tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4240476425754563872024-03-13T18:17:41.602-07:00Nature, Adventure, LoveI write action-adventure romantic eco-fiction. And this blog. See you outside!Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.comBlogger180125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-87464039625380796232016-11-10T11:13:00.001-08:002016-11-10T11:13:36.196-08:00Duct Tape Escape and Other Writing Research ShenanigansBook research can be crazy fun. Of course what you are researching plays a big role in that, as does if you are actually getting anywhere. I have a linguistics friend who totally gets her geek-on translating old parish records that are in Danish or Norwegian. I’ve tried this, not the translation part, simply trying to decipher the name, but my grasp of early Scandinavian penmanship sucks. The initial delight at finding those particular records quickly dimmed as my lack of ability to decode the historic scratches made that jack pot of information morph into teasing frustration. This woman rocks it, and loves it! She did decipher those records and I found out I have a Finnish great-grandma who immigrated to northern Norway.<br />
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So yes, my research super power is not making out historic handwritten records. I can watch equine events for hours on end, though. I’m talking double digits in the same day kind of time. I love that kind of research, studying and understanding whatever my topic is, picking up those nuances of details and tucking away in my visceral memory until I can sit down to write next. I can’t always swing it in person, mind you. For instance, horse events in southern Alberta are considerably more accessible to me that CSIS agents (i.e. Gabe from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kiss-Rain-Tanner-Family-Book-ebook/dp/B01IC3RBIU" target="_blank"><i>Kiss Me in the Rain’s</i></a> previous career). And don’t get me started on how many hours I blow through when doing genealogy research. I get sucked in and promise myself just another few minutes. Usually four hours, and several rabbit holes later, I finally look up and notice how much time has passed.<br />
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<b>Spy Tips</b><br />
Last week another writer friend and I decided to do a bit of field testing on some CIA spy tips I found in the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-That-Save-Your-Life/dp/0399175679" target="_blank"><i>Spy Secrets that can Save Your Life</i></a>, by Jason Hanson. I came across the book when I was cruising the reference section at a local bookstore. It caught my eye for a few reasons. First of all throw spy secrets in the title of anything and it is going to sound pretty darn interesting. I often include agent and/or law enforcement types in my fiction and am always keeping an eye out for research material. Score. I’ve also started paying more attention to titles by current and/or former law enforcement types as I am collaborating with a homicide detective on a <a href="http://unconventionalclassroom.ca/" target="_blank">non-fiction universal life-lessons book</a>. So yeah, this book jumped out at me like crazy.<br />
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<i>Spy Secrets that can Save Your Life</i> shares techniques and strategies to keep you alive while in dangerous situations that Hanson has learned on the job. <i>Spy Secrets</i> has been a fascinating read so far, if a bit dooms-day. But I figure that’s the point he was going for in his book, staying alive if shit hits the fan. For any of the fellow anthro-nerds out there who find the study of people and culture interesting, you might want to check it out for that, even if learning evasive driving is not on your bucket list.<br />
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<b>Field Testing</b><br />
As I mentioned before, I just started it, but there is a ton of information that a novelist could use in there. For instance, I was telling another author friend, <a href="http://www.makenzifisk.com/" target="_blank">Makenzi Fisk</a> about it and shared I wanted to try the get-out-of-being-duct-taped part. She is a retired police officer and I figured she would dig it, or at least understand my awe at some of the maneuverers. Of course she said, “I have duct tape. Want to try it now?”<br />
This is why authors schedule writing sessions with other authors. Because when cool stuff like this comes up, we have someone to try it with. The impromptu duct-tape session was a hoot. And successful, the first try anyway. It was pretty awesome ripping those binds. But for the second time Makenzi asked me to not keep my elbows together when she taped them, just to see the difference. I couldn’t get the angle to rip, I couldn’t get out! I did manage to squirm my hands out of them, but it demonstrated just how important it can be to follow those directions. Check out the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbz8-OP8DbA&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">video</a> Makenzie made of our get-out-of-duct-tape escapades.<br />
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I hope you are never duct-taped for realsies, that this video simply gives you a few moments of entertainment or maybe some information to include within the pages of your next book.<br />
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Happy Researching!Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-47058338541126023482016-11-02T13:01:00.000-07:002016-11-02T13:01:09.160-07:00National Novel Writing Month: one, two, three, weeeeeee!On your marks, get set . . . <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo</a>!<br />
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NaNo-huh? At least that’s the response I’ve gotten when mentioning the write-a-50k-novel-in-the-30-days-of-November event to those who haven’t heard about the big writing party. It is also known as National Novel Writing Month, but <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo</a> is way more fun to say.<br />
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This year I figured, why not? If I fail, well, that many words wouldn’t have been written anyway. But if I succeed, well dang, then I have that many more words and likely hammered out my writing process all that much more, not to mention the great practice in time management. That this blog, and that I actually <i>just</i> signed up, on the second day I hope signals the adaptiveness of my adventure instead of the tardiness.<br />
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When you sign up on <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWriMo.org</a> there are all sorts of cool things to explore, which I haven’t yet because I’ve been signed up for about a second. Anyway, lots to check out including tons of new friends to meet who are on the same journey. Kind of a strength in numbers thing; we’re all on our own writing journey, but with legions of other writers around the world on their journey, too . . . all at the same time. Fun!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day Two 2016 NaNoWriMo</td></tr>
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So how have I prepped for such a journey? Apparently not actually signing up until day two, but I digress. I’ll admit I had grandiose ideas of what I would do. It was mid-October when I decided to jump in. Two whole weeks to prepare! That’s like eons early in <a href="http://sarahkades.com/" target="_blank">Sarah</a>-time. About a week or so before I had even picked up a copy of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ready-Set-Novel-Lindsey-Grant/dp/1452101728" target="_blank">Ready, Set, Novel!</a> by Chris Baty, Lindsey Grant, and Tavia Stewart-Streit of National Novel Writing Month. I wanted to work on writing more efficiently. Now that writing is my day job, it’s important to me to figure out efficiency, obviously without losing art and form. I don’t normally go for the workbook style of book and was surprised it so captured my attention. But this one had that intuitive buzz that happens when there is a direction that is a really good idea to take and it is only later that you saw that it was foreshadowing, and in a really cool way. Besides, it is when we put ourselves out of our comfort zone, stretch those boundaries, that we so often see awesome growth.<br />
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So in going through that book, and hearing the voices of countless writing friends and presenters I’ve heard over the years, who dig plotting (as opposed to other writing process approaches), I thought okay, I can try this again. Last time was an epic failure. I didn’t throw my laptop out a window or anything, but that approach drove me bonkers. At least how I did it, did. I’m normally a pantser writer. At least in the first half of the book, writing for me is getting in front of the computer and seeing where the characters are going to lead me next. It is crazy fun, but I’ll be honest, not a very efficient way, at least for me anyway. Maybe others have had better luck. In the early stages of writing a book, I simply let the characters play. As they play, I get to know them more, figure them out, their motivations, their backstory, what direction they are headed in, and what conflict would really put them through their paces, that sort of thing. The story comes as I’m writing. It’s always an adventure when I sit back and let the characters take me along with them. When I tried plotting a few years ago, my characters kept veering off course from what I had plotted, but in really cool ways! It was like trying to herd cats until I finally abandoned the plotter approach and let my characters run wild, and it worked. Just like it had before. Again, just not super time-efficient. But who knows, maybe this time it will click. If nothing else, it is pretty cool to challenge yourself as a writer, see where you grow, what you can do.<br />
