New Year's Eve 2024

 It will soon be 10 p.m. on New Year's Eve 2024.   I'm cozy here at home, relaxing on my chaise lounger with my adorable little calico cat, Misty, by my side.   I'm wearing warm, fluffy, yellow PJ's, and I'm listening to my favourite spa music.

Not very exciting, you may be thinking.

I've experienced lots of excitement in my life.  Excitement is not something I crave.

After a very busy day I'm enjoying my quiet evening, and as I anticipate the midnight hour and another new year, I cannot help but think of my dear Scottish mother-in-law, and something she shared with me many years ago.

It was on another New Year's Eve long ago when she said to me, "Start the way you mean to go on."

There was something in those words, and the way she said them to me, that totally impacted my life and my way of observing the arrival of another new year.   Her well-meaning words totally resonated with me, and from that long-ago New Year's Eve up to and including today, I have made it my practice each new year to literally start the way I mean to go on.

Now you may have an interpretation of those words very different from the one I give to it but, for me, it means I will, to the best of my ability, take care of all the important aspects of my life; leaving nothing undone.

I began this morning by enjoying my healthy breakfast of porridge, with fresh fruit, and a delicious cup of camomile tea.  I remember my earlier adult years when I would skip breakfast and, after no more than a cup of coffee, I would rush off to work.  Those were the days before I received my mother-in-law's wisdom.

I fed my little Misty her wet food, gave my little senior her needed medication, then filled her water glass and her kibble bowl that she may graze all day as much as she likes.   I picked up my container of unsalted peanuts in the shell and, from my balcony, I threw two big handfuls of peanuts to my friends, the squirrels and the chipmunks.

I washed up the dishes and then I went to work.  I did my laundry making sure every article of clothing and bedding is clean.   I vacuumed my living-room furniture, the cat tree, all my floors and rugs.  I dusted throughout each room.   I checked and made sure that my kitchen cupboards and refrigerator are well stocked with healthy food; keeping what I call my 'safe house' - a term I have borrowed from Dr. Phil McGraw.  

I ensure that I have money in my purse, lots of loonies for laundry days, and not one unpaid bill.  I will start my new year with zero debt.    

I wished my family and friends a happy new year.  By this time I felt that all was well in my world.  I thought of the old cliche, "Take good care of today and tomorrow will take care of itself".

I happily received a phone call informing me that I will have a table in both the Spring and Winter craft shows here in my town.  What a wonderful gift of motivation!  This ensures that I will do lots of painting and lots of creative writing in order to hopefully sell my books and my folk art at these vendor shows.  I like to set goals.

The icing on the cake for me was a message received from another friend who lives out of town. We chatted and then she e-transferred funds to me.  Why did she do this?  Because she bought two of my very large folk art paintings.  I am overjoyed.  One painting will be my friend's, and one she has purchased as a gift for another who lives in Germany.  My painting will hang on a wall in the Munich University.  This sale makes me an international folk artist.   What can be more exciting to someone who loves to paint?

So now you know how I celebrate New Year's Eve  each year.  I celebrate it by cleaning, by ensuring the pantry and fridge are full, by having all bills paid and absolutely no debt to carry into the new year.  If some years I have decided to attend a New Year's party or dance, I make sure all these important things are accomplished before I go out to celebrate.  I spend each New Year's Eve by literally 'starting the way I mean to go on."

No, staying home with my cat, listening to spa music, is not exciting.  It is something much greater than excitement.  By starting the way I mean to go on, I am left with a comforting peace of mind.  With nothing left undone I experience love in my heart, an organized mind, a stable financial situation, calm in my soul, and gratitude throughout my entire being.  

By exercising self-care in these ways, I feel strong.  I feel ready to face whatever may come my way in the new year.  

I wish all my family and friends a very healthy, happy, and prosperous 2025!  Happy New Year!  

And whatever it may mean to you, I hope you will start the way you mean to go on.  xoxoxox

"Flowers from the Garden"

"My Loves"

These are the two folk art paintings that I sold today.

If you wish to buy a book or a painting, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

audrey@persona.ca

Christmas Memories - This is Christmas 2024

Brian & I wearing Santa hats in summer.

Photo transformed by friend, Nadia.

