The main premise of Plato's 'Cave Allegory' is that the highest and most fundamental reality is beyond the senses as we struggle for knowledge beyond the illusion of a material world.
It is possible that through our dreams we have an opportunity to understand the illusion of our own reality, a reality which we consciously control during our waking hours in order to function as expected.
In 'Born To Return The Gift' Nyima Robbins is confronted by her own reality to see how her experiences can be a stepping stone out of mediocrity and into excellence.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Interpretation of Recurring Dreams according to DreamMoods.com
Most dreams contain messages that serve to teach you something about yourself. However, soon after you wake up to go about your daily routine, you tend to quickly forget what you dream about. The message in recurring dreams may be so important and/or powerful that it refuses to go away. The frequent repetition of such dreams forces you to pay attention and confront the dream. It is desperately trying to tell you something. Such dreams are often nightmarish or frightening in their content, which also helps you to take notice and pay attention to them.
Recurring dreams are quite common and are often triggered by a certain life situation, transitional phase in life or a problem that keeps coming back again and again. These dreams may recur daily, once a week, or once a month. Whatever the frequency, there is little variation in the dream content itself. Such dreams may be highlighting a personal weakness, fear, or your inability to cope with something in your life - past or present.
The repetitive patterns in your dream reveal some of the most valuable information about yourself. It may point to a conflict, situation or matter in your waking life that remains unresolved or unsettled. Some urgent underlying message in your unconscious is demanding to be understood.
Recurring dreams are quite common and are often triggered by a certain life situation, transitional phase in life or a problem that keeps coming back again and again. These dreams may recur daily, once a week, or once a month. Whatever the frequency, there is little variation in the dream content itself. Such dreams may be highlighting a personal weakness, fear, or your inability to cope with something in your life - past or present.
The repetitive patterns in your dream reveal some of the most valuable information about yourself. It may point to a conflict, situation or matter in your waking life that remains unresolved or unsettled. Some urgent underlying message in your unconscious is demanding to be understood.
Happy Labor Day!
MyHotComments
I could use some moral support. Become a fan of Born To Return The Gift on facebook.
Blessings,
Catherine
Friday, August 20, 2010
Discount until 9/19 at Smashwords!
This discount is only for the purchase download of 'Born To Return The Gift' which is available at http://cli.gs/ztgy1Z . Coupon Code - TQ82V
Formats for for Mobi, Epub, PDF, RTF, LRF, & PDM, and also downloadable in html or java script.
Formats for for Mobi, Epub, PDF, RTF, LRF, & PDM, and also downloadable in html or java script.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Can 'Born To Return The Gift', an Urban Novel Be Associated With Classics?
I turned on the TV last night and 'The Unit' was on. As the therapist (actress from one of the Poltergist movies, ?? - not sure) says, "We've got to go back to your dream to help your husband," my thoughts shot to how my book has something in common with some classics in which a dream, no matter how bizzare, has had purpose in reality.
First, look at the 'Wizard of OZ'. That dream served its purpose and seemed real . . . didn't it? Then, in 'It's A Wonderful Life' an angel without wings shows Jimmy Stewart what life would have been like for others if he had never been born. Last, but not least, how about the ghostly visits in Oliver Twist's 'Scrooge'.
'Born To Return The Gift', is a story like these classics. It is meant to entertain while provoking thought about the way we often fail to see what's right in front of us, the way we take things things for granted, and the way bad experiences can promote bad attitudes that stop blessings for self and others.
In 'Born To Return The Gift' a nightmare exposes a painful past to help Nyima Chante Robbins understand the impact of her choices, how they've influenced her present predicament, and how she has the power to make choices for a better future.
It costs nothing to become a fan of 'Born To Return The Gift' on facebook. I could use the support!
First, look at the 'Wizard of OZ'. That dream served its purpose and seemed real . . . didn't it? Then, in 'It's A Wonderful Life' an angel without wings shows Jimmy Stewart what life would have been like for others if he had never been born. Last, but not least, how about the ghostly visits in Oliver Twist's 'Scrooge'.
'Born To Return The Gift', is a story like these classics. It is meant to entertain while provoking thought about the way we often fail to see what's right in front of us, the way we take things things for granted, and the way bad experiences can promote bad attitudes that stop blessings for self and others.
In 'Born To Return The Gift' a nightmare exposes a painful past to help Nyima Chante Robbins understand the impact of her choices, how they've influenced her present predicament, and how she has the power to make choices for a better future.
It costs nothing to become a fan of 'Born To Return The Gift' on facebook. I could use the support!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Thought provoking, intersting book!, By Theresa Hurley (USA)
"Born to Return the Gift" by Catherine E. Johnson is a book that keep me turning the pages as I accompanied Nyima through her struggles. A strong character, Nyima tries to find meaning in her life as she battles her personal demons - clinical depression and post traumatic stress disorder. Her life was difficult, full of bad choices. Now at the age of 50, Nyima faces a true battle within herself as she tries to become the person she was meant to be.
