Sandra Healing Steiner's Blog, page 97
June 30, 2014
I am Canadian….
I am Canadian is a popular phrase here and most say it with pride. Canada is diverse in its weather, industry, economy, and people. On Canada Day we all celebrate living in a free country.
I have never lived outside Canada but, I have travelled some. My observation is that we are blessed. We do not have the kinds of concerns some other countries do, and for that I’m grateful. Pictures show poverty, homelessness and unemployment are part of life here, and they are. Is it any more or less than other countries? That would depend on your perspective. From my perspective if you are willing to work hard and learn, anything is possible here. Some other countries are not so lucky. War and death are prevalent in some countries on a much larger scale than Canada, which makes me grateful I live here.
Canada is made up of a melting pot of nationalities, that’s what makes it so unique. Cultures exist and traditions are passed down, that’s the Canadian way and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
To all my fellow Canadians, have a fun and safe Canada Day holiday.
Fun facts!
Famous Canadians
Famous Canadian celebrities include Justin Bieber, Michael Buble, James Cameron, Jim Carrey, Celine Dion, Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, Mike Myers, Ryan Reynolds and William Shatner.
Famous Canadian rock and rollers include Bryan Adams, Paul Anka, the Guess Who, Rush, Steppenwolf, The Barenaked Ladies, Alanis Morissette, Bachman Turner Overdrive, Neil Young and Avril Lavigne.
Famous Canadian authors include Lucy Maud Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables), Margaret Atwood (The Handmaid’s Tale) and Alice Munro (Lives of Girls and Women), Mavis Gallant, Stephen Leacock, Pierre Berton, Robertson Davies, Douglas Copeland, Alistair MacLeod, Farley Mowat and Michael Ondaantje.
Fun Geography Facts
Canada is the second largest country in the world.
The capital of Canada is Ottawa, the second coldest capital in the world.
Interesting information….
French and English are the two official languages in Canada.
Queen Elizabeth II is the Canadian Head of State.
Canada’s literacy rate is over 99%.
June 28, 2014
I have succeeded….
I have succeeded …. I told myself at the beginning of this writing journey that if one person bought the book or was inspired by what I had to say, I would be successful with the endeavour. Today I heard from another new author that she had bought my book. I was stunned, amazed, and so grateful.
Don’t worry I’m not delusional, I don’t expect to become a best selling author or become famous I just want to inspire people and give hope to those that need it. I also realize there will be people out there not ready to hear what I have to say or will not appreciate my writing style either and that’s all right.
In January of this year when I began writing Cherish the Past the words just felt right. They flowed through my mind into the manuscript. Simultaneously I was working on a second writing project which has turned out to be book two of this trilogy Live for Today. Again, the words just flowed.
In April when I suggested to my husband that I wanted to publish them he was very supportive and said go ahead. I told my boys about them, and they were excited for me! None of them questioned my ability to write ….. But I did. I had dreamt of this off and on for years but it was just a dream. Reality was it was the80′s I was a young mom of three, working full time and in college full time. I had enough to do without writing. I accepted that then, and just put the idea away.
Life has a way of moving along and now it’s 2014, I’m a grandma and my boys are grown. In November 2013 I found my hours seriously cut at work, and time on my hands so I started my blog, steiner-style. Then in January the books were started. Unfortunately in March I found my job was eliminated, and though I have been applying for work like crazy I still haven’t found anything. I now had even more time in my hands so I kept writing. My books were completed in March, and they went to the publisher.
I said to myself at the time if my words help one person be stronger or inspires them to want more and do better I will have succeeded. My blog, Facebook, and twitter all get comments from a variety of people who appreciate what I have to say, which makes sense because I post a huge variety of giggles, books, inspiration and real life.
My links:
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...
Trafford publishing http://bookstore.trafford.com/Product...
Facebook
www.facebook.com/sandrasteiner.21
Www.facebook.com/steinerwrite
Www.facebook.com/sandrasteiner.22
Twitter
@healing_love
June 27, 2014
Change is in the air …..