2015

So many Christmases to remember, but let me begin with today, Christmas Day, 2024, and wish you a very Happy Christmas and a wish for all good things coming your way in 2025!

Childhood Christmases were very special.  Dad would make donuts and Mom would cook the turkey dinner.   On Christmas Day we had to sit at the table and eat breakfast before being allowed to enjoy the excitement of Santa's arrival in the living room.  There would be toys and gifts for everyone.  Relatives would visit and the house would be crowded with people, with joy, and with love.  Christmas was always a very exciting time.

Later, I was Mom and I was cooking the turkey dinner.  My children were thrilled with all that Santa brought for them.  Always the children's Grandmas would visit and we would all enjoy Christmas dinner together.  Each year, just prior to Christmas John & I, with our kids, would join all my brothers and sisters, their partners, and their children for a Christmas dinner and celebration at my brother Ken's house.  It was a very special family time and has left me with very happy memories.

Then the day came when the tables turned.  My children were grown and now it was my turn to go to their place for Christmas dinner.   Grandchildren arrived.  I will never forget the sweet, fair-haired little fellow in the bright red pedal car, nor the little ones laughing at their Gram trying to play the Mario games with them.   It was such fun to marvel at the magic woven by Santa's arrival as it lit up their little faces and made their eyes shine.

Years go by, and the grandchildren are grown, and the laughter of the great-grandchildren rings joyfully throughout the house.   Barbie dolls share the spotlight with sand and slime.  The little one is magically rocked in a little bed that I could never have imagined as a young Mom.   It's time for me, and even for my children, to relax and take a back seat.  Now the grandchildren are cooking the Christmas dinner and, just as my Mom was many years ago, I am the Christmas dinner guest.  

I have been blessed to celebrate many Christmases.  Every year, Christmas is a little different than the one before.  

But each year, Christmas is a magical time.  I am blessed.  Merry Christmas to you and a very Happy New Year!   

"Christmas Memories"

Photos of my book & folk art table

Christmas Show at The Moose Lodge

2024

 

My Folk Art & Book Table at The Moose - Christmas 2024

 

My Entry into the World of Books for Children

 Autumn of 2024 marks my entry into the world of books for Children.  What a pleasure and what fun it is to write for the very young readers.

My first hesitant step into the children's book market did take place a few  years ago.  My very first book for children is titled The Last Drop.    Told in rhyming couplets this story book helps the little ones to master the alphabet.

My second book for children is created for kids 10 years of age and up to assist them with new and magical ways to deal with bullying.  This book is called Beyond the Blue and it is available in paperback, kindle, and audiobook formats.

 

Elephant and the Bumbly Bee was next to arrive.  This storybook takes the young reader on an adventure, a world travel adventure, and focuses on the importance of friendship.

 My most recent addition to my new family of books for children is one that I hold very close  to my heart.   This book is titled One Day With Misty. Misty is my dilute calico furbaby and it is such a pleasure to share her day with young readers.

My current work in progress is the challenge of Memoir.  I have just begun its creation and I have given it the title Almost Time To Leave.     

Once this book is published, I plan to return to the world of books for children, with a publication that will be titled The Dudley.

All my books are available exclusively on all Amazon sites.  Thanks for visiting my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

27 Chickens - remembering Muriel with a smile

 Taking the books out of the bookends, and spreading them out on the table makes me realize how blessed I have been to have written 27 paperbacks since my retirement from nine to five in 2007. This year of 2024 I celebrated my 17th creative writing anniversary. In addition to the 27 there are 50+ short stories, some of them award winning, that dare to stand alone in the Kindle Store.

I am as eclectic a writer as I am prolific. There is something for everyone and for all ages. I'm proud of my 27 paperback publications ... and also of the 50+ short stories and numerous poems that have found their way into publication by others who discovered merit in my work.

https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

About me and my writing....

 

About

This summer of 2024 I celebrated my 17th creative writing anniversary. I am an eclectic and a prolific author. Today I am a retired psychospiritual practitioner. As such, I draw on my counseling experience over the years and I often focus on social issues in my writing.

A spiritual person, I enjoy writing about the benefits of meditation, chakra balancing, and varied religions. For example, characters in The Observer - His Eye is on the Sparrow share with the reader about Christianity's views on being born again and also Hinduism views on reincarnation.

