Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring

The newest video from Mental Sauna III: Christmas Inflections

Wicked Legends Collection

This is the last week you can purchase Wicked Legends for the low price of 99 cents. It's also the last week you can purchase it on all ebook platforms!  A boxed set unlike any other before it, filled with the perfect blend of Dystopian, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, and SciFi Romance.

Every selection in this rare, limited edition collection is a full-length novel or novella, including material from today's New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling authors!

With over one million words of romantic fiction from all of your favorite genres, this limited edition omnibus will provide over 100 hours of reading!

If you're looking for a boxed set overflowing with variety, this collection will satisfy your cravings with sorcery, genies, necromancers, space pirates, shifters, and more! Travel to new worlds or discover ones hidden right beneath your nose when you order your copy of WICKED LEGENDS today!

Grab this collection today before it's gone for good! See the full line up below!

Bestselling Harlequin author Debbie Herbert - CHARMED AND DANGEROUS

Bestselling Harlequin author Kerry Adrienne - VERITY

New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Hamilton and USA Today bestselling author Conner Kressley - MOON COVEN

New York Times bestselling author Thea Atkinson - THETA WAVES

New York Times bestselling author Natasha Larry - THE NIGHT

USA Today bestselling author Rainy Kaye - THE DEEPEST BLACK

USA Today bestselling author J.E. Taylor - MESSIAH

Award Winning author Kate Corcino - SPARK RISING

International bestselling author Rachel McClellan - ESCAPE TO EDEN

International bestselling author Jae Vogel - ANGEL BLOOD

International bestselling author Raquel Lyon - BOX OF SECRETS

International bestselling author Lisa Blackwood - SORCERESS AWAKENING

International bestselling author Nicolas Wilson - THE NECROMANCER'S GAMBIT

International bestselling author Isis Pierce - ROYAL SEDUCTION

International bestselling author Stacy Eaton - GARDA: WELCOME TO THE REALM

International bestselling author Caryse Locke - PIRATE NEMESIS

International bestselling author S.M. Schmitz - THE CHOSEN

International bestselling author Jayne Faith - THE SELECTION

International bestselling author Nirina Stone - ROMY'S LEGACY

International bestselling author C.M. Albert - REDD'S DESCENT

International bestselling author Erin Bedford - FLAMES OF AURIEL

International bestselling author Jack Conner - NIGHTMARE CITY

International bestselling author May Sage - BLUE BLOOD

Amazon Ibook Nook Kobo

Zumanity – The Darker Side of Cirque Du Soleil

If you want to see an amazing artistic show but want something with a bit of a naughty edge to it, Zumanity may be the show for you.  Located in the New York, New York Hotel and Casino on the south end of The Strip, across from The MGM Grand.

The music, dance and acrobatics are exactly the quality you’ve come to expect from Cirque.  The music has got some groove to it with strong funk beats backing a very powerful band that plays on a catwalk above the stage.  The show has everything from aerialists to cage fights all overseen by masters that make sure their prey do what they are told.  Intermingled with the show are several comedy sketches that I won’t spoil for you but add a great deal of levity to the atmosphere.

There is definitely a reason the show is for 18+.  Aside from suggestive sex and in your face provocative (but not actual sexual) acts, there actually is some nudity, so leave your inhibitions at the door, relax and enjoy a spectacular night at Zumanity!

www.cirquedusoleil.com

New Available: Mental Sauna IV: Worlds

It’s here!  The newest album in the Mental Sauna collection, Mental Sauna IV: Worlds, is now available for purchase!

This album is a unique take on the Mental Sauna series, featuring five extended songs, specially recorded in the tuning of A432. Believed to be more in harmony with the frequencies of the human body.  Each piece of music takes you in a journey to a different world for a completely unique experience.

The best part?  Special pricing at only $5.00 ($4.95 on some sites)!

A huge thank you to Kelly at OutsideTheBox.photo who has always done a stunning job on my artwork and to Kris Wagner for a beautiful job on the lettering.

