Happy New Year!

Hi!



Kids, toys, pets, and games.


This is our chaos at Christmas, and we wouldn't have it any other way.


If you are part of the lucky few for which this week is a magical hiatus that bridges Christmas and the New Year, enjoy it. Take full advantage of that privilege.

For everybody else, well...

Look at it this way, you have a job. That's a good thing. And besides, it will make the stat of New Year's Day that much sweeter, unless you work retail or hospitality, then you don't get that stat either. But, you get overtime, maybe, depending on who you work for.

So, like I said, if you are part of the lucky few, enjoy it. But, when doing so, tip well. It's the least you can do.


This week's ramblings are going to be on the short and sweet side as we, for this year, anyway, are part of the few, and are taking full advantage.

In the meantime,


May you ring in the New Year in a way that fills you with delight.
May you find a way to mark the moment, on this very special night.

May you trade in every worry you hold for the hope a new year brings.
May you, even if just for one evening, enjoy all of it, without strings.

May you embrace this new year with confidence, with optimism, with renewed vigor.
May you see, with you at the wheel, your life can only get even better, even bigger.

May you have the chance to countdown to midnight with those you hold dear.
May you, above all else, have an incredible, fabulous, and Happy New Year!

**************************************************************


To purchase my books head to www.margyreidbooks.com or search "Once Broken Margy Reid" on Amazon or Kobo

Merry Christmas!!!!!

Hi!


The holiday season means different things to different people.

People celebrate in different ways for different reasons. Some celebrate for religious reasons, spiritual reasons, cultural reasons, or, for very little reason.

Some choose not to celebrate at all for a variety of their own reasons.

Yet others would love nothing more than to celebrate, but their ability to do so has been stolen from them through no fault of their own.


These photos give a glimpse of how we celebrate within our four walls. It tends to get silly, it tends to get loud, it tends to involve a lot of laughs and a tonne of food. But, most importantly, it tends to bring us together under one roof.

This happens less often than it used to, less often than we'd like. Lives are busy. But, even if we don't get a lot more than this, we, at least, get this.

We are lucky.

We get to attend grandbaby Christmas concerts, have them over for sleepovers, ornament making, take road trips. We remain connected to our now adult kids in a very real and meaningful way. We have siblings and extended family that weave colour and texture into the tapestry of our lives.

On top of all of this, besides all of this, maybe, because of all of this, I, personally, get to experience surreal, incredible moments because I enjoy the privilege of writing.


I've been overwhelmed and honoured by the trust you have bestowed upon me by telling me your stories. I've been overjoyed by opportunities to meet so many of you in person. I've been more than happy to accommodate munchkin urges for impromptu hugs at tradeshows, schools, restaurants, libraries and checkout lines.

Sometimes, I have to stop and remind myself that this is my actual life.


Best wishes to all of you this Holiday season, whatever it may look like for you.



****************************************************************

May you experience the magic that comes with this time of year.
May you find yourself surrounded by loved ones, holding them near.

May you celebrate, or not, in whatever fashion you wish.
May you enjoy every decadent treat, every favourite dish.

May this season find you in a good place, at home within your skin.
May you celebrate who and where you are, you're here, you're standing, it's a win.


*******************************************************************

www.margyreidbooks.com

Not Exactly Martha Stewart...

Hi,


Artisan ornaments created by tiny hands, and a pie whose hat is too small.



Not exactly Martha Stewart....ask me if I care.



By some peoples' standards, the ornaments may appear a bit lopsided, a little heavy with paint and glitter, if that's even possible. The pie, too, has a pastry that apparently likes to show its midriff. It's not alone in its imperfection. There are some squares and cookies currently residing in my freezer that are by no means uniform, most of which are a result of happy accidents rather than scripted recipes.


Not everyone's idea of perfect... ask me if I care.


My house isn't new, or fancy, or filled with expensive things. It will never be featured in a design magazine, it has, to put it kindly, character. It carries the bumps, bruises and battle scars of the lives of its inhabitants. The days and nights of a lot of laughs, many, many sets of little feet, and some legendary teenage shenanigans, the details of which our daughters still think we don't know.

It carries the memories of a lot of happy and precious times, and the burdens of soul-tearing heartbreak.

There are marks on doorframes that mark the signs of physical growth. There are marks that mark territory in shared rooms. There are marks that mark the grief felt at the hands of friends gone too soon.

There are marks that mark, well, everything that goes with 25 years in the same house, four kids, all of their friends, countless dayhome munchkins, and every DIY triumph and disaster.

It may not fulfill everyone's definition of pretty, but it is home. A home to some, a second home to many.


It may not be beautiful... but is filled with beauty, all the same... ask me how much I care...


We all live our lives in different ways. What each of us finds the most important is, and should be, different. No one way is better or worse than another.


