Zebra Ink Magazine March 2024

Zebra Ink

The magazine that empowers March 2024

1

Letter From The Editor Hello Dazzle!

H

ello Dazzle! I hope the last couple of months have been wonderful for you! It has been a little rough around here as I caught COVID in late January while on a trip to honor my uncle who had passed away. We’ll just say that COVID did a number on me, and I am still recovering. Feeling better slowly and I am looking forward to pain-free days soon!

Going to my uncle’s funeral was certainly sad, but it was the first time I had seen some of my extended family in 20 years.

Being together and sharing stories was pure joy. It reminded me of how powerful storytelling can be. I learned things about my family and my genetic history that I didn’t know which is priceless. I strongly encourage you to make time to see your family, share your stories, and love on each other if you can. I know not everyone has a family dynamic where that is possible, but if it is … make the time.

has passed for this year, but the topic is important everyday of the year. Please share it with a teen or parent of a teen that you know.

Thank you for taking a few moments out of your day to honor the stories and authors found in the magazine. It is a privilege to have had over 36,000 people read at least one story that calls Zebra Ink Magazine home so far. With social media and such being so loud and every platform vying for attention, the fact that we have attracted you to our empowering magazine makes my heart sing! If you want to get it right in your inbox – please click the link below to subscribe.

This magazine brings me unparalleled joy and I hope you find something inside each issue that touches, empowers and

Not putting out a Zebra Ink issue in February as planned allowed me some time to think and evaluate what I want Zebra Ink, the magazine, and The Zebra Ink, the business, to be. I have changed quite a few things, and I am truly looking forward to rolling out all the goodness. What is important for you to know is that the magazine will be free to subscribers and for contributors. If you have a story to share, let’s get it written!

Publishing a story in the magazine is no longer dependent on a membership at The Zebra Ink. There are new guidelines and deadlines that you can find by clicking SUBMISSION GUIDELINES. Recognizing that not everyone will want to write or share a story, but would like to get their product, book, service, or event in front of the thousands of people that are reading the magazine, I will have some advertising opportunities available for the next issue. Stay tuned and check www.thezebraink. com for details.

I reached out to my good friend and colleague, Kristin Paul in January and asked her to write an article about Teen Dating Violence for February which is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. It is such an important topic and far too overlooked. Kristin is an author and advocate for all things pertaining to Domestic Violence and she did a great job with her article that can be found on page 16. I know that February 2

encourages you! I appreciate you being a part of it!

Happy reading – so many interesting stories ahead! Enjoy –

Sheila Kennedy Editor and Publisher of Zebra Ink Magazine https://www.thezebraink.com

March 2024

Contents Letter From The Editor.. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Issue designed

by Jackie Zimmerman, Queen of GSD

Bullying isn’t always bullying.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The “Lure” of Mindfulness.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Self-Discovery: My Newest Adventure.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The POWER of your GUT.. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Joy in the Storm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Fear and Loathing at the Amateur Watchmaker’s Desk.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Breaking the Silence on Teen Dating Violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Poetry By Ber-Henda Williams.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 The Daily Magnet: Attracting Abundance in Life and Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Unqualified Opinions.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Liminal Reality.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Meditative Soul: The Power of Nature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Self-Publishing Roadmap.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Kidney Donation Update!

In the January Issue of Zebra Ink Magazine, Birgit Stubblefield shared a story about her son, Chris Stubblefield, who needs of a kidney transplant.

Birgit recently shared that Chris is on dialysis and a donor still hasn’t been found. There have been a few people that have been tested but were not a match or are still in the process.

Point being – Chris still needs a kidney!

If you or anyone you know is Blood Type O, under the age of 50, in good general health, and has ever considered the possibility of donating a kidney, please get in touch with the University of Kentucky Transplant Center at 859-323-2467.

3

O Bullying

isn’t always bullying BILLY THOMPSON

nce during my career as a principal, I was accused of not caring about the students at my school. Three parents went to our local newspaper to report me as a non-caring individual. One day when I entered the office, my secretary came into my office with a look of dismay on her face. “Well, you made the paper but not in a good way,” she stated. Now anyone who knows me will tell you, people can say whatever they want about me but the one thing you cannot say is that I don’t care about children. It said I ignored bullying that was going on in the school with the children.

After reading the article, I called the parents and asked them to come meet with me. When they arrived, the secretary brought them to my office. This is the information I shared with them.

Bullying and lying are two major issues that schools face, and they can impact students, parents, and principals. Bullying can lead to physical and emotional harm, as well as a loss of self-esteem. Lying can cause distrust and damage relationships between students, parents, and school staff.

It is important for schools to have policies in place to address and prevent bullying and lying. This includes educating students on appropriate behavior, providing resources for victims and perpetrators, and enforcing consequences for those who engage in bullying or lying.

Parents also play a crucial role in preventing these behaviors by teaching their children about respect, empathy, and honesty. It is important for parents to communicate with their children and school staff to ensure that their child feels safe and supported at school.

Principals have the responsibility to create a positive and safe school culture.

This includes setting clear expectations for behavior, promoting inclusivity and diversity, and addressing and resolving conflicts in a timely and effective manner.

By working together, students, parents, and principals can create a safe and nurturing environment for all.

After sharing this information, I asked for the students to come to my office. As, I opened the door their eyes open wide as soon as they saw their parents. I then asked each one of the to explain to me and their parents exactly when, where, and what type of bullying had occurred at school. The room was silent.

Finally, one of the moms said, “Son, you better start talking because after talking with Mr. Thompson, I think someone is lying. Now, I want to hear the truth.”

“Well, uh, when I was walking down the hall somebody yelled from one of the classrooms, ’Hey boy!’ “Is that it?” asked the mom. “Yes ma’am.” he mumbled.

“Boy, that’s not bullying!” she shouted.

4

The room went silent again. “Ok little girl, what do you have to say?” asked the father of the young lady in the group. “Well, I was eating some candy in class and some girls came over to my table and asked me to give them some. As I was about

to give them some, the teacher came over and took the bag. She said she was going to call you to let you know this was the third time she has told me to not eat candy in her class.”

I thought if I told you I was being bullied, I wouldn’t get in trouble.” “So, you lied to me instead and now I’m here looking like a fool.” stated the father. “Ok young man, what do you have to say about this situation?” asked the last parent. “When I heard them talking about telling their parents someone was bullying them, I told you I was being bullied too. You let me stay at home because I told you I didn’t want to go to school because I was being bullied. I didn’t know you were going to go to the paper.

Mr. Thompson has always been nice to me.”

“So, you lied to me!” she shouted.

“Mr. Thompson, we are so sorry. We believed our children.” stated each parent. They told the students they were ashamed of them and themselves for going to the newspaper before coming to talk with me. I accepted their apologies; they left and the students went back to class. Needless to say, the newspaper never retracted or offered me an apology for printing the article.