First I want to thank everyone for feedback on my blog, books, timeline and Facebook page over the last few months. I am listening and trying to make improvements so that it is easier to get what you want from my likes, shares, posts and blogs.
Here is what I have done….
1. Added a Facebook page for this blog. All blog posts will still be on wordpress they will just be linked to a Facebook page so they can be more easily followed. I have about 500 views a month and I love blogging.
Please like www.facebook/sandrasteiner.22
Or continue to follow www.steiner-style.com
Some of you have indicated you only want to see the blog posts, not the variety pack of giggles, inspiration and writing updates I currently post on my timeline.
2. Added guest blog spots for other bloggers on Steiner-style. If you have a blog and want to trade posts please contact me. There are a couple of guest blogs on here already.
3. My Facebook timeline has nearly 3000 friends and I know it caps at 5000 so I will need to be making more decisions in the coming months. I have removed a few that have no activity on their Facebook timelines or are just plain creepers.
Please friend me www.facebook.com/sandrasteiner.21
4. My Facebook page is for writing and book updates primarily. However I do share other things on there that I find interesting. I have about 1200 likes already on this page and it continues to grow each day.
Please like it at www.facebook.com/steinerwrite
5. I have added a Facebook group – Steiner-style Street Team – for people who are interested in helping to promote my books. I post things to the group and leave it up to the members to share with their friends and pages as they see fit.
6. My blogs and Facebook timeline all are tweeted automatically as well @healing_love . I have about 3000 followers.
That’s what I have so far….more changes will come as we go along.
Thanks everyone!
Affaire de Coeur by Stephanie O’Hanlon
Stephanie O’Hanlon announces the availability of her debut historical romance Affaire de Coeur now available through Eternal Press, and other fine online retailers in both paperback and eBook.
Paris, May 1770—in the midst of aristocracy—country girl, Madeleine Dumont is privileged to partake in social events while living with her friend Colette du Lorme, daughter of a Marquis. While following in the shadow of her popular and socially versed friend, she is caught up with her infatuation with a man—a Comte. Lucien de Laurent is one of King Louis XV’s favorites, established bachelor and social recluse. How does a woman win such a man without playing the game?
www.eternalpress.biz/book.php?isbn=9781615728688
Stephanie O’Hanlon graduated from the Toronto Film School in 2008 with aspirations of starting a career in film, but found herself drawn to writing. Combining her love for writing and history, her preferred genre is historical romance, as seen in her EP title Affaire de Coeur, though she has also enjoyed the paranormal romance genre, as seen with her EP re-release Out of my Grave. Now a full time writer, she lives in Ontario, Canada with her German Shepherds Dante and Judas, and her beloved cats Nevermore and Willow.
Coming soon! Stephanie’s first modern horror novel, The Beast of Bradley Downs, from Damnation Books!
Affaire de Coeur and Out of My Grave are available through Eternal Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, & Chapters Indigo, as well as many other fine online retailers.
www.facebook.com/stephanieohanlonauthor
www.stephanieohanlonauthor.blogspot.ca
Lather by Nicki Rae
Lather (The Moore Series Book One)
Release:June 19, 2014
Genre:New Adult Contemporary Romance
SYNOPSIS
18 year old Emily Jenkins is from a small town in Indiana. She has just graduated High School and is going through a bad break up; she is ready to start college and get on with her life. But, before she even gets a chance to start college, unforeseen events thrust her right back in to the life of her ex. Will she survive him and be able to continue with her life or will she be drawn back to him?
Logan Moore has just returned home from College for the summer. He has had a rough first year, all of his own making. He wants to right some of the wrongs that he has created over the last year, but it is proving more difficult than he thought. After a tragic accident, that he feels is his fault, Logan tries to cope with the guilt and is offered help by someone he least expects.
Will their lives ever be the same?
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
BUY LINKS
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Lather-Moore-Bo...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00L4...