Life is not a competition. Just enjoy it.



************************************************************


May you love where you are, who you are, and what you do.
May you find that if you don't, a change is up to you.

May you see that keeping up with the Joneses is a trap, a simple exercise in chasing your tail.
May you see that even if you succeed, you've only proved proficiency in duplication, not doing you can only fail.

May you find beauty in the scars that surround you, they speak your truth, they tell your story.
May you let yourself celebrate what you've built, enjoy it, bask in its glory.


*******************************************************************

www.margyreidbooks.com

Yes, Santa Is Now A Verb...It's A Thing...

Hi!


Life can be easy, life can be hilarious, life can be hard as hell.


Life can feel heavy, life can feel light, life can feel dark as hell.


Life can be tough, life can be stressful, sometimes you feel like, what the hell?!


Life can have you driving, hardly being able to see past your nose one day, the next, you're hanging with Disney princesses, the next, you're witnessing a sky you thought only existed in movies.


Life can, and will be, a perpetual combination of decisions, their consequences, how much power we give our fear, and a healthy dose of good ol' 'shit happens.'


Although a lot of us like to live under the delusion that we have some control over the 'shit happens' portion of life, we don't. But, we do control our reaction to it.


Life can be hard. Is hard. Sometimes.


If you watched nothing but the news, you could come to believe that that is all it is.


Yes, life is hard.

But, it is also spending time with family, teaching your grandkids how to play board games, answering Santa letters, baking cookies, and laughing with your spouse at something no one else would think was remotely funny.


It is also finding out your 6-year-old grandson, unbeknownst to his parents, shoveled the snow from his neighbour's yard because he knew that he had fallen and was finding it hard to get around.

It is also taking in the school Christmas concert and watching an utter overload of innocent sweetness, out of time dancing, and off-key singing that rivals any show on Broadway.

It is also putting smiles on the faces of strangers for no reason other than you can, cleaning out closets and donating winter gear to those who can really use it.

It is including/reaching out to those who have no one with which to share their holidays.

It is also knowing that life isn't and can't be perfect, no matter what your friends are showing you on FaceSnapGram.

Life isn't, and can't be perfect, whatever the hell that would be, as no two people share the same definition.

It ain't perfect, but it's good. At least good enough, for now.  Today, Disney princesses, tomorrow, who knows.....


For now, be Santa.

S- Spirit-filled
A- Affable
N- Nice
T- Thoughtful
A-Amusing


******************************************************************


That about does it for now...



May the spirit of the holidays take hold of your heart and squeeze.
May you find joy in the little things, a funny movie, a decadent cookie, frosted trees.

May you find the best gifts require no purchase, are given freely, without want for return.
May you see that kindness should be organic, not something that needs to be earned.

May you Santa your way through these next few weeks, sharing greetings, causing grins.
May you see that the Holidays are not a competition for fanciness, if you Santa, we all win.


*****************************************************************

Yes, Santa is now a verb, It's a thing.


www.margyreidbooks.com

Rollin' With It, Whatever It Is.....

Hi!

Sometimes life throws crap at you faster than seems possible to handle.

We try to plan what we feel we need to, try to preemptively prepare for unwanted unknowns, all the while, somewhere, fathoms deep within our subconscious, at a cellular level, we own the subliminal recognition that the likelihood of things actually going according to our plans is slim to none.


Yet, we plan.


Case in point.


I committed to a book event in Stony Plain a few months ago. Booked a room, planned the route, scheduled things at the shop so we could make the trip. You know, planned.


Then, the fruits of subliminal recognition kicked in.

An impromptu, beautiful gathering of family. The reason for it, heartbreaking, as it was to say goodbye and celebrate an Auntie who passed.

That evening, once we checked into our hotel, we decided to head out, check out our surroundings a bit, and after a hard day, find a smile or two. We found a quaint little place that happened to be hosting a karaoke night! We made a toast or two in honour of my Aunt, found our smile or two, and met some pretty fun people in the process.


The Tradeshow itself was fairly uneventful. Two days of meeting and talking with a stream of new people. All was good.

On the second day, as we were getting ready to leave our room to go down for breakfast, the phone in our room rings. It was the front desk informing us that they were going to be shutting off the hot water for emergency repair. Thankfully we had already showered.

After breakfast, my hubby went back up to our room just to double check for anything that may have been forgotten. Bad decision. Once he arrived upstairs, the door to the elevator would only partially open. Luckily, Hubby is pretty strong and was able to wrestle it open far enough to get out.

We checked out and went to the show.

We began our trek home Sunday, directly after the show closed, as it was a fair distance. It didn't take long for us to realize that trying to go the whole distance in the timeframe we had planned on, just wasn't going to happen.

As we drove, we were quickly smothered in freezing fog, the road began to resemble an unattended ice rink. Getting home late was better than not at all.

