With My Tongue Firmly Embedded In My Cheek...

Christmas on a budget....

The Holidays are expensive. Period. The gifts for teachers, bus drivers, mail carriers, blah blah blah, not to mention the presents that are supposed to measure up to the letters to Santa, the eight hopes of Hanukkah, the requests of Kwanzaa, or the exchanges that you enjoy celebrating, that have zilch to do with religion or historical tradition.

We all have our reasons to celebrate the season. It's awesome! No matter what drives yours, it generally promotes a mindset of kindness and generosity. Embrace it! Run with it!

But, with that, can come expense stress. So, with my tongue firmly embedded in my cheek, I give you the following money-saving holiday hacks!


Coming up with the perfect hors d'oeuvres for your upcoming Holiday soiree can be difficult and labour intensive, not to mention, costly. To procure said appys with minimal effort and even less money, line a cooler with tin foil, grab your roll of plastic wrap, make a trip to your nearest Costco and hit the samples. There is always an endless, grand variety, a little something for everyone. Boom.

Stuck for a gift for that person on your list who has everything? Simple. I'm sure you are aware of the recent scandal in the art community wherein someone ate a $120,000 art installation of a banana he freed from being duct-taped to a canvas. Piece of fruit + duct tape = priceless gift. Boom.

In need of some Christmas confections? Virtually every business has treats sitting out this time of year and they are absolutely expecting you to help yourself.  You are but an errands-run and a few Ziploc bags away from filling your candy dishes to the brim. Boom.


Unable to fulfill every wish on your little one's wishlist to Santa? Crafty or not, craft yourself as close to the desired gift as you can, then simply explain that Santa's elves had eaten too many cookies, and made some gifts while on a crazy sugar high. Theirs must have been part of that batch. You saw the story on the news. Boom.


Last, but certainly not least, home decor. Ahhhhh, the tree, (if that's how you roll) the garland, the mistletoe, the stockings, the sparkle, the glitter... first spend some quality time at your local dollar store, then let the kids in your life go nuts. It might look a little wonky when they are done, but that, my friends, is nothing a few glasses of wine, a couple of shots of tequila, and some skilled squinting can't cure. Boom.

You're welcome.


Disclaimer:

The above information/advice is for entertainment purposes only and not meant to be taken literally... just sayin'...



The lesson:

This time of year is supposed to be fun, don't let unrealistic expectations of perfection suck the joy out of the season.

Those who matter won't care how the tree is decorated, by whom, or what's under it. They won't care that the food isn't Insta-worthy. They won't care that your holiday may lean a bit more toward National Lampoon than Hallmark.


Those who matter just want to see you happy. Period. Boom.


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Until next time...


May your dollars stretch like the waistband of three child deep maternity underwear.
May you redefine "perfect" for it really means laugh-filled memories made and shared.

May you remember chasing the old perfect is like trying to capture a unicorn with golden wings.
May you see that those that matter, who really matter, care about you, your happiness, not things.

May you take a beat, take a breath, take a break, take a walk, take a nap, take a turn on the backyard swings.
May you know your best is always enough, you're doing awesome, you are awesome, you bring the magic, you are the magic, you, the unicorn with golden wings.


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For you book browsing pleasure visit  www.margyreidbooks.com


For your digital copy of Once Broken:


https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B071HTFTX6?pf_rd_p=05326fd5-c43e-4948-99b1-a65b129fdd73&pf_rd_r=SZB4G740QT7GE71Q39N8

Canadian Bathroom Graffiti...#youmatter...

Hi!

"Please do not lose hope. You Got this!"

"Have faith and be good to yourself" #youmatter

This, my friends, is an example of Canadian bathroom graffiti.

With all of the divisiveness going on in the world right now, it does the heart good to walk into a public washroom in the middle of Saskatchewan for a quick pitstop, and find this level of kindness gracing a bathroom stall. 

We get hit with the horrors of what we are capable of on a daily basis. The good things, the kindnesses, usually get buried, well behind all of the breaking news.

Breaking news. 