Billy Thompson is a human being who believes in supporting, loving and caring for others. He is a graduate of Elon College and believer in life-long learning. Connect with Billy on Facebook.

5

The “Lure” of Mindfulness CHRISTINE ALLMAND

O

ne crisp autumn morning in 2021, we awoke early to hike our favorite spot in the foothills of western North Carolina. My four children and my husband, John, moved ahead of me about 10 minutes into the walk. Soft sounds of laughter and joy drew my attention to them. My gaze then took in the beauty surrounding us as I stood silently.

Spending time in the mountains always felt like coming home, especially after the past year. Our lives had changed since the covid outbreak. The stress of a transforming world had begun to take its toll on my nervous system. The woods were a safe place for me to reconnect with the healing power of nature, releasing anxiety and clearing my mind of fears.

Breathing deeply, I focused on my body… the feel of my feet standing still; my face cold from the chilly air blowing over it; my belly relaxed feeling warm and at peace. My shoulders fell away from my ears. Tension retreated as I looked around. I became aware of the abundance of trees, the soft ground carpeted with fallen multi-colored leaves, and the stones and rocks scattered around. I felt a burst of gratitude for these mystical woods. The warmth from the soft sunlight peeking through the leaves that had not yet fallen became the center of my attention. Bright colors of crimson, burnt orange, and golden yellows surrounded me on all sides. Looking up again at the sky through the trees, I closed my eyes and felt a gentle breeze of cool air under the light of the distant sun. I found beauty in the precious present moment, let go of that which no longer served me, and embraced appreciation for my life.

I inhaled gratitude and exhaled stress. I took another slow deep cleansing breath. I inhaled love and exhaled fear. I got curious about the birds that I heard in the trees as they greeted me with their voices. A chirp here and a chirp there -- the sounds of a beautiful conversation made me wonder what they were saying to each other. Were they in awe as I was? Were they full of gratitude too? I smiled while watching them continue to fly from tree to tree exploring and communicating.

6

Noticing a sturdy log laying down next to the edge of the creek, I moved to sit on it. I saw my breath in the cool

morning air as I walked towards the log. Lowering my body to rest on the fallen Beech tree, I became aware of the leaves and sticks scattered along the bed of the forest. I picked up a small stone that lay at my feet. As I held it, I felt its smooth cool surface. The weight of it in my hand was comforting. I could sense the energy of the earth as I closed my eyes again for another deep cleansing breath. Inhaling grace exhaling worry.

I opened my eyes and saw where the two creeks met up ahead.

I heard the babbling rush of water over the rocks in the bed of the creek. I was mesmerized by the clear moving water. The sound was soothing to my soul.

I could hear John and the kids near the creek. They were trying to hop along river rocks to get to the other side. Sounds of laughter reached back to me. As I glanced their way, another burst of gratitude melted my heart. Tears filled my eyes, soft gentle tears of comfort and joy. With a cleansing release of love, I whispered a big thank you to Mother Nature. I journeyed towards my family recounting all the blessings in my life and acknowledged the precious gift of joy that filled my heart. In that moment, with those people, I had come home.

As I close my eyes and think back to that moment, I feel pure joy and gratitude. I recall that it had been a long time since my body had felt the warmth and fullness of inner peace and happiness. I had been actively healing from postpartum depression and debilitating anxiety, and I was beginning to feel more like myself after years of being disconnected and discontented with myself and my life. My husband and I took our four children on a road trip for the weekend into the mountains. It was one of the first trips I had been looking forward to since the pandemic began. With the stressful year nearly behind us, we were all looking forward to spending time in the beautiful foothills near our lake house.

That part of the country is one of my favorite places to be. There is something special about Lake Lure and the surrounding mountains. I found this spot as a child with my family on one summer road trip and I never forgot about it.

Returning to Lake Lure is one way I recharge my spirit.

Spending time on the lake and in the nearby mountains is where I can release the stresses of daily life and recharge my body and soul by reconnecting with nature. I learn how to practice mindfulness, ground myself, and become aware of my internal and external world. As time moves on, and as I awaken to deeper wisdom, I realize that I can create that same spiritual experience regardless of where my body is standing.

Those moments of mindfulness are no longer limited to being at Lake Lure. I get to experience them anywhere and that is a practice I am grateful for.

Christine Allmand, MSW Christine sees herself as the Damsel that woke to the truth that saving herself was her responsibility; the Addict who realized she was powerless over everything except her own choices; the Mother who began to see the power in breaking generational patterns; and the Healer who came to know herself so she could help others know themselves.

If you would like to read more of Christine’s work, you can find it at: https://www.facebook.com/ connectingwithchristine 7

Self-Discovery: My Newest Adventure

LARHONDA JULIEN

8

W

henever people ask me if I drink coffee, I always tell them that I stopped drinking coffee when I was in elementary school. They are always taken back but it is true.

Growing up where I did, it was not uncommon for elders to give children coffee. I recall many mornings with coffee as the staple along with either toast, biscuits, or fry bread. Strangely, sometimes the food was used to dip into the drink. I did not know if this was preference or culture, but it was the way we did things.

As I started school, caffeinated mornings became a thing of the past and my focus quickly turned to problem-solving, deductive reasoning, and coding. Acquiring knowledge piqued my interests. I played with word puzzles and poems and searched for healing in creative writing. I dove into another world learning French with Monsieur Henri and practicing with my father. I soared winning spelling bees and achieving honor roll. Watching my dad build houses was my favorite extracurricular activity. With a hammer, saw, and number two pencil, he could bring anything to life. It taught me that I could do anything with an idea and dedication.

General Colin Powell is quoted as saying,

“Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.”

The same could be said for gratitude. I have adopted an attitude of perpetual gratitude with visual cues to remind me to be grateful in everything I do. I am grateful for my challenges.

They were and are fuel for my future.

Between each life milestone, I pursued ways to continue elevating my understanding of culture, communication, and collaboration by educating myself and others. Acknowledging, embracing, and celebrating my origins has been a source of joy. I invite you on my journey to self-discovery. I will arrive in south Louisiana with phone in hand to document how my native land molded me. Travel with me as I explore the language, music, food, and culture which have fed and inspired me over the years.

Upon High school graduation, my ambition was enormous. I graduated in the top ten of my class. I enrolled in college and double majored in law and psychology. I failed…miserably.

There are so many lessons to be learned and shared from that very humbling experience. With everything broken inside of me, I dropped out of school, and I worked and adulted and sacrificed. I later went back to school and earned an associates, bachelors, and masters degree. Each step was part of my incremental and iterative development.

Those formative years were not all blue skies and cotton candy.

I faced a lot of adversity. Especially as it related to my ancestry.

Focusing on my goals kept me sane.