I love science fiction, as well as metaphysics. I love to combine the two in my writing. STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light is a good example of this combination.

Romance, mystery - I enjoy writing both.

Creating characters is my passion. I love it when the characters tell me to sit back and enjoy because they are quite capable of expressing themselves. It's all I can do to keep up with them. Examples of this are Sara, a Canadian Saga and also Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy.

My newest writing adventure is writing story books for children and I hope you will check out "One Day with Misty", "Elephant and the Bumbly Bee", and "The Last Drop" for the very young readers in your life.

For children aged 10 years to adult, check out "Beyond the Blue", a story in which a young boy, grieving the death of his father, finds magical, mystical ways to deal with school bullying.

One of my hobbies is acrylic and oil painting. I've lately used pictures of my paintings as my book covers; for example POartRY and PROSE and second in that series, MORE POartRY and Prose.

And very recently I discovered the joy of playing with AI ...... I am using pictures I create in this way for promotion of my books now..... and once I can travel further on this learning curve, I hope to use AI for book illustrations.

Thanks for visiting my author's page at

https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Whatever your taste in reading, I'm sure you will find something in my eclectic offering of books to your liking. I always hope my readers will enjoy the reading as much as I enjoy the writing. :-)

Books for Children

 I am an author of books for all ages, and I enjoy writing for children. All my books are available on all Amazon sites. You can visit my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

About the Author & Elephant and the Bumbly Bee

 

About the Author

Audrey Austin was born and raised by her parents in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She often describes herself as one who tends to do everything backward. When I asked her what she meant by this she replied, "Well, at a very early age I married and before long my two daughters arrived. Having only a high school education I waited until my children were grown before going back to school. I attended University of Toronto and later graduated from Transformational Arts College. I have lived in Toronto & its suburbs; Prince Edward Island and in New Zealand. I have enjoyed other international travel but only as a tourist in countries such as Thailand; Korea; Bahamas; Bermuda; Columbia, Puno and Cartagena in South America. I have held several jobs throughout my life but basically I held the positions of legal transcriptionist; teacher and psychospiritual practitioner in private practice. I always wanted to write and I did write in a small way as a hobby but I never made any attempt at publication. It was not until I retired at an uncertain age that I finally made the promise to myself that I would fulfill my dream of being an author. Since that day I have worked very hard though it does not feel like work. I love creative writing and how can something one loves so much be classified as work? I have written novels, novellas, short stories, some of which are in anthologies, and some, like Daniel, which dare to stand alone. Drawing on my experience as a teacher/therapist I put together what is so far my only book on personal growth. I have no diplomas or degrees in creative writing. I have only the imagination and the desire to allow the wonderful characters I create the freedom to express and the time to tell their stories. I do my best to keep up with the characters and I hope you will enjoy what I write."

Check out my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Elephant and the Bumbly Bee is my third story book written for the enjoyment of young readers.  Elephant and the Bumbly Bee set off on an exciting travel adventure and become the very best of friends.

https://www.amazon.ca/Elephant-Bumbly-Bee-Audrey-Austin/dp/B0DJ52SGL5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1ETP5CYTQ8V0Y&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.137Ft618aXOKJYM9o77i0YMUfRJe95NfeyTmDodqbjGGQxwOXtgiALLnEvMmLJhA7se4wV5pZO9iDQUXW1fmW0LhuCDBXgSYo8D_PY3UKSNbJiWYdGkRhbc9qHIuSXunJeqq7aWHivtqwOcc7clPCLMBybwqDIE4EJ_UXxTH8c5fFk__WFnc9ZSG58VKrIVTsZKDL-HP5qbo3d73U-zxDdQdA7S6ffoWnZixzwC8_OA.3v-pua4ffq7t85qVATmyvh268K25C93EEARf8iG3dNo&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin&qid=1727794741&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin%2Cstripbooks%2C118&sr=1-1

65 Titles

Amazon tells me I now have 65 titles on my Amazon Author's page.  I admit I lose count.   These 65 publication titles include paperback, kindle, and audiobook formats.

I began creative writing 17 years ago so, as you can see, I've been busy,

This summer of 2024 I've set my goal of cutting back on many activities.  I'm also being kept busy with downsizing in my home.   To simplify my life is my aim.

