Girl Guides Can Dance!

Hi,


As I sit here and look at this photo of 250 little girls between the ages of 8 and 15 have all kinds of fun, dancing, singing and running around, I can't keep help but think of the tragedy that took place at an elementary school in the United States yesterday morning.


I can't help but think of all of those parents, kids and teachers heading off to school for what they thought would be another typical, ordinary day. To learn, play, maybe dance, sing and run around a little.

My heart weeps for the broken souls this horrible act of senselessness leaves behind.

I don't know what the answer is, and I doubt there is just one.

But, one thing I do know is that I will try doubly hard not to take one single day for granted. I'll do my level best not to fritter away my time on this planet with things that are important to only me. 


Squeeze your kids, say I love you, and count every blessing. Don't put off happy things, absorb every joy. That's all we can do.



On to happier things.



The girl guide fundraiser was a great success. They had a lot of girls come to join in the festivities, and though it was with a bit of a heavy heart, it was a lot of fun to help facilitate their good time.

Oh, and just in case you want to get a large room full of tweens to pull more decibels than a herd of injured hyenas, just say the words...."One Direction".......go ahead, I dare ya.


Other than that, this week consisted of working hard toward our goal of getting our RV repair shop open and operational by Spring.  Hopefully things will be settled in that department very soon.

Oh, and I finished wrapping all of the Christmas presents!!!!!Yay!  


Okay, how many of you just swore at me a little.......no worries. I really am an anti-procrastinator by nature. Even though I come by it genetically, I think my DNA was assisted by all of those years when we weren't sure if we were going to be able to make Christmas happen for our kids at all. I learned early on to shop early, a little at a time, always paying attention to conversations for hints. Now, it's become our tradition.



So for the next week........


There will be some grocery shopping, maybe a bit more cookie baking, some baby squeezing, beginnings of prep for our New Year's Eve Show, and maybe work on a few more stories that I started a while back and haven't had a chance to visit for a while.

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




May those who leave their homes in the morning, return safety to it that day.
May nothing or no one hinder their safety in any possible way.

May the ones broken enough to cause such horror, seek help instead of a means to inflict such unspeakable pain.
May they find true help, embrace it, be held to it, so this kind of heartbreak may never happen again.

May those so determined to put and keep guns in the hands of so many
May they look into the eyes of the survivors, if they are lucky enough to find any.

May those left behind find a way, any way to live through their grief.
May those who went too soon, watch over them, give them hope, belief.


Until next week........


www.margyreidbooks.com

'Twas Three Weeks Before Christmas....

Well Hello!


Well folks, we are either a few weeks away from Christmas or the end of the world, depending on who you talk to.

Personally I prefer to take the less depressing route, and follow the assumption that we are not going to implode or explode or shut down or burn or whatever it is the crazy calendar people are saying is going to happen this time.

But... that's just me.

So our beach themed party in -20C was awesome! There were a lot of willing participants who doubled as good sports, so that always makes the night so much more fun. There were some very interesting photos taken, some games played, some cocktails consumed, all in all a good night!

In the last few days, I also was able to get some Christmas treats into the freezer. Peanut butter Krispie treat balls, some dipped in caramel, some in chocolate; chocolate fudge, some werther's chocolate and soft caramel cookies and some banana, orange cranberry, sugar crumble muffins.

Heading into the home stretch, all that's left is some ginger/molasses cookies, some puppy chow, and dessert for the actual meal. I'm thinking I might substitute pie for cheese cake this year, depending on my final head count, I may need both.

Today I'll be hitting the road, picking up my eldest daughter and we will make our way to the Battlefords where we will be participating in the Battlefords Lions Christmas Bazaar! It goes from 10-4 Hope to see you there!

Yep we are going a day early to get in some much needed visiting with my best friend, Dana. She is awesome! Looking so forward to it!

As for the upcoming week?

Well I really need to buckle down and get all the prep done for our Girl Guide fundraiser set for Friday the 14th. Those girls are so cute, we had such a good time with them last year, and looking forward to seeing them all again!

But, before we get there, we need to replace the lights we use for DJing. They all quit, pretty much at the same time, who knows why. In any case, they need replacing, so to Long & McQuade we must go.