A great work by Catherine Johnson, the book looks at spirituality, society and the presence of God in our life. I totally enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it. A really great read!
A great work by Catherine Johnson, the book looks at spirituality, society and the presence of God in our life. I totally enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it. A really great read!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Is It Possible To Step Into A Different Realm?
Nyima, the main character in Born To Return The Gift, has been having a recurring nightmare for almost five years, and she wakes up at the same time, every time.
This time she thinks she’s awoke until she opens a door and the real nightmare begins. Do you think it’s possible for someone to actually step into a different realm in parallel time?
Look for the book trailer that will be coming to this site and Youtube within the next few weeks.
This time she thinks she’s awoke until she opens a door and the real nightmare begins. Do you think it’s possible for someone to actually step into a different realm in parallel time?
Look for the book trailer that will be coming to this site and Youtube within the next few weeks.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
What do you think? - Agree / True or Disagree / False
A writer is dear and necessary for us only in the measure of which he reveals to us the inner workings of his very soul. ~ Count Leo Tolstoy
Friday, June 4, 2010
Looking for readership, so it's time I say something about the reviews I've received.
My heart compelled me to write 'Born To Return The Gift'. The book was written in 2007 and wasn't published until 2009. After enough rejections, I self-published it through my own company with a mission to create literary, film, and music to intrigue the mind, prick the heart, and incite the spirit. I strongly feel the need to write about issues that are common to many in the hopes of encouraging faith in God, our creator, whom I believe predestined each of us to live our lives like it's golden despite adversity.
I believe we all have our own hardships and burdens to bear in life, but if we look at it with a positive perspective we come to the realization that they are beneficial lessons for personal growth because it helps elevate our humanity, and in doing so helps elevate others' humanity as well.
I want to thank all of those who have reviewed my book. Of course I am thrilled by the good reviews, but I want it to be known that I am not discouraged or daunted by the bad...such is expected in a world where everyone is entitled to their opinions. I hope to receive many more - good, bad, or indifferent - and respect all that which is honestly given. I realize that in a competitive world there are those who feel no shame in going full throttle with negativity on someone else's art and right to be heard, especially if the voice is counter to their own.
In 'Born To Return The Gift', alot of issues are raised. Mother/daughter conflict; sibling rivalry; teenage pregnacy; blind submission; abortion; domestic violence; alcohol/drug use; profanity; friendships; adultery/revenge; love/pain; death of loved ones - through natural causes and perpetration; child abuse; the impact of racism; sexual orientation; coping with depression and post traumatic stress disorder; childhood molestation; and most importantly, spiritual re-awakening. The point is - we all fall down at one time or another from something or another, but if we grasp a positive view we have learned a lesson from the fall, and graciously rise with humility and fortitude for another opportuntity to win.
Eventually there will be more reviews. I welcome them all, whether negative or positive, but of course I'm going to accentuate on the positive and leave the negative behind because that's how I choose to live.
How you living?
I'm only human and cannot resist acknowledging Melissa's insights (the book journal review cited below) Excuse the omission of 'are' - LOL - chalk it up to ebonics. (How are you living?)
No ebonics dictionary was necessary for the real life dialogue I chose to express in my book. Misspellings? . . . sometimes it's an art form. For example, I choose to refer to females or a mixed group as guyz instead of the masculine form - guys. As far as the profanity, well . . . it belonged to Naima (Mena), not Nyima (Nima) - the main character of the book. It was necessary because it was a show rather than tell approach which resolved with Mena eventually acknowledging that maybe it was time for a change. (Her own spiritual awakening at her own chosen time.) There was a warning in the beginning of the book about profanity. For anyone who would be so "horrified" as Melissa claimed to be, I can't help but wonder - why did she choose to proceed with reading the book in the first place? And just as my name Catherine, for example, could be nick named Cathy or Katie, or any other imaginative choice, Mena and Nima was my perogative because I wrote the book.
Melissa couldn't tell if I was A.A. - ?? The first time I've seen such a label. I AM an African American and like most of us, can be as articulate as the next person. I AM proud of my race and culture (We are as varied as any other race, but ALL can be stereotyped by humor or ignorance.); I value my right to express myself; and appreciate my ability and audacity to do my own thing. Like Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr., who belonged to the same rat pack, both sang - 'I did it my way' - you too can love it or hate it.
BTW - My photograph is shown at the end of the book. Surely she could tell I wasn't Caucasian, but then again her sight, like her reading comprehension isn't very clear at all.
Feel free to blast me or commend me on my insight or lack there of, but sometimes Peter talks about Paul and tells more about Peter than Paul . . . I'm just saying . . . I would have had more respect for her opinion if she'd just stated facts without an attempt at a comedy routine at my expense.
I believe we all have our own hardships and burdens to bear in life, but if we look at it with a positive perspective we come to the realization that they are beneficial lessons for personal growth because it helps elevate our humanity, and in doing so helps elevate others' humanity as well.
