THANKS ON CHRISTMAS EVE!

Thank you! To all who have been following my blog throughout the year, I extend my sincere thanks for stopping by for a read. As I write this post, I thought I would share a photo & a couple of suggestions for a winter read or two.

This Christmas Eve morning, the sky was amazing with a huge cloud hanging over the bluest sky that I have seen for about a month! 

For those of you who look forward to some holiday minutes to curl up with a warm cuppa and a good read, I would like to recommend a couple of titles.

• A Desperate Fortune by Susanna Kearsley, an  award-winning Canadian author of international renown. If you like a story combo of romance  and historical fiction, you will enjoy this latest book by Kearsley. She is skilled at developing her story-lines in the present as well as the past, plotting  with present-day characters plus providing a cast of  individuals who are caught up in the intrigues Scottish history.

  

  Source: Amazon Cover Photo                           

• Saying Thank You by Monica Vasa, M.D. is a timely children’s read with colourful nature illustrations by Alaina Louise. The story begins with a parent’s explanation to child of the word “gratitude”, the concept of being thankful. Throughout the day, in this story, there are so many moments and relationships for which to give thanks as portrayed in the vibrant illustrations of rainforest wildlife. The power of uttering a simple “thank you” is clearly conveyed. In a fast-paced world, these words are still much-needed.

  

  Source: Amazon, Cover photo

  Best to all!

WINTER–WONDERS, READS AND WORDS!

2014 is arriving with a bang, or two, literally! In Ontario and elsewhere, frost quakes are interrupting people’s sleep patterns and peace of mind. Check out this bolded term here if you wish to be  informed and reassured about this phenomenon that is occurring.

When I was growing up, I recall hearing similar sounds in the cold, dark nights of rural Ontario winter. Apparently, I was told, our 1902 red brick house was just settling itself for the night. I, also, recall that I was not too comforted by the thought that our very old house needed to go through this noisy process just to stay centred in the freezing cold countryside.

That aside, the weather has certainly been ideal for catching up on some winter reads, starting with Jim and Sue Waddington’s In the Footsteps of the Group of Seven. Gifted to me this holiday season, this book about my favourite group of Canadian artists, is a travelogue of two art aficionados who have traced the scenic inspirations of many of the paintings done by the Group of Seven. Detective skills coupled with instincts and their children’s observations combined to assist the couple in their journey. The hardcover book with many quality reproductions of paintings, sketches and photos is a beautiful item to add to your bookshelf and to browse on a cold winter’s day.

Cover photo from Goose Lane Editions website.

After holiday feasts and snacking, like me, you might be looking for some tasty, healthful, foods to add to your weekly menu. I would recommend that you check out Delicious Mediterranean Diet Recipes by Hearst and Open Road Integrated Media. With some fundamental ingredients of pasta, meat and vegetables, these recipes will provide nutritious, colourful dishes in the coming year. This Kindle edition is available at Amazon.ca. You will enjoy reading this anthology of recipes accompanied by appealing photos and added information pages. Enjoy.

Cover photo, NetGalley

Finally, happy to say that 2014 has started well for the poet in me as I have shared a couplet in the annual cooperative poem at leafpress.ca. You can check out this link to read a series of couplets inspired by the theme “wind”. This poem begins with the words,  I Hear the Wind Waiting . My contribution begins with  “Crystal coating…” Thrilled I am to be part of this diverse creation.

Best to all as we glide into the new year! 🙂

Open Road Integrated Media