RECOMPENSE - an excerpt

 RECOMPENSE - an excerpt

PAGE 20-21

My mother's white Baptist face shone like a bright star in a deep dark sky. She was the only white woman who attended our church. People accepted my mother's whiteness more readily than they accepted me. I sat between my black father and my white mother on a hard wooden chair. I was neither here nor there. I felt different from everyone and often I wished I were invisible. It was difficult to avoid sin when I was deemed by the clergy and most of the congregation to be one.

When I reached my early teens I wasn't into athletic sports or rough-housing like most of the other boys my age though I did admire their prowess. I knew I was not like the other boys in this way but what seemed of greater concern to me was that I did not want to be like them.  I preferred to share my time alone with a good book. I began to write little stories and journaling was something in which I began to take a great interest.

Of course I was not blind and I could see the young girls as they travelled along the road in their school uniforms. If I were to choose a girl I would not necessarily choose the most beautiful or the most clever.  No, I would choose a girl who was more interested in things like cooking or sewing.

Girls seemed to accept me as a friend but no girl ever showed any interest in having me as a boyfriend. I loved to listen to the girls talk about how a boy kissed them or how he behaved with them on dates. While these girls dreamed and shared their desires I simply buried my own. .............

RECOMPENSE is available on all Amazon sites in both Kindle and Paperback formats.  You can find it on my Amazon Author's Page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

OR directly at https://www.amazon.ca/Recompense-novella-Audrey-Austin/dp/1500503010/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1I84WDRAA2D9X&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FbEUoSHjD32_Xocixga_pYTgOgO7J00EDHYYcY5I7sjGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.t63fDT-j_NQsg-gbBuPIrUsGKTi0GiJYyThvC0Nmdjc&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+recompense&qid=1771686362&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+recompense%2Cstripbooks%2C116&sr=1-1

POETRY FROM A to Z - an excerpt

 POETRY FROM A to Z - an excerpt

PAGE 15 - 18  

This is a poem I wrote way back in 1994 and it was then published by a Toronto magazine titled Empowerment Magazine.

BEYOND TIME

In motionless silence

the mad woman travels to places that do not exist

impatient, she sleeps

by the still water pool

awaiting the touch

of the wise loving fool

And suddenly now

he is holding her close

aware, she's no longer herself

the wise fool's at peace

in this strange private land

the mad woman places her life

in his hand

Why are you? she whispers

with eyes that are open

be with it he silently pleads

I carry the key

it will unlock all fear

we've travelled far

to possess what is near

He unlocks her soul

which unites with her own

and drowns in an ocean of lust

she cries when she wakens

dear God, set me free

let me have here on earth 

what is destined to be

Walk in peace, Go commands

wear a clever disguise

respect your brother and sister

what in timelessness thrives

cannot happen on earth

the wise fool belongs to another

In motionless silence 

the mad woman travels

to places that cannot be found

the wise fool enquires

of tall tree of knowledge

will we meet

the next time around

And God in his heaven

enjoys the cruel joke

how wondrous his power

how heavy the yoke

rebellious and willful

yet true to God's rule

the mad woman travels

to meet the wise fool.

POETRY FROM A to Z is available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites.  You can find it on my Amazon Author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

OR directly at https://www.amazon.ca/Poetry-Z-Audrey-Austin/dp/150098910X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=126NUOWEWDY5O&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Y4grRz-h0G8CDWP4uIdKcb3lm74ziGYAClccg03srUnp60qA3WoCLn4LHfvl7cim6kzSCHT1PgKZunzxqmhUGjm9JSfu6l8nX3Ws9itlpXw.42ZHBXQBJqec7Q8naX3Xj4e_DydbGsKEac1ezcC0SUE&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+poetry+from+a+to+z&qid=1771600831&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+poetry+from+a+to+z%2Cstripbooks%2C114&sr=1-1

ELLEN and The Hummingtree - an excerpt

 ELLEN and the Hummingtree - an excerpt

PAGE 18 - 19

I'm old but I'm not ancient yet. In spite of the cataracts that cloud my vision, when I look at my face in the magnifying mirror that sits on my bathroom shelf over the sink I can see that it comprises a myriad of wrinkles. If I can convince myself to take the time in order to focus I can actually see that each one of my wrinkles is more like an artist's ink drawing of a deeply carved, long, winding road. And I believe that each road exists because of its own story to tell and I believe that at the end of each road is another tale waiting to be shared.

Yes, with age, the body bumps and weighted wrinkles have increased. Indeed they have multiplied but I've often thought that, in His wisdom, God's goodness has allowed my optical vision to simultaneously decrease.

Leave it to man to interfere with God's plans by inventing a seven times magnifying mirror!

In any event I know that I had better befriend old age because he is moving in whether I like it or not. The good Lord knows I don't want to be developing any new enemies at this stage of the game.

And now here I am, sidetracked again. Let me get back to my story.

