Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop ....

Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop meeting takes place this evening in the General Meeting Room in the Civic Centre, from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Tonight we will vote on title for the ELWW Anthology which will launch October 22nd at the Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival.

And just a reminder that annual membership fee of $20 is due this evening.

New members are always welcome.  Hope to see you there.

It's Oscar Night ............

There was a time in my life when I  would see every movie released or at least as many as possible.  Even when I was a little kid I would join my friends at the Grant Theatre for the Saturday matinee every week.

Now with movie channels on cable TV and movies on demand plus videos and DVD's that we rent, it seems to be a rare occasion when I actually sit down in a movie theatre to watch a show on the big screen.

In spite of that I still get excited when I know it is Oscar Night.  I love to watch the Academy Awards on TV. 

I'm fascinated by the glamour, the tension, the joy of winning the competition that these major stars experience.    I love to see what the movie stars are wearing and it's such fun to listen to the acceptance speeches.

I'm far removed from the actual movies these actors have created.  How is it that I still hope one or another will win?  Even though I haven't seen the films I still have my favourites.

And I hope my favourites will win this evening.........Watching the Oscars is a tradition; one I have kept for many years.  

And now it's almost time for the Red Carpet...........I have to go now and make the popcorn because the show is about to start.

Gemini Magazine Short Story Contest & others as well .........

I learned today about a short story contest with a grand price of $1,000.00; 2nd prize of $100.00 and there will be 3 honourable mentions.   The entry fee is $4.00 and the deadline is March 31st.

You can learn much more about this contest by going to the Gemini Magazine website or you can email them at  contest@gemini-magazine.com

I plan to enter.   You have to be in to win.  

I enjoy entering writing competitions.   In my view the simple act of entering makes one a winner because these contests keep us motivated to write creatively.

I particularly enjoy the Wynterblue Publishing Canada WynLit 24 and WynLit73 competitions.  I win some and I lose some........but it is the joy and the challenge of writing that is important.  You can check these competitions out by visiting Wynterblue's website.

The Canadian Writers' Contest Calendar 2011  is a wonderful magazine listing hundreds of writing contests taking place throughout the year.   This magazine can be purchased from White Mountain Publications.   Check out their website.

And while you are placing your order for the Canadian Writers' Contest Calendar check out the  annual poetry competition hosted by White Mountain Publications.  

I don't consider myself a poet but on some rare occasions I do feel the urge to write a poem.  I enjoyed some success and some poetry published by White Mountain back in 2008.   And I've entered a poem in this year's competition.......never know my luck!   But one thing I do know and that is if we dón't enter a contest we will not win.    So check it out.
.

Fretta and Thin ....by Susan Krupp

An odd little book ......

Well, it's done!   Watch for Fretta and Thin

Fretta and Thin has been resurrected.  After years in hiding, this manuscript written in the early eighties, resurfaced. Its author, Susan Krupp, will soon be making it available for sale.

Author, Susan Krupp, says , "It's an odd story that was written while travelling across Canada.  Its attention focuses on two emerging artists in the Toronto Queen Street West area, which at that time was the hub of the city's creative clump of misfits and genius' .....  The characters live, love, go mad, and eventually explode in self-destruction .... all for the sake of ART.

Resurrecting Fretta and Thin was a bit of a painstaking process.  I had to scan every page and do some fine editing.  It's not your normal read.  The book is completely handwritten and is full of illustrations and comment inserts.

What makes it especially odd is that it comes with a magnifier.  You may need it as some sections of the manuscript have literally dissolved and it is a challenge in spots to decipher.  This makes the process of reading a creative experience as well.

Contact me by EMAIL to pre-order your copy."

Fretta and Thin is a work of art; not a book you will read once and want to put away but

something you will treasure.  Place your pre-order now with author,  Susan Krupp.

Delusions are Sound Lies .... a new release by Len Boller, North Bay author

This evening on CTV Local News an interview by CTV's Cindy Males will be focusing on a new book written by North Bay author, Len Boller.