Tracklist:

Field of Solitude

Water World

Forest Pathway

Warm Sand

Ice Cave

How can Mental Sauna music be used?

·  *  Assists with sleep and helps curb insomnia

·  *  Use during meditation

·  *  Great for your hotel when you travel

·  *  Use during yoga

·  *  Use during birthing exercises and add it to your birthing playlist

·  *  Use it to block out the world while working on creative projects, writing or journaling

·  *  Play it in your home or workplace to create a relaxing atmosphere

·  *  Play it when your mind is racing to help calm it

·  *  Great for calming children

Don’t just take my advice, check it out for yourself and read the reviews.

Mental Sauna IV: Worlds is now available at:
iTunes

CD Baby

Google Play

Amazon: (pending)

Enjoy and Namaste,

Scott

Mental Sauna IV Album Preview Video

A Night at the Edge of the Water: “O” By Cirque Du Soleil

Maybe there is just something about the particular shade of blue that Cirque Du Soleil uses in their promotional material for “O” at The Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, but there is a deep coolness that touches your skin and draws you in to want to know what it is all about.  It had been about 8 years or so since I had seen the show from a seat that gave away a lot of secrets to how this masterpiece is achieved.  When I saw it again last week, I wished I had gone more often.

From what I remember about my first visit, some things in the show had changed.  Not surprising as shows are revamped from time to time.  For one, the sound in the theater is absolutely fantastic.  The music sounds larger than life and was crystal clear to this audio engineer’s ear.  The score by Benoit Jutras has some very ethnic touches among the ballads and power pieces that make a great balance and truly enhance the show.

Equally impressive is the talent on stage and the stage itself, which is constantly transforming.  The timing of the talent was virtually flawless and there are a lot of moving parts to this show.  A great deal of work goes into each and every one of these large scale productions but the water shows have another element (forgive the pun) altogether.

As if all that wasn’t enough, there is a perfect balance of music to show to comedy as a couple clowns bring levity when things are getting on the edge of too intense.

While a bit more expensive (that water doesn’t maintain itself, you know) than the majority of the rest of the shows, it remains a must see for Vegas.  For the best deals, check out www.cirquedusoleil.com and join the Cirque Club for free and doors to special pricing will be opened.

Warning… people in the first few rows may get wet…

Water World Sample from Mental Sauna IV: Worlds

#HappyPeopleMakeASafeWorld

There it is but what does it mean?  What does it mean to you?

Just a few days ago, my dear friend Magreeshi (http://www.magareeshi.com/) had an idea of sharing pictures drawn all over with washable sidewalk chalk.  She used the phrase #WetChalkMovement.  I thought it was brilliant and so did a lot of others who started painting their driveways and any available spaces with happy and beautiful pictures.  All kinds of photos and stories were sent in to show her that what she did had a positive impact on people.

I had been pondering for a while what I might be able to do to help bring peace to the world more than I have through my Mental Sauna and other music.  When Magreeshi sent this post out, I came up with #HappyPeopleDoNotHurtEachOther.  While that said what I wanted to say, it didn’t work the way I wanted it to. No matter how you say it, the focus is on hurting people.  I sent it out to a couple trusted people and got responses which eventually brought me to the title of this Blog.

Why didn’t the original version work when it said the same thing?  I strongly believe that specific language paints a picture so, to get the point across, you have to paint the picture in words that you want people to see.  Had I sent the first one, people would think about happy people committing acts of violence.  That wasn’t what I wanted at all.  I often think of Mother Theresa’s statement about refusing to support an anti-war rally but would always support a peace rally.  They both have the same goal but the focus of the former is still on war.  If you say anti-war, what do you picture?  Battle?  Body parts?  Tanks?  That’s exactly why it doesn’t work.  What do you picture when you think peace rally?