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So in prepping I decided to at least think about plot points I wanted to accomplish. I didn’t figure out the whole story, but I spent more time than normal pondering all those goodies of the characters I usually write to get to, and also options of where the storyline can go. I’ll let you know how that goes.<br />
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I have been using the writing program <a href="https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener.php" target="_blank">Scrivener</a> for the non-fiction book I’m collaborating on (it's AMAZING), and have just recently started to embrace it for my fiction work, too. That’s another cool thing about this month of targeted writing, seeing if I harness <a href="https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener.php" target="_blank">Scrivener</a> and all it’s functions and gizmos to help facilitate my fiction writing process, too!<br />
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Other ways to prep included finishing processing the garden harvest. I know that might sound weird for a writing binge prep, but I know I won’t have time while I’m supposed to be getting my word counts in, and the clock was ticking on the produce, anyway. I had finished most, but there was a bit more to go and I hate to see anything go to waste. I only have a teeny tiny bit left to do. Whew! And that sense of accomplishment has actually given me that feeling of Wonder Woman, definitely an asset going into this writing month that can be a bit intimidating!<br />
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I also took on a few house projects I’ve been meaning to tackle . . . because they needed to get done before <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo</a>?? No, because I tend to make something that is already hard, harder. Doh! My new hall closet is now partially complete. Which means it’s empty except for almost-done hand-made shelves. All the contents previously in said closet are now littering my studio, bedroom, and the bathroom. Brilliant Sarah, brilliant. Because clutter is so conducive to the creative process. I had been thinking to eliminate clutter by re-doing the closet, but until it’s actually finished, that would be a definite backfire. Whoops.<br />
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What have I learned so far? Really, just chill. My writing journey has meandered something fierce. But the one constant is that to be a writer, you must write. It's an incredible journey and the more I learn the more I realize I have years and years of learning and growing ahead of me. Nice! There are many paths to a completed novel, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_527525185"></span>NaNoWriMo<span id="goog_527525186"></span></a> is one (thanks!!). The event has helped many, many writers accomplish their goals. Maybe it will help you, too. Maybe it is just the beginning, or another stepping stone, in this awesome path we call writing.<br />
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Have fun and happy writing!<br />
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To see how my writing has changed and evolved, check out <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Claiming-Love-Sarah-Kades/dp/0991698126" target="_blank">Claiming Love (2009)</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kiss-Rain-Tanner-Family-Book-ebook/dp/B01IC3RBIU/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Kiss Me in the Rain (2016)</a>. Crazy different, but still <a href="http://sarahkades.com/" target="_blank">Sarah</a>. I’m also currently collaborating with a homicide detective on non-fiction book about the universal life-lessons he’s learned while on the job in law enforcement. Seven years ago if you would have told me that’s what I would be working on today along with my fiction, I would have said cool! But I totally didn’t see that one coming.<br />
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Writing can be such an incredible journey, hope you are having a blast!<br />
<br />Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-47390634435151857322016-09-08T15:34:00.002-07:002016-09-08T15:34:41.657-07:00Back-to-School with YA Author Suzy VadoriDo you smell that? Mmm hmm, fresh school supplies . . . It’s back-to-school time! In honour of this auspicious time of year, I thought I’d welcome the <a href="http://www.prixaurorawards.ca/aurora-awards/" target="_blank">Aurora Award-nominated</a> YA author <a href="https://suzyvadori.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Suzi Vadori</a> with her debut novel <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fountain-Suzy-Vadori/dp/0994726643/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473113494&sr=8-1&keywords=vadori" target="_blank">The Fountain</a></i> to give us a little back-to-school book break.<br />
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<b>Q: Suzy, what is your favourite memory about back-to-school?</b><br />
<b>A: </b><i>We moved around a lot when I was a kid – Nova Scotia, Ontario, Boston, Alberta… and that was all before I was out of elementary school. So, first days really were first days and I never knew what to expect. I always loved that first day at a new school. Usually, kids were nice. Sometimes, they made fun of my accent. That was one thing I’d try to shed quickly, to fit in to wherever I was now. On the first day of school, I loved the possibilities, and trying to figure out how the social system worked. I was always trying to figure out who would still be nice to me on the second day - to find that one friend who maybe didn't already have a best friend. I made many such friends, some that I’m still close with to this day.</i><br />
<i>I think that’s why I enjoy writing about kids going to new schools. It’s a topic I have lots of experience with.</i><br />
<i>Now that I’m a mom – back to school is fraught with shopping, new schedules and trying to arrange car-pooling for my three kids. They’ve gone to the same school with the same friends since kindergarten. But I always make sure I ask them about new kids in their class, and I know I’d have been happy to meet any one of them!</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGLhJw7LGGAJEZrzb5VNtu2eTDPfmxjwYsHWd9A0uMc9ruYt6II9P2diTQOBoQXD13APY9kQhcxj8rqkYKFYkwbwRhjY1Y7U4n-eoKHKGt2-BaMDpjTXt7vv61qeQ5H8DXYT9PXoyank/s1600/fountain_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGLhJw7LGGAJEZrzb5VNtu2eTDPfmxjwYsHWd9A0uMc9ruYt6II9P2diTQOBoQXD13APY9kQhcxj8rqkYKFYkwbwRhjY1Y7U4n-eoKHKGt2-BaMDpjTXt7vv61qeQ5H8DXYT9PXoyank/s400/fountain_large.jpg" width="263" /></a><b>Q: What inspired you to write <i>The Fountain</i>?</b><br />
<b>A:</b> <i>I’ve always loved reading boarding school novels. My favourite part is when kids get out of bed and sneak around without parents or teachers to curb their activities.</i><br />
<i>The idea for </i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fountain-Suzy-Vadori/dp/0994726643/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473113494&sr=8-1&keywords=vadori" target="_blank">The Fountain</a> <i>stemmed from the idea that getting everything you’ve always asked for isn’t always as great as it sounds. That you need to be sure you’re asking for the right things…</i><br />
<i>Paired with a great set of teens in a boarding school setting, </i>The Fountain’s<i> world was born.</i><br />
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<b>Q: Kids and adults enjoy YA, why do you think YA has such universal appeal?</b><br />
<b>A:</b><i> Everybody can relate to the things teens experience growing up. School, friendships and figuring out who you want to be when you grow up are milestones in our lives, and they are themes that don’t go away just because you add a few decades to your list of experience. I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. ;-) </i><br />
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<b>Q: Can you tell us more about the series?</b><br />
<b>A:</b><i> Certainly! </i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fountain-Suzy-Vadori/dp/0994726643/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473113494&sr=8-1&keywords=vadori" target="_blank">The Fountain</a><i> is Book 1 of The Fountain Series. Book 2 (</i>The West Woods<i>) is well underway, and will be coming out in the spring of 2017. </i>The Fountain<i> is available in paperback and eBook. Here’s a link to give it a try!</i><br />
<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fountain-Suzy-Vadori/dp/0994726643/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473113494&sr=8-1&keywords=vadori">https://www.amazon.com/Fountain-Suzy-Vadori/dp/0994726643/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473113494&sr=8-1&keywords=vadori</a></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgZF9aS07cH9q4_GYpzw2Vhyphenhyphen4nffeBnlfsmnLBbNdWWf4ZRm15a_Z3NPD-okqcQAFlS9JJCLFbX3FCTh__2Ssa8xuCwzoEFJFtuTW_2Q5bkg51MNalD2_rXAsCr8OwMWNiMTylMzQ4cs/s1600/Suzy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgZF9aS07cH9q4_GYpzw2Vhyphenhyphen4nffeBnlfsmnLBbNdWWf4ZRm15a_Z3NPD-okqcQAFlS9JJCLFbX3FCTh__2Ssa8xuCwzoEFJFtuTW_2Q5bkg51MNalD2_rXAsCr8OwMWNiMTylMzQ4cs/s400/Suzy.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<i><a href="https://suzyvadori.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Suzy Vadori</a> is an Operations Executive by day, Writer by night. The Fountain is her debut novel for Young Adults. Suzy is an involved member of the Calgary Writers’ community, serving as <a href="http://whenwordscollide.org/" target="_blank">When Words Collide</a> (a Calgary Festival for Readers and Writers) Program Manager for Middle Grade and Young Adult since 2013. Suzy lives in Calgary, Alberta with her husband and three kids.</i><br />