A term that used to refer to articles of current events that were so important they couldn't possibly wait.

Now, when you see the banner come across your screen, you know the 'breaking' means heartbreaking. It no longer means urgent, at least not most of the time. It just means someone did something soul-crushing to someone else.

If we want to see the good stuff, we have to find it ourselves. 

On social media, there are countless videos of strangers literally giving the clothes off their backs to help someone in need. 

Out and about, there are, without cameras present, doors being held, cars being pushed out of slippery situations, sidewalks being anonymously shoveled, drive through orders being paid for, treats being shared.

There are people donating clothes, food, and money to those less fortunate. 

There are people doing incredibly noble, selfless things. Donating time, blood, bone marrow, organs.

Humanity has a great capacity for extraordinary kindness. We've proven, throughout history, that our instincts tend to lean heavily toward taking care of each other as opposed to taking each other down. 

There are those out there that test that theory on a fairly regular basis. Those driven by fragile egos and greed. But, if you look back, even though they sometimes rise to the top of whatever pile they are climbing, they rarely stay there for long. There are a few exceptions, but those are cases wherein they remain unchallenged, unaccountable.

When unfettered ego and greed are the dominant characteristics of any kind of leader, teachers, coaches, clergy, politicians, it becomes a test as to how quickly humanity can right the ship. 

Apathy can not be an option.

If you came around a corner to discover someone hitting a child or kicking a puppy, would you just walk by, or would you do step in to stop it?

Racist jokes, mean-spirited gossip, exclusion, abuses of power, it's all kicking puppies. 

None of us is perfect, none of us do the right thing 100% of the time, that is one of the few things in life that is a certainty.

But, when you pay attention, when you catch yourself making those choices about walking by, #youmatter

Whether, in this story, you are the passerby, or the puppy, #youmatter.

If you look at this scenario and see yourself in the position of the kicker, it's time to take a long look in the mirror because #youmatter.

Humanity has a great capacity for extraordinary kindness. We've proven, throughout history, that our instincts tend to lean heavily toward taking care of each other as opposed to taking each other down. 

#youmatter

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May we all work hard to prove, every day, that humanity is better than what we see in the news.

May we remain openminded, fluid in our mindset, willing to grow, considering others' views.

May we never choose apathy out of fear, fear of discomfort, fear of judgment, fear of aftermath.

May we find the courage to intervene, step in, speak up, accepting the possibility of wrath.

May we show those who will follow us, this moment in history was more than vicious chatter.

May you take your place in history's pages knowing you count, your voice counts, #youmatter.

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There is still time to fill the stockings of those you love with stories! 

To purchase books click here:  www.margyreidbooks.com

For the digital version of Once Broken click the link below:

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B071HTFTX6?pf_rd_p=05326fd5-c43e-4948-99b1-a65b129fdd73&pf_rd_r=XTZ232QYFHJNF0KSS6JM

Magic Is Magic

And just like that, November is gone!

The holiday gatherings have begun. Work parties, get-togethers with friends, and concerts put on by the littles that would rival any Broadway production.

My snowmen have successfully migrated from the basement and are doing well. Our grandbabies had the opportunity to participate in the "Friendsmas" at their Auntie and Uncle's house, and will be beginning their rehearsals for the concerts very soon.

Work parties are... well, work parties. They provide all kinds of opportunities, good and bad. Just remember, as you attend, everybody has a camera, and they aren't shy about using them.

For us, added into the holiday madness, are the final few of the tradeshows at which we will be selling and signing books.

Tomorrow, we head to Moose Jaw. For those of you not from here, yes that is the name of a real city. Next week, White City, also real, then Kindersley. 

Throughout the fall we've met, and continue to meet, incredible, gifted artisans who display an incredible variety of talents that produce everything from handmade hats, mittens and plush toys, to home-baked goodies of every kind you can think of, We've seen hand-tooled jewelry with mind-blowing detail, wood carvings big enough to sit on and tiny enough to fit in your dollhouse. We've had the privilege of seeing beauty framed, some painted, some put there through the eye of a lens.