I started collecting stones at an early age and today I am the proud owner of a wonderful, large stone collection. The larger stones are scattered around and about the house in the front and backyard gardens. Those which are the size of my hand or smaller fill the large plastic bowl that sits atop the ornamental elephant in my living-room.

As a shy and often awkward child I somehow thought I could find myself; my true, confident, talented and clever self in the stones. When I held one in my hand I could feel its pulsing surge of power. I loved and continue to love stones and as a child, knowing their power, I could only imagine how much more powerful a rock would be.

Everyone, even a child, knows rocks are greater, more powerful, than stones.  I knew that a rock was something I could depend on. Rocks are hard and solid. A rock would never let me down; never disappoint me the way my daddy did. Rocks don't die.

ELLEN and the Hummingtree is  available on all Amazon sites in both Kindle and Paperback formats.  You will find it on my Amazon Author's Page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

OR directly at https://www.amazon.ca/ELLEN-HUMMINGTREE-Audrey-Austin/dp/1926614674/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3B6NKERO9AWIP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.JcIT7S9JcTSZVLHWqqDYTF0hzo9XJ0-PxTIby6Z3j67GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.-VYloX8XPD0Zl1Nxd5r6GLVlMcO3EdymDVCTE91L_4E&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+ellen+and+the+hummingtree&qid=1771515219&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+ellen+and+the+hummingtree%2Cstripbooks%2C140&sr=1-1

KEEPING IT SIMPLE - Imagine Being Whole - an excerpt

 KEEPING IT SIMPLE - Imagine Being Whole - an excerpt

PAGE 98 - 101

You may be wondering how nice person can be the name of a negative emotional issue. Generally speaking a well-balanced, emotionally healthy individual is one who is able to feel and express in a healthy way all of his wide-ranging feelings. Perhaps sometimes he is nice but sometimes he is not. It is expected that a healthy human being has access to and free, healthy expression of an extremely wide range of emotions.

There are those among us who feel the need to appear as always a nice person.   If this is you then you may be described as being nice, sweet, charming, friendly, always nice, nice, nice and nice.  If this describes you then you will not know how to deal with anyone who is not nice.  You will see the world through rose-coloured glasses and strive to keep the world at a distance. You can be so entrenched in niceness that when anything at all gets out of kilter you will know it is not your fault. How could it be? You are always so nice. You will keep your cool when all around you are losing it. You will walk away and leave the room when unpleasantness occurs.

You don't want to hear about any so-called not nice feelings in another; for example, anger, sadness or fear.  It is certain you will never admit that you ever feel those feelings.

The truth is you probably don't. You are afraid of these feelings and strive to keep them buried within. You will always have a kind word to say as long as there are no difficult issues with which to deal.

This so-called nice person will look for the nearest bitch to take care of it for him.

Nice people avoid confrontation. And nice people truly believe that they are always nice. No one could ever accuse them of being otherwise.

But it is rare, indeed, that this person will find the courage to go within to discover what is often evident to others about them and that is the motivation behind all this niceness.

These people wear their niceness like a suit of armor to keep all unpleasantness away.

These nice people always ensure that they have someone in their lives to take care of those things that are not so nice. The individual who coined the phrase, Beware the nice guy! is offering timely advice.

Meditation with the focus on the Solar Plexus Chakra will give the nice practitioner an opportunity to look within and to observe the rigidity of this so-called niceness.

If you feel this issue applies to you then, if you choose, it is possible to get in touch with deeper feelings and emotions through psychospiritual therapy.

You can discover the potential to transform into a real person with a wide range of emotions available for you to use in the expression of your true essence, your true identity.  You can begin to understand that it is not always nice to be nice.

KEEPING IT SIMPLE - Imagine Being Whole is available on all Amazon sites in both Kindle and Paperback formats.  You can find this book on my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

OR directly at https://www.amazon.ca/KEEPING-SIMPLE-Imagine-Being-Whole/dp/0978023838/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3SJTO2J68QBOF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wAkOhsE7Cqaky74BHeslAg.JfOZ0Hl2IEdKA7MDhwRB-W1VkN_UlHhDWJERMyACEbU&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+keeping+it+simple&qid=1771451769&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+keeping+it+simple%2Cstripbooks%2C149&sr=1-1

SOCIAL STUDIES, BOOK THREE, Weaving Alice - an excerpt

 SOCIAL STUDIES, BOOK THREE - Weaving Alice - an excerpt

Chanti's Escape - page 38 - 41

By the time I was seven I would carry the bucket to the public water tap. Clean water was not always readily available. If we were lucky we would have water on alternate days but most often the tap would be running once a week. On the days when water was available I would fill the bucket and carry it back to our home.

If I spilled even a drop of water my mother would shout, "Stupid child! Stupid child, watch what you are doing!"

My father had a softer side and he would always step in to protect me from my mother's wicked tongue lashing.  His name Mahavir, I came to learn, meant great hero and throughout my childhood and even longer my father was just that to me.