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Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-54515708362443677012016-09-01T09:11:00.001-07:002016-09-01T12:39:49.771-07:00Free Kobo Coupon (today and tomorrow) for Kiss Me in the Rain<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=424047642575456387" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Happy First Day of September! Happy reading!!<br />
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Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-30769170017693760482016-08-22T16:19:00.001-07:002016-08-22T16:19:43.643-07:00When Words Collide 2016: Happy Readers, Happy Writers<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sarahkades.com/" target="_blank">Celebrating</a> with my editor <a href="http://www.adriennekerr.net/" target="_blank">Adrienne Kerr</a>.<br />When Words Collide, Calgary</td></tr>
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I’m still glowing from the the sixth annual <a href="http://whenwordscollide.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">When Words Collide</span></a>! It’s a festival/conference for readers, writers, editors, agents and publishers, of all genres, fiction or non-fiction . . . basically if you’re involved with the written word, come play here for three days of awesome!<br />
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This is my fifth year participating, my fourth year on the board of directors, and a staple of my summer writing geek-on. What I love about this conference is not only the calibre of panelists and special guests, but the sense of community and seriously relaxed, happy vibe. This is a place to find your writer or reader tribe, learn, share and be inspired!<br />
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I met my incredibly talented editor, <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://adriennekerr.net/" target="_blank">Adrienne Kerr</a>,</span> at WWC a few years ago. She listened (and heard) what I wanted to do with <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kiss-Rain-Tanner-Family-Book-ebook/dp/B01IC3RBIU" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Kiss Me in the Rain</span></a> and helped get me there. It released August 2! I’m still giddy. Just in case you are wondering how to kick your manuscript up a notch...or ten, I can’t say enough amazing things about this editor! And she likes scotch like me!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsiCFzUzVMLm1hzypf714IaCyeS1vaQEMbxHGWkxCeKeg9GwQaZcAedPBSNTIRx9bXKgNT6XERmwGirboiOnoM2xrTTVcpJtkjgJt83ooOahYKiJmYv3kqdveqQT-m9VOQtHbioSccLo0/s1600/suzyvadori_reading_wwc2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsiCFzUzVMLm1hzypf714IaCyeS1vaQEMbxHGWkxCeKeg9GwQaZcAedPBSNTIRx9bXKgNT6XERmwGirboiOnoM2xrTTVcpJtkjgJt83ooOahYKiJmYv3kqdveqQT-m9VOQtHbioSccLo0/s320/suzyvadori_reading_wwc2016.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YA Author <a href="https://suzyvadori.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Suzi Vadori</a><br />When Words Collide, Calgary</td></tr>
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For me, conferences are more fun when you have a roommate to share it with. A few years ago when I went to the Surrey International Writers’ conference, the fabulous <a href="http://www.girltrieslife.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Victoria Smith</span></a> took me under her wing. What a difference that made! If you are considering going to a conference, maybe see if a friend wants to come, too. My long-time WWC “roomie” is <a href="https://suzyvadori.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Suzy Vadori</span></a>. She writes YA and was nominated for an <a href="http://www.prixaurorawards.ca/aurora-awards/eligibility-lists/ya-novel/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Aurora Award</span> </a>straight out the gate for her debut novel The Fountain! And she loves the tradition of the late-night fort building as much as I do. This was the third year of the fort-building shenanigans . . . shout out to all who played at 2am!<br />
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The panels, workshops and presentations, gosh, where do I start?? All of it was awesome, all of it! Maybe pictures are the best way to show? I had such a great time at #wwcyyc16. Thank you to all the old friends, and new. Happy Reading, Happy Writing, and see you all next year!<br />
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LOVE. THIS. CONFERENCE.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCjS3c7Lo4Jy2q-_UD894BNRZ5NamBKcVCX5eVxR8tRxn-s7Mqd5AvXISepPuoFOOS8dyzGv230-GpEOZ9VQ9e2oATRfuBnYvMNAYfu7HfHMuADckGafPOKUrGcB5EMpjLT970tYe25c/s1600/ninaandsarah_wwc2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCjS3c7Lo4Jy2q-_UD894BNRZ5NamBKcVCX5eVxR8tRxn-s7Mqd5AvXISepPuoFOOS8dyzGv230-GpEOZ9VQ9e2oATRfuBnYvMNAYfu7HfHMuADckGafPOKUrGcB5EMpjLT970tYe25c/s320/ninaandsarah_wwc2016.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With fellow Eco-writer <a href="http://www.ninamunteanu.ca/" target="_blank">Nina Munteanu</a>!<br />When Words Collide, Calgary</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HD0nHkuR9GpxMTztiy8gfzfCNPnLSTE-PmkQtNKdonUJ32JcAsCJMM0WvCAnGCdMtAeNxSyDcqjlKg5oQPEZGBe09eGYIqh6PzzLWewYehqPcaSwfc_e_84SBJPUvRPBXF5vRPqEp_Y/s1600/sandraandsarah_wwc2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HD0nHkuR9GpxMTztiy8gfzfCNPnLSTE-PmkQtNKdonUJ32JcAsCJMM0WvCAnGCdMtAeNxSyDcqjlKg5oQPEZGBe09eGYIqh6PzzLWewYehqPcaSwfc_e_84SBJPUvRPBXF5vRPqEp_Y/s320/sandraandsarah_wwc2016.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author <a href="http://www.sgwong.com/" target="_blank">S. G. Wong</a> and I giggling way too much!<br />When Words Collide, Calgary</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgFh5CZ_sH3a7LAEaYEpStXOXeea3e8NNakeoGDMf1mVNXSX6CN6TBL9pskQdfFNadJ4A6r8y_4SNh6rvWfUASkQfnOk4Tr5B1lC-RUjWLknJdgwXWgbeA76yw77DhpJE0SFGt3_zEgw/s1600/staceyandavery_fort_wwc2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgFh5CZ_sH3a7LAEaYEpStXOXeea3e8NNakeoGDMf1mVNXSX6CN6TBL9pskQdfFNadJ4A6r8y_4SNh6rvWfUASkQfnOk4Tr5B1lC-RUjWLknJdgwXWgbeA76yw77DhpJE0SFGt3_zEgw/s320/staceyandavery_fort_wwc2016.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All smiles in the fort!<br />When Words Collide, Calgary</td></tr>
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Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-2361792954070982532016-08-10T22:38:00.001-07:002016-08-10T22:38:46.635-07:00Memorable Border Crossings: "Welcome Home"I love traveling as much as I love writing. This is my second post in my Memorable Border Crossings and it feeds in a personal way to my new release, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Kiss-Rain-Tanner-Family-Book-ebook/dp/B01IC3RBIU/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1470890800&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Kiss Me in the Rain</a>, </i>the first of the Tanner Family Series. The series tackles environmental, social and economical issues, but the backbone of the series is the familial dynamic of adult siblings and their divorced parents. I know not everyone has positive border crossings, but this memory shares a happy moment during a rather awkward family time.<br />
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<b>Coming Back into the U.S.A: Semester in Scotland</b><br />
When I was 18 years old I received a brochure from the <a href="http://www.uwec.edu/" target="_blank">University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire’s </a>International Office declaring I could study abroad. I was eighteen and it was a full two weeks before I even stepped foot in any of my freshman lecture halls or classrooms. Back then, still a couple years before I would meet my now, and very much a planner, husband, I didn’t do organized. But this, something I would have to apply a whole year in advance for, called me like a very loud, very specific bull horn. <i>Sarah, Study Abroad!</i><br />
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I applied for a program in Scotland, got accepted, and waited not-so-patiently to zip off to the land of castles, kilts, scotch, really cool accents and rugby. During that year my parents also happened to start the very long, rather painful process of divorcing.<br />
Did I mention rugby? Turns out contact sports are really good at letting go of bottled up tension. Which I found out during my AMAZING semester in that incredibly welcoming, happy, beautiful country. I was having an epic experience, in between emails and phone calls from the dividing home front.<br />
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When my semester was over and my nineteen year old self flew back home, I walked out of the tunnel from the plane and headed down the windowed corridor to customs. On the other side of those floor-to-ceiling windows was my mom and my sister . . . and a few paces away my dad and his girlfriend. I know both my parents were just really excited I was home, but, well. . . <i>awkward!</i><br />