This new release is titled Delusions are Sound Lies and is available at Gullivers Books, North Bay, Ontario.

To order your copy please contact  suzanne@gulliverbookstore.com

Once you have viewed the interview your feedback to Cindy Males will be much appreciated.   Send your positive thoughts to cmales@ctv.ca       By doing this you will be helping many people who deal on a daily basis with the illness of schizophrenia. 

The message in,  author and poet, Len Boller's book is "Look at me"..... "See me" 

The title again is Delusions are Sound Lies

Watch for ....Fretta and Thin.....by Susan Krupp....this new publication will soon be available for sale

This amazing new book will captivate you.   Fretta and Thin will soon be available for sale.

To pre-order your copy email the author, Susan Krupp.  Email

Gallery at the Centre........Elliot Lake

I visited the local art gallery today.  What an amazing place!  The artistic talent in this town is unbelievable!

With Easter, Mothers' Day and Fathers' Day not so very far in the future, what better place to enjoy gift shopping.

 Paintings and photography, although beautiful, are not the only treasures in the art gallery.

The gallery offers everything to please a shopper from jewelry to wood products to stained glass to woven goods to furniture for our homes.

It's an incredible place to browse, to shop, to spend time in a warm, relaxing environment.

Each time I go there I ask myself why I don't visit more often.  I love spending time at the Gallery at the Centre.  Check it out!

Sharing a Christmas story in February.... A 1952 Newfoundland Christmas by Goldie Luckey ....

By permission of the author, Goldie Luckey, Elliot Lake.

A 1952 Newfoundland Christmas

by Goldie Luckey Simmonds
                       
My name is Goldie Maxine, I’m nine years old and I just LOVE Christmas.   My  brother and I have a contest going to see who can cut the most Santa’s from the Evening Telegram.  Yesterday I was extra fast and got them all cut out  before Dad was even finished with the paper……I can’t remember exactly what he said but his face was some red!  I won’t be doing that again.


I can’t wait for Santa to come and fill my stocking.I hear that on the mainland they use store bought red felt stockings.They sound nice, but we’ve always used Mom’s nylons. I’m afraid Santa will think I’m somebody else and I’ll get scotch mints by mistake………I hate scotch mints! I have been warned though, that if I don’t watch my mouth all I’ll be getting in my stocking is a lump of coal.  I have been on my best behavior for two whole weeks now so I’m pretty sure I’ll get my usual big orange, big red apple and Purity Peanut Butter candy.  If I’m real lucky I’ll also get some Christmas ribbon candy, mom says they rot your teeth but Santa knows that they’re my favorite.
Mom has already baked her Christmas cakes including my favorite, walnut cake, and won’t even let me have a peck of it until Christmas.  Nan has made her blueberry wine, for medicinal purposes only she says (whatever that means).  All I know is that mom gets weak in the knees after a few sips.  Nan won’t let us have any though, only Purity syrup and cake for my brother and I. THEN I have to sit at the kitchen table, eat my cake like a good girl and not go wandering around.

