fixed! Fun, if it isn’t balanced with a generous helping of unpleasantness, is downright irresponsible! And, if he’s not suffering and struggling, even just a little bit every day, how deserving could he be of any joy that comes his way? We at the Fun Police have to make sure there’s a limit to Scott’s good feelings and good times. It’s a public service we are proud to perform. Phil: How do you get him to stop having fun? He seems to really like it. Chief: Well, it used to be easy enough. A little guilt, properly applied, has always gone a long way. Whispering the ‘s’ word in his ear (as in “Scott, you’re being Selfish!”) used to shut him down real fast.

What’s making my job hard lately is that he’s entertaining some dangerous notions that if he really went all out with, we wouldn’t be able to control him anymore. He’d be off just having a good time, while we’d be dealing with lay-offs here at the station. Phil: Oh, I see. And what, in a nutshell, are these new ideas? Chief: If I tell you, you have to promise not to print them or air them on your show. No one who reads Scott’s newsletter or his column should see them. Part of my job is to prevent chaos from breaking out, and these are pretty revolutionary ideas, especially if they fall into the hands of the wrong people. You wouldn’t want the masses quitting their jobs and letting their inner children run wild in the streets, now would you? It would wreak pandemonium! Phil: Oh, yes, I can see what you mean. All right, I promise not to disclose what you say, scout’s honor. (Phil crosses his fingers behind his back, nullifying his promise.)

....continued next page.

The Fun Police continued...

Chief: OK, then I’ll tell you. Scott is starting to consider that unconditional, across-the-board self-acceptance might be more valuable to his soul than waging war against his faults and inadequacies. He’s getting more and more gentle and patient with himself, even imagining there is some kind of ‘Divine Purpose’ to his weaknesses and stumblings, that he’s evolving and growing at a perfect pace. How can we do our job against ideas like that?

that’s even more bad news for us. When he meditates, he goes into a witness state, and just watches his thoughts and feeling pass by without judging them or trying to make them go away. Sometimes he even witnesses the Fun Police at work. When he’s doing that, we can’t get to him at all, cause he’s under the Witness Protection Program.

Also, whenever he was having too much fun, we would remind him to remember all of the suffering in the world. Against that tactic he was defenseless, and it usually would spoil his party fast. Nowadays he just shoots back, “All the more reason to have fun. Somebody’s got to maintain the joy vibration so people in pain are inspired to see there’s another way.” Oh, and another thing: Scott’s really into meditation lately, and

Chief: And I’ve got to get right back to it. Scott’s starting to smile and laugh while he’s typing this article.

Phil: I can see why you’re worried about your job.

Phil: Well, Chief, thank you for your time, and for your commitment to serve and protect Scott from too much fun. Chief: No problem. “Why do dolphins leap joyful from the sea? Why do the morning birds

With his musical, speaking and healing gifts, Scott Kalechstein makes his living eluding the Fun Police. He is wanted in fifty states and assorted foreign countries for breaking and entering people’s hearts, as well as for creating the peace. If you have (or want) information about his whereabouts: please email: [email protected] visit: www.scottsongs.com or call the twenty four hour emergency Scott Line: 415-721-2954

sing? Why does the earth dance in trees and reach forests to the sun? Why do children play? The purpose of these realms is enjoyment. This is a recreational universe. When you remember the play that lifted your heart as a child, you will know the heart of God.” -Ken Carey, The Third Millennium

BIO: I was born in the year 1982 the only girl between 3 older brothers each one as different as night and day. My interest in the darker but innocent side of art began in the earliest stages of my teenage years. Working with different artist and styles inspired me to create a fantasy of surreal creatures with enormous eyes. I find myself obsessed by the need to paint every waking hour. ARTIST STATEMENT: I create out of joy and this reflects in my work: a fantasy of creatures are born each time I pick up a brush and paint. I give life to characters with enormous eyes. The medium employed is acrylic paint with concentrated oil based paint crème. www.abrilandrade.com

MetaCreative Radio honors the spirit of creativity, inspiration, diversity and unity. Each of our interviewees provides insight into a different facet of the human artistic experience. All episodes are archived, so you can listen to them anytime online, or on your ipod. For more information, to listen to episodes, or to learn more about our interviewees visit: www.myspace.com/MetaCreativeradio www.MetaCreativeradio.com

MetaCreative Radio Episodes: 1 – An interview with myspace celebrity, Chris Crocker 2 – Conversation between psychic friends 3 – Katherine Brooks, film writer and director 4 – Music Edition, Part One (Indie Playlist) 5 – Interview with Steven Blank of Pink Mafia Radio 6 – Actress Donnamarie Recco on addiction and recovery 7 – Jack Herer, hemp activist and author of ‘The Emperor Wears No Clothes.’