So folks, that about wraps it up for another week. This week, my wish for you is taking on a bit of a different form, I hope you like it.





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

Was worrying about the lack of decor in the yard,
Especially when the neighbour's looks like it leaped from a Christmas card.

Was worrying about the wishes written upon kids' lists, and just how to make them come true,
The budget is tight for St. Nick this year, but we'd still 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 the need for rest.

Been trying to manage my time with this and with that, fighting to stay on top of it all.
How does everyone else do it, looking so effortless, like their having a ball!

Now, in all my dither, how did I possibly fail to see,
The joyful, sparkling eyes of my kids looking at me.

They see passed the old tree and decorations all of which have seen better days,
All they see is the promise of possibilities, the shimmer and shine of the holidays.

In the end nothing matters, but the thrill on their faces, time with family and friends, memories made,
Everything else is just fluff, just stuff, for which excitement quickly fades.

So, prepare for this wonderful time, but do so with joy and keep the pressure light,
Off now, to happily wrap some presents, Merry Christmas to all and to all, a Good Night!


www.margyreidbooks.com

Jamaican Long Johns?

Hi!


Looks like a perfect day for a "beach" party, wouldn't you say? Well, when you live where I do, and your backyard looks like this, a beach party is exactly what the doctor ordered!

Yes, tonight I'll be doing the music for a "Jamaican/Beach/Stagette" party. It ought to be a blast, considering it's here at home, and I'll pretty much know everyone there! They are a great group, so I'm really looking forward to a good night!

The bride-to-be is the same age as our second daughter, and grew up across the street. I know it's been said a million times, but, man, time really does get away on you! It doesn't seem fair, really. By the time you are wise enough to figure what really matters, how precious time is, almost half your life has passed you by.

This is probably about the time in our lives we get slapped upside the head by "mid-life crises."  We all of a sudden get into panic mode because we realize we are half way through this rodeo and we feel like we've missed too much. 

Well, seeing as I'm sneaking up on 47, I'm smack in the middle of "mid-life."  I haven't been decked by the crises part of it yet, as far as I can tell, but it could be just around the corner. I'll be sure to let you know if I suddenly get the urge to skydive and buy mini-skirts.

Besides doing the prep for tonight's party, I did manage to get a few things knocked off my list. Today, there is more baking in the freezer for Christmas than there was last week.  The gifts that have been purchased are wrapped. The remaining gifts are being shipped as we speak!

The Christmas tree is up, and about half the snowmen are out. A nine month old,walking grandbaby makes decorating a challenge, but we're figuring it out.

Also this week, I received some generous orders for books. They should still be in time for Christmas, I hope. Still blows my mind to think of people unwrapping gifts and finding my books! Here's hoping they enjoy them! If you'd like to order in time for Christmas, there should still be time, if we hurry!www.margyreidbooks.com

So, for the upcoming week!


More baking, more snowmen, a bunch of grandbaby snuggles, a bit of shopping, and then it's off to Battleford to take part in the Battlefords Lions Christmas Bazaar! It's going to be so much fun! My eldest daughter is coming along as a helper and we will be meeting up with my closest friend, and maybe a few more for a "girls" weekend.

We will be on our best behavior.  Stop Laughing! We Will!  Okay, we will try.... Better?


Now, my friends, I need to go and figure out how to make long johns look Jamaican...


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




May the poetic frost that romantically nips at your nose, not become the kind that claims a finger or a toe.
May the lyrical sing song desire to "let it snow," not become the blizzard that makes it impossible for you to go.

May the majestic winter wonderland shown in movies, not become the house bounding agent it can sometimes be.
May the "one horse sleigh" so charmingly imagined, not become the only way to set your snowbanked car free.

May all of the beauty, charm and sugar plums conjured by these holiday songs, come true in every way.
May every romantic vision of  winter be what befalls you, all rosy cheeks, snowball fights, and open sleigh.


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

One Month Til Christmas! What?!

Hi!



Did you ever wish you could just fall asleep anywhere?  This photo is proof that it is possible. Ok, it's possible if you are 9 months old and are taken for a walk in the fresh air, gliding on newly-fallen snow and the only sounds are the rhythmic crunch of your Mother's steps and the ssssshhhhhh of your sled.