When you think about it, how many happy people go around hurting other people?  Not too many, right?  What do happy people do?  They want to stay in that feeling and make others feel good, too.  What do unhappy people do?  Speak louder and louder until someone else is as miserable as they are.  It has gotten even worse not that social media has given everyone a voice.  They have not always chosen to use it wisely.  Many of the posts I used to see are anger fueled, opinionated and some downright hateful.  What does this help?  Nothing.  These people are just speaking out and not doing anything to bring about any change, which is what #HappyPeopleMakeASafeWorld is all about.

When you have dried, caked on dirt in a glass, you can’t just pour it out and be done.  You have to run water through it to get the glass clean again, right?  Your mind is no different.  You have to filter out the bad things in your mind by flushing them out with good things.  I see #HappyPeopleMakeASafeWorld as the clear, clean liquid that can wash that dirt away.

I can’t do it alone. Please help me spread the word about this.  Let’s clean the dirt off the glass so we can see the beauty of the world through it.  Let go of the pointless hatred that isn’t doing anything but separating us all.  Cut out the news that is depressing and doesn’t tell you anything you need to know.  Take everything you can that makes you feel bad when you see it and get it out of your face.  Surround yourself with things that make you smile.  Some things you can do easily, others will take time.  One thing I did was change my home page to Google so I don’t see all the horrible things in the world that are going on first thing in the morning when I get on the internet to check my email since there is no news feed.  Some things are that simple.

Let’s all get together and make the world happy and safe.  Share it everywhere you can.  If you have ideas on how to expand on this, I would love to hear them.  Please leave a comment below.

Thank you and make today beautiful - for you and everyone else!

Scott

Le Reve – A Show That Flows Like Water

Just a few hours ago, I was fortunate enough to attend my first performance of Le Reve at the Wynn Hotel.  Though the show has been there for many years, I hadn’t made it over to see it (quite regrettably).  I was thrilled I finally did.

As with all the major shows I have been to here in Las Vegas, from the moment you walk into the theater, you know you are about to see something sensational.  The setting is exquisite with a small lounge set in the middle of a pool of water, often barely visible in the mist.  The lighting changes and highlights it here and there as music plays softly in the background.

The show takes off from there and it is a non-stop ride.  Unlike many of the shows on The Strip, there is no pre-show.  Just mood.  Once the lights go down, you will be treated to a spectacular array of dance, acrobatics and the search for love, set on a constantly changing stage and pool.

While the show is generally fast moving and serious, there are a couple spots of relief from the story line with some wonderfully timed comedic acts.  They actually play into a bit of a side story, fighting for the affection of the lead and allow you some moments to catch your breath before the next choreographed piece.

Check out when you are in town.  It will be well spent time that you will not soon forget.

Click here for details:  Le Reve

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The $25 Amazon Gift card is still going, compliments of myself and these wonderful authors:  Natasha Larry, DE Wyatt, Kosta Angelou, Jeff Mariotte and Rainy Kaye.  This one ends September 24^th, 2016 with the drawing on the 30^th.

Click here for the Giveaway!

You Can Survive a Bully – Even If You Are Married To One

I recently finished reading My Life, Victim No More!  The Ugly Truth Exposed by Robin Cote.  I’ve known Robin from the film industry for a number of years and I have always found her to be an absolutely wonderful and dear friend.  Little did I know all the things she had gone through and continued to go through during that time.

I’ve known so many people that didn’t find the strength in themselves to be able to make the changes in their lives that could lead to happiness.  It is all too easy to ignore the truth, make excuses, keep thinking you deserve it, succumb to what you are told your value in the world is.  Even when they get away, so many go back to their abusers time and time again and any progress they have made gets flushed right down the toilet.

While the pages tell Robin’s life story, the message from the title is clear.  You can find it in yourself to find your power and stop being a victim.  I think this relates to more than just people.  I could say the same of those who have allowed drugs, alcohol and other addictions to take over their lives.

As long as you are still alive and as long as there is still breath in your lungs, you still have a chance.  Maybe this book will help you take a step towards your freedom from what oppresses you.  Actually, getting this book IS one first step you can choose take.

Available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle.

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There is a new $25 Amazon gift card you can win!  This one is compliments of myself, as well as these wonderful authors Natasha Larry, DE Wyatt, Kosta Algelou, Jeff Mariotte and Rainy Kaye.