MetaCreative Radio Music: MetaCreative Radio has featured music from the following artists: Augustina Michael Harrison Blues Ruby James Saqi Dosaj Nate Stevens Nijole Sparkis Sharkweek Tributary Music

More diverse, inspired music from independent and/or unsigned artists is to come! For information on submitting your mp3s to MetaCreative Radio, please read the blog at: www.myspace.com/MetaCreativeradio Find links to MetaCreative Radio’s featured musicians online at: www.MetaCreativeradio.com

LUCKYLULU

Find LUCKYLULU and more of her art online http://goatgirl1.deviantart.com http://www.myspace.com/orionhybrid

POSITIVE ENERGY: HOW TO BUILD VITALITY AND STOP ENERGY VAMPIRES FROM DRAINING YOU By Judith Orloff, M.D.

Excerpted from Positive Energy, Three Rivers Press, 2005 I learned to honor my energy needs the hard way. As a psychiatrist who specializes in intuition I knew how important it was to listen to my body. Yet still I’d vacillate between intense weeks of speaking tours to bouts of utter exhaustion at home. I couldn’t turn down ‘irresistible’ opportunities. Here was my dilemma--I trusted my intuition, and was committed to living by it. But I had a blind spot: Although I was quite successful at helping others at trusting intuition and leading high energy lives, I was ignoring my own energy crises. Finally my fatigue was so profound I had to change. I know first hand how important it is for us to cherish our precious energy so we don’t compromise our capacity for passion. I now believe that the most profound transformations can only take place only on an energetic level. I’ve met many patients who’ve spent much time and money on talk therapy hoping that intellectual insights will bring emotional freedom, but they’re disappointed. As much as I love the linear mind, my approach, which I call ‘Energy Psychiatry,’ goes further to also facilitate a conscious rebuilding of a subtle energies, the most basic life force in each of us.

Do You Get Drained By Other People’s Energy? Our bodies are made of flesh and blood, but they’re also composed of energy fields, though sadly I wasn’t taught this in medical school. Each day we encounter a wide range of energies, both positive and negative. Positive energy includes compassion, courage, forgiveness, and faith. Negative energy includes fear, anger, hopelessness, and shame. We need to be experts at dealing with energy so we don’t get demolished by draining situations or people who’re energy vampires. Like me you may be an intuitive empath, someone who’s so sensitive to energy you pick it up but you’re also drained by it. This goes way beyond feeling sympathy for a distraught friend; we actually take on their pain either emotionally or physically. To cope we take refuge in solitude. We empaths are so attuned to others that we can feel what’s going on inside of them. This can put us on energy overload and aggravate everything from chronic fatigue to overeating. Growing up, my girlfriends couldn’t wait to hit the malls, but I dreaded them. I always felt overwhelmed, exhausted around crowds, though I was clueless why. “What’s the matter?” friends would say, shooting me the weirdest looks. All I knew was that crowded places and I just didn’t mix. I’d go there feeling fine but leave nervous, depressed, or with some new ache or pain.

Unsuspectingly, I was a gigantic sponge, absorbing the energy of people around me. Thank goodness, as my intuition matured, I realized I had intuitive empathy. Once I learned to protect my energy, empathy has become a gift enhancing my compassion. Here’s how empathy works: the more people per square foot, the more our energy fields intersect-thus the tendency to become overloaded in high-density areas. This aspect of intuition is the most neglected. Empaths, unintentionally, can make even a good doctor’s life hell. They manifest so many “unexplained” symptoms, that frustrated physicians write them off as hypochondriacs. Empaths are notoriously misdiagnosed. Patients have come to me with obesity who’ve failed diets because they needed strategies other than eating to protect themselves from negative energy. Others were labeled “agoraphobic” or with “panic disorder,” having received only minor relief from traditional treatments. Some were nearly house-bound. They’d all say, “I dislike crowded places where there’s no quick escape. Forget department stores, busy streets, elevators, tunnels. I just avoid them.” Sounded very familiar. So I decided to take a history of how these people processed subtle energy in the world, something all health professionals must be trained to assess. Voila! I found many were undiagnosed empaths. For me, this changed everything.

How do you know if you’re an empath? What are the signs? Quiz: Are You an Intuitive Empath? Ask yourself: *Have you ever sat next to someone at a dinner who seems pleasant, but suddenly you’re nauseous, have a headache, or feel drained? *Are you uncomfortable in crowds, even go out of your way to avoid them? *Do you get easily over-stimulated by people or prefer being alone? *When someone is in pain, do you start feeling it too ? *Do I overeat around people I’m uncomfortable with? If you’ve answered “yes” to one or more questions, it’s likely you have experienced intuitive empathy. Responding “yes” to every question indicates empathy is draining your energy.

