A most inspiring post by permission of author, John Mitchell

I'm Living in a Box:

It’s no fun living in a box, but we all do.

We imprison ourselves in the box that people think we should be in, eventually believing that it is where we belong. And the box has labels on it: mother, sister, executive,... homemaker. Other labels are far more destructive: loser, failure, stupid, boring. And when we try to be something that is not labeled on the box, people remind us of where we belong.

When it says on the box that you don’t make decisions, someone else runs your life. When it says on the box that you are not creative, no one listens to your ideas. When it says on the box that you are a failure, no one expects you to succeed at something new.

Others doubt what it is that we are trying to become because it’s not on the label. So, we begin to doubt ourselves—perhaps before we even start to do something new. People enjoy reminding us what the label says, “Why are you doing that? It’s not who you are.”

As we go through life, we shut the lid down tighter, we make the box smaller, we often reduce things to a single label¬—and that’s where we stay until the end. Every aspect of who we are sits within the box. But outside, there is a world of ambition, hope and joy.

When I tell people that I have written a book, some people smirk. I can see from the look in their eyes that they are thinking, “You are not a writer. That’s not who you are. No one will read it.”

And for the longest time, I listened to my inner critic and that internal voice was fueled by those smirks. But if I didn’t write that book, I knew that the label on the box would read, “Wasted Life.”

So I started writing and I silenced my inner critic. I posted my writing here on Facebook and I waited. When people first started to “Like” my page and comment on my writing, I was frankly amazed. They didn’t know what the label said on the box I was in. I was encouraged to continue and more and more people found my page and told me to keep writing.

Today, I received my 100,000th Like on my page—more Likes than many best-selling authors. And on July 1st, my book will be published.

I’m changing the label on the box. Forever.

Don’t let someone tell you what or who you are. Don’t accept that you live in a box. And don’t let others keep you in there. Make a start. Do something today that’s not on the label.

Thoughts about Mothers' Day ......

To borrow a line from a very old movie - "Most of all, I remember Mama."   I was blessed to be the daughter of a caring, lovely, loving and dependable mother.  Unfortunately she passed away when she was eighty-four but I am very grateful that she was a most important part of my life for forty-nine years.

It's not easy being a mother.  I know this from personal experience having raised two beautiful and talented daughters.  No, it is probably the biggest challenge I have ever had to meet.  My Mom would probably draw on the old proverb and say, "the proof is in the pudding."     I am very proud of the beautiful adult women who are my daughters.  They are each loving, caring and responsible women which tells me that, in spite of my youthful inexperience, when raising my children I must have done something right.

It is easier being a grandmother and I am very proud of my three grandsons.   Since I never had a son I am grateful to have three handsome and intelligent young men as a very important part of my life.  They are good boys, each of them, and I am happy that I did get my three boys the easy way.  Well, maybe not so easy for my daughter, their mother, because I repeat, it is not always easy being a mother.

Years pass quickly and soon it will be yet another Mothers' Day.  Already I have received a beautiful floral bouquet from one of my daughters and I'm looking forward to attending a concert with my other daughter this weekend.  I am a very fortunate woman.

I want to just take this moment to wish a very Happy Mothers' Day to all the Moms who visit my blog.  Let us all pray that when our days of living upon this planet are done our children will feel good when they remember us and say, "Most of all I remember Mama."

HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY!  

 

 

The following poem is written by my sister, Eleanor, 

who lives in Bermuda

 

 

  We remember our Mom on this special day

 

 She was so kind, gentle and sweet in every way. 

  Many years have passed since she went to her home above

  We will always remember her attributes but especially her love. 

  She was a born again Christian, put God first in her life,

  Enabling her to get through all the struggles and strife. 

  Three sisters I have who are mothers as well,

  Following the examples of our Mother to tell…. 

  That He is the answer to all to all of our needs

  She set great examples for us to follow in deed.  

Happy Mother’s day to Muriel, who has gone to heaven’s abode.

To Eleanor, Audrey and Linda, still here on this earth below. 

            A Special Happy Mothers Day to our Mom.

 

 

 

Guest Author: Marlon de Souza

ROSE

I arrived at the bus stop. There she was again, this time sitting on a bench at the bus stop, looking out for her bus. I turned around and faced away from her – I didn’t really want to hear more of her stories this time, they would probably be the same and I’d heard them once already. Her face was unmistakable – gaunt cheeks that made her big eyes look bigger, her high cheek bones protruding close to her eyes; her cheeks devoid of makeup, and her wrinkled lips standing out – painted a deep red. I turned around slyly to look at her – she did have makeup on her cheeks, but apparently done so subtly as to be not instantly noticeable. She must have been in her seventies. She had on the same big gold earrings and was hunched over in the same heavy coat above the thick turtleneck she was wearing the last time I saw her. I’d forgotten her name and was tempted to approach and make conversation, but just to get her name, that did not feel right. I knew if I jogged my memory, it would come to me.

