Truth Devour's Blog, page 2

In a world largely structured to drive compliance, routine, conformity and status quo, there is most certainly a hunger for adventurous creative entertainment that provides people a reprieve from their daily consumer driven lives. In fact, its big business, if you get it right.  

I’ve become curious about the ebb and flow of trends depicted through sales that occur in literature and their movie adaptations. J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter series springs to mind and of course my absolute favorite Dr. Suess is the other example of how providing a literary based stimulus for people to leverage from as a platform for their own imaginations to launch is a defining success factor in what makes a great concept contain the potential to become an unprecedented success.

Recently, I saw some articles and commentary around noise being created over the casting choice of the character Hermione for a London stage play of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. What’s interesting is the fact that their choice of casting is a clear deviation from the visual depiction placed in the movies. I’m not privy to the comments made specifically by the people who are voicing their unhappiness with the choice, but I do appreciate that there is a slant toward suggesting that the negative responses have an undertone of racism associated. In actuality, what I am wondering is whether the resistance is less about the appointed actress: Noma Dumezweni’s skin color and more aligned to the fact that the person chosen does not represent alignment to the visual cues that have been well established and dearly loved by the countless fans.

In saying the above, I can affirm that the lack of etiquette used by some through the false bravado of ‘autonomy’ that social media avenues can and does seem to afford, gives people the channels to slander with little regard or account for their choice of language. I know the pitfalls and have seen the impact it has on the recipients who read inappropriately conveyed comments and take this to heart. This is why I can appreciate how there would be an adoption of perspective that people are being racist. No doubt some are. I still, however, suspect the public outcry is largely a demonstration of their resistance to accept change. In this case, it is an alteration of visual depiction.

J K Rowling created the Harry Potter series from her imagination. Those of us, who have read the series have been taken on a fantastical journey that has stimulated our senses and entertained our minds. When the series was translated for the big screen and the characters were developed and cast, we reveled in the presentation. Visual cues are an undeniably powerful influence. When I see anyone wearing spherical glasses I think of Harry Potter. Just as when I spy someone in a crowd wearing round sun glasses, I think of John Lennon. What we associate to, becomes by default familiar and in the case of fictional characters, I might even go as far as to say these cues help to catapult them to life.

Post watching the films I went back and re-read the series to see how the introduction of the imagery altered my journey the second time around. Personally, I find the side characters in books, particularly endearing and as such, thoroughly enjoy being witness to their creation / translation to the big screen when an adaptation occurs. Dobby in the Harry Potter Series and Gollum in The Lord of the Rings are examples of this. What I noticed upon reading the books again, this time I could hear the sound of the onscreen character’s voices in my mind. Professor Snape and Dobby in particular were crystal clear. It shows the influence that can be made when the onscreen depiction is embraced by the viewer.

The global success of the film adaptation of the Harry Potter series has created an appreciation of the appearance of the characters that has been entrenched in our minds. Even though as Rowling has mentioned that the books don’t define Hermione’s character by skin tone, it has been through film. To my line of thinking I wonder if J K Rowling allowed herself to be influenced by people’s opinions in the past, would we have this amazing series as it stands? I suggest not.

“The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself.”  ― Michel de Montaigne

Should we celebrate J K Rowling as a creative artist whose thoughts and expression have provided countless people insurmountable joy and as such embrace her right to do as she wishes or do we push our sense of entitlement to what is familiar and known to attempt to impose and drive compliance, routine, conformity toward the status quo?

Here’s my message to those who are condemning the casting choice of Noma Dumezweni’s in the role of Hermione. Please consider this; Why do you feel entitled to determine who should or shouldn’t be cast at all? The world that J K Rowling’s has created and shares with us, is first and foremost hers.

Congratulations to J K Rowling’s, the cast and crew on the kick off of the previews in London. By all accounts thus far, I can see the internet is buzzing with positive reviews.

Blessings – Truth Devour

We are arriving at the cusp of what appears to me as a revolution on thoughts that have reset the motion to a cycle that challenge’s the way we continue to see our own reality. I’m specifically talking about the self-empowerment and sustainment of individual thought. 

In a sense, I have seen the structure of the modernized world designed as a form of institution that is now struggling to continue to strive to hold the majority to conform and walk the wheel of madness, with the same steps, in the same direction, at the same pace. There is an up rise where people can be spotted moving to their own rhythm, by tapping into the wealth of resources that encourage and support unlimited power.

Everything I see, think and feel is processed by me on my terms and understanding. It is influenced by my experiences, environment, belief system, fears, adopted social pressures and so forth. In view of this, I struggle to comprehend why most of the design and marketing drive in these current times still place an emphasis on pushing the ideals of conformity, when, in reality, it has been demonstrated that the greatest exponential growth has been led by those who, tend to be enablers of celebration toward being an individual. An example of this is best witnessed through the development of social media channels. What I’ve noticed across the past decade is a phenomenon stimulated by the creation of applications and service portals on the internet that people have utilized to mould into something that it otherwise had never been envisioned or designed to do. YouTube is an example of what I am referring to here. There are people who have had their careers launched off the face of this platform not to mention television shows built off the back of it’s success. Twitter is another great example whereby people report in real-time, unfiltered news of what’s happening in the world. This holds unlimited potential and with this, unlimited power.

