LeadingPossibilities-Spring 12: The Entrepreneurial Issue

the art & science of extraordinary Spring 2012

leadingpossibilities

Permission To Be Naima Moras Model Behavior Kays Success Story Green Electrons Courage to Change by Pat Gyman Eat Your Vegetables A New I-Pod App for Kids The Great Golf Metaphor Kari Shipman Fitness Columnist Brandon Daniel A Poem by Tennison Long Galaxy of Tar Meet Dark Waters, The Series The Stein Collection by Kathryn Mattingly Kevin Kempers Conscious Tenacity

Poet Master James

Bentonby Kathryn Mattingly

Adam

Reeders Sculpting Hands &

Brilliant Mind

Point of Connection

by Eric Miller

Equanimityby Michael Wilson

Zanzibar

by Susan Bainbridge

Green Electrons Without Borders

by Tracy Saville

Tina Anderson: Life in the Grooveby Lori Anderson

Habits of Mindby Tracy Saville

Resistanceby Jackie Dotson

Be a High Performance Entrepreneurby Rich Pirrotta

Jackie Barretta: Conscious Business, The Conversation

The Entrepreneurial Issue

Billy Blackburn: Nothing is EZby Christopher Karne Frost

2 leadingpossibilities spring 12

We have to give ourselves permission to bewell, anything. Guilt and regret are the birthplaces of the worst pain we can feel; guilty because were doing one thing, but we cling to the story we ought to be doing something else. Or when we feel regret for not doing something, for not taking the chances or the risks we should have when had the chance.

If only is a terrible whisper to carry on our lips at the end of the day, which is why in this our Entrepreneurial Issue of LeadingPossibilities the Spring Edition 2012, we ask readers to imagine a life where guilt is never expe-rienced, because every bold choice and action is intentional; regret is off the table because no choice or action is denied; and the only thing on our lips at the end of our days is the sweet sting of permis-sion we give ourselves to be every damn thing we had in our DNA and dreams to imagine. So goes the inner life of an entrepreneur.

Billy Blackburninventor, en-trepreneur, and Grammy-quality singer-songwriter makes for a very interesting and appropriate brick to build this issue arounda man who quite likely will change the world with his technology and music. Longtime friend of feature writer Christopher Karne Frost, who does a classic job of keeping his subjectivity in objective check with Nothing is EZ, Billy also helps us see the possibility for hunger relief. Frost doesnt stop with his feature; he also gives us enlightenment fuel for thought in The Great Golf Meta-phor and shares with us his visit with Rick Gott, filmmaker and visionary of the new web-series Dark Waters.

Lori Anderson graces us with a brilliant interview with media personality and fitness guru Tina Anderson (no relation), who by all accounts should be in everyones podcast round-up and life. Then Lori talks to Jackie Barretta, a fortune 500 top corporate consultant

who has literally written the book on consciousness and profit. Lori also shares with us two entrepreneurs Eric Miller and Kevin Kemper in Point of Con-nection and Conscious Tenacity.

Lest we forget to talk Habits of Mind, which I do inside to remind us that there is a process to becoming good at being a conscious powerhouseyou can do it, tooand new regular contributor psy-chotherapist Jackie Dotson gives us the other side of that coinResistance. And speaking of newmeet Rich Pirrottaa seriously conscious and innovative mind who this issue helps us explore 3 key steps to becoming a high performance entrepreneurand you wont find these in an average run-of-the-mill how-to top 3 lists.

Brian Silverthorn tees up a nugget in Markers for you entrepreneurs the ones where you crash and burn and the ones that remind you to do it right, while Senior Editor and our resident literary guru Kathryn Mattingly shares her short-fictionthe beautiful The Stein Collectionand also gives us a great peak into the poetic and innovative scrib-ing souls of poet James Benton and author Chris Pederson (shes made an app for kids to love that encour-ages eating their vegetables!). If thats not enough I dish up the stunningly unique music of Galaxy of Tar, a new LA-based band who is fronted by none other than former Americas Next Top Model Win-ner (Season 4) Naima Mora. Mora is about to be an author sen-

sation with her new book Naima Model Behavior due out in May of 2012, and who will be gracing our cover pages in June for our Special Artist Innovators Issue. Joining her interview and feature in the up-coming Renewal Issueartist, media guru Ron Kendall.

Then we also give you Susan Bain-bridges extraordinary trip to Zanzibar - look for us to showcase her fiction work in coming issues. We begin our green energy series, seeking answers to why more isnt being generated. And finally, meet Brandon Daniels, our new fitness contributor, who helps us shape up in our entrepreneurial lives while Dr. Patricia Gyman an inspiring new friend who shares her personal story of courage. We also re-share Kays Story of Couragea personal tale of hanging in there when it gets hard to do so and philosophy and consciousness path traveller Michael C. S. Wilson, who gives us high-altitude thinking about Equanimity.

Last but not least, we give you entrepreneur Tennision Long, who shares his inner poet, and I tell the tale of sculptor Adam Reederwho knows what youre thinking, feeling, and want

to see, and then cuts it into stone with his hands and uncanny mind, showing us what it looks like to be one step ahead of everyone else.

Remember: per-mission to be is inten-tional, and you cant be an entrepreneur or innovative unless you choose it, own, it, authorize it, and go for it with everything youve got. Thank God its spring. Per-mission to play

editorsbrainscience

Permission to be

spring 12 leadingpossibilities 3

Tracy Saville: Publisher & Editor In Chief

Tracy holds an MFA in Creative Writing, a BA in Business Management, and a Certifi-cate in Negotiations from Harvard Law School. She is a serial entrepreneur who prefers to change the world when she builds a business, and once was an English adjunct profes-sor, has a few start-ups in her past, and twenty-five years of leadership and entrepreneurial experience. She knows the inner-workings of a fuel cell, her sons heart, a grand bottle of wine, and a perfectly crafted New Yorker story. Words are her thing. Waking people up is her mission.

Christopher Karne Frost: Senior Writer Features & Art and Music/Enlightenment/Extreme Experiences

Ever seeking, ever gleaning what he can from those he careens into day-to-day, Chris Frost is recognized as he who will banter endlessly with you over a beer, and we like that about him. But what we really value is his razors edge mind and eye and ear for a grand story. Originally from Ohio, and Sacramento raised, he is a seeker of life and truth in all its soupy, complex consternation. May you enjoy his ride.

Lori Anderson: Senior Editor Family & Spirit/In-depth Interviews/ Community Platform, Advertising Director

Lori has been marketing businesses in the high-tech, medical device, media, and non-profit sectors for fifteen years when we found her. As community manager for The Sacramento Bees niche online communities, Lori developed a passion for social media and online community development and went on to become a marketing and social media collaborator for multiple local entrepreneurial ventures and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Lori enjoys sharing these ventures with the community and acting as their voice. She is our special voice, and we love and respect the heck out of her for it.

editorialhonchorinos

Kathryn Mattingly: Senior Editor Book & Films/Fiction & Poetry Reviews, The Book Division

Kathryn, our editors editor, and book publishing partner, is an accomplished and award-winning fiction writer, editor, and creative artist, with a Masters in Fine Arts and an educational leadership background. You can find her fiction work and her complete writers bio in this issue in her story The Stein Collection.


editorialhonchorinos

The Urban Hive Christmas Party, 2012: Hive members are writers, innovators, technologists, entrepreneurs, designers, creative artists, start-up junkies, fashionistas, marketers, and damn fine human beings. These are the people - this is the tribe we get to hang out with day in and day out...

Stephanie Strong: Publishing & Producing Operations Guru

The things we know our clients and readers will appreciate about Stephanie? She has natural perseverance, a dedication to her daughter as a single mom that is above all else, and she possesses natural energy, ambition, and competitive drive, always bringing to the table her beliefs in versatility, sustainability, new knowledge, adaptability, and social responsibility. Her life goal is to authentically engage in invaluable experiences and to travel the best paths possible in both her personal and professional life.

Susan Bainbridge: Eastern Hemisphere, Global Contributor

Author, blogger, and leader educator for 40 years, Susan has met the challenge of change in her own culture and in different cultures in which she has lived and worked, currently residing in the United Emirates. Her ideas and philosophy of transformational leadership go far beyond the rhetoric of simply a vision and she can articulate the process in such a way that other potential leaders can understand the specifics and map out their personal journey to create and sustain positive change. Because of her current locale, Susan makes a perfect traveling correspondent, and someone who can give readers a birds eye view of Eastern perspectives.


inside

On the Cover: Entrepreneur,

CEO, Music Artist Billy Blackburn

features: the entrepreneurial issue

Nothing is EZby Christopher Karne Frost

photo by Nicholas Wray, BIG Party 2011


leading possibilities...the art & science of extraordinary

PUBLISHERPossibility Publishing & Entertainment dba

EDITOR IN CHIEFTracy Saville

Feature and Department Editors

Lori Anderson, Platform Partner, Online Community Co-Editor In Chief, Advertising Director

Christopher Karne Frost, Platform Partner & Senior Editorial Director

Kathryn Mattingly, Book Division Partner, Senior Editor-at-Large

Art Direction CollaboratorsLadd Woodland, Book Division Partner & Brand Genius

Digital Design and Platform/Distribution

Timothy Ohagain and Cathy Ohagain @ Artsream, Bryan Clapper @ Squire Marketing, Jennifer de la Fuente

@ Rosebud Designs.

