Sadly, Magic Crap Umbrellas Don't Exist! Happy New Year!

Hi!


Although this photo is missing a few important faces, it still pretty much sums up my reason for putting one foot in front of the other every single day.


For in this photo are the faces that have absolutely brought me the most joy, the most worry, the most self-doubt, the most confidence, the most frustration, the most pride, the most laughter and the most tears.

In this photo lies my life.






As we sit on the threshold of another new year, looking forward to any and all new adventure it may have in store, I think it's also important to reflect on the past year, and appreciate all it had to offer.

If we choose to, we can dwell on everything bad that may have happened, wondering how and why it could possibly have happened to us. We can, if we so choose, drive ourselves a bit crazy trying to figure out the "why me?".

Personally, I find it helps to ask "why not me?" instead.  Let's face it, crap happens. To everybody. Different crap, at different times, at different intensities, but crap happens to everybody. Nobody is immune. Nobody carries a magic crap umbrella that keeps it from touching their lives.

At any given time of any given day you most likely will come in contact with people, both ones you know, and ones you don't, that are in the middle of their own personal crap storm as you speak. Some will let you know, others, not so much.

Some like to spread their crap and get a little on everyone they meet, spewing it, throwing it, launching it in every direction at every opportunity.

Others like to work through their crap on their own. Shovelling, sifting, sorting, until they can figure it out and put it behind them.

Some need to get a little assistance getting to the other side of their crap. A hand to anchor them, steady them, and sometimes help pull them up and over their crap.

Then there are those who tend to sit on their crap. Hoarding it, letting it pile up, rot and fester to the point where it has no choice but to spill and gush all over whoever is in it's path. Sadly, it's usually the ones closest that get hit the hardest.

As for myself, I find it best to just accept the crap. Why not me? I have no magic crap umbrella. Why should I get through life without my share of crap storms? I'm no better or different than anybody else. I find that it's a lot less stressful to just accept the crap for what it is.....fertilizer. Fertilizer to help us grow stronger, create more, live more, be more.

We can choose to focus on all of the crap, ooooorrrrrrr.........................


We can choose to shine the spotlight on the highlight reel of our year!


The events of the highlight reel, are like rainbows. The rewards after the crap storms.

As rainbows tend to be more subtle than the storms they follow, you may need to look a bit closer to find them.

They tend to take the form of smiles and hugs, giggles and guffaws.

They are found in sharing goofy inside jokes, good morning kisses, and time snuggling on a couch.

They resemble time with friends and family, good books, accomplishments, milestones and those moments of kicking butt at life in general!

They are the moments of BooYa! You know what I mean..............................



Crap is fertilizer...rainbows, the reward.



Soooooooo................



Life at the shop remains, thankfully, very busy.

We actually ended up working until late Christmas Eve to ensure we would be able to close the doors for a few days to spend time with our kids and grandbabies.

So worth it!

As for the upcoming week.... we will be putting in a bit of a shorter week so we can take minute to ring in the new year!


It's been an incredible year!

Busy shop, new book, daughter engaged, hubby turned 50......amazing!


I'm excited to see what 2015 will have in store!!!!

Happy New Year to you all, and thank you, thank you, thank you for your continued support, and taking time out from your busy lives to read these ramblings each week.


I love receiving your messages and emails, and look forward to reading more in 2015!


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



May every day bring you moments you can put proudly on your highlight reel.
May every day see bright smiles, touch hearts, taste zest for life, and hear laughter peel.

May every resolution be peeled back to reveal the reason behind it.
May that reason become your revolution, your evolution, write it, bind it.

May every day bring you that much closer to the person you are meant to be.
May you see and become that you, authentically, allowing your soul to run free.


Happy New Year!


 To order books, please visit: www.margyreidbooks.com

However, Whatever, Wherever, Do It Up!

Hi!




These shots were taken about 100 metres from my house. I am, and always will be forever grateful for the peaceful, wide open spaces in which we live, and for the incredible childhood such a setting provided for our girls.


I am forever grateful...........

I went grocery shopping the other day, filling my cart with things I would need to make Christmas dinner and all the treats that go along with it. In the middle of one of the aisles, I was hit with a memory as heavy and hard as a brick.  The memory of tracking and adding up every single thing I was putting in the cart, debating the level of need for each item, calculating the taxes and running total as I went along. The memory of getting to the till and praying I hadn't missed anything in my calculations that would mean returning items under the watchful eyes of the long line up behind me at the check out. The sweaty-hand moment when I would hope like hell I didn't miscalculate any automatic payments at the bank, or any cheques that may not have gone through the bank yet, anything at all that may mean the debit machine at the store coming back with that dreaded response..."insufficient funds".


For those of you out there who are living this struggle right now, just know that if you can just hang in there, just keep going, keep trying, it gets better.  You just can't quit. You can never quit.

I am forever grateful that now, I am able to not only get what we need, but have the privilege of adding things, here and there, to the sadly, ever necessary food bank bins in the corner of every store.

I am forever grateful.


Our girls grew up in a place where they could play outside until dark, knock on any door for help if they needed it, really know everybody they went to school with and suffer loss without losing themselves. They're childhoods weren't perfect, but never did they have to fear violence, abandonment, or neglect. Never did they have to live with uncertainty, or insecurity.

This should be every child's right. Not a privilege.


I am forever grateful..........


As winter settles in, let's keep in mind those who struggle to find a warm place to sleep at night, or enough food on any given day. Maybe take a few minutes and go through your closets, and maybe donate that old winter coat you don't wear any more, boots, scarves, mitts, toys, blankets....I think you get where I'm going with this. Something that is sitting, unused, in the corner of your closet could make a huge difference to somebody else.


As I cozy up with my hubby on our nice soft couch, in our warm house, sipping hot tea.....

I am forever grateful.......


Soooooooo, Christmas is just around the corner, the gifts are wrapped, most of the baking is done and the house is looking very Christmassy.  I am so looking forward to having everybody home under one roof again. Even if it is for a short while.  There will be a lot of laughter, game playing, little ones running around, Christmas music, and a bunch of good food. Who could ask for anything better. Not me.


I am forever grateful.........