A Survival Guide to Protect Yourself from Energy Vampires: You don’t have to be an empath to experience the fang marks of an energy vampire, though empaths are often hit the hardest. Relationships are always an energy exchange. To stay feeling our best, we must ask ourselves: Who gives us energy? Who saps it? It’s important to be surrounded by supportive, heart-centered people who make us feel safe and secure. It’s equally important to pinpoint the energy vampires, who, whether they intend to or not, leech our energy. Positive energy in others can be rejuvenative. For instance, you’re nervous about a job interview, but the minute you meet your prospective boss you relax. He’s so calm and welcoming, you calm down too. Or perhaps you have a good friend around whom you always feel loved. These are energy-givers, those we must gravitate towards. In contrast, energy vampires exude negative energy that drains. Vampires range from the intentionally malicious ones to those who are oblivious to their effect. Some are overbearing and obnoxious; others are friendly and charming. For example, you’re at a party talking to a perfectly nice person, but suddenly you’re nauseous or weak. Or how about the co-worker who drones on about how she broke up with her boyfriend for the tenth time? Eventually, she feels better, but you’re spent. The bottom line is that on a subtle energy level these people suck you dry. There are many types of vampires to watch out for. The main ones I stress in my book are the Drama Queen who wears your out with her dramas; The Sob Sister, who whines all the time; The Blamer, who cuts you down with criticism and The Go-For-The-Carotid type who purposely cuts your down without any respect for your feelings. Keep an eye out for these types so you’re aware of their methods, and stop them from draining you.

Strategies for Dealing With Energy Vampires: 1.Take an inventory of people in your life who give energy, and people who drain. Specifically identify the energy vampires, and begin to evaluate ones you’d like to limit contact with or eliminate. Plan at least one complete afternoon with people who give off positive energy and avoid drainers. Notice how this beneficially affects your physical and emotional well-being. 2. Set Clear Boundaries. It’s crucial to limit the time you spend discussing a vampire’s gripes. When approaching her, remember: the difference between being a bitch and setting boundaries is attitude. Instead of saying, “You’re selfish and self-obsessed, I can’t take you anymore,” which a part of you likely feels, take a breath and shift to your heart. 3. Meditate. Sitting in meditation is a life-line to your center, to the earth. it will ground you when you’ve been struck by a vampire. By calming the mind, you can re-align with your essence. Close your eyes. Focus on your breath. Then gently extend your awareness downward to strata, bedrock, minerals, and soil. From the base of your spine begin to feel a continuity with

I hope I’ve inspired you to be more fierce about asserting your energy needs. Never put yourself down as being ‘overly sensitive.’ Sensitivity is an asset as long as you learn how to protect yourself from negative vibes. Understanding how you react energetically in the world is particularly important if you’re chronically tired and want to build vitality. Knowledge is power. Meeting your energy needs can balance mind, body, and spirit to create a vibrant life.

the earth’s core. Picture having a long tail that roots in that center. Allow the earth’s energy to infuse your body and stabilize you. If you meditate for five minutes or an hour this is sacred time. 4. Walk away. If you feel your energy being zapped don’t hesitate to politely excuse yourself from a killing conversation. Move at least twenty feet from the person, outside the range of his or her energy field. “I have to go to the bathroom” is a foolproof line. Most people are oblivious to how their energy impacts others. For years, reluctant to hurt anyone’s feelings, I needlessly endured these types of situations and suffered. How many of us are so loathe to appear rude that a raving maniac can be right in our face, and still we don’t budge for fear of offending? In a spot, physically removing yourself is a sure quick solution. 5. Build an energy shield around you. When you’re with vampires you can’t get away from visualize a protective shield of while light surrounding every inch of you. This lets positive energy in, but keeps negative energy out; particularly efficient for vampires at family dinners or social events where you’re trapped.

Judith Orloff, MD is a psychiatrist and energy expert in Los Angeles. This article is excerpted from her bestseller, Positive Energy: Ten Extraordinary Prescriptions for Transforming Fatigue, Stress, and Fear into Vibrance, Strength, and Love (Three Rivers Press, 2005). She’s also written the bestsellers Guide to Intuitive Healing and Second Sight. Dr. Orloff is an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA and an international workshop leader. www.drjudithorloff.com

Caleb Morgan

Artist Bio: Caleb Morgan’s work is surrealist in content, yet has many expressionistic and abstract qualities to it. The artist’s influences range from H.R. Giger and Chet Zar to Salvadore Dali and Goya. Morgan uses the graphite medium to a superb ablity bringing out disturbing yet beautiful images, of dreams, figures and nightmare scapes. He uses influences from his views on politics, and organized religions to induce images that are as thought provoking in meaning as they are visually stunning. Mr. Morgan can be easily classified the current group of progressive artist known as The Modern Surrealists. Caleb Morgan was college eduacated at the Cleveland Institute of Art in Cleveland Ohio.

Website links: http://manticon2002.boundlessgallery.com www.myspace.com/morganartstudios

Feng Shui For Writers by Lisa Logan Early in my writing career I faced the unenviable task that all writers must tackle at one time or another: setting up an effective workspace. I knew my environment, destined for naught but a small corner of my bedroom, could significantly influence productivity. An inviting and organized sanctum would provide a better medium for encouraging creativity than the distracting, clutter-filled hodgepodge I was used to operating within. Staring at an overloaded desk and piles of paper, I felt daunted. What elements would make my writing area “inviting?” How did one go about setting up the ideal work environment? It was during this quest that, quite by accident, I stumbled upon the ancient Chinese Art of Feng Shui. While at first its mysticism struck me as quite impractical for my needs, a bit of research showed that the principles have a sound, logical basis. Using some simple techniques, I was able to regain lost ground and transform chaotic environs into an efficient, serene retreat from whence creative ideas begged to flow.

