All the best to my readers in 2017!

Merry Christmas!

My Christmas gift to my readers is a free short story each day of this week commencing December 20th and up to and including December 26th.

Thank you very much for your continued encouragement and support.

Merry Christmas to each of you and I wish you all good things in 2017.

Love and light,

Audrey Austin.

These free stories are available on all Amazon sites

or

check out my author's page at

http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Happy Christmas to you and yours! :-)

Sam & Lila .... an update

Here is an update for our Lila and Sam friends. We have returned from Dr. Andrew Wannan's office where both Lila and Sam had appointments.

Lila had the first appointment and her examination revealed that her rear knee joints were slipped out of place; Dr. Wannan corrected this. And also she needed the anal gland cleaned; a little bit of tartar on front teeth but nothing serious. She is in pretty good shape health-wise.

We brought Lila home and returned for Sam's appointme...nt. Because of his tendency to bite, he was sedated throughout his examination.

As it turned out, our poor Sam has needed to have 4 teeth removed; and in addition he has arthritis in both his back legs. The little guy is home now in his bed, still under sedation; should be waking up in about 45 minutes ........ I'm glad he is awakening in his own bed. Maybe he will think it was all a bad dream. We now have meds for his arthritis.

Dr. Wannan said Sam would have been experiencing pain; probably for some time.

Now the key will be to see how his behavior is once his arthritic pain is under control and his little mouth is feeling better.

We don't know how much of his bad behavior was a result of the pain he has been in. And of course over the years his behavior, left unchecked, will also have become habitual.

Sam has had one training session. We wanted to ensure that he was in good health physically before continuing with the behavioural training. We will see how things go over Christmas and then, special thanks to our friend, Sheal. who will start the training sessions in the new year.

We mentioned the training to Dr. Wannan and he thinks it is definitely worth a try. Special thanks to Dr. Andrew Wannan and his wonderful staff for their caring and gentle expertise.

They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks ..... we hope that is not the case with Sam. He and Lila will be seven in a month's time.

Lila is little Ms. Barker and a very talented escape artist but we are on to her and she is getting better day by day. She is very loving and affectionate. At this moment she is very soulful; she is concerned about Sam and wondering why he is sleeping for so long. She is being a good girl and not going too close to his bed.

As for our Sam, I believe he is a good little dog in his heart and I believe he wants to behave ..... I'm keeping the faith. I believe in the power of love. Thanks for keeping him in your prayers

Lila is keeping a watchful eye on Sam.

Sam is under sedation

Sam is awake.  Welcome back, Sam!

IT'S ALL ABOUT SAM ..... socializing a six year old dog

IT'S ALL ABOUT SAM

On the beautiful sunny afternoon of July 31st, 2016, rescue worker, Jennifer, arrived at our Elliot Lake home with Samson and Princess Delilah; two adorable, little, six-year-old chihuahuas.

For me, it was love at first sight.   I was still grieving the loss of our beautiful ten-year-old German Shepherd/Mastiff boy, Ki, on this day, while my love and happy memories of  sixteen-year-old, Jack Russell, Dudley, had become an integral part of who I am. 

Both Ki and Dudley were always the most affectionate, lovable, pets.  They hogged the bed at night, they walked happily on their leads and loved the attention of all they met on their walks.  They each got along well with people and with other dogs.  Pure delight, Ki and Dudley are my only experience with dog ownership.

Upon the arrival of these playful chihuahuas, I watched with fascination and amusement as the two little ones romped around my backyard seemingly making themselves right at home.

We received no warning.  Totally unprepared for a dog that growls, snaps, and bites, I was shocked the first time it happened.  My first bite from Samson was on my nose as I bent down to pick him up.   It was such a fast event that I had no time to move away and protect myself. 

Future growls and bites have been on my hands and just above my wrist.

I haven't been bitten by Sam for several weeks now.   His behavior is improving for sure.  But, also, I have adopted little tricks to keep myself bite-free.   I don't believe I've been successful in teaching Sam anything.  I've just sort of learned how to protect myself.   I keep hoping that love will conquer all.

Yes, the name Samson has been shortened to Sam, and Princess Delilah is now our little Lila.

Our understanding is that prior to coming to our home, these soon to be seven-year-olds lived with a lady who loved them.  However, this lady, I am told, did not entertain anyone in her home nor did she take her little dogs for walks.  These little Chihuahuas never met or interacted with anyone but this lady.   They knew only her home and her backyard.

Consequently Sam and Lila never saw other people and certainly never saw other dogs.