So that about does it for this week,

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



May your holidays be filled joy and laughter, family, good food, great friends.
May the happiness this special time brings, stay with you, may it never end.

May you witness unbridled excitement as the wee ones open their gifts.
May you truly soak it in, for nothing else in this life will give your soul such a lift.

May you take a moment in all of the din, to breathe in the contentment so sweet.
May you see all that matters is right in front of you, they are your life, your very heart beat.



However you celebrate, whatever you celebrate, wherever you celebrate, make sure you Do it up! Happy Holidays!


www.margyreidbooks.com

Beautifully Flawed and Delicious!

Hi!

Another busy week!

The tradeshow in Battleford last weekend was great, with another healthy handful of books finding new homes. 

It was so fun spending time with some good friends! My daughter included! 

Whenever I get to hang out with my grown daughters, I'm at once, taken aback by the amazing, incredible people they have become, and thrown back in time to the munchkins they used to be.

I remember watching them when they were little, just watching and wondering what life might have in store for them. Hoping for them only happiness, love and contentment, doing my level best every day to give them the tools they would need along the way. 

I know I made mistakes, but as I look at them now, I know must have gotten at least a few things right. 

They are pretty fantastic. 

I guess that's all any of us can ask for, really. To at least get a few things right.  Or, at least not screw them up, altogether. "Right" is relative, anyway, don't you think? It all depends on you, your life, your circumstance. 

So I guess I should say that at least I must have gotten at least a few things right for our girls. Doing my best to match each one with the tool set that best suited them. 

Please don't get the impression that I, in any way, believe our daughters are perfect. I know they aren't. They are beautifully flawed individuals. Our flaws are what make us awesome. All of us.

So, today, two of our beautifully flawed daughters brought their munchkins out to the house to bake some Christmas cookies.

As you can see from the photos, our cookies are beautifully flawed as well. Perfection is never the goal. It would only be exhausting and impossible. We do our best, and even flawed, the end result is nothing short of delicious!

As for the upcoming week?

Well, it will be another busy one at the shop, as we are feverishly trying to get a bit ahead of the game so we can take a few days off at Christmas. 

We will be spending one evening attending our grandson's Christmas concert at his school. Adorable doesn't seem to be a big enough word for how cute those little ones are!

Now that the snowmen have been unleashed, it is time to focus any spare time on getting more baking done. Pies are done, the "fancy" cookies complete, now, for the rest...........

Well folks, that about does it for me this time around........

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

May your every effort see some level of success, always enough to draw you forward.

May perfection never be the goal, there are always more important things to strive toward.

May acts of kindness come across your path in delightfully, unexpected ways.

May you remember to pay forward each and every one..... always.

May you keep in mind that with your every imperfection, and in every way you are beautifully flawed.

May you know this is what makes you awesome, you are delicious, for you, for this, the world will stand and applaud. 

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

check out www.margyreidbooks.com 

Hip Hip Tag, You're It!

Hi!


Wow, what a crazy week!


Ramblings are hitting a bit early this week. I'm home just long enough to unpack, do a quick bit of laundry, kiss my hubby hello and goodbye, repack and head off to the Battleford 2000 Christmas Bazaar at the Alex Dillabough Centre! It starts tomorrow at 10am and runs until 4 pm.

If you are in that neck of the woods tomorrow, I'd love if you'd stop by and say hi!

Yeah, this week has been a bit of a ride............


Monday was the usual stuff, month end, bill paying and the like........

Tuesday, I met my Mom in the city to help walk her through her hip replacement surgery that was happening the following day.

After a night of restlessness on both our parts, we made it to the hospital and the day then truly began. I'm glad to say that the surgery went beautifully, and as of yesterday about 1pm she was sparky, looking great, and joking around with the nurses.

At that point I had to hit the road back to the shop, tagging in my younger sister.


Another reason to be grateful. Because I come from a big family, it's all I've known. When things like surgery come up, sometimes it just doesn't work out that one of us can take Mom from the ride in, through surgery, the ride home and care for her at home until she can get back on her feet. Sometimes the tag team effect comes into play. How does the tag team work, you may ask? Well............

Sis-in-law drives Mom half the distance into the city-

Her daughter (granddaughter) picks her up from there and drives her the rest of the way - *tag*

The granddaughter brings her to the hotel where I am ready and waiting...*tag*

Mom and I make our way to the hospital the next day for the surgery. After she comes through with flying colours,  she gets settled in her room. The next day I come back to check on Mom, making sure she is still doing ok and has everything she needs. I have to hit the road...texting my younger sister to let her know I'm leaving...*tag*

My younger sister will then take over, keeping tabs on how Mom is doing and finding out when she will be released. On release day, she will text sis-in-law and she will come to pick her up..*tag*

At the other end (Mom's house) my eldest sister will be ready and waiting for her, staying for about a week to get her on her feet. *tag*

Then, if she needs a few more days, my eldest brother will come and help out...*tag*

That, my friends, is how a tag team works, at least for us.


Now that I have bored you with the schematics of our family tag teaming abilities, I will further invade your brain space with what will be coming down the pike in the next few days...........

Participate in the Lions Bazaar in Battleford tomorrow........................

Get caught up on some shop chores, hopefully getting ahead a bit so we can take a couple of days off for the holidays.....................

Get some writing done!...................

Sneak some grandbaby snuggles........................

Get some Christmas baking done!

Unleash the snowmen!!!!!!!!



With the holidays coming up, in whatever form they may take for you and yours, the importance of family really comes to the forefront. Family, in all it's glory, blood or not, big or not, it's all family.

No family gets through life without it's hurts, without it's scars, without it's heartaches, without it's fights. Acceptance and forgiveness play a huge part in family harmony. It's not always accepting and forgiving others that's the hardest part. Most times it's accepting and forgiving ourselves. When we are busy beating ourselves up, we end up keeping at arms length the very people that can love us through our troubles.

Hanging on to past, perceived transgressions with consuming fury can only weigh us down. How can we move onward and upward while tethering ourselves feverishly to the very things that hold us back?

The past has no place in our futures. Draw from it, learn from it, reflect on it and let it go. None of us are perfect. We all do the best we can with what we know and from where we are. It's all any of us can expect from each other, and ourselves.

