K is for Kaleidoscope (The Cordello Quest A-Z Series)

Kaleidoscope may not seem the most obvious choice for the letter K in this series! When I started thinking about this post many months ago, I assumed that when the time came, I would be writing K is for Keira.

But when I sat down to draft the post, Keira just didn’t feel right. Keira, as the central character in The Cordello Quest, appears in plenty of posts already. Kitty (relating to Mosaic of Light) and Kindness were also possibilities I thought of. So I asked on Facebook: “What do you think K should be about?”

There were several comments – all of which I considered –  but Julie S. and Kitty J. both mentioned Kaleidoscope, a word which had leapt off the page when I had been researching K words earlier that day. So although it needed some thought, here we are with K is for Kaleidoscope! 🙂

If you’re unfamiliar with the nature of a kaleidoscope, then have a peek at this short Wiki article

Now I know this will come as a shock (hehehe!) but there aren’t actually any toy kaleidoscopes in The Cordello Quest or in Mosaic of Light! 😉

However, the feeling that I had as a child, when using my own little kaleidoscope (I wonder where that went!), was one of wonder and awe – amazement that this small tube filled with mirrors and coloured ‘bits’ could create such beautiful patterns of symmetry and light. And so awe is one of the themes of this post!

Awe and wonder and finding magic in the everyday, even when you understand the mechanics behind it (but especially when you do not!) are for me one of the joys of being alive.

From the stars, planets and moons populating the universe beyond our own world, right down to the petals on a flower opening in response to the light of our own sun, magic is everywhere if you are open to experiencing it.

We may have learned how to explain some of our surroundings with science or mechanics, but the experience of it can still be magical, if we allow ourselves to be wowed … if we take the time to be still and notice it.

In Cordello itself, Keira experiences plenty of awe, not least when she ‘discovers’ lovelight and begins to work with the energy. The power and light she witnesses in one experience leave her quite overwhelmed. 🙂

I feel some of that same quiet wonder every time I switch on Reiki, or call on lovelight (life-force energy) or sit with a crystal and tune into its frequency. Or when I see a kaleidoscopic array of spinning, coloured patterns in my third eye when doing healing work. Even when writing: the process of creating something of form from that which appears to be formless.

If you have read Mosaic of Light, then you might see the mosaic itself as a moving kaleidoscope of colour. I will not describe it in further detail (much as I would LOVE to!) because we do try to remain spoiler-free on this blog! But if you’ve read the book you might understand why writing about the mosaic was a powerfully joyous experience!

I personally feel that life could be a little boring without awe and wonder, without a bit of mystery behind the everyday. You might well agree?

So we leave you with this quote from Mosaic of Light:

I’ll admit, after typing kaleidoscope so many times, I’m tempted to indulge my childhood nostalgia and add one to my Christmas list!

Did you ever have a kaleidoscope when you were little? What experiences leave you feeling awed – and perhaps mystified in equal measure? I’m sure there are several, and we’d love to hear about them!

With lovelight blessings,

Joanna and Ron | The Lazuli Portals

J is for Jason: Character Interview (The Cordello Quest A-Z Series)

Now that I’m actively working on the third novel in the Lazuli Portals series (whoop whoop!), it seemed perfect timing to share with you some insights about Jason, Keira’s boyfriend, whom we first met on a dark moorland night in the opening scene of The Cordello Quest.

We thought the most enjoyable way to do this would be for Jason to be interviewed …

We’ll try not to include spoilers (especially for those of you who have yet to begin your Lazuli Portals journey, with The Cordello Quest), but it’s soooo hard!

Hi Jason, thanks for dropping by to chat with us today. So let’s get started. What do you love most about Keira?

Hi, it’s good to be here. My favourite thing about Keira …. her curiosity of mind and spirit, I think. Yeah, I think she’s beautiful and sexy, too – and she doesn’t even know it! But she’s always had this drive to better herself: not just educationally but with how she behaves, and even how she thinks. I never know what she’ll come out with next, and sometimes that’s a bit odd, but it does keep life interesting! I reckoned that was why she was chosen for the Cordello quest. She has a really big heart, too, really cares deeply about people and situations.

What have you found most challenging about your spiritual journey so far?