I guess this is what they were talking about when they coined the phrase "sleeping like a baby."



So folks, the past week has been pretty awesome.

First, we were able to meet up with my sis-in-law from Oklahoma for a short but sweet visit.

Then, Wednesday, we had a trade show here at home and today, another in Kindersley. Thanks
to those who were kind enough to purchase books from me, my crazy stories are finding their way into a whole bunch of stockings during this holiday season. 

I had one grandma, today, who said she didn't think she could wait until Christmas to give "A Crazy Day" to her little grandson. She said she was going to hop in her car, drive to his house, and read it to him tonight!  I can't even put into words what kind of a thrill that gives me!

In the upcoming week, I think I better get crackin' on the Christmas baking. Some, peanut butter/cream cheese/chocolate chip cookies, some fudge, some orange/banana/cranberry muffins, and some other gooey, rich, creamy, sweet things that drip chocolate. it wouldn't be Christmas without them!


It's also time to start decorating the house for the holidays! Time to unleash the snowmen! Ok, for those of you who may not be aware, I have a bit of a collection of snowmen. There are some big ones, small ones, plush ones, and fragile ones. There are those that get hung on the wall, those who reside in wreaths, some that live in snow globes, and some that sit on tables. I could go on, but I can't hear myself think over the sound of my kids laughing at me through cyberspace.


Also this week, I need to prep for the beach themed bachelorette party we are doing Saturday night. It's going to be a blast! Who has more fun than a bunch of women on an ultimate girls' night?!


Well, that about wraps up another week!

Just a quick reminder to those wanting to order books online in time for Christmas! Please order soon to ensure they get to you in time! Thanks! www.margyreidbooks.com


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



May Santa find your name on his "nice" list and not in the company of the "naughty"
May your every kindness be brought to his attention, and not so much when you were haughty.

May every holiday party you attend be a ton of fun, not a dull one in the bunch.
May none of them have myterious hors d'oeuvres, only yummy things to munch.

May your travels between festivies be safe, with nothing hindering the ride.
May you foresee any and all obstacles, and successfully set them to the side.


Until next week!

www.margyreidbooks.com

Trade Show, Sing, Laundry.... Repeat

Hi!


As I was poking around in my picture files, deciding what to toss at my ramblings this week, I came across these shots. I caught these on the way home from our karaoke show in Luseland last week. I almost didn't use them, but then thought of those of you out there who live where frost like this probably doesn't happen.  So, for those who live without the thrill of shovelling snow, or the adrenaline of getting stuck in a snow bank when it's -40C, here is a little taste of the prettiest side of winter.



Well, the past seven days have gone by pretty quickly.

Saturday night, we had the show in Luseland. It was a full house with a good number of people willing to get up and sing, a lot of fun being had by all, with only one injury. That being the little flat screen tv we use for shows, injured, but still functional. Not the end of the world.


Monday.... We took a trip to Saskatoon. McNally's needed more books, (an email that still thrills me!), and our youngest daughter and her wee Jake came back with us.  They are going to be staying with us for a bit. (ahhh endless grandbaby snuggles)


The rest of the week was spent getting caught up on laundry and prepping for the trade show today in Rosetown and the karaoke show we have tonight.


The trade show today was great. The fact that people will actually be receiving something I wrote as a gift, well, it kind of overwhelms me. It's just another "I can't believe this is real" moment.

During the show, I had a chance to visit briefly with a neighbour. Through our conversation I teasingly asked her if she would be attending the karaoke show we are doing tonight. I say teasingly, because we don't tend to get a lot of great grandmothers at our shows. Of course, she graciously declined my invitation, but her reason went far beyond what I had anticipated.

When I asked her if she was going to come out and sing us a tune, the reply was one that I had heard a million times, " I don't sing." It's the reason she doesn't sing, that broke my heart. You see, when she was 8 or10 years old, she was in her church choir, where she was told she had a terrible voice and was asked to leave. You could see the hurt in her eyes like it happened yesterday.

That "choir director" probably never gave her horrible words a second thought. She was "just" a child, after all, she'd get over it.

The fact that all of these years later, eyes mist in the retelling of the tale, shows how cruel words become part of who you are.

Careless cruelty stole the songs of her childhood, and continues to hold them ransom to this day.