My earliest memories of my home town of Nawada are vague. Nawada is located in the larger area of South Bihar in India. The residents of Nawada live on both sides of the River Khuri. The right bank was more modern and it was there that one would see government buildings, manufacturing plants, and other important places. We lived on the left bank; the older part of town and it was here that one would see pitted roads, piles of garbage, open drains and stagnant pools of water.

In Nawada an observer would see many street urchins. Child labour was customary but not all children were fortunate to have a job. I was more fortunate than most of the other children in South Bihar. I was neither a child labourer nor a street urchin. My father who worked as a potter provided well for my mother and for me, his only child. My name Chanti means peace  and apart from my mother's sporadic rantings and ravings, it was with peace thaat my childhood years were filled. No one ever laid a hand on me in anger......

CHANTI'S ESCAPE  is one of 12 short stories in SOCIAL STUDIES, BOOK THREE, Weaving Alice.   You will find this book in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites.  My Amazon Author's Page is found at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin 

Or directly at https://www.amazon.ca/SOCIAL-STUDIES-Three-Weaving-Eleven/dp/099371630X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=H94ZAG42EI4C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.85vuDUhvhebgA7L94Ux-Ew.yoaHWXSJHbp-EdQuGytobiQYnW_d7094CN7PaKsuYGQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=audrey+austin+social+studies+book+three+weaving+alice&qid=1771342343&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+social+studies+book+three+weaving+alic%2Cstripbooks%2C118&sr=1-1

SOCIAL STUDIES, BOOK TWO - Shattered and Broken - an excerpt

 SOCIAL STUDIES, BOOK TWO - Shattered and Broken - an excerpt

PASSION FOR STAYING PUT - PAGE 25 - 27

In a dimly lit corner of the sitting room Arthur sits, book in hand. His long, string bean body is stretched out in an old, faded lazy-boy chair that used to be maroon but now borders on a shabby pink. "Turn the lamp on. You'll ruin your eyes trying to read in this light! Storms coming!" I send the double warning his way but he demonstrates his usual selective hearing.

Arthur Fletcher pays me not the slightest mind. I cross the room and turn the lamp on. When I approach him I watch as he raises his right hand and with a quick jig of his index finger he pushes his eyeglasses into a more comfortable ridge atop his bulbous nose. "Nothing wrong with my eyes, mother."

"If there isn't, there soon will be! And I'm not your mother!"

"Now that is a fact. My mother knew how to keep quiet when a fellow was trying to read. I'm smart enough to know that."

"Every man is smart until he says something! And you better watch what you're saying if you want supper on the table tonight."

"With a sigh he lays his book aside. I'm just joshing with you, Marion, but I confess you are very proficient at getting on my nerves. Woman, don't you know you are getting me all riled up? You keep talking away while you know darn well I'm trying to read. What's the matter with you today, Marion? You're as jumpy as a virgin at a prison rodeo."

"You mind your tongue!" I snap.

I turn my back on my husband and walk over to stand before the living room's large picture window. The pounding in my head gives way to a pulsing ache.

I take a deep breath in an effort to still my mind. At last I am quiet with the view from my window.

My vacant stare barely takes in the green grass or the branches of the Maple tree as they bend in a breeze that I can tell is determined to become a strong wind. The sky is black. I don't want to look at its anger. I want release from my own.

I keep my eyes focused on the Maple standing tall on the front lawn between our house and the country road. I don't want to remember the road and I'm glad I can't see it from here. And I don't want to remember the swing that used to hang from the Maple's strong, inviting, outstretched limb. Instead I allow my mind to drift back to a better time when life was worth living; when my life held meaning and its name was Jennifer.

SOCIAL STUDIES, BOOK TWO - Shattered and Broken is available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites.  You can find it on my Amazon Author's Page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Or you can find it directly at  https://www.amazon.ca/SOCIAL-STUDIES-Shattered-Broken-Eleven/dp/0978023897/ref=sr_1_1?crid=158GJV11SKNC4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IyTeI4dKFIOvw1o2oWkhSBPeuJogsaTGC7_2RcO_cR0.8WJ-JVALlMh3cCAkhFS8vXAdjgtj_c9aHYq3didDJEI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+social+studies+book+two+shattered+and+broken&qid=1771257173&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+social+studies+book+two+shattered+and+broken%2Cstripbooks%2C114&sr=1-1

SOCIAL STUDIES, Book One, Dying to be Popular

SOCIAL STUDIES, Book One - Dying to be Popular

an excerpt from Daniel's Destiny  Page 37-39

Although the strange animal was much bigger than Daniel, he did not appear to be threatening in any way such as the nervous, hungry cats had been.

Fortunately Daniel's wound was not severe and already the blood was beginning to coagulate. He decided he would refrain from licking it. Instead he would leave well enough alone.

Daniel knew nothing of dog breeds. He didn't know that this large creature was a German Shepherd. What he did recognize was that this was a dog; a dog, though larger, not very different from himself. He allowed the big dog to enjoy his sniffing and he didn't object when the big fellow wanted to sidle up against him.  In fact he rather enjoyed the warmth and the sidling reminded him of the petting he had often received with pleasure from his mistress.