Just before Christmas, Mr. Snow delivers our Christmas tree on his horse & sled.  He lives way in past Mundy Pond and delivers coal for Morey’s on the Southside.  My dad is the weigh-master at Morey’s.  One time when we were really little, my brother and I walked all the way over to the Southside to visit him.  After my Dad got over the surprise of seeing us so far from home, he weighed me on his big scale.  Even though he knew I was a big girl and could find my way back home, we got a ride home in a coal truck.
Our Christmas tree is always the best one on Lime Street…..…..it’s decorated by Santa you know, we don’t see it until Christmas morning.  Of course it will be smothered with all the toys from Eaton’s Catalogue.  I made sure our Santa lists included both the page and catalogue numbers, just to make it easier for Santa.  We don’t need to worry about our letters getting lost in the mail though, we gave them to Mom and she sent them up the chimney.
We been haunting Bowring’s Christmas window and I can’t stop thinking about the Barbara Ann Scott doll that’s right in the middle of it. She’s all dressed in red and white and has real blades on her skates.  I’ve GOT to have her!   My brother is dreaming about the big Lionel train set that goes in and out all the toys in the window.  I’ve been giving this a lot of thought, but unless Mom lets us use the kitchen too I don’t know how he’s going to have room for it.
I can’t wait for the turkey with savory dressing.  I hear that on the mainland they make dressing out of sage, can you believe that?  Dressing wouldn’t be the same without Mt. Scio Farm’s savory.  My Mom always makes peas pudding in with the vegetables and of course there’s always salt beef for flavoring.  It’s some good!   This year we have red, green and gold Christmas crackers to snap at dinner, they came in the box from our aunt in Montreal.  I wonder what will be inside of my cracker?  Probably a crepe paper hat as usual.
On Christmas Eve Mom lets my little brother & I sleep in my bed, not that we plan on doing much sleeping.  This year I am going to stay awake and catch Santa eating the syrup and cake we’ve left for him.  Some of my friends don’t believe in Santa they say their Dad buys the gifts.  I know MY Dad isn’t Santa…. he’s always too busy painting the kitchen on Christmas Eve to deliver presents to the children all over the world.  My sister says it’s a wonder we don’t all choke in our beds from the paint fumes

On Christmas night we go for a walk around town with Dad to see all the Christmas lights.  We don’t have a car, but that’s ok, I love walking with my Dad.  I like the sound of the snow crunching under my feet and listening to the Christmas carols played by the bells of Wesley Church.
On Boxing Day, we exchange gifts with our friends and relatives.  Our favorite part is when Uncle Doug comes for a visit, he’s not married and lives by himself up on the Brow.   He always makes everybody laugh and even though my mom says it’s because he’s always three sheets to the wind, we love him. He has plenty of candy in his pocket for the kids and always manages to slip some money into our hands when nobody is looking.
Adults go ‘mummering’ at Christmas, which means they dress up in costumes, knock on doors and if they’re lucky get asked in for drinks and a bit of a celebration.  We don’t go ‘mummering’, but my friends and I knock on neighbor’s doors and say “Can I see your Christmas tree?”   After oohing and aaahing over the tree, no matter what state it’s in, we’ll probably get offered some syrup and cake or maybe some candy.  I’ve had some bad stomach aches after a day of looking at Christmas trees.
The saddest part of Christmas is Old Christmas Day when the tree MUST come down; it’s bad luck to leave it up after that date you know.  Mom takes the decorations off the tree and puts them away in a special place… a place  known only to her and Santa.

   

Walking the walk..........

I don't usually watch the Oprah Show but today I made a point of doing so.  I'm glad I did.

It was a good show, in my opinion, and stressed to me the value and the importance of walking the walk.

To draw on some familiar old cliches,  Talk is cheap ---- put your money where your mouth is.  Yes, it's easy to talk the talk ......

A valid lesson in the show today, in my view, is that when we walk the walk and reach a certain pinnacle, there is no guarantee that we will necessarily remain there.  The odds are we will not.  We may very well fall from grace. And when we do it simply means that we will go deeper within ourselves to find another more level playing field  and we will start all over again.  And again we will walk the walk...........to the best of our knowledge and understanding. 

There is no end to learning unless we choose to close our minds to the lessons.

It is good to remember that even in a plumber's home the pipes can spring a leak.

Even a medical doctor can catch the flu.

Even a motivational speaker can eat her own words and admit that she was simply talking the talk.  But while she was doing so, she was not being less than honest because in her heart she believed she was walking the walk .....  and so she was; to the best of her knowledge and understanding.  

We all receive those hammers on the head.   Some lessons are harder learned than others; some have a higher price tag attached to them.

"Let he who is without sin cast the first stone"

More favourite quotations are, "We can't get beyond what we've never been in."

and "Judge not ..."