And the reason I want to simplify and minimize everything is because I have decided that commencing September I'm going to take my best shot at writing the Great Canadian Novel.

What this means is that August, which has already gifted me with six days, is the only time I have to complete my current work in progress which is titled POartRY and PROSE the THIRD.    The art & photography are  complete but I have yet to begin the poetry and prose.   Giving myself only three weeks to complete is why I need to ensure there are few outside distractions.

I love creative writing.  I appreciate my readers so much.  My September publication will be titled  ALMOST TIME TO LEAVE.

I hope, once written, you will want to read it but, in the meantime, thanks for checking out those other 65 titles on Amazon.  You will find them all on my  Amazon Author's Page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

a Time for Change

I've enjoyed working part-time  as counselor/therapist, but on Thursday I gave my last client my best wishes and now I announce I am fully retired.  Being retired, I decided to get to work.

I spent Sunday cleaning out and shredding a lot of stuff in my filing cabinet - keeping only personal and creative writing materials.   

Today, I've been busy cleaning out my storage room; getting rid of stuff I've held onto for years but rarely or never used.   Tomorrow I start on my linen cupboard - too much stuff.  And that reminds me to remind you to check out my short story, "The Linen Cupboard" available on Kindle.

I've always dreamed of living in a Zen environment, but I've never achieved it - trying again.

With pleasure I have handed over the leadership of Elliot Lake Writers to a very talented young writer.  My goal is to free up my time and to create a lifestyle with no 'have-to's'.

I just want to paint, to write, to spend time with family and friends - that's it.  That is enough.

I hope I can meet this goal.  I've spent half my time getting into things, and the other half trying to get out of them.

It's time for a change.

One thing that will not change is my passion for creative writing and I've done my fair share of it.

Thanks for checking out my publications on my Amazon Author's page.  It's found at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

 

An excerpt from The Observer - His Eye is on the Sparrow

 

An excerpt from The Observer -His Eye is on the Sparrow

June 05, 2024

 

Mom named me Karen after my grandmother.  Because I would have loved to have known my grandmother, and because Mom keeps reminding me that I am just like her mother, I spend a fair amount of time on my laptop trying to learn as much as I can about my ancestry.   I begin by googling the name Karina.

I learn that Karina is a Hindi name meaning Flower; Pure; Innocent; Dear little one. Maybe my grandmother lived up to her name, but I can understand why Mom shortened my name to Karen.  I’ve never heard my mother call me her ‘dear little one’, but I’ve grown used to hearing her shout, “Dear God, what have you done this time? Watch what you’re doing!”

I google my name and discover that the name Karen is of German origin and means “hard worker”.  And I am a hard worker whether my mother thinks I am or not.  I believe it’s possible I may have some German ancestry on my father’s side of the family.  Anything is possible because I know so little. 

I have no idea who my father is.  I don’t know if he is German.  I don’t even know if he is dead or alive.  Mom refuses to talk about him.  For that matter, I don’t know who my grandfather was either, but when I google the name ‘Wakeling’, I’m not too surprised to learn that its roots are also in Germany.

My grandmother’s maiden name is Karina Sahni.  I understand she grew up as one of a Hindu family living in India.  She was married to my grandfather who may have been German.   

Again, by googling, I learn that the name ‘Wakeling’ is derived from the name ‘Walco’ and that the meaning of Walco is foreigner.   So now I wonder if my grandfather was a German foreigner in India.   I mean, how on earth did my German grandfather meet my East Indian grandmother?   There is no one for me to ask except my mother and I’ve given up trying to get her to talk about these things.  

My mother decided not to take the time to marry my father, so I carry my grandfather’s name.    I would like to know my father’s name, but my mother is not about to tell me.  There have been times in the past when I’ve asked, “Mom, tell me about my father.  What is his name?” 

“I don’t want to talk about it, Karen.  I don’t even want to think about it.  The past is the past.  I’ve shut the door on it, and I don’t look back.  I suggest you do the same.  Just watch what you’re doing in the here and now, and don’t bother me with those kinds of questions.”

“But I’d really like to know, Mom.”

“Are you deaf, Karen?  Haven’t you heard a word I just said to you?”

I hear what she says.   I think about what she says.  But I still would like to know.  As far as I can remember, Mom has never been interested in caring about what I like.

