Learning how to make growing up less scary

 The Awakening

She awoke and squirmed a little. But only a little for there was very little room. She looked around. She saw no one and nothing. She was alone. Frightened, she began to cry.

“What is it, my child?” A soft voice whispered.“Why do you cry?”

Even more frightened, she tried to look around, yet she could not move. She still saw no one. “Who are you?”

“I've been known by many names.” The voice replied. “Most call me Mother.”

“Why?”

Mother chuckled. “Because Little One, from me all life comes. To me, all life returns to rest until it is time to be born to learn and grow. Just as you are doing now.”
She pondered. “Who am I?”

Mother chuckled again. “Long ago when your soul was first born, you were named, Shylon. But now that you are awake enough to ask, you may choose another name. ”

“Shylon?” She liked the sound. “If I can choose any name, I choose Shylon.”

“I approve Little One.”

Shylon ate and slept and then ate some more. After a time she could move around. She shifted and turned. She wanted to know more about this place. But all around her seemed the same. “Mother,” she called.

“Yes, Little One.”

“What is this place?”

“It is your home. It is the safe world that I built for just you.”

“Why does it shrink when I sleep?”

Mother chuckled. “It's not shrinking. You are growing. As you eat, you make room. When you sleep you grow. Soon you will outgrow it and have to leave.”

Leave? Why would I want to do that?Shylon started to panic. I don't want to leave my home. Mother made it just for me. I like it here. Then the idea came to her and she spoke up. “You can make it bigger.”

“No my Little One. I can't do that.”

Shylon started to cry. She didn't want to leave her home. Mother made it just for her. She felt special and loved here. She was happy and safe. She had everything she needed in her world. Why would I want to leave it? Mother must not love me anymore.
“Little One, why do you cry?”

“You don't love me anymore.” Shylon whimpered.

“Why do you think that?”

“You made this place just for me. Why you do want me to leave it?”

Mother chuckled. “When it is time, it will be your decision. Free will is our highest law. Not even I can break it. Nor would I want to. You see, that is how we learn and grow.”

Comforted, Shylon settled back and ate some more. “If I decide to stay here always, will you still love me?”

Mother continued to chuckle. “Yes, Little One. I will always love you. There is nothing you can do that would make me stop.”

There came a time when she had a great deal more room to move. Her food was no longer soft and sweet; instead, it had become bitter and more difficult to chew. The light sometimes made it to difficult sleep. With the light came the heat that made her world seem so much smaller.

The light did help her find the sweet-tasting food, but it also showed how little there was left. Shylon reached for it. An eerie shape moved. Fearfully, she moved to the other side to get away. It moved along the wall, following her. Her fear was quickly replaced by anger. It must have taken my food. That’s why it was gone. She cried out, “Mother! Mother! A monster! A monster! It stole my food!”

Mother laughed. “Little One, it’s your shadow. See as you move so does it.”

How did the shadow get inside my world? That’s not possible. This world belongs to me and me alone. Mother made it just for me! Her anger exploded and she lashed out at it. But it shrank away and disappeared only to reappear someplace else. “Mother, make it go away! It’s bad! It ate my food. All I have left tastes terrible!”

“Little One. Little One.” Mother’s voice began fading away.

Shylon could no longer hear her. She was too busy chasing the shadow. But it always escaped. She squirmed and turned until she was too tired to move. More exhausted than she had ever been, she cried until she had no more tears left to shed.

“Mother, help me.”

But there was only silence. Shylon didn’t know what to say or do. Mother had never ignored her before. Mother doesn’t love me anymore. The thought made her sick. How can I get her to love me again? I don't understand. Why did she stop? I must be bad, Shylon thought. I didn't mean to be. It just happened. The shadow scared me and made me angry. “Mother, if I promise to always be good will you love me again? Please? I’ll be good. I promise. Please love me again!”

“Little One, I will always love you?” Mother's voice sounded strange; it was like she was suddenly far, far away.

Hearing her voice calmed Shylon, but the fear still remained.

“Your shadow was always there. But it was too dark for you to see it until now.”

“It stole my food!” Shylon whined.

“Shylon!” Mother scolded. Her voice was clear and strong as before. “You know that is not true.”

Surprised by her tone, Shylon became silent.

“No one has taken anything from you!” Mother continued. “You still have food to eat.”