Lessons ............. life is just full of them. 

And that's what makes life such an adventure!

CFDC Grant Application.........Writers' Fall Festival, Oct. 22, 2011

This afternoon I think, or should I say I hope, I have completed the Community Futures Development Corporation grant application to the satisfaction of all concerned.

Now this type of writing is something very different from the creative writing in which I enjoy losing myself.

Many questions to answer and as I write I am in a constant state of prayer.  Please, God, let my answers be adequate.  Let them be enough for the Grantors to see how very important and needed their funding is in order that we may have their help in presenting the most exciting, first ever, Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival on October 22, 2011.

Yes, I know that everything will unfold, as my friend Marleen often consoles me, in divine right order.

The Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival WILL take place Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre followed by cash bar at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. in the Renaissance Centre, Elliot Lake.

October 22nd may seem like a long way off but to twist an old cliche, "time flies whether we are having fun or not" and it will be Festival Day sooner than we realize.

Please mark your calendar early.  October 22, 2011 will be a day to remember.

Zumba Motion ............

I could write for hours on the positive aspects of being a writer.

But nothing is perfect!

One of the down sides of sitting at a computer too long is that one does not get enough exercise.

Today I discovered Zumba!  Love it!

I plan to make time for Zumba in my life along with my 30 minute Leslie Samsung work-outs. 

To keep a good balance in life I want to be healthy physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually...........Zumba contributes to all four aspects.

Thanks for today, Diane.  Can't wait to Zumba again!

Another Sunday ...........

We have more than passed the half-way mark in February now on our way to springtime. 

And another Sunday will soon be on its way out making way for everyone's favourite day: Monday.

Apart from church attendance this morning and my 30 minute workout this afternoon I have been very laid back and lazy today.

Tomorrow is Family Day and I plan to celebrate this occasion by going with a friend over to Collins Hall where for the first time ever I will attempt Zumba Motion...... I love Latin Rhythms and I hope they will get along with me.   I can only try and I'm told God loves a tryer.

Adding a new post to my blog each day is not always an easy task.  I don't always have something to say.  But I don't let that stop me.  I simply sit down, click on "post", and start typing away.

I've always said that anyone who can think can write..........sometimes when I am truly writing creatively I write without thinking..........I allow my characters to do the talking and I just do my best to type fast enough to keep up with what they are saying.

That is the joy of creative writing.

Another Sunday will soon be over and tomorrow is the beginning of the last week of February.
Winter has been especially kind to Elliot Lake so far this year.  We wait to see what March has in store for us.

Death and Life ..........

In a short story my main character died today.  Her passing left me tearful.  She has been the main character in my short stories for almost a year and I grieve for her as I would for someone who was  actual flesh and blood. 

Writing about Ellen for the past several months has brought her very close to me.  She has become a true friend and someone for whom I have a genuine love and understanding.

There is, indeed, a fine line between fiction and truth.

Watch for the release of Ellen and the Hummingtree.

Ellen is a woman of extraordinary faith and courage.  She allows us glimpses into her private world usually shared only with God.

Can't believe my words designed her death today.....she is a friend indeed.  I believe once you meet Ellen you will love her as I do.

More to Life........

This evening I joined with friends at The Place.   The two act play titled More to Life written by Priscilla Hollick was a meaningful and enjoyable musical.  Great singing and acting talent in this town!

We enjoyed good friends, good music and delicious food.

If you haven't attended dinner theatre at The Place yet, check it out.  

And tomorrow I will be heads down, imagination wide open, as I once again participate in Wynterblue Publishing Canada's  WynLit 24 monthly writing competition.  Always a challenge and always a joy!

February blahs and weight gain.......

Winter has been very kind to Elliot Lake so far this year and I hope this trend will continue.

Keeping busy doing things I love to do helps the winter to pass more quickly as, in spite of my snow angel caper, I am not into winter sports anymore. When I was very young I used to love toboganning and ice skating but most of my winter now, I confess, is spent either in front of a computer or in front of a TV.........a real couch potato.

