Elora Canne's Blog, page 5

What Defines You?

Books, Food, Activities, Thoughts, Sightings, ConversationsIn other words, life.
It is said that we 'are what we eat,' and it is also said that, 'our thoughts become things.' But have you heard, or felt , the notion that our bodies imbibe what we read, see and hear? 


It's certainly true for me, and as announced last month, I will be talking about books that have had a profound effect on me, here on the blog for the foreseeable future. 
Books really do embody the 'read, see, hear' criteria of our lives so we need to be mindful of what literature we consume. The three I want to mention today were heavy reads for me and deeply affecting.

Perhaps it makes a difference too, if there is a connection, however indiscernible, between reader and author. Whilst I know none of the following authors personally, I do feel some sort of connection with each.

At an author talk I attended, the interviewee spoke volumes to me about her knowledge of our local area. Unintentionally, I became invested in her stories, soaking up her history of the surrounding towns and country. Her eyes lit up as she described villages and regional settlements, which fired-up my interest. I've since read her latest book, All We Have is Now, and have her first book, The One, on my tbr stack. I, of course, did purchase the book of the author event, Sandie Docker's Red Gum River Retreat, also on my ever-growing tbr stack.
All We Have is Now - Kaneana MayLong forgotten memories that we habour in our minds can eat away at our well-being if left to build up in our thought clouds.
Past hurts make us feel alone, as if others wouldn't understand. But the truth is, once we verbalise our pain, we realise that there are many people just like us with the same hurts, just waiting to be heard, understood and accepted.
All We Have is Now, dealt with many issues of abandonment, loss, forgiveness and second chances. From family relationships, to friends, colleagues and lovers, Kaneana May covered each with sensitive empathy offering ways around our stumbling blocks in a positively impactful way. 
Hers was one of those books I had to sit back with, hug to my chest, and think. Deeply think.
It comes highly recommended, but be sure you are in a strong place of mind to read such a compassionate book of humankind and our emotions.
You'll find more on Kaneana May at this link: Instagram Kaneana May Writer

💞💞💞

As a fledgling author myself, I was priviledged to present an 'Author For the Day' event on the Facebook group, Global Girls Online Bookclub. It was there that I 'met' author Emma Grey and was introduced to her heart-wrenching story. The best way she described for herself to heal was to write her story in an 'almost-fiction' style. This is Grey's explanation for outlining real life events in the form of characters and fictional events.
Thus was borne, The Last Love Note. 
The Last Love Note - Emma GreyTo be transported into the protagonists life is a skill few authors possess. To imbue the protagonists emotions into the reader is a talent beholden by a mere handful of wordsmiths. Emma Grey is just such an author.
We follow the protagonist through love, devastating loss, survivor guilt, mother guilt, renewed love exploration and a reinvention of self. A rollercoaster ride of emotions. And worth every word.
Grey interspersed the heavy load with rib-cracking humour in a book that will have you reaching for tissues both for tears of sorrow and of laughter. Again, be sure you are of sound mind before reaching for this book, but please do reach for it. You will gain so much in the form of empathy, relationship insight and evolution of self.
I don't want to give any spoilers away in any of my book musings, so I've intentionally been vague about the protagonists, storylines and themes.
Find out more at: Instagram Emma Grey Author
If interested, here's the Facebook link for Global Girls Online Book Club: GGOBC
💞💞💞

Our roots bind us to those in our fold without any heed of our desire to be tethered or untethered. They just do.

I belong to a walking group of mostly women, mostly married, mostly Australian. An eclectic bunch. In conversation with a lady of Dutch origin we discussed our latest reads, of course! My Papa was of Dutch origin, I'm from South Africa, our roots were bound, this Dutch lady and I.
Her latest book recommendation was of the South African author, Sally Andrew. The book in question, Recipes for Love and Murder. My immediate reaction was, ugh, murder. But the draw of recipes had me drooling; I love browsing recipes, even occasionally trying some out, lol.

Recipes for Love and Murder - Sally Andrew*sighs deeply*
I did not expect the intense introspection this author portrayed.
Our protagonist was a midlife woman who loves to cook, bake, eat. Her career turned to love advice via a recipe column in the local newspaper. But, the heartache of her past catches up with her and she finds herself drawing from her own experience to help others in similar situations. The uncovering of old wounds surfaces as she grapples to come to terms with what she had to deal with, the strength she had to find. The resolve to put it all behind her and move forwards.
Yes, there is murder involved in the story, as the title suggests, but it is manageable.
Second chance love comes to our protagonist and the resulting self-doubt is eye opening. 
The story is filled with feelings of unrequited love, angst-ridden jealousy, and the floundering emotions of new love.
The fact that I was about to embark on a trip 'home' to my roots in South Africa after a seven year absence, drew me to the language and recipes Sally Andrew included in her story telling. It felt like the luxury of home comforts in the palms of my hands and then wrapped around me like a warm blanket soothing my soul.
Well worth the read, showing us how to take a good hard look at ourselves and our perspective on the world, on love, and on those in our fold.
To learn more about the author, follow this link: Sally Andrew Karoo
💞💞💞

I do hope my book musings have given you pause for thought.
I recently visited our new library with upgraded tech and the most comfortable modern furnishings, and rediscovered two Aussie authors whom I'll review next month. I can tell you, they are mind-blowing.

