Author: SynchronicityPublishing

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Signs, Symbols and What They Could Mean For You, Part 1

signs symbols synchronicity

Welcome the beginning of a new series!

Let’s start with my favorite flower (notice the picture for this series) the sunflower. Around the world this flower has a powerful and positive symbolism. Choose what matches your feelings around seeing these flowers either in pictures or in person. Usually for something to be a sign you need to see it at least 3x within a short period of time. If that happens start looking at what kind of message the Universe might be sending you. For example you see a van drive by with large sunflowers all over the side or you drive by a field of sunflowers or you see a bouquet of flowers that has sunflowers in them all within a week or so. Generally the meaning of the sunflower can be faith, loyalty, steadfast, optimism, happiness, longevity, good fortune and good luck.

         I live high in the Colorado Rockies so I am blessed to have, see and hear many types of woodpeckers year round. History is filled with stories and myths around this fascinating bird. In Native American tradition it is a bird connected to the heartbeat of the Earth itself. The drumming of the woodpecker has mystical connections from new life rhythms, shapeshifting to opening up of the heart chakra. Increasingly important for you is to follow your own unique rhythmns and flight. It also indicts that the foundation of your life is solid. It is now safe to follow your own rhythmns.

         The next powerful symbol that actually showed up this past summer for me was the Goshawk. The goshawk is a large, gray hawk. It is the largest North American hawk. Its’ means are new spirit contact within your life, helping you accomplish your goals, and maneuver anything that is causing you trouble. Their true message is “Remember who you truly are!” They remind all of us if we can dream it, we can achieve it!”

         One of my favorite animals that I see year-round up here are the elk. If the elk has come into your life in any form it can mean that you are about to hit your stride and learn to pace yourself effectively. Elk are very protective of their young. The words that connect to elk most are stability, stamina, perseverance and nobility.

         The next animal I see frequently is the deer. Most deer are wanderers. They never follow the same path twice. The myths and legends around deer are many. Often times the deer leads kings or hunters deep into the woods until they are lost and begin to encounter new adventures. The main symbolism of the deer is gentleness, innocence, and the lure into the unknown. When a deer shows up remember to be gentle with yourself and others. It always means there is an opportunity to explore gentle love that will open new doors to adventure for you.

         One of my favorite animals I get to see up here if I am lucky is the Bear. There are many myths and stories around the world connected to the Bear. They are very playful. They symbolize the awakening of the unconscious. Bear teaches us to go within for our answers and to tap into our own creativity at certain times of the year. They are often the power animals around healers, psychic warriors.  They symbolize spiritual authority, strength and protection.

         The moose is a majestic creature that I am always in awe of when I get to see them. Sometimes they are right outside my deck or on my driveway. They seem a bit awkward and yet very graceful at the same time. They move silently and swiftly. It is the symbol of creativity and dynamic forms of intuition and illumination. The symbolism of the moose can teach us the ability to move from the outer world to the inner world. They also are symbols of psychic ability, and a invitation to learn to explore new depths of awareness and sensitivity within yourself and your environment .

         The last creature for this part of the series we will discuss is the Red Tailed Hawk. This hawk is very symbolic. It is often connected to the Kundalini energy for many people. It teaches one how to fly to great heights while keeping your feet on the ground. The red tailed hawk helps us in balancing and using our senses appropriately. It also symbolizes balance and intensity of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual forces. Also it symbolizes hope and being open to new ideas, and fearlessness.

         All of the creatures are helpers and teachers for anyone who is willing to pay attention. The next blog will cover animals, numbers and their symbolic meanings for you when you see them three times or more. I recommend you write these sightings down in a journal or notebook.

Blessings, Patricia

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Archetypes for A Pandemic, Part 3

Archetypes for A Pandemic

Welcome to our latest Creativity, Thinking and Education blog series.

2020 has been fascinating to say the least. All walks of life are learning new skills daily. That would include me. While I’m typing this my grandchildren are doing online classes in Middle School (different classes) and I am working on my latest blog and a new newsletter. So let’s begin on our last blog of this series. We have explored briefly The Everyman, The Outlaw or Rebel, The Explorer, The Creator, The Caregiver and the Hero.

         There are so many different levels of the archetypes and if you would like a deeper look just check out the blog series I have on Carl Jung’s 12 archetypes and Joseph Campbell’s archetypes. So today we will explore The Jester, the Sage and the Magician archetypes which interestingly does have a powerful role in helping people during these chaotic times. The jester likes to laugh, even at themselves. They usually are who they are. The never take themselves seriously because their goal is to enjoy life.

