Book Review: Breathless

Picture by Chocolate Geek

Puzzle and Riddle. There two enchanting creatures are the main reason why I liked this book. As a huge Dean Koontz fan, this was the latest book on my list. I am continually intrigued and captivated by the ideas and characters Koontz presents.

Breathless will leave you just that – holding your breath in anticipation of the next chapter, the next unique synchronous event to boggle your mind and stretch your imagination farther than it’s gone before. Although it may be a bit disjointed and rambling at times, if you love to stretch your brain into areas of the unknown and unusual, this story will deliver. Chaos theory, evolution, and glow-in-the dark pigs await.

His love and adoration for the canine species pops up again with Merlin, a gentle and good-natured Irish wolfhound, who with his master Grady Adams discover an unusual pair of animals unlike anything seen before. The playfulness, beauty and features of Puzzle and Riddle will captivate you and have you pondering the beauty and variety of life on planet Earth.

Grady requests the help of veterinarian Dr. Camillia Rivers to identify these eccentric creatures. Meanwhile synchronicity brings seemingly unrelated events together. In Las Vegas the casinos are visited by a card counter of a most unusual nature. Dr. Lamar Woolsey, mathematician and physics professor uses his knowledge of cards to give great gifts. A disfigured vagrant begins a strange journey into the unknown, following signs only he can see. Violent psychopath Henry Rouvroy hunts down his identical twin to steal his identity. Elsewhere a law-breaking lawyer sets up the murder of his own family.

With his fast paced story telling, Koontz reveals intriguing characters bit by bit. They can be both innocently charming and hideously evil. He weaves together story lines and characters so vastly different and divergent you are left contemplating their connection with each other and the unpredictability of life.

While this may not have been Koontz’s best work, it was none the less an interesting and enjoyable read. Unlike many authors, Koontz leaves you with unanswered questions, things for you to ponder and think about. And that is what I love best about Dean Koontz – how he makes you think.

Do Your Thing!

As Light as Air by aussiegall

What’s your thing? Do you tell great jokes and make everyone laugh? Are you a gardener whose delicious fruits and vegetables look like works of art and taste like the finest dining? Have you become the #1 collector of vintage GI Joe figures or Strawberry Shortcake dolls?

We all have passions, loves and favorite subjects. Sometimes there are tons of other people who enjoy the same thing. Other times you may be the chief authority on the best fishing lures or the only collectors of heart-shaped keychains. The great thing is; this is what makes us all unique and interesting. It’s part of our personal style. It’s our thing.

If you’re one of the lucky ones, you get to work at your obsession every day. Maybe you love dogs and you work as a pet sitter, cuddling fluffy kittens and playing ball with energetic dogs every day. Or you could love flour, cakes and frosting and have your own bakery. Maybe you love helping others and you work as a nurse, doctor, counselor or therapist.

Meeting someone who loves their work gives us a jolt to make our own passions and joys part of our daily life. How many grumpy, zombie-like, half-asleep people do you know? Probably lots. How many alert, excited, and happy people do you know? I’ll bet you can count them on one hand. Become one of these people. Even if you can’t do the work you love, you can work to love what you do.

So put your bowling trophy on your desk at work. Enter your flowers in the fair and meet other budding enthusiasts. Be a mentor and teach a child how to golf or play basketball. Buy that Darth Vader lamp shade for your bedroom – it’s your room isn’t it?

Don’t be afraid to live a little. So often we give in to that pressure to fit in and “be normal.” What is normal? What’s normal for Americans is strange to the Chinese. The Germans don’t eat the same foods as the Italians. India dresses differently from Russia. Embrace the differences – your own and others. They make the world a more interesting place. Variety adds fun and an element of surprise to each day.

Wear white after Labor Day – you’ll match the ice and snow. Cook a five-course meal for two – who says you need a crowd? Read comic books instead of novels. Play hide and go seek with your husband. Have fun and live well. Do your thing and enjoy life!

Happiness Tips from Teens.

Ist das die Sonne? Day 45 by Arwen Abendstern

Who knew those reclusive, moody, opinionated teenagers had so much common sense? Here’s an idea of some of the tips they’d give for a happier life – if only you’d listen to them:

1. Get plenty of sleep. Snuggle under those covers and use those extra pillows to block out the sun. Make sure you get plenty of shut-eye so you can conserve your energy for those important events like skateboarding, football games, socializing and parties.
2. Eat what you like. Your body needs fuel to feel good and work properly. You need food and plenty of it. Don’t skimp on eating and deprive yourself – eat foods that taste great so hunger won’t be a distraction later in the day (or night.)
3. Don’t listen to authority figures. Always make sure those in charge actually know what they are talking about. Question everything. Believe in yourself and follow your dreams even if the experts don’t think it will work.
4. Express yourself. Don’t conform to the expectations of others. Find your own style and personality.
5. Experiment. To keep life from getting dull and repetitive, stay curious and try new ideas. Remember that your future is full of limitless potential.
6. Let loose once in a while. When the pressures and constraints of life bring you down, go a little crazy. Let your hair down (or put it up) and go out for a night of fun. Party your butt off!
7. Remember your friends. They are the ones who pick you up when you stumble, and make you laugh when you have a rough day. Stay in touch through email, phone, letters, and frequent visits.
8. Embrace change. Life is all about learning and growing. Be open to new people, places and changing trends. Embrace new technology and help keep your mind from growing stale.
9. Stay active. Whether you enjoy sports, daily walks, dancing or chasing your younger brother through the house, a healthy body is an active one.
10. Keep your calendar clear. Don’t let chores, work or school commitments keep you from taking time for yourself. Leave free time for activities you enjoy – or for nothing at all.