If you're an author of relationship books and would like to be featured, feel free to contact me via the contact form or in a comment below.

If you'd like to hear more of my book musings on books that impact us and our world of loved ones, be sure to subscribe at the link: Creating Sparks that Last BLOG


















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Tuscany or True Love

Or could you have both? Elora Canne Blogger

I mentioned that I’d be discussing relationship books here on the blog, for the foreseeable future. I feel it gives a broader perspective of relationships than just me. 

Today’s post isn’t technically a book discussion, although it is called the Book Club and it’s based very loosely on Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, so it counts in my book ;)

In the movie Book Club: The Next Chapter, four female friends find out just how far they will go for both love and friendship.

I’m always interested in different views of midlife relationships and these four friends provide exactly that; later-in-life women at a crossroads in their love life.

Incidentally, in our last blog post I said I’d let you know which term best suits midlife love and the winner was Later-in-Life Love.

Our four female friends and their love conundrums are as follows:

Vivian finds herself engaged to long-time lover Arthur, and her friends surprise her with their wedding all set up in Tuscany.

At the moment critique, Arthur displays his true love for Vivian asking her NOT to marry him so she can remain as free as a bird and keep their relationship intact.

This is the ideal love for her.

~~~

Carol is happy in a long-term marriage to Bruce but they have lost the spark due to her overbearing concern over his health.

The friends use their famous term Best Friends. Tough Love, to highlight how much happier Carol could be if she just let Bruce be. He surprises her by pitching up to Vivian and Arthur’s would-be wedding and Carol declares her loosening of the reigns; they reignite their passion immediately.

~~~

Diane is in roommate syndrome with her boyfriend, Mitchell, simply going through the motions of daily life while lugging her late husband, Harry’s, ashes around with her everywhere she goes, even to Tuscany.

When Vivian and Arthur call off the wedding, Mitchell swoops in to take the opportunity to propose to, and marry, Diane.

She is delighted at his thoughtfulness.

~~~

Sharon is a retired judge and single and when her cat dies she reluctantly agrees to the trip to Tuscany.

Lo and behold, she hooks up with the local Police Chief and they end up ‘rocking the boat’ in a canal on an impromptu trip to Venice.

Thrilled at the attention she received, she glows with life and vitality once again.

~~~

None of these are spoilers as I have left so much out for you to discover yourself.

