New Job, New Perspective

Hi, friends!

First of all, I apologize for the state of my website. I have no books out there at present, so the domain is sitting there like my great uncle's deserted farmhouse, with old furniture barely being held up by rotting floorboards, and a colony of bees taking up residence.

I realize my latest surviving book, Bad Ice, now out of print, is still on the front page, but I haven't figured out how to change it. My son (who is a tech wizard) said, "Here's a program, just do this and this and this and this." Of course, all of it went way over my head. I'll figure it out if I ever get another book accepted by SOMEBODY.

In the meantime, I got a new job. You might remember that after 23 years in the newspaper industry, I found myself with a lot of free time in the last couple of years. Yes, I wrote. Yes, I queried. Yes, I networked. I powered through a brief stint in retail, but realized it wasn't for me.

Later, a friend recommended a company that supplies charity events with silent auction items. They set everything up, schmooze with the patrons, and take the money at the end. The company approached me in September, and I was in!

I get to choose how often I wish to work, and although the shifts are long and sometimes physically draining, I find it very rewarding. I've dropped a few pounds since I started, so that's good.

The best thing: I get to meet fascinating people! This past week, I was fortunate to work at the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and met such legends as Sandy Hawley (jockey), Ron Ellis (Toronto Maple Leafs legend), Chris Schultz (football), Tony Fernandez (Blue Jays World Series Champion), and the family of Frank Selke Sr. and Jr. (part of the Montreal Canadiens dynasty).

Johnny Bower had a rest at our cashier table.
He had photos all ready to sign in his pocket.
Always be prepared!

Me and Sandy Hawley. We are the same height.
I told him I had a crush on him when I was twelve.
Some guy is giving us the side eye, or photobombing us. I can't tell which.

There were others whom I admired from a distance, but I remained professional and didn't bug them.

Maybe this new gig will give me inspiration to keep writing. I hope so.

Almost Hockey Season, so.... Hockey.

A couple weeks ago, I was fortunate to indulge in one of my passions: hockey. My son texted me and asked if I wanted to go along with him and a bunch of fans to Ottawa to watch Team Canada in a closed practice for the upcoming World Cup of Hockey. He had won the experience because he was a subscriber to a sports internet service. Of course, I jumped at the chance.

We met up at the Air Canada Centre. A big white bus with a flashy World Cup of Hockey logo waited for us. As we settled in with about 20 other fans and media people, I looked at the front of the bus and noticed a familiar face.

I turned to my son and whispered, "Steve Dangle is on the bus." Steve "Dangle" Glynn is a popular hockey blogger and Youtube contributor, who gives hilarious and impassioned commentaries after Toronto Maple Leaf games. My son had alerted me to these great posts a year ago, and I've always enjoyed the posts and Steve's Twitter feed.

I whispered, "I'm going up to say Hi." I moved to the front of the bus, and casually said, "Fancy meeting you here."

Steve did a double take. "I know you. I recognize you from your profile picture."

I smiled and grabbed a cereal bar from the front seat. "Great to meet you. Just grabbing a cereal bar." I then darted back to my seat like I'd just robbed someone.

During the five-hour trip, the organizers made speeches and we played trivia games. When my name was called out, Steve mentioned IN FRONT OF EVERYONE, "Sandra's cool. She follows me on Twitter."

My son also follows him, but to be fair, his profile picture isn't immediately recognizable. Doesn't matter, because we both got to spend time with Steve later.

After getting settled at our hotel we met at the hotel bar for cocktail hour. We had all received swag bags containing a World Cup of Hockey Canada baseball cap, and a great fleece hoodie. Most of us wore our hats down to the bar but I forgot mine.

A surprise guest showed up in the bar.... Drew Doughty. He plays for the LA Kings, and was very sweet, letting everyone pose for pictures. I begged for an extra hat so I could get it signed, promising to bring mine back from the hotel room, 'cause I'm nice that way. :)

We posed outside as a group in front of the bus. I offered to hunker down (I'm 5'2") in front of Drew (6'100"). He muttered from behind me, "You don't have to hunker down."

After Drew was swept away in his fancy vehicle, we all walked to the RS Bar & Grill a few blocks away, and stopped to admire the canal in the sunset. Dinner was great, and we all traded hockey stories. A few of Steve's fans dropped in after dinner and we all talked for a while longer.

Most of the others had left by then, so it was up to me to remember how to get back to the hotel. They let me shepherd them back, because I'm a Mom. We talked about video games and animated TV shows.

The next morning, we checked out and boarded the bus for the short trip to Canadian Tire Centre, just outside of Ottawa. We had a special spot taped out for us, along with a few other local contest winners. On the other side of the eerily empty arena sat some media members, and probably some scouts and NHL brass.

I crept down to the glass, and got lots of great shots of Team Canada running through drills -- Corey Crawford, Joe Thornton, Sidney Crosby, Getzlaf, Couture, etc. I should've worn my free hoodie because despite the hot, humid day, I was FREEZING in that arena! It's cold when there aren't 20,000 people warming it up with their bodies.

Speaking of empty arenas, I heard every creak of the goalies' pads, and the echo of the pucks slamming on the boards. I heard most of Coach Babcock's lectures, too. I have many more pictures, you might want to check out my Facebook author page if you like hockey.

Too soon, we had to get back on the bus for the ride home. I will remember this trip forever. Thanks, Son, for including me.

p.s. They let me keep the extra hat so I gave it to my hubby (we'll share, and put the signed one in our Hockey Shrine).

What's Happening?

Yup... haven't been here for a while, but it doesn't mean I haven't been busy. I created art, wrote words, took pictures, got a job at a local Canadian home and hardware franchise, and have been trying my best to continue my role as a Domestic Diva.

