It's Been a Slice 2013, Hello 2014!

Hi!


Well, my friends, the turkey hangovers are over, the pie has been eaten, and the grandkids have been "covertly" handed too many treats from grandparents, aunties and uncles. And, as we stand at the threshold of a new year, I think we owe it to ourselves to look at the one we are leaving behind.


It never ceases to amaze me that in the blink of time that is a year, so much can happen. To think that in the last 12 months we've had a new grandbaby, had the oldest grandbaby start kindergarten, a daughter engaged, opened our business, visited schools, played at some weddings, had kids move back home and then back out again, did some bar shows and some trade shows, did a bit of camping, and celebrated a mini family reunion (sibfest 2013).

I'm sure if you hold a mirror up to your year, it most likely holds at least that many events, some completely life-changing.

Sometimes in the day-to-day business of life it seems like we are doing little more than chasing our tails. At the end of the year, I find it fascinating to look back and connect the dots, taking note of how each event leads into the next, and how skipping any one moment, may have changed the course entirely.

That is why I believe that life is not just a product of happenstance. That is why I truly believe everything happens for the sole purpose of leading us to the next thing, the next place, the next lesson, in turn, teaching us who we are supposed to be and become. Our genuine selves.

So if we take an honest look at our past year, looking at everything, both good and bad, doing our true best to not look at it through the skewed lens of our ego, we can always find lessons we were meant to learn. We may not find all of them, but that's the beauty of life, everyday that we awaken, we get another chance to do just that.

It's been an incredible year, and I can't wait to see what's in store next!


This week has been a blast!

Once we were able to complete a extremely challenging repair, we were able to take a few days off for Christmas.


The girls were home with husbands and boyfriends, friends and babies. There was a lot of food, laughter, board games and smack talk. It was soooo good to get everybody under the same roof!



But, with the holidays behind us, it's back to the shop on Monday.

We have some very interesting and different types of repairs over the next while to keep us on our toes.

Oh! And we are going out on New Year's Eve! We did not book a show for New Year's, this year for the sole purpose of attending some kind of dance etc. Well, imagine my disappointment when I couldn't find anything to go to! We kept watching for some kind of notice to pop up at the post office or one of the many bulletin boards around the neighbouring towns, to no avail.

But, over the holiday, our local bar owner put a notice on facebook that she would be hosting a party! Yay! It's been a very long time since we've attended an event like this as regular guests. I'm looking very forward to having a great night!


So, my friends, Happy New Year! And with that, I'll leave you with this wish.......



May the reflection of the year past be clear and true, showing all we need to see.
May it's truths, show lessons learned, bringing us closer to who we need to be.

May we see the peace, love and joy, we've been lucky enough to receive.
May we also see all that lies ahead of us, the strides we can achieve.

May we look forward with excited anticipation, putting fear of the unknown at bay.
May we trust that no matter what happens, we walk on, and we will find our way.

May this new year be just that, a shiny, unmarked new and wonderful start.
May you grasp it tightly with both hands, head held high, mind clear, and lead into it with heart.


Until next year! (I know, overdone joke)

www.margyreidbooks.com

margy_mel@yahoo.ca

A Little Chubby Guy In A Red Suit, Bringing Stuff

Hi!



The Holiday Season is officially upon us! Yay!


I love having wee ones around, always, but especially this time of year. Everything is new and incredible. There has not yet been any jading of ideals, no one has pulled back the curtain on the magic of Christmas. There is awe and wonder at every turn, beauty and excitement in every shiny, tiny face.


I, for one, believe it is our duty, as the adults of the world, to foster that magic. Instill in our young ones, so deeply, the joy of giving to others, that they never lose the desire to bring happiness to those around them.

It's about so much more than a little chubby guy in a red suit, bringing stuff.

With that, I'd like to revisit a subject that just doesn't seem to go away.

Season's Greetings!

I think if everyone could put aside all the noise about the political correctness of different seasonal greetings, maybe we could get back to the reason the greetings ever came to be.

I think all the greetings, regardless of religious or political origin, were used to let your neighbours know you wished them well.

Now, unless you have incredible intuitive capabilities, there is no way of knowing anyone's personal belief system in the brief moment in which a greeting is afforded a stranger. Therefore, we tend to offer whatever is familiar to us. It might be Merry Christmas, it could be Happy Hanukkah, it could be one of many greetings from many different places and cultures around the world.

What it boils down to is this. It all still translates into wishing your neighbours well. Plain and simple.
Why clutter it up with all the noise?


Dismounting soap box. (with a backflip, cuz I'm a ninja like that)


Soooooo, this week was one for the books!


Yep, this week sure presented it's challenges. Glitches in websites, phone tag with insurance people, parts not coming, parts not available, parts breaking, totally not having the superpower to shrink huge heavy things down to a miniscule, manageable size, and then returning them to their original state.


Yep, one of those weeks.


We are, however very close to having our current project completed in time for Christmas. It required using another baking day and we will need to work the majority of tomorrow, after a trip to the city for a parts run and now, sadly shortened, gift delivery.


But, with any luck, that should do it! Then, on Monday we will go into the shop to be on hand for any last minute shoppers, tidy up, and close for the Holidays! Yep, 4 days in a row! Well, almost, my hubby will have to go in on Christmas Eve for a short bit. But then it's days off until the 30th!

It will be time for turkey, games, laughter, and enough treats to keep the grandkids wired for days! Good Times!


Thank you all for taking the time to read these ramblings. I am forever grateful for the support, and continuously humbled and honored by the fact that you do read them.  I love getting messages and emails from you, and hope they continue to come my way. As I said, I am forever grateful.


Well, that about does it for me, this week. Until next time, I'll leave you with this wish.........




May the wonder of the season renew itself in you, becoming what is was when you were small.
May you once again feel nothing but thrilled anticipation, like a 5 year old meeting Santa at the mall.

May the colourful lights reignite your innocence, bring the twinkle back to your eye.
May the cheerfully, carefully placed decorations, make you rethink the reindeer's ability to fly.

May every piece of adult logic take a backseat to the utter and complete joy of the season.
May you forget about grown up things, just for a while, and for good reason.

May you embrace the chaos of the holiday, the noise,the scattering of bright paper, toys and dishes.
May you embrace the chaos of the holiday, for this, is simply the sound of the granting of wishes.



Until next time...

www.margyreidbooks.com
margy_mel@yahoo.ca

Short Days Long Nights! Yup It's Winter!

Hi,


With the holidays just around the corner, I got to feeling a bit nostalgic.  Seeing as I haven't scanned ALL of the old pics into this computer yet, I thought I would share a sampling of those that have been.

I know it sounds cliché as heck, but it really does seem like it was just a few years ago when they were this little. These are my two youngest daughters. Then, almost 2 and almost 3. Now, they are almost 24 and almost 23.

Time has, and continues to fly by so quickly. I keep having to remind myself to slow down and let the moments stick. I just don't want to look back, some day, and feel like I've missed memories by not taking the time to let them sink in.