Design bySquire Marketing and News Services

Regular Contributors/ColumnistsShawn Murphy, Brian Silverthorn, Michael C. S. Wilson, Susan Bainbridge, Kathryn Mattingly, W. Bradley Swift, Stephanie Strong, Tim Saville, Brandon Daniel, Rich Pirrotta, Lori Anderson, Tracy Saville, Jackie Dotson

Social MarketingSteven Bloom Go Time Marketing

Operations Consultant (Director of All Things Details)

Stephanie Strong

SubscriptionsSubscribe free to this magazine online at www.

possibilityplace.net. For questions about advertising programs online: [email protected], or write to us at:

1931 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95811. LP is published quarterly (and with weekly editions for personal and professional slants) by Possibility Publishing & Entertainment dba, a division of T2 Performance

Solutions, Inc., located in Sacramento, California., and found online at www.t2ps.com and www.t2ps.com/

publishing.

SubmissionsThose submitting manuscripts, photographs, artwork, or other materials to leading possibilities for consideration

should not send originals unless requested to do so and MUST make initial inquiries via email to: info@

t2ps.com. We refer you also to the Content Licensing Agreement link found at the bottom of our site (www.possibilityplace.net) and to the editorial link off our main navigation there for current editorial details and dates or topics. We are growing and always looking for new, regular, senior contributors who in their expert

writing share their unique and valuable perspectives with readers who see that very thing. Guest posters are also

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[email protected]. Please recycle this magazine if you print it. Please do not print if it is at all possible. We may not be able to save the planet, but perhaps we can

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inside

features: the entrepreneurial issue

On the Cover: Billy Blackburn - Nothing is Ezby Christopher Karne Frost

Page 8

Life in the Groove: A Conversation with Tina Anderson by Lori Anderson

Page 14

The Stein Collectionby Kathryn Mattingly

Page 18

Editors Letter: Permission to BePage 2

Habits of Mindby Tracy Saville

Page 22


moreinside

Leadership & Career Resistance by Jackie Dotson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Becoming a High Performance Entrepreneur by Rich Pirrotta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Marker by Brian Silverthorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Conscious Business, A Conversation with Jackie Barretta by Lori Anderson . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

The Birth of An Entrepreneurial Enterprise by W. Bradley Swift. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Books & Film A Peek: Naima Model Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

A Review: Poet Master James Benton by Kathryn Mattingly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

A Meeting: Dark Waters, The Series. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Arts & Music Adam Reeders Sculpting Hands & Brilliant Mind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Galaxy of Tar: Naima Moras Great New Musical Adventure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Tennison Long, An Unexpected Poem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Body The Healthy Column: Staying Fit In An Entrepreneurial Lifestyle by Brandon Daniel. . . . . . . 44

Point of Connection by Eric Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Kays Success Story. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Spirit & Enlightenment Equanimity by Michael Wilson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

The Great Golf Metaphor by Christopher Karne Frost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Purpose Chris Pedersens Amazing New iPod App for Kids by Kathryn Mattingly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Conscious Tenacity, Kevin Kemper & Lori Anderson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Courage to Change by Dr. Pat Gyman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Investigative Reports Green Electrons - Our Series on Green Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Life & Style Yes, I Did Visit Zanzibar by Susan Bainbridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Juniper James: First Main Street, Then the World: Meet Kari Shipman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

departments

24

35

38

44

48

50

Jackie Dotson Psychotherapist

James BentonPoet

Rick GottFilmaker

Brandon DanielsFitness Expert

Michael WilsonEnlightenment

Traveller

Chris PedersonWriter

55Peter

SwearingenWriter &

Clean Energy Investment

Expert

8 leadingpossibilities april 12

extraordinaryprofile

Nothing

is

by Chris

topher K

arne Fro

st EZ Publishers Note: Rarely would a person who has actually experienced the scythe of risks promise in pursuit of their artistic or entrepreneurial dreams ever say that the pro-cess they had to go through to get to where they went was easy or painless. If they are honest with themselves, and others, they will use words like Hell, and dirty, and disappoint-ing, sometimes even heartbreaking. Those who dare to tread where few go understand there is no free lunch, which is why we give you the tale of Billy Blackburn, a man who understands that no true dreams come easy. Everything has a process to be understood, honored, and respected. The price of con-

sciousness and high performance living is in the end, whatever youre willing

to pay in order to give yourself permission to be.

This is the mark of a warrior entrepreneur,

the secret weapon of anyone who will make it not just through the worst economy we can imagine, but pre-vail and be living their soul-born purpose in the end game. I have

met Billy Black-burn and


I fell under his spell. The world has, too. So, we hope, will you. Taking a turn into a difficult chal-lenge, a man who has known Billy Blackburn for many years wrote the following story. Objectivity is not al-ways easy under these circumstances. Frost gets it right again. There is a piece we added after finishing this feature that deepens his story, taking it from local to global, in hyper speed.

****

There are many in the Northern California area who have wit-nessed the evolution of his music and talent over the years, yours truly included. Billy Blackburn is a new kind of human being, and artist, and business success story, a man spawned by the re-alities of the world he lived and lives in, the opportunities and gifts hes grafted from those who made, raised, or col-lided into him, and he is, most certainly, a force of nature that is both impossible to explain, but imperative to attempt. From his days of striding forward

solo, just a man and his guitar, rattling the walls of The Raven, to a recent show at Harlows in Sacramento with band mates Jay Trammell, Rod Simpkins, and Justin Barnes laying it down hard for everyone there, Billy embodies an ancient kind of soul, a hero I imagine, like Roland of Gilead, The Last Gunslinger, famed Hero of Stephen Kings vaunted Dark Tower series. Both had a destiny, a quest, much the same as King Arthur had in seeking the Holy Grail. Rolands quest was to reach the Dark Tower and save the treasured Rose. But there was a catch, as there always is, for quests such as thesethe metaphorical Holy Grail of each of our lives and destiniesare not clearly laid

paths of golden bricks terrorized by mere flying monkeys or Wicked Witches with an extreme water allergy. No, the greatest among us choose paths laced with the most treacherous of obstacles and wiliest of tricks human experience can concoct: it is all the dreaded and iron-clad process; it is all part of the game, and part of the deal when you commit to a life lived with serious inten-tion. Many a life, especially those of entrepreneurs or creative visionaries and innovators such as Billy Blackburn, do not navigate their chosen paths and find soft grins, open arms, or patient dispositions. The Blackburn-esque paths of relevant power are littered with crooked smiles, contracts to bind the soul, and the ever vile, ever daunting, always present - Process. A thing trivial in sound, even mundane if broken down, yet a factor every great leader understands. But gargantuan and most fearsome in its entirety as the entity that must be appeased, Process must also

be satisfied, and respected. Everything, Billy would learn, works this way. The Process has caused many an artist or entrepreneur to turn away from their path, their own tower, their own Holy Grail but not Billy Blackburn. He who is the carrier of dual destinies, as an artist and a highly successful entre-preneurial businessman strides on; he marches forward, remaining true to his word and steadfast in his beliefs. How he got there and why it seems to be working is precisely why we chose him as our fea-tured entrepreneur, as we honor our own expanded destiny as a publication with our eyes on the seemingly ginormous global mission of waking up the world to whats possible for them.

Billy Blackburn is what is possible in each of us. And this is a piece of his continuing saga. In truth Billy neither wields an Excalibur, or carries twin revolvers at his hips as Roland of Gilead did; nor are there the standard trappings of a rock star or brilliant business innovator. No, this man named after his father William Blackburnhis irons, his tools of the trade, are an entirely authentic heart and soul, and a guitar and a pencil one to strike his tune, the other to pen his vibe. It is in the juxtaposition of these two weapons where a developed sense of confidence in the logic of his rationale, intelligence, and instincts were either born or found. As a writer who has known Billy longer than my inner self, my instincts tell me it is both. Yet seeing these qualities also expressed in between every movement, thought, and decision Billy executes (as he lasers through life with the preci-sion of a high-powered 21st century missile)I also know that everything he

The ultimate destination lies within the discovery of ones passion. - Billy Blackburn

EZ


possesses, he possesses because he has the will to trust what is inside; trusting both that which comes naturally and that which he has purposefully, some-times painfully developed or acquired. Being a natural songwriter Billy understands cadence and melody, and how to apply it to the written word, and further, how to add a riff and a beat, sometimes working from the words to the sound, but more so from the melody. He is a kind of inverted genius and works in music from the inside out. In my naivet I thought artists came by their songs first penning a rhyme and then setting a stomp and a beat - how very wrong I was, how enlightened now. Nature is definitely at work here, but so is something else.

