A Good Start to the New Year
Posted by: Darlene on: January 20, 2012
- In: Books
- 18 Comments
A short story I wrote about my Dad, called “Good Hands” has been chosen to be included in an anthology , Every Child is Entitled to Innocence and has been posted on Amrita Publishing’s FaceBook Page if you would like to read it. I am happy to share the story of my Dad with the world as I was so lucky to have him as a father.
A great review on my favourite book Pride and Prejudice was posted on Steven Gomez’s blog . It is always great to hear how a young person views a favourite classic.
It has been cold and snowy in many areas this week. A perfect time to curl up in front of a fire with a good book. Better yet, if you can win the good book. My writer friend Linda Cassidy Lewis is giving away her wonderful book, The Brevity of Roses on her blog. Drop over to her blog and make a comment in order to be eligible for the draw on January 26. If you don’t win, consider purchasing the book. It is a great read with memorable characters.
How has the start of your year been? Any news to share? Welcome all my new subscribers!
Keep warm.
Book Review: The Winter Pony, by Iain Lawrence
Posted by: Darlene on: January 16, 2012
- In: Books
- 10 Comments
My daughter gave me this wonderful book for Christmas. I absolutely loved this heartbreaking story of Captain Scott’s fatal journey to the South Pole, told from the point of view of one of the ponies he took with him. This is a well written book and the author obviously put much research and heart into this story. You can’t help but fall in love with James Pigg, the pony from Siberia, as he tries his best to help Captain Scott and his dedicated team reach their goal. If you already know the end, you will still find yourself cheering for man and beast as they struggle against the elements. It is a story of determination, incredible fortitude and devotion. I made the mistake of reading the final chapters on the bus, on my way home from work. My sobbing caused other passengers to become concerned. This may be a difficult read from some sensitive young people but I rate it with my childhood favourites; Black Beauty, Old Yeller and The Yearling.
Linked by the Love of Books
Posted by: Darlene on: January 14, 2012
- In: Books | People
- 2 Comments
You hear it frequently stated, “Women need friends”. We generally do not thrive without them. ‘A landmark UCLA study suggests friendships between women are special. They shape who we are and who we are yet to be. They soothe our tumultuous inner world, fill the emotional gaps in our marriage, and help us remember who we really are.’
The article goes on to say that ‘women are a source of strength to each other. We nurture one another. And we need to have unpressured space in which we can do the special kind of talk that women do when they’re with other women. It’s a very healing experience.’ 2002 Gale Berkowitz
Darlene and I share a long standing friendship. We met through our daughters, Gill and Marcelle.
Many years ago, towards the end of the school year, we both moved (along with our families) to Calgary. The local schools were at capacity so our young daughters had to be bussed to a school a fair distance away. Consequently, they met while riding the school bus. Both being new and friendless they naturally gravitated towards each other. It turns out that they had common personality traits which are still evident, reflected in the career paths they chose.
Over the years I have often heard Darlene tell the following anecdote. “I will always remember Marcelle coming home and saying, ‘You will really like Gill’s Mom. She is a book writer, too.’” And that is how it all started. It might be said that Darlene and I, also, gravitated together being new to the neighbourhood and, somewhat, friendless. We quickly discovered our common interest; the love of books and the desire to one day publish a book of our own.
Sharing books at a writer's conference
Early on in our friendship Darlene and I shared books. A practice that we maintain this many years later. When we both lived in the same city, it was easy to get together to pass along a favourite novel. However, when Darlene moved to a different province it was no longer a matter of a trip across town to hand over a literary find. Initially we resorted to the mail. One book box went back and forth so many times that it earned frequent flyer points. We have had to discontinue this practice, however, as the cost of postage has become prohibitive. We each have created a sharing pile that grows and grows until our next get-together. Sometimes it takes a year; fortunately books do not go stale.
When we get together it is not always in each other’s city. Over the years Darlene and I have met in many different locations. Some places were fairly ordinary but some remote and exotic, such as Dubai. Our next get away is already planned – a Danube River cruise. It goes without saying that during our stops we will find a book store to add more books to our vast collections. And these books will be added to the stack to be shared.
