Hiking: Ventura County: Rocky Peak Park, CA

Rocky Peak screams "Look at my hills!  Look at the valley view!  Look at the freeway!  Look how beautiful I am!"

I have to agree!  



Chatworth may be my heart's home, but the view from up here is worth the climb.  Wow! Wow! Wow! 

Amazing rock formations really make this hike a must see.  A fantastic cavern is about a mile up the path.  There are dozens of dead end and not so dead end side trails that could have you walking around the place for hours.  

But the main road goes on forever!  

One trail leads you to Indian Springs Open Space--which is really a horse trail.  If you try it, be forewarned that the trail is narrow.  The cliff below is steep.  Give horses the right of way--this can led to back-tracking to a spot you can actually step aside.  

The main fire road will lead you past rock formations to climb and a choice of Hummingbird Lane or Rocky Peak Trail.  

Hummingbird Lane takes you down to Kuehner Drive.  If you have a buddy, drive separately park at Kuehner and start at Rocky Peak.  Hummingbird is a special favorite for mountain and downhill bikers.  I saw two guys walking their bikes up for the coast down.  

Rock Peak Trail seems to go on forever.  It's one of those trails you can keep going till the eye can't see and the legs don't go.      

Amazing how you're close to the freeway, but you don't hear it.  Not unless you swing right to Indian Springs.

Stats: 

Miles: 3.0

Speed: 1.8 mph

Climb: 325 yards

Time: 1 hour, 41 minutes

Dogs: on leash--one trash dispenser at trail head

Notes: Bring a camera!  It really is unique.

Theme: Birds above and wonderful views.

Emma: Gives it a 3 inch tongue difficulty. (Moderate)

Seperate: A Study In Mind And Body

Dressage riders have to separate parts of their body for different movements.  You might think this is really easy but try walking without swinging your arms or swaying your hips.  Our bodies are connected when we move and it's not natural to separate movement.     

As I was riding and thinking about this, I wondered how I could separate other parts of my body to understand what they are saying.  

Your stomach speaks and sometimes loudly.  But do you hear your heart?  Your gallbladder?  Your liver?  Probably only when something is really wrong and your organs are telling you to fix it now. 

What about separating the soul from the heart and understanding what each is saying. 

Your consciousness is always talking to you and the muffled feelings of your body isn't given a second glance.  The mind is the language of thought or voice.  The language of the rest of your body is feeling.  So tell your brain to shut up and feel?  

Maybe.  Or maybe you can use the brain to help you understand and communicate to the other parts of your body and even your soul.  Use your mind to decipher what's going on in your body.  

You might wonder how.  I close my eyes and focus on the part I want to listen to, like the heart.  I sit and concentrate on my heart for a moment and then I'll hear it "speak". 

 

Dressage riders concentrate on separating muscles, but it's a different type of fulfillment to hear all aspects of thought, feeling and soul together for a complete life.  

You might have a different way of listening and I'd like to hear how you do it! 

Conquer The Fear Of Death

There are two ways for one to conquer the fear of death.  

* See the face of God. 

I promised Azrael a while back that when it was time, and I was dead, my soul by his side, I would not fight to return back to mortal status.  

Fighting an angel is just going to sadden said angel.  Acceptance is the only gift I can give Azrael because it would suck if you had to haul back souls while they were kicking and screaming.  Especially if you were bringing them to a better place.  

     

* Face the gates of Hell.  

Option #2 is all around difficult.  This is the reason I don't have a fear of death (Pain is another story).

My favorite line from my favorite band goes, "Burnt but not broken..."  

Going into your mind to deal with your own crazy is the hell I speak of.  There is no real hell outside your mind.  No one really willingly goes there.   

It might sound backwards, but standing at the gates of hell, facing your hearts deepest fear to win is pain that frees you.  If you come out from that you are stronger.  If you recover, which is much different from coming out of it, then either everything is a fear tactic, or you have no limits.  

I would rather have seen the face of God.  But walking through the fire that purifies was worth it.   

 

Bad Habits...Secret Of A Mindset

It takes 31 days to break a bad habit.

"Breaking" bad habits really takes replacing the bad habit with a good habit.  Carry it out for 31 days and you now have a new habit!  Hopefully it's a good one!

You can use a string around your finger to constantly annoy you or even post it notes to help remind you but what it takes is a mindset.  

Chocolate is going to be my example.  

Say you luv chocolate.  You crave chocolate but you eat too much devil sweetness and want to cut down or stop.  If you are truly of the mindset to stop eating bars of candy then you can overcome the instant gratification lure by thinking--that's chocolate, how is it going to make me feel after I eat it?