Knowing that they have never been socialized, I am doing my best to learn how to best bring harmony into their lives as well as  into my own.

Of the two, only Sam is a biter.  Lila, well, Lila is the barker.  Yes, they both bark but Lila is most often the instigator when it comes to barking.   And her bark is a high pitched yippy kind of bark that is known to grate on the nerves of people.  Sam's bark is a sincere, loud, pay-attention-to-me kind of a bark.   Lila is very affectionate.  Sam is very jealous if I give my affection to Lila.   Sam is also very affectionate when he wants to be.  They both love belly-rubs.   For the first few weeks they were both little poop-factories.   As much as I love them, between the two of them, I sometimes think I am going to go crazy.   Fortunately for several weeks now they have made no deposits in the house.

We want to socialize Sam and Lila.  And for this reason we take them for short walks in order for them to learn that, yes, there are other people and other dogs in this wonderful world.

If a person approaches when we are walking the dogs, Lila starts with her barking accompanied by Sam who expresses his barks and growls in a don't-mess-with-me kind of way.  We know that if we tighten their leads to keep them away from people it makes both dogs more determined to bark.    But we also know that if we don't tighten their leads someone could be bitten.   Oh, not by Lila.  Lila is not a biter.  But, by Sam, it is quite possible.  Therefore we feel we have no choice but to tighten their lead in order that no one be injured. 

Surprisingly we have had no problems with close family members coming into our home.  Oh, yes, Sam tries to be the bully but he soon settles down and behaves himself in their company.

Again we face a dilemma.  We want people to come to our home.  We love our friends.   Also, we know that unless people come into our home, Sam and Lila will never become socialized and welcoming to people.

Ninety-five percent of the time Sam is now very well behaved and respectful of me.  But still there are moments when I know he would rather bite me than do as he is told.

I have a friend.  Her name is Tammy.   I am so very grateful to have her in my life.  She is a fearless lover of animals.   And although Sam has been doing his best to bully her, Tammy stands firm earning Sam's respect.      She understands the situation and she knows how very much we want to teach Sam to get along with others.

I understand why most people don't want to come into our home.   At the same time, how can we socialize Sam and teach him to get along with people if he does not have people around him?  It is a conundrum.

We have been told that the lady who loved Sam and Lila for six years did not socialize; did not entertain in her home; did not take the dogs for walks.

Now, the question is this:  Did she not do these things because of Sam's behavior?  Or is Sam's behavior the result of her decisions?

This we don't know and, this, we will never know because the lady, sadly, has died.

I love Sam and Lila.   Most of the time in our home they are well-behaved, affectionate, and loving little pups.   We hope and pray that, in time, we will be able to say that they are this way all the time.  After all, they have been with us for just a little more than three months.

Life is good and life goes on.  But the truth is that for the past three months in our household it is all about Sam.  

We are grateful to our closest neighbours who have not yet complained to us about the yapping pups out on the verandah as the children walk by on their way home from school.   I don't put them out there every day as the kids go by, but I do on occasion because I am hoping that Sam and Lila will one day finally accept that there are children in this world and, hey, we don't own the sidewalks.

How do we socialize dogs unless we take them out into the world to see other people and dogs; unless we have people visiting in our home?     

We are in love with Sam and Lila.   And Lila, apart from her barking, is a delight.  She is not a growler or a biter; just a little yapper.   

If you have ever experienced anything similar in your own experience with your pet, I will be most grateful if you are willing to share what steps you took to socialize your dog.   I've been googling constantly and, yes, gaining some good advice in this way. 

Your positive thoughts are ever welcome.      Here's a photo of Sam and Lila. 

SAM

LILA

Growing old -- some thoughts

There is no doubt that I have reached the stage in my life where I am no longer able to say that I am growing old.   I am old.   And, yes, I feel blessed to be old.  

I've known many wonderful people throughout my life who never had the opportunity to say I am old.

Contrary to the belief of many, being old is not a disease.

I know some people who are old who complain of feeling the cold.  Sometimes I complain about the cold; the snow; the necessity for boots, scarves and mitts.  But sometimes I love to go out into my back yard on a cold sunny day and just breathe in the fresh, life-giving, air.   I feel cold?  That's wonderful!   I complain because I feel too hot?  That's equally wonderful.   I feel happy?  Life is good.  I feel sad?  Life is good.    I feel uplifted?  Life is good.  I feel disappointed?  Life is good.

Life is good because I am feeling.  I feel.  I am. 

