The Heart of the Matter

I got the chance to meet our colleague, writer, blogger, and artist, The Goddess Attainable, Libby Saylor, in person this week. For all of you that love reading, hearing her, and seeing her amazing art on Instagram, let me tell you that she is exactly the person that you think she is: beautiful, funny, sparkling, and open. But let me tell you what I realized after having a delightful lunch with her. She is the type of person that makes one feel good about people and she relates to life in a way that makes one trust the flow of it a little more.

I get a sense of that from her writing and speaking but the effect in person is even more powerful. So I know you’ll love hearing this latest episode of the podcast where I’m with my co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson and Libby, and we talk about Libby’s essay, Old Doors are Closing but New Ones Have Not Yet Opened. We dig into that uncomfortable in-between place that we occasionally find ourselves in – experiencing the discomfort of change without the relief of knowing yet what the next thing will be. In her delightful, honest, and open way, Libby takes us into the disruptions in her life that are making her feel unsettled. And she shares what fuels her optimism for things to come.

Libby tells us a wonderful story about a similar period in her life that she had to feel her way through – and how it led to rich and rewarding experiences as she opened herself to as the doors the opened.

We talk about what to say to ourselves in the period of in-between, admitting this is hard and praying in whatever way we are inclined to be open.

Finally, Libby lets us peak into her artist ways of getting the gunk out as we tease a course that she is building for our community so that we can benefit from her depth and experience as an artist to express ourselves, even when life is uncomfortable.

This is a great episode filled with inspiration and depth as Vicki, Libby, and I talk about waiting through the periods of life that are uncomfortable and in-between. I know you’ll love it.

Episode 131: Attacking the Dragon with Marc Ross – Sharing the Heart of the Matter

In this episode of 'How to Share', hosts Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson engage with author Marc Ross about his latest geopolitical thriller, 'Attacking the Dragon'. The conversation delves into the book's plot, which revolves around China's Belt and Road Initiative, and how Ross's background as a lawyer influenced his writing. They explore the complexities of Chinese politics, character development, and the nuances of storytelling, as well as Ross's personal journey from law to fiction writing.Takeaways:Marc Ross's book 'Attacking the Dragon' explores China's geopolitical landscape.The Belt and Road Initiative is a significant yet under-discussed topic.Ross aims to portray China as a victim rather than an aggressor in his narrative.His legal background provides a unique perspective on the thriller genre.Character names in Chinese culture are complex but manageable for storytelling.Ross's writing journey reflects a long-held dream to become an author.He emphasizes the importance of creating unique protagonists in thrillers.The art of storytelling involves engaging readers through vivid descriptions.Ross enjoys the process of writing and values reader feedback. His experiences as a lawyer enrich his fictional narratives.Links for this Episode:Sharing the Heart of the Matter HomeA. Marc Ross's website: ⁠https://www.amarcross.com/index.html⁠Attacking the Dragon on ⁠Barnes & Noble⁠ and ⁠Amazon⁠From the hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: ⁠Surviving Sue⁠; Blog: ⁠https://victoriaponders.com/⁠My book about my beloved father: ⁠Finding My Father’s Faith

1. Episode 131: Attacking the Dragon with Marc Ross 24:05
2. Episode 130: Take Me Back to Chicago with Doug E. Jones 28:12
3. Episode 129: Wish I Was Here with Ilsa Rey 31:47
4. Episode 128: This is Your Body on Trauma with Meg Bowman 43:10
5. Episode 127: King Copper with Lauren Scott 29:16

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to Episode 24: The In-Between with Libby Saylor on Anchor

Links for this Episode:

Episode 24: The In-Between with Libby Saylor on Anchor

Libby on Instagram @libbysaylor and @thegoddessattainable