Take the time. Sink into them.


This year, our Christmas ought to be pretty lively. It will be short, but sweet, with in-law celebrations and work schedules being worked into the mix. It will be short, but jam packed, with turkey and treats and gift opening and games and 4 kids 5 and under, maybe more.

It will be nice to have everybody under one roof again, it's been way too long since all of our girls have been home at the same time.

Well, this week was witness to some cookie baking, ladder wrestling, tin hanging, awning balancing and bookkeeping.


I put together some cream cheese cookies with rolo centres, they turned out pretty yummy.

We finished putting the siding on a trailer and put a new awning on another.

In the midst, as I was trying to carry and set up one our 12ft ladders so I could quickly climb it to make sure the giant motorhome my hubby was driving out of the shop would clear the door, it decided to fight back. I couldn't let it fall against the motorhome, so I ended up taking a pretty nasty hit to the knees and shins. Ahhh, the glamour of being a business owner!

Good news, it cleared with inches to spare!

As for the upcoming week?


Well, this week will consist of assisting my hubby in replacing a 400 pound generator in a giant motorhome (not the one mentioned above)

It will also involve, bill paying, present wrapping, last minute picking up of stuff, more baking, more writing, and this time we are REALLY going to a movie!


Take the time. Sink into them.


So, as we approach the winter solstice, I'll leave you with this wish.


May the short days and long nights translate into less work and more sleep.
May it not only mean you shovel snow in the dark... after work... waist deep.

May cozy cuddles in front of a crackling fire be happily checked off of your bucket list.
May whatever your equivalent of this be achieved, and bring you complete bliss.

May you, wherever you are, celebrate and enjoy this changing of the season.
May you find joy, happiness, and peace in abundance, beyond any reason.


Until next time, www.margyreidbooks.com

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Hi!


For those of you who may be unfamiliar with sundogs, well, that, my friends, is what you are looking at in this pic.


I took this with my phone, on our way to a service call, this week. What are sundogs, you may ask? Well, I am no meteorologist, there is no "but" here, just keep that in mind as you read on.


Sundogs are rainbow wannabes. They only show when it's cold enough to freeze your sneeze before it hits the Kleenex. You know that heart warming movie in which Jack Nicholson thinks he's Johnny Carson and a lumber jack rolled into one? You know the one.........he's takes his family to this lovely ski resort to focus on his writing, his little boy makes some lovely dyslexic friends........you know, the ones you like to play spelling games in the hallway........"The Shining"! If you don't know the movie......well imagine "It's a Wonderful Life"  yeah.....pretty much that............ only different.


Well, do you remember the tragic end, when Paul Bunyan/Johnny decides to add marathon runner to his repertoire and freezes his lungs in the process? Well, that's the kind of cold it's got to be to see sundogs.


Today it was -49 degrees, factoring in the wind. It hit -52 in places an hour or two away. Ridiculous.


At the shop today, we had to venture outside to take some measurements for an upcoming job. We were out there for a total of about 5 minutes. I was cloaked in 4 layers of fleece and was sporting my trusty donkey mitts, which by the way, double as puppets, they are awesome!

Long story short?         It's Frickin' Cold!!!!!!!


The weather man says it's supposed to get a little more tolerable over the next few days. I hope so. It sucks when weather like this hangs on.


So.... other then freezing our proverbial tushies off, this week was awesome!


McNally Robinson called and needed more books......always so tickled get those calls!

We made a lot of headway on the big job we are working on in the shop.

We were able to combine a parts run with a service call and top the trip off with some Christmas shopping....

We had some people come to the shop to do Christmas shopping of their own.....how cool is that?!



As for the next few days?........



Finish off this big job at the shop and tackle another.........

Get serious about Christmas baking.........

Do some more work on my next book..........

Give yet another go at going to a movie or some such craziness...................



Until then........I know I make light of our severe weather, but there are those out there who brave these elements, not because they like to, but because they have nowhere else to go.

There are charities around the world who accept donations of warm coats etc. on behalf of those less fortunate. If you are able, please find the one closest to you and maybe use it as an excuse to clean out a closet or two.



Until next time, I'll leave you with this wish....................................



May you keep as warm and as cozy as the famous snug bug in a rug.
May you perpetuate that warmth by gifting genuine smiles wrapped in a hug.

May you enjoy the comfort of a snuggle blanket as you curl up on the cushions of your couch.
May you bring that comfort to others, through kindness, unknown lives, you might touch.

May you, in the company of your loved ones, feel ever safe and warm.
May you rid yourself of some clutter, wrapping others, keeping them from winter's harm.




Thanks so much for taking the time to read these ramblings! Stay Warm!


www.margyreidbooks.com for you stocking stuffer needs.

Snowmen and Merry Christmas?

The Snowmen have been unleashed! It must be December!




The Holidays mean something different to everyone. Every culture/religion calls it something different and celebrates in their own way. Some don't. It's all good.

I don't know about where you live, but here, one of the hottest debates seems to be whether or not it is politically correct to say Merry Christmas.

I, personally would not be offended if someone offered me the salutation of their choice, whatever it may be, if it was given with sincere kindness behind it. 

The words  "Merry Christmas" should never be flung as an intended insult to anyone or any belief. If that is what is intended, a wish dipped in venom, does that not take the very phrase for which you are fighting, and turn it into something dark and ugly?

I feel that if you put forth the greeting of this holiday, whatever that is for you, with kind intent, the only ones who will be offended are the ones who want to be.

If someone wishes you a Happy Hanukkah, and you aren't Jewish, you should be no more offended by that than if someone says "bless you" when you sneeze.

How many of us have shouted  "Molotov!"  "Salut!", or "Amen!" and it offends no one. Why? Because they are simple expressions of joy.


This holiday should be about nothing but bringing joy to others. Fill it with every kindness you can squeeze in. No matter what you do, or don't believe. Just hug it out and be done.


Personally,  I like to celebrate by putting up my silly snowmen, listening to sappy Christmas songs, baking the treats that make my family light up, and making it a mission to put a smile in the eyes of every face I meet.


Now, for the past week...............................................



Well, our karaoke show went great. Lots of people and a ton of fun! They are a great group.


Aaannnnddd, our Riders won the Grey Cup!  It. Was. Awesome. 


We were busy at the shop with more siding, some brakes, some wiring, and a mobile service call or two.

Some more Christmas shopping was completed. Wrapped. Under the tree. Yay!

I was able to stock up on baking essentials, so I can start getting some things in the freezer. (Pumpkin Spice Muffins....Done!)

Some baby snuggles were squeezed in. (Laney is starting to smile)

Toddler silliness and utter cuteness was absorbed.

Some kindergarten wisdom was bestowed.

Now...for the upcoming week....


Month end book work at the shop................

Take care of the shipment that is due to be delivered.............

Assist in siding  a trailer.............

