Tag Archives: heart

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Utterly Loved ~ Cover Reveal & Sharing Abundance

Utterly Loved ~ Cover Reveal

© 2012 by Kat Bastion

 

The time has come for a reveal of the cover of Utterly Loved.

The intention of Utterly Loved is to touch the hearts of readers and share our love with the world through charities.  The image on the cover had to be universal.  The elegant art has an elemental beauty.  I hope you all love the cover as much as I do.

Utterly Loved Book Cover

Utterly Loved Book Cover

{whispers} If you’re curious who did the cover art… I did.  From the water-color painting of a crumpled piece of parchment paper, to the single tiny cut-out paper heart, to the photography, to the uploading of photos … all of which I am a novice at or have never done before … the cover art is 100% Kat Bastion.

 

Sharing Abundance

On the eve of a holiday in America where we gather to give thanks, we count our blessings, we send up prayers that our bounty continue, and we embrace those around us with love.

… At least in theory, anyway.

Not everyone can gather.
Not everyone is blessed.
Some have lost the will to pray.
Many have never known love.

Let’s change the above picture, something that deeply saddens me.  None of us have everything.  But some in the world have nothing.  Remember them.  Do what you can to show them you care.

The original tradition of Thanksgiving celebrated a coming together of two nations on one land in peace for prosperity.  They enjoyed their abundance and counted their blessings.  Let’s do the same on this day of Thanksgiving and every day. 

Let’s stand together, united around the world, to show those who feel lost that they are not alone. 

Join me in making all of them feel… Utterly Loved.

Utterly Loved is expected to release the first week of December.  Please stay tuned for more information about the anticipated release date, and share news about Utterly Loved with your social worlds.

No dollar will ever line my pocket.  All proceeds, less costs and taxes, will go to selected charities.  So far those charities include World Vision and Covenant House.

How can you make a difference?  Buy two books.  Buy twenty.  Tell everyone to do the same. 

Together, we can make a world of difference.  Our combined efforts will help everyone celebrate Thanksgiving and feel… Utterly Loved.

Thank you for all your continued support for a very worthy cause.

 

Your humble shoe,

Kat Bastion

© 2012 by Kat Bastion

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Poetic Warrior ~ Power As One ~ Book Title Reveal

Poetic Warrior

© 2012 by Kat Bastion

 

A poetic warrior is what I have become. I awoke on another early morning with fire flowing from my heart, scorching my veins, and commanding my thumbs as they rapidly typed on my iPhone. In my dark bedroom under warm covers, the compelling story ricocheting through my mind and haunting my thoughts had to be released.

I blinked unbelieving at the latest poetry creation. It had become my second riotous tribute in a row waging war to save the fallen that, in ignorant bliss, I never knew existed.

After twenty-one poems of love and countless uplifting quotes, my sword rang out as I withdrew it from a scabbard that, unbeknownst to me, had always been strapped to my back.

A deep lungful of fresh air filled a newly risen warrior with purpose, ready to do battle for the greater good.

{smiles slowly}

In three weeks, a book of poetry will be released that has the ability to change the world.

Do you believe you can make a difference?

Do you have faith that a single book, through love, can reach those in desperate need of it?

I do.

In the perfect marriage of the haves and have-nots, the purchase of a book about love shares our love with the world. In a truly serendipitous chain of events, I’ve been given the inspiration and ability to write poetry and an internal need to share my unexpected gift to help others.

No dollar from the sales of the book will ever line my pockets. All proceeds, less costs and taxes, will go directly to help selected charities. So far, the charities I have chosen are World Vision and Covenant House.

The book title?

It is how one feels when they’ve willingly lost themselves to another.

It is the words you express to the one who captured your heart.

It is how every soul in this world should feel.

Utterly Loved.

How great of an impact can one person have?

Infinite… when you stand strongly together among millions.

Next week, I plan to share more exciting information about the book, as well as the book cover. Meanwhile, please enjoy the first poem I’ve written post Utterly Loved that expresses how I feel in my heart.

 

Power As One

Echoes ripple
Resonate through the heart
Cries from fallen
Helpless souls torn apart

Lightning pierces
Urgent fire fueled from need
Warrior rises
Beckoned to act in deed

Hero searches
Charting land of the lost
Soldier battles
Pays exorbitant cost

Mountain towers
Danger etched in granite
Climber conquers
Needing to tame a planet

Leaders follow
Shoulders forming a wall
Weapons unsheathe
Saviors answer the call

Together we have an amazing power to make a worldwide difference. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements regarding Utterly Loved, and please share news about it with your social worlds.