Do you have someone who you are linked by the love of books?
Darlene & Sheila in Spain
Liebster Blog Award for me!
Posted by: Darlene on: January 11, 2012
- In: People
- 14 Comments
What a wonderful day. I was given an award! A huge thank you to Linda Cassidy Lewis who gave me the Liebster Blog Award. Liebster is German for dearest or beloved and carries the sense of “favourite”. Being raised in a German family, where I was often called “Liebster”, this was especially special.
Apparently the rules say to pass the award along to five of your favourite blogs with less than 200 followers. I guess if you don’t know how many followers the blogs have, its OK. Here are some blogs I feel worthy of passing the award onto:
Laura Best has a great blog over at My Little Corner of the World. It has all the warmth of a maritimer and makes you want to visit that part of the world.
Pattisj’s blog A New Day Dawns is loaded with inspirational messages and wonderful photography
A Daily Life is filled with useful information for bloggers, writers and readers. Check out this blogger’s other site Living The Seasons for some great day to day stories and fabulous pictures
March Hare Books is a delightful site that features vintage children’s books. I love reading about these old books and looking at the whimsical drawings. This is a feel good site.
Read Aloud Dad is a great site for children’s book reviews. This Dad only reviews books he has read to his twin boys and promotes reading aloud to kids. You gotta love that!
That’s my five but I would like to give out one more award, to a new blogger. It takes courage to start a blog. Sheila MacArthur is a well travelled, talented writer who has been writting for a long time and is ready to share her talent with the world. Watch for some great posts on this site in the days to come and give her the support you gave me.
Enjoy the links and remember to pass the award along (if you wish)
Happy blogging!
Joyful Living
Posted by: Darlene on: January 9, 2012
“10 Laws on the Art of Joyful Living” by Zen teacher and brush artist Kaz Tanahashi
1. Your happiness is more important than anything else.
2. The happier you are, the more you can help others.
3. Smiling makes you happy.
4. The more relaxed you are, the happier you are.
5. A moment of meditation can help you refresh yourself.
6. The lower your expectations are, the happier you are.
7. Happiness attracts happiness.
8. The ultimate healing is to live joyfully at each moment.
9. The more fully you face your own death, the more joyous you become.
10. You can always improve your art of joyful living.
Thanks to Banyan Books for this wonderful list. I plan to copy it and hang it in my office to remind me everyday.
How else can we improve the art of joyful living?
A New Year, A New List
Posted by: Darlene on: January 3, 2012
- In: Dreams
- 21 Comments
I know it is a bit passé but I still write out my New Year’s Resolutions every year in my journal. I also read the list from the previous year and am always surprised at what I actually achieved. It seems such a perfect time to do it as it is a new slate, a fresh start, something to look forward to. I guess I would be lost without some goals to focus on. I am also one of those annoying list makers so I guess that is why it works for me.The mere act of writing down goals and sharing them with others does help you to meet them (or at least it helps me). So with that in mind, I am sharing my goals/resolutions/intentions with my blog followers:
1.Finish writing Amanda in England-The Missing Novel for publication this summer by writing a chapter a week for the next three months.
2.Find ways to make more money with my writing by setting up readings, writing magazine articles and entering contests.
3.Blog at least once a week and double my subscribers
4.Learn to manage my social networking by improving technical skills
5.Reduce the clutter in my house, computer and mind
6.Spend as much time with Mom as possible in person and on the phone
7.Find a reasonable cleaning service
8.Meet other authors to share knowledge and support
9.Take a trip to Europe
10.Take time to breathe
Check back with me next year at this time to see how well I did.