This runs through September 24th, 2016 and the drawing will be help September 30th, 2016. 

Click here for the Giveaway!

Journey of Life: Cirque Du Soleil’s Mystere

One thing that seems to hold true for every Cirque Du Soleil show I have attended:  from the moment you walk into the room, you know something spectacular is going to happen.  The Mystere theatre at Treasure Island in Las Vegas, NV is no different and the show certainly holds up to the initial impression.

The show starts before the show starts so make sure to keep your eyes moving around the room.  Then the lights dim, and the journey begins.  The story of life is told through acrobatics, seemingly inhuman balancing, jumping, tumbling, swinging, dance and comedy, all driven by beautiful music and vocals.  As soon as you leave, you’ll want to head across the aisle to the Mystere store and pick up a copy of the soundtrack, but we’ll get to that in a moment.

The lighting throughout the show sets the perfect mood as you go through the story and you can feel how hard these people have worked to make every act play out beautifully and every song the perfect accompaniment.  You’ll be amazed at how quickly time has passed when you are introduced to the famous Alice, the Snail.

A note on the soundtrack – The available soundtrack is a live show captured some years ago. Since then, the show has gone through some changes.  There is also an early studio soundtrack that you can sometimes find on Ebay.  Personally, I think it is worth hearing both versions.

I have always found the best to be in the front two or three rows in the upper section, near the audio engineer.  You can see pretty much everything from there as the show does have things going on outside of the stage area from time to time (or well above it).  I was surprised to find that sitting right by the stage was also a great place to be.  I would have thought much would be missed from there but I was wrong.

Go to their website www.cirqueDuSoleil.com and join the Cirque Club for free and you will be eligible for discount ticket pricing.  Treasure Island is no longer part of the MGM properties and so parking is currently free at the hotel.

On a personal note, this was the first Cirque show I attended and it had a huge impact on me.  It was the beginning of the inspiration for my album Kamu Vole’.

When you come to town, make sure this one is on your list of must see items!

The Night - By N.L. Larry - NOW AVAILABLE!

Kinsley will do anything to forget she may have killed someone. No one knows more than Kinsley Lane that nothing good happens when the dead walk free. A year ago, she was possessed by a ghost and her life forever changed. Luckily, on this All Hallows’ Eve, the witches of Harker Heights have offered her protection from the dead spirits who will roam free. Mac Harker is appointed her guardian and everything goes smoothly, until a mysterious guy arrives on the grounds. One that only Kinsley can see. Mac is determined to protect her from Charming, leaving Kinsley torn between wanting his protection and the strong pull to a guy who won’t even tell her his real name. She must make a choice; the one she makes leads to the biggest heartbreak, and greatest love she’s ever known. All over the course of one night.

Excerpt: He opens his eyes and gazes up at me. Standing up, he holds his hands toward me. I place my hands in his and allow him to pull me to my feet. “You have the fire gift,” I say, looking down. He chuckles. “Yes.” His lips are close to my ear. My body goes rigid. “There has always been fire in me, Miss Lane.” “Kinsley.” I correct him again without looking up. “Yes, Kinsley.” He squeezes his hands around mine. “I need you to take off your clothes.” I snatch my hands away and gawk up at him. “‘Scuse me?” His eyes widen, as if he’s surprised by my reaction. God, don’t tell me he’s one of those hot, dense guys. I mean it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world… But it might be a pain in the ass if he’s a big talker. I wrap my arms around my chest. “Are you hitting on me?” There is a little bite in my voice. He stares at me for a few seconds then shakes his head. “Hitting on you?” A nice blush highlights his cheekbones. His very kissable cheekbones. But that isn’t the point.

Order on Amazon Today 

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The Bright Side

It is so hard to be impartial when you are talking about your favorite shows, as my last couple entries probably prove.  This one, in particular, is especially dear to my heart.

