Looking forward to spending Canada Day with family and friends out at the lakehouse.
Happy Birthday to my grandson, David, and
Happy Birthday, Canada!
BOOKS BY AUDREY AUSTIN: The theme of this blog is creative writing. Any writing on this blog by authors other than myself is by permission of the author. I've written many poems, short stories, novellas, novels, and more. I've recently entered the ;exciting world of books for children. I hope you will want to get to know me and, of course, I hope you will want to buy a book or two.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival
Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival takes place October 22, 2011 at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre in Elliot Lake. This event will offer a morning workshop titled Memoir Writing with instructor Dr. Ross Pennie, medical mystery novelist and medical doctor from Hamilton, Ontario and an afternoon workshop titled How to Get Published with instructor Brian Henry who teaches at Ryerson University and George Brown College in Toronto.
The launch of Penpourri, Elliot Lake Writers' Anthology of Stories and Poems will take place the day of the Festival and will be part of the Book Fair which is drawing authors from Manitoulin Island, Blind River as well as Elliot Lake.
The Podium Presentations will be provided by authors from Cobalt, North Bay, Manitoulin, Webbwood, and Blind River as well as from Elliot Lake.
There will be in-place writing competitions with prizes for adults and children and entertainment for all throughout the day.
Members of Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop are thankful to our Festival Sponsors. Hope to see you there October 22nd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre followed by a Gala Dinner with guest speaker, Dr. Ross Pennie, at The Renaissance Centre, Elliot Lake.
For Workshop and Dinner Tickets or for further information please email me.
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The launch of Penpourri, Elliot Lake Writers' Anthology of Stories and Poems will take place the day of the Festival and will be part of the Book Fair which is drawing authors from Manitoulin Island, Blind River as well as Elliot Lake.
The Podium Presentations will be provided by authors from Cobalt, North Bay, Manitoulin, Webbwood, and Blind River as well as from Elliot Lake.
There will be in-place writing competitions with prizes for adults and children and entertainment for all throughout the day.
Members of Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop are thankful to our Festival Sponsors. Hope to see you there October 22nd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre followed by a Gala Dinner with guest speaker, Dr. Ross Pennie, at The Renaissance Centre, Elliot Lake.
For Workshop and Dinner Tickets or for further information please email me.
J. Breen Coffee; The Algo Mall; Viking Fish & Chips
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS .... OCTOBER 22ND, A DAY TO REMEMBER!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
A bit of this and more of that .......
I confess that so far June has been a very eventful month. My time has been spread thin with home reno and basement being dug up for sewer pipe replacement; cedars in the garden requiring more TLC than I ever could have imagined giving and with little success I might add; planning for the Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival and at last reaching a stage where I feel we can all rest a little easier throughout the summer months; preparing for a family reunion; visiting a sick friend in hospital and trying to adjust to a new laptop with unfamiliar software. With so much going on around me, I have done very little creative writing.
The only exception has been entry into the Wynterblue WynLit 24 Competitions where I am pleased to say my last two short story entries have made it into the short list and will be a part of Confab 5 in 2012.
I did manage to write a short story for Penpourri, Elliot Lake Writers' Anthology of Stories and Poems along with 4 poems which were written some time ago.
Planning for Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival taking place October 22, 2011 at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre in Elliot Lake takes priority. This event will offer a morning workshop titled Memoir Writing with instructor Dr. Ross Pennie, medical mystery novelist and medical doctor from Hamilton, Ontario and an afternoon workshop titled How to Get Published with instructor Brian Henry who teaches at Ryerson University and George Brown College in Toronto.
The launch of Penpourri, Elliot Lake Writers' Anthology of Stories and Poems will take place the day of the Festival and will be part of the Book Fair which is drawing authors from Manitoulin Island, Blind River as well as Elliot Lake.
The Podium Presentations will be provided by authors from Cobalt, North Bay, Manitoulin, Webbwood, and Blind River as well as from Elliot Lake.
There will be in-place writing competitions with prizes for adults and children and entertainment for all throughout the day.
Members of Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop are thankful to our Festival Sponsors. Hope to see you there October 22nd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre followed by a Gala Dinner with guest speaker, Dr. Ross Pennie, at The Renaissance Centre, Elliot Lake.
For Workshop and Dinner Tickets or for further information please email me.
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The only exception has been entry into the Wynterblue WynLit 24 Competitions where I am pleased to say my last two short story entries have made it into the short list and will be a part of Confab 5 in 2012.
I did manage to write a short story for Penpourri, Elliot Lake Writers' Anthology of Stories and Poems along with 4 poems which were written some time ago.
