nancy, Author at Wandering Wellington County

Label Me Summertime!

July 24, 2014 by nancy Leave a Comment

Label Me Summertime! I wish summer could last all year-long. I guess I could move to another Country where it is warm and sunny 24/7? Would you want to move with me?

I am hearing the clock tick – toc…..can you hear it ticking…. I dare not look at the calendar anymore I just don’t want the summer to end. Ok it is nearing the end of July. Do you remember when you were a kid in elementary school and the summers seemed to last forever and you didn’t need a full agenda all summer. Your Mom would simply open the door and say to you “see you at supper time, and be good!” Perhaps I am showing my age a wee bit by remembering my summers carefree, easy breezy. I think it was simply different times and a different world. Mom’s & Dad’s would you dare think of saying that to your kids today? Why has our society changed so much in such a short time?

I am reading a lot these days about reverting back to those 70’s kind of summers and just taking it easy with the kids and not planning a full agenda for them each day of the week. Being a Mother I have to admit it does seem daunting not to have some kind of plan. Or do we over-plan and over-schedule these kids too much. I know I certainly can overwhelm myself with my planning and then I all of a sudden I just feel like jumping into the water and forgetting it all.

Maybe that is what summers are for, just slow the pace a little and just enjoy each others company – just like these kid’s in this photo. Ahhh those were the days….. just hanging out with the neighbour kids – we didn’t spend a lot of time on the docks. However I do remember hop scotch, Barbies, hide and seek, along with popsicles on the sidewalk if we were lucky.

Thinking back I do remember many a time on the dock at my Grandfathers cottage fishing. I would catch buckets upon bucket of perch each day. I remember my father finally showing me how to clean a fish at an early age as he couldn’t keep up with my “catch of the day!”. MM MM… those are some good memories. Just me, the dock and a fishing pole.

Enjoy those summer days and summer nights everyone – don’t be afraid to jump in and enjoy the fun of summer, I will race you!

Talk soon ~

Nancy

“Welcome to Kindergarten” – Label – Label – Label!

July 7, 2014 by nancy Leave a Comment

Checking the mail today there was a letter addressed to my 4-year-old son Noah. Rarely does my son receive mail, other than on occasional Holidays from Grandma and my loyal friend Kathleen who loves to send letters and cards to my kiddlets.

The return address was our elementary school. It was Noah’s official “WELCOME TO KINDERGARTEN” letter. It notified us of the name of his new teacher, what to expect and a lot of information about LABELLING – LABEL _ LABEL _ LABEL! Being in the business this is always great to read, but I must admit kinda of still weird to think of myself as the “label-lady” or LABELMEMOMMY!

If you are a new Mom, you have probably not heard of our labels. I remember walking into that foreign territory when my daughter began Kindergarten a few years ago. This Mom might be a little biased, being I am in the label business. I have to tell you these labels really do work, give us a try “Stick With Us & Your Stuff Will Stick With You!”. My girlfriend always laughs when she hears this or reads it on my vehicle, she comments “Isn’t your tagline a little cliché?” Truth be told, it might sound a little cliché or even corny but I have to tell you they really do stick and they really do bring your kids stuff home. My daughter always gets her stuff returned to her from our bus driver Garry. I really hope Garry will be returning come September, he is the best guy a Mom would want to drive the kiddos to school! Every holiday he gives the kids, chocolate bunnies, gift cards. Drives them in snow, sleet, rain and I never worry as he is just the best driver and person we could ever ask for. He always greets us with a big smile , fingers crossed he will be around for a long time! We love you Garry.

Mom’s I know you are probably not thinking of school, but here is a little of my “Welcome Kindergarten Package” which I received today.

School Supplies:
A large backpack – labelled
A labelled “quiet time” blanket/mat to lay on
Lunch Box – Labelled
Oops Bag – Labelled
Indoor Shoes – Labelled
Box of Tissues

LABEL – LABEL – LABEL! Please label ALL of your children’s belongings, (backpack, lunchbox containers, shoes, jackets, etc…), the amount of lost and found items each year is phenomenal! Lost items that are labelled are much easier to reunite with their owners.

Looking forward to seeing you in the New Year!
– The Kindergarten team.

