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

cover paperback

cover audiobook

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

cover paperback

cover audiobook

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

cover audiobook

cover paperback

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

audiobook cover

paperback cover

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

POartRY and PROSE - an excerpt

 POartRY and PROSE - an excerpt

PAGE 19 - 20

I know very little about these elephants. While visiting Thailand many years ago, I was given the chance to ride upon an elephant's back. Today I regret that I did not accept the opportunity.

But there is one elephant I do know a little about and that is 'the elephant in the living room'.  I did not spend years working as a psychospiritual practitioner without raising my awareness of this creature. I knew that it most often carried the obvious major issue that clients avoided discussing, or even acknowledging.

THE ELEPHANT IN THE LIVING ROOM

He is sitting on the coffee table

Of that, we're all aware.

Still, we will talk around him

As though he isn't there.

We may discuss his tail,

A small and minor detail.

While obvious major issues

Escape admission without fail.

"We can't get beyond what we've never been in."

PAGE 134

Canadian seniors are the quiet majority. At this time of writing members of the C.U.P.E. union are on strike. They state that $38,000.00 annual income is just not enough to cover the high cost of living. What wouldn't a senior waiting for his pension cheque do to receive such an income? If he is fortunate, he may be receiving half that amount. Many seniors are receiving less than half that amount.

Why aren't seniors more vocal? Why aren't seniors out there on a picket line, signs raised in frustration? Why are they quiet about their ever-growing financial concerns?

I don't have the answers to these questions.

I do know that for too many senior citizens the wait for the mail carrier, or the bank deposit, is a long one and, for some, a hungry one. This is something that is in need of change.

"Positive identity is crucial to human existence. Each of us needs to have a sense of who we are and a sense of what makes us valuable." Having to scrounge enough money to get through and cover expenses each and every month rips away at a senior's self-worth. We all need both self-knowledge and self-regard.

Financial insecurity is not only frightening, it is also demeaning. Our Canadian seniors deserve better. ......................

Page 28

Weary woman worries when

the door is shut

on hope that drowns

in white envelopes

piling up on table

demanding payment, satisfaction,

threatening to kill

the little faith

that barely floats above the stack.

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

Or you will find it directly at https://www.amazon.ca/POartRY-PROSE-Audrey-Austin/dp/B0BLQPFZYC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JHBZQIBJUMJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ohfTDotdLMODz5zCNnI0BHpVIb66EMM7wKvG2JIbmUAm05APYkb2fUnwTYYvHuW8cnvZj3bRTPcyXYUxAdRjzzfOmfASEft0OYStic9BLiA3TURUvO0BPAcKoNSjd4ln8INFItRQ_uWzMLk0Lf-IzyPjE127nK_Y04cVp8lR9lPx_KGuLOA1_Dg_XXyGs-O9.m_IzySX3S--V7wyZwFZxRy0K2b_dAfwVK2mn9RxsDH8&dib_tag=se&keywords=audrey+austin+poetry+and+prose&qid=1770303941&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+poartry+and+prose%2Cstripbooks%2C117&sr=1-1

My Three Books for Children - excerpts

 MY THREE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN - Excerpts

THE LAST DROP   Page 23 - 26

Please, Mommy, let us play

out in the yard

Being stuck indoors all day

is really quite hard.

Quiet down children,

the rain will soon stop

You can venture outdoors

once we hear the last drop.

Restless, unhappy

the two children yawned

They want to sail

Bobby's boat in the pond.

Suddenly, Alison

thinks of a plan

Bobby is excited

Yes, I'm sure we can ...............

ELEPHANT AND THE BUMBLY BEE

Page 39 - 41

In Sweden Edward learned to ski,

"Hey Beatrice Bee! Look! Look at me!"

But when the fun wore off,

Edward felt very cold.

So cold, too cold,"This is too much for me."

Bumbly agreed that the air, fresh and cold

was too much for Elephant, his health was at stake,

With his magic they traveled to a far-away land,

Back to Canada, a small town called Elliot Lake ........

ONE DAY WITH MISTY

Misty Loves to be Brushed - page 32 - 34

After breakfast every morning, Mom calls to me while I am resting atop my cat tree.

I love resting, and even sleeping, in my cat tree.

It is wonderfully comfortable, and from high atop the tree I can watch the squirrels as they play beneath the trees outside my window.

Mom is sitting on the sofa, and I hear her calling.

"Brush, Misty!"

I know what she is saying. She is saying 'brush'.

My Mom knows I love the brush.

When I hear her saying this magic word I say good-bye to the squirrels.

I climb down from the top of my cat tree, and I stroll over to the sofa.

"Jump up," Mom says.

