POARTRY and PROSE

I've been on a creative writing hiatus since the release of my latest novel, STRUGGLE - to reach the bridge of light which is available for your reading pleasure exclusively on Amazon.  

STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light

This week, inspired by my good friend, Kathleen Burke, I am once again letting the ink flow.   It's early days as I've just begun writing again today.   But I do have a title!   Watch for my next publication on Amazon which will be titled  POARTRY and PROSE.

Creative writing is my passion.  Another passion is painting with both oil and acrylic paints.  

POARTRY and PROSE  will marry my two passions, and this marriage will soon be ready for your reading and viewing pleasure.   

It won't be a long wait.   I'm writing as fast as I can ....... joking, of course.  But, all joking aside, please watch for  my 21st creative writing publication which will be released exclusively on Amazon.

Until then, thanks for checking out all my publications available on all Amazon sites.   My Amazon Author's Page

Happy Canada Day! xoxoxox

 

SARA, a Canadian Saga FREE in the Kindle Store

 To celebrate Canada Day, my first publication, "Sara, a Canadian Saga", will be free for your reading pleasure in Amazon's Kindle Store, July 1, 2022 to July 4, 2022.

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.

https://www.amazon.ca/SARA.../dp/B00H0H33JG/ref=sr_1_3...

Like

Comment

Share

 My poem about and my painting of "The Forgiving One"

"JESUS"

I love the story I've been told

of a baby born long ago

in difficult times

to a young single mom

who seemed unprepared

for the power and strength

of the boy as he grew

into a manhood

admired and respected.

He walked on his journey,

was honoured and welcomed

into the hearts

and the minds of the people

he touched with his wisdom,

divinity,

touched with his hope and his love.

Two thousand and more years

have come and have gone

but

the message of Jesus has never been lost

and maybe

because the lesson is simple

or maybe

because his words were direct,

he is revered

and he is debated

but his directives

if not always followed,

are always remembered,

At least that's what they say.

Love one another

Seems to be easy

or

seems that this should be a natural thing to do

but people decided

that Jesus was wrong;

and they wrote their own words

to his original song.

Love one another

became

Love one another

except for

those of a different colour;

except for

those of a different religion;

except for

those of different sexual orientation;

except for

those who make more money;

except for

those who are poorer than Job;

except for

your neighbour

and except for

yourself.

I love the story

I've been told of Jesus.

Too bad

people had to turn his story

into a fiction;

an excuse;

a reason to hate;

a church

and a building

with an ever growing number

of empty pews

because we choose not

to do as he taught

and

simply love one another.

I guess

It's not always easy

To be simple.

.......a poem from "Poetry from A to Z" by Audrey Austin

Painting - oil on canvas - by Audrey Austin

 

"At Home"

Many years ago, a woman would let it be known to her family, friends, and acquaintances that on a certain afternoon each month she would be 'at home' to welcome them for a visit.

I love the idea of this old-fashioned custom and I have often thought I would like to make it a part of my lifestyle.

I would not expect my guests to dress formally as the lovely ladies above.   And both male & female friends will be welcome.  A most casual style of dress would be what you will find me wearing. 

I will put the kettle on, have the teacups on the table with a plate of munchies.   You will be most welcome to come and enjoy a visit with me and with any who might also decide to arrive.

Does this sound like fun?   

I hope so because soon I will be announcing that Audrey is 'at home'.   Message me if you would like to participate and I will give you my address (if you don't already have it).    :-) <3 

Support Local Talent

 He's a writer living in Elliot Lake; she's an actress; he's an artist; she's a musician. If they are so good, why are they living in Elliot Lake, they ask. After all, we know, "nothing good can come out of Nazareth".

I hear people say, this famous band is coming to town, can't wait to buy a ticket. Do you buy a ticket to hear the local band perform? Or do you think their performance should be free in the local restaurant or park?

I hear people say, an amazing art exhibit is happening with artists from all over the country exhibiting; can't wait to attend. Do you buy art from local visual artists? Or do you think it should be free to view at local craft shows?

I hear people say, I buy books all the time. Have you read the work of this famous author? Do you buy books from local authors? Or do you think their books should be free from the local library?

I hear people say, can't wait to watch the academy awards. Do you support local actors and attend local shows when presented? Or do you think their talents should be free? After all, they are amateurs, right? Of course, professionals need to be paid.