BOTTOM LINE: You can, and should, experience fulfilling later-in-life love!

~~~

If you have relationship book recommendations or a no-strings book review request of your own that you feel would be appropriate for a blog discussion, feel free to comment below.

Keep smiling x

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Never Give Up

There's Always a Solution
I said this to a friend the other day who was struggling with tech stuff. She was so grateful for the boost that she persevered for an entire week, but she did it! 
So let’s just expand on the notion here, that 'there's always a solution.'
Elora Canne - Memoir Writer

I'm delighted to share my conversation with you, from the Living Big Mindfully podcast where host, Kate Champion, and I discussed many later-in-life relationship topics. 
But I'm particularly interested in sharing with you, the notion that there is indeed always a solution. 
Not only in everyday life situations, as told above, but also in those deeper, more difficult to navigate situations as you'll discover on the podcast.

There is always a way around a hurdle, even if you can't jump over it.

To listen in on our conversation, insights and solutions, tap this link: Living Big Mindfully Podcast

Book News:🫂 Allow me to focus, just for a minute, on those solutions around later-in-life relationships. You know, those deeper, more difficult to navigate situations alluded to above. 
A renowned book reviewer honoured me with her excellent review of my memoir, En Route , earlier this month. I'll let this segment of her review do the talking so you can see it for yourself:

A travelling memoir, a new life.

 

We follow the footsteps of the author and her family as they immigrate to Australia. A lot of travelling also is documented and many memories of adventures they had.
 
The main theme seemed to be 'Who does that?' as the author navigates around certain situations, as you do. 
 
Oh there were so many quotes I highlighted and it came at a good time that I needed them. I particularly took note of the South African food, …especially 'bobotie' and Elora is adamant it has to have Mrs Balls Chutney in it. [Find the 'bobotie' recipe here: Bobotie Recipe:]
 
All in all this is a memoir that is like a life tonic, you end up feeling on top of the world. This is definitely a 5 star rating/review and I suggest it would make an excellent choice as a bookclub pick, plenty to talk about.
 
Pauline Reid

Did you notice the yellow highlighted text? 

There is always a way around a sticky situation! 

Tap here for the Full review:

And here for the inclusion of Mrs Balls chutney review:

For more on Pauline Reid's book reviews, you can visit any of the following links:  

Pauline Reid Book Reviewer

Instagram:

Goodreads:

Facebook:

BookBub:

YouTube:

😍 Now, to change pace a bit with something just for fun, I'd love to hear your take on a poll I created. I only recently discovered the term 'seasoned love'. 

For a long time I referred to mature love as ‘midlife love’, but since chatting with Kate Champion on her podcast where she referred to that age group as later-in-life, I decided I rather liked that term instead. 

Then, along came 'seasoned love.' 

So, tap the link below and let me know which term you prefer for mature love:

Which term best suits ‘mature love?’

(The link is on my Facebook page, so if you’d prefer, just let me know in a comment here on the blog): mature love, midlife love, later-in-life love, or seasoned love.

I'll let you know the winning result next time!

🏃When we are striving to navigate the hurdles on our path, it helps to have a supportive community around us. It doesn't have to be close friends or family, so long as it is a genuine community with similar aspirations to yours. 

I found just such a community in the Indie Book Vault. 

There is a lot of jostling of proverbial shoulders in the writing industry and when a community disrupts the equilibrium it is always refreshing. 

The Indie Book Vault community aims to highlight up-and-coming indie authors and connect them with their ideal reader. I am so hopping happy to have my memoir, En Route, in their book stash at Indie Book Vault. (Tap the ‘Non-Fiction’ genre to find it 😉)

Whether you're an indie author or an avid reader, find your next read here: Indie Book Vault

Because, as the esteemed Pauline Reid {introduced above} mentioned in conversation with me, readers help authors, and...

You can't have one without the other!

Now for my Reader Hat: 👒
🫖 I was so fortunate to be an early reader of Sabina Ostrowska’s third book in her New Life in Andalusia series:  Olive Leaf Tea: Time to settle

[Review extract] ‘It is an absolute delight with the author's sense of humour and quirky solutions to unexpected obstacles along the way to her and her husband’s dream life.’ 

Her husband, incidentally, hails from my very tiny hometown in South Africa (I’m not revealing anything secretive, it’s in the book). What’s more, I’m heading right there on the day that Olive Leaf Tea launches! How about that?

If you want to skip the queue, and receive the book on launch day, 1 September 2023, be sure to preorder now. Here’s the link for you: 

Olive Leaf Tea by Sabina Ostrowska

Here is the rest of my review:

Olive Leaf Tea: Time to settle, is a refreshing account of re-establishing a new life in a foreign country. 

The language barrier provides ample laugh-out-loud moments, along with a focus and determination to make their new life work. 

From interesting neighbours and friends, to unexpected weather events, Olive Leaf Tea provides the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of reading entertainment.

Highly recommended. 

🍝 Another fabulous read launching on 1 September 2023, is A Recipe from Rome by Laura Botten.

Again, I had the pleasure of reading an early copy, and I urge you to get yours at this preorder link to ensure a speedy delivery: A Recipe from Rome:

I'll let my review show you why you need to read the book:

April Appleby is a delight as she finds herself tangled in a confusion of pasta and promises of romance - from 3 different, yet equally charming, men.

She’s hoping her trip to Rome with her old friend, Simon, will help clear things up but things only get more tangled.

On a quest to find her mom’s secret pasta sauce, April ends up sightseeing on a Vespa, sampling the delights of Italy and discovering hidden culinary talents. But will she end up with the man of her dreams?

A Recipe from Rome is in equal parts endearing and laugh-out-loud funny! A must-read.

A Recipe from Rome ticked all the boxes for me; relationships, recipes, travel!
And be prepared to start cooking once finished! I did, and I regret nothing!
You'll find character snippets and stunning travel photography on the author's Instagram here:
Laura Botten