Technology comes in handy. I hit up my hotel app, and had a room booked by the time we reached the next town.

The next day, after a night spent in a hotel with both hot water, and a functioning elevator, and a bit of Christmas shopping, we headed home. It was still foggy enough to make reading road signs a challenge, but at least it was daylight, and the fog was no longer transforming into ice.

We stopped for a bite along the way. A little cafe, owned by a young immigrant family with three littles. A set of 22-month-old twins, and the 4-year-old little guy in the photo, above. They were so sweet. After a bit of a story, a promise to try to come back to visit,  and a quick bashful hug. We made it the rest of the way home.

The rest of the week was spent visiting a great friend, more driving on sketchy roads swallowed by fog, and another book event.

If the trip had gone as planned, we wouldn't have found that karaoke show, some unique and special gifts, or met a sweet little boy and his family along the way.

Rolling With It, Whatever It Is.


Making the best of unexpected situations can lead to straight up awesomeness.


That about does it for now.



*****************************************************************


May you find a way to take the unexpected in stride.
May you embrace the curves, the detours, they can bring delight.

May you let go of the worry, let go of the stress, for not one purpose does it serve.
May you see it has absolutely no effect on the outcome of anything, it only steals your verve.

May you give yourself a break, for the perfect holiday is not within your power to award.
May you find a way to roll with it, whatever it is, this ability will bring its own rewards.


*****************************************************************

www.margyreidbooks.com

The Truth Is Also This...

Hi!


First point. Being a kid is hard. There is an overwhelming amount of information to process, things to discover, lessons to learn, tools to develop.


Second point. We are all kids.



One of the toughest phases of humanhood is the one that drags us through the teenage years.


Some sail through, others feel as though they are being dragged naked, feet first, and spread-eagle through a carpet of poisonous cacti.


There are so many cliches out there, so many inspirational quotes, so many phrases lifted from textbooks put forth with the best of intentions. Although most, if not all, hold truth and help a ton of people, I find myself unable to simply spew well-intentioned platitudes.


If you are filled with so much pain that you find yourself cutting as a release, or have come to believe that it's all too much, and the only way out is suicide, platitudes, and cliches just become more noise.


Please hear me.


There are no magic words to make your pain go away. You aren't going to find real relief at the bottom of a bottle of booze or in a needle, or a bong. The answers don't live on the edge of a razor blade.

The truth is, there are so many things that make you feel shitty.

Maybe it's other kids. They want you to feel hated for not being tall enough, short enough, small enough, big enough, rich enough, poor enough, wearing expensive enough, wearing cheap enough, smart enough, pretty enough, jock enough, enough, enough, enough...


Maybe it's the adults in your life. Your marks aren't good enough, you're not respectful enough, not popular enough, don't clean your room enough, enough, enough...

Maybe it's both, maybe it's all.


The truth is also this.

When you cut, drink, or otherwise try to disappear, all you are doing is punishing yourself further for the fictional transgressions others have forced upon you.

Throughout your life, you will encounter again and again people who feel the need to make you feel smaller. Those who will try to shrink who you are. Don't help them.

You will find your people. The people that get you. The people that embrace and love you for, not in spite of, your specific brand of weird. They may not attend your school or even live in your house, but they are out there waiting for you. Don't deprive yourself of an incredible life because of a group of adolescent asshats who, at this moment in time, are completely incapable of empathy, or a family that, at least at this moment, doesn't fit.


This hollow darkness that wants to consume you is not infinite. It has a shelf life. It has edges. It's not some mystical thing. It has causes, effects, and resolutions.


This is also true.

Life is hard. It's okay to ask for help and okay to accept it. Help looks different for everyone.



For those who seem to live carrying out a mission of hate...


Just know this...


We all know the real reasons for your behavior. You vomit insults to make yourself feel more than, bigger than, better than.

We all know the only reason people do this. Fear.

Fear of people finding out you aren't really the person you portray. Fear that people will see the insecurities that lurk behind and beneath your insults. The fear of the fact that your persona doesn't even come close to matching who you really are, and this will come to light. If you keep the light on those you can get others to see as "less than," you can keep it off of you.

You don't need to step on others to lift yourself.

Life is hard. It's okay to ask for help and okay to accept it. Help looks different for everyone.



Life leaves scars. Some left by others, some self-inflicted. Scars don't make us victims, they make us warriors.


We are all more than worthy of a fantastic life. A life that fits who we are, and who we want to be. It's there for the making, it's there for the taking, in spite of the asshats of the world.




******************************************************************


May you, if not in this minute, soon, see yourself as the unicorn you are.
May you see, if you just let yourself, that at your core, you're a star.

May you know that you are the one who writes the script of your life's odyssey.
May you understand that you, the author, decide where the spotlight lingers, do so with honesty.