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What does this have to do with border guards? As I walked down that corridor and I saw my two rides waiting to pick me up and dreading the first of what would be many perceived “who do you chose” scenarios, I walked into <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Customs</a>. I have never wanted to wait so long in a line in my life. Or hang out with people with badges and guns. But all too soon it was my turn.<br />
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The border guard had no idea the family drama I would be stepping into in just a few moments, but he looked at me, handed me back my passport, and said, “Welcome home.”<br />
I stared at him a moment, and realized he meant it.<br />
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“Thanks.” I said, feeling fortified by the kind, no-strings-attached words of a stranger. I borrowed some of his strength, hoped the jet lag didn’t make me ask my family the obvious, and went to see who I was catching a ride with. And have always remembered that small kindness that meant more to me than that border guard would ever know.<br />
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That having been said, I have heard those two magic words, <i>Welcome Home</i>, almost every time since. Still, it's pretty cool. Thanks Mr. Nice Border Guard Guy.<br />
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Happy Trails . . .<br />
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<br />Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-11477484468045000932016-08-02T19:23:00.000-07:002016-08-18T16:23:19.965-07:00Book Release Day: Kiss Me in the Rain<b>Book Release Day</b><br />
It's a happy day, and not just because I paddled around Bala Park Island today. After what turned out to be an extraordinary journey, my book <i><a href="http://www.sarahkades.com/" target="_blank">Kiss Me in the Rain</a></i> released today!<br />
Hang on, I'm still letting that sink in.<br />
I learned so much and worked with incredibly talented people. Shout out of thanks and awesome to my editor <a href="http://www.adriennekerr.net/" target="_blank">Adrienne Kerr</a>, as well as to the <a href="http://albertaromancewriters.com/" target="_blank">Alberta Romance Writers' Association</a> and my amazing cover designer <a href="https://tuftedskycoverdesign.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Tufted Sky Cover Designs</a>.<br />
It's a happy day, indeed!<br />
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<i>In the dense spruce forests of Northern Alberta, an environmentalist and an archeologist are about to uncover the wrongs of the past and the pleasures of the here and now.</i></div>
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Savannah McIntyre is estranged from her family, haunted by the destruction that her father's development business has visited upon the landscape that she loves. So when a family wedding calls her home, the hope of reconnecting with her dad surfaces, putting her directly in the path of Gabe Tanner, an archeologist on her father's payroll.<br />
Gabe is estranged from his own father, and in him Savannah senses a man of immense compassion with a deep connection to the land. Navigating their mutual attraction on a remote and dangerous archaeological survey proves difficult, given their differences in ideology, but Savannah and Gabe are about to find out that love can thrive in any landscape.Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-35138833621403506602016-07-25T11:10:00.001-07:002016-07-25T11:12:16.293-07:00Book Launch for Kiss Me in the Rain!<div style="text-align: center;">
Pre-orders on sale now, Releases August 2, Book Launch August 15</div>
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...Happy Summer Everyone!</div>
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<br />Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-27457993282533608902016-07-08T15:11:00.003-07:002016-07-08T15:11:38.897-07:00And so it starts...Summer, Calgary Stampede and Book Release count-downSummer is fun. I tend to go mach ten to soak up every drop of summer fun that I possibly can. Still, I try to be organized, plan ahead, you know, facilitate the order so as to not get pulled under by the happy chaos. I'll let you know if that works out one of these days. :) I'm in the thick of pre-<a href="http://www.sarahkades.com/" target="_blank">book launch</a> madness (and it is glorious madness!!), but we took a pause break this morning to go to the Calgary Stampede Parade. Here is a wee pause break for you to check out some of the pics!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTfnZ3PDQtBbTXQpPkCzOzyScbmJ5cZzNe8rpExPEA_dZ8Y9KJNysGaSH5ac8Eb4MGGRESfZSrTYZVZq0XmWB52IjBjE94GVXzNU8sXdi8shpXYqv0HkIVU-pOdel4W38Uqn58f1HXJM/s1600/IMG_4037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTfnZ3PDQtBbTXQpPkCzOzyScbmJ5cZzNe8rpExPEA_dZ8Y9KJNysGaSH5ac8Eb4MGGRESfZSrTYZVZq0XmWB52IjBjE94GVXzNU8sXdi8shpXYqv0HkIVU-pOdel4W38Uqn58f1HXJM/s400/IMG_4037.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Couldn't help but feel those same emotions of gratitude and awe when this group walked past...the compassion and support and community strength during the Fort McMurray wildfires of 2016 will stay with us all a very long time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously, this dude is riding a bull. Full disclosure, I didn't check if it was a bull or steer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1fEi4jqoL7w1UyMh8WqguZrMX7F3v5ykwHqEAnJA2WcX9BEEMT22K7zmrB1vUZpaN4QtjiixZ8gigDbYq7gZIq-Qss0P21XhOt6TXfeFh5HkhkDFnCUeYC792UqDS4rzGfb86Y2YhLo/s1600/IMG_4025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1fEi4jqoL7w1UyMh8WqguZrMX7F3v5ykwHqEAnJA2WcX9BEEMT22K7zmrB1vUZpaN4QtjiixZ8gigDbYq7gZIq-Qss0P21XhOt6TXfeFh5HkhkDFnCUeYC792UqDS4rzGfb86Y2YhLo/s400/IMG_4025.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Calgary Stampede Show Riders = more horses for me to gawk at!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiib4cow0vOIHWY4E9sU7EyWVHDzCHb12iUbAQYMFAYOo3-kvUL5aTw-Zs_oMqImTzP91RClzxGJ4Z9tiJpq_RM9IoLBeRq-bx6gAy9dTUV-kqG1cz5hFtQbxM6HmZGYMEOVDV6EvFm07Y/s1600/IMG_4066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiib4cow0vOIHWY4E9sU7EyWVHDzCHb12iUbAQYMFAYOo3-kvUL5aTw-Zs_oMqImTzP91RClzxGJ4Z9tiJpq_RM9IoLBeRq-bx6gAy9dTUV-kqG1cz5hFtQbxM6HmZGYMEOVDV6EvFm07Y/s400/IMG_4066.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took the pic of the banner as these kids were from a high school in Wisconsin, but man, they rocked it! <br />Sorry I didn't snap a mid-action pic!</td></tr>
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HAPPY CALGARY STAMPEDE!Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-51373655961321239202016-07-01T12:56:00.000-07:002016-07-01T12:56:47.768-07:00Happy Canada Day: Border Crossings, the first oneHappy Canada Day! This particular time, as in today through the Fourth is always a reflective time for me. I immigrated up seventeen years ago. Man, where did the time go? I love it up here, but also love where I came from. But instead of getting all mushy about the awesomeness of people and countries and landscapes, this will be the first of a handful of stories sharing my escapades crossing our beautiful shared border. Some are funny, some more serious, but all pay homage to the border guards keeping us all safe. Thank you for your service!<br />
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My first time crossing the border was eighteen years ago. I was coming up for an archaeology field school in Manitoba. One of my geography profs at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire asked what I was doing for the summer. Actually, I had been eying up a geology field school in Colorado but he vigorously shook his head. “No, no, no. You want to go to Canada.”<br />
“I do?”<br />
“Yes, for an archaeology field school. Six weeks living in a tent, digging and drinking beer with Canadians.”<br />
That sounds about right for a twenty year old who likes travel, the outdoors, history and apparently beer, and looking for something cool to do that summer.<br />
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A couple weeks before I was scheduled to leave my prof asked if I minded if another of his students caught a ride with me. Sounded like splitting gas money. Back then I am sheepish to admit the shared expense was a bigger plus than the obvious environmental considerations of carpooling across several states and up into another country. I pay more attention to that sort of thing now. But I digress.<br />
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The other student was a forty-five year old ex-biker with long straggly hair and tattoos. I didn’t think much of the what or why of his appearance, but I’ll admit I took inventory of the situation. My spidy sense wasn’t freaking out and my prof obviously gave him the thumbs up as a safe traveling companion. Canadian Border Security did not.<br />
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Neither one of us had traveled to Manitoba before and we didn’t have the handy maps apps of today, let alone smart phones, that conveniently provide ETAs. We rolled into a 24-hour border crossing around 11pm and that’s when we were taken to separate rooms. I don’t know what his room looked like, mine just looked like a typical office with a big ‘ol desk and a nice border guard asking me repeatedly if I was there on my own accord, that I hadn’t been coerced, that I was okay. Safe. I showed him my paperwork from Brandon University, beaming at the upcoming adventure of learning how to do field archaeology. I didn’t clue in right away to what he was afraid was happening.<br />