At the stage of life that I have reached I am able to achieve some things that remained elusive in earlier years; too filled were they with responsibility.   Yes, I continue to be responsible; but I am now able to let go.   I am able to let go of material things; downsizing is a wonderful release.   I am able to let go of people; something I thought I would never be able to do.  But I am now able to love those who choose to love me.   I am able to let go of those who choose not to love me.  And that's okay.  I am learning how to be like the title of my recent book.  I am learning how to Simply BE.

Being old does not mean I am dependent, miserable, lonely, or of no use.      Some people choose to be these things in their old age; some choose to be these things at an early age.    My use of the word choose  is deliberate.   Choosing is not always a conscious act.  Choosing is often unconscious but it is always possible to raise awareness in order to make conscious choices in life.

In my earlier years I devoted my time to many people, events, values, that I loved.   But simultaneously in my earlier years I too often devoted my time to many people, events, values, that I didn't love but they were often those that I believed I needed to permit in my life because it was expected of me.  

The expectations of others can be haunting; can be limiting; can be harmful.   Even today I know there are those who have expectations of me.   That is okay.  They are welcome to their expectations.  I no longer allow the expectations of others to interfere with those I have of myself.   This is another gift I am able to give to myself now that I am old.

When I finally arrived at what is commonly termed retirement age, I took a good look around me and asked myself, okay; now what?

This is when I began to write creatively.   Now eighteen books later, I still love to write creatively.    

More recently, my beautiful dog, Ki, died.   Grief overwhelmed me.  I loved and missed him so much.   I tried to write out my feelings but the words didn't want to come.

And then I remembered some good advice from my earlier training as a psychospiritual practitioner.   Draw out your feelings!  I can still remember those instructions well.  

I carried my grief, my pain, my love, and my memories of Ki downstairs into the basement.  I began to paint.   My first painting was one of sky and hearts and the names of every pet I had ever had the privilege of loving; those of my own and those of my closest family members.   

I poured my heart into this painting.   And the feeling within me was a good one.

I decided I would paint something just for my "Ki"

And so I did.

This is where I started.   An old woman who had spent her lifetime caring, typing, listening, encouraging the gifts of others picked up a paint brush and silently said, I am not intimidated.  I will simply do my best.

And this is what I do.   I accept the criticism of others.  Sometimes I like it and sometimes I don't, but I have also come to know that I have no control over what another chooses to say.   I know I am not a Van Gogh or a Picasso.   What I am is someone who is enjoying the expression of who I am through the printed word and through my painting.

I wrote a book and I call it Simply BE.     In this book I express that we don't have to be perfect at everything we do.  We simply need to be who we are.  That is a good thing to be.  That is enough.

The picture on the cover of Simply BE is of my family of origin.  My Mom and my Dad; my brothers Ray and Ken; my sisters Eleanor, Muriel, and Linda.   And there I am, beside my mother with my arm around my baby sister.  I am 12 years old in this photo.

And the background of this photo is the little woods behind my current house in Elliot Lake.  This photo, so cleverly put together by my daughter, Susan,

beautifully unites my past and my present.

And with my past and my present, I am at peace.  I am able to Simply Be.

By now I have painted a lot of pictures.  I am running out of walls in my basement.

I have no training.  I may have discovered a very tiny grain of natural talent but mostly I have discovered a challenge; a wonderful learning curve that is satisfying.   Learning how to mix colours and playing with what turn out to be some very strange backgrounds that often get lost when the primary focus of the painting makes its debut.  I paint the way I write and this is by following my beautiful mother's advice which was If you want something done, then simply begin.  I still don't know how to draw a straight line and learning to paint fine lines is still a goal.   When I write a story I never know how it is going to end.  I follow the characters and they lead me where they want to go.   When I paint I never know how it is going to turn out.  Sometimes I try to do my rendition of a photo.  My painting, in the end, never looks like the photo.   I don't know if I will discover any talent but I have the desire and, for me, for now, this is enough.  I am enjoying the adventure of creating.

I have since been told that by choosing oils, I have chosen the biggest challenge.  I have since been told that by choosing to paint people, I have chosen the most difficult avenue of expression.  

Leave it to me!  Throughout my life I have always learned things the hard way and so it would seem that even now when I am old, I still do things the hard way.  This, too, is okay.  This way of being often contributes to a sense of humour which is sometimes difficult to find.

Two nights ago I had a dream; a real dream while I was sleeping.  When I awakened I remembered that in my dream along with my books, I had one painting, the one painting that was maybe sort of Christmasy because at least it was a winter scene.  I dreamed that this painting was on a table along with my books.