Playing With Crayons.

Crayola Lincoln Logs by laffy4k

I can’t guarantee it’ll work for everyone, but why not give crayons a try? There’s just something about those boldly colored sticks of wax that bring back happy memories. Crayons make us think about the innocence and fun of coloring books and crayon drawings. When you look at them you don’t expect masterpieces of art; it frees you to release your expectations and just have fun. Now isn’t that a great lesson for everyday?

If you’re really lucky you’ll have memories of kindergarten and nice teachers who told you it was okay to color outside of the lines “as long as you do your best.” What a message! It’s okay to fail as long as you try. If only our adult bosses would convey that message once in a while; imagine the spike in creativity that would result.

Crayons are a symbol of playfulness. Sadly such good humor is something that many adults, and a growing number of teens, no longer possess. Playfulness is the ability to put enjoyment into an activity that is dull or boring and make it fun. Take the job of washing the car. Usually that’s a dull, repetitive task, even on a sunny day. But bring a friend, some bathing suits and a long green hose, and you have a hilarious game of “keep the water on your friend, not the car.”

Drawing with a crayon is the ultimate freedom. If your line is a little squiggly you can change it into a flower. If the round face doesn’t have the right flesh tone, you can add a new color on top until it’s perfect. You can turn your mistakes into new pieces of the picture and it still looks beautiful.

For adults this can be a fun toy to distract us from our problems. I used to keep a box of 24 at my desk at work. Every now and then I’d take it out and draw something silly. For some reason that little act would help me feel relaxed and happy. Those bright, cheerful colors will raise your spirits every time. Don’t forget all the choices you have; scented, neon, glitter, and even washable crayons for those who like to draw on those “wall-sized canvases.”

If you are feeling confined, restrained, or inhibited, pull out a few color sticks, some paper and have a little release. If you have a hard time being imperfect, this is the time to practice. Put the crayon in your non-dominant hand (usually your left), and see what happens. You don’t have to let anyone else see the results. Just loosen up and have fun.

Visit Crayola.com

See How Crayons Are Made

New Environments of Fun.

Happy Honu by jurvetson

It happens to all of us. For no particular reason we start feeling out-of-sorts and bored. We get stuck in a dull, repetitive pattern and all of our energy and creativity flies right out the window. Our minds shrivel and dry up, and we suddenly find ourselves spending too much time with the TV.

But have hope, my friends. As easy as it is to slip into a rut, it’s just as easy to get out again. All you need to do is introduce something new or different in your life. Even the smallest change, like taking a different road to work can make a difference. You could take the scenic route and see the sun rise over the water, or find a course that takes you by your favorite coffee shop. Add some perk to your morning.

Although I admit I’m a bit of a sissy and afraid of looking foolish, I have been trying more new things over the past few years. Everything from moving from Florida to West Virginia, to taking a course on writing children’s books, to white water rafting, and flying in an experimental open-air plane. Also, I do dance more (although not in front of other people), and I go more places that I haven’t experienced before.

One way to get inspired is to see what other people are doing. For some great ideas on that visit 43 things, and look at the entries under “try new things”, my favorite being Ru’s breathe deeper life list, especially #4 “find at least one thing each day that makes me happy and record it everyday for a year.” Now there’s a great task to try!

Even more revealing is listing the things you’d like to do before you die. Far from being morbid, this activity actually helps you find those things that fill you with passion and excitement. They can be small or large, but the main idea is fill you with enthusiasm and fun just thinking about it. Maybe you’d like to take a cruise to another country, or visit The Coliseum in Rome. You could yearn to climb Mount Everest, or simply like to learn how to ski. Perhaps you’d like to sky dive, ride in a hot-air balloon, or just visit your local aquarium.

For more fantastic ideas on new environments and things to do, visit Grant Thorpe’s “100 things to do before you die,” as well as “Creating a bucket list.” Some of my favorites include; learn Mandarin (for you Firefly fans), take a belly dancing class, swim with sharks, watching the Space Shuttle take off, and ride a camel in the desert. These lists are filled with fun and unique activities certain to get you out of your comfort zone and into something new and exciting. Try it for yourself and let me hear about your success.

Imagination – the Gift of Possibilities.

The world through my eyes by aussiegall

Besides laughter, imagination is one of the greatest gifts of human beings. Our imaginations allow us to contemplate such mysteries as how we can lower our electric bill and save money, to the merits of brawn versus brain in a Hulk versus Superman fight to the finish. With the power of our minds we can create new worlds, new ideas, and new ways of thinking. With a little help we can make our imagination limitless.

