Tag Archives: Heather Marinos

Grooving in Coconut Grove

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Parrot

One of many tropical parrots preparing to get tipsy and silly on a feast of sea grapes.

(Photo credit: heatherfromthegrove)

There are many unique cities and towns across the globe, but I have a particular fondness for the place that I call Home:  Coconut Grove.

This artsy, bohemian village is a friendly haven for writers, artists, architects, musicians and academics. Its mellow, unpretentious residents (Grovites) hail from a cross-section of cultures and spiritual leanings, and they possess a strong sense of community.  The Grove is a place where people actually walk everywhere and say “hello” to each other (in many cases, by name!).  Coconut Grove businesses readily support each other — in the spirit of camaraderie, mutual respect and collaboration.  Almost every household has a dog and/or cat.  Colorful parrots fly freely, squawking loudly as they perch atop the branches of lush, tropical trees. Even the stray cats and possums are happy and well-fed  (well, at least the ones that frequent my yard!).

For those of you who have never visited The Grove, you really must add it to your list of “must see’s.”

I’ve created a special page on this blog site (see menu tabs on top, labeled The Grove) — for anyone interested in reading more about this idyllic community.  The page is a work in progress and I will be adding more to it, as the days/months progress.

As always, I welcome your comments and feedback.

Cheers,

heatherfromthegrove

Maximize Your Five Senses

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FiveSenses

“Our senses are indeed our doors and windows on this world, in a very real sense the key to the unlocking of meaning and the wellspring of creativity.”

― Jean Houston  

There is one thing I know for sure:  we should never take anything or anyone for granted.  The saying “Here today, gone tomorrow” rings true for many of us, unfortunately.  Such is the reality of life.  That is why we must savor every moment and appreciate those around us – open our eyes, ears  and minds to all the wonderful experiences that are ours to earn and to claim.

What connects us – to ourselves, to each other, and to everything we do – is very basic… so basic, in fact, that not only do many of us take it for granted, we also fail to maximize its potential.  What does “it” refer to? 

Sense.

We have five basic senses:  sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.  When we utilize these senses to their fullest extent and in every aspect of our lives, we achieve success and fulfillment… and, most of all, balance.  Those who are missing one or more senses (due to blindness, deafness, a physical inability to smell, impaired taste buds, or paralysis) often find that their remaining senses are heightened.

In the following weeks, I will be writing about each of the five senses – exploring their impact and potential, and sharing a few pertinent anecdotes along the way.  Storytelling is, after all, the most powerful way to connect  people with ideas and thoughts. And finally, I will dedicate a blog to what is commonly referred to as the “sixth sense.”   More on that later.

Upcoming heatherfromthegrove blog:  “Keep That Lens Focused.”   

Until then… enjoy the journey.

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Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

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“Don’t waste your time looking back at what you’ve lost.

Move on.

Life is not meant to be traveled backwards.”

~ Unknown

Some musings from “heatherfromthegrove” …

Remember  the past, but don’t live in it.  Most importantly, say goodbye to regrets.  Regrets fester and will keep you from moving forward.  Savor every moment of the present and look forward to the possibilities that Tomorrow has in store for you.

Follow your bliss. Don’t create imaginary roadblocks for yourself.  Just do it. And love every minute of it.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

Photo Credit: Heather Joan Marinos

Writing in an Authentic Voice

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“Believe in yourself and in your own voice,

because there will be times in this business when you will be the only one who does.

Take heart from the knowledge that an author with a strong voice

will often have trouble at the start of his or her career –

because strong, distinctive voices sometimes make editors nervous.

 But in the end, only the strong survive.”

―  Jayne Ann Krentz

Most writers are blessed (although some would say, cursed) with the uncanny ability to see through another person’s outward façade, body language and emotional barriers.  Good writers are keen observers.  We watch. We don’t just listen, we hear.  And we notice – everything. Then, we write.

Similarly, a voracious reader opens up a book, in anticipation of a good read – expecting to be transported into someone else’s words, someone else’s thoughts. The reader has high expectations. He or she  wants to soak up all that the writer has to say. But when the words seem forced, when the thoughts do not ring true – the reader is left deflated and unsatisfied.

It all boils down to one word:  Authenticity.  When a writer is ready to commit his or her observations, experiences, life lessons and creativity to paper, it must be done clearly and in an authentic voice.  If the writing is not authentic, the reader will detect it in a flash. If a story appears forced to the reader, it is forced.

Say what you mean.  Mean what you say.

A writer should never worry about being popular.  We can’t please everybody.  There will always be those who take umbrage at what we say.  Conversely, there will be just as many who will champion us. One has to be philosophical about the whole writing experience.  When we are true to ourselves, when we write in an authentic voice – we should be happy with the end result.

However…

… this should not preclude us from exercising the art of self-restraint.  When a writer is passionate (and believe me, I know whereof  I speak), it becomes an interesting balancing act of saying what needs to be said, yet reigning the words in a tad – to avoid rabid repetition. 