The Jester Archetype

         Some great examples of the Jester Archetype is R2D2 or C3PO in the Star Wars series or Timon and Pumbaa in the movie the Lion King. They lighten up the world they are in and great listener, a calming presence and definitely funny. In every genera the story needs a break from the drama that is going on. Comic relief is always vital in the dramas of life or stories. The Weasley twins in the Harry Potter series continuously offset the darkness and seriousness of the dramas that unfold around them. The theme of the Jester Archetype runs through all great stories both fictional and real. Many comedians have come to the foreground to help people during the time of the pandemic and their jobs are very important for all of our sanity.

The Sage Archetype

         Our next archetype we can look at is The Sage. They are free thinkers, mystical and genius. Their intellect and knowledge are their reason for living, their basic essence. Wisdom and intelligence are their strengths. It is really important for them to teach the next generation to pick up the gauntlet. They are also known as the Mentor, Teacher Detective, Expert, Scholar and Philosopher archetype. Some great examples of this archetype are Albus Dumbledore, Mary Poppins, Gandalf, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Yoda. There are people in the world during this pandemic who are stepping up to the problems and situation we all face but it may take awhile for us to figure out who the present day Sages are.

The Magician Archetype

         The next archetype we will explore is The Magician. They regenerate and renew not just for themselves, but for others as well. They are constantly growing and transforming. They usually want to understand the fundamental laws of the Universe. They focus on making dreams come true. The Magician is also known as the Visionary, the Catalyst, the Shaman, the Healer or the Medicine man or woman. Some examples of the Magician archetype are Merlin, Gandalf, Yoda, Albert Einstein, Nicola Tesla and so many more. The Harry Potter series and The Lord of the Rings series have many magician characters in them as good examples.

Who would a modern day Magician be in our current time situation? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Blessings,
Patricia

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Welcome to the Archetypes for a Pandemic – Part 2

Archetypes for A Pandemic

For this section of the Pandemic archetypes blog series we will explore the Innocent, The Everyman, The Outlaw or Rebel, The Explorer and the Creator. 2020 would make an extraordinary story and I’m sure that storytellers from all over the world will tell their versions for years to come.

Our tale is to help all of us tap into this journey with the timeless archetypes that have popped back into action to help us all at this time.

The Innocent is an optimistic person who only sees the good in people. They find the good in life as a whole because that is their basic focus. They enjoy the simple things in life and are pure at heart, free of corruption and seek harmony and peace in the World. They are also known as the child, traditionalist, saint, dreamer and romantic. Scott from To Kill A Mockingbird and Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz are good examples of this archetype. As fall approaches many people are struggling with students going back to school amid masks and social distancing and the need to keep the children of all age safe. Elementary, high schools and universities are all struggling with coming up with a plan that educates the students and helps everybody interact for a safe distance. In this scenario I believe we the children and the teachers focusing differently but both groups are definitely coming from the Innocent Archetype.

Generally, the Everyman archetype has to do with working hard and living a simple life. They need to have connections with people. They usually have common sense and are authentic. They are genuine and wholesome. Well-known people in our world today who are good examples of the Everyman archetype could be Jimmy Carter, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, or Sandra Bullock. This archetype believes we are all created equal. As an archetype they are generally trusted and liked.

Our next archetype seems to be showing up in this pandemic all over the place. The Outlaw archetype is usually described to be free-minded and free-spirited. Nothing stands in their way and nothing controls their desires. Often their thoughts are almost always towards anarchy and chaotic. Outlaws or Rebels despise systems and everything that comes with it, which is why they rebel against authority. Usually Rebel archetypes are natural skeptics of the world around them and are constantly questioning the intentions behind actions. They speak out against discrimination and oppression. they challenge injustice and rarely conform to trends.

Now the Explorer archetype also known as the Seeker is one who is on a life journey. Most of the population do not use this archetype. They are self-aware. They do not like to be caged in and are very independent people. Some good examples in the movie world would be Mulan, Indian Jones and Erin Brockovich (played by Julia Roberts). The Explorer archetype seems to be showing up during these pandemic times mostly because they know how to follow their own paths even if it is different than what they used to do. They seem to have the ability to lead without any agenda to lead, just to follow the path that feels right to them.