I was waiting for the bus last week, tired, seated on a bench and nodding off. A hand touched me and I heard someone ask me what I had in the big box. I looked up and saw an old, wrinkled woman with big watery eyes. It was an air mattress, I said. She asked me what that was, an air mattress. I was somewhat surprised that she didn’t know what an air mattress was – the picture was on the box. I told her you blew it up and it worked like an extra bed. She was quite impressed at this apparently new invention. I was surprised that she was impressed. She was much older than me and it seemed unusual that she didn’t know what an air mattress was. But stranger things have happened. Her eyes were bright, alert, if protruding from her face. She asked me where I was from. “India,” I replied. “The most beautiful people are from India,” she said, “India and Africa. They have the best skin.” I didn’t argue with this vote of confidence, even though it was clear that that praise was being directed my way because of a group I belonged to, through the accident of birth. I’ve never had any ethnic or religious pride – being a human is perhaps the only group identity I’ve been somewhat comfortable with, much to the dismay of friends and family. Of course, I was at a bus stop, and she didn’t ask for my metaphysical position on where it was that I truly belonged, so I didn’t say anything. Instead, I asked her where she was from. She mentioned France, or maybe it was one of the other European countries. I know that’s not very helpful; it wasn’t Spain, it wasn’t England, it wasn’t Germany, maybe it was Switzerland. No, it was probably France. I must have asked her how long she was in New York, or what she did for a living, because she told me she was retired. At this point, I told her my name and asked her who she was. “Rose,” she said. She mentioned her last name too, but I’ll just refer to her as Rose. She was surprised at my non-Indian sounding name and I gave her a brief tutorial into the joys of the Inquisition and the noble role of a certain revered Catholic saint in India’s history.

I remember now – it wasn’t France, it was Venezuela. I remember that because she told me she’d married a black man and her family disowned her after that. I recall being a bit taken aback at such strong racism in South America. She said her son went to visit her family in Caracas at the age of twenty and he came back very depressed because the family rejected him because he had a black father. He asked his mother why she had to have married a nigger. She repeated this several times in our conversation.

In the early fifties, Rose had come to New York to study. She had divorced her first husband in Venezuela, a forgettable man who she did not mention again, and she was looking for a new life. She was fond of jazz and when she came to New York, she’d go to the jazz clubs in Harlem, where she met her second husband, a well-known jazz musician, now deceased, who I’ll call Bill. According to Rose, Black men had such beautiful skin and it was hard to resist this dashing man who swept me of my feet.

My parents didn’t like it one bit, I married a nigger, they said and they disowned me. But I was in love. And then we had a baby, my son, who always said to me, “Why did you have to marry a nigger!”

I asked her where her son was now. Did he become a musician too?

No, he died when he was young. He came back from Venezuela and died of a broken heart. I told him to not go. “They won’t accept you,” I said. “No,” he said. He was headstrong, “They are my family, I want to meet them.” He went there, they didn’t want to talk to him. I told him, he wouldn’t listen. He came back, he took drugs, and he died. I couldn’t do anything.

“You didn’t try to have more children,” I asked.

Oh no, I divorced Bill two years after we got married. He had many girlfriends. I told him, “Bill, I know what you’re doing.” I knew he was sleeping with other women. He was a musician, it was normal for them to play late into the night, and then these women would throw themselves at him. So I divorced him. And then I showed him. I told him, “Bill, you watch me now. You had all those girlfriends, now you see what I can do.” Her eyes lit up at this point, a combination of glee and vengeance in them. I slept with his friends, I slept with other musicians. He told me, “Rose, what are you doing? These are my colleagues, you’re embarrassing me.” I told him, “Bill, you had your chance. Now it’s my turn. I told you I was going to do it.” I had a job at the UN at the time, African diplomats were after me, the ambassador of Kenya. Another fellow wanted to marry me.
I asked her if she didn’t remarry?

No, marriage should not be allowed. You cannot stay faithful in marriage. To have sex with the same person for the rest of your life?! After two years, you get tired of the same person and then you have affairs. Why be married if you are going to have affairs?

“Were you ever married?” she asked me, probably observantly noticing the absence of a ring on my finger. I told her it was a long time ago.

“What do you do now, for work?” I asked.

She told me she had worked as a steno-secretary at the UN and now she was retired. Now I go to concerts, I have my pension, and I go to the museum and enjoy my life.

“Do you cook often?” I asked. I’m often interested in the food habits of strangers, I don’t know why.

Oh no, I don’t cook. I just order food. Cooking is too much.

The bus pulled up. It was crowded. I waited for Rose to get in, but she walked back to the bench at the bus stop, choosing to wait for a less crowded bus.

When I saw her again the second time, she did the same thing – she declined to board a crowded bus and waited for an empty bus instead. When I got on the bus, I saw Rose sitting on a bench at the bus stop, looking out for the next bus. To her right, was a young woman, not quite twenty-five, standing proudly to the world, listening to music on her iPod. I wondered at the progression of age, there, an old woman, who’d seen a lot over the years, and next to her, a woman in the prime of youth, who one day might be wrinkled like Rose, though perhaps with no less pride. And what will become of me, I wondered – that one way track also has a spot reserved for me. Maybe I’ll be like some of the males in my family, feeble of mind and robust of physical bearing, though perhaps the opposite might be slightly more desirable. Or not. To be discovered.

© 2013 Marlon de Souza. All rights reserved.

About Marlon de Souza

Born in Mumbai, Marlon de Souza lives in New York City.  Among his teachers are water bodies, Robert Louis Stevenson, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, e.e. cummings, His Royal Highness Wolfgang the First, Leonard Cohen, and his dog-child, Jules. More of his work can be found on   http://www.JustAnotherAveragePerson.com 

Moose Road - Final Editing Stage ..........