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Maybe now’s a good time to mention that when I was twenty years old I looked twelve and probably looked just as naive. It was late at night, I was crossing the border, and with a man that looked significantly older than me and like he had lived at least part of his life on a rather rough side.<br />
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We were there for a few hours and kept apart. That was fine, I hadn’t ever crossed the Canadian border, for all I knew this was standard procedure. When we were allowed in and driving away my fellow student asked with snap, “Why didn’t they check you through interpol, too?”<br />
“Because I look twelve and he thought you kidnapped me or worse.”<br />
“Oh. Still isn’t fair.”<br />
“No. He was trying to keep me safe.”<br />
My travel companion was irate at being assumed super naughty, but seemed somewhat mollified when I explained the questions they had asked me.<br />
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I don’t know what it is like to be routinely grilled by those in law enforcement positions, but I also am grateful for those border guards. They were just trying to keep a young woman safe. And the experience gave my fellow “mature student” plenty to laugh about later as he shared it around the campfire during that field school.<br />
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This summer, may your border crossings be safe, prompt and lead to incredible adventures. Happy traveling!<br />
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Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-63267592862922905062016-03-20T08:28:00.002-07:002016-03-20T08:28:48.839-07:00Spring Equinox 2016: Balance...and maybe that tipping pointHappy Spring Equinox. This is the day of balance, equal day, equal night, but also that pause before the tipping point into the growth and bloom of full-on spring. So to celebrate this celestial sweetness, I want to honour balance, but also how that prepares us for growth.<br />
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Great, what does that look like? What is balance? Well if you’re like me, there will be some things you just naturally know how to ride the wave and keep your balance, and others you get tossed around trying to stay up and it’s exhausting, not fluid or particularly graceful, and sometimes involves abysmal failure. Ug.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loaded Potential</td></tr>
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As I write this I wonder if we can look at where we do rock the balance and see if we can give ourselves pointers for the other stuff. For instance, physically, I have pretty good balance. My body pays attention to itself and can stay in a place of equilibrium . . . Damn, I never stopped to actually think about that before. Equilibrium. How do I achieve equilibrium in the areas of my life that are not in balance? Work/Life balance, my crazy long to-do list, how do I take a play out of my body balance book?<br />
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Small tweaks. Exaggerated movements just won’t work, at least for me they don’t. Apply enough pressure to create that positive, desired change, but not so much as to keep me still off balance just simply in the other direction.<br />
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What else . . . oh yeah, just decide to. If I channeled all the energy I spend ignoring or worrying about my to-do list and just hammered it out instead, that thing wouldn’t get out of control in the first place. I know, easier said then done, but this is a day of celestial balance, then tipping into growth. Let’s rock the balance and set up for beautiful growth.<br />
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Happy Spring.<br />
<br />Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-89696407872445447742016-01-18T06:10:00.000-08:002016-01-18T06:10:04.012-08:00Yellowknife Made Me a Gardener<div class="p1">
I didn’t expect Yellowknife to have gigantic tomatoes. The Canadian Territories are leashed agriculturally by northern latitudes and brief windows to grow anything that’s not a native species. Or so I thought. One random August day I found myself in Yellowknife, NWT. I wasn’t looking for gardening bliss, but rather searching for the fabled Ragged Ass Road. Wanderers have a sense of humor and Yellowknife’s historical street-namers were no different. I wanted to see for myself the street that held bragging rights to such a conspicuous name. Besides, I have a souvenir code and if I wanted one of those green and white pseudo street signs boldly declaring <i>Ragged Ass</i>, I needed to actually see it.</div>
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<span class="s1">With plenty of daylight left and being pointed in the general direction, I went exploring. Besides, I wanted to walk off lunch. It turns out that culinary prowess is also a trait of Yellowknife. The salmon and whitefish made perfect, spicy bedfellows in my rosé seafood chowder. I’m still dreaming of a second bowl.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">I was caught off guard by the bright blue, yellow and red houses dotted around Great Slave Lake. It was as unexpected as finding the tundra rivalled New England in autumn glory. Yellowknife and her northern sisters were drawing me in, wrapping me around their Northwest Territory fingers and I wanted to see more.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Then I looked up the road and stopped short. It wasn’t Ragged Ass, but glass! A red deck had been transformed to a greenhouse and huge tomato plants boldly filled the large space. Vibrant and lush, the plants shimmered with vitality, and daring. I had always heard the north spoken of as an unforgiving climate, but I saw the plump fruits of ingenuity, determination and adaptation correcting my misconception.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">I had found a Garden of Eden north of the 60th parallel. I wanted a tomato sandwich. I wanted to hold the slick smoothness of those plucky fruits in my hands. I wanted to shove my nose deep into the leaves, inhaling the punchy fragrance tomatoes alone have.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">But that was private property and I was leaving in the morning. Gawking, but aware of the setting sun, I remembered my mission to Ragged Ass Road. It was a short, partial dirt road lined with a few houses and would have been mundane except for it’s name. But I knew its secret. The unassuming road had led me to magic that day. I was not a gardener when I went to Yellowknife, but I came back one.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i>*I first shared this story with <a href="http://www.worldnomads.com/" target="_blank">World Nomads</a>. Cool site and community for those into traveling. I'm pretty sure I'm older than their typical blogger. My footloose and fancy free days of traveling, backpacking and studying in different countries is a bit tempered by a mortgage (I LOVE my house), 2-legged and 4-legged kids (whew - they are total adventurers, too!), and a heady hankering to explore backcountry backpacking and road trips with the family.</i></span></div>
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Sometimes our itineraries change focus and we find whole new adventures to play in . . . Never stop exploring!</div>
Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-73754042350225020002016-01-16T06:39:00.000-08:002016-01-16T06:39:09.745-08:00Seed Catalogues and Marshalltown Trowels<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Look what just came in the mail this week! </span></div>
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<span class="s1">I did it, I just did a happy dance. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Each winter around this time the West Coast seed catalogue comes in the mail and I start dreaming of new garden beds, different heirloom varieties to try, and what I can tweak what I’m doing so the plants have a stronger chance. There is something exquisitely satisfying about growing your own vegetables, fruits and kitchen herbs. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">For anyone who is reading this and feeling the least bit intimidating, don’t!! My idea of a trowel still is my archaeology Marshalltown. Even now, I still use that one instead of a proper gardening one . . . except when I borrow my daughter’s “play” garden set. My mother-in-law got them for her and those things are metal, sturdy, and perfect for a bunch of the container gardening I do. She only sometimes rolls her eyes when I ask to borrow them. “Mom, you know those are toys, right?” Not if they do the job, then they’re implements.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Can you tell I did not grow up gardening. I figured when I <i>grew up</i>, you know, stopped living in a tent for archaeology field seasons and stop moving every fall/winter to a new city or town for school or work, I would eventually settle in one place long enough to be able to entertain the idea of gardening. Turns out Calgary was where we did that. For the gardeners out there, Calgary is Zone 3, with some pockets of Zone 2. I didn’t know what this meant, and I’m still learning how to play with how Mother Nature in my neck of the woods, ‘er . . . prairie. But what’s a perennial elsewhere works as an annual here. Our growing season is short, but the sun is hot and plants will all of a sudden take off across your yard (true story) when they get those long hot days of 30+ (90+ fahrenheit). </span></div>
