Remembering Brian with love and gratitude

On this day, three years ago, Brian left his suffering behind and I knew he was, at last, free from pain, and in a better place.  Always he is remembered with love and gratitude.

I will never forget my first date with Brian; a wonderful memory.  He had invited me out for dinner, and when he arrived at my door to pick me up I was totally impressed because in one hand he carried flowers and a bottle of red wine.  He was letting me know he was a romantic.  In his other hand he carried a red tool case prepared to get to work on something or other that, at the time, was broken in the house.  He had it all, and I knew he was the one for me.

He wore a big smile on his face and I loved his soft, British accent.  Before our very first dinner date was over, I knew we would be sharing a good future together.

Brian on his way to the 'Ki House'

  
Brian was an amazing gardener.  He had a green thumb and I learned so much from him.  He would not tolerate a weed and, by hand, he would spend hours getting those weeds out of the grass or gardens.  Together we turned our backyard into a place of rest and beauty.  Others on the garden tour also enjoyed the results of his efforts.  

Sam enjoying his journey through the backyard garden
made beautiful by Brian's green thumb.

A wonderful dog lover, together we cared for Dudley, for Ki, and for Sam & Lila.   He loved to walk the dogs and we used to walk all over town with Dudley and Ki; not so much with Sam and Lila.  We soon learned that they were a special challenge; especially our handsome Sam.

Brian and Ki were inseparable

Brian with Lila

Brian left me with many wonderful memories and one that stands out in my mind is the day we joined others as we protested against the gas chamber; the killing of lost or abandoned pets.   

Brian protesting the animal gas chamber here in town.

A quiet man, Brian had a brilliant, subtle sense of humour.   We shared many wonderful times over the years.  We were in agreement on major issues emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, practically, and even politically.   There was little we disagreed on.  Brian was always there for me.  No one could have been a greater support to me in my writing endeavours.  He assisted me with the editing of all my books.  He encouraged me to write, and  happily looked after the current fur baby plus the house & garden while I wrote.  He was with me at every book launch; always there with his camera to record the special events.

He was a wonderful, talented wood worker and he sold much of his craft through the art gallery in Sault Ste Marie.  He was also a very talented artist and today I treasure his paintings that hang on my wall.    

Brian loved my family and he was a loving, supportive father to his only son, Richard.

We shared our love, and I will always remember him with love.   He was definitely one of the good guys and I was blessed to share our years together.

Brian, always remembered with love & gratitude

I am grateful for all the wonderful years we shared together.  We both loved live theatre and we attended many shows.  We both loved movies and Brian was a good dancer.  Together we attended Sunday morning church services.  We did everything together yet we both encouraged and supported our alone time while I wrote my novels and he enjoyed his wood turning workshop. Brian enriched my life in every way. I am blessed with happy memories. 

Brian and me

Three years have passed but my memories of our life together will always be alive in my heart.  I am blessed to be living life to its fullest today, and, despite Covid-19, I look to the future with hope.  Life goes on and life is good.

Mom - always remembered with much love

Eva Ruby Austin (McNeil)

If my mother was alive today she would be 114 years old.  Today, August 9th, would be her birthday.  Named after the first woman, her name was Eva.  But she preferred to be called by her second pretty name which was Ruby.  Of course, I have never called her anything but Mom.

Eve is a figure in the Book of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible as well as a figure in the Quaran.  According to the origin story of the Abrahamic religions, she was the 'first woman'.  Eve is also known as Adam's wife.

Eva is a female given name, Latin for the English Eve, derived from a Hebrew name meaning 'life' or 'living one'.   It can also mean 'full of life' or 'mother of life'.

Mom was the mother of six lives.  I was the monkey in the middle with three older siblings, and two younger.

Mom was born in 1906.  That year, a massive earthquake shook San Francisco. Though the quake lasted less than a minute, its immediate impact was disastrous.  The earthquake and fires killed an estimated 3,000 people and left half of the city's 400,000 residents homeless.