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books...
TEASER
I hear someone knock on the door as they slowly open it. Logan pops his head in and his eyes travel down my body and back up to my face. He smiles and I know what he is thinking. He walks over and pulls me to him.
“It doesn’t matter what kind of clothes you are wearing, babe; I’m still getting in them later.” He whispers in my ear.
I feel my face flush and I’m sure he can hear my heart pounding. My body temperature instantly rises and I know if we don’t leave now, we won’t get out of my room.
“If you want to make it to your party Logan, you shouldn’t say things like that to me.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nicki Rae was born in Ohio only to move to Indiana when she was eight. Currently, she still resides in Indiana with her husband, son and two cats. When she isn’t writing, you can probably find her at her day job as a banker. She has always been an avid reader but only recently decided she had too many stories floating around in her head, screaming to get out. (She is only slightly crazy, though).
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Email: authornickirae@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nicki-...
Red Nails – D. C. Legendre
Released on Valentine’s Day, “Red Nails”, is a novel by D. C. Legendre. Following is a guest post about her book, including excerpts and a brief glimpse into her life.
“Red Nails” is a story that includes drama, comedy, fantasy and romance that follows the main characters with references to the past in the midst of present day events. It is a story of a fairytale marriage gone awry. Following is a brief synopsis that gives a glimpse into the story.
“Red. It becomes the color that Hunter sees every day. After fifteen years of marriage her husband, Jon, leaves her and their life behind. Hunter is left with the revelation that only she can find out what happened to her fairytale marriage and her husband’s obsession with red nails and blonde hair. One night Hunter discovers a clue on a credit card statement. She decides to create an online alter-ego to tempt Jon into a relationship steeped in fantasy, discovery, laughter, and tears. Intense innuendo becomes the basis of their communications and she learns more than she ever thought possible about her husband—and herself. Red Nails is a story of endings and new beginnings, and one of beautiful memories and hope for the future.”
In an excerpt from the book, Hunter remembers Valentine’s Day. “Valentine’s Day was the worst day of my life, second only to the day he walked out on me. I cried all day but I pulled myself together and went to an opening for a local writer. I felt like it might be my only way to have my own home again.
Shoveling snow and pushing it around on the deck and off my car became my outlet for anger and pain. I had never shoveled before and it was an exhausting chore. But, it wore me out enough so I could at least sleep for a few hours at night. As I shoveled, I thought to myself that I would find a way to survive. I knew two things about myself – that I was resourceful and that I was a survivor.”
In real life, Hunter sorts and organizes in her attempt to deal with her fate, as well as learning to mow the lawn. At one point, she deals with a very heavy stone gargoyle and the last time she mows the lawn, she creates a masterpiece. “When I was finished, I drove down on to the center of the lawn and burst out laughing and felt like the Wicked Witch of the East! There, in front of my eyes, was a message for him and for anyone else who chose to look. “HI JON” spelled out in fifteen foot long letters. As I drove the tractor back to the garage, I couldn’t help but smile. I had created a work of art with his lawn tractor. Even he hadn’t ever thought of doing that! I had learned well from the master. And, that was just the beginning…….”
A bit about me….. I am a freelance writer and aspiring fundraiser and hopeful designer who lives in New England. Thunderstorms, fairytales, and castles are some of my favorite things, as well as uncovering the mysteries in life. I believe without a doubt that life is an endless journey of the heart.
Twitter: @DCLegendre
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dclegendreauthor
Blog: www.dclegendre/wordpress.com
June 26, 2014
OMGoodness…Cherish the Past is live!
Over the past few months I have agonized over whether I would ever publish a book. Well about five minutes ago I got the email from my publisher Trafford that it is live on their site.