Life is short, and in the end, family is everything.

*Dismounting from soapbox in my Santa suit, landing in a snowbank,...................... head first*



Well that about does it for me, for now. Until next time................



May your holidays be filled with boisterous laughter, great food, and delightful conversation.
May every gift bought or made hit their mark and be an incredible sensation.

May every event be a great time, filled with music and light.
May everything about them be completely merry and bright.

May you be in arms reach of those who need a hug, and administer it with feeling.
May you be immersed in the warmth of giving, for it is extremely appealing.

May you see the reasons for gratitude that lay before you every day.
May you recite them endlessly, for gratitude lights up everything, in every possible way.


Meanwhile........


Take a peek! Some great gift ideas!

www.margyreidbooks.com

'TWAS A NIGHT!

Hi,


Well another week has come and gone and another month, as well!



Now, is it just me, or are we being inundated with an excruciating amount of horrible news from around the world, as of late?

Is it more than normal, or does it just seem that way because with the holidays rapidly approaching, we simply would like to hear more happy things. Maybe some reports of random acts of kindness and generosity, instead of yet another story of how completely awful we, as human beings are capable of treating each other.


I truly believe it is imperative we stay informed about the world around us, ugliness and all. I get that it's important, for if we simply pretend it doesn't exist, how can we have even a glimmer of hope of changing it.

I get it.

Too much of it, though, can start to take a toll on your soul, your spirit, your very happiness. So, we need to make sure that for every piece of depressing, horrible bit of information we take in, we do or show two acts of kindness to counter- balance it.

I know it may seem silly, but I find it can make you feel better about the world we live in. Somehow, in our own very small way, we are putting good back in.

Silly, maybe, but there is no real down side to trying it.....................




So, this week was filled with busy days at the shop, running errands, some grandbaby squeezing, some laundry, and the slaughter of some dust bunnies.

It also included some work on the books that I'm in the process of writing, taking part in a marketing workshop (which was fabulous! Thanks Jenn and Wes!) and some major Christmas shopping!


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



More busy shop days................

Put into action some of the ideas put forth at the marketing workshop ( I will keep you posted on how that goes!)

Hopefully get a a bit of Christmas baking done..................

Meet my mom in the city and help her through her hip replacement surgery.....I'm so looking forward to her having so much less pain!

After making sure she is recovering nicely, it will be time to come home, pack and get ready for the tradeshow taking place next weekend!


With the hustle and bustle of the holidays I thought I'd throw in a little Christmas poem I wrote a while back....................


                                                 'TWAS A NIGHT

'Twas just weeks before Christmas and all through the mess,
Not a creature was stirring, was trying hard to de-stress.

Was worrying about the blatant lack of decor and lights in the yard,
Especially when the neighbour's jumped straight from a Christmas card.

Was worrying about the wishes written on the kids' lists and just how to make them come true,
The budget is tight for ol' St. Nick this year, but we'd so love to be able to come through.

Was fussing about the tree, the baking, wanting the house perfect for holiday guests,
Been preparing deep into most nights, defying any urge for much needed rest.

Was  during one of these sessions I heard a noise from outside, who could that possibly be this time of night?
We have nothing to steal, it's too late for friends, for the love of Pete, I had no energy for a fight!

I ran to the peep hole to see what was in store, should I wake my hubby, call 911 which would it be?!
I reached for a weapon, whatever was close, a rubber giraffe? It would do, ohhhh, I'm scared and now I have to pee!

Gathering courage, I finally looked, with a squeal of relief and delight, I threw open the door!
For in my front yard was Santa himself, stringing lights on my half dead trees, and putting up trinkets galore!

"Oh Santa, you came!" I heard a child's voice shriek, oh wait, that voice came from me.
Oh Santa, thank you, we've been trying so hard to give our kids a good Christmas, this will help tremendously!

With a twinkle of his eye and a reassuring grin, his few words spoke volumes and echoed through my heart.
"It's the trying that counts, it's the warmth and joy they will remember, toys and things come and go. If you give them your time, you give them your love, then you have done your part"


And, with that he walked across the yard and mounted his mighty red sled.
Me? I went back inside, and for the first time in days, slept soundly in my bed.




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

With my Mom in mind..............I'll leave you with this wish....



May any anxiety be swept away by the wings of your guardian angel.
May you feel them with you, through it all, especially when feeling most fragile.

May your recovery be swift, and uneventful, the healing, fast and virtually pain free.
May you soon feel that bounce back in your step, pain a distant memory, moving easy as can be.

Love Ya!



Until next time....check out my website for some great stocking stuffers! www.margyreidbooks.com

There's Strength and Then There Is STRENGTH!

Hi,



Well, 'tis the season for travelling when it may not be the safest to do so!!!!



Even though the weather and road conditions weren't necessarily ideal, (what with the rain/snow/raining again) because of how the calendar looks over the next few weeks, we kind of had to go for it anyway.


Thank you to whomever invented 4 wheel drive.


If you looked past the chunks of ice that tried to embed themselves into your face because of the driving wind, and the slick streets that would randomly try to send you into the ditch, it was a pretty nice day!

One of the reasons for the trip was to do some wedding shopping with my youngest daughter. Although there are some things that we weren't able to tick off the list, we did manage to gather a few goodies.


Another reason?  To pick up a very nice new piece of furniture for our living room. The new entertainment unit/tv stand is very pretty, and also heavier than @#$%&*@$!


Unloading that bad boy in the ice pelting, slippery darkness was less than a good time, but it's in without causing major injury!


Earlier this week I was able to participate in our local Christmas Craft Fair. It was so nice to catch up with so many people that I am neighbours with, but rarely get to see!

Among them were three very brave people who are in different stages of battling various types of cancer.  The medications, the treatments, the surgeries, the fear, the heartbreak and the struggle, apparent.

I joke about my own strength, my ability to lift. That, my friends, is nothing compared to the strength reflected in the eyes of these incredible people. They amaze me.


The rest of the past week went pretty much as you would expect, except for the visit from my sis-in-law, Charmaine and her hubby!  We hadn't seen them in about 2 years, and we were so glad that they were able to include us in their whirlwind visit to the North!