The big dog barked and maneuvered playfully as he moved away from Daniel, treading further down the alley. Daniel didn't hesitate for long.  Indeed, he fancied the company and, short tail wagging, he accepted the Shepherd's invitation to follow.

The German Shepherd led Daniel into a narrow walk-way which ran between two faded brick buildings. This small space was protected from the elements by the high walls on either side which were topped by roof overhangs which kept the walk-way dry in the most inclement weather and at the front there was a large commercial sign which prevented anyone from entering the walk-way from the city street. The only small opening was off the alley. It was the home of the German Shepherd. Daniel discovered that this home was shared by a sensible, shiny black lab; a long, short-legged but very affectionate Beagle, and a placid Collie dog with pointed nose and long, thick hair.

Daniel could not believe his good fortune. He was welcomed by the other dogs. Some might say these animals were homeless but Daniel was a smart Jack Russell and he recognized that this walk-way could be and would be his new home.

By following his room-mates' example, Daniel learned in no time at all to forage in the garbage cans behind the city shops. He learned how to climb along the ledge of a fence to the top of the big, blue dumpster behind the Fairview Restaurant. Just like his friends, he found meat-covered bones and often delicious morsels of steak, roast beef, fish and chicken. He had watched how his new brothers and sisters foraged and he learned to carry the food in his mouth back to their shared home in the walk-way.

In his new world Daniel learned many lessons but the one he valued most was the knowledge that dog was dog's best friend. He was unaware that Alice looked down from above. She was grateful that she had made the right decision and not left his fate in the hands of uncaring humans who no longer provided no-kill shelters for unwanted or homeless animals.    Daniel missed Alice and her caring ways but .........

SOCIAL STUDIES, Book One, Dying to be Popular is available in Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites.  You can find it on my Amazon Author's Page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Or directly at https://www.amazon.ca/SOCIAL-STUDIES-Dying-Popular-Eleven/dp/0978023889/ref=sr_1_1?crid=UORFAUXDASD0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.yIDKNt6R1LSNHQkNulz5N8K7TJDIHJy0kS1OjD8mTM7GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.kuXh_cIcQeFDfp5GReVrBwY2oAoourJvIrJCiO0ffVA&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+social+studies+book+one+dying+to+be+popular&qid=1771180028&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+social+studies+book+one+dying+to+be+popular%2Cstripbooks%2C115&sr=1-1

Social Studies trilogy of Short Story Anthologies

BEYOND THE BLUE - a coming-of-age novella

 BEYOND THE BLUE - an excerpt

Page 21 - 22

"What happened to your head, Tony?"

"Nothing! Nothing unusual anyway!"

"Oh, no,  not Jerry's gang again?"

"Yep. So what else is new, eh?"

"Forget about them! Do you want to come to my place for a while after school?" David invited. "We've got a television now and the aerial went up on the roof yesterday. It's fantastic! We could watch The Mickey Mouse Club together."

"I wish I could, David. Boy, you sure are lucky to have a television. Sure do wish we had one too but now that I don't have my dad anymore my mom can barely afford to pay the rent on our house, never mind buying anything as great as a television set."

"Well, come on over and watch it with me."

"Can't David. It's Monday and on Mondays my mom always works a shift at the Dominion Store. I promised to look after Leona and Ronald until she gets home at six."

"Come tomorrow after school then. My mom says you can come over anytime you want. You could even stay for supper if you wanted. You're lucky to have a brother and sister. In our house, it's just me. The only companion I have is my television set it seems."

"I will if I can, David. You think I'm lucky? You're the lucky one! No other kids so you get all the stuff you want and you got a dad to get out there and play catch with you and do all kinds of good stuff together."

"Yeah, I got a dad all right," David admitted, "but it seems he's always working late. Says he needs to work a lot to provide all the good stuff like television sets and aerials so I don't see a lot of him. Mom's okay but she doesn't know much about the kinds of games  you and I could play together. She's what my dad calls a girly-girl. She's never taken an interest in boy stuff."

"Well, I'd like to come over, David, and I would if I could but if I don't get home in a hurry Lord knows what the young ones will be getting into in the house. If they make a mess you know it's me who will never hear the end of it."

Despondent but accepting David replied, "Okay, I get it. See you in school tomorrow, Tony." He carefully crossed the street and turned a corner on his way to his home.

Anthony smartly stepped up his pace. Between the horrible hassle with the bullies and the time spent talking with David somehow a half hour had slipped by. Lord knows what those kids are getting into, he worried.