I feel good knowing that I have now reached the final editing stage with my current work in progress, a novel titled Moose Road - a Canadian Tragedy.

Susan Ruby K. of Yuneekpix.com will soon begin the illustrations.  She has done an amazing job with the cover design.

Copyright registration in hand; ISBN number acquired; just one more read-through remaining before I will click send and put my manuscript into the publisher's hands.

The date is not set yet but the book launch will be taking place in the fall of this year.

Moose Road - a Canadian Tragedy is filled with drama.  In my own mind I see it in five segments: The Accident; The Investigation; The Inquiry; The Aftermath; and then, as always, Life Goes On.

This story had its beginning as a NanoWrimo project and I have enjoyed the writing adventure.

The monthly challenge of the WynLit 24 Writing Competitions

Today I wrote my entry for the WynLit 24 writing competition. This was my first story marking the commencement of my sixth year entering this monthly event hosted by Wynterblue Publishing Canada.

My story today is titled Running On Empty. 

This story is a fictional fantasy fiction.  Because I'm hoping it may find its way to the short list in the judging I don't want to publish the entire short story on my blog but I will share an excerpt from the story and hope it will pique your interest so that you will want to read more

Once the judging is completed I will post Running On Empty in its entirety for your enjoyment.

So here is a short excerpt from the story I wrote and submitted today.

excerpt from Running On Empty

Gerry had become my best mate and it broke my heart when he passed.  That night, after hauling the logs to the mill, I drove my old truck home to the small townhouse where I lived with my wife, Laura.  I was two weeks away from pay day and my old truck was running on fumes.  It seemed to me that my whole life was running on empty.

            We were luckier than some to live in an end unit which meant we had a private driveway. I backed the truck into the dirt drive and parked.  Laura was a stickler for clean floors.  She had me better trained than our old dog, Max, used to be so I knew enough to always come into the house using the back door.  I missed Max.  He was a faithful and a loving pet but the day came when Laura insisted he had to go.  “I can’t stand the dog hair all over the place and his muddy paw prints are driving me up the wall.”

It hurt to let the good fellow go.  I found consolation when another good friend offered to take him in.  I missed living with Max but appreciated the evenings when I could drive to my friend’s place and visit Max for a while.

From the day of our wedding twenty-four years ago Laura kept a tidy house.  From the word go she made it her life’s passion to break me of all my bad and messy habits.  Boots off before I come in the back door; cigarette smoking outside in the back yard no matter what the weather; and if I make a mess I better be quick to grab the broom, the cloth, the vacuum cleaner or whatever it took to clean up that mess.

            Laura had always been the same way with the kids. Together we raised two boys, Raymond and Reuben, who couldn’t wait to get away from home when they started college in the nearest big centre.  Today their dorm rooms are a pig sty and they are ecstatic in their sloppiness as they study subjects they will never, in my opinion, be able to use in real life.   In spite of their sloth both boys have somehow developed an air about them; almost an arrogance.  They look down on me and Laura because we have no college diplomas hanging on the wall.

            Laura and me, we didn’t have the money and we couldn’t afford to pay the boys’ way through school.  I figure by the time they are both ready to haul wood they will be snowed under by student loans.  Both boys say they will never drive truck.  Ray has his mind set on working as an accountant for the government and Reuben tells us he plans to teach literature.  Good luck to them with their highfalutin dreams and goals.  I used to have some dreams myself but that was a long time ago. 

I always enjoy the challenge of the WynLit 24's.   To learn more about this you may want to check out the website of Wynterblue Publishing Canada at http://www.wynter.ca

 

 

Small Town Authors ...

Featured author this week on Small Town Authors is Gloria Jean Hansen of Elliot Lake, Ontario.  Enjoy an excerpt from her book, "Rural Roots".

 

Last week's author on Small Town Authors is Patricia A. McGoldrick who shares with her readers a wonderful acrostic short story.

 

If you live in a rural area or a small town and wish to share your short story or novel excerpt  on Small Town Authors contact me by e-mail.

 

If your preference is poetry and you wish to share your work check out

Rhymes and Times Remembered  and contact me by e-mail.

 

Celebrate the pleasure of reading by visiting  http://smalltownauthors.blogspot.com  and  http://rhymesandtimesremembered.blogspot.com

 

 

 

About me and my books ......

 I believe that God loves a tryer.  I'm sure He finds me very trying at times however I do my best to self-promote my books.   It is always the hope and the prayer of every emerging author that reviewers and others in the book business will take notice and lend a helping hand along the way.  I am no exception and I am very grateful and appreciative of all encouragement and support I receive regarding my writing.

Below I have copied and pasted my Author's Bio from my page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

I hope you will click on the above link to "like" and to purchase my Kindle Books which are published on Amazon.com by Wynterblue Publishing Canada.  Thank you in advance for positive reviews from readers.


I am thrilled to tell you that my most recent novel titled Ellen and The Hummingtree is now a Kindle Book published by Wynterblue Publishing Canada.
I am overjoyed that "Ellen" is now a Kindle Book. The first print run which received wonderful positive reviews is sold out.
Read these reviews at http://writecreatively.blogspot.com

Currently my Kindle books on Amazon.com are my novels Sara, a Canadian Saga; Reawakening; and Ellen and The Hummingtree: all published by Wynterblue Publishing Canada and all cover designs by Susan Ruby K. of Yuneekpix.com
My short story anthology titled The Silent Star plus a Dozen is available as a Kindle Book. And so is my book about the trinity of Meditation, the Seven Major Chakras and Psychospiritual therapy titled Keeping It Simple available as a Kindle book.