Yes, you'll have some kind of high in the beginning, but too much sugar makes me feel run down.  It makes me feel like a blob.  I don't want to feel like a run down blob.  That mindset will help me avoid bars of chocolate (most the time).  

I'll also think, "What's the payoff?" 

I'll enjoy the taste, but not what it does afterward.  Loving what my body does for me, I want to treat it well.  Usually, this mindset is enough for me to look at chocolate and think "yuk".  Not because I don't like the taste, but because of the feelings I have afterward.

You might be thinking -- no one sees chocolate and thinks "yuk".  You do if you recall run down blob feeling.  Also, you want change a habit because it's BAD FOR YOU.  Commit to changing a habit you want to lose for a conscious 31 days and afterward it becomes second nature!  

Hiking: Los Angeles, CA: Chatsworth

Chatsworth Park is my favorite.  It feels like home.  You must seek out and find the tough trails, but they are there.  Otherwise, this beautiful rouged land will take you on a stroll where you overlook the Valley, hear the trains, count the oak trees and watch the Red Tail Hawks fly. 

The shortest loop is half-an-hour but I have roamed the hills for hours and climbed the main attraction of this park, "Stagecoach Trail".  Even if you don't climb the huge boulders that make up the old Trail this place is worth a peak.

We use to go to the train tunnels and watch the trains barrel through.  The trails have lots of alcoves for a shady picnic and even some boulders you can practice your free hand rock climbing.  

Dogs on leash and be prepared to come across horses!  This is where the horse riders go and they do!  Make sure your dog is equine friendly and let riders have the right-of-way.  

 The paths lead to perfect rest stops under oak trees.  While there isn't much shade on the paths, the oaks will provide!  Bring water. 

Word of warning: If you get the hiby-geebies about a cemetary being "next door" to the park, you might be looking around for graves.  There aren't any, but you can hear the church bells ring every hour.  In some places, you can see dearly departed plots.

Stagecoach trail is a historic place of interest and a fantastic rock climbing experience.  If you get the chance, definitely go!

 

To the west, there are trails that will take you up--way up to the 118 and Simi Valley.  

Stagecoach is to the east of my regular entrance.  You should bring a guide or be prepared to wander if you want to find Stagecoach.  How do you know you're on it?  Half-way up you'll have figured it out, but there's a plaque claiming Indian land.  You'll see it!  Don't worry.

 

Here are the Stats:

Miles: 1.6

Speed: 1.9 mph

Climb: 110 yards

Time: 54 minutes

Dogs: on leash -- be prepared to give horses right-of-way

Notes: Great place for a half-hour walk under an oak tree of your choice for a picnic!  

Theme: Oak trees every 1/2 mile

Emma: Gives it a two inch tongue difficulty.  (Easy-peesy/Moderate)   

Enjoy the pics!

Wide open spaces!

You're not able to get away from the mountains.

My zombie back-up plan was to come here to this empty water tower and fight to my death!  

Remember to take refuge under an oak tree.  This one has a nest of Red Tail Hawks. 

Bigger Than Life Marketing Plan

You know how things look huge in your head?  Then you put it on paper and think, that's it?  In the beginning, that was my "Marketing plan." 

A few lines, a sketch of a budget and off to writing because that's what authors do best!  

Well, like a year later, I've given myself the deadline of October 15th, 2012 to finish THE draft.  Extended from the October 1st, 2012 deadline.  Which might be extended again.  

Anyway--Marketing--yes that's the subject.  Marketing.  So I started a "real" marketing plan and I realized that the easy going previous cousin was like Hawaii and now "the plan"  has become New York.  

Oh, book trailer, yeah I want one of those.  Oh, crap press release--good idea.  Book blog tour, free?  Then I find a publicist I really like.  

The thing is, none of the money feels like a dump in the toilet.  It's just what marketing costs for building a business.  Yes, writing is a business and I treat it as such.  So all these nifty gadget looking marketing things are rather looking like necessities.  

How much would you expect to spend on your marketing plan?  How much do you expect to spend on starting a business? 

 

Now, I've looked around for specifics on a marketing plan and I found zippo.  So, I started a marketing plan in excel.  It extended to what I need to do for my book as well like, ecover design, audiobook, print cover, print design, formatting all that good stuff.  

Because I couldn't find a specific marketing plan and everyone expects me to know what a marketing plan looks like (because everyone goes to college right?).  So here's another School of hard knocks lesson.  As I write this I'm thinking--hey dorkis, you have a mom and dad that's done this, why didn't you ask?  I'm glutton for punishment?  

