Thanksgiving Day, 2026

 THANKSGIVING DAY 2026

Another Thanksgiving Day is just about over. It has been an especially quiet one for me having a minor head cold, and spending the day on my own.

But I am grateful that most family members made it to share Thanksgiving Dinner together, and I am grateful that each one is in good health. I have a wonderful family; one in which everyone gets along and each one shares love & caring for one another.

I am very grateful for wonderful friends, some I've known and loved for years as well as others I've known for only a short time; some I am getting to know, and some I have yet to meet. I value all my friendships.

I couldn't be more grateful for my little Misty. Always a dog person, I had no idea that my affectionate little cat would be such a wonderful companion and confidante. She and I are two old ladies sharing the journey together.

I am very grateful for my passions of creative writing and acrylic painting. When I immerse myself in either, a day simply disappears.

My health could be better but my health could be much worse. I am grateful for each day I am given. I love living in Elliot Lake. I love life.

I love the trees outside my window. They are the reason I fell in love with my apartment. They provide shade and keep me cool throughout a hot summer. They offer amazing protection when the wind rages in winter. They offer me privacy in my home. I am grateful for their gift of oxygen. I'm sure it is because of my trees and the clean air of Elliot Lake that I'm as well as I am.

This Thanksgiving of 2026 I am very grateful for all that is good in my life. I am blessed that there is so very much that is good and positive. Life is good.

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving

"One of my Paintings - My Favourite Time of Year"

Visit my YouTube Channel

Enjoy my posts and videos on   https://www.youtube.com/@

WHEN GOD GIVES US SPRING

 

WHEN GOD GIVES US SPRING

Look for my new video on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/audrey.austin.14

An orphan child, Michael Custis Washington, is a house slave on a Virginia plantation.  At last, with his wife, Lucinda, he escapes his cruel life to Canada through the Underground Railroad where, finally free, they are assisted by the Quakers. Civil War breaks out and Michael, a Union soldier, works his way back to Virginia. Sometimes you’ll do what you must.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00FFLUTNC

hashtags #UndergroundRailroad #JohnMorrison #Freedomfrom slavery

AI transparency: Lyrics & cover art @September 18, 2026 Audrey Austin.  Musical Score AI assisted.  Video produced by Maggie Kirton.

Author’s page:  https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

 

STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light

 STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light is a metaphysical sci fi novel that kept me busy and sane throughout the dreadful covid months.

I want to give a special thanks to those of you who encourage and support this local author by buying my books.

And thanks to Susan RK for creating the beautiful cover.

Here is a synopsis about STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of LIght.

STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light

by Audrey Austin (Author) Format: Paperback

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars

STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light is a metaphysical/science fiction novel. Mother Earth has had enough. It is a sad day when a mother gives up on her children. The chosen seven share their stories as they lived their lives on earth. Scattered throughout the world in Canada, United States, Peru, Venezuela, and New Zealand, they are each warmed by the blue triangle which delivered the bridge of light which carries them to a small island in the Caribbean. Guided by Archangel Michael, they continue their journey on the bridge of light to the old brown boat which magically takes them to the centre of the sea. The merkabas arrive and the seven ascend to a way station where they meet Great Cosmic Power who informs them why they are the chosen children of light.

https://www.amazon.ca/STRUGGL.../dp/B08YHYVB2D/ref=sr_1_2

WHEN GOD GIVES US SPRING

 I am one very excited author right now?  Big surprise coming soon for my readers.  

Currently available in kindle, paperback, and audiobook format on all Amazon sites.

https://www.amazon.ca/WHEN-GOD-GIVES-US-SPRING-ebook/dp/B00FFLUTNC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=A6804HPL4PY7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Cz7zYzNEvllHOicKE1ZnpBPeuJogsaTGC7_2RcO_cR0.KC6cJIJdFo4CPzdVSf9l7P8ZTA4B2rnEqx9EwinBrq0&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+when+god+gives+us+spring&qid=1789505043&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+when+god+gives+us+spring%2Cstripbooks%2C123&sr=1-1

One Day With Misty

 ONE DAY WITH MISTY

by Audrey Austin (Author) Format: Paperback

Misty is a dilute calico cat. When she is nine years old her family decides that they want a new kitten. They do not want an old cat and they surrender Misty to the shelter. Misty finds a friend in Orange Cat. When Orange Cat is adopted, Misty is sad and lonely. Finally, one day an old lady adopts Misty and takes her to her home and they live together. Training a new owner is quite the challenge but Misty takes on the task. Misty says hello and invites you to visit. All cat lovers will enjoy spending One Day With Misty.

https://www.amazon.ca/ONE-DAY.../dp/B0DKBYFP27/ref=sr_1_4

When God Gives Us Spring - promo poem

 

WHEN GOD GIVES US SPRING    - a poem for Mags

 

 

I be but four when Mama died

I be all alone in the world.