BEYOND THE BLUE  -  a coming-of-age novella is available in Kindle, Paperback, and Audiobook formats on all Amazon sites.  You will find it on my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Or directly at https://www.amazon.ca/Beyond-Blue-coming-age-novella/dp/1500458341/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ND1NS0TPR5BD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Sd5188LAaj2IK7s3-XJ-q7in5k9eo0tkl9D9vOkgQ4A9_ww-78T56UyYDxyIFXTMThVqDhZ6brz0ZrUgiSm6GA.KiDcHc4Es0t4GiOMpNxYEQjTPGpPdNGRFXpoClyeE2A&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+Beyond+the+Blue&qid=1771090822&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+beyond+the+blue%2Cstripbooks%2C113&sr=1-1

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DINNER AT SEVEN - a romantic novel - an excerpt

 DINNER AT SEVEN  - a romantic novel - an excerpt

PAGE 24 - 25

And now it is nine-fifteen. With the precious portfolio under my arm I leave my apartment. I drive the ten blocks to Carpenter and Associates where I find Derek anxiously awaiting me in the conference room.

"Good morning, Marsha. You look sensational! We have a few minutes before they arrive; come, sit down and relax.

"Morning Derek." I sit beside him. He will reside at the head of the conference table. I remove the promising presentation from my portfolio.

"How are you feeling? I know this is a rotten thing to do to you, Marsha, but I just want you to know that whatever happens this morning, I am proud of you."

"Since your phone call yesterday it has been like pressure city, Derek. You scared the hell out of me but I'm pretty confident I have covered everything. We will soon know anyway."

Within a few moments the three gentlemen arrive and Derek rises to greet them at the door. "Welcome gentlemen. May I introduce you to Miss Marsha Stevenson who has some very interesting and exciting ideas to present to you this morning."

I shake hands with Mr. Madison; a short, fat, balding man.  I shake hands with Mr. Borstein; a tall, bespectacled man and then I shake hands with Mr. Martin who is the most attractive man I have ever met; Mr. Martin - David Martin.  Oh, my god! I'm freaking out!

DINNER AT SEVEN - a romance novel is available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites.  You can find it on my Amazon Author's Page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

or directly at https://www.amazon.ca/Dinner-At-Seven-romance-novel/dp/1508636184/ref=sr_1_1?crid=VRATQB5M4ZDB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.whMpDnM7iy6tCInxT1aC8A.yBlgbXHex9q9uDAsTMBXFP5eSImxJS5X2iqyiH7Rv2w&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+dinner+at+seven&qid=1771002312&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+dinner+at+seven%2Cstripbooks%2C114&sr=1-1

MOOSE ROAD, a Canadian Tragedy - an excerpt

 MOOSE ROAD, a Canadian Tragedy - an excerpt

Page 14-15

I was a good mother. I did everything for my children. I loved them and I devoted my life to them.

Now I rarely hear from them. It's been such a long time since I've seen them I don't even remember the last time. Today my son, Robert, the only boy who never left home, runs the farm.

More than thirty years ago Rob married Alice Murphy and brought her home to live here with  us on the farm.  I can't say that the Murphys are a lot better than the O'Briens so I will resist temptation and I'll not say another word about the family in which Alice grew up.

They say the apple never falls far from the branch but I feel no hesitation in stating that I believe Alice is an exception to that fabled rule.  At first I wasn't enthusiastic about her arrival into my home. I wasn't sure I wanted to accept another woman into my kitchen; into my son's life or into my own heart.  The warmth and caring that is the essence of Alice was far greater than any doubts I had about living with the daughter-in-law.

She is a very kind and thoughtful woman. I have to admit that from the very first day she moved in with  us, Alice has always been good to me.

Now that I am an old lady she never complains about having to bring me my meals or about washing my clothes.  Yes, my Robert could have done a lot worse than Alice. And she gave him the greatest gift of all, a healthy son; my grandson, Martin who is now twenty-nine years old. My life being what it is with my other sons and daughters keeping their determined distance, Martin is the only grandchild I have the good fortune to see and to know in these, my last days.

Whether I will be a great-grandparent again in the near future or not is debatable. Oh, there is no doubt that Martin's girlfriend, Angel O'Brien, is expecting a child. Why, she must be near seven months gone now and the girl has no shame, no shame at all, when it comes to prancing around the neighbourhood and even into Mansey with her stomach bulging; filled as it is with her bastard child.

Yes, I know bastard is a harsh word but just because I am saying it like that doesn't mean that you should get the idea I have anything against the poor, innocent, unborn child. I declare it is never the baby's fault what its mother gets up to.  I'm not exaggerating when I say that Angel is back and forth like a yoyo between the house of Alex O'Brien and our own house.

It's not that the young ones seek my approval because they know their reckless behaviour would never gain it but I am not blind. I have a more than fair idea of what goes on in this house between Angel and my grandson. I wasn't born anywhere close to yesterday.

But who really knows what goes on in the O'Brien household? That is something else again. I can only imagine and I can only hope the situation there is not any worse than what I can imagine.

MOOSE ROAD, a Canadian Tragedy is available on all Amazon sites in Paperback, Kindle and Audiobook formats.  You can find it on my Amazon Author's Page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Or directly at https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=Audrey+Austin+Moose+Road+a+Canadian+Tragedy&i=stripbooks&crid=24BG6G0XAVCDZ&sprefix=audrey+austin+moose+road+a+canadian+tragedy%2Cstripbooks%2C123&ref=nb_sb_noss

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REAWAKENING

 REAWAKENING - an excerpt

Page 36 - 37

Jim's arousal from the sleep state occurred in a predictable, normal enough manner. He glanced at his measure of time and, assuring himself that he had not stayed too long, he got up with care from the warmth of his sleep space.

