Sarah Butland's Blog, page 13
March 11, 2019
A Place Called Home
Pictou County has a magical way of pulling people back. Despite the talk of the Pulp Mill, being low on the list of happiest places to live and the other negative things seen in the news, this place just has something that pulls people back.
Steven Bowers was someone who recently felt that pull and he did it in a big way. Now on tour for his newest album, Elk Island Park, the Pictou Decoste Entertainment Centre was a stop he loved to make. And he didn’t disappointment.
In an intimate setting, playing to a crowded Murray Room, Bowers stood alone on stage but the rapt audience ensured he wasn’t alone. Fortunate enough to be one of them, along with my 9 year old son who wasn’t sure what to expect, we were taken on a journey filled with talent, passion and such raw genuine emotions it was hard to believe we never officially met him before.
With tributes to such pinnacles of our community, including Fleur Mainville for her mother who was in attendance and Jim Dorie to his wife, Bowers somehow projected emotion so beautifully through his performances while being respectful to the moment.
On his albums you’ll hear a band and talented singers accompanying him but in Pictou County, Bowers and his guitar, plus harmonica, was all the adoring fans needed. Well, that and his adorable niece it’s obvious he is so proud of who took our hearts away in her song and dance.
The talent in Pictou County is endless. With a crowd filled with other musicians or those who are close to the music scene, it was obvious the two hours of Bowers presence wasn’t enough for his local fans.
Enjoy a portion of the show and be sure to check when he is near you by visiting: https://www.stevenbowers.com/
January 16, 2019
What’s Holding You Back?
This year I planned to focus on writing. With my son now at school full time I have the hours to do what “sparks joy” in me in that is definitely writing.
And then I started watching a Netflix show called Tidying Up with Marie Kondo and realized I needed to clear some space, literally and figuratively, before being able to really write the stories I want to craft. Now I struggle with purging in the sense that I always see more to get rid of and delight in feeling that sense of accomplishment with having it done.
With writing, while it does spark joy, it never seems finished. There’s always another story to be told and book to sell and while I love that they exist and my heart flutters at the idea of someone reading it, I hunger for more. Yes, the money from a sale is nice but what is much better is knowing someone is reading my work and, gasp!, enjoying it so much they want to leave a review.
So I hold myself back from “existing” because I don’t see progress. Instead, I gravitate to getting things done that make a difference in my life now and leave what I love to do most for last – never really ever getting there.
With that admission I wondered what you let hold you back from doing more of what you love?
Thanks for checking in and in advance for sharing your struggles with me.
Thank you for reading,
Sarah Butland
December 28, 2018
Poplar Falls The Death of Charlie Baker
The newest, yet to be released officially, book by Pierre C. Arseneault, an author living in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.
Not for the faint of heart, even though it ventures away from his more terrifying tales such as Oakwood Island and Sleepless Nights Poplar Falls takes us to the privacy of a bedroom that, we quickly come to find out, isn’t so private for Charlie Baker.
Without giving much away, if you are prudish with your reading choices, please don’t pick up this book. If you have a sense of humour, of adventure and, especially fond of gossip, this book is for you. And if you want a sense of humour, or some ideas on how to spice up your reading collection and sex life, Charlie Baker packs a punch and will give you a long lasting, full form, effect!
Tilley and Dodge, the main characters and detectives trying to solve a variety of bizarre incidents, are two that you’ll immediately relate to, unlike the title character who is an outstanding member in the community. All the other characters reminded me of others I’ve met in real life and am sure you have, too.
Enjoy the risque adventures of those in a community with an addiction centre that caters to many addictions right next door.
Pre-order now so you can be one of the first to understand the bizarre world of Pierre C Arsenault. Poplar Falls The Death of Charlie Baker!
Thanks for reading,
Sarah Butland
December 2, 2018
Mary Knew by Irene Baron
Here’s a guest post to get us all in the Christmas spirit.
Mary Knew
A Biography of Mary From Ancient Scriptures
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WHY SHOULD PEOPLE READ THIS BOOK?
Most people have no idea how perfect and holy Mary was.
She was named by God, consecrated to be holy and ordained to be the mother of His Son. Isolated from the public during 3 years at home and over a decade in the Jerusalem Temple, she had never seen crude, rude or disrespectful actions. She had never heard profanity or witnessed anger or fighting. The angels kept her busy during her waking hours at the temple, perhaps so she would not venture outside. She was not an ordinary young woman when promised to a very reluctant Joseph for marriage. While living in the temple, she had vowed to remain a virgin all her life. The priests knew she and Joseph would never consummate the marriage or have children except for Jesus, Immanuel.