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<span class="s1">This year a raspberry patch is so on the list! And more native species, too. No need to grumble about zone 3 when there really is a plethora of plants that have always thrived quite nicely here. As far as the rest...I’ll have a flip through the catalogue, research online and scour more books to see what to add to the usual seed and plant suspects.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Speaking of zones, I have a happy little gardening story that I will share Monday about my life-changing trip up to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories. The Territories are many beautiful, wondrous things, but I never expected my trip up there for work to turn me into a gardner . . . stay tuned!</span></div>
Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-90660652903091603222015-12-21T15:36:00.000-08:002015-12-21T15:36:11.817-08:00Happy Yule, Happy Winter Solstice!<div style="text-align: right;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountains make pretty magical snowflakes.</td></tr>
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Today is the Winter Solstice. It’s the longest night of the year, the shortest day, and I looove it. Last night we picked Grandma up from the airport and were treated to the soft shimmering of green Aurora Borealis. They really do dance across the sky. Gosh, it's such a treat to see them! The pretty display didn’t last long, but it brought such a sense of magic and wonder to this already wonderful time of year. It was quite a stellar welcome for both grandma and the Solstice.<br />
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Some holidays are boisterous, full of revelry and merry-making. For me that will start in a few days when we celebrate Christmas. Yay! Spending holidays with family and friends totally fills my bucket. I’ll be honest, the Holidays used to bring me so much stress and unresolved emotions, but now I allow myself to soak up all the joy and happiness of the season and just have fun. Stress and baggage can wait for another day, because now is the time to be merry. </div>
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And for me, today is the quiet reflection of Yule before the upcoming boisterous, happy storm. When I celebrate the birth of the sun, the wheel turning again, the tipping point where the days start to get longer again, I like to keep it soft and quiet and just silently beam all day. It is a very good day.</div>
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It really is a wonderful time of the year. However you celebrate, have a wonderful Holiday Season full of Peace, Joy, Love and Fun! Happy Holidays!</div>
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Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-42443215466710483622015-11-04T10:09:00.002-08:002015-11-04T10:09:25.608-08:00Playing Outside in WinterOn the drive in today I heard Norquay is opening on Tomorrow, Lake Louise on Friday and Sunshine on November 11th. To anyone not familiar, that’s code for it’s ski season in the Canadian Rockies! This news brings joy to so many people and for me it brings the solid knowledge . . . that I am so not a downhill skier. *drops head in shame*<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowshoeing the Canadian Rockies</td></tr>
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I tried. Well, most recently my efforts have been taking a lesson/going once a season, blasting my quads for the morning and then grabbing a beer and writing while I wait in the non-terrifying warmth of one of the hill’s bars with absolutely zero elevation changes while waiting for my husband and kidlette to finish their afternoon, if that is trying, then yes, I rocked that!<br />
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I love the Rockies and have SO much fun on the bunny hills out here (don’t let the name fool you, they’re frickin’ huge). But I’ve realized what I like most about skiing is hanging out on mountains in winter. As much fun as I had on those bunny hills, as soon as I go on a regular run somewhere on the way down somewhere is a shockingly steep part. It’s all fun and games until the crazy steep parts. I know that’s the point of skiing, its called downhill for a reason, but being terrified isn’t fun. I mean there’s beer and coffee at the bottom, why scare myself when I could be having a pint and writing?<br />
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But if I’m in the bar writing, I’m not gawking at the Rocky Mountain winter splendour, really immersing myself in the outdoor awesomeness, which fills my bucket right full. Being on top of a mountain, snow all around and all over the trees, each peak and range full of majesty - it is an incredible sight to behold. When more snow is falling it feels like you’re in the middle of magic, when the sun is shining and making the snow twinkle it feels like anything is possible, when the sun is shining and the snow is blowing it feels like you’re in a snow globe and you can’t imagine anything more beautiful.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Mountain Wonderland, Canadian Rockies</td></tr>
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A conundrum to be sure. Unless I admit my downhill days are either behind me or somewhere in the future and I should focus on the winter sports that don’t terrify me, like cross country skiing, snow shoeing, winter hiking, sledding, pond ice skating, having a soak in a hot springs while it’s snowing . . . a wait, that last one isn’t a sport, but it feels so good and is so pretty, especially after an active day outside in the cold.<br />
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There are so many ways to play outside in winter. What are your favourites?!<br />
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Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-4888089897193638072015-10-28T10:40:00.000-07:002015-10-28T10:40:07.059-07:00Pumpkins and ReindeerI’ve always enjoyed celebrating the seasons and the holidays I grew up with. And this time of year, it seems each holiday just flows into the next: the Autumn Equinox in late September, then Canadian Thanksgiving in early October, then Halloween, then U.S. Thanksgiving in late November, then Christmas, then New Year’s. See what I mean? And yes, it is super fun (i.e. delicious) celebrating Thanksgiving twice.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't resist the plush pumpkin!</td></tr>
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As a kid, fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving were my favourites. Where I grew up in Wisconsin, trees turned a fabulous host of vibrant colours, like one last glorious hurrah before they crinkled and blew away. Walking to and from school, I remember the thick rows of leaves that always seemed to accumulate at the side of the sidewalk. Shuffling my feet, I’d kick through those leaves and just smile. In yards or outside of stores, I loved seeing dried, full corn stalks bunched together, their tassels bobbing in the breeze, a pumpkin or two at their base.<br />
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In the U.S., our Thanksgiving is in late November, so Halloween came first. Halloween as a kid was filled with happy ghosts and witches, innocent bats and spiders, and pumpkins, lots of pumpkins. I decorated my room with any extra holiday paraphernalia and the pictures I drew with harvest and Halloween themes.<br />
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My Thanksgiving memories are many, but perhaps my favorite is of getting up early and coming downstairs to see my mom putting a gigantic turkey in the oven. With five kids, my mom was busy, but she always made each holiday special.<br />
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Now I’m in western Canada. Our fall comes earlier and our gorgeous autumn leaf colours are dominated by the blazing yellow of aspen. There are not many corn stalks kicking around for decorations, but there are pumpkins! Our Thanksgiving is in early October, which means that in stores, Halloween and Christmas decorations are out at the same time. I try to keep my fall decorations and vibe going from the Autumn Equinox to U.S. Thanksgiving, and try to coral Christmas kick-off to Black Friday.<br />
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I try, I try so hard, but do you know what comes out now? Christmas novels. I know, right?! The new ones are out in the stores and available online. I love reading Christmas stories and . . . I’m actually going to say it . . . I love Christmas movies. I have never met anyone else who loves them as much as I do until the other day. I was having coffee with <a href="http://cjcarmichael.com/" target="_blank">CJ Carmichael</a> and I asked her if she had seen the new series The Good Witch. It is a Hallmark series and spun off seven Hallmark movies. I’ll admit, there are moments of cheesy, but as the title suggests, it is a show about a Good Witch. I’ll watch year-round, but just like the kind of Halloween I liked to celebrate as a kid, it has happy witches who help people. When I bashfully ducked my head and said, “I love Hallmark movies.” <a href="http://cjcarmichael.com/" target="_blank">CJ Carmichael </a>answer, “Me too!” Then of course we started talking about our shared delight of Christmas movies. I’m not alone! There is another person who loves holiday shows as much as I do. This season just got better . . .and possibly filled with more wine.<br />