In my opinion, there is a continuous positive shift occurring as more people become socially online savvy. The increased accessibility of smart phones has become the ultimate conduit for stimulating momentous change. Unbeknownst to those who were developing social media apps, they were creating a space whereby the corporate giants who previously held a conglomerate on what was reported, how it was issued and when, are now largely becoming thrust into competing with an open consumer driven forum. The private corporate sectors and government bodies who allegedly silently played an active part in influencing the shape of what was seen and heard in the media, have also been inadvertently disarmed by this rapidly developing new suit of social apps that allows people to share information and freely voice their opinion. The key boils down to the undeniable influences swayed by a simple # hashtag.

“Hashtag’s are the new trending sheriff on the internet highway.”  ― Truth Devour

Although society is embracing the voice afforded through social media tools, I am yet to see it channeled to full effect. It is still in its infancy largely being utilized as a mecca for individuals to source and connect with likeminded people, to watch and share their experiences with, and to be a voyeur into the world of other’s lives. What makes these platforms great is that it holds the ability for people to do as they wish. The successful use of these applications is best seen by how individuals utilize the technology in a way that suits their purpose. It offers creative freedom and therefore has unlimited power. A great example is the shift in value proposition for musicians who no longer have to wait to become recognized and signed by a label. Artists can back themselves by releasing their own material on service portals such as iTunes. The same goes for the influential development of self publishing platforms such as Smashwords and Amazon Kindle. They are all contributors stimulating a push toward a more even playing field for people to unleash their creative expression on the open markets.

‘We can make a difference.’

Now more than ever we are entering an era where our single voice can contribute to sway and influence in a positive way. It’s 2016 and we still face issues such as depravation of clean water and access to nutrient rich food, worldwide. The marketing and social conditioning over the years has channeled my mind to immediately picture the imagery of a malnourished child, covered in flies, with lifeless eyes, staring down the barrel of a lens. Yet, I can walk down the city streets of Melbourne, Australia or any of the big cities I have traveled to, and see countless homeless people with an affliction to varying degrees of depravation. Why is this still happening at a time when I can see no excuse to justify its prolific existence? Imagine for one moment the difference that would be made if all municipal councils planted native fruit baring trees and vegetables on nature strips instead of ornamental trees and grass. Added to this, let’s consider where we might be if we follow France’s suit and incorporate the legislative ruling globally against food wastage, whereby supermarkets become banned from throwing away or destroying unsold food and instead must donate it to charities or for animal feed.

“We are all enablers of the status quo or shape shifters of influence toward a better future.”  ― Truth Devour

How many of you have heard of the water wheel? A student by the name of Cynthia Koenig came up with the idea of manufacturing a re-enforced 22 gallon plastic barrel and adding a handle that enables fluid to be stored and rolled to and from a water source with ease. It is a simple concept that is now a game changer within the communities of those third world recipients using the product. This is a wonderful demonstration of unlimited power. We are all enablers of the status quo or shape shifters of influence toward a better future. One mind can make the difference but a united consciousness leveraging off the concepts that already exist can expedite our closure on famine. Its high time we utilized our collective intelligence to merge the best of the best solutions as a global standard. There should be no barrier allowed to prevent us from achieving this.

We have the ability to influence change and a suite of platforms that give us a mechanism to voice our thoughts. Use it’s unlimited power to help shape our world into a better place for all.

Blessings – Truth Devour

The diversity of lifestyle, coupled with its complex religion and classes held an al lure that pushed me passed my comfort zone and into the cultural immersion of India.

I venture into lands unknown in order to live a life colored with unique experiences.

Do you ever wonder what it is about India that draws countless people to depict it as the place to visit for spiritual awakening? It’s hard to pinpoint precisely what it is for me. If I was to take an uneducated guess, I would lean towards expressing that it holds a certain charm that draws me into believing the impossible is indeed possible.

There is a sense of chaotic order to the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. Cows roam freely eating the garbage while creating rack and ruin in the shops as they see fit to randomly enter. I was told by one lady that it was considered good luck to have a cow enter her market stall, whereas the stall owner opposite her tried to discreetly usher the cows away. She had decided the mess and loss of product they caused far outweighed the luck she was receiving.

Walking down a market lane. (Photo Credit: Truth Devour)

Organized chaos. (Photo Credit: Truth Devour)

In the urban landscape, I found the architecture was equal parts surprising and downright scary. I had received an offer to visit a family who lived in this five story tall super narrow leaning tower of Piza building. To provide you with some context, I lived in a five bedroom two bathroom old country farm house on seventeen acres on my own. When I entered this abode, I was amazed with the amount of people who lived in the ultra small confines of this narrow concrete structure. The grandparents, a husband and wife, two children under the age of six with one on the way and an unmarried sister, all lived there. It was humbling to know that I occupied a house that was filled with ‘things’, and here they were a family of seven plus another child en route, making life work in space no greater in size than an average westerner’s lounge room.