Meanwhile in the quiet village of Tryon, Prince Edward Island, a little girl was born to loving parents, Elvina and Thomas McNeil.   She was a bright child with soft brown hair and inquisitive blue eyes; a little girl who liked to write stories and poems.

She completed high school and then received her diploma from a business college where she learned specific skills that led her into a career as legal secretary.  In those long ago days, it was uncommon for married women to work outside the home.  When Eva Ruby married my Dad, Guy Lester Austin, she no longer went out to work.   Instead her duties consisted only of those essential jobs women performed in the home; jobs such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, and child care.     In my mother's day it would have been rare that a man assisted with this work.

Mom was thirty-six years old the morning she gave birth to me; an at-home birth that took place in my mother's bedroom. I was her fourth child. Two years later my little brother was born and the year after that another sister arrived.  

Six kids and a house to look after, Mom was always busy.   When she did have a little free time she would write poetry.  A woman of faith she attended church service every Sunday.

Fashion for women in those days meant having house dresses; afternoon dresses; and Sunday go-to-meeting dresses.  Always well-dressed, I can still see my mother on her way to church carrying her Bible and her purse in white-gloved hands with a pretty veiled hat upon her head.

Difficult depression years tore my mother away from her family; her parents and siblings, on pretty Prince Edward Island.  Of financial necessity, she travelled with her then two children to be with her husband who had earlier left their island home to secure employment in Toronto, Ontario.  The final four, including yours truly, were born in Toronto.

At the age of 49 her husband died.  Alone to raise three children, since the oldest three had by then married and bought homes of their own, Mom was often lonely.  Her faith kept her strong: emotionally and spiritually strong, if not physically.  Angina and heart issues were her new challenge.  This was not surprising as she was a woman dealing with many powerful matters of the heart.

Mom's life focused on her home and her children.  She was a wonderful, loving mother who always put her children's needs well before her own.

Left to right back row: Ken, Eleanor, Muriel, Dad.  Front row: Mom, me, Linda, and Ray.
This was the last family photo taken before the passing of my Dad.

When all the children married and left home, she was sometimes lonely but always her faith kept her going.  Church services; church and family events provided her social life.  She had a wonderful sense of humour and today, even as I type, I can see her laughing so hard that the tears roll down her soft cheeks.

I treasure the book of poems, all written by her during her alone years.  She was always very adept with embroidery.   A very talented woman, she loved to sing and to play the organ; mostly old hymns or the down east music to which I grew up listening.

Mom died due to a heart attack at the age of eighty-four.   She was mine for forty-nine years so I was, indeed, blessed.   But the truth of the matter is that Mom has always been with me, and is with me today.   I feel her around me.  I remember times shared with her; the words she spoke; the way she made me feel; loved and important.

I was blessed to be the child of such a beautiful woman.  I know that everyone isn't as fortunate.  Mom was an ordinary woman who lived an ordinary life with extraordinary patience, love, and determination to ensure all was okay for her kids.

Left to right:  Dad, Mom, Linda, Audrey, Muriel, Ray, & Eleanor.  Brother Ken was behind the camera.
The days of antimacassars -- the pretty one on the sofa was one of many created by Mom. 

Always remembered with love and understanding.  

Happy Birthday in Heaven, Mom.  I love you always.  

SAMSON January, 2010 - July, 2020

Such a clever, good boy, my Sam!

"SAM"

"Samson"
January, 2010 - July, 2020

I said good-bye to my Sam today.  I can't describe the feelings I experienced as I carried the box into the house.  I placed it on the kitchen counter and for the second time since leaving Dr. Wannan's office I said aloud, "Sam in a box!"

Such an upsetting thought, my Sam in a box!  

He experienced too much confinement in his short life.  Feeling free and knowing he was loved played such a big part in this  little guy's transformation.