She lived her life with angels almost every day until she went to reside in Joseph’s home. Her holy upbringing was dictated by angel messengers from God. All of Galilee knew of Mary and her destiny. She was so famous, others visited the temple hoping to catch a glimpse of Mary and her angels. According to God’s messengers to Mary’s parents, Mary would be the most important woman to ever be born on Earth. The only person to be born on Earth more important than Mary was her Son, Jesus, Immanuel, whose name was announced by God.
MARY KNEW:
SELECTED AWARDS: http://www.irenebaron.com/awards_irene_baron/
HOME PAGE: Mary Knew: http://www.irenebaron.com/mary_knew/
PRESS KIT:http://www.maryknew.com/radio_press_kit_mary_knew/
PUBLIC SPEAKER: http://www.irenebaron.com/public_speaker__educator/
PHOTOS: http://www.irenebaron.com/photos_irene_baron/
HOME PAGE: IRENE BARON: http://www.irenebaron.com/index/
BLOG: http://www.irenebaron.com/irene_baron_blog1/
BIO: http://www.irenebaron.com/short__long_bio/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/IreneWorthingtonBaron/
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/author/irenebaron
October 31, 2018
Happy Halloween!
Through the years Halloween has found my entire family dressed in a theme and tonight will be no different.
I want you to share your costumes and traditions with me by commenting on this post!
How much fun is Halloween for you?
October 18, 2018
Another Publication
Contests, deadlines, topics to write about are all sparks of encouragement and inspiration, motivation to take on the challenge and write, especially when books aren’t selling like you plan.
They can also be frustrating, charging a fee to enter and not hearing back or hearing back but with no feedback. It’s understandable, judges are busy reading and judging and if hundreds of stories don’t make the cut they move on. As should the writer.
Recently I challenged myself to write a possible end of world story for Aftermath and loved that my husband helped get me past my hurdle. The story is special to me, admittedly, all are but especially this one as I discussed it with someone I love and he inspired me to complete it. That moment of belief in me and my efforts, that spark of interest in my goal was exactly what I needed.
I didn’t need the win, though it would have been great, I needed what was given to me and count that as a win already.
So when I determined I didn’t place I decided I needed to still share it with the world and let the readers provide the feedback.
Save Your Breath is available now and I would love to know what you think of it.
Thanks for reading,
Sarah Butland
June 17, 2018
Like Mother, Like Son
Though it’s Father’s Day today and all great dad’s out there deserve their time to shine, especially the Dad I live with for all his efforts today this post is about our son.
I am in love with his reading ability and interest in reading books of all kinds but he took it a step further and decided to create a YouTube channel reviewing what he reads! And he’s a natural. While the first video took a bit of editing, the second and third were done in one shot! Not only will this encourage him to read through books but he loves the idea of supporting authors as much as he can!
I invite you to check out his videos and if you have a suggestion, or your kids have one, on what to read next please feel free to comment and subscribe!
Thanks, in advance, for watching,
Sarah Butland
author of Being Grateful, Being Thankful
May 31, 2018
Z’s….The Final
Flo was alone again and had nothing to do but sleep. She retired to her childhood bedroom and slept like the dead, as lonely as a wolf.
When she woke it was much, much later, weeks later and the sun was shining.
Judy was busy at home painting and planning, deciding on a theme for each room and ensuring flowers were incorporated into each piece somehow.
The kids were healing, still traumatized but getting back to their normal lives before the separation and Max was actually home a lot more. On that particular day he was at the art gallery, supervising everything to make sure things were handled just so. And then Judy got the call.
“Come over here, as soon as you can and bring the kids.”
“Is it finished?” Judy’s excitement grew by the minute and she capped her paints and washed her brushes as she talked.
“Just get over here.” Max knew if he talked anymore he’d give it away and he didn’t want that.
Judy hurried, yelling for the kids to get their shoes on, and they were at the house within 12 minutes. When Judy stopped the car her jaw dropped and she couldn’t get out. Everything was perfect, except for the construction crew running around like ants but otherwise, the place looked fabulous. It took her a few minutes to realize Helen and Lucas were running up the driveway to their father. She followed.
“Max, you did it!” Judy breathed as she reached him.