Run errands...............

Hopefully, on a few evenings,  get home in time to bake a few cookies.........

Go out to a movie!.....

Head down to our local pub to watch some entertainment!


Yep another full week, and I wouldn't have it any other way!


Until next time.............. I know a lot of people who will be facing a rough time this Holiday season. There have been some accidents and illnesses that have touched those I love and care about. It's going to be so hard for so many.

With that in mind, I'll leave you with this wish...............


May you find the strength to simply get through, for no one can expect any more.
May the weight of it all be lifted a little by those at your side, as you sleeplessly walk the floor.

May you find a way, whilst gripped in sadness, to give cherished memories a voice.
May you give them such a resonating boom, the sadness will have to step aside, for it will have no choice.

May you wear the hope and strength of your loved ones like an old, cozy sweater.
May you know, for now, it's just about surviving, being, breathing, later is for making it better.



Until next time...............................................

www.margyreidbooks.com

Shivering and Shenanigans!

This, my friends who live in warmer climates, is what -29 degrees looked like today, from where I stood.


Who am I kidding, this is pretty much what -20 something degrees and colder will look like from where I stand for the next oooooohhhhh at least 4 months.

I love where I live, but sometimes I wonder what it would be like to get to miss winter. I mean, deep in my heart, yearning for snow, can't remember what cold feet feel like, doesn't hurt to breathe in, oh, that's a snow shovel?,  kind of missing it.

In our neck of the woods, there have been a fair amount of people finding their way to us in search of jobs. We are very fortunate to have plenty of them to go around. Some of these adventurous souls come from much warmer places on this planet, and they are now experiencing their first Saskatchewan winter. I feel bad for them. They were bundling up in full on winter gear as early as a few weeks ago. At this point, I hadn't really put on a real jacket. I can't imagine what must be going through their minds about this move. I can't help but wonder what they might think when it hits -40, or colder, as it's bound to do at least a few times.

Just keep in mind, our new winter newbie friends, it doesn't last forever, it's a great opportunity to have cozy get togethers with friends, and it's all manageable if you just keep your socks woolly, and your toddy strong!


So, for the past week..........................


The shop is staying very busy, with new jobs booking in almost daily. It's awesome!


We finished up a brand new roof, put on an awning, and were able to help two "come off the highway" emergencies.

I was also lucky enough to participate in a small trade show right here at home. It was so nice to see everybody and get caught up with some folks I hadn't seen in a long while!


The week also included some grandbaby snuggles, some preliminary online wedding dress snooping with my daughter, some Christmas shopping, and other shenanigans.

And, though I have managed to pretty much stay out of trouble thus far, the week is not over.

The reason I am writing these ramblings a bit early this week is due to the fact we have a show to do tomorrow night.

This is a fun group, and they have a heritage dipped richly in shenanigans. It courses through their veins, I kid you not. I know this, as I am related to quite a few of them.


As for the remainder of the upcoming week.....................

Watch our hometown Riders win the Grey Cup! ( This will only remotely matter to you if you know the words to "Green Is The Colour.") If you Google Saskatchewan Roughriders, you will understand.


Start on another big siding job, and work in a couple of smaller ones where we can.


Decorate my house for Christmas!!!!!!!!!!(Snowmen will be coming out to play!!!!!)


Get a start on the Christmas baking.


Until next time, thanks again for reading these ramblings.  Don't forget you can get your copies of "Lexi's Magic Clothes", "A Crazy Day", "Tags Go In The Back", and "Everyday Wishes For Your Extraordinary Life" online at www.margyreidbooks.com at our shop in Rosetown, and at McNally Robinson, both in Saskatoon and Winnipeg. (I hear they make pretty good stocking stuffers!)

I would be honored to be ripped open on Christmas morning.  Wait, that may have come out wrong......


Until next week, I'll leave you with this wish........




May every Holiday party you attend feel like a show at Rockefeller Center.
May you get a warm and welcoming feeling from every room you enter.

May any shenanigans be kept legal, and not contain actions where regrets are conceived.
May all remain dignified and classy, genteel gifts both given and received.

May the memories made be the ones you hold in your heart with a smile.
May they not be the kind with fuzzy recollection, a good idea at the time, and a trial.

May you, I guess I'm trying to say, have a great time, enjoy some mischief, but don't overdo, misjudge,  or overlook.
May you, as I usually remind guests at a show, not do anything you don't want to see on YouTube or  FaceBook!


Until Next Time!

www.margyreidbooks.com

Mother Nature......Wow!

Hi!



As I'm sitting here, we are having our first blizzard day of the year. It's snowy, blowy, icy and cold. I felt the urge to look at something warm. Hence the pic.


While watching the white stuff make it's presence known, I can't help but be awestruck by Mother Nature. Here, there is a blizzard, albeit a pretty minor one by our normal standards, in the Philippines, complete and utter devastation.

Sitting at my desk, I can feel the total and complete desperate sadness emanating from across the world. As a human race, I think we can all feel it. My heart breaks for those in the middle of the chaos and horror, it hurts for those no longer living there, desperately trying to locate family and friends. 

Whenever something like this happens, typhoons, earthquakes, tornadoes, even a not-so-terrible blizzard, it's a giant reminder of how small we are. How, no matter how we hustle, strive, drive, play politics, build, tear down, rebuild, dig, drag, drill and destroy, we really have no actual control over anything.

That can be a scary thought. We are but one race, on one tiny planet, one, among millions in this vastness. 

As I understand, and believe it to be, although we are but a minuscule part of a much greater, grander universe, the fact that we even exist means we have a purpose. All of us, each of us. I believe life is packed with opportunities to find out what that is. Every time something happens that is so completely beyond your control, seemingly out of the blue, good or bad, I believe it's one of those opportunities, a pathway opening.

All we can do is our best to support each other in this journey, let go of the judgement of others, for most times it only shines a light on our own ignorance, and be kind, we could all use it.

When opportunity knocks, I don't think we should merely answer the door, but embrace whatever awaits.


Blizzards make me think.



Anyway................................................


This week was busy, as usual. So glad we are staying that way.

After returning from a much needed, fantastic "girl weekend"..........

We were finally able to finish off a job that was a royal pain in the insurance. Not ours. It involved a very nice customer, his wife, their fridge, and a cluster@#%$ of circumstances perpetuated by their insurance company. They insisted on reconditioned parts, originally meant for another model, which, in turn, meant other things didn't fit right either. I was unable to locate correct parts, because in refurbishing the part, they painted over every bloody identifying number. It was a 3-month long exercise in frustration, both for us and our customer. But, the job is now complete, and they were able to pick up their trailer, and will be able to leave and go wherever snowbirds go, on time.

We also were able to make some headway in a couple of other jobs, take in some baby snuggles, toddler squeezes, and kindergarten goofiness.

Another good week.

So, for the days ahead...............................

Work on my next book...............

Watch some very important football...............

Finish off some jobs at the shop........