Yes, I know many talented people living in Elliot Lake who, like me, could say, 'Thankfully I don't have to support myself with my art. If I did I'd probably starve to death.'

If these artists lived in New York, Paris, Toronto, we would give anything to hear, read, view, their work.

But, after all, we know nothing good can come out of Elliot Lake.

As for me, I am grateful to be sharing this small city with such talented and motivated people.

Support local local talent, local ideas and endeavours.

I Had a Dream -- 5.5.5 is for David

 

Prophetic dreams are something I am at home with.  If it were not for a repetitive dream I experienced back in the mid-nineties I would not currently be living in Elliot Lake.  I wrote lyrics to a song about this dream, "I followed my heart to the 108 Highway".  

I don't often have repetitive dreams but, when I do, they are usually prophetic. 

A long time ago in either 1998 or 1999 when I was living in Caledon East I began having a repetitive dream which always left me with the thought that, "5.5.5 is for David".  

For reasons I cannot explain this dream has never been forgotten by me.

After I'd had the dream several times I knew that I had to draw it out of me.   My twin grandsons, who were then only eight years old joined me in a painting session.  They were much more talented than their grandmother but, with my dream in my thoughts and in my heart, I began to paint.

I kept the painting on cardboard in the back of my closet for several years.  In fact, it was only five years ago while preparing for my move from Central to Roman Avenue that I finally let it go into the trash.  Now I wish I had kept it.

As I remember it, the painting was about 12 inches across and maybe three feet high.  Drawing from memory of my dream and from my heart, I just let the paint flow.   

Flames of destruction rose from the bottom to the top.  Within the flames were the numbers 5.5.5   The three fives along with three triangles danced amid destruction and I felt them rise up in what, to me, meant a victory.

That was my dream; one that I will never forget.

Now just the other day my niece, Karen, posted on Facebook.  I will try to copy and paste her post here.

Ordinarily, I wouldn't pay too much attention to numbers like these.  But immediately upon reading Karen's post, I thought of my dream.  You see 68 adds up to 5.  6+8=14  1+4=5.

Three 68's are the same thing as three fives.  Immediately I was thinking of my 5.5.5 is for David.

Now my first born grandson's name is David.  So for all these years I have been thinking this repetitive dream may have been referencing something to do with his life experience.

However, more recently someone was mentioning the story of David and Goliath in reference to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Somehow this also clicked for me.  And now I am thinking that my dream of 5.5.5 is symbolic of the date the Russian invasion into Ukraine started.  I'm thinking that Ukraine is David up against, the giant Goliath.

And then I think of the child-like painting I created years ago where the 5.5.5 for David is rising up within the flames of destruction.

Is this dream symbolic of a victory for Ukraine?   Or will war escalate to the point of total destruction and a victory beyond life here on earth.

I am left to wonder.  

Prayers for the people of Ukraine.  Prayers for the ordinary people of Russia.  Prayers for our world.

An afterthought:  Just now I googled the numbers 5.5.5 as I hoped to find some sort of image that I might add to the bottom of my blog post just to make it look good.

I was very surprised to just now learn that someone in Argentina made a film in 2013, titled it 5-5-5, and what I just read is that this movie is about a fellow named Gabriel and his search for the prediction of final cataclysm. 

5.5.5 (2013)

Plot

Showing all 1 items

Jump to: 

• Summaries (1)

Summaries

• Gabriel, a professor of philosophy and logic in the night school, will be immersed in trying to understand the meaning of the prophetic drawings of Benjamin Solari Parravicini, an Argentine artist who predicted the WTC 9/11 event in 1939, and other historical events; considered the Latin American Nostradamus. Gabriel will be embarking with his cousin Tony, in an thriller story, intrigue and drama, with escalating obsession to discover the prediction of final cataclysm, with characters who will guide you towards a destiny unavoidable and unexpected.

• Is this coincidence?  

• Now it is my goal to learn more about Benjamin Solari Parravicini, someone I've never heard of before.  I want to see his prophetic drawings.

• Someone, other than me, has named their film 5-5-5 and this film just happens to be about a topic similar to that of my repetitive dream which I first experienced in either 1998 or 1999.  I haven't seen this movie but you can bet that I'm going to find it and I'm going to watch it.  Now I am left with the desire to find the writer of this movie.   I want to talk with this person.