Feng Shui is defined as the study of the effects of one’s environment. Practitioners believe that strategic positioning of furniture and accessories within their surroundings would release energies profoundly affecting well-being and success. Clutter is said to block energy and induce frustration, which certainly made sense in my case. I had often found myself unable to focus enough to pound out a single paragraph when the apartment was a mess, so much so that I’d initiated a tradition of beginning new writing projects by cleaning house first. Feng Shui also encourages the use of adequate lighting, advice I found to be downright un-mystical in improving any writing area. Starting off with these two simple instructions, I began de-cluttering and relighting my room. Paperwork went into a file cabinet; the desk was cleared and items like pencil holders, printer, and papers were shuffled into positions within easy reach. Bright illumination placed right where needed negated my previous need to squint through soft bedroom lamplight in order to find anything. The positive change from these simple tricks alone were so encouraging that I decided to try some bolder ideas. Feng Shui lore tells that each area of a house, room, or even a desktop represents a different aspect of life. These areas are Career, Knowledge, Children, Family, Wealth, Fame, Marriage, Health, and Helpful People. (These areas in your home can be pinpointed with a simple octagon called a Ba-Gua. continued on next page...

feng shui continued... About.com has a good octagon to print out, or any Feng Shui website or guidebook will tell you. http://architecture.about. com/library/nbagua.htm

the home, so I repaired leaky faucets, plugged drains not in use, and closed toilet lids and bathroom doors. A chime in the front entryway helps welcome money and energy into my home. Plants bring

Achieving balance by specific placement of color and accessories in these areas are believed to affect ones’ life accordingly. For instance, reds and purples can be used in the writing space to activate wealth, success, and energy. I wasn’t quite up for painting walls for this scheme, so I settled for colored wall art instead. Crystals or wind chimes hung over the wealth and fame area is said to improve the flow of energy, creativity, and wealth. I hung a chime with crystals. Running water is said to represent flowing money, so a desktop fountain was strategically placed in the career zone. This also aided the environment by increasing humidity, releasing ions, and providing pleasant, serene background noise. Once I’d tackled my work space I found the practice of Feng Shui a hard one to stop. Faucets, sink drains, and toilets are believed to take away energy (and money!) from

new life and energy. Furniture shifted into recommended arrangements produces a streamlined and satisfying feel. Did these changes really work? I believe the answer is a resounding “yes!” When entering the improved workspace, the bold inspiration of color on the walls, soft bubbling chatter of the fountain, and prismatic glitter from the

Web Sites: American Feng Shui Institute www.FengShui.com www.FengShuiNews.com www.FengShuiSociety.org.uk Books: Feng Shui for Dummies by David Daniel Kennedy A Master Course in Feng Shui by Eva Wong 101 Feng Shui Tips for the Home by Richard Webster

chimes and crystals provide an invigorating, yet peaceful place in which to let imagination stream onto paper. Needed work essentials are clutter-free and easy to access. My productivity grew better than ever, and the elusive door I sought to becoming a professionally published author finally opened. When clutter inevitably snakes its way back into my sanctum, I notice the old days of distraction and blank computer screens returns. A bit of ongoing diligence on my part ensures that the “Creeping Stuff” phenomenon is not able to impede my flow of creative energy. Whether my results are due to mystical forces of energy, or simply a dedicated intention to improve my writing area, I cannot say for certain. But the overwhelming change in organization and success has me convinced that the ancients had a leg up on managing daily living. To other writers and artists interested in seeing how Feng Shui can help boost organization and creativity, I recommend you start small. There are so many aspects of using color, shapes, elements, and accessories that it can easily become a lifetime pursuit. However, utilizing tiny cures in an area as small as a desktop can produce a positive benefit. Do a few things, then

Lisa Logan is the author of the paranormal romance VISIONS and the editor of MysteryAuthors.com. She has had numerous articles and stories in publications like Futures and Explore! Magazines and Chicken Soup for the Recovering Soul: Daily Inspirations. She has practiced Feng Shui in her Southern California home for six years. Visit Lisa at www.lisalogan.net or on MySpace at myspace.com/authorlisalogan.

Anastasia Pellerin

I am self-taught and have worked on canvas and wood with acrylic for 15 years, and digitally for 8. My work is described as ‘Abstract expressionism’, ‘Psychedelic’, and ‘Organic Flow’. I have sold a number of paintings and prints internationally. www.myspace.com/artbyanastasia Thanks for your interest, Anastasia Pellerin