Like all Primes, Jim had his own personal space where he spent his free time when he was not at work. His personal space was small but larger than those allotted to Primes categorized as Clericals or Caregivers. His was identical to the spaces allotted to all Primes of his intellectual level.

There was no outside world for the Notsewian citizens. With the exception of the Transport and Digger Primes who travelled back and forth from Earth in their space ships on a regular basis in order to complete their pick up and delivery  missions, no one ever left the confines of the gigantic sphere known as Notsew. There were many ships and all were triangular in shape. It was customary for them to travel in groups of three, never wandering too far from the sight of the mother ship which kept constant guard over Notsew to protect their homeland from invasion. No such invasion had ever occurred but, as a safeguard, The Powers That Be were adamant and issued strict orders that the mother ship be manned by Transport Primes at all times.

Just as each Prime on Notsew had his own personal space, the Midescents also had theirs but, of necessity, the Kidopausals and the Olbabes resided in dormitory-like fashion similar to the Newolds. Dormitory life for these Notsewians made the work easier and more efficient for the Midescents and Primes who carried out their duties and worked with those in the less capable categories.

The interior of Jim's space was austere, practical and as private as one could expect it to be on Notsew. Across the floor from the actual sleep space, there was a comfortable, molded structure that met the contours of a Prime's body when in a semi-reclining position. This structure was called a thought space. He would have no use for one as he was not expected to analyze or think through situations.

REAWAKENING is available in Kindle, Paperback, and Audiobook formats on all Amazon sites. It can be found on my Amazon Author's Page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Or directly  at https://www.amazon.ca/Reawakening-Audrey-Austin/dp/1508652228/ref=sr_1_1?crid=91B2CZWIHPCX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xVL88zY25fFalcGCqRY3ok69EkwTkMrOHi9s5s8bBp-Z-MZtBs4_faqDVju147nP85CBSnXblBIAv8xj_n1p4_BsE7wkGJURlXMfckmSC7L3dsW-S1dDUHRivTElDHGH.LgWMqtU04cnqOIfS9AJWPLwdPP-9wl6AHjxc1m7hEa0&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+Reawakening&qid=1770846585&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+reawakening%2Cstripbooks%2C124&sr=1-1

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SARA, a Canadian Saga - an excerpt

 SARA, a Canadian Saga - an excerpt

Page 42 - 43

Vivid nightmares tormented her for weeks afterward. Visions of her little dog hanging from a rafter amid the burning flames of hell; a bent, black sculpture chiseled by the devil  himself began to stay with her even in her waking hours.

"The dreams won't let me be, mama," she cried night after night. "Please let me stay up. Don't make me go to bed!" But her mother had hardened her heart. She turned a deaf ear and her tongue became sharper than ever.

But it was her father's coldness that cut into Sara's soul. Sara had grown accustomed to her mother's anger but always in the past her father had been there with a laugh a hug, a story to tell. Frightened by his stony silence she drew into herself. At night when she couldn't sleep she filled page after page in her journal.

Soon her father's silence turned into something more dreadful. Sara lay in her bed and listened to the ugly words being hurled back and forth between her mother and her father.

"It's the act of a coward!" she heard her mother yell through angry tears. "This is my home! I won't be moved!"

"Then you'll live in it by yourself!" her father stormed.

"Let the neighbours help, Brent!" Rebecca begged. "We can rebuild the garage. We can start over!"

"Neighbours be damned, woman!" he roared. "Are the neighbours gonna pay the high interest on the money we'd need to borrow? Take a look at me, Rebecca, I'm sixty years old. We're movin' and that's final! I don't wanna hear another word about it!"

A few weeks later Sara watched the men pack all their belongings into the old truck. She sat between her sisters in the back seat of the car and tried not to cry as their neighbour drove her family to Summerside. Her papa's new Ford had gone up in smoke. Poor papa! He was so proud of that car, kept it so highly polished Sara could see her face in it. Their neighbour stopped his car in front of a narrow, old, two-storied white house on King Street. Sara stood on the sidewalk and stared up at her new home. Even to a child's eyes it wasn't much of a place.

"It was the best I could do with what little money I had," Brent insisted to his wife.

"We'd have done better to stay where we were, Brent. It's not too late. We can still go back," she pleaded.

"I tell you there's no goin' back. I hired with a company here and it's here we're stayin'. Now, once and for all woman, will you let that be the end of it!"

Upstairs in the shabby townhouse Sara and Martha clung together. "I can't stand to listen to them fighting all the time, Martha. I'm scared," Sara whimpered.

"I'm scared too, Sara. I believe our world has collapsed!"