👻 I also have the great pleasure of currently reading an ARC of The Cook, the Ghost and her Sister by Ellen Read. It’s a fabulous tale of relationships with past and present friends and family and I’m loving the dual storyline immensely! 

Ellen has seamlessly blended past and present as the characters tell their story. With plenty of intrigue and mystery to keep you guessing, there’s also a hint of romance simmering in the background.

For your chance to preorder The Cook, the Ghost and her Sister, before launch day which is 10 September 2023, click this link:

The Cook, the Ghost and her Sister

[Talking of ancestry, I do love a good synchronicity and this book launches on the day of my late dad’s would-be birthday!]

(Review to follow).

It gives authors a huge jolt of joy to know you’ve enjoyed their work, so please do let any of the above authors (and podcasters), know if you’ve read and loved their books.

Until next time, stay strong, never give up, and remember, there’s always a solution.

Be sure to subscribe below for our monthly update on the blog, Creating Sparks that Last & All Things Relationships: 

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Find my memoir here: EN ROUTE: The Best is Yet To Be

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Up and Coming Authors!

And New Releases from Well-Loved AuthorsThis month I want to share with you, the delights I have discovered from new, and new-to-me, authors.

Welcome to July's Bookish Edition of Creating Sparks that Last
Elora Canne

Up and Coming Authors:So much has happened in the book world this month, I have much to share: ARC reads Beta reads Book endorsementsOnline interviews Podcast interviews In-person, Aussie author, book launch eventsBookish start-up event launching this month 
To say I am pumped would be an understatement!

Right! Onto the Big Reveal:
Author’s ShowcaseMitos Ming Suson, author of several emotive memoirs herself, approached me for an author feature on her blog, after reading my memoir, En Route. It was such a thrill!
Her fun and informative interview reveals all the juicy bits which you can read about, here: Author's Showcase  - click through to 'Read full interview here.'
If you'd like the chance for an Author's Showcase with Mitos, follow the link to her Instagram profile or click on her website: 
Instagram: Mitos Ming Suson
Website: Mitos Suson Author's Showcase

Living Big Mindfully Podcast 

by Kate Champion will be launching 1 August 2023! 

Kate is an author of real stories inspiring real people. We got to know each other's captivating stories on Instagram. 

I was elated when Kate requested to interview me because her relaxed interview style evokes deep revelations and meaningful conversations. 

The episode featuring our interview broadcasts soon! 

Find her inspiring stories of life, love, health, healing, and thriving, here: Living Big Mindfully Podcast

For the opportunity of an interview with Kate, find her on Instagram or go to her website:

Instagram: Kate Champion Author

Website: Kate Champion

Launching Soon 🚀

I have had the humungous pleasure of bearing witness to the author journey of one Maria C. Palmer, a mighty and powerful influence in the enrichment of her community.

Maria's memoir, On The Rocks, chronicles her father's rise and fall as an esteemed restaurateur. Maria and her father, Joe Costanzo, Jr., piece together the story as they reveal the impact it had on their family life through some scary experiences. 

I was humbled by Maria's request for an endorsement of her book and equally appreciative for it to be selected and accepted by her publisher, Koehler Books.

Release date is 8 August 2023, however, you can preorder today so you don't miss this story of grit and determination.

Tap the link: On The Rocks: The Primadonna Story

Connect with Maria on Instagram for hot-off-the-press updates, here:

Fans of the Primadonna Restaurant

A Little Local Rendevouz

To find out that, not one, but two big-time Aussie authors were coming to my sleepy little village, was a thrilling discovery!

I was fascinated to listen to the success of a ‘pantser’ author who wings the storyline, just like me, a mere fledgling author. This was encouraging.

So, I guess you’d like to know who I’m talking about?

The book launch was for Sandie Docker’s latest release, The Red Gum River Retreat. After requesting more alliteration in the book’s title, the publisher liked Sandie’s suggestion of ‘retreat’, resulting in a re-jigging to include a music retreat in the story. 

I find it quite affirming to know that celebrity authors also have manuscript makeovers, just like the rest of us aspiring authors.

I finally have a copy in my page-turning paws!

The second author of the night was Kaneana May, and it was her work in which I discovered the comfort of familiar surroundings. This included the serendipity of a weekend getaway the very next day for me, to the romanticized mountain village in which her first story, The One, takes place.

But the story that really touched me, All We Have is Now, took me on blissful countryside ramblings that I could visualize clearly. 

Oh the delight! 

On a Personal Note
Nonfiction Network: 

Our platform, on Instagram, aims to amplify the voices of nonfiction writers and is proving to be very popular. We now have a QR code for you to share with other nonfiction enthusiasts, easily. 

If you’d like to join our network for a free shoutout, comment below.

Author Sighting:

Imagine my astonishment when a holiday-maker in my village called out my name! 

To be recognised as an author by a near stranger was a defining moment for me; a morale booster. Surreal, unbelievable, career-affirming.

I say ‘near stranger’ because we are fellow-memoirists on Instagram. One of the benefits of social media is the genuine connections we make, which sometimes develop into friendships.

We had a meet-up the following day for a wonderful walk and chat on the beach, getting to know each other a little more.

Book Swaps and Board Games

Feeling motivated by the connections I’ve made on Instagram, I decided to go ahead with a plan to connect with other book-lovers in real-life.

A once-a-month get together for a quick book swap, chat, game or two and a cuppa will satisfy my inner book nerd and board game geek.

Our local club happily agreed to let me host monthly events in their social lounge and my hope is to provide a space for friendships to blossom.

Relationships, connections and new experiences keep the gray-matter-gremlins at bay!

Writing Capers:

I’m feeling really pleased after receiving rewarding Beta feedback for my New-Adult novel, Forest of Sun and Shadows.

This has been hugely motivating, so I’ll be submitting it to traditional publishers for consideration, from 1 September 2023.

Keep a look out for my request for ARC readers in the coming weeks. 

The story follows teenager, Rhen, in her quest to escape the dogma of a stifling relationship, while grappling with the complexities of becoming a young mum.