Planning for Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival taking place October 22, 2011 at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre in Elliot Lake takes priority. This event will offer a morning workshop titled Memoir Writing with instructor Dr. Ross Pennie, medical mystery novelist and medical doctor from Hamilton, Ontario and an afternoon workshop titled How to Get Published with instructor Brian Henry who teaches at Ryerson University and George Brown College in Toronto.
The launch of Penpourri, Elliot Lake Writers' Anthology of Stories and Poems will take place the day of the Festival and will be part of the Book Fair which is drawing authors from Manitoulin Island, Blind River as well as Elliot Lake.
The Podium Presentations will be provided by authors from Cobalt, North Bay, Manitoulin, Webbwood, and Blind River as well as from Elliot Lake.
There will be in-place writing competitions with prizes for adults and children and entertainment for all throughout the day.
Members of Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop are thankful to our Festival Sponsors. Hope to see you there October 22nd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre followed by a Gala Dinner with guest speaker, Dr. Ross Pennie, at The Renaissance Centre, Elliot Lake.
For Workshop and Dinner Tickets or for further information please email me.
J. Breen Coffee; The Algo Mall; Viking Fish & Chips
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS .... OCTOBER 22ND, A DAY TO REMEMBER!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
On line again .........
I do make every attempt to type a daily post here on Calling All Writers however for the past few days I have been without a computer.
Today I am here with my new laptop trying to find my way around Windows 7. It's quite a change from Windows XP which is the software I had before. It's another new learning curve; a new challenge.
I hope to get back into my routine of daily blogging starting soon.
In the meantime if you are looking for some good reading material I have three well-received books written by yours truly. I will be more than happy to sell one to you. Please get in touch by email
Cover Designs: yuneekpix.com
Today I am here with my new laptop trying to find my way around Windows 7. It's quite a change from Windows XP which is the software I had before. It's another new learning curve; a new challenge.
I hope to get back into my routine of daily blogging starting soon.
In the meantime if you are looking for some good reading material I have three well-received books written by yours truly. I will be more than happy to sell one to you. Please get in touch by email
Saturday, June 11, 2011
WynLit Competition today .....
Today was another challenging Wynterblue WynLit 24 Writing Competition day.
I wrote close to 5,000 words and feel absolutely great.
I am very pleased that my competition entries for the past two months have been short-listed which means they will be published in Confab 5 in 20l2. I hope I will be as fortunate with today's entry.
Short Story writing is a joy.
For those who have not read The Silent Star plus a Dozen I invite you to get in touch to make your purchase. I am just an email away.
This short story anthology is comprised of 13 short-listed stories written in WynLit 24 competitions and previously published in both Confab 2 and Confab 3 which are Wynterblue Publishing publications.
I wrote close to 5,000 words and feel absolutely great.
I am very pleased that my competition entries for the past two months have been short-listed which means they will be published in Confab 5 in 20l2. I hope I will be as fortunate with today's entry.
Short Story writing is a joy.
For those who have not read The Silent Star plus a Dozen I invite you to get in touch to make your purchase. I am just an email away.
This short story anthology is comprised of 13 short-listed stories written in WynLit 24 competitions and previously published in both Confab 2 and Confab 3 which are Wynterblue Publishing publications.
Thanks to Yuneekpix.com for this beautiful cover design.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Just do it ...........
Sometimes we just have to knuckle down and do it.......housework, that is! The dreaded housework that is constantly whispering, "just do it, do it, do it."
This morning the whisper transformed into a frightful shout. I could ignore it no longer.
A morning spent doing laundry, running around with a vacuum cleaner, furniture polish and glass cleaner......well, in fact, it's not done yet and I see by the clock hanging on the office wall next to my computer that it is no longer morning. It's afternoon! How did that happen? Time to prepare lunch!
Between folding clothes and dusting shelves I've been back and forth to this laptop. I've been busy sharing emails with graphics artist discussing the design of promotional posters for our upcoming Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival happening at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre on October 22nd.
You won't catch me doing housework on Saturday, October 22nd. Much more exciting things will be happening that day! It will be a day to remember.
This morning the whisper transformed into a frightful shout. I could ignore it no longer.
A morning spent doing laundry, running around with a vacuum cleaner, furniture polish and glass cleaner......well, in fact, it's not done yet and I see by the clock hanging on the office wall next to my computer that it is no longer morning. It's afternoon! How did that happen? Time to prepare lunch!
Between folding clothes and dusting shelves I've been back and forth to this laptop. I've been busy sharing emails with graphics artist discussing the design of promotional posters for our upcoming Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival happening at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre on October 22nd.