The uncertainty, I guess. Having to trust where you’re putting your feet, as it were, when you can’t really see the path or what’s ahead. I’m not sure I trust myself that much, so I find it difficult ‘going with the flow’, as Keira calls it, rather than planning something using logic and intellect. I can do practical, no problem – but the universal energy stuff we’ve been experiencing is much more intuitive, less easy for me to get my head around. Perhaps that’s the point: it’s the heart and soul leading the way, not the head ….

Jason, you were born in Cornwall; what do you love most about the county?

Where the hell do I start with that question?! I love its contrasts: beautiful wooded valleys and creeks in the south, and the wild ruggedness of the north where the cliffs and beaches are open to the Atlantic. But to me Cornwall is unique, it has a spirit and romance that isn’t echoed anywhere else, to my mind. I’ve lived here all my life and still haven’t explored it all.

How did you feel when you first realised Keira had gone missing, and you stumbled across her in the stone circle?

Bloody scared! Sorry … it was a real shock, though, I thought she’d hit her head or something, and had … it was an awful moment, a really sobering one. After that, though, the surprises never really stopped coming!

What are your favourite foods and drinks?

Well, I used to drink a bit too much of the alcoholic variety, to be honest. I’ve got more self-control now, and try to keep in mind that drinking too much left me a waste of space when Keira needed me. I know Keira worried about how much I drank, too, and that gave me the willpower to cut down. I still enjoy a beer or two, but it’s not a habit anymore. My favourite drink is actually tea!

As for food, I have quite a sweet tooth, so really anything from Keira’s cake tin would be my favourite, especially if it involves chocolate! Flapjacks always go down well, too … you didn’t happen to bring any with you, I suppose …?

Haha! Sorry, not this time. Okay, we’re nearing the end now. Are there any other places you’d like to spend more time in?

Yeah. Cornwall’s great, but I like Scotland and Wales, too. The Celtic link, I suppose. And Brittany, in France, perhaps for the same reason. I’d hoped we could spend some time there once the mosaic of light adventure was over, but it didn’t pan out. I really want to see Cordello, as well, as it sounds amazing. But then there’s New Zealand – I loved the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies – and so many other places. I need a TARDIS, really …

That would be handy on so many levels, wouldn’t it? Last question, Jason. Cats or dogs? Car or motorbike? Paperback or ebook?

That’s three questions!

Okay, well I like dogs a lot, and had a collie when I was growing up. But there’s something extra-special about cats, so that’s my preference if you’re making me choose.

The car is handy for going out with Keira, or transporting stuff, but my heart says motorbike and an empty road! No way would Keira let me out on that, though!

The book question is more complicated: I have paperbacks of novels that I really like, and would never give them away. But ebooks are definitely easier to buy and read, especially if you’re accessing them on several devices. Makes life easier going on holiday, too, as I can take ten on my ereader as easily as one. At the end of the day, though, it’s the story that counts, for me.

Thanks so much for allowing us to interview you, Jason! We’ll let you get back now. Oh, Keira’s just texted to say she’s taking a fruit cake out of the oven. So we’ll – oh, he’s gone! *waves*

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We hope you enjoyed this interview with Jason! We haven’t written the “K is for …” piece yet so if you have any preferences, please let us know in the Comments section below, or on Facebook or Twitter if you prefer.

Joanna and Ron | The Lazuli Portals

Cordello Quest A-Z Series: I is for Inspiration (includes photos!)

Our second novel Mosaic of Light has passed its first birthday! So we thought you might enjoy seeing some photos of the real-life woodland which inspired the fictional Tickerholm Woods featured in the book.

(Yes, The Cordello Quest A-Z Series is moving on, just as Keira and Jason have! So you may see more Mosaic of Light-related posts as this series progresses.)

One of my favourite elements within this wood is the little stream, with its crystal clarity and its gentle flow (although that depends on rainfall, of course!)

Those of you who’ve read Mosaic of Light will be aware of the significance of the stream!

Of course, the trees themselves are a big draw, too. 🙂 Their energy always feels soothing to me, all stress simply melting away when I’m surrounded by them. This helps me to strengthen my connection with the flow of life and universal energy.

Some of the paths are quite steep and winding: it’s those trails which inspired Keira and Jason’s re-entry to the woodland from the heath.