~~~

I do hope you’ve been inspired by my recommendations to pick up a book or two, let me know which ones appealed to you!

If you’re a keen memoir reader and/or writer, do join the friendliest group on Facebook: We Love Memoirs

There are plenty of memoirs to be won, including mine this month, EN ROUTE: The Best is Yet To Be.

If you prefer, you can buy a copy at the links below:

Paperback: EN ROUTE: The Best is Yet To Be

eBook: EN ROUTE: The Best is Yet To Be

For more bookish tips, recs and news, subscribe below:

Creating Sparks that Last BLOG

To follow our Nonfiction Network hashtag, either scan the QR code below, or look-up the #nonfictionnetwork hashtag on Instagram:

If you’re local to Mid-North Coast, NSW Australia, we’d love to meet you at our inaugural Book Swaps and Board Games event:

Thanks for your friendship, bye for now.

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Relationship Success

How to Achieve Relationship Success?
Image: Elora Canne

Quality interactions - short termCombined dreams - long term
Quality Interactions:For any relationship to be successful, you have to experience quality interactions that will draw you closer together and create lasting memories that you share.
Last month we spoke about what we want more of in a relationship. Here’s the link if you missed it: create-relationship-you-want
The thing is, your partner also has their own desires for your relationship together.
Here’s where the ‘how-to’ of a successful relationship comes in:
A) Both partners write a list of 5 achievable date ideas for your relationship that will drive it to success.
B) Swap lists and write a short list of your partners choices that you’d like to pursue.
C) From each of your short lists, pick a starting point.
Don’t over complicate things. Baby steps towards your relationship success will ensure sustainable practice in the long-run.
Combined Dreams:Now that you both have an idea of what you each want individually from your relationship, it’s time to figure out what combined dreams you both have for your relationship success.
• Do you both have the same holiday plans? • Do you share similar hobby interests? • Are you working towards an exciting project together?

- Renovations, garden layout, DIY construction {car, furniture, gazebo}, mega puzzles.

Having long-term combined goals gives you something to plan and look forward to, together, ensuring greater relationship success through the combined enjoyment of shared achievements.
Did you find this useful? Share it with a friend.
Share your date ideas and dreams in the comments.
For more helpful tips like these, subscribe below:
Elora Canne is a relationship writer with tips to empower you to greater relationship success. Find her work here: Books, freebies & more
Subscribe here:
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Create the relationship you want

But how? Image: Elora Canne

Self-awareness, for one. And effort for another.
Neither romance nor love are going to land in your lap if you just sit back staring into space. Unless you’re gazing at the stars with the love of your life cuddled up next to you - but you have to make that happen, right?
Let’s start with self-awareness: If you don’t know what you want, you can’t make it happen - go figure.
Figure out what kind of relationship makes you happy, then set your intentions to plan for it. 
For example:
do you want more travel and adventure, or romance and fine dining? perhaps you’d prefer more quiet date-nights-in, or snuggled up for more movie nights?
Whatever it is that you want more of, you have to, a) know, and, b) make it happen.
So that’s your project for this month, to figure out what you want more of in your relationship. Perhaps you want a combination of all 3 of my suggestions above. Or, perhaps you can add ideas of your own.
______________________________________________
Travel/Adventure: Yes/NoIf yes, where do I want to go?What adventures do I want to experience?______________________________________________
Romance/Fine Dining: Yes/NoWhat kind of romance do I yearn for?What restaurants do I want to try?______________________________________________
More date-nights-in/movie nights: Yes/NoWhat kind of date-nights-in will be special enough?Which movies would I like us to watch together?______________________________________________
Then, next month, we’ll work on figuring out how to make it happen.