You won't catch me doing housework on Saturday, October 22nd. Much more exciting things will be happening that day! It will be a day to remember.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Some pictorial highlights of the Anniversary Celebration at The Gallery at the Centre ....
A very enjoyable time was had by all at the 2nd Anniversary Celebration of
The Gallery at the Centre.
A busy day .......
Thanks to Jurgen Braunohler. We very much enjoyed his slide presentation, "Sailing the Great Lakes" last evening. Congrats on a successful evening!
Today I'm busy with another Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival planning committee meeting. Soon we will have amazing promotional posters and ELWW members are looking forward to a successful festival happening October 22nd at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre.
This evening we will attend the anniversary celebration at The Gallery at the Centre. A great opportunity to meet the artists. And a wonderful opportunity to buy during this 20% off sale.
Today I'm busy with another Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival planning committee meeting. Soon we will have amazing promotional posters and ELWW members are looking forward to a successful festival happening October 22nd at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre.
This evening we will attend the anniversary celebration at The Gallery at the Centre. A great opportunity to meet the artists. And a wonderful opportunity to buy during this 20% off sale.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
A couple of favourite quotations ......
You can't get beyond what you've never been in ...
We don't see things as they are. We see things as we are.
We don't see things as they are. We see things as we are.
Happening this week ...
Tomorrow evening, Wednesday, June 8th, at 7 pm Jurgen Braunohler is offering a one hour slide show presentation on sailing. This event is taking place in Elliot Lake's City Hall Council Chamber. Jurgen is a valued member of Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop.
On Thursday evening, June 9th, a celebration is taking place at the Gallery at the Centre. Visual artists will be in attendance so this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the amazing artwork and to meet the talented artists in person. Free refreshments.
On the afternoon of Thursday June 9th we will hold an Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival Planning Committee meeting at 2 pm in the boardroom of the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre. The Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival will be happening Saturday, October 22nd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Civic Centre. Gala dinner following will be at the Renaissance Centre: cash bar 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Guest speaker, Dr. Ross Pennie, will give a slide show presentation following the dinner.
Today I am at home. The plumbers continue to work downstairs. Soon the hot water heater and furnace will be back in place and it will be time for the outdoor adventure to begin.
On Thursday evening, June 9th, a celebration is taking place at the Gallery at the Centre. Visual artists will be in attendance so this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the amazing artwork and to meet the talented artists in person. Free refreshments.
On the afternoon of Thursday June 9th we will hold an Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival Planning Committee meeting at 2 pm in the boardroom of the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre. The Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival will be happening Saturday, October 22nd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Civic Centre. Gala dinner following will be at the Renaissance Centre: cash bar 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Guest speaker, Dr. Ross Pennie, will give a slide show presentation following the dinner.
Today I am at home. The plumbers continue to work downstairs. Soon the hot water heater and furnace will be back in place and it will be time for the outdoor adventure to begin.
Monday, June 6, 2011
All is well in my world ...
I listen to the giggles of the children as they make their way up the road to school on this brand new Monday morning.
I hear the scraping of metal and the hissing of the blow torch as the gas fitters work to replace the hot water heater and the furnace.
I pray for the patience my mother always told me I lacked.
I find this process of home reno to be an unsettling experience and I need to remind myself that this, too, shall pass.
The smiling, confident face of the young contractor puts my fears to rest....the verandah will be saved and for this I am grateful.
Home reno always insists that it is the #1 priority. While it is taking place everything else in life takes a back seat; even the lovely luncheon I did hope to attend today.
But today I feel grateful. All is well in my world....
I hear the scraping of metal and the hissing of the blow torch as the gas fitters work to replace the hot water heater and the furnace.
I pray for the patience my mother always told me I lacked.
I find this process of home reno to be an unsettling experience and I need to remind myself that this, too, shall pass.
The smiling, confident face of the young contractor puts my fears to rest....the verandah will be saved and for this I am grateful.
Home reno always insists that it is the #1 priority. While it is taking place everything else in life takes a back seat; even the lovely luncheon I did hope to attend today.
But today I feel grateful. All is well in my world....
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Another good Sunday morning.....
Another good Sunday morning. Maybe see you in church?
Talking the talk is an easy thing to do. Do I have faith enough to walk the walk?
Sunday, to me, marks the end of a week. I cannot say I have enjoyed the past week. Yet enough messages have come to me from caring friends reminding me of how very fortunate I am in spite of some of the unpleasant happenings.