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You know what else? <a href="http://cjcarmichael.com/" target="_blank">CJ Carmichael</a> just released not one, but TWO Christmas stories! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bramble-House-Christmas-Carrigans-Circle-ebook/dp/B01744LU08/ref=cjcarmichaelc-20" target="_blank">A Bramble House Christmas</a> and she’s in the anthology <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Montana-Born-Christmas-Jane-Porter-ebook/dp/B014QD2KPO/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">A Montana Born Christmas</a>.<br />
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My Christmas season is indeed starting in October this year. The pumpkins will just have to play with the reindeer.<br />
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Oh shoot, I forgot to ask <a href="http://cjcarmichael.com/" target="_blank">CJ</a> if she likes doing Christmas puzzles, too . . .Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-88348581717750503212015-09-25T10:26:00.000-07:002015-09-25T10:26:28.752-07:00Of Orion, Pumpkins and Fall Leaves: Autumn Equinox 2015<div class="p1">
Tuesday, so early in the morning there was no hint of dawn in the night sky, I was walking to the garage to drive myself to the airport. A brief, two-day trip up to Fort McMurray for my day job was my itinerary. With carry-on in hand, I made my way across the backyard, past the squash and pumpkin vines that in successive bursts of unhindered growth had wondered far from their garden confines to criss-cross across our lawn. I didn’t have the heart to beat them back. When allowed to grow with wild abandon, how far would those vines creep? Turns out several meters. And although their spread made mowing the grass around them difficult, my husband humoured me and worked around them. My goal was to wait until equinox to finish harvesting and cut back the jungle of leaves and vines. There might even be fruit in all that. Guess what I’m doing this weekend?</div>
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<span class="s1">That Tuesday morning the clear night sky afforded a view of the city stars. These stars are the brightest in the sky, managing to holding their own against the always-on lights of the city. For the last several weeks, I had looked up in that night sky to catch the first glimpse of the season of my favourite constellation, Orion. The celestial Hunter comes back every fall and stays throughout the winter. Tuesday morning he was there. And the Wheel of the Year turns.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEC7IFy1IkUn_U4lJlWeNbCK3d4ijEgs7nGZ9pZQRHmMa8vSO-hY8EsK6lXdHycOjmQgBF0mcjuaQsUe2QurJLU3JaL19u3n_PQ_mDObo0lAgjtMzLKrLUtsqV3YE4QjM9HhS2Wjos0Co/s1600/aerial_view_fallcolours_2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEC7IFy1IkUn_U4lJlWeNbCK3d4ijEgs7nGZ9pZQRHmMa8vSO-hY8EsK6lXdHycOjmQgBF0mcjuaQsUe2QurJLU3JaL19u3n_PQ_mDObo0lAgjtMzLKrLUtsqV3YE4QjM9HhS2Wjos0Co/s400/aerial_view_fallcolours_2015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the air of the boreal forest in fall colours.</td></tr>
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<span class="s1">I got to watch the sun rise from 24,000 feet that morning. As we started our descent, the clear skies and sweet light provided ideal conditions to view the expanse of boreal forest in her fall glory. Yellows, oranges, reds, browns and greens blanketed the ground below. It was one of those views you wished you could capture with paint and brush, to mimic the beauty and elegance of nature on a canvas to revisit again and again. But some things can only be experienced in person. No photo, no painting could recreate the powerful feeling of beholding such an innately beautiful, natural sight. It’s not just the view, it’s the experience. Still, on the flight back on Wednesday late afternoon, I snapped a photo from the air. It doesn’t hold a candle to the live experience, but it is what I have to share with you.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">How do you welcome fall? Do you look for Orion in the night sky? Do you consciously harvest the fruits and vegetables of summer? Do you bask in the beauty of fall colours splashed across the outside world?</span></div>
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Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-56365097277296711672015-09-02T11:01:00.000-07:002015-09-02T11:01:51.020-07:00Taking Writing to the Mountains: Rocky Mountain Writing Retreat 2015<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI2256SeUNBX4ltToQ1aIgBFHDjyjvrSmtiZJ7YI0wGjGqS2DuIJEVJC0k2Zlz8j-WXQ-7ARK6F8_VuLqhzSjgxpfKW3_ie9_SOcvryMd-IV2r7JV5GW1HzkmjzzjF5kYAKY20x9Sw-s/s1600/bakercreek_lodge_balcony_2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI2256SeUNBX4ltToQ1aIgBFHDjyjvrSmtiZJ7YI0wGjGqS2DuIJEVJC0k2Zlz8j-WXQ-7ARK6F8_VuLqhzSjgxpfKW3_ie9_SOcvryMd-IV2r7JV5GW1HzkmjzzjF5kYAKY20x9Sw-s/s320/bakercreek_lodge_balcony_2015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from my balcony writing space at Baker Creek Lodge<br /> at the 2015 Rocky Mountain Writing Retreat</td></tr>
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This morning while making tea in the kitchen (<i>sometimes </i>I drink tea instead of coffee ;)) I had a vision flash through my mind of standing in the kitchen, warm, with tea steeping, while snow was gently falling outside, adding to the thick blanket already on the yard and trees. Incongruent, I know, we just welcomed September and it is a perfect late-summer day out there.<br />
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So on this day of the first flash of winter to come, let me share how I kicked off summer. In early June I attended the Rocky Mountain Writers' Retreat. I had three days of writing in a beautiful lodge, in the Canadian Rockies, in Banff National Park, minutes away from Lake Louise with thirty other writers and one of my critique partners as my roommate. I had attended one other writing retreat a few years ago and knew the potential for serious headway on my manuscript. I also knew the power and magic that happens when you gather with one of your tribes. It feels good. There is the sense of friendship and belonging and hanging out with other people on their own version of this same crazy writing experience/journey that I am on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2N-4BFsfCCiKu0wzdcjy34cSfNYty22VfPcKDSYHP1HGQQe6xET-38HUhP9VB-yNYVlo-jexXyJpuaVbSCUgzBOd91-5MDr4ggKjZ2kc7cD_KxW-dp_qY-hmgwe9rmht-HRfY2BlHbto/s1600/mountain_bakercreek_2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2N-4BFsfCCiKu0wzdcjy34cSfNYty22VfPcKDSYHP1HGQQe6xET-38HUhP9VB-yNYVlo-jexXyJpuaVbSCUgzBOd91-5MDr4ggKjZ2kc7cD_KxW-dp_qY-hmgwe9rmht-HRfY2BlHbto/s320/mountain_bakercreek_2015.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view a few steps from my <br />writing retreat door was this view.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGcNKQqXT66X1qxhkcXPTiZX32DJQ204tuujSL2FVq-IzRvIBWp9ehlmNcNcPacrm9LMGx6ZAvFDRd2wE0CAVw78uxYu45WEJZzGnd8vQtsaSzPmqVSzCrxS1b9YDUdcY5dUlWvX5aCk/s1600/sandals_bakercreek_2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGcNKQqXT66X1qxhkcXPTiZX32DJQ204tuujSL2FVq-IzRvIBWp9ehlmNcNcPacrm9LMGx6ZAvFDRd2wE0CAVw78uxYu45WEJZzGnd8vQtsaSzPmqVSzCrxS1b9YDUdcY5dUlWvX5aCk/s320/sandals_bakercreek_2015.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeling the flow of Baker Creek<br />in between writing sessions.</td></tr>
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I stayed holed-up in my room (or the balcony) writing, coming out only at meal time and at the evening social events. Well, that and gabbing with my roommate when we need a writing break. :) Okay, and when I needed to go for a quick explore. I was in the Rockies along the gorgeous Baker Creek, after all.<br />
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I had hours of uninterrupted writing time in a natural setting. I loved it! Happy kick-off to summer!<br />
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Do you attend writing retreats? Where do you like to go? What are your favourite ones? Do you set aside a weekend with a couple of writer friends or do you go on more formally organized ones?<br />
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<br />Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-84532967350294327142015-04-19T08:05:00.000-07:002015-04-19T08:05:10.353-07:00Community: Sharing Knowledge, Sharing Common ExperiencesI've had a creeping awareness the last few weeks that has grown steadily more pronounced. When this happens, I pay attention. My mind has a delightful way of laying seeds, or foreshadowing if you will, for me. This time <b>Community </b>keeps coming up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqOFfKfjYXnq4ClmEQ9E0Sb-3NUgOWLdWjE3AmsRubvHEWekaywOKPt4rNNZaB1Tj9SbBoFyYifmF6_Jst1lCfdhnPZVTxTwO4t0OioK7yqhjcAyiJybihErpE-FTneRkoMjHkuNVBqA/s1600/tonyandrandy_venuetour_2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqOFfKfjYXnq4ClmEQ9E0Sb-3NUgOWLdWjE3AmsRubvHEWekaywOKPt4rNNZaB1Tj9SbBoFyYifmF6_Jst1lCfdhnPZVTxTwO4t0OioK7yqhjcAyiJybihErpE-FTneRkoMjHkuNVBqA/s1600/tonyandrandy_venuetour_2015.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tony King and Randy McCharles <br />stop for a photo op during tour of <br />new When Words Collide venue.</td></tr>