May you see the asshats that cross your path for the broken humans they truly are.
May you see through the bravado and witness the fear, they don't deserve your power, after all, you're the star.



*********************************************************************


www.margyreidbooks.com

The Angel With The Devilish Grin....

Hi,




Today, it's with a heavy heart I write.


The world will be a bit duller now, as this bright light leaves.

She leaves behind a loving husband, kids, grandkids, siblings, sibs-in-law, and nieces and nephews who now carry the heaviness of grief.


Her smile was always genuine, her laugh, contagious, and her hugs, explicitly real.


Although I didn't see her often, especially once I left home, she had a profound impact on who I've become.

It isn't something either she nor my uncle would likely remember, as it wasn't anything that was blatantly said or done. I wish I would have thanked her in person, I hope she's hearing me now.


Thirty plus years ago, I was pregnant with our second child, my now husband and I were not yet married and scratching to keep flesh and bone together. Directly and indirectly, intentionally and unintentionally things were strained with my parents. They were hurt and disappointed in me and the choices I was making.  It felt like I was looked at differently, treated differently, not cruel or obvious, just 'less than'.

During this time, through my husband's job, we were presented with the impromptu opportunity to stop in and visit this particular Auntie and Uncle. From the second we crossed the threshold, I felt it.
The utter 'sameness.'  There it was, the big grin and even bigger hug.

We visited, we ate, we laughed. They had no idea, but that night, through their 'sameness.' they gave me permission to be happy, to be okay with where my life was headed and the profound understanding that none of it made me 'less than.'


Her ever-genuine smile and absolute hugs had the power to heal more than she would ever understand.

Time has healed wounds and relationships, as time tends to do, but the first steps of that healing began with a hug from you.

Thank you, Auntie Carole, for your generous heart, beautiful soul, devilish grin and your tendency toward just enough mischief to keep life interesting.



*****************************************************************

I know your hearts are broken, shattered at the thought of containing this loss. I wish I could find the words that could magically lighten the load. Until such a time, just know, if you need, we are here. All of us. Arms open, shoulders ready.


****************************************************************


Until next time...

May you love each other through this murky fog of grief.
May you know we are there for whatever you need, however long, however brief.

May you take the time you need to cry, to swear, to rail against the utterly unfair.
May you understand there are no rules for grieving, no timekeeper, just take care.

May you, on the other side of this, find a way for the healing to begin.
May you do so in loving memory of this Angel with the devilish grin.


****************************************************************

www.margyreidbooks.com

Freedom By Any Other Name....

Hi!


This weekend will mark a day in our Country that we have named "Remembrance Day." Other Countries have other names for it, but for all, it's an opportunity to take a day to honour those who sacrificed everything to afford us the freedoms we live every day to celebrate.


Freedom.


Defined as the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants. The absence of subjection to foreign domination.


I would further define it as the power to determine our own fate, without the hindrance or suppression of others whilst not hindering or suppressing the fate of another.


In other words, I have the freedom to act, speak and think as I wish, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else.

Pretty basic stuff.


Why does something that should be so fundamental require such sacrifice to hold on to?


Why are people of colour still having to fight so hard for things that they should, at this point, be taking completely for granted? Things like having bar-b-ques, studying, driving, walking, voting, or standing in their living room.

Why are indigenous people still having to fight so hard to protect their culture? We came in, told them their culture made them savages and proceeded to force our way of thinking upon them. Then we have the audacity to wonder why generations of First Nations people struggle.


Why do we treat freedom as though it is a possession that should only live in the hands of a very lucky few? Why do we treat freedom as though it is a finite resource? As though if the proverbial "they" acquire more freedom, ours will somehow diminish.


As I'm writing this, I am listening to a sheriff in California answer questions about yet another mass shooting. Another person has justified his actions by convincing himself of the fact that his right and freedom to have and shoot a gun somehow trumps the right and freedom of those he shot at, wounded, and killed. Those who had and have the right and freedom to live unencumbered, the right and freedom to not be victimized. More people have been senselessly killed, more thoughts and prayers will be tossed around like paper towel after a hurricane, and likely, nothing substantial will happen to help prevent this from happening again next week.

Freedom isn't freedom when lived in fear.


Are these the freedoms our militaries have sacrificed their lives for? Are these the freedoms they continue to put their lives on the line for? How is this honouring their memories?

You can host a million ceremonies, have every pomp and circumstance, it means nothing if the freedoms they sacrificed for are they themselves sacrificed.


To determine our own fate without the hindrance or suppression of others whilst not hindering or suppressing the fate of another.


Pretty simple stuff.

*****************************************************************

For those who have fought tirelessly for our freedoms, for those who sacrificed the beat of your own heart so ours can carry on, my hope is that we will eventually honour you in a way that really matters.

We have to do better at proving ourselves worthy of your sacrifice.

