Boxing Day

 Happy Boxing Day! Boxing Day, long ago, meant it was a day to give gifts to those less fortunate, to the needy, to servants, or employees as we would call them today.

But Boxing Day has not been recognized in this way throughout my long life time. And today, in my opinion, it's nothing more than a day to try to get a good deal on goods from the big box stores.

This major change in the meaning of one day of the year, in my view, is a reflection of how the western society has changed to a more selfish one, as opposed to being centred in self and open to giving.

Now that the corporations offer several bargain shopping days prior to Christmas, Boxing Day is losing even this materialistic meaning.

Still, for many, it's a day off work and that's a good thing. However you are spending this Boxing Day, I hope you are enjoying it.

Thanks to Lisa Usakov of Elliot Lake Today for this article.

 Tucked away in the tranquil landscapes of Elliot Lake, AUDREY AUSTIN has established herself as a remarkable author, enchanting readers with her wide-ranging literary creations.

She just wrapped up her memoir, Almost Time to Leave, where she shares her journey, experiences, and the personal truths that have shaped her life.

At 83, she embodies the belief that creativity knows no bounds. With an impressive collection of 29 published books, poetry and short stories, Austin demonstrates that passion, determination, and a steadfast commitment to storytelling can lead to significant accomplishments, even in the later stages of life.

Austin is a committed retired psycho-spiritual practitioner and counsellor who focuses on supporting women. Additionally, she worked as a transcriber for the Official Examiner's Office in Toronto. Even though she’s retired, clients sometimes reach out for her advice. Her door is always open to those who wish to receive counsel.

After losing her partner Brian eight years ago, she has gracefully embraced life’s challenges. This petite woman, with her white hair, lives in a cozy apartment, where she enjoys the company of her cherished cat, Misty.

Austin was a late bloomer to writing; she began at 65; however, her literary journey began in her childhood in the lively city of Toronto. Austin may have started her life there, but her path has taken her through a tapestry of different places.

From charming small towns to far-off countries, she finally settled in Elliot Lake in April 2000, a decision she fondly calls “the best move I ever made.”

Austin’s first novel, Sara: A Canadian Saga, offers a captivating glimpse into life on Prince Edward Island during the Great Depression. “Writing has always been my dream,” she reflects. “I feel incredibly lucky to be able to follow my passion and connect with readers.”

In crafting her memoir, she delved into her family history, reaching back to her grandmother.

“I couldn’t do a lot of writing about my grandmother because I really didn’t know her that well, so I wrote what I knew.” She explained that while she also documented her parents’ stories, this part mainly served as a prelude to her own journey.

“I then wrote about my childhood and on, up until three weeks ago.”

She began her memoir during a time of good health; however, in November, an unexpected turn of events unfolded.

After a CT scan, her doctor revealed that the scan had detected an irregularity, ultimately uncovering a previously undiagnosed abdominal aortic aneurysm.

“I realized then that I had to finish the memoir, hence the title Almost Time to Leave."

Austin isn’t your typical writer who sticks to just one genre. Instead, she ventures boldly into the worlds of fiction, romance, stories for children and even science fiction, reflecting her limitless enthusiasm for storytelling.

“I feel free; I don’t follow rigid rules, in fact, I have no rules,” she shares with passion. This liberating approach allows her creativity to thrive, letting her words flow with ease. This versatility highlights her creative breadth and shows her desire to connect with a wide array of readers.

Writing her memoirs was not an easy task.

“It was difficult at times; I struggled with which memories I wanted to reveal, and I had to pause quite a few times,” she admits. This honest insight shows the complexity of her journey, reminding us that most writers encounter obstacles.

“For me, memoir writing presents a significant challenge; it is considerably more arduous than writing fiction. Unlike fiction, memoir does not afford the same liberties. Memoir strives for truth, and, as the old adage suggests, truth can, indeed, be stranger, more emotional, and more demanding of an author than fiction.

“My story encompasses numerous years, various events, a multitude of relationships, and a myriad of highs and lows.

“This is a narrative I felt compelled to write. For me, it serves as a source of healing and catharsis, and is replete with my endeavours to approach the truth.”

From touching stories of love and relationships to thought-provoking explorations of the human experience, each book she writes carries her distinct voice and perspective.

“I truly believe in the healing and inspiring power of stories,” she shares. “Writing gives me the chance to delve into the depths of human emotions.”

Drawing from her own life, she often explores themes of resilience, love, and the pursuit of dreams.

“I want to inspire others to chase their dreams, no matter how intimidating it may seem,” she states with passion.

“Writing can feel like a lonely journey, but it doesn’t have to be. I believe that sharing our stories can empower others to find their own voices.”

In today’s digital world, Austin has embraced technology to broaden her reach. Her books are available on Amazon and Kindle, where she has cultivated a loyal readership that eagerly awaits each new release. She is self-published.