I have a few print copies of Sara, a Canadian Saga; Reawakening; and The Silent Star plus a Dozen and if you wish a copy of one of these books please email me
.
My current work in progress is my fourth novel titled Moose Road - a Canadian Tragedy. Local Elliot Lake launch of this book is planned for the fall of 2013.

Creative writing is my joy -- the day it is no longer a pleasure is the day I will stop writing. I am enjoying some writing success and I also enjoy competition writing. My mother enjoyed writing poetry and stories.  I am thankful that she shared her gift with me.

SARA, a Canadian Saga -- a review by Patricia McGoldrick ...
SARA, A CANADIAN SAGA-ANOTHER EARLY SPRING READ!
In Canada, many of us grew up reading about Anne of Green Gables, a fictional early 20th century girl who became part of our cultural identity and childhood memories.
In this 21st century, allow me to introduce Sara, a Canadian Saga, written by Audrey Austin from Elliot Lake, Ontario. For first-time novelist, Austin, the experience of "Letting her [Sara] out into the world was like watching my first child go off to kindergarten; hopeful yet frightening". After reading this all-to-brief novel, Audrey Austin's hopes have been well-founded.
A glimpse at the cover image by Susan Krupp takes one into the setting of this historical fiction with its early 1900's clothing styles and older wooden buildings. Rustic and sepia toned, the graphic carries readers back to the early 20th century in a story that follows main character Sara from 1916 to the 50s.
The Maritime setting of Prince Edward Island is home to ten-year old Sara and her family. She grows to adulthood, as does Roy from Springhill, Nova Scotia, through difficult economic times which, eventually, lead to mid-century Ontario.
Austin has integrated the spirit of the Eastern Canadian cultural location with mention of fiddles and step dances, games of cards and crokinole that passed the time in the pre-social media era.
In this book, family relationships play a central part of the story, as in the character of Sara's mother, Rebecca, a strong minded woman, challenged by harsh times and the struggle to raise a family with her husband.
Meanwhile, in Nova Scotia, generations of miners have worked at mining coal, a job that occupies Roy's father, Luke. The family is a part of the Salvation Army with Roy and his sister being involved with playing the cornet and singing. It is a faith-based group but, importantly, involves a social outlet as well for people in the small communities at the heart of this novel.
The children, Sara and Roy, grow up in their communities, helping out with daily chores, forming their own ideas of what they want in the future. However, no spoilers here. Suffice it to say, they do face obstacles, typical for the times in Canada with the "goldanged" Depression being a considerable challenge.
Audrey Austin, successfully, integrates highlights of the early 20th century era along with the everyday aspects such as the Rawleigh Company that sold products to households in Canada and the United States; growing emergence of telephone and cars; even "yellowing scribblers". Sara's discovery of "scribblers" is an element with which many readers will identify. In these notebooks, Sara has shared her thoughts and dreams, an experience shared by many of us!
In a recent e-interview, Audrey Austin noted that "SARA enjoys a general audience from young adult to seniors, some of whom have memory of the Great Depression and its impact on Canadian families". This book is a case in point for the writing of historical fiction. In this genre, one gets a glimpse of the past, from family life to economic hardships and job success in early 20th century Canada. Audrey Austin admits that the book contains "slivers of actual happenings" from life; however, the challenge of creativity in writing historical fiction is met with this new character, Sara, and her companions.
As with Anne of Green Gables, this young fictional character is a character who tells us much about our country's past. For a peak at early 20th century Canada, check out Sara, a Canadian Saga.
For information on obtaining this book, check out the author page for Audrey Austin.
By Patricia Anne McGoldrick, on March 18, 2013 at 11:13 AM, under HERE & THERE, REVIEWS, Reviews and Reflections, SPRING READS. Tags: Anne of Green Gables, Elliot Lake, Great Depression, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island.

My current work in progress is titled "Moose Road - a Canadian Tragedy. This work came into existence due to my participation in NaNoWriMo. And, yes, I validated my submission and I am a NaNo "Winner". I plan to edit and re-write until the Elliot Lake book launch planned for the fall of 2013. Again for this, my fourth novel, Susan Ruby K. of http://Yuneekpix.com will be doing illustrations throughout the book. She has already designed a beautiful cover for "Moose Road - a Canadian Tragedy".

My third novel titled Ellen and The Hummingtree, celebrated its successful launch Saturday, November 10th, 2012 at the Gallery at the Centre in Elliot Lake.
This novel is in collaboration with artist, Susan Ruby K., who did not only the cover design but also the illustrations throughout the book. Already the first print run is sold out. Thanks to everyone who purchased their copy. "Ellen and The Hummingtree is now available as a Kindle book published by Wynterblue Publishing Canada.

I have recently started a new blog called "Small Town Authors"
Small Town Authors is the gathering place of authors, published and unpublished, to feature and promote their short stories, poems and novel excerpts. Each week a new short story by a small town writer will be featured. Copy and paste your material to me at audrey@persona.ca Be sure to type "Small Town Authors" in the subject line of your email. Check it out at http://www.smalltownauthors.blogspot.com  This blog to help promote other writers is my way of paying forward all good support that comes my way.