Billys path has taken him many places, much as the Beams and mysterious doorways of a neth-erworld took Roland. From here in our big small city of Sacramento and then on to college followed by the Air Force; he was stationed at Lowry AFB for a year where his roommate Matt taught him his first 7 chords, then he finished out his four-year stint at Hurl-burt Field in Florida, surrounded by sandy beaches and sunny skies. Billy then traveled to the snow-dusted corn-fields of Omaha, Nebraska where he first found the time and place he need-ed to begin truly developing his sound. His aunt and uncle Doug and Joanne Walters gave him a place to stay as he got on his feet being fresh out of the military, and more importantly they gave him full range freedom to shout

it out and play it loud in their basement. Billys first rhythms were a con-coction of country and rock-n-roll, played on the Fender his mother acquired for him while he was in college. His earliest musical iden-tity, greatly influenced by his fathers coveted country tunesWay-lon Jennings, Hank

Williams Jr. and luckily, something a little less outlaw in Elvis to balance his repertoirethis was not a bad start for a boys ears or soul. And as the saying goes, the apple doesnt fall far from the tree; the great outlaw music legends were the affecting and molding experi-ences of his earliest musical adventures. Billy was becoming a mighty oak as far as trees and music metaphors go. It wasnt long before Billy expe-rienced one of the first challenges of the music industry, where Process first showed him its voracious jaws. On the eve of our last interview, as Billy sat across from me, kicked back in an over-stuffed, high-back chair, he had drifted off for a moment, a little lost in the eyes he seemed. But I knew he was there, back in his first music class in college, musing the time spent, the frustrations and angst he had lived. And he began to share the growing up stories. The great process lesson of his youth, the one that caused him to drop a music class and take on teach-ing himself to play (no easy task) was having to play, as his first lesson, over and over again -Twinkle-Twinkle-Little-Star. Jesus Frost, I hope I never hear that song again. I suggested maybe it wasnt so ter-rible after all. Nah, he threw back. He hated it. And so, Billy set to teaching himself (with earnest determination and an ironclad commitment to never strum another note of drivel again) to sing and play acoustically. He plodded methodi-cally. The structure and discipline first

ground into his bones by his father, William Blackburn, and then further so by the Air Force playing strong roles in his conviction and strength. It would all hold true.

We talked about what we carried in our iTunes now, compared to days past, and were very much on the same page with AC/DC, Metallica, Tool and Rage Against the Machine. Ironically, nothing of country mentioned at all. He spoke of Tools lead singer Maynard, who Billy classified as a lyrical genius and the interest he has in the ever-colorful biblical references used in Tools songs. But the one artist who really sank his teeth into Billy was none other than Gene Simmons of KISS with his animalistic theatrics. The blood, sweat and screams set a fire in Billy that is far from being quenched. The rigorous discipline and respect for hard work Gene Simmons had helped inspire in Billy another interest, and would be a an entrepreneurial propellant that gave Billy freedom most artists do not enjoy this entrepreneurial spark gave Billy money and time. Time to work at a local hardware and equipment supplier of hydro-ponic growers, it would turn out, and time standing behind the counter of that store for over a year, listening to customers problems with cloning plants. The shop experience gave him access to pieces and parts and know-how, while interestingly, Billys mom, though he would not remember until years later, used to clone plants in the window sill in a glass of water, a process that was painfully slow, but one she endured because she loved the flowers in her garden so much. Perhaps unconsciously all of this helped fuse a question in his mind: How could one reduce the time required to bring forth greenery? And this is when he first created a hydroponic system that could be used to not only expedite the growing process, but also clone your favorite, healthiest, most beautiful plants; roses, poinsettias, daffodils, tomatoes. It was a system he had made in his garage about a year earlier through an intrigue with growing and lots of trial and error and experimentation.

EZEZNothin

g is

all photos by Mika Surf


The hidden botanist in him emerged and subsumed every-thing else. Soon enough, friends of friends and their friends too, all wanted a copy of his system. And here again the light bulb burned brighter and he and his roommate/best friend and still business partner today, Brad Mickelsen, saw the potential they got a patent and put it to market. In 2001, the EZ-Clone System was established,

and has flourished ever since. UC Davis, the largest and most prestigious agricultural university in California utilizes the Ez-Clone system in their agricultural department as well as many medical marijuana facilities nationwide. Even the upcoming movie Batman: Dark Knight Rising has jumped on the bandwagon featuring the system in the movie. These systems are used everywhere in the aeroponic process. Say what you will about the use of marijuana, and at the end of this article we do, but this technology of Billys is also quite literally poised to save millions. He was recently contacted by officials of Ghana, West Africa where the shortage of nutrient rich land and immense populations have nurtured increasing interest in the system as it meets their demands specifically for how to feed many with limited resourc-es and little time. There it was again: a beneficiary of following a process. Who knew the clipping of a few roses or buds might set such an idealistic mind to cre-ate what could feed and save the lives of thousands, even millions of people? With newfound finances, Brad

Mickelsen and Jason Krueger (also Co-Owner), Billy and his team have not been idle. No, his profits go one of two places: back into the development and maintenance of the company, invest-ing in the development of much bigger ideas, and toward his music - his undy-ing true love. Billy teamed up with another pal of his, Jay Lego Man Trammell, who had opened his own recording studio Fat Cat Recording. They quickly forged a lasting friendship, spending hours discussing melodies and click tracks. And it wasnt long before Billy knew he had found another soul who understood what he was about, not always a simple task. Billy laughed easily in our interview as he spoke of Jay and how certain he was that Jay must be an extraterrestrial space vampire vacationing here on earth with us lower life forms. He spoke of Jays life-long love of Legos and how he often refers to them when making comparisons with the building blocks of music and life - hence the nickname. Time passed only a short distance as the aeroponics business took off when Billy recognized he needed to branch out musically, too, and so set to preparing hundreds of promo packs in his venture to become known and make his mark. Honoring the Process, he tirelessly sought out all the right people in Nashville, gathering phone numbers, addresses and emails to launch his at-tack Operation Blackburn. His plan was to send out hundreds of media kits followed by personal emails and phone calls and set face to face meetings over a weeks time. Little did he know outsiders arent so welcome in Nash-ville, especially spikey haired kids from California. You add a hydroponic whiz kid on top of that and wellyou get the picture.

After three solid months of prepa-ration, Billy flew to Nashville, prepared to work hard. He hit the streets where many famed country musicians have made their beginnings. His temerity and persistence paid off and he set several meetings with the likes of Capitol, Sony, BMG and Mercury Records, to name just a few. Billy laughed as we discussed his initial venture to Nashville. He further mused what a pain in the ass they must think him to be, and they hadnt even met him yet. More likely, they understood there was something different in Billy, perhaps something special, thus grant-ing this outsider their valuable time. His first meeting was with Capitol Records, and proved to lay a common

theme for each of the following meet-ings over the course of the week. Billy would stroll in, putting on his best smile, remembering mothers teachings of chivalry and grace, and his fathers insis-tence of a firm handshake. His host, for whichever label it was, equally smiled and politely inquired of his interests and goals before drawing forth Billys CD, while assuring I havent even listened to this yet. Then they would turn away, putting their back to Billy as they in-serted his CD for its virgin run. Their heads would bop a bit, maybe even a shoulder shake here and there, but alas they would each turn and with a smile state you arent country. Billy recalled how when he was first told just how country he wasnt, the office he was in had walls covered in platinum albums and photographs for many of the big country stars. He gleefully pointed to a picture of Keith Urban and quipped - And he is? Billy and the unnamed agent shared a laugh over his amusing observation and moved forward. There it was again, evidence of The Process power, only this time boldly staring him in the face. As the way of the world would have it, Billy was now unknowingly in the teeth of his most daunting adversaryThe Process had taken over and it stood between his dreams and reality. Each and every agent and rep-resentative for the labels he visited asked if he had gone through IT The Process. Hell, he wasnt even sure what the damn thing was, but he was confi-dent of a few things. He hadnt stepped in it, got it pregnant or smoked it, so the answer must be no. Billy began to get agitated as this Process business was coming up over and over again, and apparently it was not to be circum-navigated. For all his research and hard

Billy w/Mark S. Allen


work, here was an obstacle that must be met and dealt with head on. The Dark Tower and the Holy Grail path keepers both have rules and qualifications that must be met before either may be appeased, and so too did Nashville, Billy learned. Process isnt as straightforward as a checklist of ingre-dients to be measured out for a pie to be baked, any more than it is for plastic pieces to be cut, angled, sealed and glued for an aeroponics system. No, the steps involved first getting representa-tion, as in an agent, and next becom-ing a member of ASCAP, which is a tracking system for paying royalties to songwriters when their music is played. It is also a membership one must have

to advance forward past Step 2. The fact Billy had gained admittance to so many meetings without an agent or membership already was a surprise to many, his keen mind and savvy ways affording him the ability to skip Step 1. But, it seemed, even a winged horse or inter-dimensional doorway couldnt get him past ASCAP. As luck would have it, there was an orientation coming up the follow-ing week for which Billy could attend if willing to fly back out. And of course he did, as he was making progress, and earning a few frequent flier miles as well. Being quite the socialite and purveyor of good times, he took full advantage of his return trip and tipped a few back with the locals the night before his orientation, as he was certain this would be a day of hardly stifled yawns and information to be promptly filed away under who gives a shit. Oh how wrong he was.