• I am feeling other-worldly right now so think it's a good place to stop this blog post.   Prayers for Ukraine.  Prayers for our world.

• 
  
  
  

• 
  

• 
  

• 
  

5 Star Review for Struggle to Reach the Bridge of Light

 

Top review from Canada

Steve C.

5.0 out of 5 stars A respite perfectly suited for this time

Reviewed in Canada on December 27, 2021

Verified Purchase

It has been quite a while since I have been able to enjoy the respite of a fiction novel -

 that is, until now. "Struggle to Reach the Bridge of Light" is perfectly suited for this

 time. Instead of asking the reader to forget about the pandemic, the decimation of 

our living planet, conflict about religion, and the rise of authoritarian politics, Austin

 weaves all these topics into this wonderful, uplifting story of seven characters. 

Thank you, Audrey Austin, for this book. Itself, a ray of light perfectly suited for

 this time.

I am very thrilled to receive this positive 5 star review for my most recent 

publication, "Struggle - To Reach the Bridge of Light".

I often hear from friends who tell me they enjoyed one or more of my 

publications but I don't receive many reviews on Amazon.  They are so 

appreciated and welcomed.  

Thanks to all who take the time to share their positive comments about any

 of my work.

Old Man in a Chair

 

OLD MAN IN A CHAIR 

His dreams for peace 

Never found release

 Throughout many years of strife.

Now the man in the chair simply sits and stares

 In the sunset of his life.

Life is good and life goes on

But it's shorter than it seems.

Enjoy the moments as they come,

Be strong and follow your dreams.

Old Man in a Chair - Oil on canvas.

My painting inspired me to write the little poem.

"I am I said..." - Neil Diamond.

A New Year will soon begin .........

 Today is Thursday, December 30th.  Tomorrow is New Year's Eve.

2021 has been a most interesting year, a good year for me in many ways.   I made the decision to sell my house and to become an apartment dweller.   As the snow falls I'm thinking I made the right decision as this winter I don't need to be concerned about keeping the driveway and back patio & deck clear of the white stuff.  I don't need to be concerned about too much snow piling up on the roof or the old furnace giving up.   

It's true that apartment living is a zero financial investment.  It's also true that there are no, or at least limited, financial surprises.

I've never publicly talked much about the fact that I had a quite severe adverse reaction to my covid-19 vaccinations.  I would not, in any way, want to deter others from getting their shots. But, because of my experience, my specialist has told me to simply not get the booster shot.   I will seek confirmation of this advice with my family doctor within the next few days.

Not getting the booster, I will admit, makes me feel a little more vulnerable to the nasty Omicron that is making itself too much at home in the country, and in my Province of Ontario where today it was announced there are more than 13,000 new cases.

I was hoping, and continue to hope, that the Age Friendly Shopping Service will be reinstated here in our small City of Elliot Lake.   We are still considered a retirement town and I know that many seniors and other vulnerable citizens benefited from the service in the past.   As numbers climb daily, to me, it makes sense to take all possible preventative steps.  

It will soon be 2022.  I haven't really considered making any New Year's Resolutions however I will, as I have done for many past New Years, follow the advice of my late Scottish mother-in-law who taught me to "start the way you mean to go on".     

For me, this means to ensure that the home is clean, the cupboards organized, lots of food in the fridge, and bills paid in full.   

Unfortunately, due to crazily rising covid numbers, I will be starting 2022 in semi-isolation.   I will avoid groups, socialize within my bubble, and find activities to keep body, mind, and spirit alive and well.

I have interesting writing projects; my art table all set up; an autoharp waiting for me to play; Udemy courses to complete; and SingSnap to muddle through.   My only room-mate, Lila, actually likes my singing. 

Princess Delilah (Lila)

 

2021 has been an interesting year and it is my sincere hope & prayer that 2022 will bring about the end of  the pandemic.  The past couple of years have been challenging for everyone.   I remind myself that this, too, shall pass.

I sincerely wish all my family and friends peace, health, prosperity, and gratitude in the coming year.   Thank you for walking with me as we continue the journey throughout 2022.

Happy New Year!

