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























 

Nothing Tops Preschool Art!

Well, hi!





The photo above is a shining example of what fan mail looks like when the majority of your demographic is, shall we say, age-challenged.  This impressive piece of art work is from a young lady in Calgary, Alberta named Julia. I thank you again for the lovely painting, Julia. It is gorgeous!


It's so fun to receive these little surprises! When I hear from kids, or their parents, stories about how they insist on reading my stories "just one more time" every night before bed, or how they are helping little ones to learn to read, it thrills me to no end. I've even heard, on a few different occasions, that "Tags Go In The Back" is being seriously employed as a "how to" book by some toddlers!


When I think about how close I came to talking myself out this adventure, it makes me so thankful to my husband and daughters for giving me that kick in the butt I needed to go for it.

I am so grateful that I didn't let the fear take me down a path of haunting "what ifs."


Even if things had turned out differently, even if I never sold a single book, I can honestly say, I still would have regretted not trying more than failure.

This adventure has taken and continues to take me places I never thought possible. It has shattered the notion of a comfort zone, it has taught me to enter without expectation, for nothing ever goes like you think it will.

This adventure has given me and continues to give me so many joyous moments filled with sticky hugs and bright, excited little faces.  It gives me opportunities to meet overwhelmed young parents who are looking for a helpful tip or two from someone who has been there. It gives me phenomenal chances to meet other authors, and in doing so, learning that there is an infinite number of paths that lead the pen to paper.


This adventure has taught and continues to teach me to be open. Open to opportunity and circumstance. It has taught me to say yes to things I'd love to do, but am afraid of doing. It has taught and continues to teach me to never let fear make the decisions. Big or small.

Doing what you love is possible. It's necessary. It's vital to our soul's survival.

Even though keeping a roof over our heads prevents most of us from ditching our day jobs to pursue our passions full time, it's so important that we find a way to incorporate them into our lives on a regular basis, in a meaningful way. To deny our passions is denying ourselves of becoming the people we are supposed to become.We have them for a reason.


The upcoming week begins with a day, tomorrow, being spent with my four daughters. It is a "bride to be" event we are attending in honour of our youngest daughter who is getting married next June. It's not often I can get them all together under one roof, and very rare to do so without husbands or fiances or boyfriends or kids! As they are collectively, literally the funniest group of people to hang out with, I think it should be a pretty good day!


The rest of the week will be filled to the brim with fixing trailers and hunting down parts for said trailers.

Some time will need to be set aside for some "Word On The Street" preparations, and hopefully setting a date for launching "Alfred"


Well folks that about does it for me this time around. Thank you for taking the time to read these ramblings.




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




May your heart be lifted by an unexpected surprise, making you smile, making your day.
May the smile stay with you, beaming, lighting up any darkness along the way.

May passion strangle any fear if it dares to intrude on your choices.
May it always outshine, out shout, out sing, leaving fear only the weakest of voices.

May you dare to be happy, claim it, grab it, devour it without guilt.
May you see it's there within you, simply release it from the fortress you have built.


Until next time...

www.margyreidbooks.com