For those of you who regularly visit my blog you’ve probably noticed I’ve been MIA for the past month or more. This is because of the choice I had to make about getting my book ready for publication instead of my usual spew of social media-ing, blogging, even hanging with friends. I do keep up my yoga and Spanish practice, however, and I do cook fabulous food for my consort Carter. We all must make choices. My post today is an excerpt from my soon-to-be-published book, which is now in another phase of being re-born, once again (like us, too!). Today I’m calling it “Rio Blisso” but you may know it from its former name “Global Bliss NOW.” Stay tuned for more excerpts and other juicy tidbits about la vie de teZ (Lordflea is me, teZa Lord, no longer anonymous!). Here’s a visual treat for you for starters, darlin’s, my 94-year old Mom who insisted I take her to Iceland last summer, as she inspects the myriad drying cod for dried fish called Bakaloa (salted cod) that’s used throughout the world. Yum.  And then the book’s tasty treat. Have a glorious day, my friends. Rainy nor’ester here in northern Florida.

mom Eve in Iceland grovin' on the Bakaloa

Rio Blisso: Reflections Along the Journey of Discovering Self by Nurturing Others

Our world is in immediate need of more than a major facelift. We need a complete overhaul, a consciousness-transfusion: this is global transformation. Who wouldn’t want to be part of this historic portal opening, resulting in the shift, the elevation of thinking that is leading all of humanity into the next, more expanded plateau of civilization’s understanding? All of us want to thrive in peace. All of us want to use our energies for something more constructive than dominance and warfare. All of us can enter the gateway of transformation by leading spiritually attuned lives—and guard our every thought.

Staying focused on positives is a challenge in today’s turmoil. The test of our belief in the incredible transformative power of the collective-human-mind is to believe and remain focused on positive things in the midst of such cruel soul-quakes.

The remedy?

Take action.

Choose not to see another degenerate film on any screen, or support in any other way, the commercialization of tragedy for “entertainment’s sake.”

After murdering both his parents a fourteen-year-old was asked why he did it. “Mom told me,” he wailed to court officials, “to stop watching those kinds of movies, ones that made me think about killing people all the time.”

Films, books, and any art form that depicts gore for sensationalistic effect, only trivialize the uplifting of the human spirit. These kinds of expression do not represent freedom of speech but erode the very soul of our culture. Unnecessary violence in the media doesn’t deserve my support or yours. Art’s original purpose was for celebrating the human soul’s magnificence, not causing its demise. Calling “art” anything that hurts humankind’s honoring of all life not only jeopardizes our future, but it’s a sham. That type of “free expression” can only be classified as malice for the sake of reaping the almighty buck. The only thing it adds to the world is bulking up certain fat pockets.

People love to laugh, and laughter is a healing balm. Comedians are better message-bearers than über-serioso types. Each of us in the Army of Love can sow smiles and laughter while educating any who remain bogged down in the quagmire of misinformation about our world’s need to change.

Be a spiritual activist and realize your Spiritual Correctness (SC) duty is to spread love and forgiveness through compassion. Surely, creative people can use their talents to heighten our awareness, not cast a toxic pall over it. Cast your vote at the real-or-virtual cash register. Stand up and shout and make Loving Compassion go viral!

If we hold these kinds of constructive choices in mind, and voice them whenever and however we can, our thought-seeds (ideas) will manifest (actions) in real life.

Approach your life like the prayer it is.

Think positive thoughts.

And spread the word.

Lapis Sky, mixed media, 5'x4'

After months and months of hard, brain-wracking work I thought I was done. Yay! I shouted, bring on the bubbly! A whole year’s worth of blood-sweat and yes, a few tears, now completed. Oh how I was enjoying celebrating, doing things I’d denied myself for quite some time, all in the spirit of having done as good a job as I thought I possibly could.

Until, that is, I got another person’s perspective. Or, in this case, two, then three other persons’ worth.

What had been in my estimation a job well done, a fait accompli, turned out to be … well, a good start. Put it that way. A rough draft of a book that is lurking between the shadows of what I meant to say, and what I actually did. But a rough draft is at least something more than what I had before I’d begun. The bubblies persist, and I congratulate myself I’ve arrived this far. A lot of work, exhausting hours, many sacrifices – yet nowhere near finished, my dear. I’m talking to myself a lot these days, friends.

Of course for those of you following Lord Flea you’ll know what I’m talking about. The book I’ve been writing for the better part of this last year started off being called “Family Bliss NOW” then evolved into “Global Bliss Now” until — until the pretty recent day when I was fortunate enough to have an editor of a publishing company, a very esteemed publisher, take a look at it. I found this particular publisher by a fluke, an offhand referral by an old friend that brought us in contact because, after all, I had given up soliciting agents and publishers some years ago, having had more than my share of rejections.

“We like the premise, teZa” I was told right off. “But” (ahhh, the great but) your book needs clarification. When you get it more polished please be sure to show it to us again.”