‘The wonderment of perspective’

Float – Carnival festival in Goa (Photo Credit: Truth Devour)

Oversized paper mache puppets (Photo Credit: Truth Devour)

One of the things that I truly admire about the people of India is their commitment to the use of bold vibrant colors.  When I attended the much anticipated Carnival festival in Goa, I wasn’t sure what to expect. In essence, it is a well orchestrated  display of floats, coupled with singular people hovering about in random costumes.  I saw an Indian Charlie Chaplin walking toward me while a man in a ballerina suit complete with an un-manicured hairy chest fluttered on by. It was eclectic madness with no apparent flow of commonality in theme, and yet it all somehow works. The celebration lasted for three nights and four days and was far tamer than it sounds. Either that or I was hanging in the wrong circles. Mostly, what I witnessed was people in uplifted spirits celebrating with their family and friends by sharing a meal, singing and dancing.

“I travel to find pieces of me within each experience.”  ― Truth Devour

Homeless dog in Delhi (Photo Credit: Truth Devour)

During my travels, I heard about a growing trend in what is known as laughing yoga (Hasyayoga). I was curious about it and decided to track down a club to join them in an hour of chuckles. In theory, the practice of prolonged voluntary laughter is based on the belief that it provides the same physiological and psychological benefits as genuine laughter. Attending a session proved to be one of my favorite travel experiences. Picture this, I was the only foreigner attending that day so most of the participants used me as an unconscious focal point. Here I am surrounded by a group of strangers who were staring at me while smiling. I looked at their faces looking at me and couldn’t help but begin to laugh. Much to their delight my natural expression of laughter is so, let’s call it ‘unique,’ that when they heard my rambunctious bellow, they all quickly transitioned from forced laughter into hysterical laughter. I mean we lost the plot laughing at the sound of me laughing. The exchange of energy was amazing. Our streams of tears were the signature expression of joy. Honestly, I could feel it rejuvenating my mind, heart and soul.

Washing booths for rent. (Photo Credit: Truth Devour)

Dirty water, white sheets. Tis one of the great mysteries of life. (Photo Credit: Truth Devour)

When I stumbled upon the washing booths, I was fascinated by what I saw.  Firstly, there wasn’t a female in sight. All the booths are run by men. They scrubbed the clothes, dipped them in the water and then proceeded to vigourously whack them numerous times on the concrete wall in front of them. They repeated this process over and over, occasionally checking the item. I’ve never seen white clothes come up so clean before. It was visually mesmerizing to watch them in action. They relentlessly labored over each article of clothing in the same way for the entire day.

Cow & Cart – Mumbai (Photo Credit: Truth Devour)

Initially, I intended on spending a little over two weeks traveling about to get a taste of what India had to offer. This quickly became extended to six weeks, then eight. I reluctantly returned to Australia thereafter to tend to some existing commitments. When I boarded the plane to leave I recognized that my first trip to India would not be my last. I have graced her soils a few times since and had even updated my last will and testament to hold the request to have my body shipped to Varanasi so it may be burnt to ashes at the foot of the Ganges and released unto its waters.

What can I say, there’s just something about India. It is an enchanted place filled with endless examples of the impossible being possible.

Blessings – Truth Devour

Traveling is a tricky business when you are on your own and have little access to trusted advisors such as family and friends on hand to guide you with invaluable local knowledge. This is where I have found the rating services listed on portals such as Yelp can be an amazing traveler’s guide.

I’ve been roaming the globe since the age of seventeen. A large portion of the time spent was on walkabouts involving the companionship of me, myself and I. This at times placed me in the precarious position of needing to trust strangers to provide local advice on what service I should use.

During my recent trip to the USA, I found myself a little lost in L.A when I had to rely on motor vehicle transport as the primary source of travel. I stayed in Venice Beach where trains are non-existent, so the alternatives were buses or cars. I wasn’t keen on driving because my need would be infrequent, hence hiring a driver seemed to be the only sensible way to go.

Let’s segway quickly back to past experiences in my life where I have been held at knife point by a taxi driver, witnessed a person being beaten by a driver, had a cabbie nearly cause a collision because of reckless driving, and you may begin to understand my hesitation in hiring an ‘unknown’ driver in a foreign country. Gratefully, I am no longer as blind sided thanks to the relentless development of software and hardware technology that makes access to the internet an affordable mechanism for real time research. These days when all else fails I seek help from YELP to get myself connected with a well rated driver.

I know opinions are subjective and relative to an individual’s experience, hence the rating and comments need to be used as a guide rather than a source of truth for the services I am looking to engage. What I tend to look for are comments that lend themselves to the humanity of an individual. People are often too busy to comment or rate unless they have been inspired to do so.

Pedro Driving

The company that I chose to use was Sunshine Deluxe Transportation. They were listed on Yelp with a reasonable amount of positive reviews. It wasn’t as high as some of the others but what made them stand out to me was the amount of lengthy positive comments left by the people they had obviously inspired through their experience. It bodes well to have some-one so impressed with the service that they take the time to write a mini short story about it. This to me is a definite sign that there is a person or person(s) who held a position of heart and care in what they provided.  

‘A family run business with heart .’