Aside from having the distinct honor of being the audio engineer on this production, working with this team is nothing short of an incredible experience.  Every single person is truly a talented and dedicated professional.  From the writer and composers to the musicians to the director and producer to the set designers to the lighting team to the support staff to the performers.

On top of that, the production is fantastic.  The story and characters are compelling.  The music will stay in your head for days.  The dialog will keep you laughing and the story will not be something you will soon forget.  It is the perfect combination of humor and serious life situations.  Equally as haunting as it is hilarious.

Written by Ernie Curcio, lyrics by Jolana Sampson, music by Jolana Sampson and Martin Kaye.

Music Director and Pianist Angela Chan, Score and Arrangements Martin St. Pierre (Cirque Du Soleil, Tin Toy Cars), Electric and Acoustic Guitar Andrew Chute (Tin Toy Cars) and Bass Guitar Peter Fand (Tin Toy Cars)

Cast:
Bob Torti - Richard Hauser

Victoria Matlock - Shelly Hauser

Maverick Hiu - Aiden Hauser

Marcus Weiss - The Doctor

Scott McAdam - The Colonel / Nurse

This is currently on short run in Las Vegas but I have no doubt it will be back.  Come see it at the Cockroach Theater, 1025 S First Street, Las Vegas, NV 89104, in the Art District near The Stratosphere Hotel.

Friday, May 21^st 8PM

Saturday, May 22^nd 8PM

Sunday, May 23^rd 2PM

Thurdsay, May 26^th 8PM

Friday, May 27^th 8PM

Saturday, May 28^th 8PM

Sunday, May 29^th 2PM

Thursday, June 2^nd 8PM

Friday, June 3^rd – DARK

Saturday, June 4^th 8PM

Sunday, June 5^th 2PM Final Performance of this run.

Come see it!!!

On another note, there is still a little time left:

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A Mesmerizing Experience - Cirque Du Soleil's KA

I’ll never forget the first time I attended Cirque Du Soleil’s KA at the MGM Grand hotel (the giant green building at the south end of The Strip – you can’t miss it), here in Las Vegas.  At least ten times through the night I thought it couldn’t be really happening right there in front of me.  It had to be a trick or a film projected onto the stage.  That was even before the stage got up and moved.

From the moment you enter the theater area, you’ll know something magical is about to take place.  Ornately decorated and towering above you.  Most seats in the theater are great but some of the far side seats have slightly limited views, though they make you feel more a part of the action, being so close.  Personally, I think the best seats are in the first couple rows of the upper section, right in the middle.

As is typical with Cirque, the show starts before the show starts so be sure to keep an eye on things once you find your seat.  When the lights go out, you won’t even remember you are sitting in a large theater as the show carries you away on an unforgettable journey of music, fighting, love, loss and the evil that set it all in motion.

The music is spectacular and is performed by truly world class musicians.  This is one of my favorite soundtracks and was composed by Rene DuPere, who also co-wrote my other favorite soundtrack, which I will be covering in an upcoming blog.

For tickets, be sure to check out Cirque’s free fan club at www.cirquedusoleil.com, and see what specials they have.  Definitely a show to see if you want to experience the true depth of entertainment offered here in Las Vegas.

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My newest book, What Happened In Vegas… is available on Amazon and the Kindle version is on sale for only $1.99.  If you do not have a Kindle, you can grab the free Amazon Kindle Reader app and enjoy it in full color.  There is a black and white print version also available there as well.
https://www.amazon.com/What-Happened-Vegas-Scott-Haskin-ebook/dp/B01E2AL28M?ie=UTF8&keywords=scott%20haskin&qid=1462810784&ref_=sr_1_1&s=books&sr=1-1

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I’m partnering with some amazing writers on a couple giveaways – take a moment to enter – you could win!

Rainy Kaye - http://www.amazon.com/Rainy-Kaye/e/B00JBI4VPM/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1462809548&sr=8-2-ent

Natasha Larry - http://www.amazon.com/Natasha-Larry/e/B0051BVEGW/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1462809567&sr=8-2-ent

http://www.winnertakesallgiveaway.com/

What Happened in Vegas...