I am not ready to put my little Noah on the school bus just yet. I am going to cherish the summer holidays and try to not think of that day. I might not be ready to send him off to school, but I hope to make him his own cool personalized set of labels for school!

Talk soon

Nancy

Slow Down Summer …………

July 4, 2014 by nancy Leave a Comment

I just want summer to last all year-long. I was doing some “business stuff” today as we all do, and I was discussing dates with a business associate and I realized we were talking about August. No – No – No I don’t want to think August we just have begun July. SLOW DOWN I thought to myself. I need to really chill and savour these summer moments more. We have already begun July and looking thru my calendar I see how quickly the summer is going to slide by. NO – NO – NO! I simply will not allow it.

I must mark my calendar with more fun dates for myself and my kiddlets. I know we have the other seasons and other holidays to look forward to, but do they involve a beach, book and sand? Please let my mind, body and soul this year – S L O W down just a little so I can really take each minute to really feel the sun on my back. Please let my mind slow down enough to wonder into the world of my new fiction book. I just want to really sink my toes in the sand, and slather more sunblock on the shoulders and maybe have a cold drink on hand by my beach chair! All the while when I look up and I can see my kiddies running safely down the beach with their silly grins on their faces while I hear them giggle and watch their watermelon bellies jiggle.

Well that’s all folks just some late night thoughts. I am getting up early tomorrow and running to the beach. Not walking, but running. OK… actually we are driving a few hours and Mom gets to pack up, (must remember the new book), and all the other family beach stuff. I am going to breathe deep (this yoga stuff really works), forget about those “business stuff thingies for a while and just chill!” See you at the beach.

Talk soon ~

Nancy

Who Doesn’t Like A Fruit Kabob?

June 18, 2014 by nancy Leave a Comment

Want to be the “Hit of the Party?” Come on ….. who doesn’t want to feel like Martha Stewart some of the time! Taking these crowd pleasers to the party they ask “Did you make these?” You can proudly answer “Yes I did”. What is so hard about a fruit kabob you ask? It is so simply – it is easy peazy!

Having the all the ingredients is key. Browsing the grocery store this week I eyed those wooden skewers sitting on the shelf. They seemed to jump into the cart without a second glance. With all of the fruit in season, it is smooth sailing.

Ingredients: Strawberries, Kiwi, Grapes, Oranges, & Wooden Skewers (use any of your favorite fruits)

(You could jazz it up with 2 Bonus Items) Cheese Cubes & Fruit Dip!

How do you do it?

Wash and cut all fruit – remember to keep them chunky for the sticks. Start sticking – being careful to slide them on slowly. Cut the wooden sticks in half if you want a smaller version or if they fit on your platter nicer. Remember Kiddies love to help in the kitchen. This is a great little project to do with the kiddies when you are attending your family or friend party this summer!

Fruit Dip Recipe: 8 oz. Creme Cheese 1/2 Cup marshmallow creme 2 Cups Frozen Whipped Topping 1/4 Unsweetened Pineapple Juice

(Mixy – Mixy and you are done. Chill for 1 hour and arrange the skewers on a fancy platter with your dip in the middle).

Chillax – SUMMER IS FINALLY HERE – Martha would be proud!

Talk soon ~

Nancy

3 Greek Sisters – Cookbook Authors

June 2, 2014 by nancy 3 Comments

I had the pleasure of meeting with the 3 Greek Sisters recently. They are Cookbook Authors of 2 published cookbooks. We are both members with the Guelph Mompreneur’s Group. An association connecting Mom’s in the business community with chapters across Canada.

Owners of “Adelfes” – Publishing Company

Cookbook Authors – Betty, Eleni and Samantha Bakopoulos

“Three Sisters Around the Greek Table”

“Three Sisters Back to the Beginning”

HOW DID YOU GET THIS JOB?

We created our own job! The 3 of us had careers of our own before the cookbooks, one of us was still is an artist, and two are former teachers. There came a time when our lives took us in different directions. We were either at home raising children, or due to our husbands’ careers, found ourselves displaced in Ontario somewhere. During this time, we pooled our energies, combined our talents and passions and started writing down all recipes that we grew up with. We were lucky enough to grow up with wonderful home-cooked meals and our family dinner table was always the centre of our home. We knew we not only had great recipes to share but a great story that many people would relate to and perhaps be inspired by. We had all the parts required for writing a cookbook: we love writing, we are passionate about food, and Eleni is a photographer. So the adventure began. We also decided to self-publish and started our own publishing company.