Here are things you need to write out in excel, word, google docs, whatever:

THE Marketing Plan -- (Each book is different so give it the books title or working title)

(I put my mission statement underneath: Have Fun.  Make Money.  Avoid Assholes.)

I defined specific GOALS:

1. Sell 200 books.  Yes, it's low.  It's the average amount an eBook will sell--I'm on reality planet not "what I'd like reality to be" planet.  This is my first book.  It's a business.  I'm nobody--right now.  I'll grow.

2. Gain 10 avid fans.  Totally random number.  It's like 5% of the 200 books I sell.  How does that saying go?  If I touch the life of one person it will all be worth it.  Well, I believe you affect each and every life you touch.  I'm hoping to touch 200 but 10 would be great to start!  Not overwhelming but slow grow is constant growth.

3. Write the best possible book I can. My writing abilities are growing.  It's apparent in every new draft. Grandpa told me a story this past Spring about an agent who wrenched the draft from a writer to give to the editor because the writer was working on the book for five years.  G-Pa so identifies with the agent.  I've given in and am finishing the book the way it is.  No longer experimenting on it.  G-Pa is in his 90's--he wants to read it before he dies.  Hang in there BD!  It's a coming!  

Those are the goals.  

Next was the Target Audience:

Janet: 35 yrs. old, rides her bike to work.  Loves horses, and her boyfriend but doesn't have a great relationship.  She's looking for more and trying to find in in books.  Gets her books from Amazon.

Sarah: 26 yrs. old, drives a BMW, has very little time but loves to read.  When she does read she devours a book over the weekend in between doing chores.  Gets her books from Good reads reviewer recommendations.

Carol: 43 yrs. old, is starting to wind down from a successful carreer and has discovered the joy of reading.  She's married and has two young children and plans on spending more time with them after she retires from her job.  Gets her books from Indie reader, Smashwords, etc. 

I just totally made up characters in a book for that one.  I'm blowing it out my ...  So I'm thinking 25-40 market.  This is why I need a publicist.  

Now the fun part!  Social Media strategy:

Set up:

Facebook Author Page
Goodreads Author Page
twitter account
Linked-in page
Pintrest Author Page
stephaniemckibben.com (author website)
Blog Tour (Kindle Nation Daily, eReader News Today)
Triberr

For each I have a date as to when to set them up, AND daily, weekly, monthly actions.  Which are blank at the moment because I've been thinking about getting everything else together.  

As I roamed my friendly neighborhood writing circles other marketing things I had to do for the book appeared:

 

* Google   
* Book Daily    
* Piece of Cake -- Press Release   
* Networked Blogs (http://www.networkedblogs.com)
* Greg Spence--Market your self published book online (http://www.gregspence.net/revealed-how-to-market-your-self-published-book-online/)
* Pump Up Your Book    

* 30 day books

* NovelNook  

And a checklist of what needs to be done after I let go of this monster.  So you see.  Instead of all that roaming my head, I have a checklist and a plan.  But what I'd really like to do is get a power hour with my favorite marketer to set me straight on what my plan needs.  

Do you have a marketing plan?  Would you care to share anything I missed?

3 Easy Ways To Lower Your Gas Bill

$4.67 for gas?  Crazy!  Wasn't it 4 years ago I filled my 12 gallon tank on $20?  But I'm still getting the same gas mileage as 4 years ago--which is typically 500 miles per tank.  Not bad for a gas only car.  Tesla has me beat, but I'm still waiting for an affordable electric car. 

If you own a hybrid, well, you might see the same mileage, but if you think about it your hauling two engines around and I don't consider the extra weight very efficient.  What mileage would the car get without the extra engine?  That might be interesting! 

But for those who might have calculated the math, you might ask, how do I get 41.5 miles to the gallon? 

It's not just because my 2004 Honda Civic has over 200,000 miles.  It's because I do a few things to while driving to help conserve gas. 

First, I will not tell you to roll on by the stop signs.  I observe all traffic laws and I come to a complete stop at all lights and signs.  So, no, you don't get a pass on the California stop.  Also, if you're a stress driver, this isn't going to work either, because it takes calm foresight to work.

1.  RPM

The tachometer--pay attention to it.  The most efficient speed, no matter in first or fifth gear, is when your tachometer reads 2,800.  Your engine loves you when you stay at that rotations per minute.  It could be 65-70 mph on the freeway.  It could be 30 mph on surface streets.  What ever street you're on, keep it at 2,800 and you will see your MPG go up.