So, tonight, we'll be heading down to do our karaoke show, and celebrate everyone who wants to sing.


As for the upcoming week.....

Well, tomorrow, we are hoping to have a coffee and a visit with my hubby's sister. She lives in Oklahoma, so we don't get to see her very often.

Wednesday is another trade show, here in Milden. (I love it when they're nice and close!)

Thursday is off to Rosetown for the "running of the errands."

Saturday is a great trade show in Kindersley, Sk. at the Elks hall. We'll be there from 10-4, come and check it out!


That, my friends, about does it for another week So, for now, I'll leave you with this wish.





May any unkindness that threatens to leave your lips, never fall on the intended ear.
May you realize cruelty breeds not respect, only more cruelty and fear.

May you keep in mind the footprint words put upon that precious soul.
May you be careful of the way constant criticism takes a toll.

May you know it takes infinite praise to undo a fleeting moment of thoughtless temper.
May you give those young hearts around you a childhood they'll lovingly, fondly, remember.



www.margyreidbooks.com

To Our Veterans...Thank You Seems So Small

Hi there,


Friends, here in Canada, this weekend marks a time when we take a moment out of our busy, hectic, runaround lives to show some gratitude toward those who have, through incredible sacrifice, made those busy, hectic, runaround lives possible.


Many of us have Grandfathers, Fathers, Uncles, Aunts and Mothers who fought for the freedoms we are so incredibly accustomed to. Personally, I feel we owe it to them to make sure the generations that follow ours keep the tradition of gratitude alive. I think it's important for our young people to understand how different life would be if these brave people, many of them barely past their teens, hadn't fought as hard, sacrificed as much, or had substituted apathy for passion.

I have not gone to fight, nor has my husband or daughters, therefore I can't even pretend to know what it must be like to watch any one of them board a plane, knowing where they are going, what they will be facing, being heartsick with the feeling that they may not return.

I can't wrap my head around a scenario where one or more of my loved ones would be put so deliberately in harms way. Just as difficult, is the thought of leaving those I hold dearest behind. Leaving them to fight, leaving them to fight for them.


I can't imagine having someone you love missing the things that makes their lives, well, "theirs" for so long. Missing weddings, births, birthdays graduations, first steps, first teeth, first loose teeth, daughters' first dates, first bike rides, anniversaries. Life.

I can't think what it must be like to return, if you are lucky enough to do so, pieces of you shattered by what you've had to endure. Returning to a life where you are kind of expected to jump right back in where you left off, only the person who returned is not the one who left. How can you be?

So to those, past and present, who have fought and continue to do so, we thank you. It seems so small....thank you. That is why we need to continue this day of gratitude...because "thank you" is so small we need to multiply it through the generations so it becomes and remains loud enough and fierce enough to be felt by all those for which it's meant.

So on to ramblings much more frivolous in nature...............


Well, this week we have, and continue to get spanked by Mother Nature. Now, I'm not talking about the kind of beating that fell upon the east coast a couple of weeks ago, by any means. This is more along the lines of a finger slap by Mother Nature's nasty drunk uncle, Jack Frost.

Yep, it looks like any delusion that the early fallen snow would disappear and we would get another glimpse of a whisper of that soft autumn breeze,has been cruelly ripped away like treats from a Charles Dickens orphan.


So, we might as well settle in for a looooooonnnnngggg winter. Hey, it could be worse, I have a warm house, a soft bed, food in the pantry, good company,  and a vivid imagination......anything's possible.


The last few days........................................................

Wiped  down song books(don't look so puzzled, drunk people spill things....alot!)

Rehearsed acapella(didn't want to unload and reload all of the equipment)

Rearranged furniture in my living room.....(hubby always enjoys that sooooo much)

House cleaning and laundry (try not to get toooo jealous)



The next week........................


Karaoke gig in Luseland tomorrow night. (Come check it out if you're in the neighbourhood!)


Trip to the city on Monday (McNally needs more books! Yay!)

Get things prepped for Farmer's market trade show in Rosetown on Saturday, Nov. 17th (come say hi!|)


Get things ready for karaoke gig in Milden Saturday, Nov. 17th (not a typo)

Oh yeah, and maybe have to tunnel my way out of my house.