Elora is a nonfiction relationships writer living just outside of Sydney, Australia with her husband and their Ragdoll cat, Maisie Moonlight.Learn more about Elora Canne here: Books, blogs, freebies and more

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Lasting Love

And Healthy Relationship TipsIf you’re wondering what the secret to lasting love is, there isn’t one. You have to take the long way round. And the good news is, I’ve got 3 tips that will get you there.
How do I know? Because this year marks the 40th year my partner and I will have been together. Not married, that’ll be 37 years, but together - not yet mind you, that’ll be later on in the year.
Our relationship comes with lots of experience, so healthy relationship tips are kind of my fortè.
Here are my 3 tips for you:• Regular dates inject new interest into your relationship. They don’t have to be expensive outings, in fact they don’t even have to be outings, but they do have to be something out of the ordinary.
• My second healthy relationship tip is to have the awkward conversation. Repeatedly, until the issue is fully resolved. This may take months, intermittently and you will continue to have issues needing discussion, just keep at it. Preferably on neutral ground during a walk or a coffee stop, not when either of you are frazzled, shopping or driving.
• Last but not least, set your own boundaries. Both of you need to know your own selves so well that you know your triggers, know what sets you off and what behaviors you simply will not tolerate. Verbalise them clearly so that there is no room for misunderstanding.
And there you have it; my 3 proven tips that will set you on the long road to a healthy relationship and lasting love.
Let’s move on to lighter things, shall we?
News for the month of AprilMy two reads for this month were the same, but different. Both books spoke of lasting love and healthy relationships; neither ended with the main couple together (these are not spoilers, it is in the synopsis).
One was from the male’s perspective with dual timelines of young love to older love and the other was from the female’s perspective processing trauma within a relationship.
Both stories guide us through the rollercoaster process of holding on and letting go; to hurts, memories and love that lasts forever.
The former, Memories of Then by Stephanie May is available here: Stephanie May Instagram
And the latter, Transit of Angels by Desney King is available here: Desney King Instagram
I did say we’d move onto lighter things and we didn’t quite get there because both these books are deep and thought-provoking. You might even find some healthy relationship tips in them, in fact I know you will.
Okay, NOW on to lighter things.Easter was a blast for me this year! In the build-up, I had such fun mailing Easter goodies to my grandies because I wasn’t going to be seeing them, unfortunately.
However, I did have the wonderful joy of seeing my younger son who drove up to us. During his stay we shopped at a Rebooted Market which we both love doing and I came away with a pedestal bowl which I’ve DIY’d into a bird bath.
We also shopped at our local monthly market and both came away with lush plants. PLUS, we shopped at a nursery where we both came away with even more plants. To say I was in my element would be an understatement!
We did appease dear husband who gamely followed our exploits, with a trip out onto the lake in the boat. A bit of fascinating birdwatching as they swooped to catch fish, a bit of coffee sipping and chatting and we were all blissfully satisfied.
To my absolute delight, my eldest son and his family surprised us with a weekend visit! So I got to see them and my grandies after all. We had the best fun playing ball, gardening (yes they love digging in the dirt too!) and taking long walks in the park! Even the two fur-kids played together and they are cat and dog buddies.
That’s some healthy relationship stuff right there; relationships aren’t only about romance, they actually incorporate every area of our lives.
For context, we live a four hour drive away from both our children so it is such an honour to have them visit.
Writing news:I finally have my new laptop and my Rustic Writers Shed up and running, so my next book is coming along splendidly. Love and Laughter (And other disasters), do indeed prevail with the village being brought together by the enigmatic black cat that roams the neighbourhood. I love how the midlife romcom is coming together and am having so much fun people-watching as I collect fodder for my community of characters.
My other manuscript, Forest of Sun and Shadows, is complete and has been since NaNoWriMo so I am now in the stages of finding the right editor for my story. It has some triggers so I have to be sensitive for the right fit.
As expected, both manuscripts cover relationship turmoil and resolution as that is my interest area to write about. I love nothing better than seeing relationships flourish through trials and tribulations that they have overcome.
On that note, I’ll encourage you to join our monthly at-home date ideas newsletter at no cost. I make suggestions for easy non-demanding moments where you and your partner focus exclusively on each other. This makes room for deeper understanding and greater growth closer together.
I’ve called it Romance and Wrinkles and the sign-up form is at this link: Romance and Wrinkles Sign Up Form
On a final note, I’d like your opinion on this month’s blog post. You’ll notice I haven’t used images this time because I’d like to know from you if you found the flow of reading better without the images. Let me know in a comment below.
Until next time x

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*THE* Secret to Staying Motivated

And Successful

Okay now that I have begrudgingly (but successfully) transitioned into autumn, I have something wonderful to share!

Back in those balmy summer days - so very long ago now - (sigh), I had one of those life-changing, and I mean LITERALLY life-changing, epiphanies that these gorgeous hot sunshiny days were not going to last forever. Go figure, but it is something a lot of us take for granted. So I did what any sun loving creature would do - I decided to train for a triathlon!