I had to do a few trips across to Calabasas from Venice Beach and then return. The hike was lengthy, and the traffic set to be awful at almost anytime of the day. I called a few of the higher star rated services simply based on numbers and then called Sunshine Deluxe Transport to see how they compare. The costs were all in the same ball park but the tone in Pedro’s voice, and his consideration to my circumstances sold me on engaging Sunshine Deluxe’s services.

“Sharing positive experiences is essential for sustainment of healthy competition.”  ― Truth Devour

Pedro – Sunshine Deluxe Transport

I’m pleased to say that I wasn’t led astray. The way he and his wife manage their business is nothing short of remarkable. By the third trip, I felt welcomed as a friend rather than a person who utilized a service. They were always ahead of schedule. The vehicles were immaculate not to mention that they were genuine people and great drivers. At one point Pedro was so concerned about my frequency of travel to these (unplanned) meetings that he suggested that it would be cheaper to hire a car. When I said I wasn’t keen on driving in the States, Pedro offered his time on a Sunday to teach me how to drive at no cost. I’m not sure about you, but it’s moments like these that invigorate my belief in the beauty of people. Experiences of unexpected kindness with no expectation of return is priceless to receive and worthy of special mention. Pedro, you are a beautiful soul. (Thank you).

Life has forever changed for those who leverage off the service recommendation sites such as Yelp. It provides a more even playing field for the lesser known businesses to be seen or at the very least gives them a chance to be considered based on their proven stellar quality of service. Platforms like Yelp offer the people’s voice an opportunity to guide. I for one have had less ‘incidents’ of bad service engagements occur since I began using these types of sites.

If you find yourself in a bind and don’t have a trusted source for something you need, my recommendation is Yelp for help. They have so far hit the mark on what is depicted by the comments, service descriptions and ratings. I am an advocate for the importance of people holding and sharing their experiences. It benefits the businesses that provide exceptional service and encourage them to continue to do so. It’s a win, win for all. Oh and when you are in the Santa Monica area needing a ride, call Sunshine Deluxe Transport, you won’t be disappointed.

Happy and safe travels to one and all.

Blessings – Truth Devour

Do you believe that there is that one incredible, enigmatic person out there who compliments you in ways no other has the ability to do? What would you be willing to sacrifice to find them, to be with them? How far are you prepared to go and what challenges are you ready to face to be present to unite your love and light energies?

The concept of twin flames is not new to those who are aware of spiritual and esoteric belief systems. There are many ancient fables describing the splitting of a single soul into two, which thus begins the journey of them healing and becoming attuned to their wholeness. Once the gauntlet of challenges faced are mastered across multiple lifetimes, it is said that they re-incarnate into forms of flesh during their final leg of the journey on this plane at the same time so they may unite and begin the ascension into universal light and love together.

There are some incredibly wonderful artistic interpretations of what twin flame union looks like. If you google twin flame images as I have done below, you will be greeted with a plethora of beautiful art that for me personally fuel a hunger to be present to knowing more. I find the imagery causes me to ache for the world to find balance, heal and become open to attracting the complimentary half of their soul, so they may begin remodeling their energies towards unconditional love.

Take a moment if you will to look at all the emotions reaching out from the countless pictures. The colors, the vibrant light filled surrounds where the energies of the two lovers are symbiotic. I feel the depiction of connectedness, safety, trust and a sense of knowing is captured so clearly in each. It tells me that there is faith in many that unconditional love between two is not only possible, it exists.

During the course of writing my books I wanted to ensure I incorporated the beauty of this concept as an under toned integral part of the theme. The characters needed to feel a sense of purpose towards the betterment of themselves, an evolution of their healing, so they may learn, grow and be on their path to eventually meeting their twin flame. There are references and I guess hints in regard to this, but I intentionally left some components free so that it fueled the reader’s imagination. It was a curiosity to realize through feedback from people who like my fiction stories that quite a few of them weren’t aware of the concept. It made me smile when each of them confirmed they were intrigued, placing them on a path to research to learn more. This to me is the essence of perfection in what I love to do the most, inspire.  

‘Love and be loved unconditionally.’

I find there is so much pain associated with the journey for true loves greet. As an observer of my surrounds, I often wondered why people chose to settle for partners who didn’t compliment them in the ways I personally expect, desire of another. My choice in life was to remain in solitude until I met and or attracted the person who made my heart sing and my soul shine with joy. It’s not to say that in the past I haven’t been in relationships or even taken lovers, I have, but I knew during the experience that they were not who I wanted to be with. I would never marry them nor bear their children. My mark of a sign was associated to this in essence. The one who I crave to share my everything with is the one who my heart has yearned for across lifetimes. This is what I trust to be true for me.

“It is better to be alone than to be lonely within the presence of company.”  ― Truth Devour

It’s interesting to look in retrospect at who I have accepted in my intimate space. There isn’t one interlude I have chosen that didn’t hold an express intent for learning. All the experiences taught me about myself, readjusted my parameters or understanding of the ideals pertaining to not only loving but the ways in which love is measured by people around me. I found it fascinating that their expression of love and need for it to be delivered in a particular fashion held indicators of where they were positioned on their own life journey to find their twin.