I want to thank all of those who have reviewed my book. Of course I am thrilled by the good reviews, but I want it to be known that I am not discouraged or daunted by the bad...such is expected in a world where everyone is entitled to their opinions. I hope to receive many more - good, bad, or indifferent - and respect all that which is honestly given. I realize that in a competitive world there are those who feel no shame in going full throttle with negativity on someone else's art and right to be heard, especially if the voice is counter to their own.
In 'Born To Return The Gift', alot of issues are raised. Mother/daughter conflict; sibling rivalry; teenage pregnacy; blind submission; abortion; domestic violence; alcohol/drug use; profanity; friendships; adultery/revenge; love/pain; death of loved ones - through natural causes and perpetration; child abuse; the impact of racism; sexual orientation; coping with depression and post traumatic stress disorder; childhood molestation; and most importantly, spiritual re-awakening. The point is - we all fall down at one time or another from something or another, but if we grasp a positive view we have learned a lesson from the fall, and graciously rise with humility and fortitude for another opportuntity to win.
Eventually there will be more reviews. I welcome them all, whether negative or positive, but of course I'm going to accentuate on the positive and leave the negative behind because that's how I choose to live.
How you living?
I'm only human and cannot resist acknowledging Melissa's insights (the book journal review cited below) Excuse the omission of 'are' - LOL - chalk it up to ebonics. (How are you living?)
No ebonics dictionary was necessary for the real life dialogue I chose to express in my book. Misspellings? . . . sometimes it's an art form. For example, I choose to refer to females or a mixed group as guyz instead of the masculine form - guys. As far as the profanity, well . . . it belonged to Naima (Mena), not Nyima (Nima) - the main character of the book. It was necessary because it was a show rather than tell approach which resolved with Mena eventually acknowledging that maybe it was time for a change. (Her own spiritual awakening at her own chosen time.) There was a warning in the beginning of the book about profanity. For anyone who would be so "horrified" as Melissa claimed to be, I can't help but wonder - why did she choose to proceed with reading the book in the first place? And just as my name Catherine, for example, could be nick named Cathy or Katie, or any other imaginative choice, Mena and Nima was my perogative because I wrote the book.
Melissa couldn't tell if I was A.A. - ?? The first time I've seen such a label. I AM an African American and like most of us, can be as articulate as the next person. I AM proud of my race and culture (We are as varied as any other race, but ALL can be stereotyped by humor or ignorance.); I value my right to express myself; and appreciate my ability and audacity to do my own thing. Like Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr., who belonged to the same rat pack, both sang - 'I did it my way' - you too can love it or hate it.
BTW - My photograph is shown at the end of the book. Surely she could tell I wasn't Caucasian, but then again her sight, like her reading comprehension isn't very clear at all.
Feel free to blast me or commend me on my insight or lack there of, but sometimes Peter talks about Paul and tells more about Peter than Paul . . . I'm just saying . . . I would have had more respect for her opinion if she'd just stated facts without an attempt at a comedy routine at my expense.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
African Americans on the Move Book Club - Novels That reflect you and me
Born to Return the Gift by Catherine E. Johnson is a book that should be read by many women. 5 Stars!
This book is both a look at the physical and the spiritual side of the human being.I started reading and could not put down. This book was very good. Born to Return the Gift beautifully portrays the struggles of the main character. Being exposed to the harsh realities of addiction at a young age, she grows up with low self-esteem and throws herself into the world of depression, abusive relationships and suffering. Yet, somehow she finds herself reaching towards a stronger being. Johnson has written a novel that probably describes many women, especially the depression when nothing seems to go right. Nyima was an abused woman who simply didn't know how to chose the right man. It is a novel well worth reading. The conclusion creates a tension in Nyima. She finally sees the pattern of God's purpose in all that has happened. She meets the final challenge of finding the courage to fight for her future.
While some of the topics and language are "R" rated, this is a story that is faith driven and faith based. It is written with a gentle sense of humor. When you leave the book, you will believe in Nyima. I recommend this book to all women book clubs out there. This book has a lot of life reality.
Barbara Morgan
AAMBC Reviewer
This book is both a look at the physical and the spiritual side of the human being.I started reading and could not put down. This book was very good. Born to Return the Gift beautifully portrays the struggles of the main character. Being exposed to the harsh realities of addiction at a young age, she grows up with low self-esteem and throws herself into the world of depression, abusive relationships and suffering. Yet, somehow she finds herself reaching towards a stronger being. Johnson has written a novel that probably describes many women, especially the depression when nothing seems to go right. Nyima was an abused woman who simply didn't know how to chose the right man. It is a novel well worth reading. The conclusion creates a tension in Nyima. She finally sees the pattern of God's purpose in all that has happened. She meets the final challenge of finding the courage to fight for her future.
While some of the topics and language are "R" rated, this is a story that is faith driven and faith based. It is written with a gentle sense of humor. When you leave the book, you will believe in Nyima. I recommend this book to all women book clubs out there. This book has a lot of life reality.
Barbara Morgan
AAMBC Reviewer
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