Gratitude Archives - Page 9 of 11

Christmas Eve Day

December 24, 2013 By JPMcLean Leave a Comment

Christmas Eve Day

This is my favourite day of the season. As a child it was a day stretched full with anticipation and too many treats. It was the day my grandmother arrived with her neatly packed suitcase. It was the day I tried to be on my very best behaviour and everyone in the family had an extra bounce in their step.

Now, Christmas Eve day is a grown-up day of last-minute wrapping and tidying. It’s the day I prepare the dressing for tomorrow’s turkey and make the cranberry sauce. Then, after the bustling about is done and our family guests are settled in, we’ll drink a nog and share a laugh in the glow of the Christmas tree.

The best part

And the very best part of this day, for me, is remembering all the wonderful Christmases past and the kind people who made them happen. This calm before the storm is my very favourite moment and I savour it slowly, like fine wine.

It is with a heart full of gratitude that I say thanks to family and friends, near and far, old a new, who have left their mark on warm holiday memories. Thank you for caring and sharing; for cooking and cleaning; for baking and wrapping; for being here, even if just in spirit, to make even more memories to treasure.

Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy 2014 to all of you.

(And if you want something to read while you relax, start with Secret Sky)

Tiny Office…Great View

November 14, 2013 By JPMcLean 10 Comments

My office may be tiny, but there’s a great view!

A few weeks ago, I attended a workshop about income tax and the self-employed. It was perhaps a bit premature; after all, you need an income to write expenses off against, but I’m nothing if not optimistic. In attendance were a diverse group of islanders with small businesses ranging from jewelry making to gardening.

The “Use of Home” subject came up raising all kinds of questions about how to properly measure and report the space we use for conducting our business. Some artists use their entire home to store, display and create their art. Gardeners and potters use outdoor space. Some have dedicated offices and others use multi-purpose areas, like kitchen counters and spare bedrooms.

The spaces I use to write

It made me think about the space I use to write. We have an office at the back of the house. It has a wrap-around desk, a comfortable chair, a large desk-top computer, a printer, and every other “office” supply ready at hand.

I never use it. I feel isolated there. Stymied.

Instead, I’ve commandeered a corner of the dining room. I use my grandmother’s old sewing machine cabinet as a table and on dark days I turn on an old lamp of hers to light my little nook. I set my bevies on the cabinet by the dictionary, put my feet up on the ottoman and pull my computer into my lap.

Each day’s view is different. Some days it’s so bright I have to roll out of the glare. On other days, the fog creeps right up to the edge of the deck, obliterating everything. On stormy days, the windows are spattered with salt spray and tree debris from the incredible winds. Is it any wonder the beach and the storms find their way onto the pages of my books?

As I write this post, it’s sunny and I’m smiling to myself as two thoughts occur to me. 1. This tiny office with the great view is far too small to warrant the paperwork necessary to “claim” it on my taxes. And 2. How did I ever get so lucky?

Would You Like a Fishing Rod With That Book?

August 28, 2013 By JPMcLean 6 Comments

Library Reading

The McKellar Public Library may be the only library in the world where you can borrow a fishing rod with your book. No kidding! You can then go down the hill to the lake and drop your line in.

McKellar is in Ontario’s cottage country. It’s one of those towns people in Toronto refer to as “up north,” which covers a lot of ground. For me, McKellar, Broadbent and Parry Sound are places where I spent considerable time in my youth. Grandparents, aunts and uncles had homes and cottages in the area. My parents have lived there for many years, and one of my sisters has moved into my grandmother’s house and turned it into her cottage.

Coming Home

Coming home to the cottage stirs up many fond memories: fishing off the dock, swimming in the tea water of the Manitouwabing River, and sneaking peas from my grandfather’s garden are just a few.

This last visit was all that and more because I was invited to read from my books at the McKellar Public Library. And not just any reading…the inaugural public reading at their newly expanded library.

The recent renovation has nearly doubled the size of the library. It’s clean and bright and has a view that will make you sigh. Joan, Maxine, Pat and Jackie made me feel very welcome. On the big day, they hauled in a lectern fit for a mayor and baked cupcakes to help raise money.

Something for Everyone

The library does an outstanding job promoting local authors, even ones like me who have moved away. They encourage library usage through innovative measures – did I mention the fishing poles? Not only do they loan out books and current issues of popular magazines, they also have a large collection of DVDs, videos, large print books and talking books. They offer free Internet and wireless service and if the mood strikes you, you can borrow a pedometer.

So, if you live in or around McKellar, or plan to visit, drop by the new library and have a look around. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and there’s something for everyone. If the fish are biting, borrow a rod and reel and catch your dinner.

Thank you ladies. You’re doing McKellar proud.

Book Launched with Limoncello Bubbles

August 1, 2013 By JPMcLean Leave a Comment

Revelation Book Launch

Last Saturday promised and delivered a warm sunny afternoon—perfect for summer dresses, shade trees, long cool drinks, and a book launch. Our neighbour’s beautiful back garden came alive as enthusiastic friends dropped in, lured by whispers of refreshing Limoncello cocktails and tasty treats.

In the midst of engaging conversations and summer holiday reminiscing, Revelation was launched. The book took flight, flitting from hand to hand, blushing at the oohs and awes directed at its beautiful cover. Just wait until you read what’s inside, I thought, as copies got tucked under arms and stowed in purses.

All too soon, the afternoon soiree was over and the crowd melted away. The host/hostesses and a few sturdy souls remained as the sun set. We sipped a final Limoncello cocktail and unwound in the glow of a successful launch.

How did I ever get so lucky?

Thanks, from the bottom of my heart, to Elizabeth, Stephen, Colleen, Mark, Galen, Kabir, Griffin, and, as always, John. XO

Revelation Book Launch Limoncello Fizz:

Into the bottom of a frosty champagne flute

Pour half an ounce of thick-from-the-freezer Limoncello

Top with thoroughly chilled Cupcake Prosecco.

Enjoy.

Start the series with Secret Sky. It’s just a click away. Get your copy from Kindle with one click right here. And if kindle or ebooks aren’t your preference, click on the bookstore tab for other purchase options (or just click on the covers below).