Hello all. Only thirteen days to Christmas Day (just in case you had forgotten)! And guess what – I may have that missing last minute gift idea for you…or at least one for starting the new year.
I am on the verge of launching my second book, Stories from the Bench, and it will be available both from me and via Amazon.ca (paperback and e-book). You can expect a ‘launch email’ no later than December 16th. Timing is a bit later than what I had hoped for but gotta roll with the cards that are dealt.
The past couple of weeks have been very busy on the writing front. Not only have I made progress on the launch of the second book, I have:
- been working on revisions to my http://www.momentsofreflection.ca web site with the active support and guidance of my friend Guy Levert;
- attended an ‘author event’ guest starring Terry Fallis (Canadian author of ten novels). This was a wonderful opportunity to meet Terry and to hear about his perspectives on writing;
- attended an event for the Ottawa Independent Writers that provided an opportunity to hear and celebrate poetry and to connect with fellow local authors and poets. I read my poem Guiding Star as part of this event and received very positive feedback; and
- completed several poems – Guiding Star, Road Hockey and On the Streets; and two short stories – Frizzy and No More Tears. Please see my web site under Poetry and Short Stories should you be interested.
Are you into the Christmas season? A season of celebration of hope and the promise of faith; of peace and contentment around and within us; of joy and gratitude for our lives and those with us on the journey; and of love for others that takes us beyond ourselves. I do hope that you are able to be living the spirit of Christmas.
We are so fortunate as a family to be able to be together this year. Sebastien and Kendra are coming home to spend a few days, something made even more special with their news of our growing family. Max continues to live with us at home even as he works hard to get his business up and running, while also traveling and spending time with friends. Line and I get to enjoy Christmas time with them after what has been a very wonderful and busy 2023 filled with travel and new experiences. This is all happening with my expected heart surgery and related recovery time just around the corner, underlining the importance of taking the opportunity to be with family and friends and living life to its fullest.
My blogging is supposed to be regular but not too frequent – so not more than twice a month. You can expect not to hear from me again until after Christmas (except for the book launch email that will be separate from my blog). Thank you for letting me into your household.
My best wishes to each of you for a merry Christmas and a wonderful happy and healthy New Year.
George