The feeling is amazing, fantabulous, wonderful and completely not what I expected. I was certain that I would feel nauseous, and ready to run and hide, but I don’t. I’m excited that what I wrote might help individuals that are going through hell at the moment. I’m hopeful that it will empower a few women to take control of their lives and know that they have the power to do what needs to be done. Those that know me know that I am love to inspire people to do better when they know better. I am also aware that not everyone is ready to hear what I have to say and there will be people who read the book and do not like what I have to say, and thats OK.
At this time the book is available for order on my publishers site only (Trafford Publishing) and the ebook version will be available in the coming days. I will be sending out signed copies for those who have preordered as soon as I receive them. I am posting links to their bookstore here for anyone interested. Please just copy and paste the link to purchase.
http://bookstore.trafford.com/Product...
Cherish the Past is a story of loss, love and sacrifice. Reflecting on her life, Angie realizes that her past has helped to make her a stronger woman, preparing her for a brighter future. She comes to understand that she has to find peace with the tragedies and betrayals in order to move on.
CHERISH THE PAST – EXCERPT
PROLOGUE
Angie sighed. A small smile began to form as she recalled the moments that led up to this incredible feeling. Life was good. No, life was amazing. It hadn’t always been, but today at forty-six, it sure was. She had reached a good space in her life. She was content, in love, at peace with her past, and excited about her future. Tomorrow she was marrying her soul mate. She had nearly given up hoping she would find him. He had actually prayed that she would find him before his birthday. Or so he said, and she had no reason not to believe him.
As she sat on the beach with Candy watching the waves roll in, the memories of a lifetime came crashing in reminding her to cherish the past.
Twenty-nine years earlier
CHAPTER ONE
Angie woke with a smile on her lips, for the last time, in the room of her childhood. The sun was streaming in the window, and the curtains were billowing in the wind. Stretching and slowly opening her eyes, the first thing she saw was her beautiful gown of white. The exquisite lace veil was hanging beside it, and her white sandals were set out with them. Excitement surged through her. Today was their day. The first day of the rest of their lives. Just like most little girls, she had dreamed and planned her wedding day for years. She had been waiting her entire life for this moment. The wedding plans were made long ago; her dreams and desires of love would now become a reality.
Angie was not quite eighteen. In fact her high school graduation had been just the weekend before. At this moment though, she would rather not think about that night. Alex had disappeared from the grad party, and she had to get her mother to pick her up. She thought he had seemed overly upset the next day when she confronted him about leaving her there. It wasn’t like him to holler at her. Well, sometimes her imagination got the best of her.
ABOUT THE TRILOGY
The trilogy I have written portrays three incredibly strong women who are faced with difficult circumstances in their lives and the journey they went through to overcome them. Spring Island is a fictional place in which they all find comfort and hope in one way or another.
My purpose for writing these books was to offer hope for those who need it….inspiration to carry on in life. If they inspire only one person, I will have been successful.
Please watch for the first book to be released in July 2014 – Cherish the Past. Book Two – Live for Today – August 2014 Book Three – Dream for Tomorrow
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sandra completed a Bachelor of Education degree after high school and has been working for the last twenty years in the Accounting field. Becoming a published author has always been a dream. She is a proud mother and grandmother. She lives with her husband on Vancouver Island in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia Canada.
Since the death of her teenage daughter in 2004 she has inspired many to think positively and to live life for the moment. Over the years she has motivated many individuals to believe in themselves, and they have encouraged me to write and share my experiences. She is a strong woman who believes anything is possible if you believe in yourself.
She would like to everyone for all their help promoting her books!
Twitter @healing_love
Facebook page www.facebook.com/steinerwrite
Facebook www.facebook.com/sandrasteiner.21
June 24, 2014
So this is what it feels like
As I went through my day today I was having flashbacks of my grandmother. Perhaps because it was my own grandson’s 4th birthday yesterday. My Gram was an amazing lady, some of you will have read other blogs in which I have talked about her.