I have been reading some great blogs concerning goal setting for the New Year. Check these blog postings out:
10 Tips to a Happier 2012 posted on She Writes by Jill Starishevsky lists wonderful things like:
5. Speak of others as though they can hear the words that you say
8. Wake up every morning with the hope of putting someone in a good mood
http://www.shewrites.com/profiles/blogs/10-tips-to-a-happier-2012
Living The Seasons points out a way to celebrate accomplishments and move forward. http://livingtheseasons.com/2012/01/02/accomplishments-from-last-year/
Pollina Writes has some impressive goals listed.
http://lynnadavidson.wordpress.com/2011/12/31/happy-new-year/
Lynne Kippel on Book Bites provides a word for 2012 – significance which I plan to use everyday, followed by tips to make your writing significant:
First, write. Finish your book. Create your blog. Develop your presentation or workshop. The format in which you deliver your ideas may change, but the process always begins with putting words on paper.
Next, refuse to settle for anything less than your best. Challenge yourself to write boldly, sharing your most creative ideas and editing out anything tired, trite, or common.
Finally, share. Commit to sharing your words with your ideal readers and engaging in conversations with them. In this sharing, you will refine your ideas, sharpen your focus, and witness the impact your brilliance has on others, which will increase your significance.
http://businessbuildingbooks.com/the-2012-author%E2%80%99s-word-of-the-year
If you have a list of goals for the coming year, please share them. I find them inspiring.
2011 in review
Posted by: Darlene on: January 2, 2012
I was in awe of these stats so decided to share them with my readers. I wrote 44 posts last year, ten short of my goal of one a week. Will try to do better in 2012. I have 30 subscribers and I thank everyone of you for your support. I plan to double that this year. I enjoy blogging and plan to have more guest bloggers appear. The comments are my favourite part, keep them coming. A big thanks to everyone for these stats!
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 4,700 times in 2011. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 4 trips to carry that many people.
Early Christmas With Family
Posted by: Darlene on: December 23, 2011
- In: People
- 4 Comments
I just returned from a trip to Alberta where I spent an early Christmas with my family. I had a wonderful time and wish to share it with a video.
Merry Christmas to all my blog followers. Thank you for your visits to my blogs and your much appreciated comments and support. Enjoy the season and please share your stories and pictures.
‘Twas the Tweet before Christmas…
Posted by: Darlene on: December 13, 2011
This is just too great not to share.
The Meaning of Christmas
Posted by: Darlene on: December 6, 2011
I admit it, I am a Christmas nut. I love it. Yes, it can be stressful and yes, it has become too commercial, but I still love it. I enjoy picking out gifts for my friends and family. I start picking things up in the summer at craft fairs and in my travels. I like to give handmade items or things with a special meaning. Of course I give a lot of books but I tuck other little things in too.
I find Christmas a time to be joyful, hopeful and most of all thankful. I am thankful that I have so many wonderful people to find gifts for and spend time with. I don’t expect gifts back, it is not an exchange. Friendship is gift enough for me. Often it is the smallest most thoughtful gift that I enjoy the most. Home made baking, jams, and spiced nuts are appreciated. A special book from a second hand book store that someone spent hours finding, a poem, a song or a family photograph. Christmas gifts do not have to be expensive to warm my heart.
I sometimes feel that the meaning of Christmas is lost to the young people who are caught up in the advertising for toys and electronics, but then a grandchild will say, “Thanks for those pajamas you made me, the ones you make are the best”! When a friend shared a letter to Santa her eight year old wrote, I knew the meaning of Christmas was not lost on children Here it is unabridged and unchanged:
Dear Santa
What I really want for christmas is for my great grandma TeddyBear to come back to life. The reason I want her to come back to life is because she was really really nice and cool.
Another thing I really want for christmas is for the Doctor doing a good job for my grandma’s cancer to go away. The reason I want her cancer to go away is so she won’t have to get anymore oporashons and she will be Happier.
One other thing I want for christmas is for my half sister Rylee that lives in England to come to Vancouver for this summer. The reason I want her to come is because I don’t get to see her that much and when I do we have a good time.
When you are finished crying, here is a wonderful video for you
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_-RuAbXadc
I will close with a quote sent to me by a fellow Christmas nut, Naomi:
“Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.” – author unknown; attributed to a 7yr old named Bobby
What ever your beliefs, however you celebrate this season of giving, not just of things, but of love and joy, may it be special.
Goodreads