Get in some rehearsal for the show next weekend...................

Participate in a trade show right here at home on Wednesday.......(Milden Hall)

Start scattering some snowmen around my house.....they are begging to be released!



Until next time....I thank you once again for taking the time to read these ramblings. To my readers from the Philippines...you are in my thoughts and prayers.




May you feel the whole of humankind embrace you, giving you the strength to carry on.
May you let that strength lift you, not allow your soul to be buried, broken, gone.

May all you hold close, be with you, if not in body, as angels to help you through.
May you feel them within your heart, feeding your spirit, determination renewed.

May you get to the other side of this horror, though scarred and forever changed.
May you get to the other side of this horror, live life, your life, however rearranged.

May you wake after many tomorrows able to feel the sun again on your face.
May you feel your angels, always, for you will be forever in their embrace.


Until next time......

www.margyreidbooks.com

In Remembrance, We Are Grateful!

Hi!


In case you needed a nudge toward a smile, I thought I would provide one. Consider yourself nudged.






Sooooooo, this week was pretty flippin' awesome!



Things are still going full steam ahead at the shop........yay!

My youngest daughter got engaged to a young man who puts all kinds of goofy smiles on her face....Yay!

Aaaaaaaaand we were able to swing the purchase of a new stove......"Operation New Stove" completed. YAY!!



Yep, the shop is hopping with no signs of slowing down. I'm so glad we started this adventure when we did. The way things have fallen into place, even the things that went against our original plans, is pretty incredible. We are very lucky, happy, grateful people.

As I mentioned, our youngest daughter became engaged this week! She is so happy and excited! You know, as you are raising your kids and dreaming about their future, in your heart of hearts, you want for them to find their someone. You hope they build a life that lends itself to happiness every day. I believe, she and her fiancé, are well on their way to doing just that. We are so happy for them!

Aaaaaannnnnd.......I love weddings! I'm so excited to find out when and how and where they want to celebrate their special day!


Now, the same day our Bink became a fiancé, I received my early Christmas present! My brand new stove! The first brand new one I have ever owned! It's stainless steel, and black, shiny, and smooth. No dents, scrapes, personality disorders, and everything works! Everything!

I'm looking so forward to breaking that bad boy in with some Christmas baking. I might need to take a couple of days off. Hmmmm....maybe not a bad idea.


Oh, I guess you might be wondering why these ramblings are hitting the airwaves a bit early, this week. Well, as I mentioned last week, this is the weekend I will be heading up to my friend's place for some, catching up, adult beverages, maybe a movie or two, and some simple R&R!

Yep, I will be playing hooky for a chunk of this afternoon, and take off early, as not to have to drive in these snowy, icy, conditions with the added hindrance of the dark. Where I am headed, the wildlife loves to tread, so daylight is always a plus.

My hubby is so sweet to let me take this time, guilt free. He is, and always will be my Honey.


As for the upcoming week........................

Have a great time with friends!

Gratuitous baby snuggling!


Work at the shop, doing my best to keep things running as smoothly as possible. It's kinda like chess, you are always planning for about 6 moves ahead.

Get some rehearsal in for our upcoming show.

Work on my next book.

Well folks, that about does it for another week. I hope you had a good one, and the next one is even better!




As this is Remembrance Day weekend, here in Canada, I'd like to take a moment to show appreciation to those who have fought for the freedoms we take for granted every day.

With that in mind, I'll leave you with this wish.



May we remember to be mindful of the sacrifices made, lives lost, and the souls, now only rubble.
May we remember to be grateful for the freedoms these allow, not live in an entitlement bubble.

May we remember to support the ones who return, changed, dark, broken by what they have seen.
May we remember to hold up the ones at home who wait, for they are braver then we've ever been.

May we remember to work toward a world in which these sacrifices aren't needed, peace demanded.
May we remember, until we achieve such a place, to say thank you and honor what we've been handed.


Thanks for taking the time to read these ramblings!

www.margyreidbooks.com

Zombies, Pirates And Sunsets!

 

 

 

Hi!

 

 

 

You know, I'm sure sunsets in other parts of the world are absolutely spectacular. In fact, I am certain, for I've seen the pictures that prove just that.

 

 

But, there is something that stirs in this prairie girl's heart when I see the endless horizon ablaze as the sun battles the night to stick around just a little longer.

 

The sun disappears so early now, black as pitch by 6:30pm. It's the thing I find the hardest over winter. Snow comes and goes, as does the frigid cold, but the dark lingers too long.

 

So, even though these extended nights are not my favourite things, they do trigger in me the urge to bake. It's like some inner alarm clock goes off around the beginning of November that signals the start of the Christmas baking season.

 

With any luck, I will have an oven to do said baking. The jury is still out on that one, but I should know soon.

 

 

Well folks, this week proved to be a pretty interesting one.

 

We went to Luseland to do our Halloween show, and had a blast. There were plenty of great costumes. Zombies seemed to be the most plentiful. My favourite, however, had to be Jack Sparrow, he was awesome.

 

The place was packed, they were running out of chairs, running out of glasses, and by the end of the evening, running seriously low on sober people.

 

All in all, a good night with fun people.

 

The rest of the week saw some baby snuggles, month end bookkeeping, redoing our radio ad, ordering of material, picking up of other material, running errands, ordering parts and stock, paying bills, receiving and putting away said parts and stock, scrubbing a couple of toilets, dealing with some laundry, slaying some dust bunnies and being an extra set of hands to assist my hubby in trailer repairs. Aaaannnd more recon in "operation new stove."

 

We were also booked for another karaoke show for later in the month, a small trade show, and a possible Christmas karaoke show in December. It also looks like I will be visiting a couple of schools during the winter and another in May. 

 

I'm thinking the darkness of the winter months should pass pretty quickly with all of the fun things to look forward to.

 

 

So, for the upcoming days.........

 

 

Spend some quality time with some trailers, sneak some baby snuggles, help out some customers, maybe squeeze in a bit of writing, and then, at the end of the week, I will be heading to my best girlfriend's house for a couple of days of girl talk, movies, and a few adult beverages.

 

I'm looking sooooo forward to it!

 

 

I guess that about does it for another week.  Until next time, I'll leave you with this wish...........

 

 

 

May you find the strength to meet every challenge with a smile, every hardship, with a grin.

May you find your inner mischief, and see what kind of trouble you can get in.

 

May you handle every responsibility with care, capability and grace.

May you also give in to the part of you that wants to prank without a trace.

 

May you make every important decision with foresight, maturity and wisdom.

May you realize most that seem so "life and death", won't seem nearly, in the long run.

 

 

Have a great week! Until next time!

 

www.margyreidbooks.com  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Here's To Beautiful Babies and Bountiful Booties!

Hi!


As I warned you last week, here are a couple of pics of the newest addition to our ever growing family. Aaaaaannnnndddd one of her very adorable, completely excited big brother.

Pretty dang sweet, right?