As a consequence every winter I put on a few pounds; not a desirable thing to do, I know.  

In spite of my 30 minute workout with Leslie Samsung every day and in spite of my walking in circles at Collins Hall, the pounds creep up a little.

Spring is not far off.  I know it is time to get more serious with my exercising and, though I love it, I have vowed to eat no more toast in the morning.   Making healthy food choices is the only way to go.

Wish me luck......I hope to have a flatter tummy by the time spring rolls around.

And to those of you who also seem to put on a few extra pounds throughout the winter,  I wish you success in reaching your desired weight goal by spring. 

Wynterblue Seal .......

Along with Reawakening and The Silent Star plus a Dozen, my latest book titled Keeping it Simple, has received the "Wynterblue Seal"..........special thanks to Mags at Wynterblue Publishing Canada.

Books are on their way to printer now and I'm very excited to know I will soon have them here, ready to distribute.  Thanks to everyone who pre-ordered.

And it is not too late to place your order.  I'm only an email away.

Copies of all my publications will very soon be on their way to me from Wynterblue Publishing Canada in North Bay.

SARA, a Canadian Saga;  The Silent Star plus a Dozen; Reawakening,  and my newest release Keeping it Simple  are all available for sale.

Copies may be purchased directly from me.  I am just an email away.

Also look for me at the upcoming show taking place in Collins Hall on April 10th.

And I will have a table at the Elliot Lake Trade Show taking place in our local arena the weekend of April 30th.

On a different note wonderful meetings took place today as we move ever closer to the date of the Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival happening at the Lester B. Pearson  Centre, Saturday, October 22nd.   Lots more about this at a later date.

Happy St. Valentine's Day

Matters of the heart are under the spotlight on St. Valentine's Day.  It is a time to acknowledge the love I share with the people in my life; my family and dearest friends.

And this honouring of love extends to my little dog, Dudley, whose very existence is a lesson in unconditional love.

But I feel the tugging at my heart strings when I think of the dogs, cats and other animals who have no family to spoil them.   I pray the homeless animals are not roaming the cold, winter streets but have found shelter with Society for Animals in Distress (SAD).   This is a good time to think of taking out a membership in SAD.  So many four-legged friends depend upon our help.

And as I watch the little sparrow in my backyard, I wonder how does this tiny creature, and others like him, survive the cruelty of winter.    My love for all of God's creatures and for our poor suffering planet seems never enough.   Compassion in our world sometimes seems in short supply and my heart splinters when I hear news of animal cruelty.  I can't bear to think of poor, defenceless animals at the mercy of sick, twisted humans who inflict atrocities on the innocent four-legged critters.

And I think of St. Francis of Assissi, the patron saint of the animal kingdom.

"Not to hurt the creatures brethren is our first duty to them,
but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission -
to be of service to them wherever they require it."
Saint Francis

Matters of the heart are in the spotlight today. 

And as we buy cards and gifts for our loved ones, let us not forget the four-legged creatures.  A gift of love to SAD or theWildlife Federation is a wonderful way to celebrate this special day.

My heart is full and I wish everyone a very happy St. Valentine's Day.

Soul song ............

Reaching within there's nought to be found,
Reach deeper, my child
Listen for sound
Hear the deep whisper
Feel the vibration
The healing begins
No consternation
Close your eyes and see clearly
Close your ears and hear truth
Close your mouth; let your heart sing
Sing long....soul song.

by Audrey Austin

Vision ........

I have just returned from an eye examination.....and I am reminded of the importance of physical vision.

And thinking of this importance led me to consider the value of that vision which goes beyond what I am able to see with the eye.

That vision which belongs to my mind's eye is the one most called upon when writing fictional works.

And then there is the vision beyond the beyond......in my furthest reaching imagination, and then further into the spiritual realm that I don't call upon as often as I know I could.