Becoming the Miracle that You Would Like to See By Danielle Egnew

As are all things here in a three dimensional universe, manifestation, or the bringing through of miracles, is a matter of choice. Free Will is the greatest determining factor in whether a miracle will be brought through the veil to be experienced in real time, here in our everyday life. Though many of us have been taught a limitation consciousness that convinces us to bind our own hands and minds with thoughts of how we are not able to achieve what we wish, the Universal Spiritual Truth of Abundance states that whatever we wish to own through experience, we shall. And this is the key to becoming the miracle that you would like to see. Miracles are the actions married to our intentions. They are the fruit of our acknowledgment that nothing, indeed nothing, is impossible. Miracles flow through our very hands, and become the solid objects of our focused work. If an individual is struggling with finances, believing in the limitation of what they see in their own bank account everyday, then that individual will struggle with the idea of the “miracle” of greater prosperity. Why? Because those same hands, and same actions that only put a marginal amount of the prosperity energy that we call “money” into that bank account, will continue to buy into the limitation that places a glass ceiling on how much prosperity can come through that bank account. The Universe wishes us to experience being showered in miracles, every moment we are alive. However, if we do not choose to acknowledge that our

very hands, intentions and actions author our own miracles, then we are placing limitations on how The Universe is then able to deliver our miracles to us. In the realm of Spiritual Physics, Like Attracts Like, as polar vibrations cannot exist in the same place at the same time. If an individual is placing limitation energies around their life, then by the nature of the Spiritual Physics, that individual will bring “limitation” into their life, as Like Attracts Like. To bring your miracles through the veil and into this incarnation, simply become miracle consciousness. Do not choose to ingest limitation consciousness rhetoric, such as “I have only made $6.00 an hour my whole life, and no one ever offers me anything better.” To make this limitation proclamation is to assert your Free Will into The Universe by telling The Universe that no one will offer you anything better. In essence, you are telling the Universe that you will not accept anything other than a job that pays you $6.00 an hour. And, because The Universe is in agreement with Humankind based on a system of Free Will, then all of your hosts, guides, and angels must honor your request for only a $6.00 an hour job, even if they have a $100.00 an hour job waiting for you in the rafters. Remember – The Universe never violates us with miracles. Miracles are a choice in consciousness. Become the miracles consciousness that you would like to see. Make the proclamation, “I am worth every penny that comes

to me, and I gladly welcome any positive change in my hourly pay rate!” You then give permission to all of your guides, hosts, and angels to deliver to you the higher paying job, which by the very nature of the fact that you perhaps have never held a job that pays as much, may appear to be “a miracle”. Consciousness is the key, and you are the beautiful vessel. Begin manifesting your own miracles, through your own hands, and honor your primary design as a child of an Infinitely Creative Universe.

Bio: You’ll recognize multi-award winning artist Danielle Egnew’s name from music, film, and TV. Endorsed by Minarik Guitars and three time nominee at the All Access Awards 2006 in Hollywood, Danielle was named as Best Female Pop/Alternative Guitarist, and stars in the Clear Pictures drama Changing Spots, which she also scores. Danielle has been the subject of several magazine cover stories highlighting her diverse career, and you may even recognize her from appearances on Haunted Voices, Spirit Search, and NBC’s The Weakest Link: Psychic’s Edition as herself, one of the most internationally respected Clairvoyant Channels in the spiritual community today. Danielle Egnew’s comprehensive website: www.DanielleEgnew.com

Tigerpixie Art Studio BIO: Carrie Hawks has always been very artistic and fell in love with cats at an early age. She regards herself as primarily a cat artist and incorporates a fantasy theme with most of the felines that she paints. She has always felt a special connection to cats because of their unique personalities which made them a natural subject choice for her. Her own 4 cats are her inspiration and models for much of her work. She tries to capture the cat’s mystical spirit in each of her paintings. Her love of fantasy is clearly seen in her magical fairy cats and gothic cats series. Winged cats have become a favorite theme for her to paint. Her fantasy cat collection continues to grow as she has many more ideas in the works. The Fantasy Cats shown here and many more are available as prints, notecards and other gift items on Carrie’s website, Tigerpixie Art Studio, www.tigerpixie.com. LINKS: - Tigerpixie Art Studio - Fantasy cat art, gallery featuring cats, by cat artist Carrie Hawks. Originals, fine art prints, gift show, and more! http://www.tigerpixie.com - Ebay ID: Tigerpixie - Ebay Store: http://stores.ebay.com/Tigerpixie-Art-Studio - Wholesale Info. Link: http://www.tigerpixie.com/wholesale.html - Licensing Info. Link: http://www.tigerpixie.com/licensing.html - Mailing List Info. Link: http://www.tigerpixie.com/mailinglist.html - Contact E-mail: [email protected]

THE ARTISTS PLIGHT IN A CIVILIZED WORLD By Jack Bowman

Plato advises us, as a civilization, to appoint censors. He says that “great evil springs out of a fullness of nature rather than from a deficiency of nature, weak natures are scarcely capable of any very great good or very great evil.” He says that a civilization/city should ban a poet or artist. To “let him come to us and show us his art and praise and honor him as a rare and holy being. But then send him away to another city.” I have been an artist for more than half a century. I know what a creative person is up against. ALL civilized groups are against creativity. Their very essence is in stability and creativity is just the opposite. No matter what a civilized group says about the word “creativity” they are against it. This means all political movements, all school systems, and all religions. Their leaders either do not know the definition of “creativity” or flat lie to you. A creative person will always (I do mean ALWAYS) find a flaw in his environment and try to fix it. Governments, Religions, and school systems will fight creative people tooth and nail. It is so