Four years later, we have 2 award-winning Greek cookbooks, best-selling status and we have appeared on radio, television and in print across the Country.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

We love that there are always exciting new things happening that we never would have dreamed before writing the books. Our first book was awarded Best Foreign Cookbook by the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. This meant that we would be competing on an International level, and that competition took place on Valentine’s Day in Paris, France. It couldn’t get more exciting than that! We decided to take the plunge, we all went to Paris in the winter and we took along our parents – they deserved the award just as much as us. We ended up placing 4th in the World.

This year, our newest book won Best Mediterranean Cookbook and the International awards take place in Beijing, China in May. We are hoping that we can head to the far East and be there in person.

WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT IN THE WORKFORCE? (Especially if they want to do what you do?)

The best advice is to talk to someone who has already walked the path. They can give you so much information on what the world of publishing is all about. We reached out to several cookbook authors, Emily Richards, Elizabeth Baird, and Greta Podleski; each women was candid and honest and their feedback was priceless.

Also, you need to realize that the world is changing, and social media plays a big role in marketing. Whether you like it or not, you will have to engage in twitter, Facebook and all the rest if you want to expand your brand and business.

HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

It was a lot of hard work – writing the book was just the first part, and in many ways it is the easiest part. Marketing is a job that never ends. You always have to think of ways to let people know about your products and why it is something that every home should have.

One of the best pieces of advice we read was, “do 5 things a day for your product” – it could be a phone call to a book-store, a blog, or a Facebook post. If you keep to that each and every day, you will reap benefits.

WHAT ARE YOU READING NOW:

Betty: Three Day Road, Joseph Boyden

Eleni: The Orenda, Joseph Boyden

Samantha: 419, Will Ferguson

FAVOURITE COLOUR:

Betty: Purple

Eleni: Red

Samantha: Blue

IS THERE SOMETHING IN YOUR CHILDHOOD WHICH MIGHT HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR CAREER PATH TODAY?

When we were young we were very fortunate to spend our summers in Greece with our Grandparents and extended family. We jokingly referred to it as “Greek Girl Guides.” It was like travelling back in time. We made egg noodles from scratch with our Grandparents. We went crab hunting in the ancient Neda river, and had lamb on a spit in the shade of olive trees. Those memories made a very strong impression, one of food, celebration and family as the key to happiness.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT (Work Related?)

Selling over 16,000 books! In Canada, that is a huge number, especially when 4 years ago, no one knew who we were.

IF YOU COULD TALK TO A ROOM FULL OF PEOPLE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR WORLD – WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THEM AND WHY?

When it comes to food and family, make the time. Eat together. Connect with your food and each other.

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE PERSON (MENTOR?)

We would all agree – our parents. They came to Canada in 1970 not knowing the language and having to work so hard to make ends meet. They were like all immigrants in the 70’s. They worked days and nights to make a better life for their kids. And they did just that.

They also gave us courage to become entrepreneurs, they have been truly supportive of us throughout the cookbook journey. In fact, they still join us at events and roll up their sleeves to wash a pot or two if needed!

WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

We have a warehouse full of books! They can be purchased at Chapters, Amazon, and our website, www.3greeksisters.com

We all need a “Pretty Ribbon!”

June 1, 2014 by nancy Leave a Comment

Do you remember your “Track & Field” Day at school when you were young? My best memories were of the celebrations at the end of the day with popsicle in hand. I guess I wasn’t much of an athlete when my memories are of popsicle’s and not the actual events. I do remember the high jumping, that darn bar! It always kind of scared the heck of me. Oh those ribbons they were always such a big part of the day. So many colours and they would be worn proudly on our shirts.

What happens to the child who doesn’t receive a ribbon? And all of her classmates, or all of your school it seems is walking around giving high fives and you are quietly crying on the sidelines. My heart broke today. I attended my daughters “Track & Field Day” at her school for a few hours and watched this little “ribbon-less” girl crying because she didn’t have any ribbons on her shirt.