Audrey Austin’s literary journey is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the timeless power of storytelling. As she continues to write and inspire others, her story serves as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue one’s passions and share one’s voice with the world.

In a society that often overlooks the contributions of older individuals, Austin is a beacon of inspiration, illustrating that the journey of self-discovery and creativity is a lifelong adventure, full of potential at any age.

On top of all her accomplishments, she’s also a self-taught artist, and her home is filled with a remarkable array of her own creations.

Despite her achievements, Austin remains humble. “I am grateful for the opportunity to complete this manuscript. Life is good, and life continues onward. It is my hope that the memoir will help to lead my readers one step closer to their own truth.” CP/ELT

If you are interested in purchasing any of her work, please visit her Amazon site.

https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Keeping It Simple

 Keeping It Simple - Imagine Being Whole is an exploration of the trinity 

which is Meditation, the Seven Major Chakras and Psychospiritual 

Therapy.

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.

I wrote this book 11 years ago.  I'm happy to say that it is still doing well 

on Amazon.  If your focus for the new year is self-improvement and 

personal growth, then please check it out.

https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Merry Christmas!

 

Merry Christmas to my readers.  I want to thank you for your support of my creative writing.  You are much appreciated and your purchases have inspired me to keep the ink flowing over these many years.

To you and to yours, I wish a very happy Christmas and here's to all good things coming your way in 2026.

Merry Christmas!

 

Thank you to my readers for your support throughout 2025.  I look forward to your continued support and positive reviews on Good Reads and Amazon sites in 2026.

I'm very happy to announce my latest publication which is now available in paperback exclusively on all Amazon sites.

I'm thrilled that Almost Time To Leave has received 5 stars in its first review on Amazon.

Please check it out, along with my 28 other paperback publications.   My author's page is found at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Christmas Season 2025

It is the season!  Soon it will be Christmas Day, 2025.  And what a year it has been!  I love Christmas!

As a little girl, Christmas meant eyes glued to the Eatons Christmas Catalogue, constantly changing my mind about what I wanted Santa to bring me.  Christmas meant singing Christmas Carols at Sunday School, hearing again the story of Mary and Joseph, their journey to the manger where the baby Jesus was born.  

Christmas meant a Christmas party at church with Santa's visit, and gifts, cheerful singing, and another party at Dad's workplace with more gifts from Santa.

Christmas Eve meant so much excitement we kids couldn't get to sleep in anticipation of Santa actually coming to visit our home.  We knew he was magic because we didn't even have a fireplace and we had no idea how he managed to get into our house.  And Christmas morning wanting to rush to the living room to see what Santa left under the tree for us, only to be stopped once again by Daddy who insisted we eat our breakfast first as he did every Christmas, though not any other day of the year.  His action really did add to our excitement, as was his plan.

Christmas Day meant Mommy roasting a delicious turkey with all the trimmings; visits by relatives, much  joy and happiness.

As a young mother, Christmas continued to be all about Christmas trees, Santa Claus, turkey dinners, the happiness of the kids, and visits by relatives.  No focus on church events, but always the remembrance that Christmas was the day we celebrated the birthday of Jesus.

As a grandmother, Santa continued to reign. I was becoming the observer.  The joy of the grandkids is precious and I feel blessed by the welcome to participate.

As a great-grandmother, I'm even more of an observer.  Yes, family traditions continue but now I'm the one who can sit back and enjoy all the efforts of the Moms and Dads, knowing the children are filled with the excitement and the magic of Christmas.

As a senior woman remembering all Christmases past, I feel emotional, but these are peaceful emotions.  I have been blessed to celebrate many Christmases, with one exception, always with loved ones, always with the presence of caring others.

Remembering the one exception, it is a happy memory.  Dudley and I were alone that Christmas.  My family all lived quite far away and I'd met few people in my new town.  I spent that quiet Christmas reading, listening to music, and I enjoyed phone calls from far-away family.  I'm grateful that I've enjoyed the blessing of that Christmas.  It was neither happy nor sad.  It was one of reflection, learning, and feeling at one with myself.

Most Christmases have been happy ones.

Some Christmases have been ones where sadness ruled.  My dear sister, Muriel, passed away several years ago on December 23rd.  Another dear sister, Eleanor, passed away on December 17th.  The Christmas following the passing of Brian was one when I was with family, but in my heart I was not really present at all.   

Some other Christmases were visited by remembrance of beloved pets who once filled my life with happiness and purpose.

But life is good and I feel gratitude for every Christmas season.  Life is difficult for too many today and sometimes I fear that the joy, the meaning, the magic of Christmas is being lost in the  Black Fridays, the Boxing Days, the shopping frenzy that does its best to steal the peace, the purpose, and the promise of Christmas.

However you spend your Christmas this year, I hope it is one that will be a blessing in your life. 

Merry Christmas to all my family and friends!  💕