Diving into the world of work, I found myself in a maledominated and high-reliability industry. Despite the barriers to opportunities, I managed to excel through continuous improvement/personal and professional development, exercising emotional intelligence, being agile, showing loyalty, cultivating relationships, staying encouraged, and not defining or confining myself based on opinions. I found these behaviors to be critical to my success and the life-saving work that I do both personally through my support of non-profits and professionally through the human and organizational performance tools, techniques, and concepts that I share to help mitigate risk in high-hazard enviornments.

LaRhonda Julien Instagram: @awaken.1 LaRhonda is an industrial organizational psychologist who uses her work in human and organizational performance and non-profit service to change and save lives.

9

The POWER of your GUT IRENE KENNEDY WYLLIE 10

H

ave you ever had a gut feeling?

Who doesn’t want to feel all those things? You actually deserve those things!

Empowering women isn’t just a movement, it’s the key to unlocking our full potential as a society. It’s a privilege, a It all sounds so simple right? Not so fast! These results take responsibility and a gift we can freely give to others but first it getting honest and intentional with yourself. This is where the starts with ourselves. rubber meets the road, because the ultimate first step is up to YOU! You get to pick your pain. Do you want the pain that I have struggled for thirty years with anxiety and depression, comes with staying stuck or do you want the pain that comes which is more than half my life. I was stuck living with brain with healing and freedom? The tools are there but the choice fog, fatigue, muscle aches, lack of motivation, irritation, is yours. You are worth it though! sleepless nights, excessive worry and that doesn’t even scratch the surface. I was relying on medication to just help me barely I will end by saying, this was not an overnight success. This survive each day. Don’t get me wrong, I am so grateful for was and is one foot in front of the other, one day at a time, modern medicine, but it is only a micro piece of the puzzle sometimes one minute at a time. This is a daily practice and a when you’re feeling helpless. The true key to breaking free, as daily choice. The results are, just like you are, completely worth cliche as it sounds, it is inside of us. it. I still fall down some days, but I have learned to pick myself up much quicker now. I’m thankful for my family and the It wasn’t until two years ago that something amazing happened tribe of women that have empowered and supported me when to me as I discovered the tools that set me on a journey of I have fallen or lost my way. They have each reached out their healing all the broken parts of me. Through a few simple hand and showed me the path and taught me to get out of my changes, I started to experience true peace, clarity, purpose own way. They have shown me how to help myself and that has and restful nights. I found myself not dreading the daily been the most precious gift I have found on this journey! grind and I was actually socializing again. I started showing up differently for my kids and my husband and finally learned Happiness is SEXY & EMPOWERING, so if you’re ready how to stop and smell the roses. I felt hopeful, motivated, and to feel a renewed sense of energy, peace, purpose and get your EMPOWERED. I felt like I had a purpose again. It recently sexy back, I’m ready to be your new bestie! You never have to became clear to me that my purpose is to help empower other walk alone, just connect to the ones willing to walk the journey women experiencing the same struggles to find their own key with you! to freedom and empowerment!

Peace, love and blessings to you all – Want to know the secret? It all started in my gut. This is Irene something that my doctors and therapists never told me, and I almost didn’t believe it. As skeptical as I was, I pressed on anyway. I realized that you have to actually fuel your gut in order to fuel your brain. This is because we have what’s called the gut-brain axis which refers to the two-way communication system between the GI tract and the central nervous system.

While very complex, it’s a system that impacts multiple aspects of our health, including mood, cognitive function, immune function, inflammation, metabolism and digestion. Which really emphasizes the importance of maintaining gut health for overall well-being.

But gut health wasn’t the only key to my empowerment.

By adding in at least 10 minutes of daily meditation and gratitude, I was able to really elevate my mood. Although I was at first skeptical, this became an extremely powerful piece to the puzzle. I quickly started noticing benefits of reduced stress, enhanced emotional well-being, better focus and concentration, strengthened relationships, better sleep, overall mental and physical health.

Beyond my love of being a mental health advocate, Irene Kennedy Wyllie is a work-from-home, busy, sports mom of two amazing boys and wife to my loving husband.

To find out more about Irene, please visit https://msha. ke/therealirenekw#about 11

Joy in the Storm CHRISTINE BAKER MARRIAGE

A

few summers ago, I found myself sitting in the middle of my daughter’s sparsely furnished new apartment... in Florida... during a Hurricane. She had just moved to the area six days prior for a new job over 1300 miles away from her hometown.

It was a huge move for her and equally as huge for me, her stepdad, and siblings to watch her wings take shape, let alone take shape and take flight in a tropical storm.

I have never been in that type of storm before. I know nothing of its drama, its power, or its uncertainty. I would take a few snow days with 27 inches of snow any day over that kind of turbulence.

Wind has always created great anxiety for me, and this storm was no different.

As the day progressed, the wind and rain increased aggressively, and we were not sure what to do or how to manage this emergent weather. I followed my daughter’s lead by playing it by ear, but I also secretly created an exit strategy behind the scenes.

Her first day of work in her new office was supposed to be that day. Instead, she worked through her orientation materials on a makeshift desk made up of her couch and her outside patio table.

Her first meetings were canceled because the sound of the wind and rain were so loud no one could hear each other over video chat.

The last set of accomplishments were not as pleasurable as my first list but equally as joy filled. All these less exciting and I, however, was a bit more anxious than less indulgent tasks were opportunities she was. Did I feel anxious because I have to create balance in my life. Cleaning up never been in a hurricane? YOU BET. is an opportunity to reset the physical Did my anxiety rise because the next environment to a tidy and organized one. day I would have to get on a plane and Doing my laundry was an opportunity leave my daughter 1,309 miles behind? to prepare for my trip the following day.

Paying my bills was an opportunity to Absolutely! maintain certain home amenities that But, I was also feeling immense joy. Not we value. just because of the pride I had swelling up but because I too intentionally designed Between the hurricane and the other my day to create opportunities for joyful situational angst, I could have let the day moments, even anticipating the stressors take over and overwhelm me, but anxiety and fear weren’t the feeling I wanted for sprinkled throughout the day. this particular day.

• I took extra time in the shower.

Joy was.

• I slept in.

• I enjoyed a really good cup of coffee.

• I sat outside before the storm so I Why is it important to could breathe in the stillness.

• I took a walk and took pictures of design a Joy-filled life? things I wanted to remember about The general consensus of our current the day.

• I made sure to write. It seemed like a society is that life should be filled with pivotal time to capture my thoughts. happiness and excitement, chock full of • I watched lizards play with one adventure and experiences. The things we see on social media confirm this. another.

• I said “hi” to strangers and gave them It’s very much focused on the glow, the the biggest smile I could muster. capabilities, the experiences and just To my delight, they returned the how “perfectly happy” the subject of the social media posts are, which isn’t reality. gesture.

