Por Siempre

Piercing through that mask of Being

In that silence beyond all seeing 

Was a field with a different story

A field of power, of awesome glory

With other children, if unfurled

It's tidal wave would change the world 

Michael Jackson 

Part II Magical Child

Almost six years ago, my book Ever After was published.  At the time, I had no experience in writing or publishing, but I was so inspired and determined that nothing slowed me down.  Writing, imagining the illustrations, finding an illustrator, learning about publishers and printing, setting up a website, all of it was completely new to me.  It was an amazing time, and Mimi was the perfect partner.  The story was only half the book, her illustrations are what brought it to life.   When the book was ready, I confidently ordered 5000 copies (just for a start I thought) and I took orders through email and Paypal and mailed out the books myself.  The only way for people to find Ever After was through Facebook, which was a new frontier for me as well.  

The word spread, and I was finding out first hand how much Michael was loved all over the world.  I had requests for the book in different languages.  Printing the book in other languages was not possible at the time, so I asked new friends in different countries to translate the story into their language for me.  I printed the translations on two pages and inserted them with the English book on request. 

I didn't sell all of those 5000 books.  I still have a few boxes in my basement and I donate them to children's events and charities if people are willing to help with the mailing costs.  By the grace of createspace and Amazon, and a lot of help from my friends once again, I am now able to publish physical copies of Ever After in other languages.  The first one is a new Spanish version, Por Siempre, which is available starting today.  The translation has been kindly provided by Liz Johnson.  Por Siempre (Ever After - Spanish)

Reading the story again, and working with the illustrations has taken me back in time, and reminded me of the eternal gift of Michael's life story.  I really want to continue to share Ever After with the children of the world.  I am hoping that once again Facebook friends  will help to put this book into the hands of children who can be inspired by a little boy who did what he came to do; sing, dance and make a difference ..... por siempre 
Thank you all so much for your love and support.  
Thank You Michael, for always giving us your best.

Por Siempre (Ever After-Spanish)

The Life Changing Magic of Michael Jackson

Every year between Christmas and New Years, I have time off to relax. December is a busy month for our business and this year I was looking forward to working on my cross stitch of Michael, maybe doing a sketch, some writing and enjoying my relaxation time.  A couple of days before Christmas, a post on facebook caught my attention.  It was about a book called The Life Changing Magic of Tidying.  Why I clicked on the post I have no idea.  (Well actually, I do have an idea, but I didn't at the time.)

This is the background to my story.  My mother was a VERY tidy housekeeper.   It seemed to me that she was much more concerned about STUFF than she was about People (like her daughters for example) and I decided very seriously that I would not be that way when I grew up.  Well, I certainly kept my word.  I did not EVER care about STUFF, and I didn't care about having a spotless house.  In fact, I thought those kind of people were superficial.  Needless to say my house has always been a cluttered mess, and I have not been concerned about it.  Yes, it's sometimes hard to find things.  Luckily, since I don't care about stuff, I am not a shopper, and I don't collect a lot.  This fact has probably helped to keep the clutter fairly manageable so that it never really had to be dealt with. Whenever I would try to put things away, I wouldn't know where to start.  The closets and drawers and cupboards were full, so there was no where to put anything.  I am 57 years old, so there did not seem to be much chance that anything would change as far as my housekeeping habits were concerned.  

The words Life Changing Magic really attracted me, and I decided to buy the kindle version of the book.  The woman who wrote the book was PASSIONATE about tidying.  To her, a tidy house was the answer to all problems in life!  The basis of the plan is to take everything you own, pick it up, and decide if it sparks joy.  If not, don't keep it.  That way, everything around us is what we love.

So, that is what I spent my holiday doing.  It has been a month now, and I have almost finished every nook and cranny of my house.  My husband and daughter have quietly watched our house transform, and my daughter even joined in by doing her own room.

The whole process has been a Joy.  It has been easy, and transformative in ways I did not expect.  In the back of my mind I have known that a cluttered house means a cluttered mind.  Our life and our surroundings are a reflection of our soul.  I have been able to hide that thought in the clutter of my mind and never look at it until now.  

Over the last six and a half years I have been following Michael, learning and listening to his wisdom and his example.  My mind has gradually become less cluttered and now it is time for my house to reflect that.  Having my home be peaceful and serene is an indication to me that I have become a more peaceful and serene person on the inside.  For that, I have Michael to thank.  Thank you Michael, my King, for always knowing what I need, and knowing what I can become.  Everything I do, I do for You.