Then there’s the fresh growth unfurling almost before your eyes. 🙂 The smaller plants in the woodland remind me that Nature has its own timing, and finds a perfect balance in the ongoing cycle of renewal and release, growth and decay.

In spring, bluebells adorn the grasses, nodding their delicate heads of blue in the welcome sunlight. Their time is short, lasting for just a few weeks before Nature moves on and the canopies burst into full leaf. The brevity of the bluebell season teaches me to appreciate what’s present in the here and now. Don’t you think they’re beautiful? 🙂

Can you feel the tranquility and life-force energy (lovelight) held within this special place?

Do you have an inspirational woodland spot? Feel free to post your own photos in the comments; let’s have a virtual woodland walk, and share the calming and revitalising energies these natural spaces offer us!

Joanna and Ron | The Lazuli Portals

* * * To see the earlier posts in The Cordello Quest A-Z Series please follow this link. * * *

H is for Hope (The Cordello Quest A-Z Series)

Hope … where would we be without it?

Sometimes, our thoughts and beliefs lead us into darkness and worry, into fear and difficulty. Sink too far down this road and it can take a while (and some effort) to break free. At its worst, hopelessness can be utterly devastating.

But sometimes a lack of hope can be turned around with a little inspiration and encouragement. We hope this is the case for you, if you’re in need of a bit of a boost!

As hope is such a key theme in The Lazuli Portals series, you might like this extract from The Cordello Quest. This is one of the many sections that ‘wrote themselves’. 🙂

Keira has arrived in Cordello and is having a bit of a crisis of confidence. Well, that’s understandable given how she got there, leaving Jason behind in their own world! Lord Charls has been giving Keira a tour of his manor’s gardens, which she has thoroughly enjoyed.

But then her worry circuit kicks back in …

Then I assessed my current situation. Would I even be able to return to my own world? Would I be trapped here in Cordello? Would Karn achieve his ambitions, desecrating and taking over Cordello? I frowned, as I remembered the reason for my being here. My feeling of well–being vanished in an instant, and as if Charls was tuned into my emotions, he turned to me, a quizzical expression on his familiar face.

“You are worried, Keira, are you not? Please – enjoy the gardens, and experience each moment fully. Allow such moments to lift you back to your natural state of optimism and happiness. Pleasure helps you to lift your vibration and to keep it high.

You are helping us, in no small way, simply by being here – fulfilling your part in our legend gives our people hope. Never, ever underestimate the power of hope.

Your presence will automatically expand the quantity and quality of lovelight that we can share and store. If you, too, can keep your energy high, that will spread to others, also.”

Charls gently touched the petals of a golden–yellow rose as he passed. “Accept what might be, and feel the peace of the moment. You can become peaceful right now – just by intending so.”

Do you find any of those words from Lord Charls particularly helpful? Does one suggestion resonate more with you than the others?

We hope (pun intended!) you’ve enjoyed this post. Please Comment, Like, and/or Share if you have – and please also let us know whether you’d like us to write the next letter in this series (or not!!)

Joanna and Ron | The Lazuli Portals

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Words and image copyright Joanna Gawn

Earlier posts in this A-Z Series: A, B, C, D, E, F and G

An Interview with an Ascended Reikan

We started our Cordello Quest A-Z blog series back in 2013 with an introduction to Ascended Reikans. Later, as part of a promotional guest post, we ‘interviewed’ one of our favourite characters from The Cordello Quest: the wonderful Ascended Reikan, Lady Aida.

Image: Exsodus / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

We thought it’d be fun to share her interview again, right here on our own Lazuli Portals blog, so that our newer readers have the opportunity to see it.

So here we go! 🙂

An Interview with Lady Aida

Joanna: Hello, Lady Aida, thank you for agreeing to answer a few questions.

Lady Aida: I’m pleased to be here, Joanna and Ron. Thank you for having me.

Joanna: First of all, what’s it like being an Ascended Reikan?

Lady Aida: It’s extremely rewarding. My assignment has been interesting, to say the least. Being able to offer guidance to awakening humans is a joy.

Ron: Lady Aida, when you were writing in your journal – the one used by Keira when she was in Cordello – did you have any idea that it would become so important?