Well folks, this week was one that involved a couple of emergency type trailer fixes, some not-so-emergency fixes and bookkeeping paperwork.

Now, there were also some covert baby snuggles worked in here and there, a Library board meeting, some Grandma snacks for the older of the grandbabies, and a little impromptu rehearsing in the shop.( acoustics are pretty nice!) Just in case you were thinking that this was a week of all work and no play, I didn't want to give you the wrong impression.


Also, this week, I began the preliminary snooping for a new stove/oven/range, whichever term you prefer. I'm trying not to get too excited, because we aren't sure whether or not we will be able to afford it quite yet, but I have begun the snooping process!

The stove I had, up until last year about this time, was my hubby's Grandma's. It was 3 years old when we bought it from her in 1992. It owed me nothing.

It was temperamental, the oven picking the temperature it would choose to bake things, overcooking whatever was in the rear, undercooking what was situated in the forefront. This required a bit of extra baking skill.

Our youngest daughter, in her home ec class a few years ago, was giggled at for rotating cookies in the oven half way through the baking process. She thought you had to do that with all ovens! Imagine her surprise! lol

Then, last year, we noticed our neighbours across the street were putting a new stove in their kitchen! What luck! Hers was just as old as mine, but the oven behaved itself pretty well. She did warn me, however, that a couple of the burners seemed to have an attitude problem.

Well, now, a year later, the attitude problems have turned into a disorder of some kind, and the oven is beginning to develop the same issues as my old one.

I'm really hoping that the finance fairies give a  hand, otherwise Christmas baking is going to have to go the way it did a couple of years ago. It was more like Christmas anythingyoucouldmakewithoutactuallybaking baking.

I know, first world problems, or what.


I mean, if not having a new stove is my biggest issue, I am a very lucky person, indeed.

Now for the upcoming week....


Tonight, after work we head off to Luseland to do a Halloween karaoke show, and along the way make a quick-stop, service call.

Tomorrow, on our way home, we will be stopping in to see our new grandbaby, for her first, unhurried snuggles from Grandma and Grandpa.

The rest of the week will consist of installing a cooling unit in a fridge, the reinstalling of said fridge into it's trailer, repairing a roof, repairing or replacing, skylights, showers, countertops, parts ordering and organizing, month end bookkeeping, HALLOWEEN!, some trailer detailing, and a bit of negotiating with insurance people.

Then, next weekend, our plans consist of a lot of nothing. It will be the first time in about 8 months that we will be spending 2 entire days at home without going anywhere. No karaoke show, weddings, or tradeshows. And starting next weekend we will be closing the shop on weekends. If need be, we can still go over and work, but we won't be officially open.

I'm really hoping to be able to use the time to finish off my next book and get it ready to go by my birthday. That's my goal. Here's hopin'!


Sooooo, that about does it for me, for this week.

With Halloween coming up, I'll leave you with this wish.




May your costume ideas be brilliant, their execution, second to none.
May they be original, and inspired, not your usual pregnant nun.

May your childrens' trick or treat bags be bountiful, overflowing with your favorite bites.
May your raiding of said bags be fruitful, after you turn out their bedroom lights.

May you munch guilt free, as you carry out this dutiful act, again sacrificing for your young.
May you feel noble as you save them, for candy will rot their teeth, and chips could cut their tongue!

May you stop before you go too far, eating it all, and then, feel bad.
May you know if you do, you can always take the high road, and blame it on their Dad!

Until next time! Happy Halloween!

And Then There Were Three! Grandbabies, That Is!!!!!!

 

 

Ok, so one last obnoxiously gorgeous photo filled with Autumn awesomeness, and then I will promise to stop.



Just in time too......



Because, next week I'm afraid I will be obligated to test your ability to handle total and utter cuteness with some photos of my Brand New Grandbaby!


Yep, you guessed it. It's been a pretty monumental week!


Just after I finished up writing my ramblings last Saturday night/Sunday morning, I received a text from my youngest daughter saying that she had gone into labour and she and her boyfriend would be heading off to the hospital, and could we meet them there?!

So, we promptly loaded our sound equipment into the truck, threw some clothes in a suitcase, and off we went.

We arrived at the hospital at about 2:30am Sunday morning.

Our daughter and her boyfriend were in the labour assessment area, along with another of our daughters, who was there to pick up little Jake.

Shortly after Jake left with "Auntie Doedoe", Our significantly uncomfortable daughter was moved into the room that changes normal, everyday people into parents every day.

This is when Grandpa took up residence in the waiting room and our daughter began taking the final steps to becoming a Mommy once again.

After some long hours (something I regretfully think she inherited from me), a few tears, some comfort and encouragement, we welcomed our new granddaughter into the world.

Yes, at 10:36am on Sunday morning, Elaina Blair (Laney), entered the world, and like it or not, became the newest member of this craziness we call a family.

After a quick exam, the doctors determined that little miss Laney would need to spend a bit of time in the NICU, due to her somewhat traumatic entrance into the world. It was never life threatening, but worrisome all the same.

In the midst of all this, the clock was ticking...............


We still had a wedding to do.....we had to take off to the venue to make sure we had everything set up and ready to go by 3pm.

It was now noon. Dang.


So, having been up since 6:15 am on Saturday, we were in need of some energy, real, fake, or forced.

(Sidenote...... how desperate for food do you think you need to be in order to voluntarily eat at a hospital?)

After a bite to eat, it was off  to the venue......along the way stopping for some completely unhealthy, horrible tasting, cans and containers of foul, fake energy.........and candy.

After driving around trying to find said venue for about 15 minutes (partially, I believe, due to exhaustion, partially because our GPS has an attitude problem), we successfully gained access to the building in which the wedding would take place.

We got everything off the truck, and while my hubby was connecting wires, I grabbed our suitcase and headed for the Ladies room to get changed into the clothes I'd packed for this very occasion.

Well, the first sign of trouble reared it's ugly head when I discovered I hadn't packed a decent bra. So, I threw my blouse over my ratty old sports bra that I had been wearing for, oh, say the last 30+ hours. Yay me. Upon looking in the mirror, I knew going for "attractive" was pushing it, so I dampened my hair, gave it a shake, threw on a jacket to help camouflage what was goin' on under it, thinking in the back of my head, that I had brought along some fantastic shoes, and they would save the day, for sure.

Have you ever tried to put on dress shoes after being on your feet for 30+ hours? Ummmm.....yeah, not so much. Yay me.

So, after slipping back into my runners, I headed out to see how my hubby was doing, and if he was ready to take the suitcase and head to the Men's room to get ready.

This is when I realized I hadn't brought any of his shaving gear. Yay me.

Well, in spite of the lack of sleep, grooming tools and the proper attire, the consensus at the end of the evening was that everybody had a great time. Mission accomplished. Yay!

After tearing down the equipment, and loading it back on to the truck we headed to our hotel room, where we crashed for a glorious 6 hours before checkout.

