Last week was an interesting one. On many levels.

Firstly, I signed up for lifetime access to a bunch of learning materials for writers. I have only had a chance to watch part of the “Fear” videos — what, me? Fear? OMG, yes, I do have some! — and in that time I’ve already doubled my writing production. I just needed a kick in the butt, which is why I signed up for this content. I just didn’t know the first video I randomly picked would have such ramifications on my life. I slammed into a major wall that not only is in my life, but that reflects itself in my writing. I ended up making myself a sign that reminds me what I want in my life: “Play. Have fun. Dare to bad.” Now I’m not talking about “bad” in the sense of criminal activity, not in real life at least, but more to dare to not be perfect at everything. The energy is in the creativity. It’s not in the redoing of work. Yes, I know this, but I needed the in-your-face reminder that the instructor gives me.

There is also the “bad” aspect of letting my villains be, well, villainous. Recently, I wrote a scene between Martias-na and Steigan and there was some intense hatred going on. I wondered if I should pull it back. I didn’t. I needed to let the Necroatheling be evil. And I left Steigan stuck in a hole. It was great. Scary too. Loved it. I still feel that there is a scene coming up where I will have to vent more rage between these two characters. I hope I’m ready. No, wait. That is giving into the critical voice and letting it eek fears in. I’m ready and I’m excited to get to that scene. Aw, that’s better now!”

Some people know that I’ve had an oracle card deck which is meant to go with the Sacred Knight series. I always meant to do more with those cards — they were meant to be in integral part of the series. In an early draft of Prince of the Ruined Land, Lucinia gives Steigan another reading. The history of the deck Lucinia has was supposed to be exposed. It never happened, though I’ve been thinking that maybe I can do it in a short story with her and Arlyn sometime.

Once again, I’ve gotten a little off track. Surprise.

I have a friend who has hundreds of tarot and oracle decks. She’s inspired me to build my own “little” library. Lately I’ve been drawing one card per day from The Universe Has Your Back deck and taking it with me to use as a focal point through my day. Now, with all my decks, I keep the cards in that talk about the author and artist of the deck. Many people toss these out. But my friend, again with her good advice, convinced me that they are “Creator cards” to remind you that you create your life. So, these stay in all my decks.

I wasn’t surprised when I got the Creator Card from The Universe Has Your Back. So I thought I’d pull a card from The Artist’s Way since art and creating are so entwined in my life and I really wanted my focal point. The Creator Card flipped from this deck too.

There is no way that this is happening three times, I thought to myself as I grabbed another deck. No way! The odds of that happening would be astronomical, not that I was calculating it (I hated statistics and I wasn’t very good at it – I barely passed the class with a B). Out of this third deck instantly flipped the Creator Card out as if it had no other choice. I sat there just staring at the 3 Creator Cards before me until it dawned on me that I really should take a picture of them; not sure if anyone would ever believe this stranger-than-fiction story even with picture evidence. I still wasn’t certain I believed. Astronomical odds and all.

Here’s the cards with the box lids for the decks.

At this point, with my logic circuits already blown, I’m wondering how long this streak can keep going. I grabbed a 4th deck.

I am pleased to announce that the Creator Card didn’t come out of this deck, though it might as well have been. Of all the decks I have, only this deck would have this card in it and also be right next to me. Are you ready?

Talk about a “let there be light moment!” It almost felt like the universe was screaming at me. Dawn!

Beyond that, I was watching Star Trek Discovery this week. They are doing such an awesome job. My hat is off to the people working on this show. But in the 3rd episode of season 3, there is a character I instantly recognized. I won’t say much more about it because I don’t want to create spoilers for people who haven’t gotten this far in the show. However, the young actor is someone I swear I’ve talked to at a show and possibly even signed a book for. It made me feel like I might just have one degree of separation from Star Trek. I do know the actor is from Salt Lake, so it is very possible. I’m very proud of him. Way to go! I do hope I get to see more of you in Discovery. I’m waiting for my cosplaying son to watch the episode so he can see if he also recalls the actor.

Then, I received my first review on Etsy.

This was twice as special for me since I love several sci-fi shows too and I enjoy providing stories to people. Here’s a case where story loving people were connected by a piece of art. This is why I love being a writer and artist. I get to connect with people in so many ways. I feel humbly blessed.

So let’s take a closeup of this piece that you saw in the header.

It’s a beautiful piece that makes you wish you could walk right into and let the calm surround you.

If you are interested in purchasing this piece or seeing what other work I have available, please check out my stores. Here’s the link to this ACEO:

Etsy

Zibbet

Thank you for letting me share with you! No matter the state of our lives or the world, the stories within our experiences are what we share with each other.