I can remember being a child of about five and staying at her house. My mom was away, perhaps having my little sister, I’m not really sure. But my older brother and I were having a sleepover of sorts at her house. She had this bedroom downstairs that had a huge bed in it. Grandma always made us pork chops, mashed potatoes and cream corn while we were there. For dessert and snack she had these homemade coconut oatmeal cookies we would make together. They were kept in a red apple cookie jar that clunked when you tried to sneak a cookie.
Grandma had a dog, I seem to think her name was Taffy or something like that. She was a small dog, tan in colour. She also had a black Siamese cat named Midnight. Her yard was fenced with a white picket fence and she had wonderful flowers and a vegetable garden. My family lived in the same village as her on and off for years so I often saw her everyday.
Grandma drove a blue boat of a car, Pontiac I think. She would take me to town with her when I stayed there to get groceries and sometimes we even stopped at the library. She would change from her house dress and put on a town dress and gloves, grab her purse and hat and we would be off. She even let me put lipstick on from her avon stash. She always bought these lotto tickets that the winning numbers aired on TV, during Edge of Night which was her favourite program. While that program was on we were to be still and quiet, and then we could check the ticket with her.
As I grew older my Grandma moved to town and I continued to be very close with her. I would go with her for lunch at the local co-op as much as possible. Always remembering to steal a piece of chocolate from her noisy candy dish, she would always say “only one Sandra”. Lol
When I started having my own kids in 1987 my grandmother and mother were both a big part of things. I remember visiting with both either by phone or in person nearly every day. As the years progressed Grandma would confuse me with my mom, my daughter with me. But she was still my gram. Then she got hurt and it seemed like overnight she died. I took her for lunch one day, and a few days later she was in hospital and died. It was 1995, I was devastated. She had always been there for me, just as I was always there for her.
She has always continued to live on in my memories and my heart for all the beautiful moments we had. I know she would be proud of all I have done in this life. Not a day has passed that I don’t miss her, but I know she watches over me and she is taking care of my daughter in heaven until I get there myself.
Many years have passed since then, and now I’m a grandma. It’s the modern age though and I get different guilty pleasures with my grandchildren than she did. I found myself thinking about this the other day when my grandson and I shared a FaceTime call so he could show me his birthday party stuff and tell me about his day.
I send him and his little sister cards and letters just like my grandma used to do for me, but instead of a dollar it’s now five or ten! Lol. I visit often at their house and take them shopping and to play at the park. My granddaughter recognizes my voice over FaceTime and comes to put herself into the picture.
I remember asking my Gram when I was small, how old she was one time, and her answer was old enough to be a Grandma. I know what that feels like now. I also know that my grandchildren will grow up to know how much their Grandma loves them, just like I did.
June 21, 2014
Just get away…..
Sometimes we just have to get away, its healthy and it helps us to focus again on the important things. I wanted a get away that allowed us to turn our cell phones off and just be a couple, and thats exactly what we got.
This week my husband and I got in the car with our three pups and went on a get away to Tofino, British Columbia on Vancouver Island. It was a destination that I had actually looked at going to years ago when I was still living in Alberta. My husband had never been there, nor had I. It was amazing.
For those who have never heard of Tofino, it is a small town on the upper tip of Vancouver Island. We live in Victoria, so it was about a five hour drive. The population of this beautiful town is under 2000 people, but of course it is a vacation destination and explodes in season I am sure. Surf boards, sandy beaches, botanical gardens, rain forest and so much more.
We got in the car early on Tuesday morning, we were on the road by 6 am with Cory taking the first shift as driver. We are morning people so for us this was not a problem. First stop was Tim Hortons for our morning fix and a bagel. The dogs were comfortable in the back of the car with their blankets and toys. Maxwell sat up for probably the first hour wondering where the he** we were going, but the girls just cuddled in and went to sleep. Our first major stop was Parksville, we parked at the public park area for Rathtrevor Beach. The dogs were harnessed up and off we went for a walk along the boardwalk and beach. Stunning beach. The water was gently lapping against the shore, and was so calming. We were only there for about an hour before we packed them up and carried on. We switched drivers and now it was my turn to get us the rest of the way to Tofino. A second Tim Hortons stop was in Port Alberni. A beautiful city, we actually stopped for the dogs to get out at a huge Fas Gas station on the edge of town. After packing back up we headed on for the final part of the drive to Tofino. This section of road was interesting, there were tons of curves, narrow roads, and beautiful scenery. We arrived at the Best Western hotel about an hour and a half later.