A word to the wise:  gather together an unbiased focus group of people and have them read and critique the manuscript. Heed their feedback well, without taking it personally.  Then, apply it.  We are all classmates in a lifelong Continuing Education program. The objective must always be to learn and to keep on learning, until we are dead and buried.

On that lively note, I shall bid you all Godspeed as you continue your writing journey.

Be true to yourself and to your craft.  The best is yet to come.

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The Soul Kitchen: Bon Jovi Serves Up Some Hope

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soul-kitchen

The Soul Kitchen (Red Bank, New Jersey)

Jon Bon Jovi serves up a heaping plate of soul food and philanthropy, topped up with a whole lot of Hope.

4-25-2013 9-11-07 AM

Livin’ On A Prayer

Once upon a time
Not so long ago

Tommy used to work on the docks
Unions been on strike
He’s down on his luck… it’s tough, so tough
Gina works the diner all day
Working for her man, she brings home her pay
For love – for love

She says we’ve got to hold on to what we’ve got
Cause it doesn’t make a difference
If we make it or not
We’ve got each other and that’s a lot
For love – well give it a shot

Chorus:
Whooah, we’re half way there
Livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand and we’ll make it – I swear
Livin’ on a prayer

Tommy’s got his six string in hock
Now he’s holding in what he used
To make it talk – so tough, it’s tough
Gina dreams of running away
When she cries in the night
Tommy whispers baby it’s okay, someday

We’ve got to hold on to what we’ve got
‘Cause it doesn’t make a difference
If we make it or not
We’ve got each other and that’s a lot
For love – well give it a shot

Chorus:
Whooah, we’re half way there
Livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand and we’ll make it – I swear
Livin’ on a prayer

We’ve got to hold on ready or not
You live for the fight when it’s all that you’ve got

Chorus:
Whooah, we’re half way there
Livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand and we’ll make it – I swear
Livin’ on a prayer

[Songwriters: BON JOVI, JON / CHILD, DESMOND / SAMBORA, RICHARD]

4-25-2013 9-11-07 AM

The concept of “Paying it forward” is something that Jon Bon Jovi knows well.   Singer, musician, actor, businessman and philanthropist ― Bon Jovi  is a New Jersey native who never forgot where he came from.   In 2006, he formed the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to help people (one soul at a time) who are experiencing economic hardship. 

Kindness is infectious.  And so, as part of this foundation,  several  JBJ Soul projects have come to fruition:

†♥ JBJ Soul Homes (a joint venture with Project H.O.M.E., in Philadelphia)  ― a four-story, mixed-use development building, scheduled for completion in November 2013.  With retail, offices and 55 apartments to house previously homeless and low-income adults and children, the  residents will have access to basic medical care, employment assistance, education and fitness facilities.

†♥ Rebuilding Together (a joint venture with Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation and Rebuilding Together Philadelphia) ― to rehabilitate nearly 30 homes in the Overbrook neighborhood.

†♥ Northern Children’s Services Merrick Hall (a joint venture with Northern Children’s Services) ― to provide permanent housing for homeless teenage mothers and their babies.

and, a community restaurant that does not have any prices on the menu:

†♥ JBJ Soul Kitchen ― where customers volunteer their services at the restaurant, in lieu of payment.  Soul Kitchen accepts donations from those who can pay.  In the words of Bon Jovi, “At a time when 1 in 5 households are living at or below the poverty level, and at a time when 1 out of 6 Americans are food insecure, this is a restaurant whose time has come. This is a place based on and built on community – by and for the community.” 

And yes, Mr. Bon Jovi, Hope is Delicious.  Your dedication, passion and sense of community is truly inspiring.

For more information, please go to:  http://www.jbjsoulkitchen.org/.

 

Image via nhne-pulse.org.

Typecasting a writer: folly or not?

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“Don’t classify me, read me. I’m a writer, not a genre.” 
― Carlos Fuentes

In one of my earlier blogs (New Year’s Revelation No. 5, “Never, Never Assume!”), I wrote about the unfortunate common practice of making assumptions ― about people or situations.  So many of us, whether intentionally or unintentionally, fall into that trap – to our detriment.  In so doing, we run the risk of making erroneous assumptions (because we are not aware of all the mitigating factors) and rush to judgment, perhaps too quickly.  The same applies to pigeon holing or typecasting someone.

In the acting world, for example, actors are often typecast as comedic, dramatic, character, leading role, action hero, and so on.  Yet many actors have proven – time and time again – that they can seamlessly apply their acting talent and skills to any genre. And when they do this, we are always surprised (yet delighted).  Why are we surprised? The answer, of course, is that we made an erroneous assumption. Yes, Robert De Niro has played some seriously intense and dramatic roles.  However, as “Vitti” in Analyze This and Analyze That (opposite Billy Crystal), De Niro had me rolling on the floor, laughing.

The same applies to writing.  Just because a writer publishes a book in one genre, this does not mean he or she is incapable of writing in a different voice, for a variety of target audiences, or in multiple genres.