“All that is left tastes bad.”

“There is always bitter with the sweet. Otherwise, you wouldn’t know the difference.”

“I’m sorry!” Shylon cried. “I’ll be happy with the food you give me. I promise.”

“Little One, I would never give you less than what is for your best and highest good. When you learn how to trust you will understand.”

I wish I could believe that. Shylon thought as she cried herself to sleep. She dreamed of a place that was too wonderful to describe. There were colors she had never seen before. There were new sounds that she had never heard before. It was all so bright and beautiful. There were others there that looked like her and many who were much different. She felt safe and happy.

She longed for the dream to continue. But she woke up and her world didn’t seem as wonderful. She had never noticed how dark and small it was before. The light made it easier for her to find the last spot where the food was soft and sweet. She ate it until it was gone then began eating the other until she made a hole and the light streamed brightly inside. It was warm and comforting. It reminded her of the dream.

Her shadow became bigger and darker as it danced on the wall. It startled her at first, but she no longer feared it. Something came through the hole and touched her, but she couldn’t see anything. It was cool, yet not. It smelled sweet. Wind, she thought, but she didn’t know how she knew that. The sounds reminded her of the dream.

Curious, she looked out of the hole. Things moved. Startled, she jerked back. A big piece of the wall fell outward and she could see beyond her little world. Her curiosity overwhelmed her fear and she briefly stuck her head out. But just as quickly ducked back inside. “Mother, what is that?”

Coming in from the outside, Mother’s voice was louder and clearer than before. “That is outside.”

“Outside? Is that were you are?”

Mother chuckled. “Come out and see.”

Shylon looked around. She loved her world. It had kept her safe. But she needed to know what was out there. She wiggled out of the hole. Besides, she thought, I can always go back inside if I don't like it.

Link to Kindle 

Link to Paperback

Author's Website

Cross-Branding to Support Veterans

Horses and Heroes is a Reality TV series, which combines the highly effective Peer Support Therapy with Equine Therapy. Unlike most in the genre, it will focus on healing and positive growth rather than endorsing bad behavior. Each season will bring together veterans from WWII to the current conflicts. They will be sharing their challenges and supporting each other as they find new solutions to their physical and emotional challenges. They know the talk because they have walked the walk. They see the dodges and will be able to call each other on them. Sparks may fly. Tempers may flare, especially when they force each other to face their ghosts. But there will also be laughter and fun as they rebuild the comradery, which kept them safe and strong. The snarkiness and practical jokes between the branches don't simply end. There is always room for more. This interaction will help them rebuild that sense of brother and sisterhood they depended on while serving, which will help them reclaim their civilian lives. When it airs, it will reach into the homes of the veterans, who need to hear that they are not alone, and give them information as well as permission they need to also heal. They will help each other find their way back to the world. Veterans can’t go back and make a brand new start, but they can start from now and make a brand new end.

The casting of veterans is extremely important. They can make or break the series. Therefore we will be extremely cautious with each season's cast, but the first is particularly important. Each season of Horses and Heroes will host eight veterans, who will be representative of all veterans. Thus, the cast will be based on diversity and inclusivity for gender, age, ethnicity, and branches of the military. For these reasons, we will be excluding those who propagate religious and political extremism. Horses and Heroes is solely about helping veterans heal and reclaim their lives. Too many have used them as disposable parts of the war machine or as political footballs to further their agendas. Veterans are people. Pure and simple. Horses and Heroes' goal is to empower them to reclaim their lives by helping them face down their ghosts.

Horses and Heroes is not about pointing fingers or creating a political firestorm. It can’t fix the system nor will is it a cure-all. What it will do is show that there are alternatives, which effectively help military personnel and veterans to heal their way home.

#productplacement #veteransupport #littlecaesars #fordtrucks #equinetherapy #hiringveterans #TheresaChaze #HorsesandHeroes #marketingandadvertising #TVseries

 

Dark Shadows Style Gothic Horror

 

In the same genre as the original Dark Shadows TV series, Chalice Island tells the Gothic Horror tales of how love and evil continue to battle over the souls of men as Jacqueline must choose between cursing her son and releasing an ancient evil.

Initially released as a feature film, Chalice Island will also serve as the pilot for a new TV series with the same name.