It's been a hot, humid (can you say humid when it hasn't rained much?) summer, and the good part is I've only had to mow the lawn a few times. The job at the local store caused me to lose ten pounds, mostly due to standing for hours at a time and lifting gallons of paint and motor oil from one side of the counter to the other. There are benefits to retail, folks!

Last week I went with a friend to attend a local live talk show, and managed to get my picture taken with Marci Ien and Cynthia Loyst, as well as Donna, who got me into the show at late notice. Maybe someday, I'll be a guest! Today, one of the hosts read my tweet live on the air. My tiny moment of fame...

During the spring, I completed three large oil paintings with the hope of being accepted into a high profile art show and sale this autumn in Kleinburg. Alas, I didn't make the cut, but they seemed very positive with their rejection. Yes... I know rejection very well, so I took it in stride and I'll keep painting.

I did manage to profit from a couple of commissions, and I thank the lovely writer friends who gave me the opportunity to capture the spirits of their dogs and horse. You can see the recent additions on my sidebar.

The writing part of my journey is giving me pause. Since my enforced semi-retirement, I completed a novel and started another. The completed novel had a few "close but no cigar" moments, an experience which can be both inspiring and devastating. I'll take a little from column A and column B.

I have set it aside for a bit to spruce up my hockey romantic suspense that had enjoyed a seven-year stint in the e-publishing world. Maybe I can find it another home, and then I can hitch up my Big Girl pants and continue with the new book.

Patience. Patience. Work. Patience. Hope.

Did I tell you about the fox and the cat? It happened a year ago this week. I still have the scars, as the cat nestles beside me, oblivious to the nightmare that we caused. But that's a post for another time.

Times Are a' Changing

Hello Friends!

Nine years ago, I opened this blog because my first book, THE SPACE BETWEEN, was about to be published by a lovely little publisher, The Wild Rose Press. I was so excited, and certain that the publication of my first book would lead to bigger and better things.

I made a lot of friends, and even a few people who called themselves fans. I released two more books, BAD ICE and THE TOAST BITCHES, with two different publishers. Three, if you count The Bitches' short run at Musa Publishing. Book One and Book Three ran their courses, and now sit on my hard drive, hoping to be re-released in some shape or form. I hope they're not holding their breath, because they will probably remain there.

For all these years, Champagne Books was the home of my second book, the hockey romantic suspense BAD ICE. Last night, I made the difficult decision to ask for the return of my rights. J. Ellen Smith was kind enough to grant it.

We had become friends over the years. I expressed my concern when her Calgary home was flooded. I befriended fellow authors in the group.

Sales have not been good. The publisher is doing well, but they have focused their attention on newer releases, and I wish them great success.

I'm still writing. I'm still trying. This blog will not disappear. I wanted to give up many times, but the writing community has always pulled me back and enveloped me with love and encouragement. There WILL be another book.

In the meantime, if you want to read about a hockey player with a heart of gold and a troubled past, and a young single mother with a little hockey-playing six year old daughter, and a psycho bitch who wants to destroy their happiness..... Get BAD ICE while you still can.

Until better news comes along... or until I feel like writing about the stupid cat, see you on the flip side.

BAD ICE  is available (until it isn't) at the following sites:

Amazon.com
Amazon.ca
Kobo
Champagne Books

I'm Still Here

I'm sitting in my living room, printing mailing labels and putzing around on Twitter. I finished a painting. Well, actually, I did two paintings: One for a writing friend, and the other will be my contribution to a local fundraiser for Indigenous youth in Canada.

Have I been writing? I've been thinking about it. I open my WIP and stare at it for a while, and then close it. Then I open it again. I write words. I close it.

The writing life is an enigma. People say it's a solitary craft, yet these days I am surrounded by writers in the cyber world. Successful writers, aspiring writers, encouraging writers and distant writers. They all have something to say about this crazy occupation, and I alternately toggle between hope and despair.

When I first left the workforce after 23 years as a graphic artist, I had visions of being a domestic goddess, creating art with my words and my paintbrush while surrounded by pastoral sunshine in my back yard. Sure, I had moments where I was satisfied with my accomplishments, whether they be refinished folding chairs or a rearranged living room.

I experimented in the kitchen, and honed my photography skills. I volunteered. I wrote. I chased around the local wildlife. I got mauled by my cat (that's a whole story in itself).

Now I sit here, waiting again for Spring, and doing my best to find my place in the world. Sure, hubby loves my culinary creations, and my sister loves the fact that I've embraced the art of Silent Auction Coordinating. My paintings are admired, but I have yet to pay for more than groceries with the proceeds. Agents love my writing, but don't know where to sell it.

As I jab at the ground lamb in my frying pan and contemplate my predicament, I realize that my problems are nothing compared to the millions of individuals who wake up every day, wondering if it's worth seeing the end of that day. Today is #BellLetsTalk day, when we talk about mental illness, and do our best to erase the stigma that is attached.

Generations before ours suffered in silence, and used (even today) suicide as a final escape from their pain. People with social anxiety were bullied. Angry men were simply told to stop being jerks. Maybe they suffered from depression and as a result, alienated their families and died lonely.

Mothers self-medicated with wine because they dreaded the next PTA meeting, fearing that they would be singled out. Some were afraid to leave their own homes because crowds made them feel as if they were about to drown.

Now we have a chance to understand why that friend constantly backs out of social engagements, or why a co-worker cries in the bathroom stall or takes a lot of sick days. They aren't selfish, or wimpy, or weaklings. They're not just seeking attention. They might be truly suffering, and our understanding and support can help them get through the mire that's holding them back.

Listen to them.