SARA, a Canadian Saga is available in Kindle, Paperback, and Audiobook formats on all Amazon sites.  You will find it on my  Amazon Author's Page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Or directly at  https://www.amazon.ca/Sara-Canadian-Saga-Audrey-Austin/dp/1492848697/ref=sr_1_1?crid=250TR8HCF1J6X&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MP4KMXSq6XywuTpYeSmjnw.vT2HTWpLJcvDZkHoDCuGnf8GSXdIeLaCuejFe1XKq1Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+Sara%2C+a+Canadian+Saga&qid=1770742985&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+sara%2C+a+canadian+saga%2Cstripbooks%2C214&sr=1-1

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IS AGE REALLY JUST A NUMBER?

 IS AGE REALLY JUST A NUMBER?

an emotional empowerment workbook for women - an excerpt

Page 4

Lewis Carroll is the man who said, "Life, what is it but a dream?" As children, we sing the song, "Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream."

When one ceases to dream, one is old.

Dreams are a source of inspiration. It is only with inspiration that one will never grow old, no matter how many birthdays one celebrates.

When one is inspired the world is gifted with books, with music, with faith, with art, with family, with love, with hope, with life, with all that is good.

Page 12

We are women living in a new age, adjusting our lives to live within a challenging economy, a chaotic fear-filled world where much that, for years, has seemed reliable, traditional, acceptable, is no longer at our fingertips.

In this 21st century we sometimes have difficulty keeping pace with the rapid technological, philosophical, political, economical, psychological, and spiritual transformation we are witnessing and experiencing.  It can be overwhelming.

Throughout recent years, and especially in this new year of 2026, people have expressed to me very real fears about this rapid transformation. I've heard it said, "It's all too much for me!"  I also hear, "I'm getting too old for this and I'm afraid I can't keep up."

Some say they are not concerned because they are afraid to appear vulnerable; afraid to be thought of as weak.  They may fall back on the old cliche and say, "It is what it is. Get over yourself!"

We all are aware of the saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks."

I question the truth of that statement ............

IS AGE REALLY JUST A NUMBER - an emotional empowerment workbook for women is available in paperback format on all Amazon sites.  You will find it in my Amazon Author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Or directly at https://www.amazon.ca/AGE-REALLY-JUST-NUMBER-Empowerment/dp/B0GHNT5N9F/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1F00M81TE8CAI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.17PydB_maEC_24OGlCjw_kuVMIxXn-0oMyfyYzKMUgrPSOFT5k7W1x1t8p9ieV_6Ly07kvvYU9jj_rgbLh-1s2WE4Z1eH7RzbUnpWg5Hjt60xxSEFidJBb_X6N0qCaQi51hfHPCNM1AqmPvfR7nowBqIX8Ta4_CIjzrYsqHN1cjiIpC5fpOG-mAPhBuayezjiLEYzF3i_js5Ka8RKS6kEyWKJ1xKPdaczlMtMNYkU7k.28vLqgjIM3_6Ob8eOXA3jzYHlJG2-eq9iKd93LifGIQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin&qid=1770650496&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+%2Cstripbooks%2C122&sr=1-1

FOLK ART - COLOURFUL EXPLORATIONS

 FOLK ART - COLOURFUL EXPLORATIONS - an excerpt

Since this publication is one that is filled with pictures, an excerpt is a challenge, but here we go.  

Page 4

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 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.

Page 5

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.

Page 23

This little bird

hasn't a care in the world.

His eye is not on

just the sparrow.

This is my most recent painting.

I chose it especially for page one

because it is a happy reminder of

Brian and I on one of our

many visits to Sault Ste Marie

when we stayed at the hotel

by the water.

FOLK ART - COLOURFUL EXPLORATIONS  is available in paperback and in hard cover on all Amazon sites.  You will find it on my AmazonAuthor's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

OR directly at https://www.amazon.ca/FOLK-ART-EXPLORATIONS-Audrey-Austin/dp/B0GGBWG5Q9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PG6FJ7TSMTJ4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.syIoh7zWfc0H1YOPum0LFE8BCUxR4Y0lPyqHT38uNhtDnepvbjf3t8GwNutJQwMh.e-WQflmQzd6SeyG2srVNmTLo-3wGZuZmA5raH0okRug&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+folk+art+colourful+explorations&qid=1770565512&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+folk+art+colourful+explorations%2Cstripbooks%2C120&sr=1-1

cover is picture of the rockface at Horne Lake 

which I viewed for the very first time

on my moving-in day in Elliot Lake.

I was overwhelmed by its beauty.

I knew I had made the right move.

ALMOST TIME TO LEAVE - Memoir - an excerpt

 ALMOST TIME TO LEAVE, Memoir - an excerpt

PAGE 197 - 198

At this time, a kind friend, Stephen Calverly, and I hope Stephen won't mind my mentioning his name in this writing, told me about his discovery of a labyrinth atop the hill on the old mall property downtown in Elliot Lake.