Knowing I have been painting pictures for only three months with no instruction, it was not an easy decision to take this painting along with me and to place it on my books table.   But, as I have done in the past, I continue to trust my dreams.  I believe they are, as Carl Jung believed, God's forgotten language.  

My heart was so warm when strangers complimented the painting.

When one of these strangers actually purchased it, I felt like I was in heaven.  I'm sure she must have thought I was crazy when I wanted to give her a big hug to thank her for her purchase.

And I do thank you, Pauline.

And I hope you will feel the love from this painting that now hangs in your home.

Yes, I am old.  But I am not dead.  Throughout my entire life I stated, I don't know how to draw a straight line.   And it's true; I don't.  But I have learned that crooked lines are more fun and more interesting than straight lines anyway so who cares!

The truth is that, surrounded by talented artists, as I was in my family, I felt intimidated; not good enough; not one who should ever pick up a paint brush.  My job was to encourage others; that is what I believed and I can't remember a time when anyone disagreed with this core belief and encouraged me to make the effort.

In my family also are talented singers and musicians.   I always felt like a bass in a soprano world.   Yes, I could carry a tune but I felt I could do so as long as I didn't have to carry it too far.   But a time came, and I believe the confidence came from the very fact of oldness, when I wrote the lyrics to a song; wrote the melody; and actually sang the song permitting others to hear it.   With the help of a most talented, good friend who did encourage me, I posted on You Tube, my song titled Too Late.

I also wrote lyrics to two others songs.  Listen to Love was recorded by the most talented singer/musician, Johnny Tyger.  You can also hear this song on You Tube.    I Followed My Heart to 108 has been recorded in Nashville by Kimberly Arnold.   This has made me believe that, hey, maybe I can write poetry.

And so I got busy writing poems and put them all together in an anthology which I have titled Poetry From A to Z.   In this book I have published my poems, the titles of which span the alphabet.  

So, you see, one thing follows another if we choose to allow ourselves to be who we are.

My very first book,  Sara, a Canadian Saga, I dedicated to my mother.  The picture on the cover of my very first book is also one of my family of origin.  In this cover picture I am the smallest girl who feels the loving hand of her mother on her shoulder.

Family has always meant everything to me.   Family still means everything to me but now that I am old, there is a difference.   I don't put myself on the back burner anymore.   I don't apologize for being who I am.   I don't want to displease anyone but to please is not my purpose; not a need; just not necessary anymore.   I love those who love me.   I am able to let go of those who want to let go of me.   And it is okay.

This coming summer I will celebrate my tenth writing anniversary.   During these ten years I grew old.  Yes, I did.  And that's okay too.   During these ten years I have written many books; eighteen so far, and still writing.    Of course I want people to buy my books.  Every writer wants people to buy the results of their labour and I am no exception.

As I Simply Be, so do my books and so do my paintings.   Some are better than others.  It is all very subjective.   Another's opinion is  wonderful to hear; especially when it is a positive opinion.   But my books and my paintings are what they are.   At the time they were created I was doing my best.   I never fail to feel thrilled when someone buys one of my books.   I never fail to thank that person for buying because, in buying, they are expressing encouragement and support.  For this I am always grateful.

When I began writing I had a wonderful publisher; Maggie Kirton of Wynterblue Publishing.  She believed in me and my desire to write creatively.    My earliest books were published by Mags.  She knows I love her and she knows I am forever grateful.

But the time came when Wynterblue stopped for a rest.   There I was, this old lady, who wanted to publish books but who had no publisher. 

Again I had no training but only the desire.  And so once again I taught myself.  I taught myself how to format my stories and how to get them on-line so that hopefully others would buy them.  I became a proud indie author.

There is not one person on this earth who knows when his time on this planet will end.   I am one of the most fortunate ones.  I have been allowed to grow old and I am allowed to enjoy being old.     I am allowed to Simply BE. 

When I first began self-publishing I knew nothing of the process.  I certainly did not know how to add a back cover to a book.  Three or four of my books have nothing on their back covers.  That's okay.   I learned.   And now my books have information on their back covers.

Let me share with you what I have written on the back cover of Simply BE.

Sometimes we forget that we are born into this world as human beings.

We forget because too much of the time is spent as human do'ers.

We do this; we do that; and then we do some more.

Sometimes we become involved in doing so much we forget who we are.

Simply BE is a reminder to all of us that it is possible

to be who we really are.

Life is good.   And life goes on.

