Chynna T. Laird's Blog, page 23

Talk About It Tuesday: Purple Hat Gang Book Review by Jaimie Lepp

Today is usually a day where we 'talk about' stuff that no one else does to get others talking. Today, I am so proud to promote my daughter, Jaimie's, very first book review.
We've hired her on to review books...both because I don't have the time with my novel-writing and...well...honestly...there have been some health issues stressing us all out around here. 
But that's another blog post.
Jaimie has reviewed The Purple Hat Gang  written by one of my amazing author friends, Judith Krist...

Music Mantra Monday - Anyway the Wind Blows

Hey everyone. I know it's been awhile since we've checked in here. We've had just an enormous amount of things to deal with around here...some good...some not so good. But we're back.

Today's song choice is very close to my heart and very personal. No, it's not the happiest of songs but one I truly felt compelled to share this week.

I had the absolute pleasure of taking three of my kids to see Queen when they came to Edmonton this past week. It's not quite the same without Freddie Mercury (and...

Music Mantra Monday: Keep Moving Forward (Climb Every Mountain)

I hope everyone's day is off to a great start.

I know we haven't been as consistent as we usually are with our posts, but we've been having some bumps in the road we've been struggling to get over. Life happens. If it was meant to be easy, I think there'd be even more unhappiness in the world as people would never learn to appreciate all the good they have around them.

Everyone goes through tough times. Some only face an irritating road bump. Others face a life changing/life altering mountain....

Talk About It Tuesday ~ Dealing With Depression

As some of you know, I used to run a blog called, 'White Elephants' to support children and adults dealing with depression, bipolar and other mental struggles. We try to have segments on our new blog, that combines 'White Elephants', 'The Gift' and my author blog.

I recently went through a very upsetting time with a sweet man that my husband worked with. I recognized his struggles, and tried to help how I could stemming from what I've been surrounded with my entire life, including with my own...

Music Mantra Monday: The Power of Friendship (Here Today)

During tough times, it's always comforting to know that you have friends to get you through those rough patches. You don't even need to have a crowd around you. Having that one special person who 'gets' you and tries understanding what you're going through is more than enough.

I'm a strong believer in the fact that there is a purpose for each person we encounter in our lives. Even if someone is there only for a brief period of time, we are supposed to learn something from him or her. I've been...

Music Mantra Monday - It's A Beautiful Day (Michael Buble)

Hi everyone, remember me?

Well, I know that it's been awhile since I've written. Not only has it been crazy around here, as usual, I've had a few  health concerns to contend with. My kids can only help me with so much.

When your health is effected, it can be a real downer, especially those of you going through more serious issues. I figured everyone out there could use a bit of a positive boost, especially with the weather finally starting to get beautiful again.

There are so many positives...

Writing Sample Wednesday: The Mysterious Lucky Bamboo

I'm sorry we missed our Talk About It yesterday. I am crazy-busy around here with my upcoming blog tour for Just Shut Up and Drive, my new children's picture book coming out, keeping up with my editing and articles, plus putting in my daily word count for my next novel. And, if that isn't enough to keep me busy, I am finishing off my second degree (Criminology). Oh yeah, and did I mention doing all of this with four kids running around?

Ah well. At least they are all older now and can (mostly)...

Music Mantra Monday: Dumbo - A Beautiful Movie For Special Needs Kids

A few years ago, I posted this video after watching Dumbo with my oldest for the first time. She had just started the first steps in her Early Intervention therapy (a couple of years before her SPD therapy).

Like most kids do, and I believe it's mostly to torture their parents, she watched the video over and over. The scene above was one of her favorites, the next in line being when Dumbo learns to fly.

Upon viewing #586,000, give or take a few, I asked her, "I know you seem to really like...

Mama's Muse: Guardian Angels

Well, I'm feeling a little nostalgic today being Easter.

This holiday was always a big deal for my family when I was younger, and it was the last holiday my grandmother was alive for.

This year will be the first that I don't have all my little munchkins with me as they celebrated over at their father's. It's all good. They still got to do our Easter egg hunt, and remember the true reasons we acknowledge this holiday.

I usually talk about Mommy-dom on our Mama's Muse, but I thought for today, I'd...

Food For Thought: Falafel Burger recipe

I know, I know. It was our foodie day yesterday, and we are ignoring writing prompt for today. Sorry for the confusion but we started our Easter festivities already and we weren't able to get on here. We hope to make up for it with a yummy vegan recipe for falafel burgers. (For you carnivores out there...it really is yummy.)

There are several options out there for us vegans/vegetarians who still want to participate in the joys of burger eating. Boy, have things changed since I first started on...