It wasn't easy opening the sealed plastic box but I persevered and, once it was open, I placed a few of Sam's ashes into some saran wrap.  I tied the small parcel with a pink ribbon.  I knew that Sam should have had a blue ribbon.  He was a courageous, brave little fellow.  Yes, it should have been blue, but all I could find was pink.

I placed Sam's tiny packet of ashes into the porcelain angel dish alongside the ashes of my beloved "Ki" then returned the angel to its place atop the kitchen cupboard.   I hope to take both with me when it's my turn.   My Dudley was not cremated. He was buried, so of him I will take only loving memory.   My little cat Sunny is also buried along with my little budgie, Sara.

Lila is with me as we head into the backyard where I sprinkle Sam's ashes .   He loved his backyard and today he was alive in my heart.  I could see him running, playing, or just resting in the tall, cool grass.

Sam resting on the cool grass just days before he had to leave.

I then proceeded to bury my Sam beside Brian's angel.   His ashes lay beneath the rock with Dudley's welcome puppy nearby.  I had a quiet chat with my Sam.  I felt his presence and I hope he could feel mine as I prayed.   I believe our pets go to Heaven.  If they don't, it's not a place I want to go either.   I believe our pets go to Heaven.

It's never easy to say good-bye to a loved one.  I love you, Sam, and you will never be forgotten.

Brian's Angel watches over.

Run free from pain, my handsome Sam. 

THE OBSERVER - His Eye is on The Sparrow

Book Cover on Paperback Edition

Book Cover on Kindle Edition

THE OBSERVER – His Eye is on the Sparrow is a story told by three generations of women; Karina, Anna, and Karen. I was privileged to meet these women throughout my NaNoWriMo writing experience in November of 2019. 

Three women, yet two souls, share their experiences. The story begins with Karina in Bangalore, India. She makes the challenging move to Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada and is overjoyed when her daughter, Anna is born. 

Time passes and sadly, Karina dies. Three days after Karina’s death, Anna’s daughter, Karen is born. 

Anna realizes that Karen is her grandmother all over again. Is this possible? Certainly, Karen believes that it is.These three women bless us with their understanding, knowledge, and experience of the Christian and the Hindu religions. Each woman lives her own separate life; 
has her own personal struggles; yet family patterns repeat. 

Karen’s search for authenticity enriches the story and, yes, a beautiful love story is woven throughout the pages.


Below is the Amazon link.  THE OBSERVER - His Eye is on theSparrow is available exclusively on Amazon.   However, if you are a reader living in Elliot Lake, I do have a few copies of this book 
on hand.  Please just message me for your copy.


https://www.amazon.ca/OBSERVER-His-Eye-Sparrow/dp/B0857CFLVL/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Audrey+Austin&qid=1596213613&s=books&sr=1-1

Here are some reviews received for The Observer - His Eye is on the Sparrow.  
Your review is most welcome on Amazon and on Goodreads.


Audrey, I wanted to tell you that I found your book, a good read.  First, that you set 
the book here in Elliot Lake, in the familiar, and also at the Yorkdale area, which is 
familiar, made for an immediate identification.  I've not experienced that before.

I love how you passed on the names between the generations of women.

And the story is so much one of a search for identity, the who am I, or
can I be both? 
I have just started reading a book called "White Fragility" about racism, 
and so the quest of your women to know who they are and what to believe,
is so timely in today's context, especially for people who come from 
mixed heritage.

And yet, can we be both Christian and Hindu?  And is God, the mysterious
one, beyond our total knowing, above, beyond the various creeds.  
Your book provokes deep thinking and reflection.  Thanks for writing it
and sharing it.

May we all continue to learn and grow in the spirit.

Rev. Cory Vermeer-Cuthbert

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautifully written story.

Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2020

Verified Purchase

I purchased this for myself. It is an incredibly beautifully written story. I devoured this 
book in just over a day. Characters and story line would make a wonderful play in this
person's humble opinion. Well worth your time to read. Enjoy my fellow and lady
book worms. -- Chuck Forget.

Good morning...I just finished reading your book "The Eye is on the Sparrow". 
WOW!!!  You have awesome talent...A most enjoyable read...don't know how 
you do it..where your ideas come from and how you put them all in words...
incredible creative writing...thank you. -- Lucy Ann Spence

I'm grateful for a sweet little lady who penned a delightful, easy to read story, and is
responsible for the fact that I read an entire book.....in one week.....after many, MANY 
years of not reading. 

Thank you, my dear, sweet little lady and friend!!!.  Ann Foy.

Creative writing is my passion.  I love to write and I truly hope you enjoy reading 
my work.

THE OBSERVER - His Eye is on theSparrow is my most recent publication.  It joins 
many other publications --  short stories, novellas, poetry, personal growth guides, 
and, of course, novels.  

All my work is available for your reading pleasure exclusively on all Amazon sites.

Thanks for visiting my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Cover on Paperback edition

Cover on Kindle edition                            

THE OBSERVER - His Eye is on The Sparrow

THE OBSERVER – His Eye is on the Sparrow is a story told by three generations of women; Karina, Anna, and Karen. I was privileged to meet these women throughout my NaNoWriMo writing experience in November of 2019. Three women, yet two souls, share their experiences. 

The story begins with Karina in Bangalore, India. She makes the challenging move to Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada and is overjoyed when her daughter, Anna is born. Time passes and sadly, Karina dies. Three days after Karina’s death, Anna’s daughter, Karen is born. Anna realizes that Karen is her grandmother all over again. Is this possible? Certainly, Karen believes that it is.

These three women bless us with their understanding, knowledge, and experience of the Christian and the Hindu religions. Each woman lives her own separate life; has her own personal struggles; yet family patterns repeat. 

Karen’s search for authenticity enriches the story and, yes, a beautiful love story is woven throughout the pages.

1https://www.amazon.ca/OBSERVER-His-Eye-Sparrow-ebook/dp/B0854BRFX8/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Audrey+Austin&qid=1595638713&s=books&sr=1-1

Available exclusively on Amazon in both Kindle and Paperback formats.

SAMSON --- January 16, 2010 - July 6 - 2020

SAMSON

"Samson, Hebrew Shimshon, legendary Israelite warrior and judge, or divinely inspired leader, renowned for the prodigious strength that he derived from his uncut hair. He is portrayed in the biblical Book of Judges (chapters 13–16)".

My Samson was not so renowned as the powerfully strong leader after whom he was named.   But my Samson lived up to his name.  A very strong, often willful, little guy, he was a leader, and there is no question that he ruled our home.  My Sam ruled. 

My handsome Sam, always remembered with love.

Samson was born, I am told, January 16th, 2010.  Tri-coloured tan, brown, and white, male Chihuahua is what I read on the health record that arrived with him at my home.  I would describe him as black, tan, brown, and white; not that his colour was of great importance.  A very handsome young fellow he was and, for me, it was love at first sight.  Along with his sister, Princess Delilah, Samson was a beloved family member.

Despite my love for Samson, whose name was very soon shortened to Sam, I was the recipient of much baring of teeth, many growls and painful bites.  My Sam was not a happy puppy the day he arrived.

I was bitten so very often that, within a month of his arrival, I made the decision that Sam must be returned to the Manitoulin Rescue.  Once my decision was made, I began to cry and the tears would not stop.  He was my boy, and to give up on him was heart breaking.   I just could not do it.

His first visit to meet veterinarian, Dr. Wannan, informed me that my Sam had arthritis which was very painful and, for this reason, Metacam was prescribed.    I also learned that Sam was in need of some dental work.