As he strolled down the hallways of ASCAP the following morn-ing, taking in the gold, platinum and memorabilia surrounding him, Billy

couldnt help but think he should have grabbed a bigger cup of coffee. And as he sat and began to splay back into the only comfortable position one can ob-tain in a four-legged brass meeting hall chair, a lone man approached. Through coffee swimming eyes, Billy eyed-balled back the stranger up and down, extend-ed a hand and got the greeting you must be Billy Blackburn. Uh, yeah thats me alright. And Billy rememberedoh yeahit was the young woman filling in at the reception desk of Mercury, she said something about passing his information on to her boss. Well holy crap, she actu-ally did it. Off they went to a plush office where once again, the CD was pulled free, another back was promptly turned, and more head bopping as Billys song Take a Chance With Me invaded the air, bouncing off the walls of yet another agents office. Billy looked about, noticing several guitar-picks on the desk, which he helped himself to. Why not, at least get a souvenir. But as he pocketed the picks Billy also saw his hosts business cards and pulled one for his collection. Upon glanc-ing at it, just before pocketing the contact treasure, he saw something rather inter-esting, for this wasnt just Mr. Big after all, but the Mr. Big, a head honcho of the first order of ASCAP himself. Billy told me, I was sitting with the man, in his office, just him and me. This was all of a sudden a very big fucking deal. I knew he used expletives to good ends, and always and only for appropri-ate effect, so when he uses them, I know hes super-charged. And as he recounted his tale, the electric charge of his experi-ence increased in intensity, and he told me about the moment when he had finally come face to face with someone who finally knew all about The Process. And it would buy him Billys truth. It turned out Mr. Big really en-joyed Billys music, but he too agreed, It wasnt country. More importantly, however, was the fact he recognized what an excellent songwriter Billy was and told him so. Mr. Big went on to explain to Billy that his ability to internally rhyme is quite impressive, and the fact Billy does it naturally, makes it even more interesting. Unbeknownst to Billy, putting a rhyme to a rhyme within a line is something most people need be taught and not just something that comes naturally. He and Billy discussed where songs derive from, and agreed its the heart and whatever greatest dysfunction one has, for therein will you find endless subject matter. Mr. Big went so far as to comment on Billys

hair and ensemble, and though he dug the look, it was definitely not country, and no way Nashville. What he did next surprised Billy when he picked up the phone and called Bob Doyle, Garth Brooks Manager, and left a message stating he had a great prospect in front of him and would like to share some thoughts about him. Then Mr. Big cut loose with the truth. People dont just show up in Nash-ville the way you did. But Billy had, and there he sat, with a Big Gun, realizing this moment, this very meeting, is just the thing he needed. Maybe this guy could tell him what he needed to know, get him through The Process, into Nashville and tell him whether or not he was even where he should be. And Mr. Big did. Billy, I advise you stay true to your roots, stay true to what you are, because I assure you, if you come here, theyll change you. And that was the moment Billy needed, the truth laid out bare. Going along was going to cost him something dear. It was going to cost him himself. What was I going to do Frost? Billy asked me this as he leaned back and took on that lost look again. And Im pretty sure he was fantasizing where he might be at this very moment had he taken the offer, taken the bait and swam headfirst into the teeth of the beast. Billboards? MTV? Likely I think. Roland of Gilead faced temptation a plenty, with pathways to take him away from his true calling, but luckily he had a few friends to help him stay true - his Ka-tet. A Ka-tet being a family of those brought together from many. Roland had Eddie Dean, Susannah Dean, Oy and Jake Chambers to assist him along his way, help him stay strong, remain true. So too does Billy have his Ka-tet, with his best friends, Jay Trammell and Brad Mickelsen, and his girlfriend Rachel, who all seem to understand what may seem like the ramblings of a madman to many, are in truth the unfinished ponderings of a genius, scribbling and recording mania-cally as he listens from inside his own mind. As you may have guessed, Billy didnt stay in Nashville to pursue anything more to do with The Process. He did however take Mr. Big up on an offer to attend a very prestigious song writing course that would be near impossible to be invited to without Mr. Bigs interven-tion. Billy told me that what he learned in the classes was invaluable, and he will always be thankful to Mr. Big for his hon-esty, sound advice and help in clarifying what was Billys right path.


The bias in the stories we tell our-selvesa last note from the publisher about aeroponic cloning: One of the reasons why Billy Blackburn was selected for this issue was the boldness with which hes taken on the notion that his tech-nology is a possible, future way to solve food supply and hunger challenges globally, and hes ready and willing to stand up in the world and do just that. The origins of how he came to in-vent and ultimately patent his EZ Clone technol-ogy came from working odd jobs in equipment companies who served hydroponic growers and because of his experience in small use cannabis cultivationa fact he does not shirk from, but nonetheless still has to defend because many judge what they dont understand. When we met to discuss this follow-on piece to his article, we talked about how important it was to get the facts right that his invention for this system did come from primarily hydroponic cannabis in small grow applications, but it has grown into a technology where he is now looking at much bigger, mainstream applications as well, and can today be used by anyone growing anythingfrom rose growers to large scaled, human food supply cultivators. You dont throw the baby out with the bath water and perspective is, as we know around here, everything. When you consider the potential for this technology and other aeroponic cloning systems for large-scale use by sustenance farmers who survive on what they can or cannot grow; then if you look at the scientific benefits (hardly nary a negative) and no environmental harm charac-teristics of the process, we felt it was important to state his case because it is a classic example of how inaccurate and misinterpreted perspec-tive and information can blind some people

from get-ting past a frankly wrong-minded po-sition. And when we make up our minds about things that arent real, those stories can keep us from pro-gressing and solving problems. As a publisher I wanted to be clear that our values and my personal values stand behind the advancement of solution technology that is non-damaging to the environment and globally important to helping starving people get fed. A rose is not just a rose by any other name. It isnt about the drugs, its about the starv-ing farmers and people of the world who are lit-erally dying for solutions to growing more food, and sometimes any food at all. That Billy uses his success today, which came from humble chronic beginnings to solve global problems and his creative dreams, is what conscious living is all about. A few facts: Aeroponics is a process of growing plants in

a mist or air space, not using soil or any kind of aggregate medium (also called geoponics). The word aeroponic is derived from the Greek meanings of aero- (air) and ponos (labour). Aeroponic culture differs from both convention-al hydroponics and in-vitro (plant tissue culture) growing. Unlike hydroponics, which uses water as a growing medium and essential minerals to sustain plant growth, aeroponics is conducted without a growing medium. Because water is used in aeroponics to transmit nutrients, it is sometimes considered a type of hydroponics. (Stoner, R.J. and J.M. Clawson, 1997-1998). A High Performance, Gravity Insensitive, En-closed Aeroponic System for Food Production in Space. Principal Investigator, NASA SBIR NAS10-98030.) The historical, potentially global-changing significance for the advancement of aeroponics technology is expressed where it has significant implications for under developed and suste-nance farming countries and regions, where it lowers costs of operations and increases yields, and with significantly less water. For example, in Viet Nam, the Ag University of Hanoi Vietnam has been working on research and demon-stration projects and shows how a nation has specifically called out for aeroponics to further an agricultural sector, stimulate farm economic goals, meet increased demands, improve food quality and increase production. Aeroponics is not apoximis, which is genetic manipulation, and so it warrants serious explor-ers to educate themselves about the difference. Wiki actually (though it is an editorial no-no but we researched their sources and feel pretty good about it) had an excellent tutorial on aeroponics: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeroponics#cite_note-stoner-clawson1-0.