But Massa Alfred Gordon swore

That he was on my side.

 

Michael Custis Washington be my name

Massa gave this big name to me

Massa Alfred is a kind white man

No mama, no papa, I be his slave.

 

Leona be like my new mama, I swear

But she treat me as bad as old Wilbur

Aint nobody cares what you want, my son

Mama said that’s my burden to bear.

Chorus – Aint nobody cares what you want, my son, and that’s my burden to share.

             

No longer a child, Massa Gordon is cruel

I’m abused and for freedom I plan

With Lucinda, my love, we’ll escape the big house

We’ll be free of his sick, cruel rule.

 

The Quakers help us run from this hell

To a haven called Canada far from his grasp

John Morrison, our leader, our saviour and friend

Leaves us safe, warm, and fed with a story to tell.

Chorus – Now somebody cares what you want, my son, no longer that burden to share.

 

A challenging journey, obstacles galore

Elgin settlement will be our new home

In a small town called Chatham we settle down

Our cabin is warm. We are slaves no more.

 

Prayerful thanks to our Underground Railroad

The Fugitive Slave Law saved our lives

With Civil War in America the reason I leave

I am thankful for much, but something is owed.

              Aint nobody cares what you want, my son, and that’s my burden to bear.

 

Union Army I join and I travel far.

An old man I am but I fight and I pray

To Virginia I return with a plan in my heart

I climb the old stairs. His door is ajar.

 

The old man is sitting in dark wooden wheelchair

I point the gun straight at his nasty heart

“I’m your daddy. I loved you” he cries in defense

I pull the trigger. Who said life is fair?

              Aint nobody cares what you want, my son, and that’s my burden to bear.

 

My tears mix with hers and together we pray

I’ve returned to Lucinda and she takes my hand

We look up at the night sky and find that north star

This free black man is home where forever he’ll stay.

              Now somebody cares what you want, my son, no longer that burden to bear.

              Now somebody cares what you want, my son, no longer that burden to bear.

 

 

 

WHEN GOD GIVES US SPRING

 "When God Gives Us Spring" - If you haven't read this book yet, please check it out. https://www.amazon.ca/WHEN.../dp/B00FFLUTNC/ref=sr_1_1

WHEN GOD GIVES US SPRING

by Audrey Austin (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars (5)

Michael Custis Washington is a young black slave living on a cotton plantation in the Province of Virginia. He was born in 1802. Left an orphan at the age of five he is taken into the big house by his master, Alfred Gordon, to be trained as a house servant. While in this house he suffers severe emotional and sexual abuse. When he finally runs away with his wife Lucinda he is helped by the Quakers. Through the Underground Railway they reach the Elgin Settlement in Ontario, Canada. Freedom is his at last. But when the American Civil War breaks out in 1861 Michael chooses to join the Union Army. He works his way back to Virginia. Is he seeking justice or vengeance?

Here are some reviews.

Top reviews from Canada

Amazon Customer

5 out of 5 stars couldn’t put down

Reviewed in Canada on December 13, 2025

Format: Kindle Edition

I started reading this book early this morning and now a few hours later I’m finished. I love how Audrey made me feel like it was a young black man speaking, first as a child then as a man. This is the first book I’ve read of Audrey’s and it won’t be my last.

Eleanor Austin Lambert

5 out of 5 stars - excellent reading

Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2014

Format: Kindle Edition

Verified Purchase

I gave 5 stars because a lot of research was made and It was an absolutely wonderful story about slavery and so well written.

There was nothing I disliked and absolutely liked the way it was written, easy to read and understand

I would recommend from 15 and up would get a lot of knowledge as to the way things were.

Zakayah

5 out of 5 starsCaptivating!

Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2014

Format: Kindle Edition

Verified Purchase

This book was well written. It gave knowledge of the events leading up to the Civil War and the struggles black people had to face to gain their freedom.