obvious when you think about it. Governments and Religions want to perpetuate themselves. They use the school systems to do it. This becomes obvious when we realize there are DIFFERENT types of Government and DIFFERENT Religions. All you have to do is ask yourself the question, “Are the teachers going to teach me to be a good Marxist in a Capitalist Country?” “Is my church going to teach me to be a member of a competing church?” And yes, churches are competing against each other for money and members. So why are Artists dangerous as Plato tells us? It is because they are using their environment to gather their information. In the case of visual Artists they are the only ones looking at their environment. Since the environments are all different, to a great extent, then the Artist is created as an Individual. He is the one looking. He is trained to look. This is why life drawing is so important. The simple fact is that “if you don’t have it in your mind, you cannot get it out”. This is the true separation between Fine Artists and Commercial Artists. The Fine Artists are creating

relative to real time or near real time environmental influences. A piece of Fine Art creates itself. It is not a previously thought cartoon. It is you and your interaction with your environment. Performance Art becomes the high art of our time. This is because it contains so many elements from the environment. These are things such as taste, smell, sound, real space, time, humans, history, religions, and governments. It is essentially a human or group moving in real space and time. Because of this you would think that most Performance Artists come from a dance background. This is not true. Most of them come from a visual art background. The visual artists have the ability to incorporate the discrepancies of Government, Religion, and time into their art. The fusing of these three elements becomes the flow of the spirit of man. Unlike dance alone the spirit is a push pull of ALL environmental influences. The Act is TRUTH. Nothing that was ever recorded is truth. Nothing that was ever said is truth. Only the ACT.

BIO: I am a retired art instructor. I always looked at life as an adventure. I would find goals and pursue them. I have been a newspaper reporter, professional soldier, factory worker, free lance magazine writer, published poet, and professional artist to name a few. Life is the journey. INTERNET SITES http://www.retropunkx.com/ Current (as of 2007) performance art project http://www.performanceart2.com/ Current list of my performances http://www.creativityfacts.com/ More about creativity http://www.jackbowman.com/ Master Index http://www.jackbowman.org/ Art Gallery

Soulosphere Soulosphere is an inspired mixed media artist who combines her own unique approach to photography, illustration, sculpture and poetry with a spiritual sensibility. Originally from Portugal, Soulosphere was raised in a small industry town set in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. During her early years she began to discover and develop her creative talents, receiving many awards and honors for her work. Upon graduating from University with a B.A. in psychology and English, she decided to combine her interest in psychology and personal development with her passion for art; she enrolled in a two-year graduate program in Art Therapy at the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute. Soulosphere works in a variety of media, including photography, ink, pencil crayons, pastels, acrylic paint and digital tools. She has developed her own trademark stylized approach to illustration, particularly in portraits, that uses bold, “Pop Art” style color and dimension. These works have become known as “Beebah’s Ink Pot”. Soulosphere has also extended her unique approach to a series of sculpted pendants and other objects known as “The Sweet Shoppe”. Her work has been presented in such galleries and venues as Pendragon Cafe, NewWestminster B.C. in 1998, Womynsware, Vanvouver B.C. in 1998, Lk Dining Lounge, Vancouver B.C. in 2006. The imagery of Soulosphere is a reflection of the world within the Soul and an exploration of the relationship between the emotional, spiritual and physical human experience. Her work has been called uniquely uplifting, inspirational and, often whimsical, in nature. It is the sincere desire of the artist that her artwork touches the hearts of her clients. Soulosphere is available for custom/fantasy portraits and other commissioned works including photo restoration/enhancement, logos and personal symbol development. Custom web graphics and animation are also available. Please feel free to contact the artist with your requests, questions and/or commentary. Your email is most welcome! www.soulosphere.com www.myspace.com/soulosphere

Harp Magic Peter Sterling

It started when I moved to Sedona, Arizona, in 1990, after I had been living in Colorado for ten years. I was a ski instructor, spending almost every day up on the slopes above Aspen, skiing in the rarefied atmosphere of the Rockies. As I flew down the mountain side I had a vision of living a different kind of life. I had always had a sense of being a creative artist and I always wanted to pursue that dream. I knew I had to leave Colorado and find a creatively uplifting place that would nourish me spiritually. I felt strongly guided to move to Sedona. I was used to listening to my inner voice. As a young boy, I had a grandmother who repeatedly urged me to pay attention to it. The voice was faint, but audible, and over time I began to trust it, although it’s led me into places that to this day I still doubt - it’s taken me along strange, less-traveled road, for as yet unexplained reasons. Once I moved to Sedona, people soon came into my life who had very different lifestyles from mine. They lived clean, healthy, spiritual lives, and they became my teachers. I loved hanging out with them - learning about myself, how to take care of myself, how to cleanse my body and have an experience of clarity. Under the influence of these new friends, I changed my diet - I became vegetarian and started eating sprouts and live foods. I also met a chiropractor who was a very talented healer and a shaman. I had sessions with him five times a week, and he would do incredible