An even newer blog is "Rhymes and Times Remembered". This blog is a gathering place for poets, published and unpublished, to feature and promote their work. No need to live in a small town to participate in this site. Send your material to me at audrey@persona.ca with "Rhymes and Times" typed in the subject line. http://rhymesandtimesremembered.blogspot.com

I have loved writing stories ever since I was a little girl. My current work in progress is a novel titled "Moose Road - a Canadian Tragedy" which I plan to have ready for its Elliot Lake launch in the fall of 2013.

I am the author of 3 novels; Ellen and The Hummingtree; Sara, a Canadian Saga; and Reawakening. I have also written one anthology titled The Silent Star plus a Dozen and one self-help manual titled Keeping it Simple.

I have some paperback books available for sale. Just contact me at audrey@persona.ca

I have many short stories published in Confab 2,3, 4 and 5 by Wynterblue Publishing Canada. I also have several short stories published on CommuterLit.com and Chapterandverse.ca If you check them out I hope you will enjoy the reading.

I have three blogs and one author page on Facebook. I also have an author page on Linked-In. Below are the addresses.
Visit my blog at http://writecreatively.blogspot.com

Also at http://rhymesandtimesremembered.blogspot.com

Also at http://smalltownauthors.blogspot.com

Also at http://www.facebook.com/audreyaustinca

Below is a little bit about each of my publications:
Moose Road - a Canadian Tragedy (current WIP)
Elliot Lake launch will take place fall, 2013
Author: Audrey Austin, Cover design: Susan Ruby k.
A tragic accident between a snow plow and a school bus takes place on Moose Road. Who is to blame? Seven farms line Moose Road. Everyone has a story but maybe the road itself is the only one who can come close to the truth in the matter

Books published to date are three novels:
Ellen and The Hummingtree;
Sara, a Canadian Saga;
Reawakening.
Also published is one short story anthology titled The Silent Star Plus a Dozen
I have also published a self-help manual. Drawing on my professional background as a psychospiritual practitioner I enjoyed writing and have enjoyed sales of my self-help manual titled Keeping it Simple which celebrates the trinity of Meditation, the 7 major chakras and psychospiritual therapy.

Print copies of some of my books are available if you contact me at audrey@persona.ca

Many short stories published by Wynterblue Publishing Canada in anthologies titled Confab two, three, four and soon to be 9 stories published in Confab 5.

My third novel titled Ellen and The Hummingtree celebrated its Elliot Lake launch, Saturday, November 10th. "Ellen is a composite of many beautiful, spiritual women I have known and loved throughout my journey. I hope you will welcome her into your heart and enjoy the stories she shares in Ellen and The Hummingtree"
ELLEN and THE HUMMINGTREE:
Author - Audrey Austin -- Cover design - Susan Ruby K., artist, also did all the illustrations throughout the book.
Ellen and The Hummingtree is a fictional, magical and mystical account of the memoirs of Ellen Dawson exploring many social issues: child abandonment; deadbeat dads; separation & divorce;financial struggle; family relationships; infidelity; love on line; aging; women's issues; Alzheimer's; death and dying. She is a composite of many beautiful, spiritual women I have known.
Ellen always finds the hope, support and encouragement she needs when she prays to her God in the yellow quartz rock beneath the Hummingtree.
At the outset of this writing journey I met Ellen. I became acquainted with her and now, after knowing her for more than a year, I can say that I truly like her. She has the courage of her convictions and no matter what life threw at her, Ellen never lost faith. Feedback from readers of Ellen and The Hummingtree has been very positive.
I am excited that my other books Sara, a Canadian Saga; Reawakening; The Silent Star plus a Dozen and Keeping it Simple are all available as Kindle E-books published by Wynterblue Publishing Canada Inc. and I'm happy that Ellen and The Hummingtree has now joined them.

At http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin if you click on the book covers you will then see an option to "like" my books.

Thank you to those of you who have read my books for your positive review.
I much appreciate your encouragement and support.

Sara, a Canadian Saga
Author: Audrey Austin.
ABOUT SARA, a Canadian Saga
The time is 1916. Sara is a 10 year old girl in rural Prince Edward Island. Roy is a 10 year old boy in mining town, Nova Scotia.
Through their eyes we see, feel and experience their childhood challenges. We follow them through adolescence and their turbulent teen years.
We celebrate their courtship and suffer their lost innocence in the marriage ritual. They take us through the Great Depression and share with us the frustrations, dreams and challenges they face in adulthood.
As parents they introduce us to their children.
This story appeals to all ages because Sara and Roy hold up a mirror and ask the reader to recognize truth about the human condition for many Canadian families through difficult economic times.
We witness love that does not come neatly wrapped and experience the quiet, sometimes desperate, drama of lives unfolding.
You will find SARA, the Kindle book on http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin or in paperback format from the author.

Reawakening
Author: Audrey Austin, Cover design: Susan Ruby K.
An excerpt from REAWAKENING...by Audrey Austin
"Linda and Jim were happy together in their marriage. Each day brought forth new and interesting challenges for the industrious couple. Life was good. Unfortunately, it was too good to last. Years flew by and Jim was now becoming an old man, even by Earth's standards. When he suffered the massive coronary he left his young heart-broken wife a childless widow.
She mourned. She grieved.
Linda was a beautiful woman, bright, vivacious and caring. After her husband's death she had many opportunities to date. Several men admired her and wanted to spend time with her but she chose not to go out with anyone. She had no desire to date and she never remarried. Jim was her one and only true love.
Linda grew old as her husband before her had grown old. She died a peaceful death.
And then it happened..............."
Reawakening is available as a Kindle book at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin  and in paperback format from the author.