Our final archetype that we will explore is the part of the series is important — the Creator archetype. They are constantly using their imaginations to create physical manifestations of their work. They love to build or create something with their own artistic skills. They are known as the artists, architects, writers, and scientists to mention a few types. Their minds seem to be questioning, thinking and entertaining new ideas. Their real work could be the use of their ingenuity. Many creators are coming to the forefront during this time, helping and working on creative solutions that seem to be plaguing humanity at this time. Some examples of the Creator archetype are: Leonardo Da Vinci, Alexander Hamilton (from the play), Remy from Ratatouille, and Michael J. Gelb the author.

Humanity is struggling but we are also pulling together creating a new more powerful story for all of us. Our archetypes are showing up to guide and help all of us at this time.

Stay Safe.

Blessings,
Patricia

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Archetypes For A Pandemic

Archetypes for A Pandemic

by Patricia Rose Upczak

         Welcome to Synchronicity Publishing LLC’s blog. We are starting a new series exploring archetypes in the midst of a pandemic. For those of you who are not familiar with the word “archetype” let me tell you a bit about its history. Archetype came from ancient Greek. The root words are archein, which means “original or old” and typos means “patterns, model or type.” Combining these means “original pattern” of all similar persons, objects, or concepts that are copied or modeled in some form.

         One of my heroes is Carl Jung. He used the concept of archetype in his theory of the human psyche. He believed that universal, mythic characters, archetypes live within the collective unconscious of people all over the world.

         Carl Jung defined twelve primary types that symbolize basic human motivation. Each type has its own set of values, meaning and personality traits. Jung tells us that people usually have several archetypes at play in the construct of their personalities. But he is very clear that one archetype tends to dominate the personality in general.

         In this part of the series we are going to explore the type that is known as the Warrior or Hero or Crusader or Rescuer or Superhero or Dragon Slayer type. They are competent and courageous. They believe where there is a will, there is a way. They usually strive to become a master of something that improves the world. They usually navigate life in a way to be as strong and competent as they can.

         The other interesting archetype we will look at in this first part of the series  in this Pandemic time is known as the Saint, or the Caregiver, or Helper, or Patriot. They want to protect and care for others. They have a basic goal that runs through all of their actions — to help others. They are generous and compassionate.

         As you probably already guessed the heroes and caregivers in this Pandemic seem to be overlapping at every turn. People from all walks of life around the world are helping each other. Restaurants are giving away food to people in need. John Krasinski hosts a news show to help people called the SGN (Some Good News) where he shows people helping people everywhere and he gets other celebrities to help projects that help people.

         Throughout history archetypes show up to not only guide us, but to also help us make sense of the story as it unfolds. The story of the Pandemic we are all living through has all the parts of an amazing novel or movie. The villain or challenge is the virus. The heroes and care-takes are everywhere in every profession and walk of life. The nurses and doctors around the world stand out as Heroes. But teachers and professors try to continue teaching the children in school of all ages online. School districts send buses to areas without wifi so the kids can connect with their teachers. Teachers use Zoom or Google classroom to connect and work tirelessly while everything is in chaos. Artists, writers and entertainers go online to help the masses calm their fears and let go of the deep panic that circles the planet. Businesses shut down. Planes fly almost empty. Airports are like ghost towns. Countries are locked down. Families are told to stay home. UPS, FedEx and the postal workers work tirelessly to get things to the people with little or no recognition. Spiritual leaders like the Dali Lama, the Pope, Deepak Chopra, Denise Linn give talks and videos online for all to hear and see. Parents stay home from work either because their employment place is shut down, or they are working from home while trying to help their children with their online classes. Politicians are scrambling to figure out what is really happening and what to do in a powerful pandemic, and a spiraling economy with masses looking for help and calm leadership.

         It seems like the archetypes not only are overlapping but many unlikely people are taking on the roles of heroes and caregivers filling in any gaps without asking many questions. Many of the people and places that are feeding people who need food are not asking for any money. They all seem to be giving from their hearts. So I started this first part of the series thinking I knew who the heroes and caregivers were — now I am not so sure.

Stay safe until next time.

Blessings,
Patricia

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Connecting to the Power of Nature – Part 2

Welcome to our 2nd blog in our power of Nature series. I meant to thank Anne Garcia for her wonderful photograph of the three children on the Northern California beach near the Redwoods. It is one of my favorite pictures. She is an amazing photographer.

A Walk In The Woods written by well known travel writer Bill Bryson is a wonderful book about his journey with a friend hiking the Appalachian Trail in his later years against everybody’s advice and powerful natural elements that tested him deeply.