Over the next little while, if you have the opportunity to attend one of these shows, the craft fairs, the tradeshows, the extravaganzas, do yourself the favour, and go. It would be hard to be disappointed in the treasures you will find. 

Now I hate to write and run, but I have to get ready for tomorrow's tradeshow, and I have some squares that need to be cut and taken to the freezer before my hubby gets home,

So go, take it all in, spread some joy, or, if you are in need of some, take yourself to places where you can bathe in it. 

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On a sadder note, our son-in-law lost his Granddad early this morning. Although he lived a long and full life, it's never easy to say good-bye to someone you love.

When you are 7, 5 and 3, it can be particularly tough. It hurts to know our grandbabies are having to deal with this depth of grief at such a young age. In their sweet innocence, they have decided to leave extra cookies out for Santa this year, with a note to ask Santa to bring one to Granddad.

Magic is magic.

Time spent with loved ones is precious. A gift, not a given.

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May you embrace the magic of the season, take it all in through the eyes of a child.

May you let it carry you through any heaviness, let it make the mayhem mild.

May you share the magic, sprinkling it generously over everyone you meet.

May the warmth this brings keep you toasty from your head to your feet.

May the magic from others find you, if you are having trouble tapping into your own.

May you see the depth and breadth of your magic are vast, yet untested and unknown.

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Until next time...

Books can still be shipped in time for Christmas!

Check them out at www.margyreidbooks.com 

For a digital copy of Once Broken click the link below...

https://www.amazon.ca/Once-Broken-Margy-Reid-ebook/dp/B071HTFTX6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=35TL5NB4B0CG6&keywords=once+broken&qid=1575067573&sprefix=once+broken%2Caps%2C346&sr=8-1

Make It Better...

Hi!



The Holidays are just around the corner!




Whether it's Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, wherever, however, whatever the name of your holiday, Cheers!

Personally, we celebrate Christmas, and with that comes the homemade treats that only get made at Christmas.

Tarts, pies, squares, and cookies. Familiar smells bringing back memories of when our girls were little, there to savour the remnants of batter that clung to the beater, licking the bowls, my trusty taste testers.
Now, it's my babies' babies who light up at the bottomless cookie jar, the gooey tarts, the chocolatey goodness of fudgy delights.

For me, baking, putting together traditional favourites, creating new tidbits, is relaxing.

Everyone prepares for the holidays in their own way.

It's the time of year when things can feel a bit hectic, and stressful

Try not to let it. I know it's hard. It can seem like the list of things to do between now and then multiplies while the time to do it in shrinks.

It's a time of year that can be tough for many.


Maybe a loved one has passed, maybe your family situation is less than ideal, maybe finances are tight, maybe you're just not sure if you can make it happen at all.

One step at a time, one breath at a time.

Hang in, hang on, reach out.

So, let's do each other a huge favour, and just be kind. No one gets through life without struggle. A friendly voice on a phone, a kind act, a smile. These things that cost you nothing, require precious little effort, and can make a much bigger difference than you realize. Each person you come in contact with every single day is facing something they would rather not be facing. Although we may not have the power to fix everyone's problems, let's all, at least, agree to just do what we can to not make anything worse.

With every connection, an impression is made. How we make a person feel lingers on their soul.

Make it better.


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Until next time...


May kindness drive your every encounter, leaving smiles and light in your wake.
May any struggle you are facing become smaller, more walkthroughable, with every step you take.

May you see the best holiday memories are rarely made by dollar signs wrapped in fancy bows.
May you see it's the time spent in laughter, playing games, watching old cartoon holiday shows.

May you, if this time of year pushes you to shadowed places you don't care to tread,
May you find a way to hold on, hang on, reach out, see beyond today, to the brighter days ahead.


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To shop for great stocking stuffers, check out....  www.margyreidbooks.com


Digital version of Once Broken available at:

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B071HTFTX6?pf_rd_p=46535598-d2e0-4bc4-8392-182d8c1e93fc&pf_rd_r=YHTDEH3PD62R6GNQCWQN

Make Your Soul Sing...