I hadn’t planned on attending but driving home from an early morning seminar at the local library I felt the tug of my car to go “surprise my girl and give her a few cheers”. I felt I had done my (mommy) duty, as I had volunteered earlier in the week for her school trip. A mothers job is never done!

The day was held at Marden Park, a local indoor arena. Just a short bus drive from the school. My Meaghan had been talking about this for the last week. She said she wasn’t sure if she wanted to run the 400m or not? I said go for it girl! She did it and I think she got a 6th place ribbon. I didn’t get to see her run but I was so proud of her, as I knew from her talks she was a little nervous.

I was lucky to watch her perform her last 2 events. I watched her do the long jump. She has long legs and is very tall so I thought – Ok good she will do well! She placed “3rd”, my Meg’s said “It was her Best Ribbon of the Day!”

I was cheering and clapping for all the little girls in her class – everyone was so happy. I was so proud of them all! One little girl didn’t receive any ribbons and my heart just melted. She didn’t seem too bothered by it, however there was another girl (I think she was a year or 2 younger than my Meg’s quietly crying because she didn’t have any ribbons. I was so upset I asked the lady handing out the ribbons if she could have a ribbon. She said everyone gets a ribbon, she said she would talk to the teacher in charge. I just thought “oh please” just give her a ribbon now. Everyone kept saying she would receive a colourful “participation Ribbon” tomorrow. I thought she needs a ribbon now! Why would they wait until tomorrow. Having picked up my daughter from school that same day, I asked the administrator when the kids who didn’t win ribbons would receive their ribbon. There was a teacher standing there and she said she was happier and she got a ribbon.

Replaying the scenario in my mind, I wondered what I as a parent could have done? What would I want done if it were my child? After all I did know both of the children’s mothers. I felt totally at a loss as I didn’t know what to do. I mentioned it to a few teachers and they made there comments and I suggested to my daughter and her 2 friends that they offer her a ribbon. I think they would have but their next event came up as I was talking to them and then they got all excited and ran to it, while this little girl was left weeping on the sidelines.

Why does life have to be so hard at times? Especially when they are so young and innocent. You just want to shelter your kids from all the hurts, sorrows and pains you know they will encounter. I know “Track & Field Day” is supposed to teach kids about sportsmanship, working, winning & loosing. But why not give everyone a ribbon. How about offering those other 3 ribbons (at the event). Talking with a friend today, (a former teacher) she suggested offering all of the kids a ribbon before they start the day with a little talk about what the ribbons represent and about winning and loosing. How about offering those other 3 ribbons (at the event)? Who knows maybe those 2 little girls who didn’t receive those ribbons today will turn into competitive athletes someday?

I guess one of my lessons I want to teach my children is it is not whether you win or lose, it is how you play the game!

HONOURABLE MENTION – PARTICIPANT – PERSONAL BEST

My best part of the day was when she got home from school she quietly said to me

“Mom I am really glad you came today!”

Talk soon ~

Nancy

Soul Talk

May 31, 2014 by nancy Leave a Comment

It was 6 years ago this month I had the gift of holding my Grandfather’s hand while he took his last breath on earth. I remember attending my other Grandfather’s funeral in Grade 9. It was the first funeral I had ever attended. You always seem to remember these things in your youth. Why do we often feel so weird about death and dying?

My crazy high school friend used to cut grass and cremate bodies at the local cemetery when we were in high school. I am not so sure I could cremate bodies, cut grass yes, but burn bodies not so sure I would know how to even add that to my resume.

I somehow ended up being at the hospital for a test the same day my Grandfather passed. His one wish was he didn’t want to be alone when he died. What a gift to be there when he was taking that last breath and to know that his spirit went to the other side.

It something almost surreal to explain that day 6 years ago, but I will try to tell you how I felt. We were with him, my parents and me, the day which was to be his last. He wasn’t in pain, so that was a blessing. He knew we were there and I remember he gently squeezed my hand. We spoke too him and told him we loved him and to not be afraid and to know we where there with him. I will never forget how his hand felt and I sometimes still feel it today at the oddest times. My brother passed 8 years ago and we were very close (best friends). I feel his presence all the time, usually he is holding my hand, or I might see a glimpse of him somewhere.

I was not really close with my Grandfather but have great memories of him. He was a prominent and greatly admired business man and pilot in the community. He had the largest construction company in our hometown at one time, started a large paving business and began the local Airport, my Grandmother stills lives there today. He was a colourful character full of life and vigour.

I could feel his last breath and his body slowly went pale, he was no longer the strong barrel of a man, but simply a body lying in the bed with no spirit. It was somehow peaceful and a pivotal moment I will not forget in my life. The spirit or soul as some call I know is what makes the person; I could feel when his soul left his body, as could my parents. I remember another friend who had experienced someone passing and seeing this same process. I truly believe we are just vessels holding different souls.

Anniversaries always seem to take us back to those days when we remember those who have gone before us. It is part of the life cycle. “Death and taxes they say are the only sure things in life”. But I am sure that our souls carry on when we leave this earth. So have fun while you hear because you just never know when you might take that last breath!

“Spiritual relationship is far more precious than physical. Physical relationship divorced from spiritual is body without soul”

~ Mahatma Gandhi

Talk soon ~

Nancy

My Mad Men Journey

May 13, 2014 by nancy Leave a Comment

I love MAD MEN! I am addicted to this ICONIC series. I have one of the episodes playing now, like any addiction I use this television series for my escape, ( I am not hurting anyone?) Well maybe myself a little when I stay up too late watching too many hours of this show. I don’t even watch a lot of TV, but this somehow has me “hanging by a thread.” The episode I currently have playing My “Don Draper” is just interviewing a person alongside Peggy. Love Peggy and Love Don Draper. I have a love/ hate relationship with Mr. Don Draper. He is so bad and yet we see his good in many situations too!

My crazy journey with Mad Men began late in the game, which really sounds just like my life, (I am a late bloomer). I finally discovered this amazing show just this year. It is has just started its final season this past April. I have rented the DVD’s ( actually loaned them from the Public Library). I have made many donations to the “New library building fund”, for my late fees. Like my many things in life, I am late returning videos.

I rented all of the videos. Following in my Mother’s footsteps, (she is also a big Mad Men addict). She gets up in the wee hours of the morning and puts one of her shows on. Unlike myself she is privy to the actual TV times and does not know how to operate her DVD player, nor does she have the luxury of the PVR. I sound so technical (haha)! My 7-year-old daughter just showed my how to operate the PVR. This special device, really amazes me – I love it!

My mother keeps asking me if I have seen this episode? Or what did I think of this? I would kind of give her a blank stare and wonder – mm did I miss something? My good friend Henrietta (a.k.a. – “my neighbour”), who is also a huge fan would ask me some of the same questions. We have spent many a lunch hours discussing this, and wooing over Mr. Draper! She gifted me the DVD of season 6 to borrow (unlike the library she doesn’t charge a late fee). Being a library fan herself she is donating the series to the local library. Who does that? Henrietta of course, (she is really something else – my Henrietta!) I am sure her and Don would make a lovely couple. But that is another story, left for another time. Did I mention she was a Marketing Executive for an agency for many years, (believe me she has her stories!)

Yes I missed many episodes as I would watch one or two of the DVD season, and then on to the next season. I guess “Miss Technical”, couldn’t figure out there were more than one show per DVD. I would think to myself “My …this show jumps, quickly”.

To be perfectly honest I didn’t figure out my misfortune of the lost shows until I went to put on the new 6th season DVD from my neighbour. I questioned “what the heck was going on?” I emailed my neighbour and told her how silly I was, but like the good neighbour and friend she is she didn’t make me feel like such a looser. She told me I was lucky because I could still watch the new shows!

So when the new season started this year, I just couldn’t bring myself to watch it, as I haven’t officially watched all the episodes. So luckily we recently got Netflix, (another new addiction now). All my episodes are there – anytime I want. It is really is overwhelming. I must admit I am kinda of missing my weekly trips to the library.

I love all the characters, the story lines, the smoking, drinking, sex and the pure entertainment factor. I put the kiddies to bed, “My Matt” usually works late nights in the shop. That is OK, because I have My “MAD MEN”. I am thrilled I can escape for a few hours. It is just me and “My Don Draper”. So if you want you can take this journey with me please come on board. If you haven’t watched – you can always join me (it is never too late)! I have officially launched the MAD MEN Addiction with you! I hope you enjoy – as much as I do.

“Eat Life by the Bowl Full!” – Don Draper’s Tagline Pitch to Life Brand.

Talk soon ~ Nancy

Lisa Dalrymple – Children’s Author

May 1, 2014 by nancy Leave a Comment

HOW DID YOU GET THAT JOB?

Lisa Dalrymple and I sat down at a local coffee shop in Fergus, Ontario where she lives with her husband and 3 children. She began her writing journey at the age of 8 in England. She has a Masters Degree in English and is a published Author of 3 Children’s Books.

1. IF IT’S NO TROUBLE … A BIG POLAR BEAR

Written by Lisa Dalrymple / Illustrated by Lizz Pratt (Tuckamore Books, 2012)

2. BUBBLY TROUBLY POLAR BEAR

Written by Lisa Dalrymple / Illustrated by Lizz Pratt (Tuckamore Books, 2013)

3. SKINK ON THE BRINK

Written by Lisa Dalrymple / Illustrated by Suzanne Del Rizzo,

(Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2013)

HOW DID YOU GET THIS JOB?

We moved from England to Canada when I was 8. I don’t know when I began writing, but it was least that long ago. Lisa has a BA in English from the University Western, and a MA in English from the University of Guelph. She is a published author of 3 Children’s books.

1. If It’s No Trouble… A Big Polar Bear

2. Bubbly Troubly Polar Bear

3. Skink on the Brink

Lisa alongside the illustrator Suzanne Del Rizzo of the book Skink on the Brink, were the Winner of the Writers Union of Canada’s Writing for Children’s Award, 2011.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE LEAST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I have learned patience. She said it might take months or years for someone to follow-up about her submissions. Through this she has honed her ability to focus on multiple projects at one time.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I get to work in my pajama’s Being a mother of 3 children she enjoys her flexibility she has with her young growing family. Although she has flexibility she follows a daily routine and tries to write every day.

WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT IN THE WORKFORCE? (Especially if they want to do what you do?)

Read a lot and talk to people about your writing and create a network of peers. Feedback is critical and appreciated to Lisa with her writing.

Find “like-minded” people. Figure out how and why they are doing well and surround yourself with this attitude! Mentor-ship is very important. She finds women or other writers to be very supportive. Yes, many writers of kids’ books are women, but I hate to sound like I’m stereotyping.

She really enjoys being part of the Canadian “kid lit” , as in kid’s literature. It takes skill, perseverance and luck!

HOW DID YOU GET WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

Lisa works very hard at her craft. She has faced over 200 rejections from publishers and submissions but that didn’t stop her from following her dream. She knew in her heart and wanted to share her stories which she felt needed to be published for our children.

She held on to her dreams and motivation and surrounded herself with supportive people. She didn’t give up! Having personally met with Lisa and attended one of her writing workshops I know she is truly passionate and inspirational to aspiring writers and and anyone who wants to follow their dream!

WHAT ARE YOUR READING NOW?

Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil

FAVOURITE COLOUR?

Lisa quickly told me it was purple! She used her favourite purple pen when signing a copy of her book, “Bubbly Troubly Polar Bear” for my children.

IS THERE SOMETHING OR SOMEONE IN YOUR CHILDHOOD WHICH MIGHT HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR CAREER PATH TODAY?

One significant memory from her childhood is sending her “Grand Pop”, who was a Champion Boxer” her writing to review. They would share letters with her family back home in England. They would offer her their feedback and reviews. This helped her support her writing craft at an early age and they continued writing for many years.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT (Work Related)?

LISA WON! Her book “Skink on the Brink”, was the WINNER of the Writers’ Union of Canada’s Writing for Children’s Award.

It is a coveted award which there were over 800 entries.

IF YOU COULD TALK TO A ROOM FULL OF PEOPLE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR WORLD – WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THEM AND WHY?

Perseverance, do not give up. Lisa has had her share of rejections and used her patience, perseverance along with her supportive community of friends and family to overcome the 283 rejections. Until that day, July 1, 2011. Her first book would be published, “If it’s No Trouble …. A Big Polar Bear”. Later that same day she found out she was the winner of the “2011 Writers’ Union of Canada Writing for Children’s Award for her book “Skink on the Brink”.

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE PERSON (Who is your mentor?)

Husband Marc and 3 children, Natalie Sage, Danielle Kate and Ethan Alexander.

WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU (or anything else you would like to add to this interview?)

Lisa will be busy writing new stories for her launch in 2014. In October 2014 with illustrator David Sturge and another book launch in the Spring of 2015.

A Moose Goes a Mummering, illustrated by David Sturge, published by Tuckamore Books, Fall 2014.

WHERE CAN I FIND YOUR BOOKS?

Look for Lisa’s books at our local book-store (Roxanne’s Reflections & Books), in Fergus, or Chapters.

Lisa has a Facebook Page. Visit her Website. She loves to visit children in local schools and organizations to share her stories, contact her for more information!

DREAM BIG

April 25, 2014 by nancy Leave a Comment

Don’t ever give up your dreams! I know you have heard that before, but sometimes we just have to put one foot in front of each other and keep going. I know you have heard that one too. How about, don’t let anyone burst your bubble! This world can be tough at times and sometimes all we have are our dreams and hopes for something better.

I really think that without dreams and hopes the world would be a lot duller place to live in. Dream Big! What is stopping you from being the best person you can be?

Fear has stopped me from trying many new things or not giving it my 100% at times. It can be easy to become discouraged when things are not going as planned, or when things do not get done the way I would like them to be done. Does any of that sound familiar?

Analysing my life at times I know both fear of success and fear of failure has stopped me in my tracks. Fear has stopped me on more than one occasion from trying that one more time, or from not even getting started on the simplest of things . Fear be gone! Goodbye I do not want you anymore. There it is that easy!

Does the young girl in the photo feel fear like I do? Will it stop her from realizing her dreams and aspirations? What lessons am I instilling on my daughter when I am not brave and bold and step up to being what is being called from my soul and being?

I firmly believe women need to stick together and hold each other up at times. Mentor and guide each other. Perhaps just being a friend and supporting one another. I know for this girl a little support and encouragement can go a long way!

When things don’t go well or things are not going as planned. I just have to hope that everything will happen as according to plan and have a little faith! Today when I am self doubting myself, I say “STOP” to critics in my head. I keep my shoulders back, smile and maybe just use a “fake it – till you make it kind of attitude!” “GIRL POWER!”

Does that make any sense to you? It does for this girl. That is where my dreaming steps in and I try to imagine what it would be like to fit in my skinny jeans again, or to live by the Lakeside in my beautiful house in the summers atop a cliff where the wind is blowing and kids are playing quietly in the sand. Ahhh……… dreaming it keeps us going doesn’t it.

I always surrender to those lottery tickets when I am filling up my vehicle at the gas station. You almost need to dream of winning the lottery these days just to fill the gas tank these days. I admit I often dream of just driving off on a long road trip and not returning. Well maybe returning when I feel like it. Returning after this Mom gets to take a little break from reality. Maybe even have time to read a book or not think about tidying up the house, not worrying about doing the laundry, or getting the kids teeth brushed for bed. The list is endless what will the day bring?

I am going to dream of sunny skies and keep my hopes alive. This girl is not going to let anyone burst her bubble! Let your wings unfold and hang on to those dreams and soon they will really happen. You will be lying on that beach with the sun beating down and “Ramone” bringing you a another cool lemony drink . Wait that is not reality. it is the book I found time to read just before bed, but put down a few minutes later as I couldn’t keep my eyes open from another busy day with the family. It is nice to dream isn’t it?

My “Bestie” gave me this picture which has this quote on it for me this year as a gift.

LIVE THE LIFE YOU’VE ALWAYS DREAMED OF.

BE FEARLESS IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY.

NEVER STOP LEARNING.

BE TRUE TO WHO YOU ARE.

Recognize the beauty that surrounds you.

Be the architect of your own destiny.

THIS LIFE IS YOURS TO

C R E A T E.

Talk soon ~

Nancy