Billy has since worked harder than ever improving his skills with the guitar and piano, writing new songs and staying ahead of the game in the world of EZ-Clone, now that competi-tion and knock-offs nip at their heels, though they dont gain ground. Having learned the lessons of chivalry, gener-osity, honesty and persistence, coupled with good old fashioned hard work, it is his own process that has forged in him a sound soul encased in a charis-matic shell ever fine-tuning itself for the inevitable leap to the big stage, which is sure to come. And so, there we sat, coming up on midnight of a Tuesday night, at The Sheraton on J Street, a few empty glasses between us. Our interview was drawing to a close. Frost, Billy mused, with the grin that is his signature, looking into my eyes as if he could see my soul, I dont care if Im singing on stage in front of thousands or out front on the sidewalk for a few, Im always going to sing, Im always gonna play its what I love, its who I am. Cheers man. Yes indeed, Mr. Blackburn. Yes, indeed.

For a deeper exploration of apoxi-mis (NOT aeroponics) go to: http://www.science20.com/news_articles/cloning_plant_seeds-76665 http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/article1468836.ece http://geatimberventures.com/technology.html http://www.seedtechnology.net/genetic_wrk/Plant_Genetic_Engineer-ing_Web.pdf To hear the musical genius of Bill Blackburn, go to http://www.billy-blackburn.com. Find him on MySpace at: http://www.myspace.com/billy-blackburnmusic.

lp

Bigger. More robust. Faster growing times. Close-up of lettuce and wheat grown in an aeroponic apparatus, NASAP, 1998.


Media personality and fitness guru Tina An-derson has spent her life focused on healthy living and finding her groove. Battle-ground Fitness and Get Fit! Stay Healthy! podcasts are Ti-nas own unique brand of moti-vation thats helping her clients Get Into the Groove, too! Tina is dynamic and inspiring, doing passionate work that has evolved over years of honing seemingly dis-parate talents all have melded together into a crystal clear, sparkling vision for her busi-ness and future. We were inspired and know our readers will be, too. I interviewed Tina a few months ago, where we talked about the genesis of her businesses, her passions, the aha moments along the way, and finding con-nected balance in our lives. Lori How has your own sense of self and personal power played into the development of your business? Tina In a huge way! I have an inner and real physical and emotional strength that has developed over the years, starting when I was barely a teenager surviving my parents divorce. I started waitressing that same year and didnt stop working full-time until my first child at 35. I was lucky to be heavily involved in our Epis-copal church as a youth and my faith probably helped save me from a path gone-wrong. It defi-nitely strengthened me and gave me complete faith in my journey, no matter how difficult and

LIFE

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vein the v

heavy. I started lifting weights and running in college and also played wom-ens flag football. Thats when I became aware of my natural physical strength and how comfortable I felt pushing myself in that capacity. Be-tween the two, coupled with a very strong father, I was more equipped for what was ahead than I knew. Bottom line and being completely honest, painful circumstances around the divorce and the resulting coping and survival skills were the most significant factor in my early overall success. In fitness and media, it was (and still is) developing and maintaining long-lasting relationships. Most recently, my work with a spiritual director helped me to fully un-derstand my decision-making process, how to best use my warrior side and how Im wired as a human being. That better understanding lifted a small cloud and cleaned out some shadows that were preventing me from true success. Lori - Was there a major aha story for you - about life and your purpose and what precipitated it? Tina - My first (aha experience) happened after I was announcing a

A Conversation with Fitness GuruTina Anderson by Lori Anderson


jazz concert at a local venue. The lights were off except for the spotlight on me. I couldnt see anyone, but I could feel the energy and the people in the audi-ence. I was nervous in a good way. I had been doing public appearances for the radio station I worked for, but this one was highly electric. I realized that a stage of some sort and a live audi-ence or group that I could interact with and motivate was completely natural. I knew it because time stood still. I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be and that I wanted to get there again, but I wasnt sure how to incorporate it into other areas of my life. The second is similar and as I see it now, it was the next natural progres-sion in helping me to get to where I am today. It happened after teaching a spin class. I had my group somewhat mesmerized, digging deep and out of breath, invigorated and touched in a way that would permeate outwards onto others the rest of the day and beyond. I had often heard my classes described that way but for some reason, that particular class cre-ated an aha moment. If I can replicate my coaching, motivation, inspiration and positive interaction on a bigger scale, I would be vibrating high in the Universe and using my gifts. Fast forward to last summer when I experienced my most profound epipha-ny. This one was precipitated by a very long day in the gym, training clients. Fitness has always been part of my life, but never full-time, until last year. I had just finished with a bad-attitude client and some paperwork. It occurred to me that I was basically miserable at that moment. I felt like I was wasting my talents and my time. I wanted to tell her to shut the you-know-what up and just finish her set. Not a good sign for a happy, positive, people-lover like me. I had left my purpose behind to make a solid paycheck but it was feeling so wrong. Several weeks later a very impor-tant person in my life simply said, what are you doing, and that was enough. She reminded me that I had always felt like I belonged on a bigger platform where I could reach hundreds or more at one time. One-on-one training all day? What was I doing? I

decided to give notice soon after. The what are you doing question was the pivotal point because my answer was not what Im supposed to be. I knew I needed to (and could) combine my passion and talents in radio and media with my equally passionate and solid conviction for living fit, strong, healthy - and just as importantly - in your groove (or on purpose). For the first time in my life (I turned 50 in Feb. 2012), Im living and work-ing on purpose and in the groove zone. First time. Even with previous high profile radio jobs, a wildly suc-cessful public relations career, and as a former national cycling trainer with a top fitness company among a nice list of many other cool jobs. First time. Lori - What is the most trending thing that people you serve seem to really be looking for? Is this also what they truly need? Tina - I mainly work with ages 35-50, 60% female. They generally want a common sense approach with tools

and resources that are practical yet ef-fective, and not necessarily quick (thank goodness). About 95% want a flatter stomach and they dont want to hear that its not always possible to have what they envision - a flat tummy. A smaller tummy, less fat, less jiggle, much stronger, however, is achievable. The trades and magazines, the advertisements and the hype have created so many misconceptions. My biggest issue is explaining that a strong core will create a tighter tummy with less flab, and that doesnt happen with tons of crunches. What they need and what they want are often two differ-ent things. Overall, the more mature clients are also wiser and more accept-ing of their bodies and I see that trend continuing, albeit not any faster, despite all the social media and online sources of information. On the flip side, in regard to living in their groove, as I like to say ac-tions still speak louder than words. I hear from many that they want to change their lives (getting healthy being part of that), but when it comes down

to it, many are not willing to do the hard work or to do it long enough to see change. I spend a lot of time on motivation and if I can find the right buttons, it can happen for anyone - but I still deal with apathy and lip service. Lori - Describe the top 5 most important or extraordinary things about your life that you would never trade or give up? Tina - Of course, family has to be number one. Being married to an incredible husband since 1988 and hav-ing two boys (and three dogs), brings a feeling of completeness. Second, my Peruvian heritage and three trips to South America and another trip planned next year. Those trips and un-derstanding my ancestry made a lasting impression and gave me confidence to be comfortable with aspects of my be-ing that are hard to explain. Third, be-ing raised by my (Peruvian) father when my parents divorced. My mom was still in the picture and part of my life, but I lived with my father and all the good,

the bad, the crazy and amazing stuff I lived through shaped me. It gave me the fortitude and endurance to get through very rough waters. Fourth, growing up in a small town in

South Dakota. Again, it molded me and I believe protected me in a way that al-lowed me to be a free spirit and experi-ment with life without getting into deep caca that could have happened had I grown up in a big city. Riding horses, competing in rodeos, walking beans and sneaking out to keg parties at the lake need I say more? And finally, my four years at South Dakota State University and my journalism degree. I cant begin to describe how incred-ible my college experience was - how it helped me jump into several careers with a solid foundation to eventually work in show biz and fitness. Lori - What is your back-story? How did Battleground Fitness emerge? Tina Battleground Fitness emerged as the beginning of my media, coaching and training focus. I have never wanted to be a high profile personal trainer. For Petes sake, I like to indulge and I dont get off on read-ing about training protocols and new equipment all day. But Im excellent at creating programs that work based on someones lifestyle and Im equally

I knew I was exactly where I wassupposed to be and that I wanted to get

there again.