The hotel was located right on Mackenzie Beach. We had to wait a couple of hours for our room, which was frustrating at the time, but in the end it didn’t really matter. The first day while waiting for our room we drove into Tofino, which was about two km from the hotel. My stomach sunk, and I was very nervous about our choice to vacation here. There was absolutely NO familiar restaurants at all. No subway, no Tim Hortons, no McDonalds. I wasn’t sure how we would survive three days without these essentials. Not only that, but there was a lot of spots where we had no cell phone service, and only one radio station that was a “talk” station. I think it was CBC. I had never listened to this before. Honestly I was disappointed.
But, by day two I got over it.
On our first morning in Tofino we got up early as we always do. We drove to Tofino to get coffee only to find nothing was open. We drove to Ucluelet, which was a bit larger than Tofino but not much, and there was a coffee shop open! YAY The coffee was amazing and they had fresh baked cranberry orange muffins. With a smile on our faces, we headed back towards the hotel. The sign for the rainforest was inviting and we stopped to walk through. The dogs were leashed up and off we went. The rainforest was in the Pacific Rim National Park. The path through the forest led to a boardwalk that led us through the most beautiful forest! The walk was only a kilometre, lots of stairs and inclines very much worth the stop. From there we headed back to the hotel and let the dogs run on the beach a bit. I finally began to relax. We cuddled and watched a show or two, for a bit before heading out again. Long Beach was simply amazing. It reminded me of the seven mile beach in Grand Cayman. The sand was soft and the waves were huge. The beach went on forever. It was surreal. On the way back to the hotel a couple hours later we stopped at a roadside hut for burgers and fries.
On our second morning, and last full day of our getaway it was rainy. Mackenzie beach was fogged in and gorgeous. We went into town to browse a few shops, found a delicious spot for coffee and just walked in the rain. Amazingly soothing. Later we returned to town for supper at the Shelter Restaurant. The food was natural, direct from farms, and absolutely amazing! A great way to end the last day of our get away.
The get away was a huge success! We had couple time, we had time with our fur babies, we had tons of beach time, and absolutely no interruptions from our cell phones. Pure bliss.
June 14, 2014
Cherish the Past ….CONTEST!
Good morning everyone!
As most of you are aware the excitement is growing, at least at my house! My first book will be released in July 2014, omgoodness thats only a few weeks away! I have decided to do a give away of a signed copy of the book as a promotional tool.
For those of you familiar with rafflecopter here is the link to enter the give away. Click and follow the directions to win!
Here is a bit about the book and the author:
ABOUT THE TRILOGY
The trilogy I have written portrays three incredibly strong women who are faced with difficult circumstances in their lives and the journey they went through to overcome them. Spring Island is a fictional place in which they all find comfort and hope in one way or another.
My purpose for writing these books was to offer hope for those who need it….inspiration to carry on in life. If they inspire only one person, I will have been successful.
Please watch for the first book to be released in July 2014 – Cherish the Past.
Book Two – Live for Today – August 2014
Book Three – Dream for Tomorrow
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I completed a Bachelor of Education degree after high school and have been working for the last twenty years in the Accounting field. Becoming a published author has always been a dream. I am a proud mother and grandmother. I live with my husband on Vancouver Island in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia Canada.
Since the death of my teenage daughter in 2004 I have inspired many to think positively and to live life for the moment. Over the years I have motivated many individuals to believe in themselves, and they have encouraged me to write and share my experiences. I am a strong woman who believes anything is possible if you believe in yourself.
Thanks in advance for all your help promoting my books!