When God Gives Us Spring is available in both Paperback and Audiobook formats on all Amazon sites.

https://www.amazon.ca/WHEN.../dp/B00FFLUTNC/ref=sr_1_1

SARA - a Canadian Saga ......... some reviews

 SARA, a Canadian Saga - Top reviews from Canada

Rhonda Woodworth-Tardif
4 out of 5 stars A very real story
Reviewed in Canada on August 26, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition
Verified Purchase
Sara, A Canadian Saga is a poignant story about life during the depression on Prince Edward Island, Canada. One feels the hopes and dreams, and also the disappointments of Rob and Sara. I found the story to be so real I wanted to give Rob a shaking for his temper tantrums and Sara for acting like her mother. Their love, through all their trials, was refreshing. The author didn't tell you they still loved one another, but showed it, which takes some skill. It's not an exciting, edge of your seat kind of story, but a story about people who seem so real they could be your mother or sister. People who do ordinary, stupid things. I found myself wishing that Rebecca could have seen the good things in her life before they were gone, but understanding how the same thing happens to so many people. The author does a great job of creating very real characters. I liked the story.

Nadia E. Toski
5 out of 5 stars Excellent!
Reviewed in Canada on March 21, 2014
Format: Paperback
Verified Purchase
So enjoyed reading this book! Very well written! My first time reading Audry Austin's books and will definitely read more of them!

Top reviews from other countries

Michelle cooper
5 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 27, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition
Verified Purchase
This is a superb book,the story of Sara and Roy is told so beautifully,I thoroughly enjoyed their story through their courtship.to adulthood,it was nice to read,and couldn't put it down at times,Audrey has become one of my favorite authors,and I have already downloaded a couple of freebies of hers today and will be using my Prime library to download one each month in the future,well done for an excellent read.

Barbara Mojica
4 out of 5 stars STRUGGLE TO SURVIVE
Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition
Verified Purchase
This novel of historical fiction begins in the maritime provinces in Canada in 1916. It features two protagonists Sara and Roy, who are both age ten at the time. The reader experiences their struggles as children determined to succeed in troubled families whose lives are complicated further by the Depression years. Roy vows to “make something of himself”: Sara works hard to be an independent woman able to support herself.

When Sara and Roy meet and fall in love, circumstances will force them into the same unhappy lives that plagued their parents. Sara’s father is broken by the loss of his business; Luke loses his mother and detests his father’s remarriage. After Roy and Sara marry, the economy will turn sour, Luke loses one job after another. Sara gives up her good secretarial job to follow Luke. Not long after children are born who turn out to be much like their bickering parents. Eventually, Sara and Roy will be separated as he is forced to move to the city of Toronto to find employment. Finally things seem to be improving economically, but their personal struggles intensify.

Despite the turmoil, their family seems to be able to overcome one obstacle after the other. Luke and Sara both have conflicting personalities which are mirrored in their offspring, yet the family always manages to survive, The novel ends in 1942 with Sara rediscovering her childhood journal and reflecting upon her life.

I enjoyed learning about the history of Canada during this time period. The characters are well developed and true to life. This novel is a wonderful coming of age book for children age twelve and older. It is realistic family fiction that is an engaging quick read. If you enjoy historical fiction with strong compelling characters, this book is a good choice.

https://www.amazon.ca/SARA-CANADIAN-SAGA-Audrey-Austin-ebook/dp/B00H0H33JG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=15QS8UQ04IAAW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MP4KMXSq6XywuTpYeSmjnw.vT2HTWpLJcvDZkHoDCuGnf8GSXdIeLaCuejFe1XKq1Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+Sara%2C+a+Canadian+Saga&qid=1788721725&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+sara%2C+a+canadian+saga%2Cstripbooks%2C192&sr=1-1

ALMOST TIME TO LEAVE

 I was impatient to complete the writing of "Almost Time to Leave" because I really did think that it was almost time. Thankfully, God has other ideas and he's allowing me to keep on keeping on. I treasure each day.

Thanks to those of you who have written a review of my memoir. If you haven't yet read "Almost Time to Leave", you can find it on all Amazon sites. In this memoir I talk about many not so pretty issues that for too many years women have felt the need to carry alone. I hope by breaking the silence on some of these seldom talked about life issues, it will encourage others to find the freedom that ensues once those words are down on paper. I encourage all women to write memoir.

Top reviews from Canada

Angela Austin

5 out of 5 starsOutstanding!

Reviewed in Canada on January 3, 2026

Format: Paperback

Verified Purchase

I started reading this and couldn’t put it down! An amazing story by an amazing lady. I have had the honour to meet Audrey Austin and to call her my friend. I knew a few things about her life but her story captured me instantly and I had to finish it! Well done Audrey….and I hope we both have years together as friends….you should be proud of your life and accomplishments.