I have complained about what will be the loss of a verandah, due to sewer pipes needing replacement, forgetting about the hundreds of people who lost their entire homes and all that they possess as a result of tornados and flooding.
I have complained about the expense and emotional stress that accompanies it, knowing the verandah needs to be dissembled and reassembled, forgetting about those children who visit dumps to find sustenance for another day.
Even though I know there is a lesson in all things I have been reluctant to know what learning there can be for me in all this. I've been too comfortable in my moaning & groaning.
It's time to be authentic; to set aside my reluctance.
It's time to stop worrying & complaining. It's time to feel grateful and to say once again, Thank you God. "If He brings me to it, He will take me through it."
Another good Sunday morning ............
Talking the talk is an easy thing to do. Do I have faith enough to walk the walk?
Sunday, to me, marks the end of a week. I cannot say I have enjoyed the past week. Yet enough messages have come to me from caring friends reminding me of how very fortunate I am in spite of some of the unpleasant happenings.
I have complained about what will be the loss of a verandah, due to sewer pipes needing replacement, forgetting about the hundreds of people who lost their entire homes and all that they possess as a result of tornados and flooding.
I have complained about the expense and emotional stress that accompanies it, knowing the verandah needs to be dissembled and reassembled, forgetting about those children who visit dumps to find sustenance for another day.
Even though I know there is a lesson in all things I have been reluctant to know what learning there can be for me in all this. I've been too comfortable in my moaning & groaning.
It's time to be authentic; to set aside my reluctance.
It's time to stop worrying & complaining. It's time to feel grateful and to say once again, Thank you God. "If He brings me to it, He will take me through it."
Another good Sunday morning ............
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Runing Away from Home ..........
Almost the entire basement has been dug up to replace sewer pipes. The floor has now been re-cemented, in the process of drying, and if that were the end of this adventure I would be pleased.
Alas, the sewer pipes which run from the house to the city line now also have to be replaced. This, in itself, is not so bad. It is what this process will entail that really has me in an emotional tailspin.
My beloved front veranda, stone patio and beautiful front hedge will all need to come down in order for the backhoe to do what it is designed to do. The cost of all this tearing down and rebuilding is a high one; both emotionally and financially.
But what must be done, must be done.
It is at times like this that I think I would like to run away from home.
Alas, the sewer pipes which run from the house to the city line now also have to be replaced. This, in itself, is not so bad. It is what this process will entail that really has me in an emotional tailspin.
My beloved front veranda, stone patio and beautiful front hedge will all need to come down in order for the backhoe to do what it is designed to do. The cost of all this tearing down and rebuilding is a high one; both emotionally and financially.
But what must be done, must be done.
It is at times like this that I think I would like to run away from home.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Confabulation 4 Launch in North Bay today ...........
I'm sorry to be missing attendance at Wynterblue Publishing's Confab 4 Launch in North Bay today.
Pleased to say that two of my stories were short-listed in competition and will be published in this anthology.
I'm also pleased that copies of Sara, a Canadian Saga and Reawakening will be included in the gift basket that some lucky attendee will win today.
To learn more about these books visit my website.
I believe my email problems are a thing of the past but the home plumbing situation remains overwhelming.
As my Mom would tell me everything comes out in the wash.
By the way, did you know Sara, a Canadian Saga is now also an Ebook published by Wynterblue Publishing Canada and available through Amazon.com ?
The paperback version has received wonderful reviews and glowing feedback. I hope the Ebook version will do as well. Thanks for checking it out and your positive review on Amazon.com will be most welcome.
Pleased to say that two of my stories were short-listed in competition and will be published in this anthology.
I'm also pleased that copies of Sara, a Canadian Saga and Reawakening will be included in the gift basket that some lucky attendee will win today.
To learn more about these books visit my website.
I believe my email problems are a thing of the past but the home plumbing situation remains overwhelming.
As my Mom would tell me everything comes out in the wash.
By the way, did you know Sara, a Canadian Saga is now also an Ebook published by Wynterblue Publishing Canada and available through Amazon.com ?
The paperback version has received wonderful reviews and glowing feedback. I hope the Ebook version will do as well. Thanks for checking it out and your positive review on Amazon.com will be most welcome.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
A Time to Lighten Up .........
"A bird sings just for the joy of living .Lighten up.and you might even learn to fly."
With lots of computer and home plumbing problems I found this quotation borrowed from a friend's FB Post uplifting.
I share it with you now and hope it cheers you up as it did me.
I apologize that my usual daily posts have not been happening. Hopefully all will be well again soon.
Thanks for your patience and understanding.
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