‘Purity of love and light’

Whether it’s all ideals of fiction born of fantasy and sustained by the will of many around the globe, the concept exists and its energy has a following. Take away the idea of the soul splitting and focus just for a second on the essence of what this type of love represents. To me, it is all about an energy space where two people perfectly compliment each other in acceptance, truth and love. Where there is only support, evolution and a drive to not only give to one another but to extend the beauty of what they produce and offer out to the world.

Let’s face it, who wouldn’t want that? I know I do and will settle for nothing less.

Always in all ways for always.

Blessings – Truth Devour

Every word holds an essence of magic because it conveys a message, which is then left with the recipient to interpret. The way it is understood can vary by association to the context it is placed within, known as a sentence. Then evolving into greater affordability of clarity or confusion when placed within a paragraph. Its simplicity exists in its singularity, and complexity evolves with the binding association with other words. 

Welcome to the English language where you can have a word, which sounds the same but is spelt different and holds completely different meanings. What word springs to mind for you? For me, it has always been ‘there and their’ as a classic go to example. Still, I’m not here to brow beat the obvious. It’s the less evident, which holds my current interest. In particular, under utilized words within the English language.

When I set out to write my fantasy five series (Soliloquy’s Labyrinth) I made an agreement with myself. I won’t hold back how I think, what I feel nor will I deny the use of my reasonably extensive vocabulary. I like words. I enjoy knowing about their origins and can sometimes find myself heading down a rabbit warren exploring the history of some words for the pure fact that it tells a story. To me, this is key, each word on its own has a story to tell, and none of it can be conveyed without the assistance of other words. I find it to be a beautiful symbol of interconnection. Words are utterly dependent on one another.

‘Thesaurus: Is it a friend or foe?’

A friend of mine called me the other day to make a request. She said that she loved reading Illuminarium (Book One), but she wanted me to stop using words ‘normal’ people like her didn’t know. Then she proceeded to try to pronounce the word soliloquy which led to her swearing and both of us laughing. This conversation also happened to coincide with me noting a reviewer had issued a comment on the same book suggesting they imagined the author was sitting beside a thesaurus when Illuminarium was written.

“Without knowing the force of words, it is impossible to know more.” ―  Confucius

We’re all different. I get it. I can also appreciate where these comments are stemmed from, which made me ask myself the question; Are the words I use within my writing too complex? I guess there is no one perfect response to this, which would suffice because it depends on the person reading the books. It therefor becomes a question, which could only be honored by a subjective answer. Knowing this, I pondered whether there is a need to temper my use of vocabulary to accommodate those who have not developed a more extensive knowledge base of the language. This is where it got interesting.

‘What is the measure for balance to be struck within linguistic compromise?’

If I were inclined to limit the words used to more commonly known terms and definitions, how far would I need to go and what would be the benchmark I could use to execute such a request? I actually don’t believe there is a way to have this done without creating a survey to obtain a reference point for what the average knowledge base within a given populous is. Regardless, I’m not even remotely inclined to alter my writing style or the words I select to use within it. Primarily because if I did, then it wouldn’t be reflective of me, my work, my joy and celebration of expressing the story through the diverse access I have to descriptive language.

“There is a breadth of marvels awaiting to fuel your imagination. Never stop learning.”  ― Truth Devour

I use the dictionary to ensure I have placed certain words within the right context and sure sometimes I use a thesaurus to stimulate my extension of words more for assistance in developing a level of texture and depth to the writing. What is the use of having access to a full color palette and limiting yourself to only a few shades? When I write I crave the full rainbow spectrum of words to be spread with descriptive color across my pages, so that it eloquently carries what I am wanting to convey in my stories.

Oscar Wilde said it best: Be yourself. Everyone else is taken. Creative expression to me holds no room for compromise if it is set to be a reflection of oneself. When I don’t know a word, I look it up and learn about it. If I like the word, I’II go out of my way to place it in a sentence or tell someone about it. I guess this is part of who I am, and it is clearly reflected within aspects of my writing.

Tis what it is.

Blessings – Truth Devour

It struck me as I walked the streets of New York that I hadn’t seen many people with dogs walking about, the same applied to spotting stray cats. It is rare for me to be in such a built up place where animals are seemingly absent from the landscape. I’m used to homes teaming with a cacophony of animal sounds but here in the areas where I spent my days haunting the walkways, there appeared to be little to none. 

A couple of days before I was due to leave New York, I decided to take a break from writing to head out with my camera as a treat for completing the first draft of my current novel. I had heard people mention there was a local fellow who used to feed all the stray cats and had done so for years. I was curious about this given, I had been in the US for close to a month and was yet to see any stray animals in the streets.

A few minutes into my stroll I heard the distinct call of cats meowing. Instantly, I switched directions to follow the sounds and managed to stumble upon a fellow who was in the process of being greeted by a group of strays. I couldn’t believe it. A month had gone by where I hadn’t found one and yet there they all were less than a block and a half away from where I had been staying. Dozens of stray cats were running about playing, while others politely waited for a serve of the food, this kind man had purchased for them.

I came to understand he used to be a resident of the district and spent some time devoted to the care of the strays in the area. When he was evicted because the building was being sold, he had no choice but to find a new place and now lives down town. Nevertheless, he still makes the effort to come across whenever he can, to give the cats some food.