Another appointment was made and on December 13, 2016 Sam was sedated.  The needed dental work was carried out.  Sam, throughout the three years he lived with me, was under the care of Dr. Wannan.   Sam was always on his best behaviour on these vet visits and, fortunately,  Dr. Wannan was never on the receiving end of a bite.

In fact, fortunately, no one but me and Brian was bitten.    Brian and Sam did not get along well in the earliest days.   Sam and I did not get along well either.  Unfortunately, Brian passed away August 29, 2017 and did not have the months and years with Sam as I did to witness the amazing transformation that took place within him.

Sam and Lila.  Sam  loved to show off his skill of sitting pretty. Such a clever boy!

Throughout the three short years that Sam and I shared, he experienced a few health concerns.   In May, 2018 Sam had difficulty urinating; often unable to urinate.  On May 15th, 2018 a Urinalysis was done by Dr. Wannan along with some radiology. Radiographs were done but nothing was discovered to explain Sam's problems.   In time, the issue corrected itself, and once again Sam was having no difficulty.

In October, 2018 Sam had another tooth removed; this time the tooth was hanging loose so it was not a major procedure as he experienced prior.    Again his teeth were cleaned and polished.

Sam always received his vaccinations and wonderful care from the Elliot Lake Animal Hospital, but his arthritis caused him great difficulty.  Sometimes his hind legs would just give up on him and he, for short periods of time, could not walk.   Despite his daily dose of Metacam, he was often in arthritic pain.

Usually this inability to walk would last for less then five minutes.   But in early 2020, Sam experienced a difficult time where his legs gave out and he was unable for several hours to stand.   

Health issues like this were the basis for his grumpiness and often he would feel growly.  He had me well trained and I knew that when my little guy felt under the weather what he most preferred was to be left alone.   I respected my little guy's wishes but my eye was always on him. 

Sam was never the pup to sit on my knee or to cuddle, but I was gifted by many displays of great affection from my boy.   I sat hands and knees on the floor, Sam loved to hide himself below me.   He would snuggle into me and sometimes I would even receive a kiss from him.  I always allowed Sam to be the initiator of these playful, affectionate times.

Sam loved to sit on his little sofa.  He would look at me.  I would blink my eyes and he would do the same.  I knew he was saying 'I love you too'.

Sam loved his bed & though the two beds were identical, he would often want the one that Lila chose.

Sam loved his sister, Princess Delilah, (Lila).   He would often cozy up to her, and with his little tongue he would clean Lila's ears.   They were always together.  They usually got along well but sometimes Sam would steal his sister's food so I had to keep a sharp eye on them at meal times.

Sam loved to run and play in the backyard.  As he became older, and not feeling well, he loved to sit on the cool grass.

Sam loved to lay on the cool grass.

I telephoned Dr. Wannan the evening of July 5th, 2020.  Sam was not well.  At first I thought it was the extreme heat that was getting him down.   He was vomiting.  He had diareah with some blood in the stool.   He lost his appetite and when he drank his water, he would soon spit it out again.   Sam was very lethargic and I grew concerned.  My life became a prayer and I was grateful to Facebook friends and family who, once again, kept my Sam in prayer.

The morning of Tuesday July 6th, 2020 an x-ray was taken, and when Dr. Wannan showed it to me, I cried.  I knew it was time to say good-bye to my good boy.  A large tumor filled his little tummy.  What pain he must have endured despite the daily Metacam treats. 

This type of stomach cancer is a silent killer.   By the time the symptoms appear it is too late to save the life of a little dog.  

What a brave, strong, and wonderful little fellow my Sam was.  To some, he may not have been thought of as a good boy, but to me, knowing how much his behaviour transformed over the three short years we shared together, he was my little angel; such a very good boy.

I learned so much from him.  And I loved him.  I love him still and I miss him.

He did not have the best life that every little dog deserves, but at least, thank God, his last three years were filled with love, care, and attention.  And to this he responded.  We grew to understand and to respect each other.  