“This isn’t even the best part. Come see.” He led his family to the backyard and while they hesitated Max was brave enough for all of them. Judy realized why when she got there.
While the focus was around the house there was no work being done to the garden but they discovered there didn’t need to be. Nature did it for him and before their eyes the family saw the property be reformed into an oasis they all knew people would be eager to see a lot more often than every ten years.
As they wandered throughout the trails of strawberries plants and apple trees Max got a call. Judy was about to roll her eyes but stopped herself. It wouldn’t be work, she finally was confident of that. Hanging up the phone he turned to the family and said, “Come see the best part, it’s ready now.”
Judy didn’t understand how their could possibly be more but as they turned around front and saw a sign newly hung she gasped, “It’s perfect.”
Lucas, still learning to read, sounded out “Flo’s Place: Artistry and Wizardry.”
Thanks for bearing with me throughout this challenge! It was a wonderful journey for me and hope it satisfied your every whim.
Cheers to a happy and successful June, filled with your own accomplished goals!
Sarah Butland
May 30, 2018
Yearning
Max was a planner. Doing something so big so impulsively was strange. Maybe it was the exhaustion and not being able to sleep while being monitored for a concussion, maybe it was the giddy feeling he had about moving back in with his family. But most likely, it was his encounter with Flo and the peace he felt while playing with her.
All night the doctors were coming in his room with the phone or a new test of some sort and finally he had his answers. He’d be fine, his marriage would be even better.
At 11:30 he was told his family was on their way to take him home. He was to take a few days off but would be fine and that was perfect for him. At 11:34 he was told he had another phone call and it was the magical one.
When he got off the phone, promising to sign the documents as soon as he got home, Judy was cursing him for working again already. The stress in her face was obvious and he was smirking in return.
“It’s work of another kind, I think you’ll like it.”
“The doctors just finished telling me not to let you work – not even a phone call. I can’t believe this.”
“Judy, stop, let me speak.” Max sat on the edge of the bed, took his wife’s hand and invited his children in closer. “What would you say if I told you I bought the abandoned house?”
“No! That place is terrifying!” Helen gasped.
“Cool,” Lucas said but seemed nervous.
“Why would you?”
“It will be your art gallery. I’ve arranged for restoration to start this week and it will be done in a month, maybe two. The firm will handle all of the details to ensure everything is on the up and up so you should start painting -you’ll have plenty of rooms to fill.”
“You’re serious?” The light in Judy’s eyes was magnificent though her voice was still filled with fear.
“You can’t back out, there’s no way I’ll let you. Let’s go home,” Max said and they all held hands, making it difficult to get through the door but somehow they did.
Stay tuned for the next and final installment…. Z’s….
May 29, 2018
X’s
Max and Judy were split. Their children knew it, they just didn’t understand why. When they saw them in the house together, Helen in their house and Lucas later in the supposedly abandoned house, they were confused. So were Judy and Max.
Split because Judy wasn’t sure what she wanted. She thought she’d find it more easily if she was alone, not explaining how she was alone without Max but with two kids. Max didn’t ask. He fell in love with Judy when they were kids, he fell hard and had to woo his soulmate just briefly as she fell for him, too. And then, it seemed, it all fell apart.
Their wedding was memorable, held on a beach July 23rd, and his career came next. Becoming a lawyer was his second dream, second only to marrying Judy, and then the rise to the top delayed their having Helen but Max thought it was ok. Judy seemed happy supporting him, volunteering at the local library and taking some hours at night at the local craft store. Max wasn’t stupid, he knew she dreamed of something more including owning her own art gallery but she put it off for him and each case kept him in the office longer and longer.
As he laid in the dark he remembered why he loved Judy and Max committed, to himself to start, to allocate a lot of his cases to paralegals so he could be home earlier. The strangers surrounding him all breathed a collective sigh of relief when they saw Max’s eyes open.
Judy spoke to him first. “I’m sorry, I was stupid. I want you to move back in.”
Max whispered his response, “you’re not stupid at all. I need to apologize for being at the office too much. I want to be home more.”
Helen and Lucas were delighted by the apologies. They were whole again!
“Let’s go home,” they all said.
Max was carried out on a gurney, and they went to the hospital before going home. All got checked out and were fine but Max had to stay overnight for observation. He convinced Judy to go home with the kids, saying he was in good hands and she could enjoy a good nights sleep alone one last time.
When they left he asked his nurse for a laptop and phone line and called his go to at the office. He had a plan…
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post – Yearning