• I made a favorite recipe for dinner to celebrate the first day of work, albeit When our lives do not mirror social media posts, many of us feel inadequate, at home and in pajama pants. unworthy, and not fill-in-the-blank enough.

I also had the opportunity to: filled with joy. It was a prideful moment for both of us.

This was not what she expected to be the • start of her new career, but she willingly • designed her day to make the best of it.

• • She was happy, excited, and intentionally • • 12

Do my laundry Do the dishes Mop the floors Sweep the kitchen Sort the garbage Pay some bills

As a critical thinking adult, you know logically that this is bullshit. This shortsided life is not accurate, sustainable, or even possible. Life is hard. It is really hard. We learn the value of life through

the hardships that we bear.

various aspects of life, you’re better In essence, experiencing, cultivating, equipped to bounce back from setbacks and designing joy is a multifaceted That doesn’t mean that hardships negate and maintain a hopeful outlook. approach to living a more fulfilling and joy. Quite the opposite. Hardships meaningful life. By making joy a priority, enhance joy, and joy softens hardships. Creativity and Productivity: Joy you invest in your well-being and create Each of us has the power to experience can enhance your cognitive abilities, a foundation for a happier, healthier, and joy even into our darkest moments. We including creativity and problem- more satisfying life journey. Hurricanes, all have opportunities to foster joy and solving skills. When you’re joyful, your cross country moves, and major life the capability to design a joy-filled life. brain is more receptive to new ideas changes seem a bit more manageable and alternative perspectives, leading to when you can also savor and appreciate Experiencing, cultivating, and designing increased innovation and productivity. the intentional joyful moments. joy is important for various reasons, as it has profound physical, emotional, and Mindfulness and Present Moment psychological benefits that contribute Awareness: Experiencing joy often to overall well-being and a fulfilling involves being fully present in the life. Here’s why these aspects of joy are moment. Cultivating mindfulness significant: through joyful experiences can help you Positive Emotional Impact: appreciate the here and now, fostering a Experiencing joy enhances your mood greater sense of contentment. and emotional state. Positive emotions like joy can counteract feelings of Personal Growth: Pursuing and stress, anxiety, and sadness. Regularly experiencing joy often involves stepping experiencing joy helps create a positive out of your comfort zone and trying new emotional baseline, making it easier to things. This can lead to personal growth, cope with life’s challenges. increased self-confidence, and a broader perspective on life.

Physical Health: Joy triggers the release of endorphins, which are Life Satisfaction: People who actively natural chemicals that promote feelings seek out and savor joyful experiences of pleasure and reduce stress. These tend to report higher levels of life Meet Christine Baker Marriage, a endorphins can boost your immune satisfaction. The ability to find joy in productivity blogger, and proud system, lower blood pressure, and everyday moments contributes to an mother of five based in Western contribute to better cardiovascular overall sense of fulfillment.

New York. With a passion for health. organization and time management, Psychological Well-being: Joy she shares valuable tips and strategies Stress Reduction: Engaging in joyful contributes to positive psychological on maximizing productivity while activities or moments can function as a states such as happiness, gratitude, and juggling the demands of parenthood. stress reliever. When you’re joyful, your optimism. Engaging in activities that Alongside her thriving career as an body’s stress response is diminished, bring you joy can lead to a greater sense IT professional, she prioritizes her leading to a sense of relaxation and ease. of purpose and a more positive outlook role as a supportive wife, embracing on life. the challenges and joys of family life.

Enhanced Relationships: Sharing joyful Through her blog and social media experiences with others can strengthen Actively designing environments, platforms, she inspires others to social bonds. Joy is contagious, and routines, and experiences that foster find balance and efficiency in their when you’re joyful, you’re more likely to joy allows you to take control of your daily routines, proving that with connect with and attract positive people, happiness. By intentionally incorporating determination and organization, leading to deeper and more fulfilling joyful elements into your life, you create anything is possible. relationships. opportunities for sustained well-being, even in a hurricane, as you say goodbye Connect with Christine on Resilience: Cultivating joy can enhance to your child.

Facebook. your resilience in the face of adversity.

When you’ve practiced finding joy in 13

Fear and Loathing at the Amateur Watchmaker’s Desk ROB MARRIAGE

I

t’s well after midnight now. Everyone else in the house is asleep. But here I am hunched over my desk, a narrow shaft of light from my magnifying glass the room’s only illumination as I try for what must be the 20th time to get the seconds hand mounted on the dial of this watch.

The last eight or so tries have resulted in me threatening to give up on the whole project and launch it through the window.

But then I calm down and try again.

And again.

It’s not like I even have a deadline or anything. It’s just that I ordered these parts so long ago, and I’m so excited to build my next watch that I can’t go to bed. Not until I’ve made some real progress on this thing.

The “thing” will be a homemade Seiko SKX007 automatic watch with a date and day-of-the-week window, domed crystal, ceramic bezel, and Mercedes hands. It’s going to be awesome.

Or garbage. It all depends on if I can get this seconds hand installed.

Seikos, especially the SKX models, are by far the most modified watches. This is mostly because of their quality, affordability, and interoperability of their parts. But also because they can look so damn cool.

I stumbled on to the hobby of making and modifying watches quite by accident. I had been looking for relaxing videos to watch on YouTube and found one promising an ASMR experience while viewing a watchmaker at work. Soon I was clicking on videos of Patek Phillipe and Rolex watches being built by hand in Geneva, and Chinese watches being built by robots in Guangzhou factories. At some point I watched an amateur with a rudimentary set of tools swap out a bezel for a new one he bought from a parts supplier.

fun, or what my hobbies were, I probably would have looked at you blankly for a few seconds and then replied “I dunno, work? Sleep?”

I had been self-employed for more than 10 years and things like hobbies were simply not a part of my day. I woke up, I worked, I broke for dinner, I went back to work, and I slept.

There simply was no time for hobbies.

Luckily after coming to terms with the fact that this lifestyle wasn’t working, I left self employment behind and got a dreaded job. And now rather than working morning, noon and night, I give my employer eight hours of my day, and in return I get a living wage and, more importantly, time.

Time. The truth is I’ve been obsessed with time for most of my life. Depending on one’s state of mind, a clock’s ticking can be a comfort, bringing a constant pedantic order to the chaos of life. Or it can be the stuff of kafkaesque nightmares as you realize that each tick represents a second that you’ll never experience again, and there’s nothing you can do about it.

Have you ever wondered how many seconds you’ll live? I have.

It’s probably going to be around 2.5 billion. That sounds like a lot, but consider 31.5 million seconds tick off every year. You spent about 10 million of those seconds sleeping.

Before I start reciting the lyrics to Seasons of Love from Rent, I return my focus back to this seconds hand. If I can just get that set, I’ll be ready to put the whole assembly into the case, and then show it off to… well, no one. Not until the morning anyway.