Website

#darkshadows #gothichorror

New Film and Television Production Studio

 

Based in Oklahoma, Kaleidoscope Film and Television will be producing and distributing film, television, documentary, and video projects in both domestic and international marketplaces as well as in all current and future distribution platforms. Focusing on entertainment projects based on ethnic, gender, and age diversity, especially for women, Native Americans, and veterans, the studio will produce projects that will reflect the ever-changing and ever-expanding world.

Kaleidoscope Film and Television will combine the best of the old school with modern technologies. Based on the concept originally created by D. W. Griffith, Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks with United Artists, Kaleidoscope Film and Television intends to once again pull together the talent of producers, directors, actors, and crew, who want to take back their independence by having more financial and creative control of their careers. However, instead of focusing on only uniting individuals, Kaleidoscope will bring together the independent production companies to create a co-operative that will empower new voices, while producing quality and profitable entertainment.

More of a co-operative than a partnership, Kaleidoscope Film and Television will gather the talents of individuals and production companies together under one banner to create a choir of voices. Currently, it is seeking entertainment professionals, who would like to challenge the industry to become more inclusive.

Website

#filmmaking #productioncompany #televisionproduction #kaleidoscopefilmandtelevision #oklahoma #TheresaChaze

Networking Doesn't have to be Impersonal

 

Getting Real Again: Reviving The Lost Art Of Networking.

By

Rochelle Arjmand

I swear I looked like a deer caught in headlights!

I walked into a magical world. Taking in the sights and sounds of the beautiful rooftop of a swanky hotel. It was a picturesque gathering of my fellow connectors. An experience rich in bragging rights and business opportunities. A scene worthy of a red carpet, with the potential to facilitate world-class connections.

Yet there I froze. My whimsy interrupted when I was abruptly ‘welcomed’ by an oversized easel board littered with badges in an array of colors representing different occupations. I claimed my red advertising and communications badge, grabbed my two drink tickets, and was on my own. As a highly sought-after connector, this was where I belonged - in theory.

I felt otherwise. I was soon unable to differentiate the rattling of my nerves from the clattering of champagne glasses and cheerful surface banter. I became a lonely connector disconnected from my fellow humans, unable to forge authentic connections in a room of color-coded cliques. People were scrutinizing the color stripe on my badge to decide if I was worthy of approach. If my industry was good enough. If there was a return on the time invested in getting to know me.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, was my experience at one of the most reputed and well-known nationally syndicated networking events in the United States. I wondered; when did networking become a mass-marketed product that put people last? I tend to be cognizant of the comfort of those around me to a fault. If I - as a connector - was ill at ease and uncertain at this event, how did the introverts and inexperienced feel?

Somewhere along the way, we have let go of the art of networking.

We are all familiar with the famous sayings.

One connection can make a difference!

It's not what you know; but who you know.

Your network is your net worth.

Yet we tend to feel unworthy and increasingly unconnected.

The pursuit of the elusive key connection often has us flocking to huge events with hundreds of attendees in a desperate attempt to find the missing piece of the puzzle. Standing in a sea of disconnected souls, none of whom you know, and few who seem to care to get to know you. The noise level makes it hard to start a conversation, let alone make a connection. And then there are the awkward moments. Being asked if you have a card on you, or asking for someone’s information like a police officer issuing a speeding ticket.

Somewhere along the line, we replaced quality with quantity and have given networking a bad name. We have turned intimate into intimidating. Transformational into transactional.

We are card collectors, acting like hunters and gatherers who are privy to a limited supply of contacts. We put pressure on ourselves to get our return on time at networking events by growing our contact list. Only to return home with a confusing pile of cards and little understood contacts. So where do we go from here?

Connection is a basic human desire. We all crave deep, meaningful, connections. By reducing human interactions to an obsession with meeting the person who can open the door to the job that will change our life we have detached from our most innate instincts as fellow human beings. Living in the glory days of instant gratification, we easily crack under the pressure, becoming disengaged and discouraged.

Perhaps not all networking events are disappointing. The most successful tend to be purpose-driven events hosted by a certain organization or industry. Such events tend to transcend the cocktail party vibe and unite people for the greater good. The more people and purpose-centric a networking event is, the better the experience and outcome for all involved. But even these meet-up models have moved away from the fine art of networking. Take trends like speed networking. Another attempt to increase the return on time is by sacrificing all that is sacred about genuine connection.