The Silent Star Plus a Dozen --
Author: Audrey Austin, Cover design: Susan Ruby K.
THE SILENT STAR.....previously published in Confab 3, Wynterblue Anthology, North Bay, 2010
an excerpt: "My dreams made no sense to me. They held no relevance to my reality. As foolish as it sounded, even to me, I wished Joseph would come into my dreams and interpret them for me. But, of course, he didn't. I did love the rose garden I often dreamed of though and I got into the habit of keeping a red rose in a bud vase on top of the dresser in my room. I didn't know why the rose was so important to me. I just knew that it was."
IN CONTROL..previously published in Confab 2, Wynterblue Anthology, North Bay, 2009
an excerpt: "Mary, come with me this afternoon to look at the cottage lots. Come with me, please?" he asked.
"Come with you? Come with someone I know nothing about? You must be crazy!"
"Be crazy with me, Mary. Just once take a chance. Let go of control and have some fun."
"Fun," Mary mused. "I don't remember the last time I had any fun."
THE BIG BOOK..Previously published in Confab 2, Wynterblue Anthology, North Bay, 2009
an excerpt: "Come on into the alley with me, baby. I'll share my bottle with you.
Gwendolyn hesitated, then thought, what am I worried about? He can't kill me if I'm already dead. "I'll come into the alley with you on one condition," she stated.
"One condition? What condition you talking about? I'm not into making deals, you know. I just want to share a little drinkie-poo with you."
"It will cost you."
"Cost me? Are you a pro? Lordy, I never would have taken you for a pro, little lady. Aren't you too old for that kind of monkey business?"
Feeling insulted, Gwendolyn replied, "Why, the nerve! I don't know which is the bigger insult; calling me a pro or telling me I'm too old to be one."
This anthology containing 13 short stories is available as a Kindle book at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin  and also in paperback format from the author.

Keeping It Simple
Emotional Healing through Meditation, the Chakra System & Psychospiritual
Therapy
KEEPING IT SIMPLE is available as an E-book at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
It is a work of non-fiction by Audrey Austin
Cover Design by Susan Krupp: Yuneekpix.com
Simplicity in meditation, as in life, is an admirable goal but it is not always easy to be simple.
Life, with its myriad of challenges, has a habit of doing its best to get in the way. Nevertheless we keep our focus on this goal and feel grateful when it is achieved.
It is my highest hope that you, the reader, will find KEEPING IT SIMPLE a useful guide as you continue your journey along the path of self-discovery and personal growth.
I wish you love and light.

"Small Town Authors" is one of my blogs.
Small Town Authors is the gathering place of authors, published and unpublished, to feature and promote their short stories, poems and novel excerpts. Each week a new short story by a small town writer will be featured. Copy and paste your material to me at audrey@persona.ca Be sure to type "Small Town Writers" in the subject line of your email. Check it out at http://smalltownauthors.blogspot.com

Another blog is found at http://rhymesandtimesremembered.blogspot.com For those who love to read and/or write poetry.

My third blog is found at http://writecreatively.blogspot.com This blog is called Calling All Writers.

How wonderful that today authors can benefit by having an Author's Page on Amazon.com For me, this was not always the case.





The Ebook Kindle edition of Sara, a Canadian Saga is published by Wynterblue Publishing Canada which is a non-profit company. Wynterblue is invaluable because of its support to northern writers. A special thank you goes out to them for all that they do to help emerging authors.  Their website is found at http://www.wynter.ca

Here are more positive reviews of Sara, a Canadian Saga.

"Your well-written book brought memories of actual places and people to me. I was a child growing up on Prince Edward Island in the dirty thirties." K. Austin

"I've read your book already and loved the story. It reminded me of the stories my parents and grandparents used to relate about the 20's and 30's, Your story will sell very well with the older audience and educate the younger ones. They were not easy days for anyone." Judy Donovan-McDonald.

"I received SARA on Tuesday and cóuldn't wait to read it. I couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed the story especially the streets in Toronto. It brought back a lot of memories. It is good for the soul to remember the past. Could that be why we call them the good old days? Looking forward to a sequel. Maureen Jones-Motchan.

"I truly enjoyed reading SARA. At times I laughed and at other times I felt tears welling up. It was such a good story, well written and I loved it." Eleanor Lambert.

I just finished reading "Sara."
I took the book to work with me where I was teaching a grade 7 class. The children were directed to write about a time when they or someone they knew, demonstrated perseverance. I held up the book and used "Sara" as an example of a woman who demonstrated perseverance. I also spoke to the fact that the author demonstrated this quality in her determination to have her story published. You would not believe the response from these kids - many wanted to know if they could get it at Chapters. This story is uniquely Canadian and should be marketed to adolescents as part of their Canadian heritage. "Sara" is a narrative that figures in the histories of Canadian families everywhere. I will be passing this on to my son!
The line that cracked me up and drew me in for good:
"Their mother set the steaming bowls of vegetables in the centre of the large, old, wooden table that no amount of wax and polish could dignify." (p. 11)
I won't over-analyze why this struck me as hilarious, it just did. What sad, sad state Rebecca was in over her table. This table is a silent witness to generations of love, hope, fear, strife, courage, ignorance and finally, understanding. What a beautiful metaphor for an old scratched up, banged around history that none of us can escape and our fear of endlessly repeating it.
Thank-you for inviting us to the table.
Karen Preston.