MargaretF

5 out of 5 starsAn authentic, beautifully written memoir

Reviewed. in Canada on December 27, 2025

Format: Paperback

Verified Purchase

Almost Time to Leave is an authentic, unfiltered look into the author's life over eight decades. I was inspired by Audrey Austin's resilience and hope as she revealed with honesty and clarity her experiences as a child in Canada and then later as a woman coping with marriage, motherhood and all of the challenges she encounters as she ages. It was so interesting following her life's journey from Toronto, across the globe to another continent and finally settling in Elliot Lake. I couldn't put this book down as I cried and laughed reading it.

Judith Bower

5 out of 5 starsFast read

Reviewed in Canada on January 27, 2026

Format: Paperback

Verified Purchase

Easy read and interesting.

Steve C.

5 out of 5 starsA true story in which to lose yourself - and find yourself

Reviewed in Canada on December 12, 2025

Format: Paperback

Earlier today, I bought this on Kindle and couldn't put it down. I don't think I've ever read a whole book in one day before. "A life in a day," and what a life Audrey Austin has lived so far. This is the story of a beautiful soul with amazing experiences and who I trust as a truth-teller, well worth your time.

https://www.amazon.ca/ALMOST.../dp/B0G4R9FNBJ/ref=sr_1_1

FOLK ART - COLOURFUL EXPLORATIONS

 FOLK ART - COLOURFUL EXPLORATIONS

by Audrey Austin (Author) Format: Paperback

5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars

“Folk Art – Colourful Explorations” contains many paintings created by me over the past few years. I began to paint for the very first time in an effort to encourage my partner who, in his elder years, was losing interest in his own creative endeavours. He was a very talented artist. His favourite pastime was oil painting but, in addition, he created lovely works with stained glass. He was also a highly skilled wood turner.

When I saw that he was losing interest, I had a large table set up in our basement family room with an easel at either end. Two painting stations – one for a very talented artist, the other for me, a woman who had never attempted to paint anything in her life.

My partner produced some lovely work. I didn’t. But I did discover that I loved to paint. That was my beginning.

I began painting with oils. When I made a move and became an apartment dweller, I switched to painting with acrylics, simply because that made for easier clean-up.

I love to paint. I was in my mid-seventies when I began with my earliest paintings.

It was friends who gave me the title of ‘folk artist’. I accepted, and I continue to be a prolific painter into my eighties. I love colour.

In this publication are many of my paintings. I hope you will enjoy my folk art.

Audrey Austin.

https://www.amazon.ca/FOLK.../dp/B0GGBWG5Q9/ref=sr_1_1

MOOSE ROAD - a Canadian Tragedy - SOME REVIEWS

 MOOSE ROAD - a Canadian Tragedy -- If you haven't read MOOSE ROAD - a Canadian Tragedy yet, please check it out. It is holding its own and still doing well on Amazon.

Some reviews:

Top reviews from Canada:

https://www.amazon.ca/Moose.../dp/B00FHP7SFS/ref=sr_1_1...

Chuck Forget

5 out of 5 starsOutstanding

Reviewed in Canada on September 16, 2020

Format: Paperback

Verified Purchase

A very cleverly written story, so many characters and story lines all woven together in this incredible read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a great story and strong characters , enjoy your read. Thank you Audrey Austin.

Garey Bennett

4 out of 5 starsGreat characters

Reviewed in Canada on August 6, 2018

Format: Paperback

Verified Purchase

I was expecting a story about Moose in the north but found the book to be an interesting story about a tragedy happening to several families in the north. The book keeps your interest but I found the end to be a surprise. Well written book depicting things that could happen to anyone living in Northern Ontario

heather

4 out of 5 starsGreat read

Reviewed in Canada on May 19, 2014

Format: Kindle Edition

Verified Purchase

I really enjoyed this book and all the diverse characters, including the personification of the road. One part near the end bothered me, otherwise I would have given it five stars.

Deb M.

4 out of 5 starsFour Stars

Reviewed in Canada on September 5, 2014

Format: Kindle Edition

Verified Purchase

Good Canadian location read and tugged the heartstrings.

Top reviews from other countries

Alan Black

5 out of 5 starsTragic and compelling

Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2014

Format: Kindle Edition

Verified Purchase

Austin has written a not so simple story, weaving the lives of multiple residents on Moose Road around one tragic accident that leaves no one on the road or in the nearby Northern Ontario Canada town untouched. The subplots tug at our desire to comfort some residents of this town with a hug and those same subplots yank at our exasperation switch yelling at us to slap sense into some of these same people. The main story cries for our attention and gets it.