So, that about does it for this time around. Until next time I'll leave you with this wish............


In Remembrance......................


May I find the courage to sign my name to fight, to protect, to serve my nation, shaking hand...done.
May I get through without them finding out my real age, for they say seventeen is too young.

May I find the strength to stay awake, to watch friends die, to stay alive, to fight.
May I get through this hell of explosion, mud and blood, forever dark, never light.

May I find the strength to face my family, broken though I am, both in my body and my soul.
May I get through adjusting to my paralyzed circumstance, for recovery is taking it's toll.

May I find the strength to carry on, find a new way to live, a different way to be.
May I get through to the other side of this darkness in my soul, to the light, to be free.




www.margyreidbooks.com  Please send Holiday orders in as soon as you can, it takes 3 weeks to get a shipment of books, and my shelves are getting a bit naked. I'll need to know in time, if I need to order more.


Thanks so much for, once again,taking the time to read these ramblings.

A Cop, A Jester, And A Penguin Walk Into A Bar........

Well, hi!



Before I begin rambling on about the shenanigans of the past few and next few days, I'd like to take a minute to express to all of those who were touched by hurricane Sandy, that, though I can't possibly truly understand what you are going through, my thoughts are with you.

It just doesn't seem to matter how technologically advanced, how smart, how creative, how much ahead of the game we think we are, Mother Nature can still raise her mighty hand, and spank mankind harder than a child swearing in Church in the fifties.


The incredible fortitude and strength it will take to rebuild, not just the buildings and roads, but the spirits of those whose lives were turned upside down, seems so monumental, so overwhelming, so nearly impossible. Nearly.

It was wonderful to hear stories, as soon as the next day, of neighbours helping neighbours. They were sharing power, food, and clothing. To hear the stories of heroism, regular people putting themselves in harms way to save others, went a long way in rebuilding a person's faith in the fate of mankind.

In this world where countries, heck, entire continents seem to be in the mindset of looking out for number one at any cost, it's good to see that when it comes down to doing what's right, person to person, peoples' first instinct is still to help one another.


So, after witnessing one of the biggest tantrums Mother Nature has thrown in the last couple of centuries, the rest of the week seemed pretty mild, in comparison.

The Halloween gig went really well. As you can see from the photo, there were some great costumes. The crew from the Wizard of Oz were there, as were a zombie bride and her equally ghoulish bridesmaids. A human lufa, a genie, a gypsy, a couple of pirates and a few rather inappropriate members of the clergy also made an appearance.  All in all, a great time.


However, Wednesday, actual Halloween, was a bit of a let down. The weather was pretty cold, so we had very few kids come to the door. So, needless to say, the kids that did come received pretty generous handfuls of candy. Hey, they were thrilled, even if their parents might not have been, as I'm sure I wasn't the only one using that strategy to get rid of my treats.


Today, we went to Macrorie for their trade show.  I sold some books, met some new people, and came home with some home made sour cherry syrup and some locally grown and smoked trout. That is the absolute best thing about small town trade shows, there are soooooo many home made goodies that you can't get anywhere else! Like a farmer's market on steroids!


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


Keep wading through the ocean of red tape involved with starting our RV adventure, oh yeah, still plugging away at that one.


Rehearse for karaoke show we are doing in Luseland,Sk. on Sat. Nov.10th at the Royal George Hotel from 9- close. Come and check it out!

Start putting some time into my next book. I'd like to have it ready for illustrations by March/2013.

Oh yeah, and poke a little fun at all those having to change their clocks this weekend. Yep, here in good ol' Saskatchewan we don't change the time, we change time zones. We will be on central time for the winter and switch back to mountain standard in the spring.


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


For those who faced the storm..............



May those swept away by tumultuous waters, have peace where their souls rest, safe and warm.
May the ones left behind find a way through the grief, horror, and pain, embraced by loving arms.

May those who stand within broken walls, holding crushed memories, so cold, so lost, so.....lost,
May you find kindness and strength in your neighbours, a safe haven, a shield against the frost.

May you, in the days and months ahead, begin to feel some sense of normalcy, having typical days.
May your days become sweeter and nights get easier, in every possible way.



www.margyreidbooks.com