Attitude is Everything

Here is something to take into  2019 with you.  :-)


Attitude is Everything   (author unknown)

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, 
looked in the mirror,
and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.

"Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today."
So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror
and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.

"Hmm," she said,
"I think I'll part my hair down the middle today."
So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror
and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.

"Well," she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a ponytail."
So she did and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror
and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.

"Yea!" she exclaimed,
"I don't have to fix my hair today!"

Attitude is everything.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to you all! ♥

Not all are happy in the Christmas season .. it's okay to feel sad ♥

Beautiful poem by Jeff Foster.  Thanks for sharing it with me, Lesley  ♥

THE JOY OF SORROW

It's simple.
When you're sad, just feel sad.
Don't try to be happy. Trying is exhausting.
Don't push your sadness away.
Don't numb it.
Don't try to get over it.
Don't try to transform it.
Don't even try to 'heal' it.

You don't even need to accept it.
Realize that it's already accepted.
There is already enough room for sadness in the hugeness of your being.
You are the sky, the sadness is only passing weather.
You are vast; sadness is temporary.
You are eternal; sadness longs for a home.

It's simple.
When you are sad, just feel sad.

Bow to your sadness.
Honour it.
Let it rest, and move.
And you will know its holiness.

Its aliveness. Its joy.

- Jeff Foster

Meet the narrators of REAWAKENING

How fortunate am I to have this talented married couple narrating Reawakening!

Reawakening is my second novel, currently available in paperback and kindle formats exclusively on Amazon.

In 2019 we will celebrate the transformation of this science fiction love story into what will be my fourth audio book available on Amazon, Audibles, and Itunes.

They have been kind enough to share short bios and it is my privilege to introduce Kendra Murray and Ralph Scott.

RALPH SCOTT

Voiceover Artist; Supervising Producer

Ralph is a Producer for audiobook production company, 'SPOKEN VOLUMES' (spokenvolumes.biz), a Division of S.F. Bay Area audio/video/Internet production company TNP, LLC. He is also Supervising Producer for the award-winning Petaluma Radio Players (petalumaradioplayers.com) in Sonoma County, California, an audio theatre troupe that vets plays from around the world and produces plays in vintage radio style for audiences in more than 30 countries. Ralph has authored in excess of 1,500 children's poems as part of his Toad Pizza collection, and developed more than 20 children's literary properties under the TNP, LLC banner. His early years in entertainment included publicity at Fox Broadcasting Co., Universal Studios Florida, and NBC in which capacity he has worked with entertainment luminaries from George Burns to Johnny Depp.  He has a goldfish named Mary and a seven-year-old daughter named LuLu, who named the goldfish. If you give him a random set of three words, Ralph will produce a poem for you in under five minutes.

KENDRA MURRAY

Voiceover Artist; Associate Producer

Kendra Murray is Associate Producer for the award-winning Petaluma Radio Players (petalumaradioplayers.com) in Petaluma, California and an award-winning audio theatre director in her own right. In 2018 at the 'HEAR Now' festival, in Kansas City, MO, considered the pinnacle of audio theatre festivals, Kendra scored a SILVER DIVISION award for her direction of the allegorical play 'Be Bold! Be Bold' by American playwright, Donna Latham. Kendra's vocal talents are familiar to PRP's worldwide audience, via www.kpca.fm through which she has appeared in more than 20 classic and modern audio theatre productions in the past two years. Kendra's early dramatic exposure included performances in numerous plays in high school and college, and direction of a senior project play which earned her the school Drama Cup. She apprenticed at and managed the Box Office of the Berkshire Theatre Festival in Stockbridge, Mass. Since joining the Petaluma Radio Players in January 2017, among other roles, Kendra has performed as Joan in One Way Passage, Mrs. Hudson and Constance Foley in The Misadventures of Sherlock Holmes, and Miss Brooks in Our Miss Brooks. Among the projects she has worked on as an Associate Producer are P.R.P.'s Adopt-A-Play spring Showcase, KRCB-FM Radio 91's series of on-air promos, Petaluma Emergency Radio for KPCA-FM, and P.R.P.'s Holmes for the Holidays. She “speaks” in character voices for her dog, Gandalf, and her cats, Merlin and Saffira. She has two young adult children, has lived in Petaluma since 1992, and is an avid knitter and spinner.​

This is the cover design on the paperback & kindle format of Reawakening
created by Susan RK of https://yuneekpix.com    

Susan is currently creating a new cover

for the audio book format.