****************************************************************


Until next time...


May we, this time, take real action to prove we deserve your sacrifice.
May the missed hugs and kisses not be in vain, for our freedom you've paid the ultimate price.

May this go far beyond the well-intentioned, feckless thoughts and prayers.
May this be the one that effects change, be the last one, the buck stops at the biggest chair.



***************************************************************


www.margyreidbooks.com

All We Need To Do Is Go For A Drive...

Hi!




All we need to do is go for a bit of a drive, take in some scenery, and listen to a few people we don't really know.




These are three little things that can show us a lot.


Going for a drive...


I find that taking even a short road trip down an unfamiliar road has a way of adjusting perspective. Taking a bit of a trip absorbing the view others see every day, a way of figuratively and literally broadening a horizon. Making an effort to see the world from someone else's point of view is always worth the trip. Not everyone has the means to travel the world, but we all have the ability to really take in the part of it in which we live.


Taking in some scenery...


It's pretty amazing how the landscape can change in a matter of a few miles. One moment you can barely see the horizon for the trees, in another, you can see for miles, in yet another you are surrounded by lights, heading down a freeway. Somehow, when looking up you are instantly reminded of what connects all of it. We may live separately, encompassed by our unique landscapes, but we share the sky. We wish upon the same stars, see shapes in the same clouds,  get romanced by the same moon, warmed by the same sun.  No one person's position under that sun of more value than another.


Listening to a few people...


In this digital age, there is definitely no lack of voices. There are loud blustering boomers who do their best to demand attention, that get petulant when the spotlight has the audacity to land anywhere but squarely upon their shoulders. On the other end of the spectrum, there are those with no voice at all. Their fates lie in the hands of the blusterers, afraid of the spotlight because they inherently know that attention leads to heartache. If we take the time to connect and truly listen to a few of these voices, both the whispers and the booms, we can hear what lives beneath the surface of the words.  Fear. The difference? Blustering boomers lack the courage of the voiceless. Boomers rise stepping on the souls of the voiceless. The voiceless rise by lifting others upon their shoulders.



Give a voice to the voiceless. Help them be less afraid of the light. Show the blusterers that we won't stand idly by as they step upon the souls of those who can only whisper.


No one person's position under the sun holds more value than that of another.


**************************************************************


Thank you for taking the time to read these ramblings. Each week, a new country or two pops up on my "Top Ten Countries Reading This Week" list. Each week I have to remind myself that this is, indeed, real. Thank you.



*************************************************************


Our neighbours to the south are making some big decisions on Tuesday.

For them...

May you vote, vote for the values, vote for the character, vote for conscience.
May you vote for the truth speakers, not those who spout fear-mongering nonsense.

May you vote, for your voice matters, it makes a difference, many whispers become a booming choir.
May you vote for those who live in fact, free from the thumbprint of a perpetual liar.

May you vote.
May you vote.



*****************************************************************

And let the trolling commence....



www.margyreidbooks.com   

Happy Halloween

Hi!


'Tis the season for costumes treats, and straight up shenanigans.



Something awesome happens when people put on costumes. It's like in doing so, they give themselves permission to be less inhibited, their "give a crap" takes a small vacation.


The creativity, humour, and social observations that we get to see when we do Halloween shows never ceases to amaze.

I look forward to it every year!

This year is no different but for the fact that we get to do it twice!

Actual Halloween falls on Wednesday, so the bookend weekends are both fair game.

This weekend will involve a tradeshow followed by a Halloween party wherein we will get to hang out with family, friends, and music. Next weekend we put on our Karaoke host hats along with, as of yet, unknown costumes and do a show followed by a tradeshow the next day!

It's going to be busy, but a blast!


*********************************************************


Sooooooooooooooo


Today they arrested a guy for making and mailing homemade bombs to people the President has made clear he does not like. People he sees as "enemies."

He may not have given specific instructions to this obviously disturbed individual, or make and mail them himself, but to claim absolutely no responsibility? I don't know about that one.


As you know we have four daughters, all of whom are very talented, kind and awesome, each in their own way. One daughter is significantly gifted with the particular talents of persuasion and manipulation. These skills became obvious by the time she could speak in full sentences. She could talk people into doing things they didn't even know they were being talked into doing. She could manipulate situations to suit her desired outcome without a whole lot of effort.

The art of subliminal negotiation.

As she was growing up, we had many chats along the way about how just because you can, doesn't mean you should, and to be sure to use this specific superpower for good and not evil.

Thankfully, she has a big, warm heart, and understood.

Does that mean she didn't hold some responsibility for the things others did because of her superpowers of subliminal messaging?  Of course, she did.

Does the President? I would hope so.

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.



****************************************************


May your treats be sweet and your tricks few.
May your costume leave all in utter awe of you.