And just to let you know I also have an Author's Page at http://www.facebook.com/audreyaustinca

You will also find me on Twitter and on LinkedIn.

Thank you for buying and reading my books. Your encouragement and support is much appreciated and your positive reviews are very welcome. :-)

 

SARA, a Canadian Saga -- a review by Patricia McGoldrick ...

SARA, A CANADIAN SAGA–ANOTHER EARLY SPRING READ!

In Canada, many of us grew up reading about Anne of Green Gables, a fictional early 20^th century girl who became part of our cultural identity and childhood memories.
In this 21^st century, allow me to introduce Sara, a Canadian Saga, written by Audrey Austin from Elliot Lake, Ontario. For first-time novelist, Austin, the experience of “Letting her [Sara] out into the world was like watching my first child go off to kindergarten; hopeful yet frightening”. After reading this all-to-brief novel, Audrey Austin’s hopes have been well-founded.
A glimpse at the cover image by Susan Krupp takes one into the setting of this historical fiction with its early 1900’s clothing styles and older wooden buildings. Rustic and sepia toned, the graphic carries readers back to the early 20^th century in a story that follows main character Sara from 1916 to the 50s.
The Maritime setting of Prince Edward Island is home to ten-year old Sara and her family. She grows to adulthood, as does Roy from Springhill, Nova Scotia, through difficult economic times which, eventually, lead to mid-century Ontario.
Austin has integrated the spirit of the Eastern Canadian cultural location with mention of fiddles and step dances, games of cards and crokinole that passed the time in the pre-social media era.
In this book, family relationships play a central part of the story, as in the character of Sara’s mother, Rebecca, a strong minded woman, challenged by harsh times and the struggle to raise a family with her husband.
Meanwhile, in Nova Scotia, generations of miners have worked at mining coal, a job that occupies Roy’s father, Luke. The family is a part of the Salvation Army with Roy and his sister being involved with playing the cornet and singing. It is a faith-based group but, importantly, involves a social outlet as well for people in the small communities at the heart of this novel.
The children, Sara and Roy, grow up in their communities, helping out with daily chores, forming their own ideas of what they want in the future. However, no spoilers here. Suffice it to say, they do face obstacles, typical for the times in Canada with the “goldanged” Depression being a considerable challenge.
Audrey Austin, successfully, integrates highlights of the early 20^th century era along with the everyday aspects such as the Rawleigh Company that sold products to households in Canada and the United States; growing emergence of telephone and cars; even “yellowing scribblers”. Sara’s discovery of “scribblers” is an element with which many readers will identify. In these notebooks, Sara has shared her thoughts and dreams, an experience shared by many of us!
In a recent e-interview, Audrey Austin noted that “SARA enjoys a general audience from young adult to seniors, some of whom have memory of the Great Depression and its impact on Canadian families”. This book is a case in point for the writing of historical fiction. In this genre, one gets a glimpse of the past, from family life to economic hardships and job success in early 20^th century Canada. Audrey Austin admits that the book contains “slivers of actual happenings” from life; however, the challenge of creativity in writing historical fiction is met with this new character, Sara, and her companions.
As with Anne of Green Gables, this young fictional character is a character who tells us much about our country’s past. For a peak at early 20^th century Canada, check out Sara, a Canadian Saga.
For information on obtaining this book, check out the author page for Audrey Austin.

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By Patricia Anne McGoldrick, on March 18, 2013 at 11:13 AM, under HERE & THERE, REVIEWS, Reviews and Reflections, SPRING READS. Tags: Anne of Green Gables, Elliot Lake, Great Depression, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island. No Comments

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« EARLY SPRING READ–IVY IN BLOOM!

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Small Town Authors

Featured author this week on http://smalltownauthors.blogspot.com is Marjorie Swift Doering of Birchwood, Wisconsin, USA.

If you live in a small town and would like to share your short story or novel excerpt on Small Town Authors get in touch with me by email.

Each week on Small Town Authors I feature a different writer.   

If short stories and novels are not your thing but you enjoy writing poetry then please check out http://rhymesandtimesremembered.blogspot.com      Send your poem(s) along to me and I will happily share them on Rhymes and Times Remembered.

As for me, I love reading and writing short stories.  My short story anthology titled
The Silent Star Plus a Dozen  contains thirteen short stories that fared well in competitions.  

Print copies of The Silent Star Plus a Dozen are available and this anthology is also available as a Kindle Book at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Cover Design by

Susan Ruby K. of Yuneekpix.com

Five Kindle Books on Amazon.com

I am overjoyed that I now have five books available as Kindle Books at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Thank you for your purchases and know that your positive reviews are most welcome.

Print copies of Sara, a Canadian Saga ; The Silent Star plus a Dozen and
Reawakening are also available.   For your copy, please email me.

My current work in progress is

 

Cover Design on all my books is by

Susan Ruby K. of Yuneekpix.com

Small Town Authors & Creative Connections 3 ....