And that’s OK. I may be alone in my office tonight, but I’m part of a growing community of watch modding enthusiasts.

Consider the r/watchmodding subreddit has 2400 members and the r/SeikoMods subreddit has almost a whopping 48,000 members.

I was mesmerized, and found myself watching and reading anything I could find online about making and modding my And they’ve all struggled with putting the tiny seconds hand own watch. I knew right away that I had to try it myself. on the even tinier pinion.

You see, if you had asked me a couple years ago what I did for 14

Besides forums like these, there are numerous parts suppliers like Namoki Mods, Crystal Times, and DLW Watches to name a few. There are companies that will sell you your mounted magnifying glass, first watch-building kit (DIY Watch Club for example), and a genuine YouTube rock star, Eric Yoon of Lume Shot who creates highly produced videos of his builds for his 126,000 subscribers.

Finally I set the seconds hand on top of the pinion and give it a push. I think I hear a click! I push the winding stem in, and… the seconds hand suddenly moves!

I hear ticking as it begins it’s first of hopefully many journeys around the dial.

From here on out it’s simple - remove the stem, put the case Well I’m no Eric Yoon. I’m just a guy in his house with a pair over the dial and movement assembly, trim the stem, reinsert of tweezers, a desk, and dwindling patience. it, flip the whole thing over and tighten the caseback.

I wonder aloud if there’s a trick to it. Something I’ve As I set the current time, I realize it’s after 1 am. overlooked? I turn to my computer and do a quick search on r/SekioMods…

I tip toe into bed, turn off the light, pull out my phone and check the delivery status of the next batch of parts. Then I Oh yes, I’m not alone. This is a common struggle, especially for browse dials and cases until nodding off. newbies like myself.

“Take your time and don’t give up,” reads a cheerful though not really helpful message “Use Rodico,” (a special type of putty) a member suggests.

Another member cautions against Rodico. “It can ruin the lume,” they warn.

One member has gone so far as to draw diagrams with step-bystep instructions. This seems to be the most promising.

I do love this community. People post pictures of their builds all the time and open them up to criticism. Sure you’ll read comments like, “why do you have a 60 minute bezel on a GMT?” but unlike the rest of Reddit, people seem to say nothing at all if they have nothing good to say about your build. I still haven’t posted though, embarrassed by my obvious amateur results.

Rob Marriage started life in the suburbs of London, England, where he reluctantly attended Abbotts Hall County Infants School and then Abbotts Hall County Juniors School. All he knew of the US during the first half of his childhood was what he saw on American TV shows like “Starsky and Hutch” and “CHiPs.” In 1983, his parents announced the family was moving to the US and young Rob began preparing himself for a life of guns and car chases. This was all for nought though as it turned out that Grand Island, New York was nothing like the freeways of Los Angeles. After graduating from Grand Island High School, Rob went on to a SUNY school just far enough away from home that he had to live on campus. There he studied for a career in the lucrative field of journalism. He received his diploma at about the same time as mass layoffs were occurring in newsrooms around the country. He now works in IT and lives in Rochester NY with his beautiful wife, adoring son, obedient dog, and a growing collection of homemade watches.

Rob occasionally posts pictures of the watches he builds on Instagram.

15

Breaking the Silence on Teen Dating Violence

KRISTIN PAUL

I

n the realm of teenage experiences, love, and relationships, a growing epidemic lurks, often unnoticed. Whether you are a parent, guardian, or friend of a young adult, teenager, or tween, it is essential to recognize the startling statistics that underscore the urgency of addressing teen dating violence. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and is a perfect time to discuss this pervasive issue.

Did you know that ‘nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year?’1 ‘Girls and young women between the ages of 16 and 24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence, almost triple the national average.’2 ‘81% of parents believe TDV is not an issue or admit they don’t know if it’s an issue for teens.’3 The harsh reality is that our teens and young adults are increasingly becoming victims of abusive relationships. The consequences of such abuse extend beyond the immediate harm, manifesting in various detrimental ways. Victims of abuse are more prone to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, sleep disturbances, eating problems, and an increased likelihood of perpetuating a cycle of domestic violence in their future relationships.

Understanding the signs of teen dating violence is paramount in addressing this pervasive issue. Early intervention can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected. What are the early warning signs that your daughter or son might be in an abusive relationship?

Excessive jealousy is a red flag. If their date consistently displays jealousy or possessiveness, it could indicate an unhealthy dynamic. Abusers often employ controlling behaviors, such as incessantly texting to know the whereabouts of your son or daughter. Another warning sign is isolation – abusers intentionally separate victims from their friends and family to establish control.

Furthermore, abusive individuals may exhibit unpredictable mood swings, manipulation, or guilt-tripping tactics.

Disrespectful behavior is also a significant indicator. Left unaddressed, these traits can escalate to physical abuse, emphasizing the critical importance of intervening at the early stages.

So, what can be done to combat teen dating violence? The first step is to open up a dialogue. Talk about it. Awareness is a powerful tool, and acknowledging the issue can create an environment that encourages communication. Engage both girls and boys in conversations about healthy relationships and the signs of dating abuse.

Watching for early warning signs is crucial. Isolation, jealousy, manipulation – these are red flags that should not be ignored.

By actively listening and being present for the young people in our lives, we can establish trust and create a space where they feel comfortable discussing their relationships.

Emphasizing the importance of respect is paramount. Encourage teens to respect themselves and others. Discuss what healthy relationships look like, emphasizing communication, trust, and mutual support. By instilling these values, we empower young individuals to make informed choices in their relationships.

16

Education is a key component in addressing teen dating violence. Implement comprehensive programs in schools that cover not only the warning signs but also healthy relationship dynamics, consent, and available resources for seeking help.

This knowledge equips teenagers with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of dating safely.

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month serves as a reminder that we must actively engage in conversations, raise awareness, and foster environments that promote healthy relationships.

By breaking the silence and addressing this issue head-on, we can create a future where our teens and young adults can build relationships based on respect, trust, and equality. Let February be a month of not just awareness but also empowerment and change.

As we navigate through this month, let us reflect on the impact we can collectively make by being informed advocates for teen dating violence awareness. The stories of resilience and recovery are countless, and it is within our power to contribute to a safer and healthier future for the generations to come. Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is not only a time for reflection but also a commitment to action.

1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Physical Dating Violence Among High School Students—United States, 2003,” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, May 19, 2006, Vol. 55, No. 19 2 Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice and Statistics, Intimate Partner Violence in the United States, 1993-2004. Dec. 2006.

3 Love is Respect. (2014). http://bit.ly/1fyiQnT

Kristin Paul, Author of Freeing Yourself Financially and Drowning (Katelin Maloney) Publisher at Purple Ribbon Publishing www.PurpleRibbonPublishing.com 17

Poetry By Ber-Henda Williams

Chronos Time will tell you how much I love you!