May you take the opportunity to let your hair down, blow off some steam.
May you have fun with the fact that, for this moment, you are not what you seem.

******************************************************


www.margyreidbooks.com

Gotta Nurture The Goofy...

Hi!


Well, I came back from my news vacation. For a day. For a very bad day.



The gruesome details of Mr. Khashoggi's murder were enough for me to extend it a bit longer.


Please don't assume it's because I don't care, or want to bury my head in the sand. Because it's not.


At this point, it's about emotional survival. The daily bombardment of corruption, violence, hate and the ever-expanding umbrella of cruelty under which we seem to be willing to live is beginning to drain my goofy.

I can't let that happen.

I'm now on a mission to replenish what's been drained, then nurture my goofy not only back to health, but grow it and share it with as many as I can. For as long as I can.

I can't promise that I won't still vent about things I can't shake off, things that grab me and/or piss me off. I'm just saying that, for now, I need to brighten it up for a bit. Too much darkness isn't good for anyone. 


It's Tradeshow season!!!


It still feels pretty surreal at times, that this is what I get to do. Meeting folks, and having them be willing to spend their hard earned money on words I've written is pretty incredible.

At these events, I sometimes get to meet those who are sitting at the edge of their own dreams. At times they are looking for advice, at times they are looking for encouragement, at times they are looking for some form of permission. Mostly though, I find they are looking for someone to listen, and hear them out without judgment.

Although a certain amount of common sense caution should accompany every dream, for the most part, all that stands between dream and reality is hard work, and the willingness to do it, obliterating any notion of comfort zones.

I'm pretty damn lucky.


Attending these events, getting to meet and hang out with so many shiny people, goes a long way to nurturing a person's goofy.


I highly recommend hanging out with the shiny people.


******************************************************

Well, gotta run, prepping for the show in Prince Albert tomorrow!



May you have ample opportunity to hang out with the shiny people, they are good for the soul.
May you allow yourself to look away from the trainwreck, for, over time, trainwrecks take a toll.

May you nurture your goofy, let it grow, let it shine.
May you embrace it, carry it always, let it out to play from time to time.

May you see that life is too short to take too seriously every single day.
May you give yourself permission, you still care, you just need a break from the weight.


***************************************************************

www.margyreidbooks.com

I Allowed My World To Shrink For A Little While....

Hi,




This is the view, right now, in this part of the world.



The serenity is in deep contrast with the images coming from other places that have been recently ravaged by Mother Nature.


I can't even imagine the level of devastation that has become your lives. I'm so sorry you are having to go through this, and hope that everything that was lost is replaceable. My hope of hopes is that everything that truly matters survived.

Coming back from this must seem like an impossible task. Rebuilding, an overwhelming undertaking. Hopefully, you receive more help than you can possibly use, and are somehow able to get back your normal soon.

Take Care

********************************************************************

Well folks, other than keeping an eye on some international weather, I've been trying to take a bit of a news holiday over the past week.

I allowed my world to shrink for a little while. It felt awesome. I highly recommend it.

Yup, had our girls and their munchkins under my roof for some food, laughs and catching up. Had a date night with my incredible hubby, took in some autumn air, watched some football and tried out a new theatre.

A week without drama, without witnessing human's inhumanity toward human, without polls or international trade deals.

Instead, I glazed and baked a ham, built castles out of lego, and chased grandbabies around my house. I watched my daughters prank each other, lingered around the dining table, and laughed until I cried.

Sometimes it's good to let your world shrink a little, even if it's only for a short while.


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Soooooo, I haven't shared a grandbaby story for a while,....


So, our 6 yr old grandson, Jake, was hanging out with his Grandpa at the shop, one day. A busy day of smashing boxes, drawing pictures, and learning about tools. As most days with Grandpa, there are some ice cream breaks involved. One such break had already taken place.

Jake's conversation with Grandpa.

G:  Well, time to shut things down and go home.
J:  I think we should go for ice cream first.
G:  It's getting pretty close to supper time, besides, I don't think I can do ice cream again today.
J:  If I can do it, you can do it Grandpa, get your money out!


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May you give yourself permission to allow your world to shrink, even if only for a short while.
May you let the bigger issues of the world go on without you for a bit, relax, breathe, smile.

May you feel your world brighten as what sits closest to you shines.
May you see the trees for the forest, spot the daisies among the pines.

May you take the time for an ice cream break, maybe more than one.
May you let the world fall away for a bit, pour a glass, have some fun.

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www.margyreidbooks.com

So Where Do We Go From Here....

Hi,



Your truths will sit with me for as long as I breathe. I will forever be humbled by your courage, and live in awe of the strength you show every single day.


So, where do we go from here.....


We march on. If our strength fades, we find it in the voices of others. If we refuse to be silent, they will eventually have to hear us. If we keep throwing the lights on, they will have fewer shadows in which to hide. If we stay steadily emboldened, they will no longer be able to say we are compelling and believable, then ignore us anyway.