What made this extraordinary story famous is that eventually Robert Redford, Emma Thompson and Nick Nolte starred in a movie based on the book called A Walk In The Woods. This movie shows amazing and powerful landscape, trees and rivers that help us realize the power of Nature for all of us. It is there for children, adults, animals and a variety of insects and plant life.

As human beings we need space and time no matter what age to reconnect to ourselves. Nature gives us time to figure things out. It helps us disconnect from the bustle and busy ness of society. Patients who get a natural view from their hospital bed recover sooner than those in rooms without Nature connected to it. Frank Lloyd Wright loved Nature and got much of his inspiration while being in the natural world.. He said “Study Nature, Love Nature, Stay close to Nature. It will never fail you”.

The sounds of the ocean waves crashing on the rocks, the wind blowing through the trees, the bubbling sound of the creek or river rushing through the canyons relaxes and soothes us. The blue sky, the golden aspen trees, the smell of pine needles or the hawk’s call or the bird’s sweet song early every morning connects us to the reality of our true nature. Working and living in concrete boxes without connection to the natural world is hard on us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Our nature is part of the rhythms of Nature, Scientists are continuing to find how important our well being is tied to consistent interaction with the natural world.

There are scientific reasons why being in Nature is relaxing and good for you. It reduces stress levels, helps you find clarity and rejuvenate your mind and body. Natural light normalizes your sleep schedule, Being in Nature helps all of us get off the digital grid. Scientists have also found that a natural environment helps you center your mind and get grounded.This relaxes us at all levels.

Our brains need time to organize and develop our creativity and multiple aspects of our minds for a healthy life.Many of the anxiety or stress related illness we have in our modern world would be completely alleviated by consistent time (no matter how short) in Nature.

Blessings to you all ,

Patricia

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Connecting to The Power of Nature

Welcome to the first blog in our new series. Nature connects human beings to their true essence. It calms us. Heals us. Recent scientificstudies have discovered that a strong connection to Nature help people experience life satisfaction, positive affect and vitality. Many of these studies show that there is a significant increase in people’s health, happiness and sense of well being when Nature is present. Nature can be running water like creeks or rivers, or the crashing waves of the ocean filling our senses with energy and sounds that balance our senses at all levels. Nature can be miles of forests filled with animals, trees and flowers. Nature can be a backyard garden with fruits, vegetables and flowers blooming. Nature can be a flower box on a apartment balcony high in a busy city bustling with cars and people. Nature can be a deer that walks across your path in the forest, or a small hummingbird at a feeder in a window. Nature can be a purring cat or happy puppy walking with you through a park.

Studies also show that when we get closer to Nature, we do our over stressed brains a favor. Over the centuries Nature has calmed  and inspired people of all ages and walks of life. 2500 years ago Cyrus the Great built gardens for relaxation in Persia. Ralph WaldenEmerson, Thoreau and John Muir devoted their lives to helping Nature and getting people to see how important it was for all of us.

In 1865 Frederick Law Olmsted was in the Yosemite Valley and convinced the California Legislature to protect it from rampant development. He had also already designed Central Park in New York City. He was convinced that beautiful green spaces should exist for all people to enjoy.

Sciencists are beginning to find evidence that being in Nature has a profound impact on our brains and our behavior, helping us to reduce anxiety and stress. It also seems to increase our attention capacity, creativity and our ability to connect with other people.

Apparently being in Nature or even viewing scenesof Nature reduces anger, fear and stress and increases pleasant feelings. Exposure to Nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical well being, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension and the production of stress hormones.

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Laughter Yoga Series – Part Three

laughter yoga

As I watch the hummingbirds joyfully circle the feeder I feel their happiness. Happy that they survived the 1800 mile journey they just finished to reach the heights of the Colorado mountains. The sun is shining and I look forward to the coming months of warmth. I also look forward to some Laughter Yoga classes in person because it really is such a simple exercise routine which reduces physical, mental and emotional stress simultaneously. It can change my mood within minutes by releasing “feel good” hormones from the brain cells called Endorphins. It also strengthens my immune system. It reduces blood pressure, increases blood supply to the heart and in general increases my well being at all levels. Over the winter I missed my Laughter Yoga classes and much to my surprise my wonderful local library ordered a great DVD recently put out by Dr. Madan Kataria called Laughter Yoga (the concept & Laughter Session).