I was fascinated by this mention because it brought back a memory of my, not only walking, but dancing a labyrinth at a Sufi gathering many years earlier in Toronto; an experience I have always remembered with such delight.

I wanted to see this labyrinth. Stephen offered to take me to it. I contacted my friend, Dolores, a spiritual friend. I thought a labyrinth might be something right up her alley.  And she was interested. She and I went together and met Stephen at the location he had described.

He didn't stay with us long. He left the two of us there to make our spiritual walk. And we did. And it was a very healing experience for me.

Very soon after this inspirational walk, I sat down and began writing a little book which I titled "Shh! We Don't Talk About That!" which was then published.

I was grateful for the opportunity to write about many wonderful, painful, joyful experiences I'd been blessed with in my life; grateful to share them with whoever may have an interest in things paranormal or metaphysical.

PAGE 137 - 138

We arrived at the Elliot Lake Secondary School and were pleased to see that on that very day several local services and businesses had tables set up giving us the opportunity to talk to local business operators and to learn what Elliot Lake had to offer.

When we left the school, we were impressed by the beautiful rock face wall at the back of the parking lot. It was a beautiful, sunny day. We leaned against the rock and enjoyed the warmth of the sun on our backs.

Just then a man appeared. He walked toward us yet spoke only to me. "You are meant to be here," he said.

I found this very strange yet knew he was speaking his truth.

ALMOST TIME TO LEAVE - Memoir is available in paperback format on all Amazon sites.  You can find it on my Amazon Author's Page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Or directly at https://www.amazon.ca/ALMOST-TIME-LEAVE-Audrey-Austin/dp/B0G4R9FNBJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3EZA45XXWW2PB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Eq1h8BP84ZT3rmmWhIHaVw6Qnk4-Zpi6iDstsAyW57hVZcfp9JVYxPcX65kQuSM8LIKAtgWy9Aj-udXxvygcMaw5kMrA2rz4-tlhajNQKho.zOnMhnLZba9gdXc0hAh6wJ5cUlUbjWXVP_kac2folJc&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+Almost+Time+to+Leave&qid=1770475371&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+almost+time+to+leave%2Cstripbooks%2C116&sr=1-1

MORE POartRY and PROSE - an excerpt

 MORE POartRY and PROSE - an excerpt

PAGE 110 - 111

"Colour Hues and Values"

This painting came about due to an assignment challenge I accepted in an on-line painting course.  Colour hues and values was the matter at hand.

The idea of this course was to use a minimal number of acrylic paint colours and, from them, to see how many hues and values I was able to discover and display in my picture.

If I relate this assignment to my life, I receive a valuable lesson.

I'm a very ordinary woman. Within me, I carry a minimal number of talents. I've learned that most of us do. When I was a child, my mother taught me that every person has talents. It's just that some of them are hidden.

I've learned that a human can take the minimal number of talents he possesses and he can, in time, discover, maximize, and display these talents in myriad ways.

Yes, sometimes the discovery requires tiresome and sometimes painful digging because the talent is deeply and darkly hidden.

But just as I discovered a variety of hues, shades, and values within a minimal number of colours, the opportunity is there for each one of us, to find, and appreciate, that rainbow within ourselves.

Let your light shine.

"THE OLD NEIGHBOURHOOD"

Page 80 -81

By the time the Jamaicans moved into the old neighbourhood, I was no longer a child. I was a young woman who had made her walk down the aisle.

Just like the Anglos and the Italians, I, along with my new husband, moved to the suburbs, to a neighbourhood where people didn't sit on the front porch to keep an eye on the kids playing in the streets.

Oh, no, in the suburbs everyone hid in their backyards and had barbecues on the patio. Children were no longer allowed to play in the streets but were tucked away safely with the barbecues in the backyards.

Maybe this was the beginning of the end. The end of a time when neighbours knew each other, looked out for each other; a time when mothers were home to look after the children while the daddies went out to work.

I am blessed with memories of an interesting childhood on the front porches and streets of the old neighbourhood that was a safe and welcoming place to be. 

MORE POartRY and PROSE is available in Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites.  You can find it in my Amazon Author's Page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Or directly at https://www.amazon.ca/MORE-POartRY-PROSE-Audrey-Austin/dp/1979092613/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2VKXA35R83617&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.72huPoxx4BXKx9Wtamsknp-edxBvHb6jvOw4ZJPjMpk-EOiO8nm0cUm6V7mID5ZcUuJF-cvqJl3sxS4Xp3ENN0HfAsMxKlyvZaKtVWlwvU-8Ah6fRX80yuKTNdbexg-39YWWzhAEJVWWQQpUvq6yikTYhIpQIcsbzIRBJt14D-6Ybq-JscbHyH9PnfBDqtm2wuXblWTvlYJ6YBlr99DrXA.gx8juzR7G_I0dhfvTsp9poZ_qYa3-y3E-yYjxNbCNhE&dib_tag=se&keywords=audrey+austin+more+poetry+and+prose&qid=1770390998&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+more+poartry+and+prose%2Cstripbooks%2C248&sr=1-1