Do you remember when you were in school and there was always one rude, loudmouthed boy at the back of the class shouting out, throwing pieces of pink erasers, flying paper airplanes, flinging elastic bands and generally creating … Continue reading
As I write my daughter, Justine’s life story I keep thinking of how she would likely be correcting me on the details if she was alive. Other people will likely set me straight after reading the book too. I’ve never … Continue reading
I am taking an online writing course from Hay House. Hay House, for those who aren’t familiar with it, was started by Louise Hay, the author of “You Can Heal Your Life” and other books. She started Hay House when she was 60 years old.
There are two reasons why these facts are significant. One is that I am writing my first book at 58 and I bought “You Can Heal Your Life” and the companion workbook for my daughter Justine one year for Christmas. I had heard of the book but had not known anything about Louise Hay at the time. I had not heard of Hay House until just a few years ago.
The book I’m writing is about Justine. She was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when she was a teenager. This means that she could go from depression to mania and back sometimes in a single day or one of those moods could last weeks or months. I’m not even sure she read “You Can Heal Your Life”. She was killed in a car accident driving home from work at aged 29 a year ago.
I listened to the book in my car in audio version a few years ago. It is a book about the laws of attraction and how you really can change your life by thinking positive things. I’m absolutely certain that many of the principals in Louise’s book have guided me this past year and allowed me to carry on trying to do good things (like write this book) rather than wallow in self-pity and grief. I have focussed on what I have rather than what I lost. People have asked me what my secret is and that’s it.
Hay House publishes 50 books a year. Most are “self-help” books. It would be a dream come true to have my book published by Hay House. Although my book is a memoir, I think hearing my story about raising a daughter who had mental illness is a story that could help others. The world still has a long way to go in terms of understanding and acceptance of people who struggle with mood disorders and other forms of mental illness.
My year started on a very good note. We spent Christmas and New Year in Florida. The weather was gorgeous and we missed the biggest ice storm in Canada while we were enjoying the sun. We had a wonderful time … Continue reading
My Etsy Shop has been a buzz of activity this week for two reasons. It was chosen as a feature shop in one of my teams. And to make my week even better, a treasury I made is on page … Continue reading
I just got home from a weekend in my hometown. It was a Homecoming Reunion and so many of my old friends came home to celebrate. It was wonderful seeing so many people who I spent such happy times with … Continue reading
My daughter, Justine was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when she was a teenager. For those who don’t know what that is, it’s a mental illness and it used to be called “Manic-Depression”. Both labels fit Justine. She would go through … Continue reading
We revamped one of our gardens to become a memorial garden for our daughter, Justine who died in a car accident a year ago. The fact that I had been given 2 very generous gift cards from my neighbours and … Continue reading
For anyone who has not heard of Etsy, it’s an online site for people to buy and sell handmade or vintage items. I have an Etsy shop ( See here ) where people can see samples of wedding invitations that … Continue reading
I belong to several Facebook groups and Etsy teams. I was very slow to understand the importance of joining Social Media Networking. I didn’t see the value in belonging to a small intimate group. It became evident after I was … Continue reading
creativeweddinginvitationsbycb 