Then, it was off to the hospital for a quick visit, and then home.

So, there was no Thanksgiving feast at the Reid residence, this year. Oh well, a new grandbaby trumps turkey every time.

The week at the shop was, gratefully, as busy as usual, but until Laney was able to leave the hospital, it was hard not to be distracted. She is home now, all sweet and draped in pink. Her Mommy and Daddy are thrilled to have her there, as is her new big brother, who has already fallen in love with his "Nee-Nee."

Today was spent in Eatonia at a tradeshow, where more copies of Lexi, Crazy, Tags, and Wishes found new homes. It always blows me away to hear that kids in a dayhome pick my books for storytime, or to be told by a great grandma that she's sure she's had to read "Lexi" to her great granddaughter at least 100 times! I still have to remind myself, every so often, that this is real.


As for the next week?



It will business, as usual at the shop, followed by a Halloween Party Karaoke show in Luseland, Saturday night.



Well, that about does it for this week, until next time..................


For the Grandbabies..........................



May you, as you enter this world, know you are loved to the very core of your tiny, angelic soul.
May you know this love has no limits, or boundaries, nor conditions, it is complete and whole.

May you someday understand the depth of what is felt for your children's children, it's love extended, magnified and multiplied, beyond anything we can measure.
May you see that as my children's children, you are complete, and utter treasure.

May you know I am always here to give a hug, hear you out, and maybe sneak you the odd treat.
May you know that throughout your life, for you, a bigger fan you'll never meet.

May you, as you go out into the world, know you are loved to the very core of your angelic soul.
May you know this love has no limits, or boundaries, nor conditions, it is complete and whole.


Until next time!

Thanks for reading these ramblings!

Happy Turkey Day, Fellow Canucks!

Hi!


These photos are part of a bunch I took on the way home from my brother's wedding, last weekend. This is part of why I love living where I live.



This weekend is Thanksgiving, here in Canada, and I can honestly say the countryside I get to claim as my backyard makes me very thankful. It's big, it's beautiful, with room to run, room to breathe.

Honestly, the list of what I'm thankful for goes far beyond what I can even write.

I don't live in a fancy house or drive a fancy car. I've never been on a vacation that lasted more than three days. I don't have a brimming bank account or a portfolio of investments.

I have a home. One that echoes the joyous sound of children's laughter. One that has marks on the walls, and knicks in the furniture. One that tells the story of a family that lived very real lives. It houses the memories of tears shed from heartbreak, the mews of smuggled kittens, countless hours of homework, and a four year old's dream of putting together a "cricket circus." It holds the memories of snuggled naps, movie nights and sleepovers. I have a home.

I have a car. We have had a lot of cars. Ones that held two car seats at a time. Ones that were able to handle the "are we there yets." Ones that carry the memories of the Barbie Broadway reviews that would take place the headrest of my seat to keep the kids entertained on the 20 song, 9 corner drive to Grandma's house. I have a car.

I have vacations. I have vacations between the covers of a book, between the opening and ending credits of a movie. I have vacations behind the door of my candlelit  bathroom as I soak my cares away. I have vacations.

I have a bank account. A bank account that was taxed to it's limits. One that was made to stretch one dollar into twenty, more often than not. One that had to choose between electric bills and groceries, because both weren't an option that month. One that provided full tummies and warm beds to four carefree little girls. I have a bank account.

I have a portfolio of investments. I put everything I had into our marriage in July of 1987. This investment has been maturing and growing stronger ever since. I invested my entire adult life into being a Mom. An investment that will be paying dividends long after I am gone. I have a portfolio of investments.


Life is good.


This week was another crazy one.

They actually finally caught that horrible man I was telling you about last week. He had gotten across the border to the US. Where, now they is some kind of problem in arresting him!
 Something to do with paperwork. Seriously?!?!?! Neighbours to the South, you do not want this guy roaming your streets!

I hope they get that straightened out very soon!


My brother's wedding, on the other hand, was a blast. It was so good to see everybody.

The week at the shop was hectic, as usual. Awesome!

Today was  a tradeshow in Rosetown as part of the Harvest Fesitval.

Tomorrow, we have a wedding for which we are providing the music.


So, that about does it for me, for now. Happy Thanksgiving!


May your turkey be tender, and your cranberries perfectly tart.
May your pumpkin pie be beautifully spicy, the pastry, a piece of art.

May those that surround your table be full of jovial stories, making conversation an effortless flow.
May you make the most of these occasions, to help your memory bank grow.

May you have a most awesome turkey induced nap, as you lay down your turkey stuffing, pie making weary little head.
May you awaken refreshed, renewed, with enough energy to carry yourself to bed.


Until next time!

Trees Dripping Gold - It Never Gets Old!

Ah, Autumn at it's finest, the trees actually dripping gold and leaving puddles of it on the ground. Personally, I'm all for leaving them where they fall. No raking, no piling, no bagging. My vote would be to leave the leaves alone. After all, nobody is out raking the leaves up in the forests, and the grass there seems to do just fine. Just sayin'.


This time of year always brings back memories of my dayhome.  One of the favorite Autumn games was to bag the leaves from the front yard, then my wee ones would stand below the rail of our deck like a bunch of mini Romeos from the famed balcony scene, and count. Slowly. To ten. On "ten" my girls and I would dump the bags of leaves on the munchkins, as they would scream and squeal in delight!

We would do that again and again, sometimes for hours. They absolutely loved it. When you are picking leaves out of your kids' hair, looking at their rosy, grinning faces, you know it's been a good day!


This week has been another one for the books.

 The pace at the shop doesn't seem to be slowing down too much, so that's awesome.

I received an email about doing a reading at a "new to me" school. That's always a thrill.

I put the final last minute touches on the music for the wedding this weekend.

AAANNNNNNDDD our peaceful prairie communities were shaken by the sightings of a convicted, escaped, child molesting, violent, dangerous man.

For the first time in, I think, forever, the schools in six or seven different communities were put on full lock down mode. Kids were watched like hawks, even being escorted  by adults to different rooms within the schools.

People were advised not to take their kids to the park or let them play outside. This guy had one of those house arrest "bracelets", and was able to successfully remove it and leave it on the roof of some business, for police to find. Then he hit the road.


From the reports on the news, and the bulletins being put out by the police, one can only assume this man is obviously extremely dangerous and violent. How does a guy like that get to be wandering around with an obviously removable "bracelet" as the public's only protection?

When people like this can terrorize entire communities by the simple possibility of their presence, they have no business being out in those communities, no matter what kind of jewellery they are wearing.

Something about people, and I use the term loosely, who enjoy hurting our wee ones, can encourage the dark side of even the most gentle souls to come out to play.


I have a feeling, that if he hangs out around this part of the countryside too long, he had better pray it's the police who find him.  If I was him I would be thinking long and hard about how many thousands of endless acres there are, and how many parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles have access to giant farm equipment.  If I was him, I would be thinking about that a lot.