STRUGGLE - To Reach The Bridge of Light -- Free Christmas Eve & Christmas Day, 2021 (Kindle Edition)

 On December 24th and December 25th, my latest novel titled 'Struggle - to reach the bridge of light' will be free in the Kindle Store.

https://www.amazon.ca/STRUGGLE-Reach-Bridge-Audrey-Austin/dp/B08YHYVB2D/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Audrey+Austin&qid=1640012119&s=books&sr=1-1

This is my Christmas gift to my readers. Thank you all for your continued support of my creative writing efforts.

Merry Christmas to all!

INVITATION To Be Your Own Light

I'd like to share with you these words that I put together a few years ago.

We are living in transformational times.  Sometimes we allow the fast pace, uncertain economic environment, and rapid technological advances in our world to create stress in our lives.

It is good to remember that we are not strangers on the path.

As we advance through the darkness of winter we will, as the ancients before us, carry the light within.

As the Hindu celebrates Deepavali (Diwali), Festival of Lights; as the Christian celebrates Christmas remembering that Jesus said, "I am the light"; as the Buddhist is reassured by the words of Buddha, "Be your own light"; as the Jewish celebrate Chanuka with the lighting of the candles; the wisdom of the ancients teaches us always to let our light shine.

But sometimes we feel afraid, in the dark, in the shadow.  This, too, is part of the human experience.  And sometimes when we are  most in need of the light we forget where to find it.

We all know that it is easier to see the light in a dark room but when we do find ourselves in a dark room, we worry, we fret, we experience stress and fear.  We will search everywhere outside of ourselves for the switch that will brighten the room and disperse the shadows.

I invite you, instead, to look within for the precious light that is always there in the stillness even on the darkest and coldest of winter nights.

"What else shall beautify a home but the flame of a lovely lamp.  What else shall adorn the mind but the Light of wisdom deep."

  

ATTITUDE

I came across this while organizing some files this morning. Attitude 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.

Sharing a post written prior to summer of 2021 :-)

This summer of 2021 I will celebrate my 14th creative writing anniversary. My most recent publication is a metaphysical/science fiction novel titled "STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light". Mother Earth can take no more. It's a sad day when a mother must give up on her children. Like the phoenix, the spirit and the environment of earth rise leaving behind destruction and devastation. The chosen seven are truly amazed when they discover why they have been rescued. My prior novel is titled "The Observer - His Eye Is On The Sparrow". This is a story of three generations of women, yet the story of two souls. Karina, Anna, and Karen, three very different personalities yet each, while dealing with her own struggles, continues to repeat family patterns. This story, begun in NaNoWriMo's adventure of 2019, will touch your emotions and leave you with a smile. The settings of Bangalore, India and Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada share little in common; each offering its own colour and character. This is my first novel to focus on religion; in this instance the religions of Christianity and Hinduism. A recent book titled "No Place to Lay Her Head ... a handful of moments" is available in paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon. In this book I share my journey through grief since the death of my partner, Brian, nearly three years ago. This books is cathartic but I hope of benefit to anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one. Another short story titled The Man On The Bench; a metaphysical delight, is part of my recent writing adventure. You will also want to check out DRAMA - a Novel Idea which is a boxed set of my most popular novels: Moose Road - a Canadian Tragedy; Ellen and The Hummingtree; and Sara, a Canadian Saga. While individual novels are available in both paperback & Kindle formats; DRAMA is available in Kindle format only. Simply BE is a collection of inspirational thoughts, quotations, and sayings, that I hope will offer the reader inspiration and guidance. This book is currently used as an aid in meditation and healing circles and will, I hope, inspire you to be who you really are. Other recent publications in both print and Kindle format include my first book of poems titled "Poetry From A to Z" and a short story anthology titled "The Silent Star Plus a Dozen Selections." "Dinner At Seven" is, I'm excited to announce, my 15th book but also my very first romance novel. Also new on the scene is Crabapple Court; a novella. Susie Donnelly is missing. Has she run away? Is it a kidnapping? A murder? Beyond The Blue is a coming-of-age novella in which a child finds a magical, mystical way to deal with bullying. This novella is also in both Paperback and Kindle format. More recently this book has been published in audio book format narrated by Earl Sewell and available on Amazon, Itunes, and Audibles. "When God Gives Us Spring" is a story of love, hate & revenge that takes place pre and during civil war in the U.S. This novella is available in paperback, kindle, and audio book format. Recompense is a recent novella that explores "older" people in the "new world" of chat room dating. A bit of a farce this one provides some enjoyable reading. Prior to these publications I was kept busy with the creation, compilation and publication of a trilogy of anthologies containing short stories which keep the focus on social issues. The books are titled SOCIAL STUDIES - Book One - Dying To Be Popular; Book Two - Shattered and Broken; Book Three - Weaving Alice. These 36 stories will make you laugh; make you cry; and certainly make you simply wonder at the human condition as it is experienced by many in our modern contemporary world. I'm very excited to announce that "Keeping It Simple", the trinity of meditation, the 7 major chakras and psychospiritual therapy, is now available in both Kindle and Paperback Format on all Amazon sites. It is also available in print format directly from Create Space. https://www.createspace.com/4733596 It is my hope that one day I will have learned enough to narrate this book and transform it into an audio book. My first novel, "Sara, a Canadian Saga", is available in paperback and kindle formats but has now been released as my first audio book; written by yours truly; narrated by Falon Echo; and the cover design by Susan RK of Yuneekpix.com This audio book is available on Amazon; Audibles; and ITunes. I'm thrilled to announce that "When God Gives Us Spring" is my second book to be released as an audio book. This audio book is written by yours truly; narrated by Earl Sewell; and the beautiful cover design is by Susan RK of Yuneekpix.com It is available on Amazon; Audibles; and ITunes. Whether you choose my poetry; or an anthology; one of my novels, a novella, or a short story I hope you enjoy your reading experience. Thank you to my readers. I much appreciate your encouragement, your support and I hope you know that your positive reviews are much needed and very welcome.