Austin is able to show us one tragedy from every point of view except the moose. The characters are so real that I wonder what Austin's neighbors thought about having their secret lives dragged into the public view. I started this book just to have something to read in between my own chores. However... to heck with the chores, I finished the book in one sitting.

Mae Beth Williams

4 out of 5 starsHard to put down; leads to reflection perhaps

Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2014

Format: Kindle Edition

Verified Purchase

The first narrator, the road itself, reappears to provide commentary on the views and viewpoints of the families living in this rural community. Strong characterizations that are not stereotyped help the book develop thoughtfully. The Canadian setting added local flavor to a 'far north' setting. I found this book enjoyable - if you can say that about a tragedy...

MOOSE ROAD - a Canadian Tragedy is available on all Amazon sites. https://www.amazon.ca/Moose.../dp/B00FHP7SFS/ref=sr_1_1

SARA - a Canadian Saga - some reviews

 Some reviews of my very first novel, "Sara, a Canadian Saga."

Top reviews from Canada

Rhonda Woodworth-Tardif

4 out of 5 starsA very real story

Reviewed in Canada on August 26, 2014

Format: Kindle Edition

Verified Purchase

Sara, A Canadian Saga is a poignant story about life during the depression on Prince Edward Island, Canada. One feels the hopes and dreams, and also the disappointments of Rob and Sara. I found the story to be so real I wanted to give Rob a shaking for his temper tantrums and Sara for acting like her mother. Their love, through all their trials, was refreshing. The author didn't tell you they still loved one another, but showed it, which takes some skill. It's not an exciting, edge of your seat kind of story, but a story about people who seem so real they could be your mother or sister. People who do ordinary, stupid things. I found myself wishing that Rebecca could have seen the good things in her life before they were gone, but understanding how the same thing happens to so many people. The author does a great job of creating very real characters. I liked the story.

Nadia E. Toski

5 out of 5 starsExcellent!

Reviewed in Canada on March 21, 2014

Format: Paperback

Verified Purchase

So enjoyed reading this book! Very well written! My first time reading Audry Austin's books and will definitely read more of them!

Michelle cooper

5 out of 5 starsExcellent

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 27, 2014

Format: Kindle Edition

Verified Purchase

This is a superb book,the story of Sara and Roy is told so beautifully,I thoroughly enjoyed their story through their courtship to adulthood,it was nice to read,and couldn't put it down at times,Audrey has become one of my favorite authors,and I have already downloaded a couple of freebies of hers today and will be using my Prime library to download one each month in the future,well done for an excellent read.

Barbara Mojica

4 out of 5 starsSTRUGGLE TO SURVIVE

Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2014

Format: Kindle Edition

Verified Purchase

This novel of historical fiction begins in the maritime provinces in Canada in 1916. It features two protagonists Sara and Roy, who are both age ten at the time. The reader experiences their struggles as children determined to succeed in troubled families whose lives are complicated further by the Depression years. Roy vows to “make something of himself”: Sara works hard to be an independent woman able to support herself.

When Sara and Roy meet and fall in love, circumstances will force them into the same unhappy lives that plagued their parents. Sara’s father is broken by the loss of his business; Luke loses his mother and detests his father’s remarriage. After Roy and Sara marry, the economy will turn sour, Luke loses one job after another. Sara gives up her good secretarial job to follow Luke. Not long after children are born who turn out to be much like their bickering parents. Eventually, Sara and Roy will be separated as he is forced to move to the city of Toronto to find employment. Finally things seem to be improving economically, but their personal struggles intensify.

Despite the turmoil, their family seems to be able to overcome one obstacle after the other. Luke and Sara both have conflicting personalities which are mirrored in their offspring, yet the family always manages to survive, The novel ends in 1942 with Sara rediscovering her childhood journal and reflecting upon her life.

I enjoyed learning about the history of Canada during this time period. The characters are well developed and true to life. This novel is a wonderful coming of age book for children age twelve and older. It is realistic family fiction that is an engaging quick read. If you enjoy historical fiction with strong compelling characters, this book is a good choice.

SARA, a Canadian Saga is available in Kindle, Paperback, and Audiobook formats on all Amazon sites.

amazon.ca/Sara-Canadian-Saga-Audrey-Austin/dp/1492848697/ref=sr_1_1?crid=37BYTGIV07J24&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MP4KMXSq6XywuTpYeSmjnw.vT2HTWpLJcvDZkHoDCuGnf8GSXdIeLaCuejFe1XKq1Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+sara+a+Canadian+Saga&qid=1788401063&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+sara+a+canadian+saga%2Cstripbooks%2C136&sr=1-1

Paperback Cover

Audiobook cover