I am most fortunate to have my books supported

by such very talented people.  ♥

Watch for the audio book release of Reawakening

in the spring of 2019.

Reawakening will join three of my nineteen books

which are currently available

on Amazon, Audibles, and Itunes 

as audio books.

Thanks for checking them out!

Thanks for visiting my author's page at

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

My Life in Four Parts

My Life In Four Parts:  Four Part Harmony?  Well, at times.  :-)

Part one:   I'm the monkey in the middle of a large family.  I sort of grow up; get married; have and raise my children, move to New Zealand, and the marriage ends.

Part two:  I'm the fearful one.  Return to Canada; Children leave home.  Relationships come; they go, and I simply scratch my head and wonder.  Back to school; working hard; time with grandchildren then my move to Elliot Lake. 

Part three:  I'm the adventurous one.  Bought my home; meet and fall in love with Brian; my sister dies; then retirement; fulfill my longing for writing stories; children and grandchildren move to Elliot Lake; attempt some oil painting; go to church; and life is stable, rewarding.

Part four:  I'm the one who is re-inventing herself.  Moved to a new house; Brian died; my brother died; some friends died and others moved away; sister is ill; and I discover some family are not my friends;   Many losses but Life goes on.  Sometimes I wonder why. Then I need to feed Sam and Lila.  Today they are my why.

I've written many books, all available exclusively on Amazon.   One of these books is titled All Them Houses.   This book has many pages and photos attempting to tell the story of Part One.

Part One was many years ago.    Parts two and three have been lived but not written about yet.  

As for part four - well, maybe one day I will write about it but right now I'm too busy living it.

My life in four parts:  Has it been four part harmony?   I've had my moments.

Except for part one, so far I've just written this brief synopsis.  And if you are interested in knowing more about this woman who is once again in the process of finding and re-inventing herself, then check out my author's page at https://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin   

There you will see many books.  Choose All Them Houses and if you like reading it; good.  If you don't like reading it, then just be glad you didn't live it.  :-)

Life is good and life goes on.

♥I recommend that all women write their memoir. ♥

Falon Echo -- talented narrator of Sara, a Canadian Saga & Ellen and The Hummingtree

Falon Echo is the talented narrator of Sara, a Canadian Saga  available now on Amazon, Audibles, and Itunes.

Another of my books titled Ellen and The Hummingtree is currently in production with Falon and will be released as an audio book early 2019.

Falon is a Canadian audiobook narrator for Echo Audio Productions, who specializes in childrens books, romance and dramatic novels but loves to expand into any other genre that piques her interest. She has done a number of different books in a variety of different genres.

Falon currently has close to 50 books she has narrated and produced available on Audible.com and currently many more in the works. Falon always tries to connect in whatever way possible to the characters being portrayed in the stories she's narrating, but being a young Canadian mom, Falon deeply connected with Sara in, 'Sara, A Canadian Saga', and was able to relate to the story on a different level.

When not working on audiobooks, Falon enjoys singing, playing with her 3 dogs and teaching them new tricks, and spending time with her 2 year old son and husband, going for walks and playing games together.

All my books are available in Paperback and Kindle exclusively on Amazon.

My audio books are available on Amazon, Audibles, and Itunes.

Thank you for visiting my author's page at  https://www,amazon.com/author/audreyaustin  

Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy -- Audio Book

Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy, is now available as an audio book in Amazon, Audibles, and Itunes.

Thank you, John Carter Aimone, for your very talented narration.  Thank you SusanRK of https://yuneekpix.com for your beautiful cover design.

Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy  joins Sara, a Canadian Saga and When God Gives Us Spring forming my audio book trio.

Other books, including Beyond The Blue, Ellen and The Hummingtree, and Reawakening are currently in production and will be released as audio books in 2019.

All my books are available in paperback and Kindle formats exclusively on Amazon.  Check out my author's page at https://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin 

Moose Road is heading to retail :-)

My audio book Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy, narrated by John Carter Aimone, is heading to retail.