things to me - a skillful application of chiropractic practices, herbs, tinctures, and sounds. At this time, I was living in my van in the canyons outside Sedona. It is an extraordinary wilderness area - very powerful energetically. As I explored these canyons I noticed a marvelous silence there and an incredible presence. I began to spend time meditating, sitting on brick-red rocks by gurgling creeks. As I progressively allowed my mind to quiet, I began to hear what seemed to me the sounds of some kind of celestial music, an angelic choir. My hearing began to alter so I could perceive more - instead of the third eye opening it was as if a third ear was opening. The music was orchestral, with strings and choir, on a stupendously grand scale. Grander that anything I’ve heard on earth. Many mystics have talked about this - the music of the spheres. Around this time, I began to feel that this music was wanting to come out of me. It needed to flow through me and be expressed. I had never mastered an instrument before, although I’d always been musically inclined and had a good ear for music. I had this musical talent bottled up in me, but I hadn’t found an instrument with which to express it. Finally, after thirty-two years, as I listened to this inner music in the Arizona wilderness, I discovered what my instrument would be - the harp. Immediately, synchronistic events started to take place. A woman had a small Celtic harp she wanted to sell, so she let me try it and at once there was a recognition. It was almost like a cosmic con-

nection. The universe cheered and said, ‘Yes, he’s found his instrument.’ It felt really right, and so I ended up purchasing the harp for a few hundred dollars. This led me into a period where I was very much impassioned and obsessed with the harp. The instrument had a small little carrying case and each day I would go into the wilderness and play for four or five hours. I’d hike back into the canyons and find a magical place and play for the wind and the rocks and the little animals that lived there. I took a couple of lessons from the woman - how to hold it and how it worked, but then I just taught myself. I felt that I knew how to do this, that something was trying to happen with me. Within the first few weeks of playing, this melody started to come through, sort of a recognized feeling. I was hearing the inner music and at the same time the was music was harmonizing with the harp. I realized that there was some form of energy around me, working through me, and thought it must be angels. It was around the time of my birthday, and I climbed to the top of a ridge above a canyon and I held my harp up in prayer. I said: ‘I know you’re with me. I’m ready to receive the gift of this music and I offer myself up as a vessel for it.

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It was as if they had been waiting for my permission. I sat down and surrendered myself to this powerful force, and began to play. I was totally relaxed and my hands began moving as if I was a concert harpist, as though I had been playing all my life - it came through that strong. My fingers were playing by themselves with a virtuosity that I had been totally incapable of until that moment. It was such a powerful force. So much love and light was coming through that tears were flowing from my eyes. I began to connect more and more with what I perceived as angels playing through me. I increasingly listened to my inner voice, and it seemed that they were communicating with me, telling me that I was to work with them to bring through this celestial music. At first it seemed so far out that I didn’t really understand or believe it. Sometimes I would sit in front of a mirror and play, just to convince myself that I really was playing - it was such a unique experience I couldn’t believe it was happening. After a while, I asked the angels to show themselves to me. One of the first times I saw them, I was playing at sunrise in the forest. I was walking back to my van and I saw a light hovering above it, about the size of a fist. I blinked my eyes, doing a double-take, and as I began to look at it, it got very excited and began to move rapidly back and forth. It did that for a few seconds and then shot up over my head and flew away. It was like a Tinkerbell kind of thing. Each time now, when I went out

and played in the power spots and vortexes around Sedona, I would ask them to appear for me. I would perceive shimmering light around me and they would begin to take on a form. At night I would see them much more clearly. I would see them flying around in front of my face, leaving little trails like fireflies. There was a whole swarm of them and they would begin to dance in front of my eyes. Slowly they became distinct, and I saw that they were little cherubs, such as you would see on the Sistine chapel.

cent-shaped golden beach that stretched for about ten miles. Dolphins and whales were playing just off the shoreline. As I walked there, listening to the recording on my walkman, my inner vision opened up, as if projected onto a screen, and I saw myself going back to America and recording an album as a professional harpist. They showed me the whole thing. They showed me the actual CD and that it was in a catalog and that the right people were going to show up to market it. It was all going to be taken care of.

I still perceive them to this day. They’re with us now. They like it when we talk about them. You can catch them in the corner of your eye. You can’t see them with your three-dimensional eyes, though; they’re in a different dimension. One of the things I liked to do was to hold out my finger and have them alight on the tip of it. They would hover on my fingertips, looking at me, and I could make out their faces and wings, and I could tell they were holding harps. They were celestial musicians.

I moved back to Sedona from Australia and bought a bigger harp. I played it for about a month, and then I got the message that it was now time for me to make another recording. So I booked a studio. Before my session I said a prayer and asked for the music to come through clearly. I got into the studio and this powerful energy came into me from the angels and I played from my heart for about an hour and a half. Almost the whole time my hands were moving by themselves. My eyes were teary, so most of the time I couldn’t see what I was doing. Some musicians turned up who donated their talent and played some guitar and keyboard. And by the end of it (I worked on it for about a month) I had a little cassette containing eight songs. I colored the cassette labels myself and gave them to a few friends and also put them in the bookstores in Sedona.