I like the affirmation: "I see all that there is to be seen; physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually."

Sometimes I see more clearly when I close my eyes.

Another Friday.........

The most wonderful thing about Friday is that for most people it means the last day of a long week at work.

Of course when one is retired every day is a Friday.

Retirement, when one lives in Elliot Lake, means that we trade our 35 or 40 hour week in for a 60 plus hour week.  There is always much, sometimes too much, to be done.

Volunteering can be a full time job.

The blessing, and there is a blessing in all things, is that most volunteer work is in a field of one's choosing and it is hopefully work that is enjoyed.

All my days are Fridays.    If you are retired and living in Elliot Lake then chances are that all your days are Fridays too.

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival ...........

The Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival Planning Committee met today and our meeting has left me feeling confident, excited and it is quite simple to close my eyes and visualize a Festival that will be memorable.

Thanks to everyone on the committee for your amazing contributions.

October 22, 2011 will be a day to remember.

SARA, a Canadian Saga is now safely at home on Prince Edward Island.   You will find my first novel for sale at Really - O Handcrafts and Museum in Tryon, P.E.I.    

         And, of course, copies of SARA, a Canadian Saga;  Reawakening; The Silent Star, plus a Dozen;  and Keeping it Simple  are all available from me....just email to place your order.

End of day ...........

The snow is resting on the branch,
Sparkling in the light of moon,
Beauty steals my breath away,
I pull the shade at end of day.

And a beautiful day it has been. Time shared with good friends and good food.

And the icing on the cake spread itself throughout an email from dear Mags of Wynterblue Publishing Canada who told me she thinks my book titled Keeping it Simple .......is awesome.   Thank you, Mags.

I hope its readers will think so too.  

Keeping it Simple will be available soon.  To pre-order I am just an email away.

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival........

Today my thoughts have been centred on Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival which will be happening at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre, Saturday October 22, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a Gala Dinner following at 6 p.m. at the Renaissance Centre.  At this dinner our guest speaker will be Dr. Ross Pennie, award winning Medical Mystery Author.

I'm working on a second grant application, thinking about our upcoming planning meeting and visualizing in my mind a very successful and uplifting Festival.

I see the writing workshops taking place with Dr. Pennie instructing us on Memoir Writing and Brian Henry teaching us all the secrets of How to Get Published.

I see the Open Mike with the all day reading circle.

I see children and adults alike seated at the tables writing their stories which they will submit for the writing competitions.

I see authors at their vendors' tables and I feel the excitement of the launch of Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop's  first Anthology.

I see the multitudes enjoying the variety of entertainment throughout the day.

It is going to be an amazing day and though October may seem far off in the distance; it really is not.  Time has a way of disappearing when we are having fun and planning this Festival is, indeed, a joyful experience.

Mark your calendar.  Saturday, October 22, 2011.  

It will be a day to remember.

Keeping it Simple..........

Keeping in mind that the goal is to keep it simple, a new, revised, simplified cover for my soon to be published book has been created by Susan at Yuneekpix.com

Out with the old (which I still think is beautiful)

And in with the new...........

Keeping it Simple....will be arriving soon.   Your pre-orders are most welcome.  I am only an email away.

Bully Awareness .................

This morning I read a quotation of words by Steve Seskin on Facebook.   With his permission I want to share this excerpt from his writing with you. 

"I'm a little boy with glasses, the one they call the geek; a little girl who never smiles cause I've got braces on my teeth.  I'm that kid on every playground who is always chosen last, you don't have to be my friend, but is it too much to ask:  don't laugh at me, don't call me names, don't get your pleasure from my pain?  In God's eyes we're all the same."