good at motivating and inspiring. I also knew that I was better at providing information and resources, functioning more as a conduit. That felt right to me. Battleground Fitness is not your typical fitness website because I want it to be fun and inviting, not a hard-core training website. When you visit, youll see a playful dog cartoon and a deck of motivation cards - not all geared around health and fitness because I believe in balanced, whole-body health. Since developing the site, Ive had another aha moment, and as

a result, I have morphed again. Up until now, I was working two separate websites, one for acting, voiceover and radio, and Battleground Fitness. Crazy, because Im more of a package deal! I realize now that the best way to live on purpose is to brand my name and com-bine all my talents under one website. Im in the final stages of developing http://tina-anderson.com, where Ill feature educational material, informa-tion, resources, products, videos, my blog and more. I am branding it as a Get In Your Groove kind of site. So,

as much as I love my battleground theme and being warriors on the field, battling obstacles, etc., its only part of what I want to provide as an educator, coach, trainer and leader in meaning-ful, strong living. Lori - Do you have advice to share - about optimizing life through self-care or living on purpose? Tina - First, dont kid yourself if you exist on an unhealthy level physi-cally and/or mentally. If you choose bad foods, choose not to move your body consistently, choose to sleep less hours than you need, choose to fill your head with negative self-talk, choose to surround yourself with toxic individuals or anything else that makes you feel and operate less than, you are cheating yourself out of a fulfill-ing life. We are meant to live strong, fit and healthy and I dont mean at an Olympic-caliber level. Daily walks, some resistance work or a yoga class and basic good nutrition will do it. Figure out how to move every day and invest time in reading labels and understanding the difference between nutrient dense foods and empty calo-ries. Your brain will function better, you will feel better, and you will probably be a lot easier on the eyes, not to mention a longer life expectancy. Living on purpose. Wow. If more of us could do that, we would have a more productive, positive and happy universe. If you must pursue your purpose-filled job only part-time or as a hobby, so be it. Your inherent talents and those youve fine-tuned through experience, education and training are desperately needed in the world. I believe that we have a natural bal-ance of gifts in this world but many of us are discouraged to pursue our true love due to the realities of life and the people around us that are not support-ive. Listen, I understand. I waitressed and taught fitness classes to make a career change in media. I went from a substantial income to about seven dol-lars an hour to make it happen. I know what its like to have an epiphany and try to bring it to fruition. And, how does one know what their purpose is? Many cant answer

dont kid yourself if you exist on an un-healthy level physically and/or mentally

LIFE in the GROOVE


that question. Get a life coach; ask friends, co-workers and family mem-bers to identify what they believe are

your natural strengths. Find a way to use those strengths. I met a guy

who lost his big corporate job for an IT company and decided to finally go after his dream job. At that time he was making about 75-percent of his origi-nal income, but he was 200-percent happier and more fulfilled. The sacrifice was worth it for him. What did he trade his corporate car and corner office for? Hes a dog trainer. Now, thats a career change!

Tinas company Battleground Fit-ness and her media company can be found at www.battlegroundfitness.com and www.ta7productions.com.

I hear from many that they want to change their lives (getting healthy being part of that), but when it comes down to it, many are not willing to do the

hard work or to do it long enough to see change.

LIFE in the GROOVEVlp

18 leadingpossibilities april 12

As part of offering quality short fiction that moves readers, we present The Stein Collection, which received a first place award in the Carpe Diem Publishers annual short story contest. It was also recog-nized for excellence and published by Tyrannosaurus Press. About the character: Kell is per-haps not what we would define as an entrepreneur so much as an oppor-tunist. Nonetheless she laboriously sweats over finely crafted steins,

which, not by coincidence have much to do with the drinking and dancing establishment she owns and operates. The author would share that there really is a Kells Restaurant and Pub with live music near the waterfront in Portland, OR. A lot of history sur-rounds the old brick establishment that sees gray rainy days more than sunny ones and still serves cold beer with tall tales on stormy nights.

***

Sam stood in the rain listening to live band music and the clinking of glassware from Kells bar. Through the heavy paned window, she glimpsed elbow-to-elbow people on metal stools at a highly polished counter. Shelves jammed with bottles of liquor in every shape and size hung on the wall be-hind the bar. It was a cozy picture of a patron-filled pub on a Saturday night. She peered in the adjacent window and saw the restaurant side of Kells, with its cloth-covered tables carefully

the

c o l l e c t i o nStein

Short Fiction by Kathryn Mattingly


arranged. Dreamy piano music escaped from the walls and lingered in the rain-soaked air with bass guitar sounds from the bar. Diners smiled politely at one another, unlike the crowd on the other side where laughs were hearty and tunes lively. Between the restaurant and bar side of Kells stood a door. Sam looked through the window and saw a steep stairway. It appeared ominous in this dismal weather. Why couldnt her fianc Jake have met here as planned? Sam was doubly annoyed with him as she stood there in the rain, hesitating to go in. Did they really want their wed-ding reception in an old dance hall with a shaded past? Kells Bar was, how-ever, enticingly trendy and rich with his-tory. As the story went, Kell did away with a few too many customers before being forced to close in 1953. Sam pictured a huge Irishman, intimidating troublesome clients. Closing her umbrella she unlocked the door with an old key Jake had stuck in an envelope and started up the stairs. Lightning struck and ensu-ing thunder shook the building as Sam climbed the narrow steps. Storms were not very common in Portland, and this was a particularly rowdy one. It made her edgy, but she had to check out the room, or Jake might think shed been too afraid. She already heard him laughing at her. Proud of himself for planting a seed of fear with his maudlin tales about the second floor dance hall. Rain drummed on the roof as she paused to catch her breath on the last step. Straight ahead there was a dimly lit room filled with tables and a bar set against the wall. The wooden floor was worn and dull. A woman was perched on a barstool sipping beer from a heavy stein. She looked lost in thought. Was this room available for employ-ees on their break from the restaurant downstairs? On a shelf behind the bar was an uusual set of heavy beer steins, similar to the one the woman drank from. There were at least a dozen of them, each different and unique, but blend-ing impressively as a collection. The array of shapes and sizes made quite an effect lined up on the shelf. Yellow-shaded lamps gave them an eerie glow. The room was just the right size for a small reception, and Sam liked the atmosphere despite the storms surreal affect. The strange woman continued to sip on her beer and gaze into space.

Sam gathered her nerve and sat at the bar a few chairs down. Im sorry to disturb you, but Jake didnt tell me thered be anybody here, Sam admitted. The woman turned her head and looked clear through Sam, who couldnt help but notice the womans striking features. She was a voluptuous blonde and wore a black calf-length skirt that hinted of long toned legs. A white silk-blouse cut impressively low finished the classic look. Youre no bother. Want a beer? she asked, with a slight upward turn of her blood-red lips. The crimson shade complimented her creamy complexion perfectly. Sure, Sam answered. She watched the woman gracefully slide behind the bar. Im thinking of renting this room for my wedding reception, Sam of-fered up, hoping to break the icy air between them. Its just the right size. Sam glanced around again. Im sure it would hold a hundred people. The billiard room over there would be great for setting up food. The strange but striking woman plucked one of the shimmery steins off the shelf. She filled it with frothy beer from a tap that flowed generously as she pushed the white pearl handle firm-ly. Her blonde hair fell to her shoulders, turning under at the ends in a classy sort of way. She set the beer in front of Sam, and their eyes locked in a mutual stare. This time the woman didnt look past Sam, but focused on her through long sweeping lashes. Her eyes were a soft shade of blue and hinted of sad tales. Looking into them was like trying to find something in a fog. The woman didnt have a young face, but it was far from old. It was seemingly ageless. What a beautiful stein, Sam com-mented, feeling very brunette-like and with no special attributes to distinguish her wholesome good looks. The woman smiled. Its from my private collection. You like them? Yes, very much. My name is Sa-mantha Roberts, by the way. The woman hesitated and then shook her hand. Im Kelly Malone, better known as Kell. This whole place used to be mine. The bar, the restau-rant, and this here dance hall. Kell slid back onto her stool. She pointed to the far corner of the bar. Thats where the band set up. Best fiddlers you ever heard. Theyd start slow and easy about

nine p.m. and by eleven thered be a dancing frenzy going on. Sam wondered how she could be the original Kell. It would certainly take a crafty woman to make belliger-ent drunks disappear forever. When did this quit being a dance hall? Sam inquired. Long time ago. Kell sighed gloomily. When did you decide to rent it out for wedding receptions? Sam further inquired, but Kell didnt hear the ques-tion. Businessmen used to flock here when they were in town, she com-mented. We had a reputation all over Portland. I know Kells bar is sure popular with the college crowd nowadays, Sam mentioned. Kell didnt acknowledge Sams comment. Most of the men who came here only had a few beers. Theyd dance for a little while and then return to their motel rooms or homes if they lived nearby, she said as if in a trance. Was there a live band every night? Sam asked, deciding to go along with Kells nostalgic mood. Wednesday through Sunday. We closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Kell grinned wickedly. I paid half a dozen girls every night to dance with the men. That was my secret, feisty girls that kicked up their heels. It brought men in like bees to honey. Really? Girls danced here? Sam liked the romantic idea of that. You bet. Of course, sometimes the men drank too much and tried to woo my little dancers out the door and to their rooms. Sam took a long swig of her beer. What if the girl wanted to go with him? Not an option. Kell slammed down her stein. I paid them to dance. Not to find a boyfriend or make a little extra money on the side. I see. Sam raised an eyebrow as that sunk in. She watched Kell refill their steins from the pearl handled tap, confused about who this Kell re-ally was, and when this dance hall last operated. Sometimes, Kell said while star-ing Sam right in the eye from across the counter, I had to take matters into my own hands. Not often mind you, but sometimes. Her dreamy blue eyes drifted out the window where the wind howled, slamming rain into the glass.