Las Vegas, Nevada.  Known for the 24 hour party life and that is exactly what you get when you are here.  Well… almost.  The casinos and some supportive places, like most bars and sundry shops, are open 24 hours as well as some restaurants.    On the Strip, though, you can take a walk anytime and see the colorful lights and roaming visitors.  People tend to let loose here a little more than other places because of the party vibe.

Since moving to Las Vegas a year ago, I’ve been taking walks down the strip 2-3 nights a week.  This book contains a collection of 450 things I actually heard people say during my journeys.  Woven in between the quotes are some pictures I took but they aren’t the usual photo book pictures you will find elsewhere.

To give you an idea, here are a couple examples of what you will find inside:

Man: “You might be my soulmate!”

Woman, “Just don’t start crying.”

And…

“I consider lying to be the same as not being truthful.”

And…

“You know, you’re the kind of girl that is going to end up being a hockey mom.”

Take a walk down one of the most famous streets in the world and discover What Happened in Vegas…

Now available now on Amazon in both Kindle (free on Amazon Prime) and print edition through Amazon.com.

http://www.amazon.com/What-Happened-Vegas-Scott-Haskin-ebook/dp/B01E2AL28M/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1461024512&sr=1-1&keywords=scott+haskin

If you would like a PDF copy, you can purchase that on my website at www.scotthaskin.com.

Enter the Amazon Giveaway for a Kindle copy!  Don't have a Kindle?  No problem, Amazon hosts a free plugin to read on any device!
https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/c34bb4fab467992c

Silent Loudness – The Blue Man Group, Las Vegas

There are so many things to see and do in Las Vegas, you could spend hours deciding what the best choices are to fit into your vacation schedule.  There are restaurants, shows, bars, concerts, clubs, rides, zip lines, pools, musical fountain shows, gardens, candy factories and more.  You want to do as much as you can but you also want to relax.  Seeing one of the many shows allows you to sit back and take a load off while someone else does all the work.

I’ve seen The Blue Man group twice since my move to Las Vegas a year ago.  Both times were at their new venue at The Luxor Hotel and Casino, located in the upstairs atrium near the walkway to Mandalay bay and all the restaurants and shops they have.  Just across the way are the Titanic Museum, the Bodies exhibit and the theater there Carrot Top and Fantasy perform.

The theater is cozy and you will have a great view no matter where you sit.  The first few rows have a splash zone and they will provide the needed gear.  The sound system is fantastic, providing a crystal clear and well mixed audio experience.  The seats are comfortable and allow you to settle in and 

enjoy the show.

I won’t give any spoilers but I will tell you that the Blue Men never say a word.  Their movements and expressions are enough to make you laugh and their musicality will draw you in with their unique instruments and rhythms.  Their backing band is made up of some of the best musicians Las Vegas has to offer and give a top notch performance in support of the Blue Men themselves.

If you are looking for a memorable experience that is just fun (and even a little educational), check them out and purchase your tickets at the link below.
https://www.luxor.com/en/entertainment/blue-man-group.html

Show tip #1:
If you are staying at the hotel, leave your stuff in the room save for your room key, tickets and wallet in case you want to make a purchase from the Blue Man Store, located right outside the theater.  You want to enjoy the show and not have to be distracted keeping track of anything but fun.

Also, check this out - Good through the end of May!  Sponsored by my friend and talented authors Rainy of the Dark and Natasha Larry!

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Communication Is a Two Way Key

I’ve said it over and over again but that’s just the problem – how many people are listening?  I find communication to be the foundation of every kind of relationship.  Without that, what do you really have?  Honesty is meaningless if you aren’t expressing it to another party.  Love can go in doubt if it isn’t communicated.  Worse yet, doubt and speculation begin to run rampant if the other person doesn’t know what is going on.