The following is by author, Basil George: 

Two days ago, this fellow, a stranger to me, sent a note to me here on fb. He said, "Hey are you from (his area)?" I replied that I was, but had not lived there for a very long time. He went on to say, " When we were young.....kid's age....you saved a seat for me on the bus....I felt safe...." That is all he wrote. He wrote the last line as I have written it here. The only time I ever rode on a school bus was when I was ten and eleven years old. I know that during those years, I was physically bullied a whole lot. That trauma stayed with me for years. I am happy that this fellow wrote me and told me that he "felt safe". In a later letter, he said he is now fifty-four. I told him that I was fifty-nine. So about forty-nine years have passed since the day he felt safe. I cannot remember that time so long ago. Now that I know about it, I do not see this as a memory. I see this as a living root, seemingly planted for future days. To know that I helped a little kid, when I was myself a little kid, today helps me to acknowledge that all of my childhood can't have been so bad...that I was not a bad boy who deserved to get beaten by other kid's. I was a good boy. I am a good man. I have a teardrop for that little fellow who could feel safe. While so many of my teardrops are like star's in my night, the teardrop I want to give is now both the sun and the moon. You see....today I am afraid.....today. Through that little person's words, a five year old's words....I know I am now okay. He is okay. One good thought, one good feeling of being safe, has spread its roots, nourished by rains and earth. Tall with the nobility of the sun and the goodness in this life, now stands a tree. That tree beckons to me. The sheltering tree, that tree of life, reaches far. Now I know my life's work can begin. Thank you, five year old Kelly. I trust your next forty-nine years have been good.


A couple of years ago I wrote a Novella about bullying.   Fortunate for me this novella was short listed in a Wynterblue Novella Writing Competition.

Mr. Seskin's words have prompted me to share just a couple of small excerpts from my novella which is titled, Window of Opportunity.

"This time Anthony was spared the agony of another visit to the principal's office.  He felt grateful for small mercies.  He also felt anxious.  Time was running out.  Only nine days to go and he still had absolutely no idea how or where he would raise the fifty cents needed to appease the bullies."

And then, later in the story .........

"On his way to school that Friday morning Anthony walked the familiar five blocks once again with his little brother and sister.  As luck would have it, again they met up with the three badgering bullies. 

"Only eight days to go, fat boy!  Money talks!" Timothy O'Brien taunted.

Jerry Hasselbergen deliberately stuck his long trousered leg out in front of Anthony in an effort to trip him up and send him flying.  But this time Tony was quick to respond.

With amazing agility he jumped over Jerry's leg.  With lightning speed he turned on his sneakered toes until he was standing tall with confidence facing the terrible three.  He spoke softly, yet surely, in a menacing tone.

"What goes around comes around!" He made direct eye contact with the biggest of the bullies then wilfully whispered, "You will be wise not to turn your back on me!"

"You threatening me?" Jerry Hasselbergen hissed .... "Who do you think you are threatening me?"

Anthony was calm and resolute in his response.  "I know who I am but what are you?"

There was something about the quiet, deep, soft tone of Anthony's voice that made the bullies hesitate before making their next move.  They needed to examine their strategy."

Bullying is a very serious issue in today's society.

Did you know that one random act of kindness as the one shown to the five year old by Basil George can be like the proverbial pebble in the pond?   A small act of kindness can have a rippling effect which will  positively impact on a lifetime.

To borrow a quotation, "Smile at one person, change 1000 lives"

To learn more about bullying and how you can help; visit the website of Public Safety Canada.

Creative Connections Exhibition comes to its close ........

I cannot let this day end without making my daily post.

The Creative Connections Exhibition came to a close today.  What a wonderful experience and I hope this will become an annual event for our local artists; visual and literary.

Members of Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop who participated in Creative Connections are reminded to pick up their work from the Civic Centre on Monday, the 7th.

And a reminder to ELWW members that our February Writers' Meeting will take place one week later than usual because February 21st is FamilyDay and the Civic Centre will be closed.

Our meeting will take place Monday evening February 28th, 6 pm, General Meeting Room, Civic Centre.

"Keeping it Simple" is with the publisher ...

I am very excited because my Keeping it Simple manuscript is now with Wynterblue Publishing Canada.