Hopefully the police catch him soon and put him back in prison where he belongs. Where he can stay. No more bracelets.


On a much lighter and happier note, and the reason these ramblings are hitting the information highway a bit ahead of schedule, is the wedding tomorrow.

Yep, tomorrow, my baby brother is marrying a sweet, warm beautiful woman, who I will proudly call my new baby sister.

She lights him up like a Christmas tree and he does the same for her. Who could ask for anything more?

It's going to be a weekend of visiting, dancing, and watching two people in love shine.

A great way to spend time!


Choosing to focus on the light instead of the dark, I will leave you, this week, with this wish.



May you find and hold on tight to the one that warms your soul.
May you find that when you let go, you weren't the only one with a hold.

May you find the one who will care for you when you're cold and sweaty with a flu.
May you understand, if they are willing to hold your hair, they really do love you.

May you find the one you can fight with, argue with, without fear of them walking out.
May you find the one who knows love beyond the roses and picnics is what it's all about.

May you find the one who gets your jokes and learns to tolerate the quirks once thought to be so cute and sweet.
May you know in your deepest of soul searching thoughts, a more perfect match for you, you will never meet.



Until next time, my friends, thanks again for taking the time to read these ramblings!

www.margyreidbooks.com

Word On The Street and Friday Night Lights!

Hi!

These pics were taken at the "Word on the Street" festival in Saskatoon last Sunday. The day started out a bit sketchy, trying to rain and getting a bit windy. Mother Nature did eventually take pity on us and gave us some sun and temperatures warm enough to make me ditch my jacket.


It was a pretty awesome day. As I looked around at all of the booths housing different authors and artists from many different genres, I had to, again, take a second to realize that I was being included in this group. Still seems a bit crazy to me. I'm just me, after all.


The rest of the week seemed to fly by with a couple of trips to the city, fixing some trailers and then taking part in Delisle's Culture Day. I had a great time hanging out with some fellow writers, and some munchkin type people.

After returning from Delisle, I finished up the work day at the shop and then took the trek about 3 blocks South to the high school to watch my nephews' football team take on our local squad. It was so nice to sit in the stands with my brothers and their families watching the action as the sun went down, the lights came on, and the temperature dropped.

Any delusions of Summer hanging around for a while longer were shot down, big time.

It was a good game, though.

The week was officially topped off with a service call close to home. A family living in a camper with a 14 month old  and no furnace is a great reason to give up your Saturday night. Two hours later, we left them snug as a bug, the wee one snuggled in for the night.

A very nice way to end the week.

So, tomorrow brings with it some laundry, house cleaning, watching some football, and putting the finishing touches on the music for the wedding next weekend.

The rest of the week? Trailers, trailers, and more trailers! Life at Integrity RV Service is still running at full throttle. It's AWESOME!

It's amazing the pace at which life moves. Losing loved ones, welcoming new additions, changing careers, changing where you live, changing not only the path you thought you wanted to follow, but how you are going to get there. As we grow and change, so do our priorities, as they should. If they didn't, we'd all be voluntarily giving up sleep to watch Saturday morning cartoons. (Ok maybe some priorities don't completely change)


Well, that about does it for this week. For those of you who choose the path less travelled, I'll leave you with this wish.




May your path be crystal clear, for you, for others need not have a hand in the navigation.
May your first steps be sure, and only gather strength, bringing confident elation.

May you see your destination not through a tunnel, but as a panoramic view with endless, delightful distractions.
May you see these distractions for what they are, possibilities, opportunities, chances to learn from our actions and reactions.

May you arrive at your desired destination only to realize it was but a step in the journey you were truly meant to take.
May you then, with courage, take the next step, then the next, leaving obscene amounts of joy in your wake.

May you continue this delightful travel, through both the warm and the cold.
May you see in doing so, you will witness a most extraordinary life unfold.


Until next week!

Thank you!

www.margyreidbooks.com

Life Lessons....Ooooooo and Cheesecake.

Ok, I couldn't let Autumn pass without a photo of a Harvest Moon. 

As I tiptoed around in my back yard to get the shots I was after in my robe and flip flops, grain dust was still flying.

Even at that late hour you could hear the combines humming away, the farmers not even close to the end of their work day.

It's kind of mind boggling to think that our little Province is responsible for the lion's share of grain for the world to eat. It's so cool to find out, as I have over the last few weeks, that there are groups of farmers in our area that get together and donate hundreds of bushels of different grains to countries in need. They donate and devote entire fields to the project, taking time out of their own harvest schedules to make sure it gets off of the fields and on it's way.


Selfless generosity, it's really what makes the world go 'round.




Oh yeah, and chocolate.........ooooooo and cheesecake.





This week, I'd like to talk about some of the lessons the last few days have taught me......maybe in some small way they will be able to help you out.....or not. but there's a 50/50 shot, so what the hell.....


Lesson one.....................never underestimate the speed of a toddler being beckoned by the intrigue of a busy street that must be awesome, because you obviously don't want him to go anywhere near it!


Lesson two................. never underestimate a toddler's desire to pretend to drive your car........nowhere near the busy street.


Lesson three...................never underestimate a toddler's ability to hit/touch/push every button in said car at lightening speed.


Lesson four....................never assume that although you were there and with him the entire time, watching his every move, that he didn't manage to turn things on that subsequently kill you battery


Lesson five....................never tell your smart ass husband what you did............he will laugh at you.



Outside of these tough lessons, we had another busy/awesome week at our shop. We are getting calls from places 2,3 sometimes 4 hours away from people who would like us to help them out. It's pretty great.


As for the next week.....


Well, tomorrow is the "Word On The Street" festival in Saskatoon. My new copies of "Lexi" and "Crazy" made it just in time. I can't even tell you how relieved I was when they showed up at the shop yesterday.

It's going to be a great day with something for everyone. It's a national festival being held in unison with several other cities across the country. There will be authors there from all over, one of which I know has written a fantastic book that later became an Oscar winning movie. There will be books, music, games, food, and it's free! What more could you ask?!


I can't believe they invited me to participate.....again!  Absolutely blows my mind to be included!


The rest of the week will involve several more trailers, fine-tuning music for a wedding in two weeks, some grandbaby squeezing, and a run for parts.



Well folks, that about does it for this time around. I'd better get to bed, need to be up and at 'em pretty early......




Thanks again for reading these ramblings....until next time, with my farming roots in mind, I'll leave you with this wish.......





May all go well, without a hitch, without a breakdown, without a stormy sky.
May you collect your hard earned bounty, send it throughout the world, to stop the hunger cry.

May you take a moment to soak in each sunrise and sunset, as you work from one through the other.
May you take the time to really enjoy those tailgate picnics, lovingly delivered by another.

May you know that we thank you for these long hours, nerves, at times, dangling by a thread.
May you know we thank you, with every taste of fresh cut corn, with every bite of our daily bread.