Sam was only 10 1/2 years old when he made his trip to the rainbow bridge.   He left behind his sister, the lovely Princess Delilah.   And now my lovely Lila is the focus of my life.  But Sam will always be loved, always remembered with a smile, and always missed with a tear.   

My Sam was a Samson, strong; always wanting to be good but not always succeeding.  He left his mark.   If I could bring him back, I would.  But now I hold onto my faith and trust that my Sam is in a better place, finally free from all pain,   

Lila and Sam

Life is good and life goes on.

My beautiful Sam joins my adorable Dudley and my handsome Ki.

"Ki"

Dudley

Our four-legged friends deserve the best.   We have made them dependent upon us and it is up to us to give them the love, attention, and care that each one deserves.  They offer love, unconditional love; a kind of love of which humans are incapable.    Our four-legged friends are family.  It is up to us to respect them.  They touch our lives and change us forever.  It is never easy to say good-bye.  

Sir Samson: 2010 - 2020

Thank you to all who have kept my handsome Sam in prayer. This morning, with Dr. Wannan's caring assistance, my Sam had to leave us. My heart is broken. Lila & I will always remember him with great love and affection. He was my 'special needs' boy - often grumpy and growly - but much more often so very loving and protective. After his first month with me three years ago, I thought I would need to return him. Today I am grateful I kept him close, despite the growls and bites, because he has been an amazing teacher; a loving family member; and very protective of me. We grew to understand each other and together we experienced the true transformational power of love. He was my good boy. I love you forever and always, Sam.

The Strange New World In Which I Find Myself - 13

This is my thirteenth blog post since the commencement of self-isolation due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Today is Friday, July 3rd, 2020.   I always like to say or type the numbers 2020 because these numbers automatically cause me to think of the words, 'clear vision'.

I would like to say I have clear vision, however, if I am truthful, I'm feeling quite confused when it comes to Covid-19, my self-isolation, and my life as I am living it in this moment.  I am in no hurry to leave home.  I just do not feel quite ready.   I question myself as to whether I am being an extremist.  I'm not sure.

To date there have been 10.9 million confirmed cases globally; 105,000 confirmed cases in Canada; 35,535 confirmed cases in Ontario; and to my knowledge the number of confirmed cases in my small town of Elliot Lake remains at zero.

We are doing well here in Canada and in my home province.  I am proud to be Canadian.  As I understand it, the number of cases has flatlined and each new day there is a decline in the number of new cases.    I am very grateful for the leadership we receive federally, provincially, and locally.    

Where I feel alarm is when I hear the statistics reported regarding our neighbour south of us.  I'm not surprised that the number of confirmed cases in the U.S. has reached 2.8 million.  Nor am I surprised to learn that their number of confirmed cases is on the rise.   I'm not surprised because, from what I can understand, they lack leadership.   I can only hope and pray that the border between our countries remains closed until the situation in the U.S. shows some evidence of  improvement.

I have been singing my way throughout the pandemic.  To date I have recorded more than 200 old songs and favourite old hymns.   I've encouraged friends to join SingSnap.  It's free and it's fun.  A few times I've posted on Facebook my 'Song for Sunday'.    I don't pretend to be a 'singer' but I do love to sing.  And I encourage all my friends to do what they love.  Life is short.  The older I become the more my awareness of this simple fact heightens.

I am also continuing on-line studies through Udemy.  I hope to make good use of the knowledge gained through these courses in my work once my life returns to some semblance of normal.

Because we are handling the Covid-19 pandemic so well here in Elliot Lake, I've felt comfortable loosening the reins on my actions a little.  I've enjoyed the visits by clergy, by family, and by very close friends.  And, of course, my best friend, Chuck, is here daily. I can't say enough about how helpful and inspirational he is in my life.   He's my personal "Mr.  Fix-it"  and my personal "Mr. Positive".    I don't know what I'd do without this loving man in my life.  Thank you for being who you are, Chuck. 