Thank you to all who have pre-ordered and, of course, there is still time to pre-order if you feel that a manual on the trinity of Meditation, the Chakras and Psychospiritual Therapy is something that will be of interest to you.  

I have completed this book as a result of requests from those who  feel a book of this nature will enhance their personal journey along the path of personal growth and self-discovery.

Cover design and art work is by Susan at Yuneekpix.com

To pre-order your copy I am just an email away.

Gratitude .............

Keeping the promise to myself that I do at least one post per day in this blog I decided that today I want to talk about gratitude.

Storms are raging all over the continent and, indeed, throughout the world.  The sun is shining in Elliot Lake and I feel grateful.

Tyranny and hatred is demonstrated in many unstable places throughout our world.  Canada enjoys peace.  I feel grateful to be living here in Elliot Lake.

Too many children in our world suffer abuse.  I am grateful that I had loving, caring parents.

I am grateful to be a mother to wonderful, healthy children and grandmother to talented, creative and intelligent young men.

Many people throughout the world have talents but few find the motivation, and sometimes lack the courage to be vulnerable and put their talents forward.  Fear of criticism or fear of failure may hold many talented people back.   

As a child I marvelled at the talents of my siblings who could sing, dance and play music.   My dear mother always told me that I had hidden talents.  I believed they were hidden very well and wondered if I would ever find one.

While others performed I spent my time reading and sometimes writing little stories.  It never occurred to me in those times that writing my little stories could be something called a talent. 

I thought that anyone who could think; could write.  In truth, I still believe this is so.

However I have overcome my fear of criticism and failure.   I thank God and I thank my mother that I have found the motivation and the courage to make myself vulnerable and to put my stories forward.   For this I am very grateful.

I am a free woman in a free country living in a world where too many women live in bondage; too many men live in fear and too many children suffer hunger, war and hardship.

If I could, I would; but I know I cannot change the world.

The only person I can change is me and I am ever open to new adventure, new experiences and new achievements.   For this I feel very grateful.

Keeping it Simple .......

I'm totally immersed in KEEPING IT SIMPLE today and enjoying the work.

It is a challenge to insert the wonderful artwork that Susan at  Yuneekpix.com has created for me but I persevere on a new learning curve.

Thanks to those of you who have pre-ordered.   You have encouraged me to continue with this project and I hope to have this book available by early spring, 2011.

My goal is to be well prepared in time for the Elliot Lake Trade Show which will be taking place in April at our local arena.

And of special interest, Betty Reid is an author who resides here in Elliot Lake.  I am sure those of you who know her will join me in sending her best wishes and congratulations on her 90th birthday celebration taking place today.

Betty is the lady who initiated the first Writers' Circle in Elliot Lake.  That circle was a forerunner of our current Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop.

Happy Birthday, Betty! 

Books for sale at this time............

Currently REAWAKENING  and THE SILENT STAR plus a Dozen  are sold out.

Each of these books is going into its second printing by Wynterblue Publishing Canada and I should have more copies available before mid March.

SARA, a Canadian Saga is enjoying wonderful sales success.   At this time I have only 8 copies of SARA  available for sale.

However its fourth print run is taking place now and more copies of SARA will be available before mid March in time for Elliot Lake's Trade Show at the local arena where I will have my display table set up for signings and sales.

KEEPING IT SIMPLE is a change of pace for me as it is not fictional short stories or novel.

This is a book which discusses in depth, Meditation, Psychospiritual Therapy and the Chakra System...............please check out the KEEPING IT SIMPLE   page on my website.   If you think this is something that will be of interest to you please send me your pre-order by email.   I am considering a very small limited edition of this book.  A handful of people have asked me about when it will be available.  I don't anticipate a big demand for this book but you, the reader, may be a better judge of this matter than me.  Please, if you have an interest in this kind of a personal growth guidance book, do get in touch and pre-order your copy.

Cover Design by Susan at  Yuneekpix.com