Imagination is often underrated and overlooked. Parents are heard shushing their children, “There are no such things are monsters under the bed,” while in later years advertisers pay millions for successful product ads filled with the same type of originality and wonder.

Imagination is part of our world in a wide variety of ways; from new recipes and taste combinations, to the books we read, movies we watch and of course the art we enjoy in our homes. Imagination is the powerhouse of creativity and ingenuity that create new products and services and grow our economy and our world. Inventive and visionary people from all walks of life are sought for an assortment of jobs, businesses and careers.

Imagination has played a part in my life since the very beginning. As a child my love for reading and learning came in large part from the colorful, creative and unusual world of Dr. Suess. Cartoons which allowed a suspension of reality filled my head with wonderful and marvelous new ideas. Fun and playful commercials enticed me into a fantasy world with my favorite characters where adventure and excitement lay around every corner.

Here are a few of my favorite imaginations:

• Shel Silverstein – author of “A Light in the Attic,” and several other wonderful books. Childhood poetry and books opened my mind to meeting new people and seeing new places.
• Roald Dahl – author of “Matilda,” and “The Big Friendly Giant (or BFG).” Dahl’s creative wordplay, playful attitude and funny characters are still a joy to read.
• George Lucas – director of Star Wars. Okay, we all know George. His movies have created one of the hugest fan bases in this universe. For over 30 years he his beloved films have inspired new generations of scientists, researchers, explorers across the globe.
• Beethoven, Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart and other classical artists have touched hearts and minds with their musical genius. Their legacy continues as the beauty of music continues to inspire countless generations.
• Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Graham Bell, and the many past and present inventors, whose very job it is to have the biggest imaginations possible. Without them and their wonderful minds we’d still be in the dark.
• Your children and grandchildren. If ever you need a boost in how to access and use your imagination, spend a little time with some kids.

If this has inspired you as much as it has me, you may want to jump right out there and start using that noggin of yours. Use it or lose it as they say. Here are a few web sites to help you do just that:

Develop Your Imagination by Using it.

Guided Imagery for Relaxation

Robert Alan Black’s Creativity Challenge #14 (1999)

International Centre For Creativity and Imagination

Imagination is power.

Roald Dahl’s characters Uploaded on March 12, 2006 by javic

"Imagination is more important than knowledge."
Albert Einstein US (German-born) physicist (1879 - 1955)

This quote has stuck with me for much of my life. I’ve always admired the fact that a scientist and genius like Einstein recognized the value of imagination. Some days it seems like people are trying to rid the world of imagination by getting rid of music, art, recess and the other fun free time where children explore, learn and grow.

Imagination is a sense of adventure. Remember when a cardboard box was a time machine, a rocket ship, or a ship sailing the high seas? When is the last time you looked at a box and saw what it could be instead of the “reality” of what it is?

One of my favorite childhood authors is Roald Dahl. My favorite book is the BFG (or Big Friendly Giant). Not only was it entertaining adventure, but this book had a language all its own. So popular in fact, that his web site has a game of Gobblefunking just so you can learn to talk like the BFG. It’s a grandtastic example of noodling your noggin.

Calvin and Hobbes made a big impact on me as a child too. Calvin’s imagination had no limits. He was a space explorer, a time traveler, philosopher and artist extraordinaire. Reading Calvin as a child I could totally relate to how he viewed the world. I knew stuffed animals could come alive and it made perfect sense that you could become invisible or get lost in the jungle in your own backyard.

Be playful, explore, experiment and have fun. Look for dinosaur eggs during your next visit to a cave system. Listen to the musical crunching of leaves as you walk and draw the purple unicorns and kind-hearted dragons that live in your mind. Eat candy for dinner, make up your own songs or write a poem. Let your mind wander where it will – you’ll be amazed at what you discover!

I want to be a dreamer and a silly-heart.

Halloween_K Uploaded on December 6, 2005 by chad050

One of my favorite funny movies is Uncle Buck. Childish, irresponsible Buck Russell is asked to take care of his nieces and nephew while his brother attends a funeral. One of my favorite scenes is when Uncle Buck is talking to 6 year-old Maizy’s school principle. She tells him that “She is a dreamer and a silly-heart. I doubt she takes one thing in her career at this school seriously.”

Like Buck, I don’t want to see any “serious” 6 year-olds. The joy of childhood is short and too easily forgotten. The playfulness, their open attitude, a willingness to see the good in people and enjoy the moment are hallmarks of the young. Too many adults have forgotten they were ever children at all. Indeed, some of them are so severe and close-minded I wonder if they were ever young.

Let’s not let the magic of childhood disappear. Our imaginations are one of our most important skills. Lack of imagination means fewer new ideas, repeating the same mistakes over again and leads to a dull mind. Daydreams let us “play” inside our heads where no one else can intrude. We can have a mini vacation in the Caribbean or invent a car that can drive itself. All it takes is a willingness to be a little silly.

Instead of believing it when we see it, we can believe it and then see it. It gives us the advantage on our competition because our life view helps us see things that others wouldn’t. Two people looking at the exact same scene see two totally different things. It could help you design a new product, start your own company, or write the next best-selling novel. You’ll never know unless you try. So start dreaming today!