It will not be marked in quantities like days, weeks or even years… it will collapse into infinity, and it can only be felt.

My love will fill your heart’s empty spaces and fill the caverns with my good intentions.

This love lives in the Kairos and springs eternal.

Kisses hold the sequences.

The moments of our bodies merging keep the mysteries of our union.

Love in its entirety Love in its vastness Love in its perfection Measure my love in the times I put kisses on your face.

Measure my love in the times I smile at you.

Measure my love outside the boundaries of time and space.

Measure my love in heartbeats!

Deep breaths The inhale The exhale Time is a cruel mistress indeed, but fate would provide us grace and reprieve.

Time will tell you how much I love you! Listen my love…she’s speaking now.

Ber-Henda Williams Copyright 2021 ©

18

Affinity He pulls me close or better he pulls me inward… He envelopes me and rests his full forearms on the curve of the small of my back and rocks me slowly…it creates a liquid lullaby and I want to be closer.

So close… we merge…

I can breathe for him I breathe him I can see him because all I can see is him…

I can breathe for him…I breathe him.

It’s the kisses on my neck (he’s breathing on me) It’s the kisses on my collar bone with my arms around his neck.

It is us…it colors me whole.

It’s the way he looks at me full of admiration, desire and devotion.

When he comes close, I feel the rush of oceans and birthing of stars.

He makes my solar systems revolve! His walk is a cadence that makes me hike my skirt and slow wind my hips…

I want him every night and day I want him…dare I say I need him.

I want a whole life with him…

I want to dance this whole life with him…

I am more than content that my body is his sanctuary…

He rests his weary head on my lap and I would have it no other way…

He reaches for me in his sleep.

He finds himself between my thighs and I gasp, arch, cry, and hold him like he is life itself…

Oh God could a woman love a man more?

Give us another lifetime to test the theory…

He is my favorite slow song…

I am his open love letter…

I am so proud to say he is mine I am overjoyed to say I am his…

I am a woman in love with HER man… Can’t you see it?

Ber-Henda Williams Copyright 2023 (c)

Ber-Henda Williams, a passionate femolutionary and advocate for multiculturalism, art, and womanhood, embodies her name’s Germanic-Greek meaning, “The Bear Hearted Protector.” As a poet, author, TV and film producer, public speaker, and youth advocate, she founded the In(her) Voice Project, amplifying underrecognized feminine populations, and The Power of Girlhood, a leadership program for girls 8-18.

With over 20 years of fluency in Spanish, she has been a guest lecturer, served as a poetry programming consultant, and hosted cultural events. Ber-Henda has a rich history as a keynote speaker, moderator, and Featured Presenter at events like SXSW 2016 Interactive Track and United Way’s Financial Well-Being Innovation Challenge Launch.

Her media credits include being a CW 50 Community Correspondent and coproducer for the monthly poetry series Poetry, Pages, and Scribes. Inspired by poets like Federico Garcia Lorca, Prince, Nikki Giovanni, and others, Ber-Henda is an ambassador of the arts, nurturing youth poetry with organizations like Inside Out Literary Arts and Figure Skating Detroit. A graduate of Wayne State University, she lives her life in color. Explore more about her at www.ber-hendawilliams.com and listen to her podcast at www.ber-hendawilliams. com/s-projects-basic.

19

The Daily Magnet: Attracting Abundance in Life and Business SHEILA KENNEDY

A

s I was sitting at my desk, pondering how I was going to raise money to publish a book, I had an epiphany. I just completed interviewing twelve successful entrepreneurs about their best practices for successful and confident entrepreneurship. How was I going to raise the money to pay to have the book prepared so I could share their stories and confirm my initial premise that confident entrepreneurship matters?

I looked at the data I had just collected. I was going to put together the practices that overlapped or that stood out as something that would yield the best results. I would practice each one daily for 60 days to see if I could raise the money.

Most of the practices that I included were about what you can attract, so that you can achieve and attract MORE. If I made the money and attracted more abundance, than I would have completed a real time experiment that proved confident entrepreneurship mattered. I would have the book as proof of 2. Three examples of gratitude: Gratitude is a huge the truths written inside. component when attracting abundance. Start the day recalling Sure enough, in 60 days, I tripled my income. I attracted my three things that you are grateful for that were different from ideal clients and I was offered several opportunities to speak. the day before. You have been given so much. You will not run My premise was proved, and I raised the money to publish out of new things to be grateful for. Plus, it gets you thinking Choices to Changes, which held the compelling practices to creatively right off the bat each day. successful and abundant living.

3. Daily Intention/Affirmation: Setting the intention is a What were the practices? I have them listed below with an huge component for any day. Bert Martinez took the worst explanation as to how each one works. You can keep a journal producing sales team and converted them into a recordand hand write them each day or create a template to fill in breaking sale team just by using affirmations. Send out what each day on the computer. It is important that you record The you want to come back to you. Be intentional.

Daily Magnet in some way so that you can track and assess activities to modify behavior and mindset. This is truly the 4. Info-sponging: Jeff Hoffman shared that “Info-sponging is real deal and has made incredible impact for anyone that tries observing what is happening outside your industry and in the world, literally taking notes and then connecting the dots of it and practices it consistently. random ideas to create new solutions. This is about noticing 1. Income Flow: Track the money that comes in each day. the changes that are happening in the world, getting excited The total starts with whatever balance is in your account. This about them, and making them fit in new ways. Hunting for is so you see that you always have something. If you have days changes rather than fearing them.” Take twenty minutes each that you don’t bring in any income for whatever reason, that day and surf the net, read a newspaper, or troll social media can get disheartening. When you pay attention to money; it to find innovative ideas, across industries, that intrigue you.

Every few weeks examine the ideas that you saved and see if pays attention back to you. you can apply them to your business.

20

5. Three revenue generating activities: Sarah Newton shared this, and it absolutely makes a difference. Do not end your day until you have completed three revenue generating activities such as sending invoices, forwarding contracts to be signed, setting up selling conversations, etc. I don’t limit it to only business activities. I sell items I no longer need or use for example. It is only three activities and you will find that the flow of revenue will most certainly increase.

6. Record of daily activities: This is important for you to begin tracking how you are spending your time. Keefe Duterte says, “Action expresses priority.” It is consistent daily action that will truly set you on the course for success.

7. People or groups that you reached out to: This is so important because you want to continually be inviting people into relationship with you. If you are not expanding your circle, you will not have a circle to serve or sell to. This must be a continual, strategic effort.

8. One Joyful Thing: End each day recalling one event, situation or circumstance that brought you joy. Give thanks for whatever it was. Gratitude amplifies abundance.

9. One Act of Courage: This is important, so you can observe that you can act courageously and survive. You often don’t take risks, because you aren’t sure you can survive the consequences.