“Kindness rewards the soul.”  ―Truth Devour

He confirmed there are other people in the area who also assisted with feeding the cats and regularly supplied them with clean water. There were a couple of old metal structures that had been donated to provide them with shelter from the wind and rain. A community effort is in place where people give what they can to assist the local strays. It was honestly really touching to witness.

What struck me as marvelous above all things was observing the cats patiently wait for him to place their portion of the meal in front of them. There was no growling, hissing or fighting. They all sat and watched as each got served and would stand when the spoon was being presented to them. I didn’t witness one stray cat, young or old who tried to steal an extra portion from another. Once they got their meager spoonful served to them, they ate it and then went off to play or stayed to groom themselves.

I’m not a veterinarian but the stray cats all seemed to look to be in reasonable condition. Sure there was the odd one with a battle scar but none of them were disturbingly skinny or had chunks of hair missing or were overridden by fleas, etc. They have a communal structure where there is a comfort associated to their close knit unity. The cats weren’t skittish or threatening like some true feral animals I have met across the years. These guys were holding it together with the support of the locals and from what I could sense, were content.

I had been wondering why New York wasn’t overran by rats given the sheer mass of garbage I saw regularly piled high in the streets. I’d suspected rodents must be able to flourish in an environment where excess seems to be spilled into the oversized black garbage bags piled so tall in some places I questioned if there was a union strike on collections. Now, I recognized it is possibly the local stray cats who keep the balance in check on the ratus ratus community preventing them from domination.

It also explains why the homeless cats, here are not as skinny as I have seen in other places. I have no doubt they help themselves to the endless supply of rodents ensuring their bellies are filled with regularity.

My only encounter with a rat in New York occurred on a night it was storming with rain. I was walking to my apartment when I saw this humongous beast leap off the stoop, onto the garbage lid and down the drain. The flash of red in its eye gave me a chill as it disappeared into the blackness. It was equal to the size of an average rabbit. I’d never seen one quite so big before.

Most of the time the reason I look for the stray animals in the places I travel is because I want to give them something, anything as a gesture of goodwill. I have done this since I began traveling from the age of seventeen. If I was to label it than perhaps it is my way of paying it forward. My own personal policy to seek animals in need to help in some small measure. It’s very rare to come across a situation like this whereby everything is working out fine. I was incredibly moved and get blessed to be able to see it. I know there are people out there quietly doing good deeds. I was stoked on this day to be present to one of them.

‘Help when you can. It all counts.’ 

In the centre of devastation, poverty, real life struggles, there is a heart beat that responds to gestures of kindness. Aim to be a contributor to igniting faith and hope back into the energies of the souls who need it most. Then look into their eyes, for there is where you will find intangible beauty truly resides.

Blessings – Truth Devour

All the photographs in this article were taken By Truth Devour

I’m moved to say the least in regard to the overwhelming positive response I have received from readers who enjoy the creative fiction that I have been putting out into the ether via the various self publishing platforms available. There are so many fantastic works now being developed for readers to consume I found it humbling and an absolute honor to have not one but three of the four fiction novels I have made available on the open market, be selected as finalists in the 2015 readers open to vote competition.  

It’s hard to articulate in words what it felt like to receive the notification confirming that Wantin, the first book in the adult contemporary romance trilogy known as the enigma series was the winner of the award. I read the announcement several times before it sank in that once again the very first book I ventured into the literary markets with was being acknowledged as a stand out for my capabilities as a writer and for the story being told.

Firstly, I want to say a big thank you McWood Publishing for hosting the competition and to all the readers who took the time to vote. I received the notification that three of my books had been short listed as finalists and would be subject to public voting across December. It came at a time when I was in the midst of traveling from Australia to the USA for my first ever visit, so a week into live voting had well and truly elapsed by the time I had realized what was happening. By mid month, I wrote a blog letting people know it was on and started issuing messages across social media, along with existing reviewers, family and friends to ask them to pass the message on to any of the readers who may wish to participate.

Shortly after making the announcements and spruiking on every and any social media platform I could find,  I witnessed something magic happen. The readers who love the series went out of their way to repeatedly promote my works. A few even extended themselves to write emails to tell me how the books held such importance to them, that it was more than just a fiction story. The way they chose to share aspects of their lives with me in order to explain why reading the trilogy helped them alter what they chose to do in their personal lives was a beautiful unexpected gift. Reading these passionate, raw, honest communications made me feel so blessed. They were trusting me with their secrets.

‘Dare to be the best you can be.’

When I made the decision to transition to become a publicly available and known writer, I never knew the reception to my works would be filled with equal passion. Edging my way into 2016, I recognize this journey I embarked upon holds the potential to be far greater than even what I imagined. What I have learnt across the process of evolving as a writer was and continues to be enriching, but it also affords the privilege of reaching people in ways that encourages the nourishment of their own life experiences, this to me is priceless.