I feel I would be remiss if I didn't talk about a narrative being put forth by some.


"It's a dangerous time for men"


I guess I just don't get it.

What exactly are men suddenly in danger of? Can it be as simple as they are in danger of being held accountable for their actions?

Do they fear they are in danger of a rash of false accusations?

Ask any woman, dude, finding your voice and giving volume to the whispers that haunt your dreams is not exactly a party. The truth is, false allegations rarely happen.


Do they fear that women are going to somehow try to "entrap' them into some kind of sexual assault?

Really? Get over yourself, what the hell would be the purpose? Why would we subject ourselves to that kind of trauma and danger on purpose when we spend our day to day lives trying to avoid it?

Do they fear that all women are suddenly going to construe everything as sexual harassment or assault?

Relax, this is not our first rodeo. We have not had our senses of humour surgically removed. All we ask is that you refrain from being creepy. Don't be a pushy prick, don't grab us, don't say things to us you wouldn't want somebody to say to your sister. Don't rub us with your junk on buses, or anywhere else. In short, don't assault us. Need a meter, some kind of gauge? Ask for permission instead of forgiveness. Accept the answer.  Problem solved.


Do they fear they will somehow accidentally assault someone?

Rest easy, this is highly unlikely. Assault is a choice, not an accident. We can tell the difference, trust me.


It kind of boils down to this. If you are a decent guy who treats women with genuine respect. You know, like people, you will be fine. If you are a guy who is suddenly rethinking past behavior and finding incidents that would piss off your Mom, straighten the hell up. If you are a guy that thinks that all the women are lying, that they are making things up to smear you, you are about to get a rude, and much overdue awakening.

For those who still think "It's a dangerous time for men"

The next time you have to think twice about what you're wearing, or are placing your keys strategically between your fingers, you can start the conversation about how dangerous it is for you.  When your body is consumed by that horrible, but too familiar feeling at the sound from behind you, the footsteps conveniently syncing with yours, you can start that conversation. When you can never let your drink out of sight, when you need to be on guard 24/7, when you need to not go out alone, when some random guy rubs up against and/or grabs your ass, you can start.

Until then, buckle up, Princess.


Time's up.



I hope you don't feel that I am making light of any of this because my smartass is showing a bit. I assure you, I definitely do not.

I'm just sick of crying, I'm sick of being upset, I'm sick of the darkness churning in the pit of my stomach, I'm sick of my chest being tight, I'm sick of not sleeping, I'm sick of it all. I'm exhausted.

When I have no more tears, my default is smartass. To be honest, it's not just when I have no more tears.





Your truths will sit with me for as long as I breathe. I will forever be humbled by your courage, and live in awe of the strength you show every single day.




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Until Next Time.........


May we create a world where we can walk around drunk in an unlit park unafraid.
May we create a world where we can be, wherever, whenever, never feeling like prey.

May we create a world where we are never on the receiving end of uninvited touch.
May we create this world for our daughters and granddaughters, it's not asking too much.


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www.margyreidbooks.com

Remove Your Hand From Our Mouths And Hear Us....

In the act, you work to stifle our screams, thereafter, you work to stifle our voice.


Remove your hand from our mouths and hear us...


When we tell you what happened to us, it exposes us.

It exposes us again, ripping open the soul-crushing wounds first inflicted at his hands.

Most times, we don't tell authorities, after all, it's our word against his. It's not like he did it in front of witnesses, it's not like he'll admit it.

Most times, we don't tell anyone. We have an innate instinct to somehow make it our fault. We must have been wearing the wrong thing, sending some sort of unintentional signal, went somewhere alone, went out at night, went for a run in a park. We wear the shame that was forced upon us, it's a heavy cloak of thorns we carry upon our shoulders.

If we do work up the courage to speak, if we are trusting you enough to tell you, hear us. Listen to us. Believe us. We wouldn't go through the pain of stripping our souls bear to pursue an untruth.

We know all too well the consequences that can come with speaking our truth. History has taught us well. We know we are looked at as a smear on his reputation. He's such a good guy. He's successful, he's good-looking, he's a track star, he's fill-in-the-blank. None of any of this means he is incapable of doing what he has done.

There are more of us than you know. We are your mothers, sisters, aunts, daughters and friends. We are the mostly silent warriors walking with the scars of mistrust, anxiety, and claustrophobia. These being the least of our wounds. Some of us come to suffer from depression, PTSD, eating disorders, addictions, and other forms of self-harm. Some of us simply don't survive.


Resist the urge to dismiss our voice, brushing it aside because we can't "prove" it. Resist the urge to reject our voice because we didn't tell right away. The paralyzing fear and humiliation that accompanies the telling, the courage it takes to do it anyway, deserves better, deserves sincere respect.