 

Your favorite shoe,

Kat Bastion

© 2012 by Kat Bastion

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Love Unfurled

In the wake and current onslaught of Superstorm Sandy, I’m moved to share a poem that inspires giving.  I encourage anyone who is able, please give what you can to those in need and encourage others to do so.

 

Love Unfurled

© 2012 by Kat Bastion

Heart is found where connected
Love blooms forth least expected

Round eyes stare in hopefulness
Grace shines warmth in soft caress

Hero grants a selfless gift
Lost no longer left adrift

Saved beam bright adoring smiles
Warriors fight across the miles

Kindness spreads with love unfurled
Peace ignites around the world

© 2012 by Kat Bastion

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Embracing Sensuality

Tamie, thank you my friend for inviting me to guest post celebrating your One Year Blogiversary. Congratulations!

Bookish Temptations

Today’s blogiversary guest post comes from Kat Bastion…and it’s a good one peeps.

Read and enjoy…O…and there’s a giveaway at the end 🙂

View original post 1,231 more words

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Adventures Of An Optimist

Adventures of an Optimist

© 2012 by Kat Bastion

 

Half full. That would be a description of my beverage vessel.

Those who read my blog posts or watch my Twitter timeline know this indelible truth about me.

What does it mean to be an optimist?

The label means I’m fortunate enough to wake most every morning excited about the day. Present me a problem? I focus on solutions. If storm clouds threaten, I see sunshine after the storm.

I do have occasional defeated moments, bluesy afternoons and down days. There are times when I desperately need a hug, a smile, or a cheerleader. Most of the time… I’m the one giving them.

Optimists are hardwired to see and seek the goodness in a dark, harsh world. The blessing is multi-faceted. We share positivity with others, because our cups are more than merely half full.
They runneth over…

With enough joy in one’s heart, sharing with others is easy. The rewards for everyone? Immeasurable.

Many of those closest to me are not optimists. I dare say some are pessimists. It’s good, actually. We balance each other. They worry about the worst possible scenario. I anticipate the best outcome. Reality plays out somewhere in between.

One day a snarly stranger, upset by life’s circumstances, threw her anger at me. I smiled, deflecting it. My surprising reaction disarmed her. We focused together on the root of her problem, and she relaxed. I’ve never worn a cape, but I know I saved her day, or at least a moment in time for her. I gave her some of my optimism. I gave her hope. At no cost to me. The act lifted both our spirits.

It’s almost like a super-power. With not enough of it out there in the world, it shines like a beacon, attracting others to the vibrant feel-good. They want a hit of the drug you’re dealing.

Can someone learn to be an optimist?

Anyone can adopt optimist traits. No matter our natural tendencies—two loved ones in my life are textbook pessimists—we all have the ability to give selfless love. Smiles and laughter are contagious. Those same beloved pessimists often go rogue, making others smile and laugh.

Now you all know why I vibrate so much! {laughs}… It’s impossible to hold it all in.

We’re all on the same spectrum. I’m nowhere near the most optimistic. Every day I strive to find the bright side. Everyone has the capacity to find and share more happiness.

How can you increase your own optimism?

Here is what I find helpful…

  • Find a happy place. Look outside the window at the wind rustling through the trees. Imagine floating on a raft. … In Bora Bora. {smiles on a sigh}
  • Stop worrying. Every minute spent worrying is a wasted present moment.
  • Make someone else laugh. I dare you not to laugh yourself.
  • Remember the blessings. Wrapped up in troubles, we easily forget how good life is.
  • Give selflessly. The last dollar on you may be the first someone has ever received. Offer an unexpected hand, a random gift, or surprise hello. Make someone’s day.
  • Stop stressing. Imagine the worst outcome, but for no more than the briefest moments. Remind yourself there are so many scenarios better than the worst. Make those happen.
  • Seek positivity. Surround yourself with positive people. Read positive quotes. {whispers} … Like me, and my Twitter timeline…

Would you like to read more?

Two wonderful books on the topic are The Ultimate Happiness Prescription by Deepak Chopra and Always Looking Up – The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist by Michael J. Fox.

An optimistic quote…

In the darkest hour, the smallest act of kindness bestowed becomes the foundation of many miracles. ~ Kat Bastion

I know I cannot save the world. But, I can brighten someone’s day.

Want to know what it’s like to have the adventures of an optimist?
{smiles slowly}… Join me and find out.

What are your favorite ways to find optimism? Who inspires you the most?

Go forth. Share your smile. Ignite hope in another.

 

Your Favorite Shoe,

Kat

© 2012 by Kat Bastion