It's time to go back to the basics. To the roots of what it means to connect. To be authentic in our interactions by default. Authentic is a word that carries both a heavyweight and an aura of overuse. Here the word is intentional and appropriate, as we increasingly see people with a hunger for care-based connections and a craving for the personal touch.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

It is time to experience a new way to connect.

Meet Rochelle Arjmand, a power broker to purpose-driven professionals.

With an innate ability to see possibilities and probabilities, Rochelle understands the big vision and the road map to get there from A to Z. Her signature rooftop gatherings are the place where real connections are made by real people. A breeding ground for big thinking and big missions to come to life.

The catalytic connections that are made at Rochelle’s events are life-changing. Mutually beneficial. Natural. Easy. The lucky few who are invited are a loyal bunch. They know the value of a carefully curated and well-cared-for community. The respect that event attendees show one another is a byproduct of the attention to detail and care that Rochelle puts into planning joyous events where deep, organic, conversations lead to lifelong friendships.

The results of collaborations and partnerships that have come under Rochelle’s watch are world-class. Two of her clients went on to form their own stage theater production company. They are now starring in and producing stage plays. Their connection was catalyzed by Rochelle’s rockstar PR work. Taking a grassroots approach, Rochelle was able to get their productions into multiple venues and create win-win situations for all involved.

It wasn’t long before Rochelle was asked to network on behalf of others. Rochelle now serves a select number of private clients with bespoke, connection-based, catalyzation blueprints and VIP Days. The key to her success is her sincere commitment to understanding the personality and purpose of her clients and building them a network that aligns with their personal and professional goals. VIP Days with Rochelle are full of potential for her clients. She spends these days attending events and facilitating introductions with a strategic focus. Success is a puzzle, and Rochelle is the world’s best at gathering all of the pieces and putting them together to create opportunities and impact.

But Rochelle does more than make introductions. Working intimately with her clients, she quickly becomes their secret weapon. Their catalyst. Their shortcut to success. Rochelle carefully screens potential connections for their ability to hold space for her client’s visions, putting in the time and energy required for the real magic to happen.

Rochelle is more than a connector. She is authentic and empathetic. A conduit. A dream catcher. The game-changer for high-performing, purpose-driven executives, experts, and entrepreneurs who know no limits. She intuitively identifies those missing puzzle pieces - what clients need to achieve their goals and make their dreams come true. She puts in the time. Does the research. And gets results. She guides clients step by step - and never loses sight of how important they - the people - are in the art of connecting.

Want to know what it is like to work with Rochelle?

“Rochelle is one of the most enthusiastic and optimistic people that I've ever met! She is a ray of light! Rochelle lights up a room anytime she walks in and is a magnet for success. Whatever she gets her hands on, she makes an absolute possibility.- Elizabeta Vidovic, Almost Normal Productions

“If you have a talent, Rochelle will put you in the best position to use it. This lady changed my life, I am an actor and I needed exposure so she took it upon herself to introduce me to a published author who just so happened to need an actor to portray the very character he had written about. The author and I would most likely have never met under any other circumstances, but Rochelle set it up and she even played a part in a certain movie producer appearing in the audience at one of the shows.- Tommy Caldwell, actor

“I believe in magic words, totems, and good luck charms. In the world of public and media relations, talent acquisition, and the entertainment business, the two magic words Rochelle Arjmand. - Jim White, screenwriter/director

If you're ready to experiencing networking in a completely different way, what are you waiting for? Rochelle is here to help you. Let's make things happen! To learn more about how Rochelle’s power-brokerage can dramatically shorten the path to your fullest potential and most vivacious dreams becoming reality, visit catalyticconnections.com or reach out to Rochelle directly at

rochelle@catalyticconnections.com.

Website

 

Kaleidoscope Film and Television announces development of Gothic Horror Feature

 Kaleidoscope Film and Television announces the development of the Gothic feature film Chalice Island.  Comparable to the original Dark Shadows TV series, it has the aura of suspense, horror, romance, and nail-biting cliffhangers. It will appeal to the tens of millions of Dark Shadows fans, that were disappointed by the 2012 movie, and the hundreds of millions of Gothic Horror fans worldwide. Although it is very much like the series, Chalice Island will be adding the gender and ethnic diversity that Dark Shadows lacked.