“Devour thy own truth. Lie to others if you feel you must but never to yourself.”  ― Truth Devour

The enigma series is an adult contemporary romantic trilogy with a fantasy edge brought in by cultural based esoteric concepts such as voodoo and witchcraft. There are erotic undertones to the series as you would expect with a coming of age love story. The descriptives of any adult nature are detailed at times but tastefully done, so there is a balance of presence and imagination

afforded for the readers. In essence, the investment in reading this series takes you on a life journey along side the main character, Talia. I write all my works in the first person because I enjoy telling the story in a way which allows for the reader to be very present to everything happening. It makes it personal. Talia’s highs and lows are there for you to experience, enjoy and deal with just as she does.

There are many passionate reviewers out there who have posted some wonderful comments in terms of the series. My recommendation for those who haven’t read the books yet, don’t read the reviews. Aside from the inevitable spoilers which are leaked from time to time, the reality is that it’s hard not to formulate a perception or expectation of the read as a result of what has been experienced by others. I honestly feel you deny yourself the magic of being swept away with the intrigue and wonderment of the journey if you enter it with expectation, bias or have it classified in some way.

“Let the voice of the story speak to you. It has a message only you can hear.”  ― Truth Devour

The unique genius about fiction is that it holds a voice which resonates within you and thereby holds the truth of how you feel in terms of what you are experiencing during the read. Perhaps its associated to the desires to be more aligned to the personal traits of a character or a yearn to be presented with someone like that in real life. These all are gifts of insight afforded through the pleasure of the journey. You get to hear your voice and enhance your imagination as to what may be possible. It’s then up to you to recognize this and to dare to create it for yourself, if you want to.  No matter what, maintain your hunger for experience and be fearless in honoring your truth.

Links to buy: http://truthdevour.com/enigma-series/

Links to T’s Blogging – McWoods Publishing Article: http://www.mcwpub.blogspot.com

“I’m happiest when I allow myself to simply be me. I do what I want and aim to harm no one in the process,” Truth Devour stated when asked, “What she has learned along her journey of self-discovery?”

No one should be surprised by the author’s response. Truth Devour is a huge promoter of individuality and self-discovery and is quoted as saying on her website, “Live the journey of self and devour thy own truth.”

Blessings – Truth Devour

I never had a teddy bear when I was a child, so one day during a whim in my mid thirties, I decided it was time I did something about it. I’ve always liked the look of hand made toys and realized if I was to have one, then it should be created by me. Hence, berry berry bear was born. He is lopsided, has misaligned eyes, a funny nose  and a crooked smile. It’s hard to explain how much I enjoyed the process of bringing him to life. He wasn’t perfect and that to me was an intrinsic part of his charm.  

In January 2016, I was walking the streets of Venice Beach (L.A), Abbot Kinney to be precise. It was one of those days where I decided to quickly zip out to get a caffeine hit and fill my lungs with fresh air before returning home to continue writing. I had disheveled hair, no makeup, oversized cardigan, sweat pants, I’m sure you get the idea. Lo and behold as I am wandering toward my favorite cafe this person engages me with her smile and politely asks if she can take a photo of me. I naturally asked what it was going to be used for, which provided the perfect segway into the artist Nina Salerno telling me about her story.

Nina walks the streets of L.A approaching people to ask to listen to their stories. She has a blog on her website that she updates daily with a new personal share from people she has met. Her objective is to demonstrate that an adjustment in how we choose to see our differences can be the variant between us allowing ourselves to feel like an unreachable outcast or  embrace it allowing the very essence of our individuality to be something we cherish, thereby becoming a strength.

It was after this, she pulled out a toy she had made called Wilson named after the musician Brian Wilson.  This magnificent one-eared Teddy Bear instantly evoked a need in me to cuddle him. Nina passed him across to me as she prepped the camera and explained everyone she blogs about holds Wilson and tells their story. Honestly, at the time I had no idea of what I would say, all I knew was that I didn’t want to let go of my new bestie Wilson, so I spoke about what was on my mind while she took some images. The whole time the camera clicked I had to resist burying my face in him. He is definitely a special little guy. I’ve intentionally not placed an image of Wilson in this article because I feel your curiosity is best sated by taking a look at Nina’s blog. When you see the smiles on people’s faces while holding this teddy bear, you will begin to get what I am talking about. There is something undeniably charming about Wilson.

I found Nina’s drive admirable and her desire to connect with people is truly amazing. In a world of fast pace where everyone seems to have ‘no time’ she is devoting time to seek people out, to listen.

The experiences exchanged hold an impact, which Nina reflects into her unique pieces of art. I really like that it all begins with a toy being rescued from a thrift store, pulled apart, before being recycled into new forms.

Each of the toys is her expression of celebration around imperfection being a source of beauty, strength, empowerment and joy. Nina is fearlessly putting it out there that it is okay to be who we are. The stories being shared with her demonstrate that people are willing to participate if they are nurtured, accepted and celebrated. Her blog is a testimony to the vast array of challenges people have faced and overcome. It’s inspiring.

PERFECT REJECT® is a line of plush toys. Quirky. Authentic. Wonderful. Just like you. Tattered and torn, vulnerable and soft, Perfect Rejects celebrate the strength in our weaknesses. They cultivate joy and understanding, reflecting difference and empathy for our inner, most tender, human selves.