Lady Aida: No, not at all. Writing the journal was simply my way of making sense of my learning, and tracking my own development in the use of crystals, lovelight and intuition. I was heartened to see that Keira gained so much from my own experiences.

Joanna: When you were working with crystals, did you ever have a favourite?

Lady Aida: I would not have been able to choose, my dear. Their frequencies are different, and each has its own value. It would be like asking me to choose a favourite niece or nephew. I do have a fondness for the quartz crystals, however, and appreciated the warm tones and shades of the Tiger’s Eye.

Ron: Of all the places you’ve seen, do you have a favourite?

Lady Aida: Cordello, without a doubt. True, I have travelled to many worlds, seen many wonderful things. And I was very fond of Reika, of course. But . . . Cordello is home, and I am always glad to return to its green valleys and to my own people.

Joanna: What is your favourite colour?

Lady Aida: I have no favourite, dear. All colour is light, and to choose from among the light is not possible.

Ron: If you could be any animal, what would you choose?

Lady Aida: I believe I would choose to be an eagle. Soaring high, with wide perspectives and clear sight. I am fond of flying, as you know.

Joanna: A final question for you, Lady Aida. Do you have a favourite word?

Lady Aida: Oh yes, dear. It is Love.

Joanna: I should have known you’d say that! Thank for your time, Lady Aida.

Lady Aida: It’s been a pleasure. Goodbye.

~*~

Do you have a favourite character from our Lazuli Portals series? If so, who is it?

If you enjoyed this post, please Like it, Share it, and/or leave a Comment below.

Joanna and Ron | The Lazuli Portals

 

 

G is for Glade: Keira’s Meditation (The Cordello Quest A-Z Series)

Keira stops for a moment of meditation in one of Cordello’s secret glades.

The softest of late summer breezes skims across my skin as I sit on the grass at the edge of the natural pool. I let my fingers dip into the water. It feels delicious.

In the distance, I can hear the muted roar of the waterfall. But here, all is quiet, with golden sunlight slanting through the trees protecting the glade.

I could stay here all day, in this secret place. Just me and the clear water and the gentle breeze sighing through the trees.

Above me, the air is tinted with the opal tones of lovelight, and it soothes me.

My breathing slows. The tranquility and energy of my surroundings seep into me, penetrating deep into my muscles, my bones, my cells, until I am completely relaxed.

There is nothing I need to do. I have no desire or need to move.

My body rests. My mind is quiet.

I am just me. Here, I am free.

I know this place now, and when I need its stillness, its peace, I will return.

~*~*~

We hope you enjoyed this little slice of tranquility. If you did, please Like the post, leave a Comment, and/or Share it. That way we’ll know you’d like us to continue with this series! 😉

~ Joanna

Image © dan / FreeDigitalPhotos.Net

Earlier posts in this A-Z Series: A, B, C, D, E, and F

F is for Friendship (The Cordello Quest A-Z Series)

Friendship … what does it mean to you? Mutual support? Someone to have a laugh with? A person you can trust, a person you can rely on to be there for you when times are challenging?

In Keira’s case, she’s in need of a friend when she arrives unexpectedly in a parallel world. She has no clue where she is, or how (or even if!) she’ll get home. It would be a very lonely transformational journey if she travelled this strange path without a friend. Luckily for Keira, synchronicity reveals just the person …

Forming a close bond with a Cordellan lord becomes vital, not only for her own wellbeing and safety, but also in the fight to retain the gift of energy that is lovelight. The connection between the two is a crucial one, the strong bond between them a key ingredient when it comes to working together while physically separated.

That’s not to say the two friends don’t disagree from time to time – being friends doesn’t mean you always share the same thoughts, feelings, or ideas! Part of a shared spiritual journey may involve learning from one another, and/or enhancing each other’s understanding of situations and relationships.

Soulmate relationships are often formed for that very reason. While they can be immensely challenging, they also promise great rewards for both friends, and the gift of unconditional love. All part and parcel of the journey for awakening souls. 😉

If you’re interested, Ron and I share more about our own soulfully-connected friendship here.

What do you feel are the most valuable aspects of a friendship – especially a close one?

~ Joanna

Image © sattva / FreeDigitalPhotos.Net