Very soon it will be available for your listening pleasure on Amazon, Audibles, and Itunes.

Cover design by Susan RK

https://yuneekpix.com

Merry Christmas!

My friend just reminded me of the past U.S. President's tears at his father's funeral. And his tears reminded me once again that no matter how rich or famous a person becomes it will always be the simple things that matter; those that we mostly take for granted like loving family, good friends, amazing pets, and good health. 

Often these things are not fully appreciated until we wake up one morning to discover they are gone. 

Authenticity, simplicity, quiet moments, abiding faith, and precious memories are what keep us strong. Not just at Christmas but each day it is good to remind ourselves that the most important things in life cannot be bought and sold. Christmas does not have to be overly commercial. 

Enjoy yourself, be at peace, and remember the true reason for the season. 

Merry Christmas!

My Audio Books and Those Talented People Who Produce Them

Earl Sewell,
Narrator
When God Gives Us Spring
&
Beyond The Blue

John Carter Aimone,
Narrator
Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy

Ralph Scott & Kendra Murray
Narrators
REAWAKENING

Falon Echo,
Narrator
Sara, a Canadian Saga
&
Ellen and The Hummingtree


How blessed I am to have these talented narrators producing
my audio books and bringing them alive.

I never dreamed things would happen so quickly but, indeed, they have.   I now have two books available as audio books and four more currently in production.    

Sara, a Canadian Saga
narrated by Falon Echo
Currently available in Paperback, Kindle,
and Audio book format
Exclusively on Amazon, Audibles, & Itunes

When God Gives Us Spring
narrated by Earl Sewell
currently available in Paperback & Kindle formats
exclusively on Amazon
and in audio book format on
Amazon, Audibles, and Itunes

Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy
narrated by John Carter Aimone
currently available in paperback and kindle formats
exclusively on Amazon.
Very soon to be released as an audio book
on Amazon, Audibles, and Itunes

Beyond the Blue, a coming-of-age novella
is currently in production
narrated by Earl Sewell
audio book will be released 2019
Currently available in paperback and kindle formats
exclusively on Amazon

Ellen and The Hummingtree
is in production as an audio book
narrated by Falon Echo
and will be released in 2019.
Currently available in both Paperback and Kindle formats
exclusively on Amazon.

REAWAKENING
is in production as an audio book
narrated by Ralph Scott & Kendra Murray
and will be released in 2019.
Currently available in both Kindle and Paperback formats
exclusively on Amazon.


Beautiful cover designs by Susan RK of  https://yuneekpix.com

Thank you for visiting my blog at https://writecreatively.blogspot.com
            
                                       my author's page at  https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

And thank you for buying my books.  Your encouragement and support are much appreciated.

REAWAKENING -- an audio book in production

REAWAKENING
a new cover will be
created for the audio book
by Yuneekpix.com

Wow! So much is happening! My second novel, REAWAKENING is my first science fiction publication and it is available exclusively in Amazon in paperback and kindle formats.

REAWAKENING, is now in a production collaboration by narrators, Ralph Scott & Kendra Murray and will be released in Amazon, Audibles, and Itunes, in the late spring of 2019.

Reawakening is currently available in Paperback and Kindle formats exclusively on Amazon. Photo: producers, Ralph Scott & Kendra Murray.

Raph Scott & Kendra Murray
narrators of REAWAKENING

Ellen and The Hummingtree -- in audio book production

 Ellen and The Hummingtree
is now in audio book production
and will be narrated by
Falon Echo.

Ellen and The Hummingtree
is now in audio book production
and will be narrated
by the very talented
narrator of Sara, a Canadian Saga

Ellen and The Hummingtree is currently available in paperback and kindle formats exclusively on Amazon.

It's not too late to order.   Books make excellent Christmas gifts.   Check it out at https://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy -- check out this audio book cover

I am very excited to share with you that Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy  will soon be joining When God Gives Us Spring and Sara, a Canadian Saga in the audio book world.

Check out this beautiful cover created by Susan RK of https://yuneekpix.com

Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy currently available exclusively on Amazon in both Paperback and Kindle formats will be released as an audio book narrated by the most talented, John Carter Aimone, early in 2019.