“Happiness needs to shine from within.”  ― Truth Devour

I feel Nina translates a lot of the emotions she receives from her journey with talking to people into her individual pieces. I think intrinsically her secret to making these recycled character filled creations come to life is her love for making them. They represent the presence of happiness in the absence of consumer driven concepts of normal. The quirkiness of each one holds within itself an untold story that I suspect forms with the owner who is drawn to purchasing it.

‘Create art with heart.’

After our initial chance meet, Nina and I made arrangements to catch up for a coffee. This lead to us having a meal and then walking along the shore line while we talked. I find myself blessed to be witness to people like Nina, who are placing themselves out there in the world. She confessed to being naturally shy, yet her need to do this process of connecting with people to know more about who we are compels her to rise above her instinct to refrain. The passion she holds for what she is doing is reason alone to reach out to her. We need more Nina’s extending themselves to follow their calling for it not only gives us a reminder that we are great just the way we are, I feel her energy rekindles a sense of hope. That there are kind people out there contributing in any way they can to make a difference. Who by their actions are demonstrating they genuinely care and want to be a participant in your life, even if it is only for a brief time. What is life other than a series of moments?

Nina Salerno, you are a dear soul. Thank you for relentlessly doing what you do. Never stop recognizing and celebrating our differences and accepting us for who we are. You and Wilson made a delightfully perfectly imperfect impact on me.

Blessings – Truth Devour

All images are used with permission from the artist Nina Salerno  http://www.perfectreject.com

Let me tell you a little secret about any creative pursuit, it affords the freedom to do as you wish with no rules or constraints other than the ones you chose to impose. It doesn’t get much sweeter than this in terms of placing every single person on an equal footing to excel in what they hold a passion to do. 

It inspires me to know people have influenced us in ways we never realized by simply creating what was within them to emerge. Shakespeare comes to mind as a great example of what it means to be inspiring, and I’m not entirely referencing his plays and poetry per say but the impact they have had on our use of his language. If you google about it you will quickly realize, William invented, it is quoted to be approximately 1700 of the common words used today. He made them up, shared them through his works, and we brought them to life with our adoption. His imagination extended into our vocabulary, how simply marvelous is that?

Prior to writing a new novel, there are a few things I tend to do specifically to remind myself of the message I’m delivering above in regard to embracing creative freedom. It’s a simple process really. I search topics on the internet such as newly discovered species or inventions. In looking at these things I’m present to the reality that we don’t know as much as we think we do. I’II tend to try to watch more sunsets and sunrises, paying particular attention to the variety of colors, the feel of the breeze on my skin. Star gazing at night also assists in supporting my awareness of enormity, galactic mystery, the untapped adventures yet to be had. It gives me the inspiration to allow myself to write whatever it is I want to, simply because I can.

‘Do what feels right.’

There are countless articles out there guiding people on ‘what to do’ when embarking on this journey. My message is simple, do anything you wish in any way you wish but most of all just do it. Start the process of capturing your ideas, story board them to map an outline if this serves you best or don’t. There are no rules, get excited about this fact. There are no rules. If you prefer, just begin writing and see where it takes you, do it. This may become your process or the beginning or something which evolves into your own writing methodology. In order to commence you just need to start.

“Sometimes I wonder if I’m a character being written, or if I’m writing myself.”  ― Marilyn Manson

I’II be the first to tell you when I write it feels as though it exposes me in every way to the world. It may be fiction but its fiction, I have thought of and written so in some measure it is me captured on the pages of the book, the good, the bad and the ugly are there for people to consume. I remember bursting out laughing the first time I saw a quote from Stephen King that referenced people asking him if he had a heart, and his response was, he did. In fact he said he has the heart of a little boy. It’s contained within a jar sitting on his writing desk. It makes me smile, because what he said, tongue in cheek with quick wit still holds to my belief that every writer experiences, those characters we imagined to life contain threads of our truth.

‘A piece of my soul resides within every book I have written’

Make the process fun. If it is a chore than I am suggesting perhaps you are not doing it in a way, which will support you to complete the journey of writing the book. I’m not a fan of writing every day just because I set out to do so. I find I tend to write better when I don’t place too many conditions on when I do write, or how much I produce in any stint. It all balances out in the end so to me these things hold no value. What I do tend to do is find places where I can imagine I would be happy to write. It may be a small garden or a coffee house. There is definitely a connection between writing and traveling for me. I try as often as I can to go somewhere to write my book. It provides me with a lovely mix of travel stimuli and untethered focus because no-one knows where I am. It’s just me, and my computer unleashed in a chosen destination.

“I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.”  ― Douglas Adams

You have to maintain sense of humor when you are embracing or in the midst of creating. I say this because life gets in the way of any good plan, and we just need to be flexible enough to work around whatever appears to be a barrier. If you are hungry for it, nothing will stop you from completing what you have set out to achieve. There will be obstacles, it may not have been the way you imagined or how quickly you wanted it to be achieved. So what? None of this matters providing you don’t adopt excuses to stop all together. I’ve had my fair share of challenges throughout the years, and they have certainly had an influence on my ability to deliver my books in a timely fashion but nothing more. Let me be succinct, I never quit.

How do you get your writing from concept to creation in two easy steps?

Blessings – Truth Devour