Laundry Day

I'm doing my laundry this rainy morning. This entails taking the clothes from the hamper, walking down the hall, putting clothes into the washer, then I come home, sit down for 45 minutes before going to put the clothes into the dryer. Once dry, they are sorted and put away. What can be easier? Then I think of my dear mother who I will forever love and miss. For her, doing the laundry meant wash day. And it was called wash day because it did take her all day with no 45 minute rests between loads. She would takes the clothes from the hamper, carry them downstairs to the wringer washing machine. She would need to stay with the machine and carefully put each piece of clothing through the wringer once they were clean. One day my mother's long hair was caught in that wringer. A little girl, I stood by helplessly, fearfully hearing her cries until at last she could reach the plug to stop that wringer. Once through the wringer, the heavy wet load of clothes needed to be carried upstairs, then outside to the clothes line where, weather hot or cold, she would use the clothes pegs to hang the first load before going down to take care of the next one. In summer she would be be sunburned. In winter her poor hands would get so rough and dry that sometimes they bled. After getting the dry clothes off the line she would fold them into her basket before setting up the ironing board. Almost everything needed to be ironed and we were a family of eight so there was a lot of work for my dear mother. Once ironed, all the clothes would be put away neatly in drawers or hung in the closet. By then it would be time to get out the pots and pans because everyone would be looking for supper. My mother was a beautiful, hard-working, caring Mom and she worked her butt off for her family with very little appreciation, and no one ever thought to stop and say thanks Mom, for doing my laundry, or thanks Mom, for making my dinner, or thanks Mom, for keeping our home so clean and pretty. I'm doing my laundry today. For me alone. And doing my laundry means I have time to sit down and type these words while I think about what movie I will watch this afternoon on TV. Yes, we have come a long way! But hang on to the precious memories of what women have endured in order to bring us to where we are able to have an easier life today. I miss my Mom and I am grateful for all that she taught me.

On the Move

 Today is Monday, August 16, 2021, a beautiful, bright morning just days after the microburst that brought many trees down in Elliot Lake.   I, personally, was fortunate as the trees close to my home remained strong and standing.  Others weren't so fortunate and it was a memorable storm.  Power was off for hours.  Many without generators lost their refrigerator and freezer food.  Again, I was fortunate to have good neighbours, with generator, who offered to keep my freezer food frozen and I suffered no losses.  I am thankful.

Soon I will be on the move.  I will be meeting new friends and neighbours as I make the major change from long-time home-owner to apartment dweller.   I look forward to the move but I can't deny that I will miss my backyard and my front porch.   

At this time my heart goes out to the Afghan people who are desperate to move out of their country that is under Taliban control.  Knowing the chaotic scene and the necessity of their evacuation, my move seems much less significant.

But, to me, my upcoming move is a major transition.