This is a wonderful way to inspire trust in your abilities and intuition.

A few other suggestions to make the Daily Magnet work best for you: 1. Keep this log every day. This is not limited to only “work” days. You want to be a magnet for abundance every day, not just Monday through Friday.

Sheila Kennedy, Author and Publisher at The Zebra Ink, opens the doors of opportunity for authors and speakers to be seen, heard and hired. Leveling the playing field for independent authors, Sheila helps them build their pages, platform and profits. To find out more, please visit www.thezebraink.com.

2. Write it all down. It is important to keep a record of what you do while using the Daily Magnet. Once a week, look at the week’s records and see if you can connect the dots on any infosponging ideas or see any patterns of where you are spending your time in your activities. It is good to review occasionally so you can identify any places that need course correction.

3. You may notice that self-care is not included in the Daily Magnet. That is because using the Daily Magnet is an act of self-care. You are engaging in a supreme act of love for yourself by attracting more abundance into your life.

Cheers to The Daily Magnet and an abundant way of life!

21

Unqualified Opinions STEPHANIE MCKEITH

D

eep in the throes of my studies to become a physical therapist, my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer.

His oncology team wrote up a recipe for chemotherapy and radiation and they told him surgery wasn’t a good idea but if he really wanted it, they’d consider exploring the possibility of it. When my dad asked what his other options were, his pulmonary oncologist told him he had no other options. I was baffled, shocked and to be honest, I was disgusted. I am not a doctor and that was my first intimate experience with cancer, but it made no sense to me how someone with such an extensive education could tell a sick patient there are no treatment options other than what was inevitably going to make him sicker. I just couldn’t wrap my mind around that logic and refused to believe there were no other choices for therapy.

and be happy?” Ugh, gut punch! That changed me forever and I began my study into cannabis and cancer that very same day.

The more time I invested into learning about this herb, the more frustrated I became. In endless medical journals, the proof that cannabis had a place in medicine was abundant. It was assisting in the healing process of cancer, reducing seizures, combatting inflammation, regulating sleep cycles, relieving aches and pains, soothing gastrointestinal discomfort, helping people calm down from the anxiousness stress causes, and the list went on. With every article I read, I found myself thinking: why isn’t this a regular discussion with every cancer patient?

Why aren’t all doctors talking to their sick or suffering patients about this?

I looked at him with a side eye stare and slight suspicion of what he meant by “funny stuff ” and without hesitation I asked him if he meant weed. Before he even had the opportunity to respond, I accused him of just wanting to get high! It aggravated me that he would want to get stoned at a time like this. Drugs, really? He had cancer and all he could think about was sitting on the couch laughing without a care in the world. It made me so mad and my mind swirled with all kinds of backlash to toss his way.

Sadly, the years that piled up by the time I felt confident in my education and experience to guide my dad in utilizing cannabis as an actual therapy. I was too late in my ability to help him incorporate the plant oil into his regimen. The damage from the conventional treatment caused his lungs to fail and we lost him to adverse reactions of treatment.

I quickly learned that the opinion I formed about cannabis was not my own but one that was programmed into me from Not sure of what else to do and completely oblivious to what a young age. I had no evidence to support the judgement I treatment alternatives existed at that time, my dad went ahead spewed for a topic I obviously knew nothing about. The guilt with the doctors’ recommendations. Although we’ve seen for being so judgmental about something I had no supportive many times before what chemo and radiation do to people evidence to judge settled in quickly. and how it strips life away, it was just as scary to do anything else. So, while he put on smile and prepared to tough out the Good thing it’s okay to learn better and do better as you grow barbaric chemicals, I dove into researching what could possibly into a wiser version of yourself ! I not only changed my field help him heal and alleviate some of the side effects from the of study, but my entire lifestyle was adjusted by the mounds toxic compounds he was going to endure. Thankfully, he of information I was uncovering. At the time however, it was agreed to integrate anything that my mom or I thought would nearly impossible to find doctors that worked with cannabis. help support him to not only get better but to feel better as It was still federally illegal so obtaining it was very difficult and well. He was very clear that there would be one caveat to his locating a specialist to guide us on dosage and methods of use cooperation; that I get him some of that “funny stuff ” people was non-existent. We were on our own to figure out how all smoke that makes their cancer go away. that went.

Thinking I had failed and wasted years studying cannabis as medicine, my sister was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer. Cannabis became a significant therapeutic player in Before I could get a word of my lecture loaded, the very next her recovery and maintaining her cancer free status to the date thing he expressed will stick with me forever. He looked right of this article! I have counseled thousands of people through into my eyeballs and said, “I have cancer and the doctors are their own journey with this plant medicine, including many at telling me I have six months to live. So what if I want to laugh cancer clinics and in other countries.

22

One clinic in particular, Hope4Cancer in Mexico, is a favorite of mine. After working with their staff to assist in counseling their patients with the addition of cannabis into healing protocols, the founder, Dr Tony Jimenez, requested I write a book.

His desire was to have an informative guide that could be shared with staff and patients alike. We are decades deep into the understanding that cannabis isn’t helpful to health at random. There is an entire system within each of us that interacts with the constituents of the cannabis plant yet is not taught in standard medical curriculum. It’s frustrating to doctors with a functional approach to health vs strictly pharmaceutical because they are limited in knowledge unless they devote the time to educate themselves about this very complex and intricate system.

I redeemed myself from the judgement and slang I once tossed around and have found my position towards ending stigmas about things I know nothing about.

Stephanie McKeith has spent her entire adult life being challenged by life changing stigmatized situations. It embedded a deep desire in her soul to help others escape their own hell on earth. She started a grassroots project, http://www.endingstigmas.com to share stories and resources so others aren’t left to feel lost or suffer in silence. Stephanie is the author of Cannibis Compass, Finding Direction in Your Endocannabinoid System.

Click above to listen in to Stephanie’s Interview on Zebra Ink TV. 23

Liminal Reality ROBERT MERLO

“Liminal Reality” is a mixed-media composition utilizing cookie icing and melted marshmallows on canvas. As typical of my work, I’ve thrown out the rules when creating this piece.

Although I’ve used ‘abstract’ to describe my latest compositions, I don’t favor subscribing to any specific genre, style, or method, lest I pigeonhole myself, limiting me from exploring my true artistic potential. ‘Unconventional’ is a more accurate description.

“Unconventional’ refers to my art style that is intentionally unrefined or chaotic in its appearance. It can include drips, splatters, smears, and smudges I create using various experimental techniques and materials.

With ‘Liminal Reality,’ similar to some of my other work, I aimed to develop a sense of energy and movement and challenge traditional notions of beauty, order, and rules.

For this particular composition, I used non-traditional, unconventional mediums (read: food-based) that are perishable and thus have to be photographed with a high-resolution camera within a few hours of completion, lest the work degrades into an unidentifiable, unremarkable mess.