Featured author this week on http://smalltownauthors.blogspot.com  is Lucy Cleary of Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.A. 

 

Yesterday afternoon we enjoyed a wonderful time at the reception for

Creative Connections 3

 

an annual event

where Elliot Lake Authors and Artists show the creative results

of their artistic collaboration.

 

This Exhibition will be on display throughout the month of March, 2013

at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre,

Elliot Lake.

 

Here I am with my talented artist, daughter, Susan Ruby K.

Susan and I collaborated on a project

titled A Cold Call

 

Inspired by Susan's phollage I wrote a poem

which I will feature on

http://rhymesandtimesremembered.blogspot.com

 

I regret now that I did not read my poem during our presentation.

 

 

The Participants

 

 

 

 

 

Ellen and The Hummingtree is now a Kindle Book

My author's page is found at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

I am so happy to announce that now my most recent novel titled Ellen and The Hummingtree is a Kindle Book published by Wynterblue Publishing Canada on Amazon.com

Thank you for your "likes"  and for your  positive reviews.

The first print run of Ellen and The Hummingtree has sold out.

Below is some feedback from readers of Ellen and The Hummingtree:


The Write Read for a Wintry Afternoon  --  Review by Phyllis Humby

Easy for you to say, Steve baby.That’s my response to Stephen King’s famous quote – they’re all famous −“If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write.Simple as that.”It's not always that simple.

My books have been gathering dust and creating stress.Yes, it stresses me out when everything seems to take precedence over reading.Anyway, today I finished a book that I couldn’t wait to receive in the mail – months ago − Ellen and the Hummingtree by Audrey Austin, a writer from Elliott Lake.

I had the good fortune to meet Audrey online and become acquainted with her writing.If memory serves correctly, I first noticed Audrey’s work on Commuterlit.com, a site that has featured my work as well.

Ellen and the Hummingtree is an interesting book about a woman of deep faith who has a unique coping mechanism.She speaks to God.Now, I know you will argue that many of us speak to God.But Ellen believes God lives inside a large yellow quartz rock in her backyard.Oh, and of course He speaks to her too.There’s a little hole in the top of the rock.Never mind, just read the book.

It is a collection of well-written stories that weave back and forth through the emotional circumstances of a woman’s life.These stories delve into her relationships as a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.Oh, and cousin – I forgot about her cousin Marielle.

In my opinion – only my opinion – the theme of this book is fear.I know that some of you who are familiar with this book may harrumph at that statement but a book is very personal.It’s interpreted differently by each reader.That’s why I love talking to my first readers.I’m fascinated by the interpretation of my work.Each person sees something different or relates with a different character.I digress (as always).

Audrey’s character, Ellen, is on her own to raise two children.Fear.Her grandson, who has a learning disability, is bullied at school.Fear.God lives in a rock in her backyard.That would scare the crap out of me.(My attempt at humour – I’m sorry)

Ellen has many fears, as do we all.The fear of growing old and senile, the fear of having to give up a home to live in a facility.Then there is the ultimate fear.Of growing older and older and older, when all she wants is to re-unite with all the loved ones that have passed on.You do remember that I said this was strictly my opinion.

Near the end of the book there is a chapter I Need You to Remember Me.I remember reading that story, or at least an edited version, some time ago.Please tell me, Audrey, that this was a published short story at some point.If not, I had an incredible déjà vu moment.I liked the story the first time I read it – otherwise I never would have remembered it – and it will remain indelible in my mind.

The last chapter Time to Go Home is melancholy and poignant.I have witnessed death and thought about life after death.I appreciate Audrey Austin’s rendering.This chapter was a fitting ending to a thought provoking book with a unique approach.

Ellen and the Hummingtree by Audrey Austin; a good read for a wintry afternoon.

Give Audrey a Like at https://www.facebook.com/audreyaustin.ca

http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

And visit her blog at http://writecreatively.blogspot.com

From another reader of Ellen and The Hummingtree..

    a Review by Marilyn Dewar

Hi Audrey, I just read your book "Ellen and the Hummingtree" what a wonderful book! You really do have a wonderful, amazing talent of writing. It was so captivating I could hardly put it down. My question is what is truth and what is fiction? As an author you probably won't tell me. Anyway, I really did enjoy it, what a way to start the New Year with a great book and I even know the Author! Happy New Year and happy writing - I'm waiting for the next book!!!!

A Review by Alex McIlvray of Ellen and The Hummingtree ..

Ellen and the Hummingtree

Posted on December 25, 2012 by celticf1

Ellen and the Hummingtree
Audrey Austin
Wynterblue Publishing
Ellen and the Hummingtree is the story of Ellen and a rock through which she speaks to God. The rock moves with her as she lives her life. Ellen doesn’t have an easy life, but the rock encourages her and gives her courage. Through Ellen we meet her family and close friends, and especially the voice of God that whispers to her through the chunk of yellow quartz.
Ellen is very human with her share of flaws. The story is as much about her learning to accept those flaws in herself and others as anything else. She grows substantially by the close of the book. There are times when I wanted to give her a good talking to, and other times when she shows grace and humility.
Audrey has created a memorable character in Ellen. She is very well portrayed and has a wonderful complexity. The story moves back and forth in time as Ellen explores her life. The important movement isn’t chronological but her development of love and faith through the rock in her garden.
I enjoyed reading the book and would recommend it for those who like strong women characters.