As for myself, I have multiple book projects in the works.  Many are non-fiction.  Casualties of the (Recession) Depression is a political and economic commentary and collection of real-life vignettes.   This does not mean that the only genre I write is non-fiction editorial.  I write fiction, as well as industry-specific pieces and scripts for documentaries. 

Whether one is a writer or a photographer, an actor or an artist ― the fact is, we are complex and multi-faceted.  Labels are very limiting and should not be assigned so readily.

If we only focus our eyes on the moon, we may miss the beauty of the rest of the galaxy.

Image via trivworks.com.

Bookworms of the World, Unite!

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read-books

“The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

― Dr. Seuss, “I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!”

Books, glorious books!  They are scattered around my house and I carry one in my bag, wherever I go.  When I’m not reading a book, I’m writing one.

Today, the day that both Miguel de Cervantes  and William Shakespeare died (two of several literary giants who died on April 23rd, 1616), is World Book and Copyright Day — created by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) to pay worldwide tribute to books and to the authors who write them.

Introducing the world of books to someone — a child, or even an adult — is like opening a locked door, behind which lies the path to knowledge and empowerment.

“I have often reflected upon the new vistas that reading opened to me.  I knew right there in prison that reading had changed forever the course of my life.  As I see it today, the ability to read awoke in me some long dormant craving to be mentally alive.”    

— Malcolm X

Today, in this second decade of the new Millennium, our busy lives often preclude us from taking time out to read a book.  Make the time… please.  I cannot emphasize enough the importance of  reading.  It exercises the mind, stretches the imagination, opens up new worlds and is far more enthralling and entertaining than a television sitcom (in my opinion). 

If you can’t spare the time, carry a book in your bag – just in case. Rather than complain about the long wait time in the dentist’s office or at the airport, just open up a book and read.  Before you know it, the plane will be boarding or the dental hygienist will be beckoning you to come on in.

As for me, I concur with the late President Thomas Jefferson, who said (simply and succinctly):

“I cannot live without books.”

Image via worksmartlivesmart.com.

Celebrate Earth Day

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This poem, written by Scott Edward Anderson, encapsulates the true spirit of Earth Day.

Healing
by Scott Edward Anderson 
“Healing, not saving.” ~ Gary Snyder

“Healing, not saving,” for healing
indicates corrective, reclaiming

restoring the earth to its bounty,
to right placement and meaning–

Forward thinking, making things new
or better or, at least, bringing back

from the edge. The way
bulbs are nestled in earth,

starting to heal again–
the way a wound heals.

Keep warm. Sun following
rain; rain following drought.

Perhaps we have come far enough
along in this world to start

healing, protecting from harm,
from our disjunctive lives.

The way the skin repairs with a scab,
injury mediated by mindfulness.

The bark of the “tree of blood”
heals wounds we cannot see.

Deliver us from the time of trial
and save us from ourselves.

Image via yosemitepark.com.

Friends supporting friends

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“But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent arrangement, the greater part of life is sunshine.”

― Thomas Jefferson 

When friends support friends , not just during the tragic and sad moments…  but in times of accomplishment and triumph,  they show that they value their friendships and understand the true meaning of the word, “friend.”

It is good character to feel  joy and excitement for someone else, especially when that “someone else” is a friend or family member. 

Yet when it happens, it’s always such a delightful surprise and it truly invigorates the spirit.

In the past month, I have been the recipient of an outpouring of good wishes and congratulations, and many have been buying my book (some old friends have even bought multiple copies for their friends and family!). 

If I could do cartwheels, I would.  However, since I have never been overly flexible or athletic, it would be unwise for me to try it. But the thought is there.

Just to give you an idea, this is some of the feedback I’ve been receiving: 

“I had to put it down reluctantly (it was late at night) ….  Talk about the human side of political will and emotion and calling a spade a spade!”

♦

“As a writer you want your reader to feel something when they read your words. You accomplished that. I was crying within a couple of chapters. The little girl and her doll did me in.”

♦

“Can’t wait to read it! We’re so excited for you!”

♦

” I can’t imagine how much discipline it takes to write a book! Wow!”

♦

“It will have a place of honour on my coffee table!”

♦

“This is very, very cool.”

What is very, very cool is having friends like you.

Right back at you, with love.

― heatherfromthegrove

 

Image via washoelibraryfriends.org.

Fare thee well, fair Iron Lady

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“If you just set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time, and you would achieve nothing.“

―  Margaret Thatcher 

Today, we pay tribute to a brilliant woman who ― from 1979-1990 ― led her country with an iron fist, and was the first female to hold the position of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.  Her conservative politics, known as Thatcherism,  received mixed reaction  – domestically and abroad.  She was revered by many, yet also reviled ― but  never did she inspire indifference.  

Today, with deep respect, we mourn her passing at the age of 87.

In Memoriam

Baroness Margaret Thatcher

1462880506Margaret_ThatcherOctober 13, 1925 – April 8, 2013

R.I.P.

 

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