On Amazon:   http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

On Facebook:   http://www.facebook.com/audreyaustinca

You can also find me on Google Plus; Twitter; and Linked In, and I hope you do.

This blog post has been sparked because one stranger, who I now know as Pauline, bought my painting.  Pauline does not realize that by her purchase she made my dream come true.

Yes, indeed, life is good.  And life goes on. 

Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy: some reviews

Moose Road - a Canadian Tragedy:   I'm happy to share a few reviews with you.

"I grabbed your book and headed for bed. This was about 7:30.
I turned out the light just after midnight.
I couldn't put it down!
... Your characters are so real and believable! I absolutely fell in love with the Road, and Santo's dad, Arthur broke my heart and I think we all know someone a little...

like Eunice...
Just wonderful!
I liked how you interjected the Road's thoughts midway, and I liked the ending!
The story is riveting. I felt like I knew these people!"

Susan Ruby K.

A review by Lucy AnnSpence:

"WOW !!! Just finished reading  this fabulous book...Audrey, you have a winner here...thoroughly enjoyed it and held

my attention right to the end...."

Moose Road is an exciting story and the characters living on the same road were all so down to earth, and it is a story you will not want to put down

until you have finished reading it as I know I couldn't. There has been a lot of research put into this story and the author is to be commended on her

great work. Eleanor Lambert.

Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy is available in both paperback and Kindle format on all Amazon sites.

Have a fun but safe Hallowe'en!

When God Gives Us Spring available in Paperback and Kindle formats on all Amazon sites

When God Gives Us Spring was a riveting story that held my attention from beginning to end.  The book was exciting to read but also it was a learning experience for me.   This was a very sad, tragic yet inspirational read.  Michael did what needed to be done; there is no blame on his shoulders.  I very much enjoyed this novella and look forward to reading other books by Austin.  ... B. Gordon.












Check it out in either paperback or Kindle on all Amazon sites.

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

AFTERWORDS, a short story available in the Kindle Store in all Amazon sites

John Rowe, a retired teacher, discovered a whole new world thanks to his new laptop. He enjoyed chatting on-line but now it was time to meet the young woman. Sure, he exaggerated a little about his appearance, his age, his life. Did he exaggerate too much?

From the Author

I very much enjoyed writing After Words.   In the cyber world none of us really know who we are chatting with; that is until we meet the person in 'the real world'.    This is one older man's chat room experience that is sure to leave a smile on your face.

Below are a couple of 5 Star reviews of Afterwords

Beautiful and right to the point! By Anton S. Wojcik on April 12, 2014

Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase

An unputdownable, fantastic, short story, read.
Get it and enjoy it!
This story will hold your attention for sure.

 

5.0 out of 5 starsGreat Reading

By Julie on February 22, 2015

Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase

I thought it was a very good read and a very up to date topic. I truely enjoyed this book getting more from this author.

Afterwords, a short story, is available in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites.

Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin 

IN THE FOREST - a narrative poem available in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites

IN THE FOREST is a narrative poem about the impact of spousal abuse on a couple's marriage. Who can explain why she pardoned his actions and continued to live with him? But the day arrived when she could no longer take one more moment of his violence. Now Chester weeps; an angry weeping.

IN THE FOREST is available in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites.

Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

RECOMPENSE is available in Kindle & Paperback formats on all Amazon sites

RECOMPENSE

Maurice Wilson lives in Salt River, a small town near Cape Town, South Africa. He is the son of a black father and a Caucasian mother. After the sudden death of his parents he makes the decision to move to High River, Alberta, Canada, the place of his mother’s birth in search of a sense of belonging. He becomes a Canadian citizen, is employed as a mail carrier for Canada Post. The morning of his first day on the job he meets Alison Pierce, a plain woman whose silent passions run deep. Shortly into her relationship with Maurice all her hopes for fulfillment plummet however she continues to live with him for more than twenty-five years. In their later years Maurice and Alison become acquainted with the Internet and with the Senior Befriender Chat Room. When temptation with the name of Conrad enters their lives the shared bonds of loyalty and trust are put in jeopardy. Will deception rule the day?

About the Author

I chose the Petunias for the front cover of the paperback edition of Recompense because when I thought of Alison I was reminded of the "lonely little petunia in an onion patch". I have written many short stories, novellas, novels, self-discovery books and stories for children.  In July I celebrated my ninth year as an author. They have been an amazing nine years and I am grateful to have the opportunity to write creatively. I love my home, my family, my friends. I am blessed to be able to share the results of my passion which is creative writing.