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


At the shop.........get some more trailers completed and out the door

Visit our local blood donor clinic..(so important, especially this time of year...hint hint)

Attend a seminar about marketing books.............

Complete Christmas shopping............

Set the snowmen free from their prison in the basement!..............

Christmasfy my house!

Get in a day of writing!


On that note, my friends, I will take my leave...............



In honour of my friends in battle, I'll leave you with this wish..............




May every struggle see an equal or better reward, lifting you to heights yet unknown.
May your strength infuse those who surround you, building, fighting, setting the tone.

May you find it within to stay positive, even through the darkest, most painful hell.
May everything you are having to endure result in you getting well.

May this evil, this cancer, once beaten, never again darken your door.
May you be truly victorious, triumphant, free for forever and more.


Until Next time...........check out my website for some great stocking stuffer ideas! (Shameless Plug!)

www.margyreidbooks.com

Book Signings, and Catching ZZZZZZZ'S!

Hi!



Another whirlwind week has come and gone!


I know I've said it before, but I really wish there was some way to slow time down just a little bit. It seems like there is way too much to do and too little time in which to get it done!


This is yet another of life's many little issues that I know I do not go through alone.


If any of you out there are, by chance, a genius physicist, I would appreciate very much a solid effort being put forth toward solving this time stopping issue. A "pause" button, if you will, would be very handy indeed.


In the meantime, we will march onward and upward.


Yep, the week whizzed by, whipping through some errands, some wedding planning, some appointments, some shop stuff, some family stuff, and getting through the inconvenience of the loss of my "Z" key on my laptop.

I still have use of it, as you can see, but it sure slows you down when you have to pause and tap the little stumpy thing that is now the "Z".  I have also come to the conclusion that the mind can become fairly nimble coming up with alternate words, ones that don't have a  "Z".  But, if you have to lose a letter.......I'm just glad it wasn't the "E"!


First world problems........................



To put an exclamation point at the end of the week was the signing at McNally Robinson today! This is the first time I've launched a book during any season other that spring or summer. Although the traffic was a bit lighter, due to some unseasonably cold weather, (even for here!) more than a few books ended up in good homes. It still hits me in the heartstrings when someone comes up to me, telling me how much their little ones are enjoying the books and like to read them every night. Pretty freakin' unbelievable.


Physically, I'm feeling a bit wiped, a bit run down. There are a bunch of nasty fevery/coughy/ highly unpleasant bugs flying around, I hope I can stay ahead the little buggers! I did get the flu shot, after all, doesn't that mean I get a free pass on any and all sickness type things!? I sure hope so.


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


Make up for some time lost at the shop from last week due to errand running and appointment attending etc.................


Attend my first Christmas trade show of the year........ (right here at home! yay!)

Get in a day of writing...............

Do some wedding stuff shopping with my daughter...........


Spend some time with a grandbaby or two.......................



Well folks, that about does it for another week, Better go catch some zzzzzzzzzzzz's (not easy without the key)




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





May your rest be bountiful, your energy level high.
May you accomplish Everything without even having to really try.

May any germ that may be lying in wait be outwitted by your stealthy evasion.
May you feel full of happy effervescent frivolity on every and all occasions.

May you rest without guilt, the world will still turn, you can't be everything to all.
May you do all you can, but just what you can, taking care of you is not a fault, not at all.



Until next time check out my website www.margyreidbooks.com for a bit of Holiday shopping!

Remembering....................................

Hi.


It's mind boggling to think of the extraordinary journey these birds embark upon each year. For some of these geese, it will be their virgin voyage, struggling to keep up with the veterans in the group.

Some will succeed, others will succumb to a hunter's bullet, yet others will simply be too weak to make the overwhelmingly difficult trip.


There is no doubt they will face freezing rain, blinding snow, brutal temperatures and ferocious winds. The flock will likely be much smaller when they finally reach their much warmer destination.


They will do this, and in the Spring, they will be back. They will lay more eggs, hatch more young, help them to become strong and learn to fly. Then next Fall they will embark on this journey once again.

Doing what's familiar to them. It's in their DNA. It's the journey they are meant to take, even if it's hard.


I don't think that being higher on the food chain makes us immune to following the journey that is hard-wired into our own DNA.

Now, because, as humans, we are fairly full of self importance, we assume our journey is somehow more complicated and absolutely of much  more significance than that of other beings on the planet. I'm not so sure.

Individually, our journeys seem complicated and intricate, but as a whole, as the human species, we too seem to repeat what is familiar.

Are we so different? We have our babies, help them to become strong and fly on their own. Not all survive the journey, some will succumb to bullets, other will be too weak to make the trip,

Throughout our human history we have proven over and over again that we do what is familiar.

War

Poverty

Oppression

Hate

Terror


We provide our own worst storms. We bring about our own brutal living conditions.

The difference between us and other species that stroll the planet?

I think the biggest difference is that unlike our fellow globe trotters, we insist on blaming others for any adversity that crosses our paths.

It's our parents fault, our teacher's fault our spouse's fault, our neighbour's fault, our boss's fault, our government's fault, their government's fault, their religion, their belief system......................


I suppose you would like to know what the point of all of this is........................


Well, on November 11th, we, here in Canada, take the day to honour those who protect us. The ones who put their lives on the line to help us have a peaceful sleep at night.

Pretty much every country has, at one time or another, sent military troops somewhere on the planet for some reason or another.

My hope, is that someday we, as a species, will become evolved enough to break away from what is now hard-wired and familiar. That honouring soldiers will be something that children around the world will learn about in ancient history classes. That the need to send soldiers anywhere will be completely unnecessary.

That is my hope.


Okay......now that I have that out of my system ...............................................


On another note.................................



This week was another busy one at the shop. Trying to get some jobs caught up before the snow gets too deep.


Oh yeah,........ it snowed.


I can't say that I'm too excited to see the white stuff again so soon., It hasn't been gone long enough to miss it. At least not for me. I know there are many out there chomping at the bit, waiting to go skiing and sledding, and all of the other winter fun activities, and I'm happy for them.

I really am.


Yay.