I wasn’t so much disappointed as terrifically encouraged. Considered quite a feat it is, to have a publisher tell you they want to take a second look at a book. Usually you have only one chance. Obviously I was on to something. Trouble was, I really didn’t know how to “clarify” the writing anymore than I’d already done, having worked on it until I was quite sick of it. Sometimes a writer can only do so much before words, and ideas behind those words, start to swim in front of one’s eyes.

So I asked the publisher’s advice. “Well, now that you ask …” and he gave me very definite points that he felt needed to be attended to. Great! With this information in hand, I could take the next step. After giving myself a few days of down-in-the-dumpsville because my book had not been the great and completed masterpiece I thought it was (ahhh, the ego of the artist/writer, will we ever learn?) I now decided to … no, not set out to fix it myself. I’d already tried that. And look where I was, anyway. Being given clear instructions about what was wrong along with what I had to do next. And remember, words were swimming before mine eyes, ideas had turned to mush. I needed a break. or at least a Caribbean vaca.

“Get an editor,” the publisher kindly told me. “I’ll do my best to help you find one that will be a good match for your style and genre.”

After much soul-searching I have decided to work with what I’m calling my “book mentor” instead of calling her “my editor.” Of course she is an editor, and a damn fine one from what I researched. But more than that, this writer/editor has already given me enough inspiration to refill my sails. Her vivid insights into my project have set me back on the track of my original intention for writing this book: to share my experiences, good and bad, of raising Carter’s (my paramour’s) two kids. To show how my life expanded, and hopefully all the rest of my family’s did as well. And to perhaps help all the folks out there these days who have step-families, what are now more appropriately called blended families.

And so I am rolling up my shirtsleeves for another round of all day and many midnight-to-dawn efforts, digging back into what I thought was going to be a quickly written offering so I can get back to the three novels I’ve already written and are tucked away, incubating, anxiously awaiting mommy’s riveted attention. My attention.

For this endeavor of rewriting my book (yes, I’m completely re-writing it, as in RE-writing, not editing, my friends) I’m trying on new titles. Tell me which you like of these?

Hold That Thought: how one woman discovered her self raising others

From She Pirate to Angel Mom: transformation via my blended family

The Alchemy of Transformation: a personal journey of nurturing a blended family

Thanks for your support! I’ll keep you all posted about the developments of this daunting task, that I’m looking forward to because … I already have a First Draft! Lucky Me!

In the Light,

Your pal, Lord Flea

aka teZa Lord

Kudos to LIFE OF PI

Kudos to LIFE OF PI

Image  —  Posted: February 25, 2013 in Uncategorized
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looking for the light even in the darkest sea

looking for the light even in the darkest sea

I am ecstatic that Ang Lee won best director for his magical ‘Life of Pi.’

I urge everyone to also read Yann Martel’s book that inspired such a wondrous movie to be made.

The book is every bit as magnificent as the movie, in its own literate, more involved, emotionally dreamy way.

Kudos to Yann Martel, Ang Lee and all who brought us this wonderful experience, seen through the eyes of Pi.

Beeman Pollination Blues

Beeman Pollination Blues

Do not despair. My experience, and I’m sure yours too, is that “dark times” always lead us to more light, more awareness, more … everything we need.

If you’re doubting yourself as deserving a lover — don’t.

The mind is an organ and okay, you got one. Big deal. The purpose for our brain is to help us discern (viveka, spiritual discernment) and then … drop the issue you’re thinking too much about. The thinking process can get us in such deep kaka, and I know you love to over-think. Also…I suspect a bit of self-sabotage might be happening. Romantically, I mean, because lots of us are “grass is greener over there” sorts, rather than working with what we have or asking for what we want, and when he/she/it arrives, recognizing that has happened. Then … be ready to go deeper.

Now, mind you I’m not saying you should have stayed with the psych jobs, and I don’t know what the problem is with the last lover you had (although that seems a toughie, right THERE…four kids? shoosh! that’s a killer for any writer’s peace and quiet). But I am saying, next time your heart goes flutter flutter and you trust it’s your Highter Power’s idea, not your unmodified lust, well then. Decide to dig in and “make a perfect love” instead of expecting to find it under a rock somewhere. We all begin as flawed people, we who couple. But then through one thing after the next, we mold ourselves, grow, expand, and eventually are perfect for each other (at least as far as intimate compatibility is concerned). My spiritual teacher says that the main reason couples ought to come together is to better realize our Higher Self. Find someone on your spiritual wave length, my friend. All the other stuff works out.

Carter and I are very very different, but we are both total God addicts.