The Observers - a short story available in The Kindle Store on all Amazon sites..

The MacPhersons are a Scottish clan who love to wallow in the drama of their neighbours while keeping just enough distance to avoid involvement. They are a nosy lot. They don’t suspect that everyone on the street is on to them. This couple is blissfully happy in their ignorance; unaware that they are known by every resident on Cordelia Crescent as the observers.

The Observers is a short story that is available in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites.

It was just published today. I hope you will enjoy it

MOOSE ROAD, a Canadian Tragedy

#4 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Canadian > Drama   on Amazon.ca

MOOSE ROAD, a Canadian Tragedy is available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites.

Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Lila and Sam

Sam

Lila

They became my family members two and a half months ago; cute little rescues who had never been socialized with people or other animals.  I was totally unprepared for the gifts they brought with them.  My past experience with Dudley, my little Jack Russell; and with Ki, my big Mastiff/German Shepherd; is not very helpful in the situation in which I currently find myself.

These beautiful little Chihuahuas bring joy, happiness, and love into my life.  These two little six-year-olds also bring more chaos into my life than I ever could have imagined.

Yes, they are little poop factories  but fortunately they "almost" always do their manufacturing outside.

Yes, they could be aptly named Mr. and Mrs. Barker with a dislike of children and other dogs.

Yes, they extend their dislike to strangers making it difficult for me to easily enjoy the company of others in my home. 

Yes, I am stressed prior to grooming appointments praying nails will be trimmed without injury to the humans involved.

As adorable as he can be, the sharp-witted, and often affectionate, Sam has no understanding of obedience.   Yes, he will come when called; will go outside when necessary; will be playful and lovable -- when he wants to be.   He is, without doubt, the most disobedient little fellow I have ever known.   If he is comfortable in his little bed, or on the sofa, or in a chair, or anywhere for that matter, he cannot be moved if he does not choose to move.  

Why,  you may wonder.  I don't know why he is this stubborn.  But I do know that if I take any steps to insist that he be moved, especially at bed time when I want him in his linoleum floored bedroom for obvious reasons, he will become ferocious.  And I do not exaggerate when I use the word ferocious.  He will growl; a very loud growl considering his small size.  And he will bite.  I have been bitten several times in the past two and a half months; most recently just a couple of days ago. 

My choice seems to be will I be bitten or will I let him stay where he is and be greeted with poop on my carpet in the morning.   I confess neither choice is one I find appealing.

As lovable and as obedient as our lovely Lila can be, she cannot bear to be away from Sam overnight.  She very willingly goes into her linoleum-floored bedroom and into her cozy bed.  And there she will be, waiting for Sam to also come into the bedroom and into his cozy bed.

With Sam in the room with her, Lila is happy and content.  Both she and Sam will spend a comfortable night and I will appreciate a good night's sleep.

However, if Sam is stuck into his little bed in the living-room downstairs, then Lila is very upset because he is not in the room with her.   She cries; she scratches at the door, she becomes extremely hyper and then, destructive.   Twice now she has torn up the linoleum on the floor; fortunately the second time the lino could be repaired; rather than being replaced as was the case the first time this happened.

My choice seems to be that I spend a sleepless night knowing that Lila is having a meltdown in her bedroom or I allow her out of the bedroom and into the living room where she will happily sleep in her little bed next to the stubborn Sam who will not be moved.   This second choice sounds the more reasonable plan of action; and it is - assuming I am prepared to have more lovely little poops on my carpet.      

I confess neither choice is one that I find appealing.

I am indeed doing my best to deal with this dilemma.  I am not successful yet.

I love Lila and Sam.   In spite of all that I have said, it is true that 95% of the time they are both wonderful little pets; responsive to love, care, and attention.

I am not creating this post to complain.   I know that complaining will get me no where.

I am creating this post because perhaps someone reading my words will relate to what I am saying.  Maybe you have had a similar experience with your little Chihuahuas.

I really don't know what to do.   I have no solution and no past experience with pets has prepared me for this dilemma.

If you have some positive advice that will assist, I am most definitely open to hearing about your experiences and solutions. 

I know there is a solution.  I just have not discovered it yet.

Thanks for your good advice.  :-)

Poetry From A to Z is available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites...

Poetry from A to Z is a collection of poems, some of which have been previously published in various anthologies including my own, and also including some published by Wynterblue Publications; White Mountain Publications; and The Ontario Poetry Society.  This collection includes a variety of subjects and styles for your reading enjoyment.