Old beams creaked above their heads. A shiver ran down Sams back. It was creepy to be here alone with Kell, who was scarier than the storm. How did you do that, exactly? I mean, take matters into your own hands?Kell ran slender fingers up and down the beer stein as if caressing it. I invited them to my apartment. She nodded her head toward the back of the dance hall. Down the back stairs, beside the furnace. The caretaker used to live there. You know, the guy who shoveled the coal and stoked the furnace. Her eyes glowed, as if on fire with past memories. Sam looked at her curiously. Youd invite rowdy drunks to your apartment? Oh, I would calm them down first. Kell tossed her blonde hair. Id give them a drink on the house. And it always had a sedative in it. She grinned like a Cheshire cat. Sam tried to imagine Kell shoving a drugged beer into a drunks hand, and luring him to her private quarters before he crashed in the middle of the dancehall. You drugged him? And then what? And then I would let him sleep it off on my sofa. How clever of you. Sam won-dered if she might be that gutsy one-day. She realized running a dance hall must have been difficult. Just like everything is when wine and women are involved, or men and beer and dancing. Rowdy knee stomping swing around the floor heated up and liquored down dancing. It must have been a dizzy delight to see on a hot Saturday night. Kell slid onto her shiny metal stool and ran a blood red fingernail around the rim of her stein. The nail polish matched her lipstick perfectly. This building takes up a whole city block. Did you know that? Kell tipped her head and a lock of hair fell across one well-formed cheekbone. Its an old brick monstrosity, for sure. Sam agreed. I remember when they kept that coal-eating furnace behind my kitchen revved up so hot Id cook dinner in just my panties and a bra. Kell laughed, and her trance-like state evaporated. Color ran through her cheeks as she continued. I like a good hot fire

though, dont get me wrong. Pottery is my hobby. Nothing like a good hot fire for that. Sam was amazed. You make pot-tery? Sure do, Kell admitted. Taking a long sip of her icy beer Sam examined the stein it was served in. There was a solid gold edge around the rim, and when she held it up to the light little metal flecks sparkled and winked at her. Did you make this ceramic stein? Sam asked, knowing it was an incredible thought.

I surely did. There was pride in her eyes. Waving a hand across the neat row of elaborately designed ce-ramic ware, she indicated the stein col-lection was created by her own hands. Sam was amazed to learn Kell had a passion for ceramics. Her long slender fingers and blood red nails didnt indicate abuse. It boggled her mind as she observed the steins. Each one shimmered and caught the light, as if little shooting stars were melded into the glaze. What makes the shiny metal specks? she asked curiously. I melted down old jewelry to get that effect. I once had a steady source of it. The stein Sam drank from was the only one with a gold rim. This edge must have taken a lot of melted jew-elry, Sam commented. A pocket watch. Kell laughed. Keep it the stein. Its yours. Con-sider it a little souvenir from our chance meeting on this godforsaken night.

Kell drank the last of her beer just as lightning struck outside the window. Thunder rambled right through Sams chest as the yellow-shaded lamps went out. The dancehall became dark. Only a steady downpour on the roof could be heard. Kell? Are you there? The hair on the back of Sams neck stood on end as she stumbled off the barstool, the stein held tightly against her chest, as if to protect her from the pitch black. She made her way slowly to the front stairs.

Kell? Im leaving now! She shouted above the rain blowing sideways into the window, as if it were a hungry wolf trying to enter and devour her. It was nice meeting you! Thanks for this beau-tiful stein! There was no response. Somehow Sam knew there wouldnt be. Shaking from a damp chill in the air, or maybe from fear, Sam stumbled clumsily down the stairs and looked out the door. Water was backed up from the storm drains, and rushed along the street gutters. But the gods had qui-eted. All she heard was live music and cheery voices coming from next door. Wandering into Kells bar Sam felt dazed but delighted by the candles lit everywhere and the friendly laughter. They too were without electricity. Drinks were on the house. The storm seemed to have bonded customers. Do you always bring your own beer stein? The bartended asked, grin-ning.


Sam looked down at the stout mug held tightly to her chest. No. This was a gift. She looked right into the bar-tenders green eyes. From the blonde woman upstairs. Do you know who she is? I have no idea whos up there. What can I get you to drink? Sam set her stein down on the bar. Nothing, thanks. What do you know about the original Kell? Was he a big Irishman? She longed for the answer to be yes, a huge Irishman with curly red hair and his mamas gift for song. Irishman? Nah, Kell was a beauti-ful blonde woman. History has it she was ferocious about watching out for her dance hall girls. He shrugged while mixing drinks and added, Supposedly, she had a way of getting rid of trouble-some drunks permanent-like. So Ive heard. Sam began chew-ing on a fingernail, thinking of Kell. Hers had been painted blood red, long and pointy, like little weapons. Well, I dont know how true the tale is, but they say she drugged unruly clients and escorted them out the door never to be seen or heard from again. Finally one too many drunks disappeared and the cops closed it for good. The bartender glanced her way and winked. Was he making it all up? Or did the idea of a beautiful blonde serial killer amuse him? The lights went back on and every-one cheered. The bartender continued his story. When they cleaned out that big ole coal furnace to put in gas, a few suspicious looking bone fragments were mixed in the ashes. Sure enough, they were human. Really? Sam stared at her stein. Really. Now some say Kell was too delicate to heave a big man into the furnace, but others thought perhaps Lewis helped in exchange for some free bar food. He leaned on the counter, close to Sam. Lewis was a large black man who shoveled coal in exchange for a cot to sleep on. The bartender began mixing drinks again, his story flowing like Irish whis-key. Of course, some thought Lewis was the culprit cooking the bodies after he found them sleeping in the alley and robbed them blind. Burning up the evidence, you might say. And there was a pawn shop around the corner where some thought he exchanged wedding rings and watches and such, for cold hard cash. So no one ever found anything to

convict Lewis or Kell with? Sam asked. Nope. And one day she got her own just desserts. She disappeared herself. Some think Lewis did her in be-cause the beautiful Kell was love struck by a gent one night and tried to break her own rules. She waltzed right out the door with a patron. Others at the bar were listening in by now, fascinated with the story. Some smiled knowingly, as if theyd heard the preposterous tale before. The bartender was in his element. Spinning yarn with gusto while serving drinks cold and fast. Lewis was said to be furious, cause he was smitten with Kell himself. So out of jealously he did her in on a stormy night like no other. Except maybe for this one. Everybody at the bar stared into their beer. One little old man drummed his fingers on the counter. Nobody spoke, but several patrons nodded as if theyd been present when it all hap-pened if it happened. Or was it Irish folklore, Portland style? Sam caressed the gold-edged stein. She thought about how Kell mentioned a steady source of jewelry. Was it from the pawnshop nearby? Or from rob-bing drugged men before she and Lewis tossed them into the fire? The furnace room was right there on the other side of her kitchen, after all. Sam could see Kell pushing with all her might to shove the limp body into the stove, wearing only her bra and panties, while Lewis helped steady and lift the dead weight. Did they sit around her cozy kitchen af-terwards, gobbling down leftovers from the bar? They say she haunts the place on stormy nights. Hovering and fretting over those steins like she did her dance-hall girls. The bartender laughed.Hed obviously never run into Kell, or maybe she was just a setup, and he was in on it. If it was a joke, it was a damn good one. Kell was spookier than hell. Sam grinned back, said thanks for the folklore, grabbed her stein and slid out the door onto the street. The rain had stopped and the air had a fresh scent. She glanced up at the dance hall win-dows. It was dark on the second story. Sam took the metal key from her pocket. Maybe the lights would turn on if she flipped the switch inside the door. She had to see that stein collection one more time. Now that the storm had cleared, she felt braver. Sam had to know if shed been duped by Jake and

whoever else was in on the fun. But the key wouldnt open the door. That was odd. It opened easily the first time. Sam toyed with the lid on her stein. This one got away. In fact, unlike her dancehall girls, Kell had given it away. Glancing up at the second story window one last time, she thought she saw the blinds shift. Sam stuck the stein protectively in her coat and headed for the car, think-ing it might be fun to have her wedding reception in a haunted dancehall, giving her the last laugh. Unless of course, Jake had nothing to do with her unbe-lievable evening, in which case, unlike most brides, she would pray for rain. Maybe shed see Kell again, and thank her for the priceless wedding gift.