As part of creating this composition, I used Procreate and Adobe Creative Suite to digitally enhance the image to accentuate colors, lighten/darken, and sharpen it to achieve the desired effect.

Link to Store: https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/ cognitivebliss/ Link to Print: https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/ cognitivebliss/liminal-reality/ Link to Store: https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/cognitivebliss/ Link to Print: https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/cognitivebliss/liminalreality/

A graduate of the University of Rochester and the Charles H. Lundquist College of Business at the University of Oregon, Robert Merlo is employed in the Ed Tech Industry. He lives in Rochester, New York with his wife, a 3rd-grade teacher, and their 13-year-old daughter.

Find out more about Robert on LinkedIn.

24

Liminal Reality by Robert Merlo

25

Meditative Soul: The Power of Nature F

or as long as I can remember, I have had a special relationship with nature. On our family vacations, we would take our girls to Moosehead Lake in Maine, and each morning I would wake up to see what the lake was doing. I would look out at the water to see the cove and then hike a mile and a half up the road to get a better view of the lake. Was it calm or rough, were there clouds covering the mountains, could I see boats on the water, birds in the sky, and was there different weather off in the distance? I always had a favorite place to use as a vantage point, past the Adirondack chairs at the bed and breakfast to the yellow house with the perfect view. I would be so excited as I hiked up the road in anticipation of how nature would unfold along the way and what the lake would look like when I could see it resting within the mountains.

I remember doing something similar as a child, whenever we went to my grandparents’ house on the bay in Long Beach Island. The minute we unpacked, I’d ask to go say “hi” to the ocean to see the waves, and notice whether they were calm and rhythmic or rough and turbulent. I’d be in awe either way and immerse myself in their power and beauty. I would take it all in, the beauty of ocean and the sky, the smell the salt air, the movement of the breeze. For the rest of our vacation, any chance I’d get I’d be in the water, body surfing in the waves. I found myself noticing the pattern as to which were the best to ride. One day, I remember thinking if I can just wait until that seventh wave. The first few would be tiny but starting around the fourth they would grow. Then it looked like the sixth was the best, until I could see the seventh rising behind it. How excited I was to be with the ocean and feel its ebb and flow.

I wondered if I could I catch the wave for a ride or would it swallow me up and throw me about. And if I happened to catch the wave, what a thrill it would be as it picked me up and carried and tossed me as we skipped together across the water.

I felt so connected to its greatness and so in awe of its beauty.

DIANE HIBBARD

because if I got too close, they would dip back down under the surface and pop up further away. For hours as I moved around the islands, I tried to be still and drift in the right direction, anticipating where they may pop up. One day, after many years of trying, I was finally in the right place, at the right time, with the right equipment when a loon finally breached, rose up and spread her wings. What a beauty she was… showing such strength… rising above the water as if reaching toward the sky.

Photo credit Diane Hibbard

Having struggled with anxiety my whole life, it was during these moments, that I started to notice how soothing it felt to immerse myself in nature. I felt comforted by her as if she was trying to reach out and heal me as I was trying to capture perfect moments with her. I also noticed that if I mentally focused on each picture long enough, it started to tell a story of hope, of peace, and of healing. Years later, when I was no longer traveling to Maine each summer, I would think of a picture I had taken there and started writing whatever would bubble up. It was in those moments, that Meditative Soul was born. I started taking more pictures of nature wherever I was and would often think about what message each was telling me. I noticed the messages were often of the hope, beauty, goodness, and strength, that I needed to hear in that moment.

The more comfort I sought, the more the messages connected with me spiritually to soothe and heal me.

What I started to see was there is beauty all around us. If we could just take a moment to pause and see the sky, the trees, the Back in Maine, as I climbed down the mountain, I would plan birds, the water, and God’s creatures milling about, we could my next excursion on the water, going out in the kayak to try to experience the power of nature. Each has a story of love, of find the loons. I could always hear them in the distance, but I beauty, of strength and resilience, and we need not look far. would wonder if I could get close enough to take their picture. We just need to pause, wait, and listen to what comes to us in I would spend hours on the water, kayaking in and around the that moment. I imagine it’s exactly what we need to hear… that islands trying to find them and anticipate their next move. we are all connected, to each other, to the Divine, and that we I’d have to be ready with the camera at a moment’s notice, are loved… truly and deeply loved.

26

Photo credit Diane Hibbard

Diane M. Hibbard, BSEE, LMT, RYT As Meditative Soul, Diane shares her love of nature through her photography and reflections to help offer moments of comfort, support, healing, and love.

You can see more of her work at http://meditativesoul. com/escape/ and her book, Escape into Nature… and Soothe Your Soul.

Photo credit Diane Hibbard

27

Self-Publishing Roadmap

Are you thinking about publishing a book this year?

Have you published with a small label or self-published and need help on how to build a platform for your book to be sold?

Most Indie authors are more than capable of publishing, marketing, and selling their own books! In being in the industry for over ten years, we have found they just aren’t sure what or how to do it. The Zebra Ink is here for mentorship and membership – become a part of a community and a directory of Indie Authors complete with reviews, socials, and book links for purchase!

When you join the Self-Publishing Roadmap membership, you will get all kinds of resources, be part of a community that meets monthly, have a directory listing for Indie Authors and so much more.

Join us and make publishing and marketing not so lonely! Get the resources you need to build the platform you want!

Click the button for more details about Self-Publishing Roadmap Membership!

28

Join Today >

Have you had an idea for a book but can’t seem to get it written?

Have you found writing to be too isolating?

Need some feedback and accountability?

We have just the thing!

Memoir Mastermind is a six-month mastermind that meets twice a month. You will read a passage from your book for feedback and also get a private session with Sheila Kennedy each month.

Want to hear from someone who has been a part of a Memoir Mastermind before? Here you go -

“I’ve always wanted to write a book.” I used to say that, but I had no idea how to get started. I mentioned to Sheila Kennedy that I was clueless as to how to author a book and then the magic happened! I signed up with Sheila for one of her Master Mind Workshops.

This program provided me with a framework and valuable insight along the way on the book writing process. Sheila has been a trusted mentor, guide, and encourager throughout the entire writing/publishing process. Her positive, never give up attitude kept me going. Meeting virtually once a month was the perfect match to my writing. If you want to write your first book, sign up with Sheila and get your master mind on the road to success.”

~ Ruth Medlin

For more details, visit Memoir Mastermind with Sheila Kennedy of The Zebra Ink. 29

Connect with the Zebra Ink Magazine on our Social Media Accounts!

For information on how to submit your story or art:

Submit Your Work If you enjoyed this issue of Zebra Ink Magazine, and would like to support our efforts to share stories that empower the world.

Donate

Thank you for reading! See you next issue!

30