As a writer I am fulfilled when creating stories, characters, and situations which before never existed outside my imagination. “Poetry from A to Z” is a collection of my poems, some of which were previously published, compiled for your reading enjoyment. All my books are available on all Amazon sites. My author’s page is found at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Whether you choose my poetry, one of my novels, a novella or a short story, I hope you will enjoy the read.

Poetry From A to Z is available in both paperback and kindle formats on all Amazon sites.

You can check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Simply BE is available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites

Simply BE is a collection of inspirational thoughts, sayings and quotations. This book is a reminder of the importance of striving to be who we really are. It’s all about choice, and knowing that who we really are is a good thing to be,

I wanted to illustrate this book although I am not a visual artist. The most important thing I hope to illustrate is that we don’t have to be perfect. We do the best we can with what we have and give thanks.

It is my hope that Simply BE
Will encourage you to step up
And be all that you know you can be.

Simply BE is available in both paperback and kindle formats on all Amazon sites.

Check out my author's page.   http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

My Books are available in both paperback & Kindle formats on all Amazon sites

Happy Thanksgiving to all my family and friends

Ellen and The Hummingtree is available in both Kindle & Paperback formats on all Amazon sites

Ellen and the Hummingtree
by
Audrey Austin

A strong woman of faith, Ellen sits beneath her Hummingtree and talks to God through the yellow quartz rock.

She gifts us with glimpses of her life and shares the import of her personal relationshipwith family, friends and with God.

She allows us to witness her vulnerability and invites us into her heart where we experience her joys and sorrows.

In a few instances the author has drawn from her life’s experience but, in essence, Ellen is a composite of many beautiful, spiritual women the author has known and loved throughout her journey.

It is hoped you will welcome Ellen into your heart and it is hoped you will enjoy the stories she shares with you in this book; her fictional, magical, mystical memoirs titled Ellen and The Hummingtree.

At the outset of this writing journey we met. I became acquainted with her and now I can say that I truly like Ellen. She has the courage of her convictions And no matter what life threw at her, she never lost faith.


Ellen and The Hummingtree  is available in both Paperback and Kindle formats on all Amazon sites.

Cover design:  susanrubyK. of http://yuneekpixcom

Visit my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy is available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites

Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Cover design by Susan Ruby K. of http://yuneekpix.com

#15 in Kindle Store, Kindle eBooks, Literature, Fiction, Canadian Drama

Sara, a Canadian Saga, is available in both Kindle & Paperback formats on all Amazon sites

The time is 1916. Sara is a 10 year old girl in rural Prince Edward Island. Roy is a 10 year old boy in mining town, Nova Scotia. Through their eyes we see, feel and experience their childhood challenges. We follow them through adolescence and their turbulent teen years. We celebrate their courtship and suffer their lost innocence in the wedding ritual. They take us through the Great Depression and share with us the frustrations, dreams and challenges they face in adulthood. As parents they introduce us to their children. This story appeals to all ages because Sara and Roy hold up a mirror and ask the reader to recognize truth about the human condition for many Canadian families through difficult economic times. We witness love that does not come neatly wrapped and experience the quiet, sometimes desperate, drama of lives unfolding.

Sara, a Canadian Saga, is available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites.\

Cover design by Susan Ruby K. of http://yuneekpix.com

Check out  My Amazon Author's Page

When God Gives Us Spring - a novella available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites

Michael Custis Washington is a young black slave living on a cotton plantation in the Province of Virginia. He was born in 1802. Left an orphan at the age of five he is taken into the big house by his master, Alfred Gordon, to be trained as a house servant. While in this house he suffers severe emotional and sexual abuse. When he finally runs away with his wife Lucinda he is helped by the Quakers. Through the Underground Railway they reach the Elgin Settlement in Ontario, Canada. Freedom is his at last. But when the American Civil War breaks out in 1861 Michael chooses to join the Union Army. He works his way back to Virginia. Is he seeking justice or vengeance?

When God Gives Us Spring is a novella available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites.

Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Recompense is available in both Kindle & Paperback formats on all Amazon sites

Maurice Wilson lives in Salt River, a small town near Cape Town, South Africa. He is the son of a black father and a Caucasian mother. After the sudden death of his parents he makes the decision to move to High River, Alberta, Canada, the place of his mother’s birth in search of a sense of belonging. He becomes a Canadian citizen, is employed as a mail carrier for Canada Post. The morning of his first day on the job he meets Alison Pierce, a plain woman whose silent passions run deep. Shortly into her relationship with Maurice all her hopes for fulfillment plummet however she continues to live with him for more than twenty-five years. In their later years Maurice and Alison become acquainted with the Internet and with the Senior Befriender Chat Room. When temptation with the name of Conrad enters their lives the shared bonds of loyalty and trust are put in jeopardy. Will deception rule the day?