Hi!


Last weekend, we surprised our Mom with a party to celebrate her upcoming 80th birthday.


Under the guise of a jewelry fair, (Our mom loves her some jewelry) our niece lured her to the venue. As this was an 80th birthday, we thought better of the traditional hiding and screaming of "surprise!"

We, her six kids, four sons-in-law, three daughters-in-law, eighteen grandkids, almost all of their significant others, and eleven great-grandbabies, instead, waited in complete silence (a pretty incredible feat in and of itself).

It took a second or two for her to adjust from what she had expected to what was, in fact, happening. In true Mom form, once she began recognizing the faces that filled the room, her sense of humour always intact, "Well, where is the jewelry party?"

The rest of the day, evening, and, to be honest, into the not so early hours of the next morning, we celebrated. Celebrated Mom, of course, and just being together. The logistics of bringing everybody under the same roof can be tough when you have a big family. We tend to take full advantage when the opportunity presents itself.

Celebrations are important, and not just for the big things like weddings and big birthdays.


Celebrate.


Two very important chairs were empty at this party. That of our Dad, and that of our sister. They both have passed. Proof that time together is never a given, always a gift.

Celebrate.


Holidays, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, new babies, game days, recitals, grads of all kinds, best efforts, lost teeth, potty training victories, learning to tie shoes, favourite movie releases.

Celebrate all of it.

The celebrations don't always have to include hall rentals, hours of travel and hilarious subterfuge, but it sure bumps up the fun factor when they do.

Sometimes, celebrations are phone calls, messages, hugs, meals, or sleepovers. Sometimes they are as simple as "I'm proud of you, you're awesome."

Families come in all kinds of shapes, are all different sizes, and, many times, go far beyond coming from the same DNA.

When you get the chance to spend time with family, whatever your definition, take it.


Life can be so chaotic, crazy busy, fraught with the white noise of running our day to day existence. The trick is to recognize the distinction between our existence and our life.

Existence is what you need to do to keep flesh and bone together. Life is what makes your soul sing.

Do yourself the favour of taking time to make your soul sing.

Manufacture some minutes for conversations, board games, cranking the tunes and dancing in the living room. Sculptor some seconds for laughing until your stomach aches, cuddling up to watch movies, and playing in the snow. Carve out some clicks of the clock to create memories, be goofy, and make cupcakes.

Celebrate.



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Until next time...


May you embrace every minute you get to spend with those that matter most.
May you celebrate everything that makes your soul sing, give a high five, make a toast.

May the white noise of life fade long enough to make some memories, have some laughs.
May you set aside time for long-ago stories, showing new eyes the black and white photographs.

May more of your precious time be spent soaking in what makes your soul sing.
May you treasure those who matter most, for time on this side is a preciously fleeting thing.





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To check out my books visit:

www.margyreidbooks.com

For a digital copy of Once Broken, visit:

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B071HTFTX6?pf_rd_p=46535598-d2e0-4bc4-8392-182d8c1e93fc&pf_rd_r=R96TN4XDEVVNW7NFAMS9

We Have Yet To Deserve Your Sacrifice...

Hi.





It is with nothing but respect and remembrance that I write these words.



Our pomp and circumstance can't help but be dwarfed by your sacrifice.
There will never be a ceremony or moment of silence big enough to convey the depth of our gratitude.
You fought, and continue to fight for and protect, the freedoms we have the luxury of taking for granted.
Those who are wanting to discriminate can't recognize your gender or sexual orientation through the flag that drapes your casket.

In addition to pinning a poppy close to our hearts, how can we truly honour you?

I think it comes down to this.

We need to stand up for those who live in terror. Borders are but imaginary lines drawn in the sand by people who didn't know better. Humanity is bigger than that.
Those who live within our imaginary circles don't own exclusive rights to those freedoms. They should be shared by all of humanity, regardless of location, belief system, or skin tone.

We need to stand up for those who live in fear. Fear of abuse, fear of violence, fear of undeserved repercussions of imaginary wrongs.