2.  Conscious Stopping.

Sometimes we don't pay strict attention while driving.  We all do it, I understand your tired, it's been an exhausting day.  So take deep breaths shake it off and then turn the key.  If your conscious of the environment around you it's not only safe, but can save you gas.  How does this work?  Coast when you can and keep even pressure on the pedal to the right.  I take my foot off the gas as soon as I know I'm going to slow down.  Sometimes I know the lights going to turn green and I take my foot off the accelerator way before I have to stop.  Sometimes I don't have to touch the brake.  Also, coming off the freeway I coast down the off ramp until I must use the brake.

3.  Patience.

I stay to the right and allow people to pass me.  Sometimes I get to my destination five minutes later.  Those five could be important to you.  But, swerving around people, cutting off other drivers, and general speeding gets the difference of a paltry five minutes.  But, hey!  You got there first right!  So no problem.  While your taking those pills for high blood pressure I'm driving in, parking and walking in.  So if you want to win the race...no competition.  I'm like momma Honey Badger--I don't give a ****.  Do whatever makes you feel better.  Wonder why everyone is such "bad" drivers later.  I'm probably on the way of buying an extra dinner out because I saved in gas (and Geiko) sucker!  When other drivers pass me, I don't mind.  I pass other drivers too--because I want to keep my 2,800 RPM's!

All in all, if you focus on how you drive, enjoy the process of getting to your destination, then you might slow down a bit.  Slowing down helps too.  Let me know what your MPG is, I'd like to know!           

Hiking: Los Angeles, CA: Deukmejian Wilderness Park

Your view at the top

I took the one hour trail and it kicked our arse in gear!  We parked, put the water pack on and climbed!  

There are two or three trails from the restored horse barn at home base.  This park has bathrooms, sitting areas and a stadium fit for 20.  So if you want to look out over Sunland Valley, you can relax in shade.  

Dunsmore Canyon Trail

Or you can take a butt-kicking trail.  It doesn't matter which butt-kicking trail you take--they start at You-Wanna-Piece-O-Me? to You're-Gonna-Die!   

However, so worth it!  Dunsmore Canyon Trail will not let you sit on your laurels.  Rocks and a constant upward climb will cure any disdain you feel for water.  Bring it.  

This climb only took me an hour but Emma slept the rest of the day afterward.  As you can see from the poll, dogs, horses, bikes allowed on this moderate trail.  

Now, you'll see a bench at the "woosie" fake end.  But you'll notice the trail keeps going.  If you need to rest, do.  But the trail end is only another 200 feet up and the climb isn't any different than what you've been doing to get there.  

People who don't woosie out view

The real top will lead you to shade and a creek that you really should go to because it's beyond the trail end and you shouldn't go where you're not suppose to.  But it's nice to er, listen to the creek I didn't go to.  Because going to the creek would lead you off the trail.  Even though there's a path leading down to it. 

If you see this post, you did it right

Summary: Feeling Onry?   Go for it!  It will test your balance due to rocks.  It has one level area and one bench before the top.  My suggestion--stop at both the woosie bench and the go to the top for the view!  

Emma made me do it!

Here's the stats: 

Miles: 2 miles

Speed: 2 mph

Climb: 3,040 Elevation

Time: 1 hour

Dogs: On leash--watch for horses

Notes: Reach the bench for the view, then go all the way to the top for shade and the peace of a creek. 

Where The Hell Am I Going With This?

The blog of Life

I don't know, where you going?  Don't look at me!   I'm not your destiny guide.  Why are you looking at me like that?  How am I suppose to know? Didn't I point out that this blog is something out of Mary Poppins?  

It's occurred to me that this blog is a wandering conflict of genres.  I have relationship advice to Marketing strategies.  This will never change--for this blog.  This is the hub for all things me.  However, having different blogs for different topics can target an audience you seek. 

Yes, this is Marketing advice.  This blog is an example of How Not to do "it".  It being whatever you want to market.  Branding is important.  Sometimes people have different products to brand.  How do you bring them together?  Sometimes you don't.  Other times, you can find a way to tie each topic together.  Trail riding isn't a far cry from hiking because they both use trails.  Fantasy books aren't a far cry from Sci-Fi books because they share an element that can seem too far fetched (yet seem real).  Mix romance in to those topics and you have a future jumping vampire that goes back in time to save his lady love.  Is that a genre yet?

Stick to one topic.  I've heard this many times.  It's sound advice.  Wouldn't it be great if every man, woman and child wanted your book?  No.  The marketing cost for that project would take more money than God.  Unloading your wad to mass general populace would be indecent exposure.  People get fired or put in jail for that.  Unless you're a porn star don't try this.  Start with the people interested in your book before (if ever) you try mass exodus.  Even the bible started with a small target audience.