Now I was the kid in the swimming comp who would be spluttering and coming last while the coach would be walking alongside me at the edge of the pool clapping and cheering me on, bringing ALL THE ATTENTION to my drowning self. 💦 🏊‍♀️ 💦 But here we are. In an open water canal swimming lengths to train for a triathlon, sans the cheering coach thankfully because the canal is lined on both sides with rows of homes fully occupied with retirees just gazing out their windows for some entertainment. Well they got just that!

But the point here is not to entertain you with my swimming antics amidst flying fish and other creepy crawlies, no, this post is to inform you that I have decided to write a short story about my Tri training and, fingers crossed, successful completion of said Tri.

The secret to staying motivated? It was that personal reflection I spoke of in last month’s article that spurred me on. (Read it here if you missed it.) Staring at our bright blue summer skies everyday, I realised how ridiculous it was to not be OUT THERE enjoying the perfect weather! I’ve never done a Tri but by gosh I’m going to give it a red hot go!

Given this background, perhaps you have some suggestions for a title?

• Triumphant

• Tri With All Your Might

• Swim Run Cycle Repeat

These are just a few I’ve come up with so far. Feel free to comment with your suggestions below, I’d love to hear them.

If you think I’m crazy to take this Triathlon on, well I probably am, but to reassure you that I’m not too crazy, I’ll let you know that I discovered a shorter version of a full Tri, called a sprint Tri. It’s not ‘sprint’ as in faster, just shorter and that’s what I meant before when I said to find a goal you can achieve to SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS.

How will you set yourself up for success in the coming months? 

• Will you establish a writing space you can utilize with more consistency?

• Will you develop a routine of keeping in touch with distant friends or relatives?

• Will you work towards saving for a dream holiday or other goal you are working towards?

• Or do you, like me, have a fitness goal you are training for?

 What will you do to propel yourself forwards in the coming months? 

BOOK NEWS:

My writing projects are moving forwards slowly due to the fact that I have replaced my old laptop with a new one and had some technical difficulties transferring all my data across. Almost pulled my hair out  sorted now and I should be back at my writer's desk in the next week. Happy dance! 💃💃

Two books that I finished reading in March had a big impact on me and were of the ilk that needed time to be digested before continuing on with the next book. They were both continuations from previous months as is my wont with reading several books at once. 

