Island Life Archives - Page 5 of 12

Your Internet Connection is Unstable

June 29, 2020 By JPMcLean 9 Comments

Yesterday I heard someone say “I was having internet connection issues,” is the new “I got stuck in traffic.” It’s the kind of line that gets a chuckle, unless it’s true. All the time.

Living on a small, ferry-dependent island has its advantages, but fast, dependable internet isn’t one of them.

Like everyone else out there, I’m doing a lot of Zooming these days. Board meetings and writers’ groups, webinars and on-line master classes. Even family gatherings. But unlike most of my fellow Zoomers, I’m rarely able to turn on the video and still hear the audio. Voices echo in a weird boomerang effect and faces freeze on the screen.

“Your internet connection is unstable” flashes on and off, reminding me that MY INTERNET CONNECTION IS UNSTABLE. As if the flickering feed wasn’t clue enough that we have internet connection issues. The final slap in the face is losing the connection altogether. The abrupt drop is like having the welcome mat yanked out from underfoot.

Urggg. The CRTC’s target for Internet speed is 50 Mbps download. On a good day, we’re lucky to get 20 Mbps.

Want to watch Netflix?

Occasionally we get through a Netflix program without the little wheel of frustration spinning in the centre of the screen.

I know companies are working on solutions for rural customers, I just hope one of them finds a solution soon because I’m pretty sure this “online” thing isn’t going away.

All right. Rant over. I think I got that out of my system. And now I have a thrilling offer!

Dark Addictive Summer Thrillers

A few times a year I rake through the author offerings on Bookfunnel and pick one I think you’ll enjoy. This time around it’s dark, addictive summer thrillers.

Take advantage of the deals and load your ereader for summer. But you’ll have to act fast because the offer ends tomorrow, June 30. Read about the books on offer with a click on the promo image, or click this link: https://books.bookfunnel.com/darkthrillers/6sg5ef4u8k.

I’ve downloaded a couple of the books already and may go back for another. If you find one you enjoy, please tell me about it. I’m always looking for a new book. Just drop it in the comments below.

And if nothing in the bundle interests you, why not give Secret Sky a try? 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).

Blurred Light Banner Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash

Socially . . . . . . Distant

April 23, 2020 By JPMcLean 17 Comments

How are you holding up in these unsettling times? I hope you are well and your loved ones are safe. For those of you suffering from COVID-19, I wish you a speedy recovery. Socially . . . . . . distant

An Epic Sci-fi Film

These past few weeks have felt like being trapped in an epic sci-fi film. One where the actors wear facial shields and stand six feet apart. Where the bit players don homemade facial masks and loiter at a safe distance. A film the audience watches with their noses pressed up against windowpanes from the safety of their quarantine houses.

This film needs a new director, but I have a feeling we’re stuck with what we’ve got for a while yet.

Anxiety

I still wake in the night feeling anxious. Some mornings—in that fuzzy moment before I’m fully awake—life is the way it used to be. Sadly, the moment dissipates all too quickly and my thoughts turn to pandemic. If only I could socially distance myself from those thoughts.

It’s getting better though. I think the prolonged exposure to this state of uncertainty is desensitizing me somewhat.

But I don’t want to focus on the bad news – there’s plenty of that on the endless news loop. Instead, I want to concentrate on the good things that have come out of it.

Less Air and Noise Pollution

When this is over, I’m hopeful that businesses and schools will continue to work and teach remotely whenever possible. Less commuting saves money all around and means more time to spend with our families.

Appreciating the Quieter Moments

The songbirds sound sweeter. The bleating of new lambs across the road makes me smile. I feel like I can almost hear the grass growing.

Neighbours Checking In

It’s good to be reminded that we need one another even if we must stay socially distant. This pandemic has given us an opportunity to practice compassion and kindness. Neighbours are reaching out and delivering groceries, prescriptions, and parcels. If we didn’t see the need before, we sure do now. I’m equally sure we’ll continue to meet the need when the pandemic passes.

A Shrinking To-do List

With so many public buildings closed and author events postponed or cancelled, I’ve had less “to do” and fewer interruptions. It’s prompted me to investigate new ways of connecting and doing things. I’m using Zoom to stay in touch with distant family and I’m using a grocery shopping service. When this pandemic is beaten down, I may never go back to standing in a grocery store lineup.

I hope you are finding some good in this terrible situation. If you feel up to it, drop a comment below and share your thoughts. We could all use some good vibes right about now.

Stay connected, stay socially distant when you need to go out, and spend your energy on the positive side of this experience.

If you’re looking for an escape, download Secret Sky and spend some time relaxing on Emelynn’s beach. 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.

Header photo by LOGAN WEAVER on Unsplash

Lamb photo by Matt Seymour 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

Question for you

August 19, 2019 By JPMcLean 34 Comments

Will you help me name a character in my new book? He’s a psychiatrist, fifty-five years old, and a bit shady with a rather high opinion of himself. The guy below fits the image in my head. Right now his name is Richard—a perfectly fine name—but it’s too fine for this guy. The one limiting factor is that his name has to start with R (and no, I won’t tell you why!).

Name a character

Which of the following names do you prefer? Or if you’re so inclined, add a new name suggestion in the comments.

1. Riker,

2. Roman,

3. Ryder

4. ??

Progress on Witness

The new book, which I’ve titled Witness (unless I find something more fitting), is now three-quarters written, and though I’m still struggling with the daily writing/marketing mix, I expect to finish the first draft by the end of September.

There! Putting it out there. In writing. It’s a little game I play with myself to help me hit the mark.

Denman Island Saturday Market

What else have I been up to? Again this summer, I’ve been setting up on long weekends at the Denman Island Saturday Market. It feels like a reunion every time, with neighbours dropping by to catch up in the shade of my tent. Mary Ann Clarke dropped by last time, which was a nice surprise. (For anyone who’s looking for me at the DI market on the Labour Day long weekend, my apologies, but I’ll be out of town. Instead, I’ll set up on August 24^th. )

Beach header photo credit Ethan Robertson on Unsplash
Richard character photo credit Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

If you’re looking for an addictive summer read, check out Secret Sky, Book 1 of The Gift Legacy. 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.