On the upside?

I was able to sneak in some quick baby snuggles, this week.

I was able to get those extra copies of "Alfred" in to McNally's............

I completed the month end chores..................

We were able to send a few completed trailers home................


Then, today, we received some sad news. After a long struggle with illness one of my Uncles passed away today.

Our world now has one less infectious laugh, one less brilliant smile, one less smart ass sense of humour, one less animal lover, one less Husband/Father/Grandpa/Brother/Uncle and Friend.

He will be missed by many.



As for the upcoming days..................


There will be some working at the shop...............

A day of writing, as Friday didn't work out................

Some errands to run..............

Then on Sat. Nov 15th at 1pm I will be attending a book signing for "Alfred Dinglewiggle" at McNally Robinson in Saskatoon!

Can't believe the time is finally here! Yay!




Well folks, that about does it for me, for now. With my Uncle in mind, I'll leave you with this wish...........




May your laughter ring once again, with your smile completely lighting up your face.
May your songs fill the heavens as your soul takes flight, earthly pain gone without a single trace.

May you, as you watch over your loved ones, see what an amazing legacy you've left behind.
May you see your wife, children, and grandchildren, caring, loving, and kind.

May those who will miss you most find a way to be strong.
May they find their way of mourning, knowing there is no right or wrong.





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


www.margyreidbooks.com

Giant Babies, Pirates And Dancing Chickens! Yup, That Just Happened!

Hi!



Well, it's been a fun week!


The shop was humming..........staying gratefully very busy...........


So busy, in fact, that I wasn't able to sneak into the city to take more copies of "Alfred" into McNally Robinson.  I will try again, in the next few days.



The days flew by, and before we knew it, Friday was upon us and it was time to hit the road for our Halloween show!


I always love the creative costumes people come up with, and this year was no exception! There was a chef, an astronaut, a couple of smurfs, some garden gnomes, a pirate, Sheldon and Amy from "Big Bang", a pair of chickens and a giant baby, to name just a few! One girl simply wore a t-shirt that read "I was too lazy to buy a costume!"


I think it's safe to say a good time was had by all.


Once we had the truck loaded back up, it was off to Mom's house, where because of adrenaline, caffeine and pre-menopausal bull crap, I had a lovely 4 hour nap.

As my hubby and Mom were both still sound asleep, I made my way into the tv room in the basement and watched some tv. I was sucked into some lovely programming about a real-life evil little old lady who did terribly horrible things to people. To make a gory story short, it resulted in the digging up of her back yard, some DNA testing for identification and a little game of "the thigh bone is connected to the knee bone".


Yay, so now I'm sitting in a dark basement, alone, exhausted, with only my imagination and some evil game of dismembering twister to keep me company. Yeah, not a good place to be........at all.

Thankfully, part way through  the next program, "Creepy, Evil, Sick and Disgusting Guy Chases Girlfriend Around with a Butcher Knife" ......my hubby woke up.  Yay!

Shortly, thereafter we heard some stirrings indicating that Mom was up and about, signifying it was time for coffee.

It was a nice day, we were able to stay for a bit of a visit with Mom, and then a leisurely drive home, stopping for a bit of shopping, and just goofing off in general. I like those kind of days.


Sometimes, I would love to visit the "25 year old me." The wrung out, sleep deprived wife and Mom of 4 babies ranging from newborn to toddler. The penny stretching, endlessly diaper changing, hand-me-down wearing, laundry monster battling, puke/snot/poop wiper-upper. I wish I could just give her a hug and a glimpse into her future, so she could have proof that it gets easier.

Life still throws you challenges, but you get so much better at dealing with them as you go. The sleepless nights, the fevers, the teething, the laundry marathons, the meticulous menu planning to the penny, the constant feeling that you are somehow screwing it all up no matter how hard you try........It's sooooooooo worth it. All of it. You don't have to be perfect.....you can't be.....all you can do is your best. And you know what? That's pretty freakin' awesome.


To all those who may be reading this, and are presently some version of that "25 year old me," consider this your visit. Oh, and by the way........you're awesome.



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



Hopefully, a quick trip into McNally Robinson to deliver books!


Some month end bookkeeping type stuff..............


Assist in some trailer repairs...................


Then, on Friday..........................write, write, and write some more....



So that about does it for me..............


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




May you live every chapter, savouring every word, for skipping ahead just cheats the story.
May your plot unfold with a healthy dose of comedy, stripping any drama of much of it's glory.

May you dream, imagine, envision your happy ending, keeping it always clearly in panoramic view.
May the chapters you write along the way invariably lead in it's general direction, especially when taking a scenic route or two.

May you pen your story with  purpose, with meaning, with storylines that stretch far beyond what you see in the mirror's reflection.
May you, at your story's end, look back, and be happy with the words, the chapters, the memoirs you've written, a story of kindness and affection.



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


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


www.margyreidbooks.com

Rug Pullers And Connecting The Dots!

Hi!


Well folks, another week is in the books!




The early part of the week was spent in the shop, hanging out with my hubby, assisting in repairs, making sure the paperwork on current customers is complete and making doubly sure our ducks are in a row for upcoming jobs.


There is still quite a bit to do before the snow flies, and as we are creeping up on the end of October, aaaaannnndddd we live where we live, that could be any day now.



Then, on Thursday, after work, I was off!


Yup, on Friday it was my privilege to do a reading at a Jubilee Community School in Meadow Lake, Sk.


What a great staff, and fantastic group of kids! Thanks so much for having me!



Even though I have had the honour of doing several readings in a bunch of different schools now, there are times when it feels like someone is going to bust in on one of these sessions, pull out the rug from under me and yell,

"Who the hell do you think you are?!"


Negativity is an evil little nibbler who likes to feast on any and all insecurities.


It's in these moments I have to take a step back, and take an honest look at how it is I came to be here.


This honour wasn't handed to me. Did I have help and encouragement along the way? Absofreakinlutely!!!



This wasn't an accident or a fluke. I've worked very hard to make it happen. I've had to be bold when I felt timid. I've had to crush every comfort zone that fictitiously lived in my head, I had to push, research, strike deals, and learn more than I ever thought would be necessary along the way.This was, and continues to be an incredible journey that presents both it's challenges as well as it's rewards.