         It truly is wonderful! It has the concept, history and philosophy plus a whole Laughter Yoga session you can do with them. I also found laughter yoga sessions on YouTube that are fun to do. I had lunch this week with my Laughter Yoga teacher, Karena and I plan on having her come up to the mountains and dl Laughter Yoga workshops/ retreats in the future. Hopefully we can set something up for many summers to come.

         Laughter Yoga is truly a life changing experience. It combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing which brings more oxygen to the body and brain making you feel more energetic and healthy. The concept is bases on a scientific fact that the body does not differentiate between fake and real laughter. You get the same physiological and psychological benefits. It is so much fun and it is safe and easy.

         I do hope you enjoy this blog. Feel free to email me at [email protected] with your thoughts or feelings or experiences around this topic.

Blessings,
Patricia

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Welcome to Our Laughter Yoga Series – Part Two

laughter yoga

In the blog post we are going to explore the many benefits of Laughter Yoga. When you start laughing, your chemistry changes, even your your physical being changes and believe it or not your chances to experience happiness are much greater. Dr. Kataria once said “Laughter Yoga is nothing more than prepping the body and mind for happiness.”

         Children laugh hundreds of times during the day, the average adult doesn’t laugh more than 25 times a day. Learn to laugh. Learn to lighten up. Learn not to take life so seriously. How do you laugh when nothing is funny? Just open your mouth into a wide smile and force the breath out. You probably will feel silly at first, but when you are in a group of people committed to laughing the make-believe version transform into the real thing. Most Laughter Yoga classes involve clapping and chanting (Ho, Ho, HA, HA, Ha), some deep breaths and 15-20 minutes of laughter exercises (my Laughter Yoga Teacher was great and we had fun with fake talking on the phone, opening up a bill, riding a pretend motorcycle and so much more). Then there is about 15 minutes of laughter meditation. Dr. Kataria has many brief 10-15 minute sessions on YouTube. He says 10-11 minutes of Laughter is all you need to do in a session for all the health benefits to start taking effect.

         I would love to hear from any of you who have tried this, even on YouTube. Have a wonderful beginning of Spring and Laugh more everywhere you go.

Blessings, Patricia

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Laughter Yoga

laughter yoga

Welcome to another blog series! This blog is about one of my passions – Laughter Yoga.

I meant to write this blog last May, but then as my life goes I finally found the perfect Laughter Yoga teacher for me. She has two small children and did Laughter Yoga classes for seven years in a park near her home. Life took some twists and turns and she stopped teaching the course. Then in May, 2018 I found her. We communicated and much to my surprise she agreed to meet and talk. We got along wonderfully and she agreed to do the class for the summer.

Karena was a perfect match to what I was looking for. her energy was exactly what I thought a Laughter Yoga teacher should be. So I contacted the trainer of Laughter Yoga teachers in Denver and told her I finally found someone who would do the class in Boulder because if I hadn’t found anyone she was willing to drive up once a week and I wanted her to know she didn’t have to do that. When I talked to her she wanted to know who I had found. I told her Karena and she said :Oh! Karena is probably the best Laughter yoga teacher in the state!”

So  through the summer we did Laughter Yoga outside in Boulder once a week and it was absolutely amazing. Everything I had discovered (including on YouTube and Udemy and in Yoga Journal) are true. Now Karena is looking for a inside venue for us in the winter and possibly stay with year round.

On the surface Laughter Yoga is too simple to be a breakthrough technology that it really is and has become. Dr. Madan Kataria started a social Laughter Club in Mumbai, India in 1995 with 5 people. Today there are thousands of Laughter Clubs in over 72 countries. It has become a rapidly growing global phenomenon. Laughter yoga is practiced in companies, homes for the elderly, schools, colleges, fitness centers, community centers, prisons, hospitals, homes for the developmentally disabled and healing self-help groups. There are many that rank Laughter Yoga as one of the best alternative health therapies for complete body – mind wellness.

Our world has become high pressured and competitive.  Many seem to be robbed of their ability to laugh. Experts report that more than 70- 80 % of illnesses are related to stress. The world is full of seriousness. People are bombarded by negative news or reporting on either disasters or impending doom daily. It has become a challenge to combat stress and maintain good health. Laughter is the simplest therapy and yet is one of the best.

Laughter has been scientifically established as having a profound impact on the body and mind. It appears to help prevent the onset of sickness by way of strengthening the immune system. One dose of laughter is the one solution that has the power to unwind stress and help people find joy in their lives daily. It has the power to slow down a racing heart and strengthen the mind and help people raise their spirits. All of this is in an instant.