Jacqueline's capacity to love is only exceeded by her need for vengeance after she finds her mother raped and murdered. When a source of evil offers both her and her brother the means to gain revenge, she enthusiastically embraces the dark arts. After 150 years of blood sacrifices, she meets Morgan. His love heals her old wounds. Hiding the chalice she breaks the cycle of blood. Knowing the retribution she will face, Jacqueline and Morgan escape. Decades later, they are found by the evil one who created her Jacqueline is forced to chose. If she returns the chalice to save her son, she will release the evil. If she uses her power, she forfeits the grace she earned, erasing Morgan and her family. In breaking the cycle of blood, Jacqueline is forced to chose between cursing her son and releasing an ancient evil. 

Currently, the cast and crew have yet to be attached.

IMDB

Website

Magical Fantasy Novel Brings Romance to Your Summer

Alyssa attends a local Pagan festival to read Tarot Cards as a way of raising funds for a local animal rescue organization. When a group of drunken men invade the festival, attacking the attendee and destroying the booths, she and others stand up to them only to learn that they are off-duty deputy sheriffs. Unwilling to let their bad behavior slide, they file complaints only to learn that the leader of the pack is Justin Nevel, the Sheriff's nephew. Although she is one of many who complain, Nevel focuses his need for revenge on Alyssa. His harassment quickly escalates. When friends and co-workers stand up for her, his intimidation spreads to them. In an attempt to understand why she was singled out, Alyssa performs a magical ritual. But instead of receiving an answer, she is taken back to a Scottish parish and the life when she was known as Shannon Marie Cullen. The granddaughter and heir of Jacqueline Marie Katherine de Medici, Shannon Marie lived both in and out of clan tradition. However, unlike their older sisters, she and her younger sister, Rachael, were spared the limitations and intrigues of court. Raised more like sons than daughters, they were wild and free. Both saw life as a challenge to be met and conquered. Yet there was one sadness that Shannon Marie was forced to accept or so she thought.. Clan tradition stood between her and Michael being together, which led to him choosing the path of the Goddess. She loved him enough to honor his decision until the obstacles between them suddenly vanished. She selfishly agrees to the marriage. Instead of joy, their union brings about betrayal, bloodshed, and murder. As the memories of her past life awakened, Alyssa melds with her former self. Watching the events before her death unfolds, she began to understand how the manipulation of others followed them through the ages until they are forced to again meet. In the past, one man loved her, yet her selfishness betrayed his trust. One man hated her for who she was and for what he could never have. Both have again entered her life. Have they learned enough to put finally put the past to rest or will they again make the same choices that led to murder and revenge?

Amazon Link

When love is forever, death is only the beginning.

Imprisoned in her family's home, the spirit of a murdered child waits for her parents to free her. But they have reincarnated and have moved on to new lives as has her killer. Randi must bring them back together so that they can forgive themselves and make amends. If she succeeds, they will all heal and she will be freed to also reincarnate. If she fails and they seek the revenge they were denied in the past, they will all be damn.

The past and the present intertwine to create an innovative spin on the ghostly genre as the characters are led down a path of love, guilt, betrayal, revenge, and murder.

When love is forever,

death is only the beginning.

Visit the website to learn more by clicking here.

Producing Film and Television Projects Based on Age, Gender, and Ethnic Diversity

Kaleidoscope Film and Television has been registered in the State of Oklahoma and with the federal government. Its sole purpose is to produce and distribute film, television, documentary, and video projects in both domestic and international marketplaces as well as in all current and future distribution platforms. Focusing on entertainment projects based on ethnic, gender, and age diversity, the studio will produce projects that will reflect the ever-changing and ever-expanding world.

Focusing on low to medium-budgeted projects for film and television, Kaleidoscope Film and Television will gather the talents of individuals and production companies together under one banner to create a choir of voices. It will be located in southwest Oklahoma to maximize the talents from both coasts and receive the full benefit of their film incentives and temperate climate Currently, due to the financial challenges in the area, land and existing buildings are relatively inexpensive. The financial challenges will also make them more open to offering tax incentives for job creators. Additionally, the military bases and Native American populations will be huge assets to adding diversity to the studio projects.

Website