I do jump up and I make myself comfortable beside her on the sofa.

Then I feel the brush against my fur. Mom brushes my head, my back, and the side of my face.

I stretch out and roll over onto my back. When I do this, Mom brushes my tummy. I especially love to have my tummy brushed.

I would like to spend the entire day relaxing beside Mom while she brushes my coat.

But then I hear her say, "Okay, that's enough for this time."

LINKS:

The Last Drop    https://www.amazon.ca/Last-Drop-Audrey-Austin/dp/1511404817/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YKGUOLV0SO4H&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XgD_ZNdZk4h3SOJAQf4Sgg.ikNJAg2UAXNhJIpGBRxEfo4CD83h1rgBSAp8XNZIhYI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+the+last+drop&qid=1770229325&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+the+last+drop%2Cstripbooks%2C116&sr=1-1

ELEPHANT AND THE BUMBLY BEE  https://www.amazon.ca/Elephant-Bumbly-Bee-Audrey-Austin/dp/B0DJ52SGL5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=G60PCGE6KK91&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OU9IJ3PuDKKU8j_X-4kVM94BG4I7Tf-GMM6KeRFF_cDGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.8TsYXFagzrLxPRcMMHBIxZmX_HPa9aoAc2lxU7WYzos&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+ELEPHANT+AND+THE+BUMBLY+BEE&qid=1770229491&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+elephant+and+the+bumbly+bee%2Cstripbooks%2C146&sr=1-1

ONE DAY WITH MISTY   https://www.amazon.ca/ONE-DAY-MISTY-Audrey-Austin/dp/B0DKBYFP27/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PVAYWOAPOT4I&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KstcOVD39tJ2xoOGW810xg.bEQEgsXkQQ9mhDuJw3i07kphiUMOnr3zo9EKLbB7q2E&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+ONE+DAY+WITH+MISTY&qid=1770229671&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+one+day+with+misty%2Cstripbooks%2C127&sr=1-1

The three books for children, along with all my books, can also be found on my Amazon Author's page at  https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin 

Shh! We Don't Talk About That! - an excerpt

 SHH! We Don't Talk About That! - an excerpt

PAGE 60 - 62

A very long time ago an acquaintance introduced me to a Chinese text called the I Ching which talks about the relationship between an individual and the cosmos. The I Ching asserts that somehow my inner being is participating in the exterior world.

For example, I choose to watch a random movie on Netflix, one I know nothing about, yet discover that the characters in the movie are experiencing or questioning those things which are mine to deal with.  I experience a sort of revelation.

These days our world has become too scientific and logical to consider revelations or, in other words, messages from the divine. But, as for me, I am open to these messages, and I am grateful when I receive them. I believe there is wisdom in synchronicity. I don't believe these kinds of happenings are 'mere coincidence'.

It's not to say that I don't believe in coincidence because I do, but when certain coincidences are repetitive or when they speak to my heart, or when I awaken from a dream with the answer to a question that has been with me for some time, I say this is not coincidence.  To me, this is synchronicity.

Carl Jung has been quoted as saying that dreams are God's forgotten language.  I don't question his wisdom and I do pay attention to my dreams, particularly those that are repetitive. I believe there are many kinds of dreams.  Some are just a rehash of what is going on in my life with, perhaps, the message that it is time to slow down or to simplify. Some dreams are very helpful.

As I mentioned I often wake up with the answer to a question; an answer that has been evading me. Sometimes dreams, particularly repetitive dreams, are prophetic.

I trust my dreams. I do believe they exist to help me from day to day in my very ordinary life here on earth. I will talk more about dreams.

I share a quote from a Google search. "Carl Jung saw dreams as the psyche's attempt to communicate important things to the individual, and he valued them highly, perhaps above all else, as a way of knowing what was really going on. Dreams are also an important part of the development of the personality - a process that he called individuation."

I would like to share a couple of dreams with you that have, indeed, formed an important part of the development of my personality....................

SHH! We Don't Talk About That! is available in both Kindle and Paperback formats 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/Shh-Dont-Talk-About-That-ebook/dp/B0BZ2CSK9K/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11JI32IPPRNZQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FUkC9oKRVBr09Zr0Hpqye0F5zoSFwiQXDpgV9MLHWqmAYcnBV4YdNDCT9F3hYBpHsML9Wjmft8Yaf5qViRKwGA.0Rt02vThVnvyMLXRQjZluU55qF9qEtmbB6lvewP20Uk&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+Shh%21+We+Don%27t+Talk+About+That%21&qid=1770142861&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+shh+we+don%27t+talk+about+that+%2Cstripbooks%2C111&sr=1-1