Beyond the Blue, a coming of age novella, is the latest of my books to be in production as an audio book.  It is being narrated by Earl Sewell and, before I know it, I will be asking Susan RK for another of her cover creations for this book.  Beyond the Blue  is currently available in both Paperback and Kindle formats exclusively on Amazon.

Audio book covers designed and created
by Susan RK
   of https://yuneekpix.com    

I feel blessed to have my audio book covers designed by Susan RK.   Check out her amazing website at  https://yuneekpix.com

Sara, a Canadian Saga narrated by Falon Echo

Falon Echo's brilliant narration brings Sara, a Canadian Saga alive like no one else ever could. She is very talented and I am so very fortunate that she chose to take on production of my first audio book.

Sara, a Canadian Saga is also available in both Kindle & Paperback formats exclusively on Amazon.

There is lots of time to order. Books make great Christmas gifts.

Sara, a Canadian Saga
is available in Paperback and Kindle
formats exclusively on Amazon
and as an Audio Book
on Amazon, Audibles, and Itunes.

Falon Echo,
Narrator of Sara, a Canadian Saga.

Audio Books coming spring 2019

I will soon be asking Susan at Yuneekpix.com for 2 new audio book covers. I am thrilled that both Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy; and Beyond the Blue, a coming of age novella; are now in production and will be released spring of 2019. 

Moose Road is being produced by John Carter Aimone. 

Beyond the Blue is being produced by Earl Sewell, who is also narrator of When God Gives Us Spring now available as an audio book on Amazon, Audibles, and Itunes.

Photos below: Earl Sewell and John Carter Aimone.

Earl Sewell
Narrator of
"When God Gives Us Spring"
and
"Beyond The Blue"

John Carter Aimone
Narrator of
"Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy"

Will be released as audio book Spring 2019
currently available
in paperback & Kindle formats
exclusively on Amazon.

Will be released Spring 2019
currently available
in paperback & Kindle formats
exclusively on Amazon.

Audio Books available on Amazon, Audibles, and Itunes

Some things I learned during the past year .....

Like many others, I experienced a lot of loss this past year.   I do cherish memories but will never stop missing Brian; also my brother who more recently died.  I am missing communication with one of my sisters due to her illness; and I have experienced the lack of  love and support from someone I thought would be there for me. ♥ 

It's been a sad year but one of learning and one that has made me grateful and kept me strong with abiding faith. 

For 7 months of the year I lost clear vision; I viewed the world in triplicate and this meant I lost the ability to read and to write. This experience led me to investigate audio books and, as most of my readers know, I now have 2 audio books on the market and a third which will be released in the spring. 

This experience also led to great challenge when it came to ordinary walking.  Which curb was the right one? And from this I learned who my true friends are; those who were there for me with offers of drives and other support when I most needed it. 

I learned of some who didn't care when I thought that they would. I learned that not all family members are my friends; and I learned that my true friends are an amazing, loving, and caring family. 

So I guess what I really learned is that out of every negative there is a positive if I am open to recognizing and accepting it. ♥ 


"You can't get beyond what you've never been in." 

My books are available exclusively on Amazon.

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

Meditation -- what is it and why do we want to do it?

I am facilitating a series of Meditation and Emotional Healing Circles commencing Monday afternoon, 2 pm, in Fellowship Hall, Holy Trinity United Church, Elliot Lake.   This morning a friend said to me that she hoped we have a good turnout but that there are many who don't understand what a Meditation and Emotional Healing Circle is all about.   I hope this excerpt from Keeping It Simple will help to raise awareness and provide some understanding.    

First things first! What is meditation?

 A form of prayer, meditation is a respecter of all religions and an integral part of most.  It is a form of communication with a Higher Power that does not restrict itself to a particular faith or religion. 

            Yet meditation does not require the one who meditates to be affiliated with a religion.

            I refer to the wisdom of the ancients. We are taught that Jesus said, “Go into your closet and pray.” Buddha said, “Hear the sound of one hand clapping.”   Elevated psychological insights of meditation can give birth to dviekus meaning Cleaving to God, particularly in Jewish mysticism. 

When meditating, using a mantra such as ‘Om’ has a deep spiritual significance.  It is representative of the conscious, unconscious and dream states of the human mind as well as symbolizing creation and the nature of ‘Brahma’, the Hindu creator-God.  