After a few months of playing this celestial music, I was guided to Byron Bay in Australia. I met a talented musician there who had a recording studio, and my guidance from the angels was to work with this guy and record some of the melodies that were coming through. So I did that, and I played the songs, and he added strings and flute, and we made a tape. I remember walking along the beach at Byron Bay. It was a beautiful place with sub-tropical rainforest coming down to a cres-

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In this way, I began to promote and market my cassette, but it was difficult for me to make the phone calls and put the necessary business energy into it. So I prayed to the angels and told them that if they wanted this music to go out, I needed help. I did a little ceremony and a ritual and then I let go of it. About a week later, I got a phone call from a record company. One of their executives had been on vacation in Sedona and had heard my tape playing in a book store. He found my number on the label, called me up, and offered me a recording contract. I could hardly believe that it was happening and that the angels had worked so swiftly and effectively. I signed a contract with the company for five albums over five years. They digitally re-mastered my cassette and pressed a CD out of it. We called the album “Harp Magic”, put a nice cover on it and started distributing it all over the

world. Three weeks after it was released it was nominated for a national award - NAIRD, the National Association of Independent Record Distributors. It’s like a baby Grammy award. What Sundance is to the academy awards.

The music has that frequency in it. It can heal people, open their hearts, create great visions in their imagination. It can inspire them to reach for something higher.

Many incredible things began to happen. I would get letters from people who would write me and tell me that the angels had healed them with the music, how it had helped them through difficult times. I really believe the angels’ energy is present on that record, and that you can have a direct experience of it. So it’s been quite a journey and I’m still on it. A lot of people are having angel experiences all over the world now. I think it’s happened at other times, at critical junctures of human history. The angels come as our brothers to help us through difficult transitions. They influence us with their love and inspire us to go for the light and to go for love.

Peter Sterling: www.harpmagic.com

Christopher J. Puccini

To see more of Christopher J. Puccini’s original acrylic paintings, please visit his myspace page at: http://www.myspace.com/ozule

Vegetarian Kitchen

goldfish1925 A former cost reduction and r&d engineer for Hewlett Packard, goldfish1925 puts materials to work in thoughtful innovative ways while remaining true to the heart of design and craftsmanship. Her expertise allows her to handcraft economical products of surprising quality. http://www.goldfish1925.etsy.com http://www.myspace.com/goldfish1925 Rice Noodles are incredibly versatile, delicious, and inexpensive. They are found in cold and warm dishes and as an ingredient in soups, stir fries, appetizers, and salads. Served up savory, sweet, crisp or al dente, rice noodles can be prepared almost instantly.

I’d like to share a simple vegetarian rice noodle dish with you. This dish uses Kimlan soy paste which should be available in south east asian markets for less than $2. If it isn’t available, a tablespoon of miso makes a good substitute. Ingredients:

1 bundle rice noodles 1 block firm tofu 2 stalks spring onions 1 red onion 2 cloves garlic 2 tbsps soy paste 2 handfuls spinach soy sauce peanut oil (but any other oil will do too)

1.

Mince the garlic and cut the

onions into rings. (The root ends of store bought spring onions can be planted by saving the white portion and sticking it root side down into a pot of soil. New leaves will grow out from the center. Cut off their tips to use in a recipe)

2. Heat a frying pan over medium heat. It is hot

enough when a drop of water sizzles off. Pour in a

tablespoon of oil, add half the minced garlic and tofu. At first, the tofu will stick to the bottom of the pan.

Don’t try to force it off. It will budge easily when it’s ready (5 mins). When one side is golden brown, flip the tofu and cook the other side.

3. When both sides of the tofu are done, transfer it to a bowl. Turn the heat to low and add soy sauce to the remaining garlic. Stir to remove the crisp bits at the bottom.

4. Pour the sauce from the pan

onto the tofu and let it sit while you prepare the rest of the recipe.

5. Clean the pan and reheat it as in step 2.

Remember to wait until the pan is hot before

adding the cold oil as this method prevents the food from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Add the remaining garlic, most of the spring

onions, most of the red onion, and soy paste. Stir and cook until fagrant.

6. Turn the heat to high and add _ cup

water. When the water is boiling, add the rice noodles. Stir the rice noodles carefully as they are rather unwieldy when they are still dry.

When the rice noodles soften and turn

pliable, add the spinach and turn gently

to mix. When the spinach wilts, remove from heat.

7. Place the noodle mixture on a plate. Cut the tofu into strips and place on top of noodles. Pour the tofu marinade over the dish and garnish with the remaining onions.

LISA CLARK

Lisa Clark is a multi media artist residing in Illinois with her two children and three cats. Fractal Art is her latest foray into the digital art world. Also a traditional fine artist, Lisa enjoys oil painting, photography,jewelry and altered books. She is currently the Vice President of the Antioch Fine Arts Foundation: http://www.antiochfinearts.org/ where some of her work is displayed. Lisa has no formal art training and comes from a long line of artists that go back to the 1800’s. More of her fractal art can be found at: http://lisarenee60046.deviantart.com