One of the greatest rewards is to hang out with these incredible, future adults. I have the honour of reading them my stories, answering their questions, and hopefully helping them to connect the dots between dreams and reality.

You don't have to be from somewhere else, or be someone else for a dream to become a reality.

I know not every kid is an aspiring writer. But, if they can see someone, a real, regular person, a Mom/Auntie/Grandma person, turn her dream into a reality, maybe, just maybe, their dream becomes much more attainable to them. Maybe their "connect the dots" can start to take on more of a definitive shape, whatever it may be.


I know I am anything but alone when it comes to insecurities and negativity wanting to take up space and overshadow accomplishments.

To the rug pullers out there, I say, " Pull all you want,.My dream is flexible, strong and thinks well on it's feet. It will survive and thrive, just like it always has."


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



The week at the shop is going to be busy, for sure.


At the end of this week is Halloween! Yay!

Costumes are decided and pretty much put together...............

Some rehearsal for the show we are doing has happened, but it would be great to squeeze in some more time for that...........

I need to get more copies of "Alfred" into McNally in Saskatoon for their marketing display for my upcoming signing event. (How cool does that sound!) Crazy!!!!


Then, Friday after work, it's off to entertain the ghouls and goblins in Denzil, for our karaoke show!

Looking forward to it, they are always a lot of fun and really put a ton of effort into costumes. It's always exciting to see what they will come up with!

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



May you see your dreams for what they are, your reality that's yet to be.
May you understand they are attainable, unleash the desire, just set it free.

May you take the steps to live the life you want, for standing still leads only to where you are.
May you understand that the first steps can be small, but in multitudes, they carry you far.

May you see that the life you desire is not a gift, nor brought forth through another's decision.
May you know in your soul you completely deserve every happiness you can possibly envision.






Until next time.......

www.margyreidbooks.com

The Princess And The Mistress!

First birthdays are awesome!



The wee ones have no clue what is going on, but they know it has something to do with them, and people show up with toys wrapped in cool paper you get to play with!


Yep, our youngest grandbaby turned one, this week. She is an adorable, bright, not-quite-walking-yet, little ball of fashionista princessiness with a good dose of rough and tumble hockey lover thrown in. One, and already a very complex personality. Love her to bits!



The week has flown by!


The shop was hopping, as always, but I did manage to take Friday off to write. It took pretty much all morning for my heart to give my mind permission to write without feeling like I should be doing something else. I'm sure it will take a bit to really feel like it's ok to take the time.

It's kind of like writing is my mistress, and hanging out with her is like cheating on the rest of my life. But, she is NOT a mistress. She is simply a sometimes bad influence, eccentric  second cousin who is a blast to hang out with, and when I do I tend to lose track of time. That being said, she needs me to take care of her, for if I don't, she will get lost, never to be seen again. I can't let that happen.

Maybe she needs a name. Maybe it should be Buella.


Once I settled in, I did manage to put forth a few pages. What it will turn into, only time and Buella can tell, but I'll be happy to go along for the ride.

In the meantime, I still need to come up with costumes for our upcoming Halloween show! I am open to any and all suggestions. It has to be something fairly simple, and easy to work in. Aaaannnnnd  Go!.........


Rehearsing for said show has been a bit of a challenge, but we are squeaking in some singing here and there. The pipes are bit rusty, but they still work. I'm working on a game involving old tv theme songs and tequila shots.........I didn't say Buella was the only bad influence.......................


The upcoming week will include a busy week at the shop, topped off with a reading in Meadow Lake some time spent with my incredible friend who has no idea how much I appreciate her, and taking in a family get together at my daughter's house.

It will be another full and fulfilling week. I wouldn't have it any other way......



Well, that about does it for me this time around......

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




May your week utterly explode with joy, a million little shots of happy become your norm.
May you, as the days grow chilly, be always cozy and always warm.

May a song bring a smile, a stranger's kindness bring a grin.
May you spread beyond what you see, the wonderful mood that you're in.

May the sharing of a smile become a habit impossible to break.
May you see it's so much easier to give than a frown, and much more a pleasure to take!


Until next week!



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

Starting With The Fifth................

Well folks, in Canada, upon this weekend falls a celebrated holiday of feasting with friends and family.  Thanksgiving.


Yep, this is the time we set aside every year to take a step back, examine our lives and consciously put forth an attitude of gratitude.


When the question of "What are you grateful for?" comes around, the reflex answer is usually "family, friends and health."  I mean, this probably is as it should be. Kind of like when someone asks how you are, your reflex reaction is "fine, how are you?"

But, what would happen if we had to take those instant answers off of the menu, so to speak? What if we didn't answer with the first, second, third, or even fourth thing that comes to mind?

What would the answer be if the "first" thing started with the fifth?


Starting with the fifth makes us dig a bit deeper, think a bit harder, feel a bit more.

Starting with the fifth tends to get past the "supposed to's" to "what is".

I think that sometimes it's good to get past the automatic thoughts and reactions we are "supposed to" have, or so we are taught and coached throughout our lives.   I think that sometimes, when we do, we get to know ourselves just that much better. The self beyond the titles and labels. The self behind the "supposed to's".

Starting with the fifth.


Now, along with an introspective examination of gratitude, Thanksgiving is also a time where, traditionally, diets become a foggy afterthought, many head home for Mom's stuffing, and pumpkin pie, and everybody breaks out their fat pants.


We will be celebrating with a birthday party for our youngest grandbaby, Laney. She's 1. Already.

Leading up to this fine weekend was a week that really flew by!


Many errands were ticked off my list of "to do's".

Dentist appointment.....check

Get new tires put on the car.........kind of check....the tires came damaged, have to try again next week.

Get some paper work caught up at the shop..........check

Have several fairly meaningless phone calls back and forth with various insurance people  about different clients claims.........check (try again next week)

Remember to go to nail appointment.........check

Get some rehearsal in for upcoming Halloween Show..........check

Laundry/cleaning/dusting/blah/blah/blah..............check

Attend the Family Harvest Festival Market...........check

Oh.....AAAANNNDDD get a definite date set for a signing event for "Alfred Dinglewiggle" at McNally Robinson! ....CHECK! It will be on Saturday Nov.15th at 1pm! So excited!