At its highest level, meditation is the searcher’s way of saying, “Speak Lord, thy servant heareth.”

When one meditates the practitioner attempts to get beyond the “thinking mind” into a deeper state of awareness.   Meditation has been practiced since antiquity and is a component of many religions but it is also practiced outside of religious traditions.  Your goal may be one of many possibilities. Through meditation one can achieve a higher state of consciousness or enlightenment; develop increasing compassion and loving kindness; receive spiritual inspiration or guidance from God.  You may wish to achieve greater focus, creativity or self-awareness.  Another goal of meditation may be to simply cultivate a more relaxed and peaceful frame of mind.

            Traditional prayer in the western world is our way of speaking to God.

            Meditation is our way of listening to God. It is also our way of connecting with the divine aspect within; our highest, best selves.

Why do we meditate?

            Now that you have some explanation as to what meditation is,  I will discuss why you may want to introduce this experience into your life and make it an implicit part of your lifestyle?

            We must consider the power of prayer to answer the second question which is why do we meditate?

We are most accustomed to traditional prayer in the western world however both forms of prayer are powerful. It has been said that a good communicator will speak without offending and listen without defending.  Meditation is one way of listening to your highest, most wise self and it is an enlightening way of listening to God.

            Meditation is this and much more. It feeds the spirit. It nourishes body and mind. We are each comprised of body, mind and spirit. We yearn to be one, whole and complete.

            Emotional blocks can get in the way and prevent us from achieving this goal and if these emotional issues are not dealt with they can manifest in physical blocks.  These physical blocks or dis-ease can lead an individual to what is sometimes labeled a spiritual by-pass.

            Perhaps you have heard the saying, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.  Meditation, in and of itself, will not heal emotional and physical blocks however it will assist you in identifying these blockages.  And once you have made this identification you will find yourself at a cross-road where you gain a keen awareness and a knowing that you have choice.

              Most of us are well aware of the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of the self.  Too often, we feel the separation between these aspects.  We can learn that this separation is not only unnecessary but unhealthy.  A new door will open and allow you to be unified in body, mind and spirit; whole and complete.

When you meditate you can observe your breath, your life force which is sometimes called prana.  Breathe in relaxation and breathe out the stress and worries of the day as though they had never existed. This exercise is the foundation of all meditation.  Practicing chaotic breathing will enhance insight and increase self-awareness; God awareness.   Entering a doorway to conscious living; you will be able to bring the subconscious into the realm of consciousness.

It is good to be in touch with your body; to be able to hear the body’s cry for relaxation, stress reduction and peace.  It is possible, through meditation, to realize that you have choice. You can choose to take the steps required to meet these urgent needs.

Meditation is also a way to observe your inner self; a way to discover that you are on your way to a miracle and that, wonder of wonders, the miracle is you.  Doors are opened that you may have thought were closed to you.  And through these open doors you discover repressed creativity you didn’t know was yours. New problem-solving abilities; enhanced insight as well as increased perception and performance are some of the gifts that will come your way.

Working with light and dark, you are given the opportunity to shine a light on those aspects of self that lurk in the shadows of your being.  Your fears and losses find avenues of expression.  A safe way is discovered to acknowledge and honour the grief, hurt, guilt and anger feelings that have been long repressed in the dark basement of the soul. 

  There are no good or bad emotions.  There are simply emotions desiring recognition, gratitude, transformation and release in a manner which will enhance the student’s life.  Meditation is a pathway leading to a desire for emotional, spiritual and physical healing.

Through meditation, as a willing student, you will meet your wounded inner child; that aspect of your being that survived childhood but still bears the scars and burdens of not being seen, not being heard and not being honoured for the wonderful person you truly are. A willing meditation practitioner will begin to understand that the outward manifestation of poor physical health can be transformed through understanding the spiritual, emotional blockages that were formed as necessary defenses in childhood.

There are many reasons to make meditation a part of your lifestyle. Support, wisdom and love are there in a heartbeat and through meditation you will learn that you are never alone. Having said all this, I remind myself to keep it simple.  Meditation is a pathway to an overall sense of well-being; physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

***
   ♥

Available exclusively on Amazon.    https://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin