Gratitude Archives - Page 3 of 11

A Look Back

June 25, 2021 By JPMcLean 16 Comments

Finding this old photo of me signing my first novel reminded me how far my writing career has come.

This photo was taken at Abraxas Books on Denman Island in October 2012. I was signing copies of Secret Sky with its original cover and title. Abraxas has sold more Gift Legacy trade paperbacks than any other indie bookstore! (Thanks, Abraxas!)

Since then, there have been a few big milestones . . .

1. I’ve completed SEVEN books in the Gift Legacy, an urban fantasy series about Emelynn Taylor and a secret society of Fliers who live among us and have the gift of flight.

2. The books have received over 225 reviews like this recent one from Midwest Book Review:

“A deftly crafted, impressively original and inherently compelling read from first page to last, Secret Sky launches a new The Gift Legacy series by J. P. McLean. A fully entertaining, plot twisting novel that will leave its readers looking eagerly toward the next thrilling installment, Secret Sky is especially and unreservedly recommended for community library action/adventure, romance, and metaphysical fiction collections.”

Season’s Greetings from Denman Island

December 24, 2020 By JPMcLean 12 Comments

Season’s Greetings from my home to yours

Are you getting your Santa on? Our tree is up and decorated, as is the wreath above the fireplace. The outdoor lights are strung and mostly turn on/off at the designated times; rain plays havoc with the timers and some days they need a little coaxing.

This year, more than ever, we need the cheerful lights. I love it when darkness falls, and the twinkling lights take over. We spark a fire, pour a glass of wine, and soak up the comforting Christmas glow.

Quieter this year

The days leading up to Christmas will be quieter this year, but we’ll Zoom with far-flung family and enjoy their company long distance, along with fond reminiscences of Christmases past. For Christmas dinner, I’m preparing beef Wellington with a side of Rumpledethumps (mashed spuds with cabbage, onion, and cheese – SO good), and something green. Beans? Not sure yet.

We’re very lucky here on Denman Island to be able to source locally so much of what goes on our table. Corlan Vineyards produces award-winning wines. Fresh duck and chicken eggs are available all over the island. Neighbouring farms raise chickens, pork, beef, and lamb. Two Roads Farm grows a cornucopia of vegetables, and our general store carries pretty much everything else you might need.

Shop Local

Shopping local is more important than ever. The pandemic has hit artisans particularly hard with the lack of tourists and trade fairs. Many of their wares can be purchased at Abraxas Books and Gifts and the Denman Craft Shop. Each offers a wide selection of thoughtful gifts for everyone on your not-naughty list (and even some for the naughty crew).

Eggnog is a must, and I think I’ll dig out a puzzle and set it up on the card table. And we can’t forget Christmas carols. Following are some YouTube renditions I found for you. Enjoy the season, however you celebrate it. Stay safe and let’s hope 2021 kicks COVID to the curb.

Jo-Anne

And if you’re looking for an escape this holiday season, the gift legacy is available in a boxed set at an exceptional price for a limited time. Season’s greetings.

Everybody wishes they could fly – until it happens.

Banner photo freestocks-org on unsplash

Christmas Greetings from Denman Island

December 24, 2019 By JPMcLean 10 Comments

Christmas Greetings from Denman Island

December 24^th is my favourite day of the holidays. For me, it’s the calm before the storm. The day when I concede that if it (insert: baking/decorating/shopping) hasn’t gotten done, it’s not going to.

Time to grab a nog, hunker down by the hearth, and relax.

As 2019 winds down, I’m reminded how very fortunate I am. Fortunate to have a loving family. Fortunate to have friends to share a glass of wine and a laugh with. Fortunate to have a warm home and food in the cupboards. All this, and more I wish for you this holiday season and always.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, winter solstice, Kwanzaa, New Years and everything else you celebrate!

Thank you for being a part of my good fortune. I’m grateful for your continued support, enthusiasm and the small kindnesses that make my days brighter. Christmas Greetings from my home to yours.

Cheers,

Jo-Anne

You can get Secret Sky for your stocking from your favourite retailer right here.

MERRY Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

I Remember

November 10, 2019 By JPMcLean 7 Comments

In grade school in the days leading up to Remembrance Day, I remember taking home a small envelope, no bigger than the poppy tucked inside.

Parents replaced the poppy with a small donation for our veterans. They would send us back to school with a coin or a bill, something that said I remember.

The poppies then were much like today except the centre was made of felt. I remember assembling the poppy in class, threading the green centre and bright red flower onto a bent pin.

November 11

Every November 11th Remembrance Day, the students and teachers stood in silence at the appointed hour. I remember crying for men and women I didn’t know, but who looked very much like my grandparents.

As a young woman, I remember shopping in a large department store on November 11. At eleven o’clock, the overhead speakers went silent, and all around me people stopped and bowed their heads.

On this November 11^th, I will again remember our veterans’ and their family’s sacrifices when I observe a moment of silence at eleven a.m.

Lest We Forget

Helping us all remember are two inspirational Canadians whose work shines a spotlight on our nation’s veterans.

In 2016, Elinor Florence published the stories of twenty-eight World War Two veterans. Many of the men and women she interviewed for My Favourite Veterans had never before told their story. In 2017 a veteran’s memorial banner project she spearheaded came to fruition. For the next few years in streets and towns in the Columbia Valley, banners honouring individual veterans will be unfurled and on display for October and November.

In 2018, filmmaker Eric Brunt, inspired by his grandfather, began a cross-Canada trip to capture the stories of World War Two veterans before they and their stories are lost to us. Brunt’s collection of stories is a documentary in the making called Last Ones Standing. You can read about his efforts in two CBC reports, one in 2018 and another earlier this month.