A great deal of communication is just pushing.  Pasting memes on your Facebook page because you glanced at it but didn’t bother to even think about what it is saying but posting it anyway.  The political comments are the worst.  I have seen several that say, “If you plan on voting for (insert preferred candidate here), just unfriend me now.  I don’t want to know you.”  Right, let’s not discuss and show someone why we think someone is the best for the job and see why they think their candidate is, let’s just stay in our separate camps, hating each other instead of listening and educating so we can all understand each other better.

How about the guilt trip posts?  “Share if you believe in Jesus.”  “Like if you have a child you love.”  “Stop animal cruelty!”  These are basically the digital equivalent of a chain letter.  They are designed to make you feel guilty if you don’t forward or like them or whatever the completely unimportant call to action is.  If you have a child you love, tell the child.  Clicking the like button on some random post does nothing to show that child you love them.  The ones against cruelty are the ones that baffle me the most. If you share that with your friends, you am essentially saying your friends are the ones doing this.  If you don’t feel your friends are doing harm to animals, who is the audience when you post it?  And if you do think your friends are doing it, how can they be your friends?

The most telltale type of communication from someone who is a solid communicator and is suddenly no longer in communication at all.  When a person suddenly stops talking, it should be incredibly obvious something is wrong.  Typically, this means the person is tired of communication being ignored, rejected or, as I have had in several cases, people say they understand how I feel and go out of their way to do whatever it was to cause the issue all over again.

On the flip side, if you aren’t listening, how do you know any of this?  If you are trotting along through a relationship, not paying attention to your partner, how do you know when they need something or when they are unhappy or even how to share in a joy?  I have watched marriages, business partnership, manager/employee relationships and friendships end many times over it and when both parties come to me individually to vent, it is clear to see they were either too busy talking to listen, not communicating their thoughts or couldn’t be bothered to pay attention to what the other was saying.

I’ve had several friendships and business relationships that I had to walk away from because of these very issues.  People get too wrapped up in their own issues these days to see how they treat others.  People are more concerned with having to be heard than listening to see how to be heard.  It is a shame because I think a lot of good could have come of those things.  They were never going to work, though, without these relationships being actual partnerships – two or more people working together for a common goal.  That goal could be a project or just two people that are friends, supporting each other by listening and giving feedback on thoughts and different things.

It is really sad to think of things that could have been if only people worked together.  My suggestion is remember that whatever you are feeling, the other person or people are feeling, things, too.  They have thoughts and wants from your partnership just as much as you do.  Keep the lines of communication open.  Listen FULLY.  Don’t be working on your rebuttal before they are even done talking.

I had one situation with two different companies that asked me to perform a similar task for them.  I was happy they asked me and excited to work with them on it.  There was one person I needed to connect with to make both tasks happen.  It was this person's job to help facilitate this very task. Both of the companies and I contacted this person directly several times with no response whatsoever. Eventually, my relationship this these companies has been damaged.  Not because I wasn't proactive or willing or putting in the effort but because the person we needed didn't come through and do their part to complete the project we were working together on.  Without that component, they didn't need it done at all.  I even reached out to their superior to no avail.  Interestingly, the person in question had advertised, during this time, they were working hard to ensure that the very thing we were trying to do happened more often and with great quality but failed to actually do anything to make it happen.  There was ZERO communication from this person to any of us that there was a delay or problem or that it couldn't be done. Nothing.  A simple, "I'm behind and I'll get to you in a week," or anything could have prevented the damage to the relationships I have now.  The worst part is it would take less than 30 seconds to communicate that.  

Be respectful and listen as much or more than you speak. If you are unsure, ask for clarification.  Let’s all work together to make this a better world.  Let’s build stronger bonds and create more successful projects.  We can do it if we communicate, listen and work together.  If this is how you believe things should be done and your partner doesn’t, maybe you are building with the wrong person.  Evaluate your relationships and decide if the effort is worth the value or frustration.  Make decisions and move forward. For me, my time is far too valuable to spend it working with people or spending time with people that aren't going to provide enjoyment or be able to move projects forward.  I want accomplishments, not a bunch of bleached skeletons of what could have been laying in the sand.  Make it happen!

Cheers,

Scott