The upcoming few days will include some birthday cake, baby snuggles, toddler goofiness, 6 year old tomfoolery, and likely a bit of teenage angst.

There will also be another trip for new tires, more phone calls, glamorous dust bunny hunting, trailers to assist with, and maybe beginning this week, just maybe, I might be able to sneak a day a week to dedicate to writing. I hope I can swing it................


So until next time....I am very grateful to you. You, who take the time out of your day to read these ramblings each week. I am forever grateful to you and for you.



May your turkey be tender and your pie be sweet.
May everything turn out beautifully, every morsel, every treat.

May all who attend have a fantastic time catching up with each other's news.
May the subjects of conversation stay light, maybe steer away from political views.

May you, once the din dies down, and you are left with a heap of dishes, not one thing in it's place
May you see past it all to your reflection, where you carry a giant smile upon your face.



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



www.margyreidbooks.com

Living Life Full Frontal

Hi!




On our way home from our last service call, we came across an abandoned farm yard. Left, were the echoes of the family that once, long ago, filled this space with laughter, love and hardships.


I don't know this as fact, I only know this as true.  As I wandered, my imagined history of this place filled me with images so vivid, so clear, they seemed like memories.  As if my own distant past was being presented to me as a gift.

Among all that lies here, broken and forgotten, there is definitely a story. I saw it, I felt it.  Now, I just need to  give it wings.

It's such a cool experience, when this happens, but, it's hard to explain without coming off as a little mentally unstable.

I mean, it feels a little crazy, when it happens, and sounds even more so, when you say it out loud.

I'm often asked where I get my stories from......I guess the best explanation is that, although some stories have roots in reality, others, the majority, jump out at me from an image or a face, or they simply sneak up on me in abandoned farm yards.

I think it's an instinctual reaction that taps into the you you are meant to be. With me, it's the images of stories, bold and bright. With a teacher, it may just knowing the perfect way to reach that hard to reach child.  With a chef it may be knowing, without ever being taught, what flavors will tickle the taste buds in the most glorious way. With a repairman, it can be looking at something or hearing something, and instantly knowing what is wrong.


I think it's there for all of us, uniquely ours,  we just have to be open, and be more than a little willing to let ourselves feel a bit crazy, now and again.




Soooooooo...... this week was filled with more than a few late nights at work, some baby snuggles, some straight up 6 yr old grandson goofiness, month end bookkeeping madness, laundry, housework and other glamorous things.


I did manage to get a date narrowed down for a signing for "Alfred" . I will be sure to let you know as soon as it is solid.


As for the upcoming days......................


Well, as well as a normal work week, this week will also involve a date night with my honey, a dentist, a nail tech, a tradeshow and most importantly our youngest grandbaby's first birthday party!

It's hard to believe she is going to be 1 already!

Life is full! Life is good! Life is blast! Enjoy!


Well, gotta run, so until next time I'll leave you with this wish.......



May whatever makes you unique, make you shine, allow the shimmer to thrive.
May you know that when you do, you'll truly start to feel completely alive.

May your inner, untold story come to light, full frontal, in your face, impossible to be ignored.
May you get to know it, become it, even if not to immediately share, allow into your soul, stored.

May you, when you're ready, share your shimmer, allowing it to light the path you are meant to take.
May you know your life is yours to live, devour, enjoy, leaving loving echoes of laughter in your ever dancing wake.


Until next time.......


Please check it out.......  www.margyreidbooks.com

Taking A Moment To Breathe!

Hi!



What a week!




As you know, last weekend was a bit full.



Let me begin by saying that my nephew's wedding was an absolute blast!  It was a gorgeous, heartfelt ceremony. The sincerity with which the vows were spoken was palpable.

Throughout the reception, it was impossible to overlook the bounty of fantastic friends they have chosen, friends that felt more like family. Which is awesome. Aunts, Uncles and cousins were there in full force to bear witness to all of the shenanigans. Which was awesome. I know both of their Moms were present in a big way, lovingly guiding them through their day. Which was awesome.

These two beautiful young people are well on their way to building an incredible life together. It was an honour to be part of their day.


Once all of the hugs and good nights were given it was time for a quick nap, then up bright and early for the "Word On The Street" Festival!


We lucked out, once again, with the weather! In Saskatchewan, at this time of year, it's pretty much a crap shoot as to what kind of weather you will experience. It could be blistering hot, or, on some not so rare occasions, blizzarding cold!

Other than the odd wind gust that threatened a poster or two, it was a great day! Lots of people came through, a bunch of books found new homes, some pictures were taken with some sparkly-eyed wee ones, and it was great to touch base with some fellow wordies!


The rest of this week has flown by!

We are thankfully, very busy at the shop, which makes days whiz by at a furious pace. I did manage, however, to sneak in some grandbaby snuggles, book a reading at a school for late October, make a few phone calls to help my daughter with her wedding plans, and get the ball rolling on organizing a signing at McNally Robinson for "Alfred Dinglewiggle"!


With everything that's going on, sometimes it's hard to remember to take a step back, and have a moment to really appreciate it all. When you're in the midst of it, it can feel like you're barely managing to keep your feet on the ground during a tornado.

Today, we did a service call at a remote regional park a couple of hours away. Although it was still a work day, it was in a much different setting than the shop, and it's kind of hard to feel like you are at work when you are surrounded by the gloriously vibrant fire-filled colours of Autumn!

After the job was complete, we took some time to wander around and soak up the nip in the air, and spectacular view.

I took a few minutes on my own to take some photos, and in doing so, found myself, quite subconsciously, relax.  I missed it. I guess it's been longer than I thought. I'm

going to try to do better about taking those moments to enjoy. Those moments to just let it all sink in. Those moments to really appreciate everything that's going on in our crazy lives.

Balance is important. I'm working at it.

Yep, kinda pretty................................


As for the upcoming week?