Clinical research is being conducted around the world and it seems to prove that laughter lowers the level of stress hormones in the blood. Research has also shown that people who participate in Laughter Yoga groups are experiencing long lasting health effects from laughter.

For hundreds of years , laughter was referred to as the best medicine for the body and mind. Laughter Yoga has taken laughter to a new level. It is a complete delivery system allowing laughter to actually be prescribed as part of a daily routine in order to realize all of the health benefits. It helps everyone laugh, even those who are serious people.

There is so much more to talk about, including an interview with Karena my Laughter Yoga Teacher which I will continue with in the next blog in early February. If you would like to experience a short laughter yoga session (about 10 minutes) there are many youtube videos you could watch and get a feel for this amazing and healing technique for all of us!

Blessing, Patricia

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Myths and Storytelling, Part Four

myths and storytelling

Welcome to my blog series as we explore myths and storytellers. Stories and myths have impacted our world and worldview for thousands of years. This is how we learned to understand and navigate our environment. It also became a powerful tool for education and entertainment. Throughout time storyteller have woven the fabric of our societies and cultures. A storyteller captures your attention. They weave a story that creates pictures in your mind and heart. We feel the tension of the story arc as they create the characters, setting and action that fill the story. We then also feel the release of the tension through laughter or humor and powerful endings or conclusions to the tale we have either read, listened to or been a part of in some way.

Storytelling could be one of the most important traditions human’s possess. Every story contains a lesson to guide or instruct their audience. Stories teach us to love, to forgive others, to be just and to strive forward in a variety of directions. The hero’s journey and all the archetypes we explore from time to time developed over the ages through storytelling.

When people talk about the great storytellers of the modern era J.K. Rowling is included on any list compiled. Rowling’s true genius lies not in pure prose, but in story structure. She is a great storyteller. She started foreshadowing the end of the series from the very beginning. There are many subthreads that develop throughout the series and in each book. A good example is when we meet the Grey Lady in book one, only to learn about the importance to the founding of Hogwarts and the destruction of the Horcruxes in the seventh book. This is very impressive as a storyteller. The focus involved in her storytelling is profound.

And yet as powerful as the plotting is in the Harry Potter series, it would not have been read by millions without Rowling’s command of characterization. She creates a rich interpersonal world within the wizarding community. We care about these characters. It is a simple narrative necessity of demonstrating emotional intelligence. This is a very important quality that powerful storytellers have.

Rowling’s ability to develop characterization is amazing. From Harry Potter to the seemingly minor person and supporting characters she creates distinct, relatable characters. Mrs. Dursley is a nosy gossip; Hermione Granger is a shy and awkward brain. Ron Wesley is the funny, red headed side kick for Harry. Ron develops and grows dramatically throughout the series , as do all of her main characters. By the end of the Harry Potter series Ron has grown into a powerful Horcrux bashing warrior.

Along with her ability to create highly developed characters and relationships between them J.K. Rowling also is a world builder. Her ability to create a just out of sight magical world with its own system probably isn’t the most impressive thing about the Harry Potter series, but it is very hard to do well. Rowling’s created an entire subculture, complete with government, sports, economy and history for her characters to live in.

For those of you who care there is a “Harry Potter For Writers” website (harrypotterforwriters.blogspot.com) He you are introduced to the world building of Harry Potter’s world.

Rowling slowly broadens the scope of this world from Sorceror’s Stone weaving the setting and wizarding culture into all the books of the series.

Our next modern novelist in this blog is Peter Matthiessen. He was a naturalist, wilderness writer, zen teacher and CIA agent. He was one of the few writers to have won the National Book Award in both fiction and non-fiction. Several of his books have been made into movies.

His fifth novel, Far Tortuga is an amazing experience to read. He captured a series of moments with a clarity that quickens the blood. The poetry in this book has a curious quality that contributes to his storyteller’s narrative style. His joy in writing this book about the Caribbean and the green turtle migration is obvious throughout the story.

Another one of his famous books is The Snow Leopard which is about a powerful trek in the Himalayan Mountains of Nepal. His writing even in non-fiction is that of a spellbinding storyteller. His words create powerful images that guide you through the world he is in either in non-fiction or fiction. A genius and master storyteller for our culture.

Storytelling and myths are the fabric of our world’s tapestry. Stories are what our ancestors gave their children and have been down to us through time. Hopefully we can cherish them and pass them on to future generations.

Blessings, Patricia

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