About Kathryn

Kathryn Mattingly is a six-time Maui Writers attendee, and has stud-ied under best-selling authors: Terry Brooks, Elizabeth George, Dorothy Allison, John Saul and Gail Tsuki-yama. She has a BS from University of Oregon and an MFA in Education-Teaching from Pacific University. Kathryn has received significant recognition for excellence, includ-ing four first place awards for short fiction pieces: Cheating Paradise, Goodbye My Sweet, Light of the Moon, and The Stein Collection. She was a New Century Publications quarterly finalist with her second nov-el, Benjamin and for her short story collection, Affairs of the Heart. Her work is published in eight anthologies and in the magazine: Dark Discover-ies. Her work appears in Leading-Possibilities on a regular basis.


publisherscorner


By Tracy Saville

Powerful lives and careers are built and sustained by those whose conscious habits of mind allow for extraordinary results. Yet words like mindfulness, con-sciousness, or emotional intelligence make some of us squirm inside the safety of our unconscious armor, that protective coating that veils us from seeing what is, from being who we are, and from actualizing our dreams and ambitions. We are afraid of what we dont understand, or understand, but refuse to accept. The discipline of habits of mind can barely be grasped by those who cling to their un-skin, the layers upon layers of stories and contrivances built up over years of pretending that they are satisfied with the way things are,

though they know, deep down inside, that the way things are has to change. The business of habits of mind fall into all four categories: biological sci-ence, behavioral psychology, philoso-phy, and spirituality. Who we are on a cellular level, what we do on an emo-tional and psychological level, what we come to believe about anythingthese are the building blocks of a human being operating under well developed habits of mind. Denying what we learn or know to be the truth; acting in ways that creates pain for ourselves or others; drawing lines in our lives around ideology that requires some to be wrong in order for us to be right: these are the character-istics of a stuck life, of a person digging in their heels against the dynamic nature of who they really are. And the kicker is: when human beings stay

stuck, bad things happen, like war, ter-rorism, genocide, racism, greed, crime, and illness. Habits of mind practices then, are the thing we should focus on, and these habits are the very stuff from which sustainable change comes. This is true of human change, organizational change, systems change, cultural change, and societal change. Yet change is hard. Change requires we give up some-thing and replace it with it something else. Giving up anything requires us to let loose of our control over things we use externally to define ourselves. Change asks us to risk the comfort of the groove we ride, until one day it kicks us out of the groove on its own destruc-tive momentum because that is what our biological encoding as human beings is programmed to do: dynamic expansion whether we agree to it or not.

habitsof

The business of habits of mind fall into four categories:

biological science, behavioral psychology, philosophy, and spirituality.


There are those in our human historyHitler, Osama Bin Laden, serial killers in the worst instances, or lesser evils, but damaging still, the Wall Street pension stealers, politicians who choose ideological power or playing politics over anything else, peddlers of things and ideas that kill or control other peoplewe know there are those who take on habits of mind that are seemingly impenetrable to the natural, dynamic nature of being if not good, at least not bad, in any way that hurts, denigrates, controls, usurps, or manipu-lates their fellow human beings. We know some people even see that what they do is if not bad, then at least the opposite of good. But their habits of mind are so stained into their being that change comes only from some external force creating the change, through revolution, and some-times, like in the case of people such as Bin Laden, or Hitler, through means which ends their ability to be a destruc-tive force in the human experience. As terrible a truth as that is, many of us, and more and more it seems, remain utterly hopeful that change can happen, bad can be eradicated from the human experience, because we were built to change, and equipped with the mechanisms and tools to do so in big, hairy, audacious ways.

Change? What me? Not changing, holding on to false ideas or stories about what is or isnt; this is what gets us into trouble, because in the end, hammers will come in increas-ing intensity, size, and occurrence, until we wake up, until we are hit with such life-shaking force that we become

mindful of specifically what we need to change, and finally are able to see the replacement behavior as something superior to our current circumstance. We fall into black holes and hit the concrete one too many times, and we wake up; we are able to act to change, and find we suddenly have the discipline and courage to sustain the new behavior. How we do that are by our habits of mind, and we can teach ourselves new habits if we want to. Psychology helps us understand how the mind and body works together to promote or inhibit change, and phi-losophy helps us understand the filters that drive our knowing and interpret-ing anything, a fundamental aspect of change. Finally, religion and mysticism offers us a basis to understand uncon-structed awareness, how we can simply know what we know, because we know it, even though we cant prove it, even if we wanted to.

It all boils to this: our only job in this human existence is to first wake up, to become conscious. We cant begin to evolve or change as we were meant to if we are unable to see beyond our un-skin. We know what we know; we know what we dont know, but we dont know what we cant see or have never experienced as possible. Active, intentional self-development and under-standing through constant learning of new knowledge about human biol-ogy, psychology, philosophy without judgment or constraints, and spiritual exploration without dogmatic asser-tions of righteousness over any other way of belief is what waking up looks like. Mastery over habits of mind comes from waking up. Because it bears repeatingPow-erful lives and careers are built and sus-tained by those whose conscious habits of mind allow for extraordinary results. For more about Habits of Mind, visit the Habits of Mind Institute. Find the 16 habits of mind prac-tices of highly successful people.


leadership&career

By Jackie Dotson

Resistance is that thing that keeps us from doing what we really want to do in life. Resistance is what we feel when our hearts say yes, but our practical minds say no. When we are feeling negative about something, anxious or depressed: it usually means resistance is in full action. Resistance is expe-rienced in countless ways, including writers block, procrastination, and feeling nervous. It is very easy to overlook how resistance fuels our moods and colors our feelings. Its easy to say I feel bored, restless, anxious, edgy, depressed, sad, or tired and not know where those feelings are coming from. Our consumer culture encourages us to take a pill or buy something to make the bad feel-ings go away. We also tend to label these kinds of unpleasant feelings as the root cause of problems instead of what they are: underlying symp-toms. Resistance is fueled by fear and also directly proportional to the size of the challenge you are taking on. The bigger the deal it is, the more scared/anxious/nervous you are likely going to feel about doing it. So what happens when you do this big thing? Youll feel scared/anxious and nervous and afterward, youre most probably going to feel a surge of joy. Think of riding a roller coaster. You are probably clench-ing on for dear life as it climbs, but when the ride is over, you find yourself laughing and saying, that was so much fun, lets do it again! This is the feeling that comes when you conquer resistance.

When you dont tend or re-spond to those feelings by taking some actionresistance doesnt retreat; resistance gets bigger. Then youll find yourself doing counter-productive things such as: drinking too much, over eating/shopping/gambling, creating drama in your relationships, making yourself sick, excessive procrastinating. These are

signs you are trying to manage the intense, scary feelings that resis-tance is giving you. If resistance is this big badass, can it be conquered? Absolutely! Its one of those things, sort of like eat-ing, that has to be done on a daily basis. It cannot be conquered and finished once and for all. When you get used to facing something on a

Resistance

If resistance is this big badass, can it be conquered?

Jackie Dotson, Biz Therapist


daily basis, you get better at beating it. To help con-quer resistance, it pays (and is crucial) to have a lot of infrastructure. By infrastructure, I mean, habits, rituals, thoughts and action that support your endeav-ors. In order to get past resistance, we have to let go of the mythical belief that things can only happen when we get inspired. Instead, you have to create structure to make the work hap-pen. If we only worked out when we felt like it, not many workouts would get done. Infrastructure will vary for everyone. But first and foremost it involves knowing that you will never be 100 percent ready. You just have to start somewhere and do something. Thats the basis of your infrastructure. How you structure your rituals and habits is a matter of figuring out specifi-cally what works for you, knowing that simply showing up is more than half the battle. So think about something in your life that you know in your bones you want to do. How do you feel when you think about do-ing this, what I call the big scary thing? You probably feel excited, pumped up, and joyous when you simply think about it. But what do you feel when you start to take an action to actually do the thing? Feel scared, nervous, and jittery? Thats

your resistance, and it is not a sign you should NOT do the big scary

thing. When you feel this, you now know what you must do. lp

Think of riding a roller coaster. You are probably clenching on for dear life as it climbs, but when the ride is over, you find yourself laughing and saying, that was so much fun,

lets do it again! This is the feeling that comes when you conquer resistance. Jackie Dotson

abouttheauthorPsychotherapist. Writer. Triathlete. Born, raised and educated in New York City. Currently enjoying life in Sacramento, CA.

Passions: traveling, wine, live music, dining out, watching sports, time with friends, technology, blogging, reading, podcasting, throwing ideas around and asking questions. I am a runner and triathlete because I dont think sitting on your butt all day is good for you.

My biggest interest is in business and entrepreneurialism: specifically how to use business and capitalism to actually make the world better. My favorite entrepreneur is Richard Branson because he does just that.

I practice in Sacramento, as a business therapist where I help business owners work through disagreements, teach them how to adapt to changes so they can keep their businesses going and thriving in this new economy.

To talk to Jackie: www.jackiedotson.com or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Jackie.Dotson.LCSW.


leadership&career

By Rich Pirrotta

The intensity of the effort to bring a product or service to the mar-ket, or the demands of the first large customer are so great that you notice at times you cant form rational thought

LeadingPossibilities-Spring 12: The Entrepreneurial Issue

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