Until next week..........




www.margyreidbooks.com

Smackin' Stupid and Takin' Names!

Hi!


You know........sometimes there are days when you just wanna smack the stupid off of some people.



Now, please do not assume that I am referring to intelligence in the traditional sense of the word.

 No, this is a special kind of stupid reserved for those who get drunk and/or high and leave their toddler strapped in a car seat in a car on a hot summer's day until they become another statistic at the hands of stupid.


No, this is reserved for the special kind of stupid that somehow justifies within their own head that it is perfectly ok to sexually assault another human being simply for having the audacity to walk alone.


No, this is reserved for the special kind of stupid that mistakes cruelty for love and regards bruises and broken spirits as trophies and ego strokes.


No, this is reserved for the special kind of stupid that thinks it's humorous to feed animals weed, or force alcohol down their throats.

Sometimes, there are days when you just wanna smack the stupid off of some people.


But we can't.....not really. So, we rely on our justice system, flawed though it may be, to bring the "special kind of stupid" to justice.

As for the rest of us?  We are left with watching the news in frustration, sharing photos of missing kids and wanted fugitives on facebook, and maybe, just maybe making a difference.

Maybe, if for every horrible example of the special kind of stupid we witness, we perform two random acts of kindness, we can take a swing at the stupid, and smack some of it off.


Just sayin'.............................



Well, that was pretty dark......I guess I over-watched/listened to the news this week.  I like to know what's going on in the world around me, but man, would it be too much too ask to have a few more "good news" items?

I would love a news channel, or at least a broadcast devoted to good news....and I don't think entertainment news should count.........hey, Oprah, are ya listening?

Just sayin'


Moving right along.........


This week was again busy at the shop. It really isn't showing any signs of slowing down (which is awesome!!!)

I've also been working on the music etc. for my brother's wedding, which is coming up very soon.

The insulation and steal siding project for our shop started mid-week. It's a cinder block building; attaching wood, insulation, and siding are not the quietest activities. Not even close. It definitely made answering phones and having conversations interesting, to say the least.

As for the next few days?

We have 6 units scheduled to come in, we are waiting for parts to finish up three more, and some insurance claimants that will need a hand to get assessed, all the i's dotted and t's crossed so the repairs can begin.

Hopefully finish the music prep for my brother's wedding and make more progress on the music for a wedding the week after that.

That, along with some grandbaby squeezes should keep me out of trouble....at least most of the time.



Well, my friends, I thank you again for taking the time to read these ramblings. From Malaysia to Ireland, from South Korea to right here at home, and everywhere in between, I sincerely thank you.



Until next time, I'll leave you with this wish..........................



May every kindness be bestowed you, for you deserve every angel's kiss.
May you settle for nothing less, my greatest wish is this.

May you fear not the repercussions involvement may bring.
May you stand tall, and speak loudly, let your voice ring.

May those who are powerless find freedom in your willingness to intercede.
May you find the courage to step where necessary, for courage you will need.

May you give kindness generously, without hesitation, to every soul you meet.
May that kindness take hold and spread to every soul on every street.


Until next time............

www.margyreidbooks.com

Campfires...Foliage & Chaos!

A warm and toasty campfire, some beautiful Autumn foliage, and what can only be described as some weird Disney version of  a Hitchcock movie.



These are but a few of the images captured on our final camping trip of the season. why am I choosing to share these particular shots?

Now, if I were to probe deeply into the psychology of these choices, I would probably say I picked them because they represent my life, as it is now, in a very real way. I would probably say I subconsciously chose these images because they represent contentment, adaptability and chaos.
I would probably say my subconscious chose these photos as a grouping because I am trying to find a way to make these conflicting pieces of my life come together in a peaceful harmonious way.


Oooooorrrrrrrr......................


I might just like campfires, Autumn leaves, and freaky bird pictures.




Well folks, this week was another crazy one.


I have a reluctant, but seemingly perpetual, relationship with the people from whom I subscribe my merchant services. The relationship consists of me calling to let them know my pinpad isn't working right, me being put on hold for the "estimated wait time of 8 minutes", which is always closer to 45, then me being put on the phone with someone who speaks fluent computereeze. Now, just so we are clear, if I went on vacation in a country where the only language was computereeze, I would feel like I was listening to direction from the teacher in the Charlie Brown cartoons. I would end up with no hotel room, never get to order food and needless to say, never see the inside of a bathroom. My travel agent's days would be numbered.

I really would like to break up with them.....these "technical support" people. 

With any luck, this week will bring forth my prince or princess charming who will be the one to ride in on their mighty satellite information bouncer thingy, and fix my crap. And then, I'll break up with them.......in a text.......because I don't want to be drawn into another conversation spoken in computereeze.......ever........then maybe I'll pull a Taylor Swift and write a song about it.


So, I've told you guys that I have some book events coming up...the Word on the Street Festival, Culture Days, trade shows etc. .....I also was telling you about how I'm running out of copies of "Lexi" and "Crazy". .....Well, I thought my printer guys were on holidays, so I had been waiting for their return to put the order in....it turns out I waited a bit too long. After being told I wouldn't have books until after two of my events, I was feeling a bit panicked, to say the least. I was trying to figure out how I was going to handle this. I emailed Production printer guy and asked if he knew of anyone closer to me who might be able to help me out, he said no he didn't but he would pass the email on to Head printer guy. Very shortly after receiving that email, I received another from Head printer guy, saying that some space had been freed up and I would most assuredly have my copies in time for my first event!


I wish Head printer guy knew how to fix pinpads..........


The rest of the work week included three broken finger nails, (all falling victim to one trailer) meeting more new people, and sending more happy customers on their camping way.


And today...........today was haircut day!!!!!!

After working at the shop, it was off to the city for a hair cut! It's now barely touching my shoulders, even after being straightened, and I now have a head of locks with an chestnut/auburn hue! (With some strategically placed foils, so my wisdom highlights don't come in screaming like a newborn baby)
It was time for something a little different. Change is good. Sometimes, change is fantastic! Thank you Courtney!

So, for the upcoming week...........


We will be up to our eyebrows in trailers...,which is always good.

I will have to face my nail tech.........I feel bad when I destroy her work.

Get busy putting music together for a wedding Oct 5th....

Oh yeah......and flip my new hair around like Farrah Faucet in 1978!


Until next time I'll leave you with this wish..........



May you have a reason to smile every day, if you don't have one, make one.
May you find a reason to giggle, or snort or chortle, to be silly, have fun.

May you live by the philosophy of not taking life too seriously, for laughter makes you thrive.
May you see the logic in one wise man's truthful wisdom for "no one gets out alive".

May you see the value in a good time, chatting, a round table discussion of "used to do's"
May you take the time, hear the story, tell a few, there's a wealth to gain and nothing to lose.


Thank you for taking the time for reading these ramblings. It floors me every week to see readers, the world over, are taking a peek.

Thank you.

www.margyreidbooks.com