Recompense is available in both paperback and kindle formats on all Amazon sites.

Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Dinner At Seven, a romance, is available in both Paperback and Kindle formats on all Amazon sites

The story begins in 1985 at The Carrington Club in Toronto. Marsha feels in the doldrums until David arrives on the scene. Love and romance flourish until deception and betrayal raise their ugly heads. To escape Marsha flies to Bermuda where the power of love cannot be under-estimated.

Dinner At Seven is available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites.

Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Crabapple Court is available in both paperback & kindle formats on all Amazon sites

Susie Donnelly is missing. Has she run away or is she just a little girl playing hide and seek? Is it a kidnapping? A murder?

Without exception the residents of Crabapple Court do not like to draw attention to themselves or to their homes. They do not like publicity. They do not appreciate media attention but this day, whether they like it or not, the Fairmont residents are keeping them under strict scrutiny. Indeed the eyes of the entire country are fixed upon them.

Crabapple Court is available in both paperback and kindle formats on all Amazon sites.

Cover design:  http://yuneekpix.com

Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustinMy Author's Page

KEEPING IT SIMPLE available on all Amazon sites in both Paperback and Kindle formats

Keeping it Simple: Imagine Being Whole

Emotional Healing through Meditation, the Chakras and Psychospiritual Therapy

by
Audrey Austin
Psychotherapy Practitioner/Author/Teacher


Cover Design:
Copyright © 2010-2012 Susan Krupp:
Contact Susan:
http://www.yuneekpix.com

~ ~ ~

A note from the author:

As a Psychospiritual Therapist and co-owner of Creative Connections Centre in Caledon East, it was my privilege and pleasure, in addition to carrying on a private counseling practice, to facilitate meditation and other personal growth classes in our “One Room Schoolhouse”.

It was not uncommon for an interested student to attend his first introductory meditation class with no prior knowledge of meditation or of the chakra system. For this reason I found it beneficial and in the highest interest of all concerned to keep it simple.

Simplicity in meditation, as in life, is an admirable goal. My students and I recognized as classes proceeded that it was not always easy to be simple. Life, with its myriad of challenges, has a habit of doing its best to get in the way. Nevertheless we kept our focus on this goal and felt grateful when it was achieved.

By special request of some of our Centre’s students I put together some rough notes and this teaching material was utilized in class.

Since offering the Meditation Circles at Holy Trinity United Church and also the Emotional Healing Classes through Learning in Retirement in Elliot Lake, I have received requests for a book on the topic of self-discovery and personal growth. These requests have encouraged me to get to work and expand on my earlier rough notes to create this book: Keeping it Simple.

It is my highest hope that you, the reader, will find it a useful guide as you continue your journey along the path of self-discovery and personal growth.

Audrey Austin

~ ~ ~

BASE CHAKRA is located at the base of the spine. This energy centre is your survival centre, your connection to the earth, your human-ness. When we think of the base chakra we associate it with the colour red.

SACRAL CHAKRA is located below the navel. This energy centre is the centre of all desire; physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. When we think of the sacral chakra we associate it with the colour orange.

SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA is located just above the navel and below the breast. This energy centre is the centre of will, determination and perseverance. When we think of the solar plexus chakra we associate it with the colour yellow.

HEART CHAKRA is located between the breast bone and the neck. This energy centre is the centre of unconditional love; love of self and others. A fond reference to the heart chakra is, “the place where heaven and earth meet.”
This fond reference is used because the base, sacral and solar plexus chakras are all energy centres associated with our human-ness whereas the next three chakras are considered centres of a spiritual nature. When we think of the heart chakra we associate with it the colours pink or green.

THROAT CHAKRA is located in the area of the throat. This energy centre is the centre of all forms of communication and creativity. When we think of the throat chakra we associate with it the colour blue.

BROW CHAKRA is located in the centre of the forehead. This energy centre is the centre of our understanding. When we think of the brow chakra we associate with it the colour indigo.

CROWN CHAKRA is located in the top centre of the head. This energy centre is the connection to your higher self and to your Higher Power. When we think of the crown chakra we associate with it the colour purple or white.

KEEPING IT SIMPLE is available in both paperback and Kindle format on all Amazon sites.

Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Cover design:  Susan Ruby K. of http://yuneekpix.com

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