I moved to Elliot Lake twenty-one years ago and I bought my Central Avenue home in January of 2000.  I made the move from Caledon East in April and until four years ago that was my home where I lived happily with my Brian who was a very hard worker.  Together we made many improvements on our Central Avenue home and we spent many happy times in our home and especially in what we called "The Ki House" which was a cedar gazebo in the backyard.

It was a nice home but stairs everywhere since the house had three levels plus a tiered backyard and an elevated deck.  Unfortunately Brian's rheumatoid arthritis deemed we must move to make his life easier.  A home on one level was needed and that is why we made the move to my current home on Roman Avenue.

Brian was in good health when we made the purchase of the new home but, sadly, before we made the actual move he needed a surgery that could not be postponed.  What was meant to be a minor surgery became major and recovery was very slow.  By the time we moved into the home on Roman, Brian was very ill.   A hospital stay was required.

He lived in this Roman Avenue home for a very short time and then he was in hospital for a few months and then God took my Brian home.

Nothing was as planned.  While Brian was in hospital, hopeful that he would soon return home, the planned changes to this house continued.   The big, ugly, old shed was demolished; a beautiful big deck was built in its place.  Fencing was built and pretty gardens created.   The house was opened up with everything new from floors to ceilings.   

But Brian didn't return home.  And my heart was never in this home no matter how hard I tried to make it my own.   

I cried when I had to leave my Central Avenue home.  I used to tell others the only way I would leave that house would be in a box.   

Leaving the house here on Roman Avenue, I will not cry.  I look forward to the move. 

Most of the packing is completed now.   One week from today I will be on my way to my new home which will be a Retirement Living apartment.

I will miss my backyard.  I will miss my front porch.  But, although this little house has served me well, I am okay knowing it will be added to my list of "All Them Houses" that have been there for me over the years.

I've written and published part one of my memoir.  It is, of course, titled "All Them Houses".  It is available, along with all my books, on all Amazon sites.  https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

My little chihuahua, Princess Delilah, or Lila as I lovingly call her will make the move to our new apartment with me.  She is my constant companion.  I think she will adapt okay to this transition.  As long as she has her little sofa, her toys, and lots of belly rubs, she is a happy little girl.  Because she, like her Mom, is aging she doesn't walk as well or as far as she used to do.  She will miss her little backyard jaunts.  But I've bought a little stroller and I will be able to wheel her from our apartment to a green space where she can enjoy her little walk.   And fortunately she is paper-trained.  She has a fast growing fatty tissue growth on her rear upper leg which, unfortunately, cannot be removed due to a heart condition which prohibits anaesthetic.

My lovely living room and dining room are not so lovely anymore as you can see by the photo below.

Almost all packed and ready to go.

No, as compared to the desperate people of Afghanistan, my upcoming move is quite run of the mill and unimportant in the scheme of things.  But, for me, it is life-changing.   Life is good and life goes on.  

Thanks for listening to my ramblings.  And thanks for checking out my publications at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin 

In this pic I was sixteen years old.
Life was good.
And more than sixty years later it still is.
Life is good and life goes on.

 

Canada Day 2021

One of my sisters had the patience and the motivation to learn much about our family's ancestral background.   And she learned that way back in the 16th century our ancestors began making their way to Canada.  They came from France, from Ireland, from England, and from  Scotland.  They made their homes on Prince Edward Island and some chose to travel west to British Columbia.  They came to Canada to make a better life for themselves and for their families.

My family has been in this country for a very long time.  I'm growing old so I can honestly say that I, myself, have been in this country for what, to some, may seem a very long time.

I feel grateful, and I feel proud to be Canadian.   I've been blessed to have my fair share of international travel throughout my life and this has made me very appreciative of the good life Canada has to offer.

I am far from perfect.  My country is far from perfect.  But I hope we are better than we used to be.   And I hope that as time passes we will become even better than we are today.

No one can undo the past.  But we can all learn from it, and we can all do our best to do better and to ensure that negative history never repeats itself.

I sincerely believe that every child matters.   Every child deserves the opportunity to live in peace, in friendship, in safety, and in love.   

Let's acknowledge and learn from our past.  Let's all work together in the present to create a future that every Canadian will want to celebrate.

I wish everyone peace and love.

Happy Birthday Canada!  Canada Day, 2021!