Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued

Continued over from C.G.’s featured thread at January 2009 Featured Member – C.G. Walters .

In January, with the changes on this website, C.G.’s discussion thread has become slow loading, as we have all seen. So we are continuing his feature on this thread, for continued conversation.

For the purpose of continuity, I am closing that thread. When one closes, another opens….in more ways than we may imagine :P

Keep communing with C.G.!

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters .continued

Messages from Jan. 31st & Feb.. 1st[formatting removed for faster loading]:

HummingBird said Jan 31, 4:40 AM:
If you have come to help me,
you are wasting your time.
But if you have come because your liberation
is bound up with mine,
then let us work together.

–Aboriginal activists group

Very important awareness that!

thank you for being who you are
love to you and Kathy, CG
=============================

SacredVow said Jan 31, 7:34 AM:
love to you and Gien, Anna….and the mutual arising of our lives and our loves….
Yes, this has been one of the most significant things that I have found to hold in my attention in a while—a mantra that brings precisely into words what I felt within.

love and blessings, dear one
CG
===========================
SacredVow said Jan 31, 8:07 AM:
What will you find here?
 
An old man sat–peacefully reading and looking off into the sunrise–on a large stone in the fork of a main road and that leading into a small village. Early morning, a heavily laden cart approached the fork in the road. A family with all their possessions stacked high pulled along side of the rock and stopped, obviously considering whether to go on down the main road or take the path to the village, making it their new home.

“Pardon me, kind sir,” the father, holding the reins to the oxen, spoke gently. “May I trouble you to ask if you know what kind of people live in this village?”

The old fellow slowly looked up and smiled. “May I ask what kind of people lived in the village you have come from?” he said.

“Oh, they were kind, generous folk, with good hearts,” the father of the family replied as his face showed joy of thinking of the neighbors they had left behind. “We would be there still, except I hope to find a place where I can acquire land of my own, to care for and on which I can raise our food, until I pass it down to my children.”

The man on the rock smiled and contemplated the father’s answer for a moment.

“I believe you will find the people here to be of the same nature as those in the village that you left. They too can be kind, generous folk, with good hearts. Welcome home.”

There was a soft exclamation of joy by the children, and the father thanked the old man, turning his oxen toward the village.

A bit later, the scene repeated, another family seeking sanctuary, their cart stacked high with all their possessions. Again the father drove the oxen, his wife sat beside him and the children clung tightly to their parents’ backs.

“Old man!” the father shouted abruptly. “What kind of people live in this village?”

The old gentleman slowly looked up and smiled. “May I ask what kind of people lived in the village you have come from?” he said.

“Oh, they were mean spirited, hateful, stingy people who did nothing except for their own benefit. We could not wait to put that cursed place behind us. We are on the road to find a place very unlike that from which we came.”

The man on the rock smiled and contemplated the father’s answer for a moment. What the young fellow expressed caused the old man pain and sympathy. A tear rolled down his cheek.

“I am sorry to have to say that you will find the people here to be of the same nature as those in the village that you left. They can be spirited, hateful, stingy people who did nothing except for their own benefit. This village will not prove to be the solution that you seek.”

The father grunted angrily and slapped the reins hard on the backs of the oxen, causing the cart to lunge forward down the main road.

Peace and wonder,
CG
========================
SacredVow said Jan 31, 8:27 AM:
The biological urges to enjoy and to master (with their opposites, to loathe and to fear), as well as the social urge to evaluate (as good or evil, true or false), simply drop away, and a rapture in sheer experience supervenes, in which self-loss and elevation are the same. Such and impact is “beyond words;” for is is not such as can be explained by a reference to anything else. The mind is released-for a moment, for a day, or perhaps forever-from those anxieties to enjoy, to win, or to be correct which spring from the net of nerves in which [people] are entangled. Ego dissolved, there is nothing in the net but life–which is everywhere and forever.  Joseph Campbell, Primitive Mythology

The readings that give me joy, I have always found, are not because they have ‘taught’ me, but because I have found within them the concise collection of words that present the knowledge that I have experienced but could not express.

Sometimes we claim we are taught, because we don’t dare accept that we too could have previously possessed such knowledge. However, if we did not possess this wisdom within us, we could never have recognized it in the words (just as the Tai Chi symbol holds light within the dark, and vice versa). One cannot comprehend (or even perceive) that which is completely foreign to us.

I am off for about a 10 hour walk in the mountain. It’s mid-twenties (Fahrenheit) and the wind is blowing. There’s snow up top. In such a place, “mind is released-for a moment, for a day…”

love an blessings, dear ones.
thank you for the month, the sharing, and all that you have ‘taught’ me…
CG
====================

Meenakshi said Jan 31, 9:12 AM:
As you give us the joy of your readings, CG, I find this a very good reminder
for us in communities such as this one, where we all bring so many
learnings and needing/wanting-to-share.

It is a great lesson to learn, that if we learn, we are remembering; and when we teach, we are reminding.

I found this of great value in teaching freshmen/women as well–got them
to stay alert as I gave open-ended statements! Come to think of it,
helps in raising kids too.
======================
1Vector3 said Jan 31, 12:47 PM:
I’m in total resonance with the Campbell quote, and the thoughts about
teaching and learning. Because we are all learning, remembering, being
reminded, recognizing. 

Love that story about the families, the
old man, and the village. I saw this principle (a version of the Law of
Attraction) before my very eyes one time. Making a longer story short:
I saw a person approach a clerk at a window, at the Social Security
office, with goodwill and respect and calm, and I saw the clerk be
helpful and friendly. The very next person in line approached the clerk
with contentiousness, abruptness, and annoyance, and guess what. That very same clerk was rude, unforthcoming, unhelpful, and they got into a real tangle.

So, what could one say about what kind of person the CLERK was????

I learned that everyone has potentials to relate various ways, and we evoke various of those potentials by how WE treat them.

I’m glad we don’t have to stop communicating on this thread by midnight
today (someone’s midnight, haha), because our February Gaia Networking
Spotlighted Member will be appearing a few days from now, we mods
taking a bit of a break. That’s good, because there is certainly more
to be said, and I have some specific things I haven’t had time yet to
pull together to post.

But then, co-creating never stops, does it !!?? “Let us work together.”

None of us are the same people we were when this thread began, and as we go
forth into the world today, we are broadcasting our new vibes, for the
benefit and upliftment of all. You, C.G., and indeed all our previous
Featured Members, have greatly contributed to the new vibes, and we are
all deeply appreciative – and we do know it’s a mutual experience !!

Bye for now, as they say in Canada, I think.
OM Bastet 

==================================
1Vector3 said Jan 31, 9:34 PM:
[message about slow loading and then:]
C.G. you had a rather brisk temperature for your hike today. I hope it was a glorious time!

Back later with some ideas about sharing good news and keeping our spirits up.

Blessings, OM Bastet
==================================
~KES said Today, 5:46 AM:
 It’s been an exhilarating month with you CG & Kathy.  20ª weather
-  brrrrrrrrrrr.  Hope you have a warm cozy fireplace there after that
last climb!!!!  Blessings to you… ~kes
====================
Lee said Today, 6:23 AM:
Beautiful month CG.  Thanks for all of the care and interaction you bring to all.
======================
C.G. said 38 minutes ago:
Thank you for being a part of is, Lee. This month has been what is has
because of all the community that have come to share. What arose this
month was dependent on all the spirits that were here, sharing and
calling this forth.
blessings, my friend,
CG
======================

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters .continued

Hi C.G.  I just found this new model thread.  Very sleek, fast and streamlined. Looking forward hearing about your climb up the mountain in 20ª weather.  Just giving this a quick test drive!  It works!  Thanks Meenakshi & OM for the help on this.

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters .continued

I like the image…..and the fast moving thread, too!

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued

I have enjoyed that exchange between C.G. and OM; as I feel it is crucial to the good health of an individual and society to have members who take responsibility for the circumstances in which they find themselves.

We are all in a raft together, let’s say. When it is going through calm waters, what is each of us doing:are we looking ahead and preparing for what is to come; strengthening and recouping our energies; enjoying the moment and being fully present in it, thus expanding?

When there’s a stormy weather, are we fighting the others on the raft, trying to find our own sense of what is to be done and doing it; looking out for all or only for oneself? Being able to be fully present or not….these are all issues that we can learn, without too much at stake, in this kind of online experience.

I have found great comfort in the past week, at the amazing ways that people respond, taking on responsibility, looking out for those who are floundering, and spreading messages of the inner meaning of outer events.

I think I had a sense of climbing that mountain, C.G. BTW, have you taken any mountain climbing lessons?

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued

As always Meenakshi you have the words to help us
“weather the storm”  -thankyou.
 
I am so pleased C.G , that you will be our featured member for a little longer.
So many times I tried to post on the old thread and couldn’t -so am delighted
to see we continue on….
 
It is so strange for me -here in the midst of Summer, to think of you
weathering such cold temps and battling snow storms-
extremities indeed!
I do admire you tenacity to continue your pursuits, and not let the
elements deter you.
 
Sandy -
 
 

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued

I am glad you were able to get online with us, Sandy!
Part of my ‘tenacity’ is just pure farm-boy hardheadedness (good for being a self-publisher,too), part of it is the luring beauty of the mountain, the mystical experience, and part of it is being an almost 9 year fugitive from heart surgery. I told my cardiologists that the mountain will decide if they get to cut me open.

thank you for your endurance in trying to visit.
Your presence is much appreciated and enjoyed,
love and wonder,
CG

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued

No, mountain climbing lessons, Meenakshi. Mostly I am just hiking….it’s just that I like to hike upward.
  I am not a rock climber. When I came here to consider moving (15-16 years ago), I had so little tolerance for heights that I Kathy wondered if I was nuts when I said I wanted to move here.–I blamed the silly urge on reading the Tao Te Ching.

the mountain gives me lessons….sometimes it’s a little rough
peace and wonder,
CG

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued

It’s so nice when a thread comes right up…I am revitalized.
..but feel sorry for development in trying to deal with the conversions.
blessings and a peaceful week all….
CG

ps….I meant to document my hike yesterday, but I am a bit under the gun trying to get Strike a Chord of Silence ready for publication (1st edition needs to be finished at the end of the month)…..

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued

C.G., 
 
Finally, here I am to congratulate you as January Featured Member, with no procrastinator’s karma evident (the screen not freezing up.)
 
Glad to hear you’re back from today’s climb up the mountain and I’m looking forward to reading about the insights you brought back.
 
I’m so inspired by your Celebrazine…it’s such a cool idea and it always lifts me up.  Thank you for your loving intentions and open hearted communication.
 
My copy of Sacred Vow is still in Montana…I thought I’d brought it back to Florida with me to read.  I’m looking forward with appreciation to reading it when we get back to Montana…somehow the timing always works out.  I joke about procrastinator’s karma, and at the same time I know that it’s all unfolding perfectly.

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued

Welcome Helen!
Much of what I experienced here in Gaia moved me to bring forward CelebraZine, and share some portion of the beauty and wonder that I see arising in the world around me. It’s good to know that it is giving others joy, too!

Yes, I need to get around to posting my hike blog. This image is from the place I almost always enter into my trail….a rock slide on the NE face of Winter Star Mountain. When we first saw a slight snow on the slide, Kathy pointed out that is was a white dove, swooping downward.
   The thickets have grown up to make a break in the bird’s left wing. It’s fanned tail is a little less distinct, and it’s head is partially hidden by the trees that have gotten taller, but I am always reminded of the white bird of peace coming down to meet me.

By the way, I am not surprised that Sacred Vow has stowed away into hiding so it could remain in Montana…it is, after all, some of my nature.
love and blessings, dear one,
CG

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued. Distribution

CG’s tips on book distribution, pasted from the earlier thread.

C.G. said Jan 28, 5:21 PM:

Ok… I finally got to this, ~KES. You asked me about distribution of one’s work. Though not so much about distribution, I can give some opinions (and that’s all I’ll claim they are), based on my experiences.

Plan for the worst and expect the best.  Be passionate; believe. But be practical. If you can’t be practical, be still yourself for the possible impact. It could be a long haul, and the one who wins is the one who does not quit. ~CG

When I wrote Sacred Vow, I had every expectation that I had done what Spirit asked of me, what I had known for many years that I was here for, and that would certainly result in a quick acceptance/recognition from the world.  So I jumped into distribution like it would be a very short and furious sprint.  I put every dollar, every bit of credit, everything I knew, all my time, and my heart into the ‘certain,’ quick completion.  Every estimation that I made was correct, except the assumptions that the process would complete quickly, and acclaim (though it came) would directly/inevitably correspond with financial returns.


This is not to say, ‘be afraid.’ In fact, “Be Bold and powerful forces will come to your aid” –Goethe

But know, frail humans banging around with powerful forces sometimes get bumped about. You can do it, and win.

Ok, my perspective that in every art form, one must figure a way to get paid many times for every creation. ~CG


Sell it in many forms.  Also, there is so much competition, I believe that one must be willing to give away something–blogging, posting pics, etc.

For books, I have a problem with Print on demand (POD) printers that either dictate the price that you will sell your book for–invariably pricing the book (so they can get their exorbitant print charges)–well above what the market will bear, impairing your ability to sell. There are also those that will let you price the book as you will, but their charges still put you in a position of either making no money or raising your selling price too high (e.g. Lulu would charge me $10.10 (US) plus some other $1 charge for Sacred Vow). I have seen a POD (Lightning Source) that would charge reasonable enough printing charges plus give you distribution via NBN (National Book Network–very good), HOWEVER, they charge you for all returns (and make you pay for the book and then to send it to you–they do not store returned books). Given the nature of returns in the book industry, that ‘feature’ will break you in a hurry.

The best POD (no upfront cost and market access) I have seen so far is Amazon’s second POD, CreateSpace https://www.createspace.com/ (books, audio, video). They will print Sacred Vow for a little over $4.00, and handle the order fulfillment to Amazon (US)–with an additional charge of about what Amazon would charge me to supply them directly—all distributors get their share (50-75%).

I had a good distributor, but they were bought out by a nightmare, Bookmasters—stay clear! My contract was transferred to Bookmasters with their purchase. My first distributor was very reasonable and transparent with charges, and very helpful. Bookmasters was a long stream of mysterious charges and statements that never explained what the charges were for. I dropped the contract ASAP, but getting out of it was also a torment.


Book returns can be a killer for a small, independent publisher (if you become your own publisher).


Corporate stores like Barnes & Noble will purchase books, return them during the 90 days they have before paying, get a credit for the books, and then use the credit to buy the books again. If your distributor charges you for returns, then you have a real problem.

Right now I am content with the setup of Amazon and direct sales. If I need a distributor later, I will probably have a talk with New Leaf in Georgia. They were very good to me. I also understand that Blue Sky (?) in Tennessee is very good. Small, niche distributors can be best for specialized markets.


If you have the cash flow for purchasing a large number of books for distribution, yourself, Thompson-Shore in Michigan is excellent–employee owned and they have a wide selection of recycled papers. Their work and customer service were excellent with Sacred Vow–the books that I ship out, autographed.


Best of luck with your art–whatever form–and its success!!!!

blessings, CG

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued

Wow, no delay at all on this thread. Again I am grateful to Meenakshi and ~KES for thinking of this alternative !!

Wow, I clicked on the photo of your “dove” snow, and the larger picture is verrrrry nice ! Makes me feel right there. Something about simply having to tip one’s head back to see the top of a hill or mountain, my body and soul really love that !!!!!

And I’m glad sandy was able to get on at last !! sandy, we are shivering here, and I heard on the radio today that Australia is having an extreme heat wave, days over 100 degrees (F) and power outages and people suffering. On top of your long-term drought, this must be very challenging !!

C.G. I am SO glad the mountain has decided so far, to save you from the knife !!

Blessings, OM Bastet

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued

I am very sorry to hear about the heat wave, Sandy. May the temps moderate very soon.
blessings, dear one,
CG

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued

Thankyou C.G and OM for your’e concern’s about our heat wave.
I am lucky in Queensland -at this point- that we are not too hot
at the moment-though our North is being savaged by storms and floods!
 
C.G -I absolutely honour you with your achievements.
You have great strength to continue on your’e path, without having
Heart Surgery =and it’s a very steep path you have set yourself to climb!
 
I am about to listen to your interview and wish you every success.
Although I have not yet read your book,
I look forward to doing so-
and will also post a link to it for you on my Facebook page.
 
peace, love and blessing to you -you are an inspiration,
Sandy

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued

Thank you, Sandy. The real complication I have found in avoiding the surgery is that even most  doctors (alternative or allopathic) get spooked about having anything to do with a case that was told he had to have immediate heart valve replacement 9 years prior.. Fortunately, I now have a cardiologist who is an avid cyclist, so understands the value and implications of physical exertion that I am capable of.

Glad to hear you are being spared the heat. May your neighbors to the North soon get some relief.

Thank you for the link in Facebook!

My conversation with Bryan was quite the experience. He had my head in sort of a mystical state. Because in the breaks and before the start of the recording, Bryan was using his psychic talents, telling me all kinds of things that the guides were passing on to him.
   That like any interview, what you hear recorded is not only a presentation of the one interviewed, but a presentation of how two individuals blend and co-create–usually on some specific subject.

Another nice interview–blending of spirits–with a fromer Gaia member (Kala) is at http://www.exploreyourspirit.com/Media/shows4.shtml#WALTERS

love and peace, dear one,
CG

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued

Great
acts are made up of small deeds.–
Lao Tzu

CelebraZine 02Feb09

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued

It’s inspiring to know that your activity with the mountain has helped to save you from heart surgery! Shows great courage on yr part, too.

OK, now that you’ve been interviewed online and on radio, CG, [ CG’s Interview with  Bryan Carlton Flournoy  on Making It All Click] what do you feel we can learn from one and what, from the other?

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued

Meenakshi….an online interaction builds a unified identity of myself, the interviewers, and everyone involved, so such an interview is much of what I am in relation with all involved. Interviews are reflected of all involved. The more people involved, the wider the spectrum of the experience.
   
I ‘am a different person’ when I write than when I talk, than when I am face to face. Writing shares a range of energies. Hearing a voice, presents another layers of energies–and face to face interaction adds additional dimensions to interaction—though each one can also add elements of ‘distraction’ to the most obvious message being presented.

   A voice interview (as with Bryan) is the blending of two spirits, (for me) because I find myself getting involved with the interviewer’s energies–even more than in writing. Quite often one cannot think over their answer, so the responses may be what some would consider more natural, core.

   The interview with Bryan focuses on Sacred Vow, and goes into some depth there. Bryan is a telepath, and quite a good interviewer. He is able to bring forward depths of my perceptions of Sacred Vow that I would not have pulled forward without his prompting.

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued

This is really remarkable, C.G. That you have these different ways of expressing that can be revealed through interaction with people. We had featured Bryan in this group some months back, and yes, his work is really remarkable.

[I’m not linking as I get script errors when I do].

What you’ve shared here, is something that shows me why we need to engage with different people. We sometimes feel that we should meet and interact only with those whom we agree with, or are like-minded with. That is indeed a wonderful affirmation in itself.

But there is also value in engaging with different points of view; because different aspects of ourselves can then emerge. And perhaps through this kind of engaging,we can begin to vibrate harmoniously together.

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued

Excellent, Meenakshi……I agree “through this kind of engaging,we can begin to vibrate harmoniously together.”
blessings dear one,
CG

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued

Wow, that’s really interesting about the interviews, C.G. Most people don’t know things like that, or they don’t talk about it. Loved it !

As a result of this time spent with you this past month, I am moved to get some activity going around sharing of good and uplifting news. I’ve posted a fairly long (and poorly formatted, grrrr) note here, and invite you and folks to make comments and suggestions!

Blessings, OM Bastet

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued

Here’s our July 2008 thread on Featured Member Bryan.

Well, C.G. there was certainly an abundance of “harmonious vibrating” during this month in which you shared so generously of yourself, your love, your wisdom, your knowledge. And the music goes on, from the co-creating of this time together, music amplified and beautified in each of us, music unique in each of us.

We are so delighted that you were willing to do this FM thing, and we’re really happy to be able to continue with you in our Community !!! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

And, soon we will ADD to the wonderfulness that keeps growing here in Gaia Networking Group, we’ll add the wonderfulness of our upcoming February 2009 Featured Member. I’ll drop a clue: SHE’s gonna be wonderful !! Look for her presence starting about Saturday, I think. 

Love and blessings,
OM Bastet 

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued

It has been a pleasure, OM….thank you,
CG

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued

In your gentle way, C.G., you have
Created a Great Impact on us
Shown the Community of Gaia
that your Contributions are an inteGral aspect of our site
and that we will Continue to Get to know you better
not only through CelebraZine but also through the Gift of your presence

I am in turns Charmed and Grateful for your sharing  this month…and hope you will Come by and Give some of your tips and ideas to our pod again!
[Ok, enough already, right? It just came through…so I let it.]

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued

:) !!
blessings, Meenakshi. Thank you for you kindness…
CG

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..Dragonsbeard?

C.G. I never asked you!
“Dragonsbeard”? Do indulge me one more time. How did that word get into your Gaia address?

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..Dragonsbeard?

Meenakshi…..
I set up Dragonsbeard Publishing for my writing. When searching for a name for the publishing house, I was going through names with friends when a friend said, “Dragonsbeard.” It resonated with me, but I had never heard of it before.
  “What does dragonsbeard refer to”, I asked.
  “Ancient Wisdom,” was the reply.
  So intuition immediately assured me that was the name to use.
Blessings and joy,
CG

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..Dragonsbeard?

Ancient wisdom…How beautiful! I see your publishing website, C.G.






And I see that there is also a dragons beard grass!

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued

Oh my a dragonsbeard grass !!! Thanks for asking about that Meenakshi, I had forgotten I was curious !! Interesting answer !!

Sense of humor is the hallmark of expanded consciousness. You are indulged, by me at least, hahaha.

Blessings, OM

Re: Featured Member -- C.G. Walters ..continued

C.G. ~       Your pure gift of words this past month has been a wonderful 
               journey. I send a warm thank you to you and Kathy for sharing 
               so many intimate moments of your blissful love with pieces 
               of your own sacred vows.  Warmly, ~kes