Well, there will be some heavy things to lift and manipulate, there will be some conversations with a distributor about why cheques written to and cashed by them have not found their way on to a statement that is now indicating that I have an amount overdue.  Hmmmm....if only there was a solution to this problem........yeah, sometimes you don't get to deal with the sharpest tools in the shed.

This week will also hopefully see a secured date for "Alfred's" signing, some headway in wedding plans, and booking another trade show or two for this Fall. Some rehearsing for our upcoming Halloween Karaoke show better work it's way in there somewhere too! A person should probably work on some costumes of some kind as well!


So... that about does it for me this week. Thanks so much for taking the time to read these ramblings each week.


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



May you take those moments to breathe, to soak, to feel the wind upon your face.
May you take the time to really see, really look, take the time, slow the pace.

May the things of real value completely overrun the part of your being that keeps you from falling asleep.
May everything that's dear to you take hold, overwhelming you with so much joy, it makes you want to weep.

May all worry, all stress, all heartache, all pain be brushed aside, discarded, for it is refuse, let it go.
May you see this then leaves room for everything positive, sit back, enjoy, and let the good times flow.



Until next week!

www.margyreidbooks.com

I Hate To Write and Run....................

Stupid Time stamp! And I don't remember how to make it go away! It is not Dec 29/2008!




Oh well,



Hi!



First off, I am happy to report that last week's physical fiascoes have subsided considerably.

Yay!



Soooooooo this week was spent pretty much as I thought. I've been able to get caught up at the shop, I didn't, however get to work on getting a launch organized for "Alfred". That, I'm hoping will be able to be accomplished in the upcoming week.


I am fairly prepared for the "Word On The Street Festival" on Sunday, and am looking so forward to seeing everybody there!


I am also very excited and pretty much ready to attend my nephew's wedding.

I am so happy for him and his fiance.

This young man is the eldest son of Charlotte. The sister we lost a little over 6 years ago.


I know this has been hard for both he and his fiance who also lost her mother at a young age.


Family events like these always seem to magnify just how much you miss the loved ones who are no longer physically here.

It will be an incredible celebration,  as Char wouldn't have it any other way.  We will simply love this young couple, and each other through any bittersweet moments that may arise.



Grief is a mysterious beast. It can jump out the bushes at any given time to get in your face just as obnoxiously as it did the first day, and hit you over the head  nearly as hard. There is no statute of limitations.

This weekend we will celebrate in honor of the memories of those we have lost.


So folks, I hate to write and run, but there are a few more things that need doing before we head out for the weekend.


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



May you feel my love which lives just beyond your sight, may it's warmth completely fill you..
May you smile at my memory on your special day, no sadness clouding the joyful view.

May you feel my pride as you take your vows, for it's measure is infinite, without end.
May you see what I see, a beautiful, kind, gentle man, great husband, brother, son and friend.

May you enjoy this day without reproach, for unbridled happiness should know no bounds,
May you have an incredible celebration, I will be close, enjoying all the joyous sounds.



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

www.margyreidbooks.com

Wedding Events And Whiny Laments!

Hi!


These photos were taken at the "bride to be" event my daughters and I attended last Sunday.  As I mentioned last week, we are a bit of a goofy group.  These are actually the most refined of the photos taken, The others?......not so much.


They are goofy, beautiful, caring, individuals, with senses of humour that are both sweet enough to keep toddlers in stitches for hours and brash enough to make a hooker get the vapours.  I have no idea where they could have gotten that from..........................


It was a fun day!


I am now going to nimbly do a ninja-type mount onto my proverbial soap box to do a bit of whining.

Ready?


Pre-menopause sucks! At least that is what I am blaming for the crappy week that began Tuesday afternoon.

Now this may get a little graphic, so if you are bit squeamish about lady business, please turn away for a minute.

I had my first period, (or blessed with the onset of womanhood, for those who found that too harsh) right around my 12th birthday. I am now 48. I'm done. I've had four kids. I'm done. I'm sick of  PMS. I'm done. I have fantasies about not having cramps. I'm done. I hate the random added bonus of an ovarian cyst or two thrown in to the mix, and the unpleasantness that accompanies that. I'm done.


I guess you've probably put together what started on Tuesday afternoon.


It's not every time,by any means, but this time, it actually put me on my back for three and half days.

Those who know me, know that I do not do the whole "down for the count" thing very well at all.

I was able to go in to work at the shop today, sort of. Well, I was there, anyway.

Did you know that when a felon like a murderer or armed robber gets sentenced to "life in prison" that usually means 25 years.  Like many of you, I got them when I was about 12. I'm 48. Do the math. Just sayin'.......................


Now I will gracefully twirl my whiny butt off of the soap box, sticking the landing like an Olympic gymnast.............



with the added difficulty of doing so in my husband's pj's while juggling a glass of wine, a piece of cheesecake and a bowl of popcorn.



Now, I realize that in the grand scope of things, these complaints are incredibly minor.

I was able to take care of myself for those few days without having to skip a mortgage payment or cut the grocery budget.

I know in a few days I'll be back to firing on all cylinders in my strong, healthy body, able to do a lot of things other women my age couldn't physically do.

For that, I am always, and forever grateful.

There are so many out there with struggles much tougher, much harder, much bigger than my own. I get that, I understand that, I respect that. But maybe, just maybe reading about my goofy issues will lighten the load for a second or two? I hope so.


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



As I got pretty much nothing accomplished in the last several days, it will be time to kick things into overdrive for a bit.....



I need get a "launch" date set for "Alfred"..............

Catch up on work at the shop............................

Get organized and packed up for the upcoming weekend, which will include both my nephew's wedding, and the "Word On The Street" festival in Saskatoon..................

Get caught up on some housework... the dust bunnies are getting restless.......

Aaaaaaaand steal as many grandbaby snuggles as I can get away with.............................





That about does it for me this week...........


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



May your week be filled with laughter and light, giggles and twitters abound.
May nothing but funny people come across your path, any lost humour, found.


May silliness guide your path, this week, putting seriousness on hold.
May you let a chortle lead the way, this week, live surrounded in colour, bright and bold.


May you give yourself a vacation from the mundane, permission to have a blast.
May you find this can become a habit, an addiction, one you would love to last.



Have a good one!


www.margyreidbooks.com