I like to spend some time writing in my journal.   I’m trying to make the most of the time I have right now while Mom is still at work.   I like to write about my feelings and my deepest dreams and wishes.  I don’t find a lot of time to do this writing because Mom doesn’t approve. 

She’ll be home soon.  I know she doesn’t like me journaling because she has told me so in no uncertain words.   “Watch what you’re doing,” she will shout if she catches me writing.  “Stop wasting your time!  Just step back and observe yourself, Karen. Don’t you know that, if you write down private thoughts, someone can come along and throw them into your face?  Watch what you’re doing!”

Visit my author's page at  https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Elliot Lake Writers Literary Open Mic at Dunlop Lake Lodge

 Local authors entertained a small audience at Dunlop Lake Lodge when reading from their original novels, stories and poems on May 7.

Six members of the Elliot Lake Writers Workshop performed at The Spoken Word, an event for writers to get their works known.

Audrey Austin, the group’s facilitator, opened the afternoon welcoming everyone and being the first at the open mike. She read from her novel Struggle to Reach the Bridge of Light. She had copies of her other books on hand for sale, including Sara, a Canadian Saga; The Observer, His Eye is on the Sparrow; two books of Poetry and Prose; and Keeping It Simple, Imagine Being Whole.

Cally Jo Fritz read a moving short story with a surprising ending.

Daniel G. Ferguson, a retired conservation officer, read from his book, Bear Runners, Wildlife Crime and Northern Romance. He said his novels draw on his experience as a conservation officer to create tales of the northern wilderness. He also had copies of three other novels on hand for sale, Toxic Waters, Double Back Fur Run, and Up Halfway Creek.

Donald Harry Roberts read two short love stories from his book, A Book Made of Eclectic Flash, Dreams and Mysteries, Nightmares and Fantasies.

Kathleen Burke read heart-felt poems from her book, The Language of Trees, which she launched last fall.

The final reader was Nicole Q-Schmit who said she hasn’t had any of her work published, yet, but has written a number of romance novels. She started with a short fanciful piece on wind chimes, then read a short section from a novel describing a high school basketball game.

The group was disappointed in the small turnout for the event and may be looking for a venue more centrally located in Elliot Lake for future readings.

Austin said they are hoping to get more members joining the Elliot Lake Writers Workshop. They meet the third Monday of the month at the ELNOS Centre Board Room, 3rd Floor, at 1 p.m.

For more information, contact Audrey Austin by email at audrey@persona.ca, or message her on Facebook.

Ellen and The Hummingtree

 Ellen is a woman I came to know well during the writing of my third novel Ellen and The Hummingtree. She often puzzled me yet she also had the ability to make me laugh and cry. I grew to love her. And the more I came to know her I began to realize that she truly is a composite of the many caring spiritual women I have known throughout my life. Alzheimer is a dreadful disease and Ellen's victimization is a heartbreak. My writing of Ellen and The Hummingtree comes straight from the heart. I hope you will love her as I do.

https://www.amazon.ca/ELLEN.../dp/1926614674/ref=sr_1_11...

Customer Review

Phyllis Humby

4.0 out of 5 stars Imaginative and Creative

Reviewed in Canada

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. Her grandson, who has a learning disability, is bullied at school.

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.

https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

It Really is Possible to Heal Mary Belanger This very well written manual is by Audrey Austin; a wonderful therapist, author, and teacher.
This book is written in a sequential manner. A reader is given a methodical overview of meditation, psychospiritual therapy, and the chakra system. Learning to open blocked chakras enables the reader to unite mind, body, and soul.
I am very grateful for Austin who has created such a wonderful resource on chakra meditation.
It really is possible to heal. Keeping it Simple has my Five Star rating. It has changed my life for the better.

A very easy-to-understand explanation of chakras

By Anu This is a well written book - very easy to understand the concept of chakras and the significance of each chakra. I am yet to try out the exercises for opening up each chakra. But if you are looking to familiarize yourself with the 7 chakras of the Indian/yogic tradition, I highly recommend this book.

From the Author

When I put together the pages of Keeping It Simple my thought was that if this book helps one person in this chaotic world I will feel I have accomplished a job well done.  I was unprepared for the number of people who have come to me and told me that the reading of this book for them has been positively life-changing.   For this I am happy and I am grateful.