As far as the writing is concerned, you just gotta do it! And see where it goes. I’m in the midst of a huge shake-up thanks to the editor who reviewed my work. And … gee, after I got over the heartache that he wasn’t jumping for joy and offering me a sign-here contract, I contemplated his comments (so kind that these people take the time and jolly for them if they’re really really honest) … and he was correct. Everything he said I was too wrapped up in myself to have noticed my GUT was telling me all along. In my case, the tone was off (somehow I got side-tracked from my original intent). But now I am re-visiting my work, and will bring the tone back to its original personal, intimate, whispery kind of irreverent soul-barer, that I was too chicken to stick to before (maybe afraid of hurting people’s feelings, or … too scared to show who I really am? dunno).

Anyway, I’m sorry you don’t have a lover to keep you company … but if that‘s what you truly want, just pray to your HP for the “perfect mate” to appear, and she (he or it) will! I got real specific just before Carter came into my life. I outlined exactly what I wanted .. and he pretty much filled the bill. So much so that it freaked me out and I almost ran when he appeared. complete with the two little kids, that were on my list, yup, but I thought my newly arriving God-sent man and I would end up adopting them. So you have to keep things specific, but flexible in your requests to HP. Lo and behold, when Carter did appear, a single dad of two YOUNGsters (4 & 7), I almost dis-believed his arrival. It scared me, and I didn’t think I had it in me, to love so selflessly, to raise someone else’s kids (the missing bio-mom). But HP is our intelligence tuned into universal energy. Believe, and you will receive. If you want to be happy … you have to work for it. Joy doesn’t come sugar coated wrapped in pretty pink bows (the Dalai Lama says this much better than I).

But … maybe you’ve never really wanted happiness?

Have you ever explored the possibility that … gulp … you’re addicted to misery? Hey, it’s kind of adrenalin-rushing, this feel-shitty crap, isn’t it? Happiness is more … so quiet, so serene. Calm. Peaceful. Lake-like rather than the rushing force of killer waves bombarding your sinking raft. You get the picture.

I do believe a meditation practice is the best remedy for a busy mind. So … how’s your asana-pillow doing, is it Shakti-fied? Doing any chanting to still that philosophizing, deep deep deep mind of yours? Attending any spiritual programs? Satsangs? Have awakened-mind friends you can just get sublimey with? Yeahhhhh. company you keep is where it’s at! Yes yes, plants are nice, but so are spiritual-minded folks. Find some! I even go to church with Carter (not my bag) but it’s very sweet. Today there was a baptism and it was just so damn sweet. This is the gift of being coupled. I would NEVER go to church if I weren’t with Carter. He loves Jesus, who is his guru. Carter comes to Satsang, even plays drums for me as I play harmonium. We do monthly Satsangs for our community. Bliss!

We work really really hard for the wonderful abundance of joy we count as ours.

Be well my friends. Decide what you want, then make up your mind to work for it.

Love from your pal, Lord Flea

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Have you ever felt like this guy? Edvard Munch’s famous “the Scream”? (Or one of its many versions, I should say.) Well I have. And today I’m thinking about what I do when I’m feeling torn, confused, or don’t have enough information to make a decision. When any of these things are raging within me I’ve found the very best thing to do is — nothing.

That’s it. When in doubt, just sit tight, and let a little time slide by. Whenever I’ve done this I’m always amazed at how things have a way of sorting themselves out. Or, a person comes along with a perfect suggestion, or I hear a snippet of crucial information that makes everything just jell, fall into place, and voila! the answer I’ve been looking for is — right there, before me.

I wanted to share this because that’s the way I’m feeling today. I’ve just finished my big project, the book I’ve been telling everyone about is finally done! Now I’m a little hesitant about which next step, which direction is best, in how to present it to the public. I thought I knew what I’d do a couple months ago. But unexpectedly, a New and Wonderful Opportunity came along, and suddenly … I’m waiting for someone else’s decision to be made known to me, regarding publishing with a “legitimate” publishing house as opposed to Self Publishing, what I’d thought before was my best choice.

I’m a big one about “following my gut” and my instincts now tell me that what I originally thought was best for me, best for the book to find its audience — ain’t such a hot idea anymore. So, while I’m reconsidering my options (of which there are many, thank goodness!) I’m going to chill. Take walks. Do yoga. Go swimming. Hang with friends. Bake cookies, clear my desk, paint some pictures, and prepare my lovely garden for this upcoming season’s new growth. Here in Florida we’re having such a mild winter I can work in shorts and barefoot, and start doing things the rest of the US can’t do for months yet, spring-cleanup-wise.

And isn’t that what our individuals lives are like? Our own private gardens. We get to choose what we’re going to plant in them, or not; and we get to choose how well we tend our plants — or not. So today I’m going to not worry about the fruits of my garden. Right now I’m going to enjoy what’s available in my larder and not worry about what the future might bring. Meanwhile, maybe the shape of a cloud that passes by will send me a message and whisper in my ear, “oh yeah, about that dilemma you’re pondering … well here’s what to do ….”

ha ha! Nature is a great source of inspiration, always. I think I’ll take a walk on the beach today.

lots of love to everyone from your pal, LordFlea

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