If you are among the privileged few who have been entrusted with someone's precious truth, tell them you believe them, and mean it.


We are failing our daughters because we are failing our sons.

There are some that still balk at teaching boys that empathy is strength, that nurturing is masculine, that a real man is sensitive, gentle and kind. They hesitate to teach that real courage is found in doing what is right, even if it's hard.




Dr. Christine Blasey Ford,

No matter what happens now, you were undoubtedly, by far, the most courageous person in that room. Your strength has reverberated further than you may ever really know, and will continue to do so long after the suits make their choices.

I heard you.

I believe you.


**************************

In the act, you work to stifle our screams, thereafter, you work to stifle our voice.


Remove your hand from our mouths and hear us...

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May you remember that no matter where you are, or the time of day, they have no right.

May you know no matter what you wear, or what you drink, they have no right.

May you know no matter how you dance, or how you walk, they have no right.

May you see that no matter how you smile, or toss your hair, they have no right.

May you know, no matter if you are running, or sunbathing nude, they have no right.

May you remember no matter if you left your drink unattended, they have no right.

May you see that after a steak dinner, they have no right.

May you know that after unlimited dates, they have no right.

May you know that even after "I love you", they have no right.

May you see that even after a ring has landed, they have no right.

May you know that after an hour of foreplay, they have no right.

May you understand utterly and completely, they.. have.. no.. right.

May you see and understand, sir, you have no right, you may only ever enjoy the privilege with her complete consent.

May you see and understand, sir, even if culture screams in your ear otherwise, you have no right, none, her body, her choice, no is said, no is meant.


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www.margyreidbooks.com

Do You Want To Build A Snowman???.....Ummmm.....Nope

Hi!



Okay, I was pretty ready to sink my teeth into the whole Ford vs. Kavanaugh thing that is taking place a bit South of the 49th parallel.

It still might happen, the night is young, and I'm only a few lines in.


Anyway, I was pretty ready, then, I drove home.


Ahhhhhh, the last day of summer...

What better way to end the season than with a good old-fashioned snow storm?!

I know that I live in a climate where the air wants to flash freeze your lungs for a larger portion of the calendar year than seems humane.

I know I live where the wind can carry off a small child more days than it can't.

I know I live where you really can get frostbite and a sunburn on the same day.

Knowing all of this doesn't generally make it easier to accept snow in summer.

Just sayin'...


On the upside, the forecast is calling for October to be mild, and awesome, and warm, and sunny, and unicorns are going to migrate here for the winter.

You pick which sounds most fictional,

I really don't mean to sound whiny, as I know, as I do these other things, that there are others around the world surviving weather and its aftermath on a horrific scale.

Even knowing all of this, (and according to the fortune cookie that was the dessert to a leftover Chinese food brunch this morning, my wisdom is infinitely profound) I can't help but settle on the following conclusion.

Snow, at any point during the summer, sucks.

You're Welcome.


Now about this Ford/Kavanaugh thing...


First, I can't imagine a scenario in which someone would put themselves in the position of receiving death threats and harassment to the point they have to relocate their family, for a lie or for something they are unsure of.

Second, I can't imagine a scenario in which a person trying to carry out an elaborate lie would subject themselves to a polygraph test.

Third, I can't imagine a scenario in which a person who is trying to perpetuate a lie would beg for the FBI to investigate their allegations.

Fourth, I know, and so do countless other women, that when someone is holding you down with their body weight, crushing you, one hand over your mouth, the other trying to strip away your clothes and your soul, you don't forget the face. You don't forget who it was. You don't forget.

Fifth, I can't imagine a scenario in which someone who is capable of perpetuating an attempted rape, at any age, under any degree of inebriation, isn't also capable of denying it. What exactly would you expect him to say?


If you take away the fact that the guy accused of doing this is up for one of the best gigs in the country, if you strip away his privilege, are you as skeptical of his guilt?

If you take away the fact that she is a professor from California, if she is your daughter, your sister, your wife, your Mom, are you as skeptical of her?


When you strip away all of the noise that tries to drown it out, all of the political push and pull, when you strip it down and think back to a high school party in the early 80's, where booze was flowing, and not a parent is in sight, what do you see?


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May the warmth come back before we have to face that long stretch of cold.
May we get another chance for t-shirts, and flip-flops, and find little stands where lemonade is sold.

May we get a bit longer to soak in the sun even as its daily visits have begun to wander toward brevity.
May we have a few more boat rides, and bonfires surrounded by friends, s'mores, songs, and levity.

May we get to enjoy an autumn that longs to linger, that hangs out for a while, that stays at least until the calendar declares it's winter.
May Autumn be a leisurely stroller, a marathon baby stepper, a lollygagging doddler, not a record-breaking sprinter.


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until next time
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