Author's Den

First, regarding last night, I wasn't disappointed. I am delighted to report that I was one of a large number of Mayne Islanders who throughly enjoyed Al's play.
Now, regarding Author's Den, as you may have noticed I have not been posting your monthly pick since August. This doesn't mean that I haven't been writing. My pen has been busy. I have been working on the next book in the Maynely a Mystery series. The working title of this new book is Maynely Hidden. (Maynely Hidden is one of three books I am currently working on.) I have sent a novella to a publishing house and I have been entering writing contests. What I haven't been doing is adding new enters to my Author's Den site. I apologize for this. I'm not sure when this will change. I will keep you posted. Thank you for your interested in my writing activities. As for my knitting -- after all this is a knitting blog -- I have been gearing up for the craft shows. Wintercraft -- on Salt Spring Island -- will opening in early December: December 2nd. A friend and I will be marketing our handicrafts and books at a craft show on Vancouver Island. And, of course, I will be participating in a craft show on Mayne Island -- December 13th (I think). My needles are flying through ball after ball of yarn to prepare for these shows. I will write more about these craft shows as they draw nearer. (or at least that's what I plan to do...sometimes my plans fail...as you will know if you frequent this blog.)
All the best
Leanne
Weather here: sunny and warm
Happy Halloween

Life on Mayne Island: That's Al Folks!

The first time I meet Alan was during rehearsal. I had volunteered to be in a play. Me - the one who can't remember if she has brushed her teeth. How was I going to remember my lines? I don't know.
At the time, I was told that Alan had been in over six Mayne Island Little Theatre plays. He was described as being very talented.
Was I intimidated?
Yup.
Then I meet him. Then he put me at ease. Then we enjoyed the victory of entertaining friends and family.
I wanted to introduce my new friend to Hubby. Finally I had an opportunity when I saw Alan on the ferry.
Alan walked by and I began an introduction... my introduction was cut short when the two men greeted each other like friends.
Alan is a personable, fun, Mayne Islander. And, oh, yes, he has Schizophrenia.
Shortly after seeing Alan's entertaining, informative one-man play, I shared with him the reception I receive after mentioning I have dyslexia.
"They begin to talk very slowly and use simple words," I told him.
He laughed.
Tonight I will join a large audience of Mayne Islanders (I'm hoping) as I watch - for the second time - Alan's one-man play: That's Al Folks!
An article regarding this show appears in the October issue of The MayneLiner. In that article May McKenzie is quoted as saying, "He said he wanted to do a show about 'me', about the way I am.'
Following the play, there will be a cafe style discussion on issues around mental health.
The play starts at 6:30 pm at the Ag Hall.
I hope to see you there tonight. I'll be the one laughing too loudly and clapping too often.
: ) Leanne

Back home...barely

I made it home and it only cost me a couple of bucks, a pair of scissors and a large bottle of eyeglass cleaner. Don't ask. It was completely my fault. Some day I will learn how to pack. I'm still adjusting to BC life. I woke up this morning thinking I had over slept. My alarm clock reported it was 8:52 am. Well, as it turned out that was Manitoba time. It really is a good thing I didn't travel to some exotic "clim" like Utah. I would be adjusting until next Thursday.
Shall we skip this month's Author Den pick and carry on until the end of this month?
Let me know.
Rain clouds are going to clear up. Put on a happy face.
Leanne
For more news please log on to: www.maynelyamystery.blogspot.com

I'm on holidays

I'm spending a month in sunny Manitoba. While here I will be visiting family and friends. My Internet access will be ifie so I'm afraid I will have to put my Author's Den pick of the month on hold until I get back.
However, I invite you to log to Maynely a Mystery's web site (www.maynelyamystery.blogspot.com) for some exciting news.
Stay cool, dress warm
Leanne

Yes, I am knitting

In four days I will be traveling east from Mayne Island, British Columbia to Winnipeg, Manitoba. I just looked at Winnipeg's 14 day weather forecast. Things start out well. However, then things change violently. Below seasonal norms, those words bring a chill to my heart. So what does a knitter do? Faced with such predictions, what do we do?...
Why knit, of course. Right now on one pair of needles I have navy yarn. I am slowly transforming this yarn into a sleeve. I have finished the body of my "Ribbing Exploration" cardigan. I am hoping that some kind knitting ezine or magazine will buy this design. ...so enough said.
On another set of needles, bamboo needles, I have white yarn. This yarn is slowly shaping into a toque.
Wby white?
Well, a friend recently gave me a beautiful, warm extra long scarf and white is the only colour in my stash that would match it.
Four days to finish these projects. My wrists are sore but I solider on... Please wish me luck.
Dress warm...stay cool.
Leanne

Each month I report on my most popular Author's den writing and feature that piece here. The piece is chosen by you.
How is it chosen?
Well, I count the number of times you logged on to read it. The piece that receives the most hits is the piece that is featured. This month that piece was Mother, May I. I read it, on Mayne Island, during opening night of the Mom's show. It is currently on display at the Mayne Island reading centre ("library"). And...drum roll, please...here it is...

I offer this a poem, a chant, a prayer...

Mother, May I

Mother Mary

Mother Goddess

Mother, may you

***

Create me, hold me, transform me

From virgin to mother to crone

***

Blessed Mother

Mother Creator

Mother, may I

***

Create, hold, transform

From virgin to mother to crone

***

The divine love

The power of three

FRIENDS

by Phil HIndmarch

I have friends in town, friends abroad,

Friends I see most days,

Friends I see occasionally,

Friends with eccentric ways.

I have friends who sometimes use me,

Friends who never fail,

Friends I truly do admire,

Some friends belong in jail!

Some friends are rich, some are poor,

Some are worn with care,

Some live the life of Riley,

For some the cupboard’s bare.

I have friends who love me dearly

(Might they extend a loan?)

Friends who rarely call me,

Friends who won’t get off the phone.

I have friends who think I’m smart,

Friends who think I’m dumb,

Friends who like my verses,

For some they’re just ho-hum.

But my friends I deeply treasure,

Through good times and in strife.

Stalwart or fair weather,

Friends are the spice of life.