The first one is fiction, called These Dividing Walls by Fran Cooper. At first glance, the depth of relationship nuances is not revealed, but as the story progresses, so the author's observations of so many different relationships is revealed. Deep, affective, emotive - it sat with me for a while.

~~~

The second book that moved me was by Suzanne Renee, called Conquering the Undertow: Learning to Breathe Again. I felt immobilised to participate in normal everyday living for the 24 hours after I finished reading her memoir. 

Whilst I don't know Suzanne personally, I do have her in my circle on both Instagram and Facebook. The Nonfiction Network and We Love Memoirs Group respectively. Suzanne endured so much before she was able to put pen to paper in her memoir and yet she comes across as a calming influence to those of us who encounter her quiet demeanour. I'll leave my review for her book here for you to read:

"This is a book that will stay with me forever! Suzanne took us along on her journey with so much emotion and understanding that I could not stop reading. Her explanations and insight surrounding her decisions was so relatable that I felt understood by her even though we’ve never met. Huge congrats on a brilliant book!"

Here is the buy link for you: Conquering the Undertow: Learning to Breathe Again

As mentioned, Suzanne and I know each other from social media, so whether you love to read and/or write memoirs, come and join us in THE FRIENDLIEST GROUP ON FACEBOOK: We Love Memoirs

And if you're into all things nonfiction, come and join us over on Instagram. At Nonfiction Network, all writer's who join us get a free shoutout every second Monday by yours truly - that's me, Elora Canne! Instagram/Nonfiction Network - A simple YES PLEASE under our next Nonfiction Network post on 27 March 2023 will get you there, or feel free to DM me - just be sure to mention Nonfiction Network so I know you're not some sleezy spammer!

While on the topic of book news, I feel it pertinent to mention here that the author who was a BIG influence on my triathlon motivation and training, is Kate Champion. 

Kate, too, forms part of our Nonfiction Network and I have read 3 of her 4 books. Her most recent, You Are Limitless, is filled with inspiring stories from real people who share their way forwards through difficult times.

Kate's first book, Never Too Late, is equally inspiring and is the one that got me off the couch and into the canal (mentioned at the beginning of this blog post). Both books are highly recommended as is her third one I have read, A Pocket Guide to Hiking, Running and Backpacking.

You can find all of Kate's information on her website here: Kate Champion Author 

Or on Instagram: Kate Champion Author

I feel I have left you with much to ponder and I do hope to see you in, if not all, then at least one of the opportunities mentioned above. So come and have fun with a bunch of bookworms.

Until next time, stay true to you xx

Find all my info here: Just tap the blue link.

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Foundations for Strong Relationships

And Personal Reflection
Instagram: @meganruthphotography_ downloaded via Unsplash

Earlier this week, I witnessed the first turning of yellow leaves heralding the start of autumn.

Wait!! I wailed, I'm not ready.

This made me take stock: Why was I not ready? I've known all my life that summer segues into autumn. So why am I not ready?

@primipil via Unsplash
Personal reflection leads to change

It's the same for our seasons in life. Personal reflection changes with each stage of life. Relationship boundaries shapeshift according to our status, commitment and amount of time together, i.e. child-raising years compared to empty-nester years, or career peaks versus slowing down your workload.

That brings me to today's discussion. Personal reflection corresponds directly to our evolving boundaries.

And if the people in our lives are not (or cannot be) in sync with our changing parameters, then we need to speak our mind so they can either level up or respect our growth.

When we want to speak our mind so our people hear us, there are three components to bare in mind:

* Be lovingly assertive

~ If that doesn't work

* Be firmly assertive

~ Still not sinking in

* Be boldly assertive

It is your birth right to assert your boundaries until they are met.

Foundations build strong relationships

As far as relationships and boundaries go, constructing a foundation of mutual respect means to:

🗝 Listen with genuine interest

🗝 Acknowledge their strengths/passions/needs

🗝 Involve them in daily decisions

🗝  And that works both ways btw.

I feel we've covered a lot of ground in today's article. If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a comment and I'll do my best to make sense of it with you.

Enjoy the transition of both your personal and relational life, plus the turning of seasons in your part of the world. And if, like me, you don't feel ready for any of it, spend some time in personal reflection and discover your new self with the turning of time.

Instagram: @meganruthphotography_ downloaded via Unsplash

Until next time, stay true to you.

You can find my proven practices of boundary-setting and self-reflection, in more detail in the pages of my memoir, EN ROUTE: The Best is Yet To Be.

Discover your true essence as you travel the world with me 💕

Here’s the link for you: EN ROUTE: The Best is Yet To Be

🫂 Join me on INSTAGRAM

🙋🏻‍♀️ Find me on FACEBOOK

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PROPEL Through Barriers or Obstacles

Do you choose a word of the year?It doesn't always stay in the fore front of my mind when I have selected a word for the year but it certainly helps me stay focused on my projects.
Image above embodies: Propel/Focus/In-Sync
What is your word or phrase for 2023?
The reason I've chosen 'PROPEL' as my word, is it's very definition to: push, move or drive something forwards. To push, move or drive through barriers or obstacles. To spur or drive into a particular situation.
I mean, it's an exact proposal for living, right? Life can throw obstacles our way and it is our own business to maneuver our way around them and keep moving forwards. That is the ultimate secret to SUCCESS, but remember…

Success looks different for everyone 

To keep my writing career successfully moving forwards, I am changing course into fiction this year. Truth be told, my upcoming release is based on true events, so I like to think of it as factual fiction. Have you read any great examples of true fiction? This is not the same as historical fiction but a story woven out of current events with fictional embellishment.
The working title for this story is, Love and Laughter (and other disasters). It is based on the drama and highlights of life in a close-knit village within an older community of wizened souls and foolish gossips. As the realm of midlife romance is explored, the rumours fly from house to house, with an additional theory from each.
As a complementary and complimentary side project, I started a midlife-love experiment late last year called, Romance and Wrinkles. The idea is to re-invent our relationship in our mature years, although younger couples can use the same model. 
It simply involves at-home date ideas where the focus is solely on your partner, because that's where relationship growth starts, by observing and getting to know your partner more deeply.
We started our first event on 7 January 2023 which I am happy to forward to you if you are interested in joining us, just comment below so I know you'd like the first one before February's event comes around. (There is only one per month which makes it easy to accomplish).
My husband and I did a similar dating experiment a few years back and it was so successful for our relationship that I wanted to share some ideas with other couples who's relationship could use a boost too.
The sign-up form for Romance and Wrinkles is here: Romance and Wrinkles Sign-Up FormPlease bear in mind that the sign-up form for this blog that you're reading here is separate from the Romance and Wrinkles one above.
If you'd like to subscribe to this blog, Creating Sparks that Last, for updates on writing projects and behind-the-scenes maps and photos of the area that the story takes place in, the link is here:
Creating Sparks that Last BLOG

Let’s hear your word of the year and how you’ve used it to start the year off this January.
Here’s to a cracking 2023 🎉🎉

Keep moving forwards 

In your own way
If you're curious about our date experiment from a few years back, mentioned above, you can take a look at our quick-read dating diaries for just .99c here:
Creating Sparks that Last EBOOK

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