I continue to feel grateful and appreciative of the City of Elliot Lake's Age-Friendly grocery shopping and delivery service.   I have not seen the inside of a store of any description since back in March.

Later on today I will venture into town and into a shop for the first time.    I haven't even been into town in weeks so I'm left wondering, do I wear a mask?   Will there be any problem with social distancing?

Simultaneously, since I understand there are no Covid-19 cases in our little Elliot Lake, I am forced to ask myself why I feel the need to ask the questions?       

In addition to pandemic concerns, I'm bothered very much by the extreme heat we are experiencing these past few days.   Unfortunately, I'm allergic to air conditioning.  Even though I have two fans operating I still feel the humidity in the house.   I'm very grateful for the slightest breeze when I venture out onto my front porch or onto the deck in the backyard.

I think next year, allergy or not, I may need to consider the prospect of having air conditioning installed.

I've done very little creative writing throughout the pandemic however I look forward to NaNoWriMo again in November.  I've already begun just a little bit of characterization and I have thought a little bit about the setting for the novel I plan to write in 2020.

Thank you to everyone who has purchased a copy of my latest novel, The Observer - His Eye is on the Sparrow.   And special thanks for the complimentary and positive feedback I have received from several of my readers.

I had originally planned a Book Launch Bash to introduce this book July 10th.  Of course, this big bash will not be happening.  In anticipation of it, I did purchase several copies for resale at the launch.    Thanks to all who have bought a copy.  I still have some copies on  hand here at home.  I sell all my books on Amazon and don't usually try to make sales personally here in town.  But this year it is an exception.   I hope you will want a copy, and if you do, please just contact me and we can arrange for pick up or delivery.  Much appreciated, thank you.

Throughout this period of isolation I've felt very grateful for my home, my front porch, and my backyard.       And I am, as always, grateful for my caring, supportive friends and family.

I still plan to offer a 'Getting High On Life" workshop for women.  The topics will be Emotional Healing and Being Authentic.  The proposed date is September 21st, 2020 and our location will once again be the meeting room at our local library.     I truly hope life will allow this workshop to go forward, and I look forward to seeing you there.

Life is good and life goes on.   My Sam & Lila are doing well, even throughout this heat wave. They spend most of their time sleeping when they are not on the front porch barking at all who dare to pass.   How dare other dogs walk on their sidewalk?   Sam and Lila are little handfuls.  They are now half-way to their eleventh birthdays.   I cherish the time we spend together and I'd be lost without them.

When the time is right, and I hope it will be soon, personal counseling will continue.  Love and light to my current clients.  I have missed  you.

I hope all who read this are doing okay; dealing positively with this strange new world in which we find ourselves.

I believe this 'time out' from our regular busy lives does offer each one of us the opportunity to truly find ourselves; to make decisions and choices.   Which behaviours and actions will we choose to keep post-covid-19, and which will we be able to let go?   I am learning much about myself in this strange new world and I feel grateful for the up-side of these challenging weeks.

Thanks once again for listening to my rambling.

I love you all.

Audrey.  

ABUNDANCE - a short story - Free Sunday, July 5th in the Kindle Store

Ellen is distraught. Financial worry and loneliness are making her frantic. When Jethro Tunkel arrives at her backyard gate she is puzzled and fearful but not for long. Ellen does not realize it but with Jethro comes abundance. If you enjoy this short story you will love my novel titled "Ellen and The Hummingtree"

Abundance - a short story - is free in the Kindle Store for your reading pleasure on Sunday, July 5, 2020.

Check it out:   https://www.amazon.ca/ABUNDANCE-short-story-excerpt-Hummingtree-ebook/dp/B00IJGQMZ4/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Audrey+Austin+Abundance&qid=1593780785&s=books&sr=1-1   

Thanks for visiting my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin        and thank you very much for your positive reviews.