We should fight against every notion that one group of people should have control over another. Women should not have to fight for, or defend, their right to make decisions about their own bodies. No adult should have to fight for, or defend, their right to marry. No race should have to fight for, or defend, their right to a level playing field. No one should have to fight for, or defend how they choose to, or not to, worship.

We should fight for those who have fought for us. The words struggling and veteran should never live in the same sentence with any truth.

Those who have, and continue to sacrifice should, when they come home, get to live in the world they are fighting for.


We have yet to deserve your sacrifice, to honour it properly. I'm hopeful that, in time, we will.

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


To those who stand up...

May you feel our gratitude, even when, especially when, it's the most difficult to see.
May we, someday, prove our worthiness of your sacrifice, become the humanity we need to be.

May we honour you.


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

Until next time...

For hard copies of all of my books: www.margyreidbooks.com

Check out the digital version of Once Broken...

https://www.amazon.ca/Once-Broken-Margy-Reid-ebook/dp/B071HTFTX6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=25NSVQPDJS70L&keywords=once+broken&qid=1573233126&sprefix=once+broken%2Caps%2C396&sr=8-1

Happy Halloween And Other Stuff...

Hi!


Another Halloween in the books!


My house seemed to walk the scary line pretty well. Got a few gasps and squeals from trick or treaters but didn't make anybody cry. Just the right amount of scary! Yay!


I always get such a kick out of the creativity that goes into their costumes. I had everything from a Buzz Lightyear to a stop sign. Hats off to the parents who encourage and participate!


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On a more serious note...

There is a news story that came out of Barcelona, Spain.

Five men were acquitted of rape because their unconscious, 14-year-old victim didn't fight back.


Read that again, slowly, let it sink in.


They don't consider it rape because she was unconscious.

Their definition of rape involves violence, and somehow, in that logic, treating a 14-year-old girl like a sex toy you can buy on eBay doesn't constitute violence. I don't care that she didn't end up battered and bloody, she is a CHILD, and was UNCONSCIOUS! The violation of her body, her soul, her psyche is ABSOLUTE violence.

Violence: The unlawful exercise of physical force or intimidation by the exhibition of such force.


If raping an unconscious person isn't exercising physical force, I don't know what is.


This is in Spain, but if you look at the way society as a whole, treats survivors of rape, the way it is dismissive of the damage it does, this dismissiveness stamped over and over again on the paperwork of the under prosecuted monsters that commit these life-altering acts of cruel brutality, if you look at all of it, it's a shame all of humanity carries.


Are we where we were 50 years ago? Thankfully not. Are we where we need to be? Not even close.


How do we make a change in how society sees and treats rape? We, those who live regular lives, going to our jobs, running errands, racing through the nuts and bolts of life?


I think it starts with how we raise our men. Teaching them that women aren't prey to be hunted, that resistance isn't a ploy or a turn on. Teaching them to respect women, and not just on the surface, in front of other people, where there are witnesses. Real respect. In front of their goading friends, behind closed doors.


I think it includes calling out crap behavior. If you have a friend who has an aggressive attitude toward women, in their actions or speech, speak up. If you see someone vulnerable, in a sketchy situation, help them.


I think it continues with working to change the laws. Changing the courts' attitude toward rape. Educating judges as to the very real damage this violent violation does to every aspect of a survivor's life. It changes everything. How you make decisions, how you see yourself, how you see the world as a whole.


The wounds become scars, scars may fade, but they never completely heal.


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For those living with the scars...


May you thrive beyond your survival, may the nightmares and triggers fade.
May you see you are so much more than the hollowed-out version they made.

May those who hurt you collide with Karma, and enter their own version of hell.
May you go on to have a beautiful life, seizing the sweetest revenge, living well.


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

Until next time...


www.margyreidbooks.com

Find your digital copy of Once Broken @
https://www.amazon.ca/Once-Broken-Margy-Reid-ebook/dp/B071HTFTX6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3RH0BE8GYV4HI&keywords=once+broken&qid=1572635441&sprefix=once+broken%2Caps%2C438&sr=8-1