Personalization. Do what the heck you want with your blog.  Stick to relevant topics but your voice is unique.  Use it.  If you feel strongly about politics, put it in there.  This BS about being void of opinion solicits the non uniqueness of bland town.  Your writing to an audience who has opinions.  People get offended at milk cheese.  Is your blog aiming to make everybody happy?  The everybody's not a j-hole and life is perfect blog.  Boring.  With one exception--"The Key Class" is the best blog I've ever seen in the category of "let's everybody not be an ass".  But that blog's mission is to help everybody not be an ass.  Yet you still hear the "voice" of The Key Class over the Internet waves.  Even Captain Spock aboard the USS Enterprise had personality.  If a Vulcan can do it so can you.

But if you find you're blog doesn't have one concentrated topic, then call it life.  Or Nose droppings. 

Thought Of The Day

When you're afraid of the world, everything is a fear tactic. 

I had a chance to think about this epiphany I had a while back.  There's a reason for the Beluga Whale as my picture of the day.  These creatures are curious and mild.  They live in a harsh environment and yet retain a wonderful outlook on life.  

It's not wrong to fear.  But fear and pain go hand in hand like pleasure and happiness.  What would happen if you went out and were not afraid to tell truths?  What if you were no longer afraid to hide who you are?  What if you said hello to a stranger?  How many friendships would you gain by talking to that person who mis-dialed your number?  (I have gained one friend by this method, and is an interesting relationship as we've never met and just talk on the phone.)

What would it be like for you to pretend to be a Beluga Whale and wake up everyday curious and ready to explore the world?  Would knowing how to defend yourself make you capable of such mentality?  How many secrets do you hide?  Is it because you don't want to be judged?  Those who fear judgement might want to evaluate how much they take responsibility for their actions.  

If you smile at a fellow pedestrian, what do you think will happen?  If you look someone in the eye why is it a threat?  Call the Beluga Whale fat and happy if you wish.  But fat and happy up there has more guts than any coward that snarks at their refusal to fear a world that holds so many predators for them. 

Be Nice To The Gate Keepers

Gatekeepers are perceived as the lowly staff that answers the phone.  

Many companies treat them as "burners" meaning, they don't bring in money like the sales team.  

If you don't have the VP, or Presidents direct line there's a reason for that.  They have a cell phone, you know they do.  

Every sales guys has a cell phone, Vice-president, President, Owner, Principle--all those guys have cell phones.  If you don't have it, that might clue you into something.  What that something might be is up to your interpretation.  

Maybe they don't give out their cell.  Maybe they keep business and personal separate.  Maybe they don't want to be bothered by you so they give you the main number so the secretary can screen the call.  

When you get the bubbly Gate Keeper, frustration could rise at yet another person to blow past to the target.  Oh, dear. 

Sales rule #1: Talk to everyone.  You might think it a waste of your time but gatekeepers can feel that sneer behind the phone immediately.  We've all gone to the school of miming that teaches us confident evasion.  We ask your name and company so that we can get Bill off his other phone call to take yours.  

OR, we can send you directly to voice mail when your treating us like ugly gnomes.  Your voice gives it all away. 

In many cases Gatekeepers aren't treated all that well in their company.  What bonus do they get when the company does well?  Incentives are for the sales guys.  Gatekeepers are thought of as a necessary evil.  

Wow, really?  How would a gatekeeper feel if a President presented it that way?  Crummy.  Why don't you replace the human with an automated machine?  Oh, is that too impersonal?  You want to put forth your company as a personal service company?  Then you need a live person answering the phone and you need a good one.  

Hopefully you get a professional that passed the miming school of confident evasion that can handle the rude voice gestures that come their way.  Those Gatekeepers won't care if you find your prospect unless you happen to treat them like a person.  

Complaining at them is futile too.  What do you expect them to do?  This is why you say hello in a friendly way. 

A conversation I've heard from Sales person "Bill" had a dialogue like this: 

"Hello, what's your name?"
(***********)
"Are you such-and-suches administrative assistant?"
(***********)
"Oh!  Your the Sales manager?  Well I've got something for you too!" 

Yep Sales managers, office mangers, and even Vice President's answer the phone too.  So you're nasty quip trying to bypass the Gate Keeper just proved you're here for a wham-bam-thanks for buying my shit.   

Your perception of the Gatekeeper might be a bit skewed when you find out that administrative assistants know the low-down on the company.  Administrative assistants have cell phone numbers.  Remember that when you get hard-nosed at the Gatekeeper.  

It's nothing off their skin or teeth to forward you to voice mail.  No amount of complaining is going to get them on your side either.  Who knows, if your nice to them, you might have an in that you wouldn't have before.