Links Noted: Mexico, Books, Wheat, Peewee Herman, Margaret Atwood on the Anchovies

Margaret Atwood is ablogging. Why the anchovies are restless: her keynote speech for Tools of Change 2011, available as a free video, is well worth watching.

Rachael Laudan offers some context on wheat.

Borderland Beat. Like the title says.

Jose Padua at Shendandoah Breakdown.

And more along the lines of Mondo Barbie: Rick Peabody and Life in the Trenches by DC Poet & King of Iota, Miles David Moore.

Asher Baggott Bode: sounds like a law firm, but it's the website of the successor to Joyce Carol Oates (all respect intended). Thanks, Sandra Gulland, for the tip.

Prophet of Doom James Howard Kunstler asks the perhaps inevitable question, "Why don't we drop Peewee Herman on Libya?"

Read his most recent post here. Seriously, great blog.

Deborah Batterman, "Good Things Come in Threes", in which she recommends 6 Books.

Over at Burro Hall, find out what King Kong, the Gobernator, Osama Bin Laden, Winston Churchill, and the Exorcist have in common.

Pain in the English

Fascinating "visual essays" by Franke James.

My favorite feng shui expert Carol Olmstead summarizes my blog post on decluttering a library.

Feng Shui Expert Carol Olmstead's New Monkeysee Video

The first time I heard about feng shui (from a realtor who had a Japanese client who couldn't buy a house because the geomancer claimed the entrance faced an inauspicious direction) I thought it bizarre. Since then, however, I came upon Carol Olmstead's very grounded, common-sense approach to this ancient Chinese art of placement--- well, that and The Holographic Universe--- and I have developed a profound respect for feng shui. (By the way, a while back, Carol sent me 10 feng shui tips for writers--- posted here.) Without further ado: check out Carol's new Monkeysee video, "Feng Shui Home Tips for Attracting Wealth" in which she gives you a quick overview of the basic principles. More anon.

Carol Olmstead's Feng Shui Tips for Writers

Today's is another guest-blog post, this time by Feng Shui expert Carol Olmstead. I know her, she's fantastic, and yes it works. (I used to think Feng Shui was silly until I began reading books like The Holographic Universe. Cutting-edge physicists are demonstrating that the universe is connected in ways our "rational" minds cannot begin to fathom.) Here's her post:


Feng Shui For Writers by Carol Olmstead

There are three rules for writing the novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.
W. Somerset Maugham

The rules for writing a novel may be a mystery, but the Feng Shui rules for setting up the space where you write are well known. Whether you are a professional writer, a would be author, or just need a creative boost to get your writing juices flowing, when you write in a setting that is balanced and harmonious, all of your writing efforts will be successful:

* Create a Writing Space—whether it is a separate room or only a corner of the kitchen, designate an area where you write; use the space preferably at the same time every day.

* Face the Door—sit in the power position, diagonally across from the door, so you are in command of your writing.

* Change Your View—hang artwork directly in front of you that shows gently moving water, which symbolizes flow and creativity for your writing projects.

* Add Living Things—surround yourself with plants and flowers to represent the Wood Element, which encourages growth of your writing skills.

* Enhance Your Fame—Display copies of your published works, complimentary letters, and awards you have won in the Fame/Future area of your writing space to encourage you to move forward.

* Call on Mentors—Place copies of books or articles from writers you admire in your Helpful People area to act as mentors for your writing projects.


Madam Mayo says: Check out Carol's excellent website, www.fengshuiforreallife.com for many more tips and the sign-up for her free newsletter.