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My writing communities bring this out often for me, but lately it has been more expansive. I was standing listening to the tour of our new venue for <a href="http://whenwordscollide.org/" target="_blank">When Words Collide</a> and thinking how lucky I am to live in a city with a vibrant, active writing community. Then while sitting in the last <a href="http://albertaromancewriters.com/" target="_blank">Alberta Romance Writers' Association</a> workshop I had the same thought. There are writers who have no local organization to be part of, no larger writing family to learn from, support and feel supported, have dinner with, and even "argue" over the best course of action. There are online communities, and I am grateful for them, but sometimes I just need to call my critique group and enjoy their wisdom and conversation over beers and dinner. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwmuPpzI0unefrxMxjV8USCOqXmk21AezUk9ZY76_LrLJKvF5ysiI1j6Qu7SZdU_CQIJc24N-5klU8j4Zg_gLLLi6RwOOl5XV1iMWdSljCQepsXbYG2hsLmb-uefou28ZT5Q2aL2d-ao/s1600/peas_gardenshow_2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwmuPpzI0unefrxMxjV8USCOqXmk21AezUk9ZY76_LrLJKvF5ysiI1j6Qu7SZdU_CQIJc24N-5klU8j4Zg_gLLLi6RwOOl5XV1iMWdSljCQepsXbYG2hsLmb-uefou28ZT5Q2aL2d-ao/s1600/peas_gardenshow_2015.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calgary Horticultural Society's <br />Garden Show had multiple buildings <br />filled with information...and plants</td></tr>
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Last weekend, for the first time, I went to the <a href="http://www.calhort.org/garden-show.aspx" target="_blank">Calgary Horticultural Society's Garden Show.</a> I had seen one of the bridge banners and thought I'd check it out. I love gardens, I am a total putterer, but having a thriving indoor edible plant community is a geeky goal of mine. So far no dice on the <i>thriving</i> part yet, but it is fun and I keep trying. And I learned there are way more local garden communities and initiatives that I had suspected. How cool is that?!<br />
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On Friday I was writing in one of our local libraries and saw I poster up on the Community Board for the <a href="http://www.openstreetscalgary.com/event/the-arusha-centre-relocalization-fair-in-bridgeland/" target="_blank">Relocalize Fair</a> that would be on Saturday at one of our local community halls. Again this synchronicity of the theme <i>community,</i> and it looked interesting, so I decided to go. Again, a whole new world was opened to me and the power and spirit of a vibrant community was illustrated again and again. I went to three workshops/presentations (I learned from missing out on the garden ones last weekend!) and am so grateful I did!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1g3e1otlu9lYN_ZQcmGnp4p9ymNxSpsr0w4a4hm-gUIxHDe3HrI-b7W2vjVIPESfzQJCy-uzFsy5LhoN5d7_gPw4qTcROwmP6hi0d8gv6dYHI7wuT3rjVLMfhtjcENTR5SK7SZ-F8NNc/s1600/michael_shuman_relocalize_2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1g3e1otlu9lYN_ZQcmGnp4p9ymNxSpsr0w4a4hm-gUIxHDe3HrI-b7W2vjVIPESfzQJCy-uzFsy5LhoN5d7_gPw4qTcROwmP6hi0d8gv6dYHI7wuT3rjVLMfhtjcENTR5SK7SZ-F8NNc/s1600/michael_shuman_relocalize_2015.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local economy expert and author <br />Michael Shuman presenting at the <br />Relocalize Fair in Calgary, Canada.</td></tr>
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There is something primal about sharing and learning knowledge from each other. Our local communities can help provide an opportunity for that. Sometimes I allow myself to get caught up in the tasks of life and not the living of life. Participating in community activities, sharing knowledge, sharing common experiences, inspires me. The synchronicity of noticing the opportunities to reach out and engage in more of my local communities was a gentle reminder to get involved, play, learn, be part of my wider community.<br />
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What are your favourite ways to engage and participate in your local communities?<br />
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Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-6331161471337524952015-03-10T18:58:00.003-07:002015-03-10T18:58:48.414-07:00Random Picture Day: Jasper National Park<div style="text-align: center;">
Today is random picture day. I know, that in itself is random, but whatevs...</div>
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Ta-da:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharuLZ0UeO-2xCbeukzwzUF4cSrRP0D2p1L8ODwyLwTQRuRN2f9KxrduUw6NbblyqZRP0I3t675D8hsZ_5DVUfVpitK1ArlD9LSIryvA60tF6TVnRC_F5Z1VPwzJTq92QdJOFX2P2CKds/s1600/DSCF2274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharuLZ0UeO-2xCbeukzwzUF4cSrRP0D2p1L8ODwyLwTQRuRN2f9KxrduUw6NbblyqZRP0I3t675D8hsZ_5DVUfVpitK1ArlD9LSIryvA60tF6TVnRC_F5Z1VPwzJTq92QdJOFX2P2CKds/s1600/DSCF2274.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jasper National Park, Canada</td></tr>
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One of my favourite places is Jasper National Park. This picture always makes me smile; mountains, river, trees oh my. So on this March day, take a smile break and enjoy! Happy *almost* spring!!<br />
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Where are your favourite places?Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-3475987514472070442015-01-04T13:30:00.002-08:002015-01-04T13:39:25.539-08:00I Always Knew I Liked Rocks<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">I've collected rocks and crystals since I was a kid. I have bowls of the happy chunks throughout our house. What can I say, they make me happy. One of my oldies is a gigantic hunk of obsidian I picked up at a lapidary in Colorado. I was 18 and went on a road trip with three buddies from Wisconsin. The only space available in the wee car was on the floor in front of me. It was so big I had to rest my feet on top of it through several states. It was so worth it. That happy piece of obsidian has moved with me since. It has seen many states and provinces, it has graced our house and garden and inspired many a more large rocks to join our home. I love that thing. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyYRquFM3_OGtAFCSMvFU6OOl2hLYz9TVuBJ5GIQ6G4LaEdRy2MvwSYRJ4DHd89RB2EBr3NPbBlP6qH11sjyMkVB5GTU7ZINauNvshN0dQe-_H6XRdF27lz8v41ypbhRXGIcuIa4hXIM/s1600/DSCF8756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyYRquFM3_OGtAFCSMvFU6OOl2hLYz9TVuBJ5GIQ6G4LaEdRy2MvwSYRJ4DHd89RB2EBr3NPbBlP6qH11sjyMkVB5GTU7ZINauNvshN0dQe-_H6XRdF27lz8v41ypbhRXGIcuIa4hXIM/s1600/DSCF8756.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorites: Quartz Crystal</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">Several years ago I met Susanne McElroy, she digs rocks and crystals even more than I do and has taken her love to a whole new level; she is certified in </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">Crystal Resonance Therapy (CRT)<sup>TM</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">I had never heard of it before I met Susanne, but when she started explaining it, I was intrigued. So much so, that I tried it and really resonated with it. (Pun absolutely intended! ;)) I have a had several sessions since and each one has inspired rather stunning, powerful but gentle, healings.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">So as folks think about the new year, goals and resolutions, I thought I'd share this gem!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">Susanne has written a wee explanation for those of you out there that this resonates with, too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i><b>What is Crystal Resonance Therapy (CRT)<sup>TM</sup>?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>CRT is a vibrational healing technique that uses crystals and elemental allies in stones layouts, arrays and grids to facilitate healing for the client. The healing technique is guided by a Certified Crystal Resonance Therapist (Cert. CRTh) certified by Crystalis Institute (<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=424047642575456387" style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.<wbr></wbr>crystalisinstitute.com/</span></a>). A CRTh is trained in mineralogy, geology, crystallography, experiential anatomy and physiology, vibrational channelling, ethics and clinical practise. This training allows the practitioner to work with their own human crystal as a vibrational oscillator; directing crystal vibration to the client's energy field and body. The CRTh analyses the healing session to identify key elemental and chakra imbalances, polarities, patterns and blockages and possible chemical, emotional and physical influences. The practitioner works to provide a healing plan supported by meditation, daily spiritual practice, and crystal elixir preparations. Crystal Resonance Therapy provides guidance and awareness for the client to embark on, continue or reach new heights in their own healing journey.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>Susanne McElroy lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She is a Cert.CRTh and is certified in Primus Activation Healing Technique<sup>TM </sup>(PAHT Pract.). If you require more information she can be contacted by email at <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=424047642575456387" style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: blue;"><span class="il">smcelroy_artemis@telus.net</span></span></a>. </i></span></div>
Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-22444930872113193472014-12-31T00:00:00.000-08:002014-12-31T00:00:12.576-08:00Expanding Your Boundaries as a WriterWhew. Thanks 2014.<div>
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Life is an exciting ride and as the calendar flips, I like to reflect. New Years is always an interesting time for me. I usually have a lot of emotions; gratitude, relief, anticipation, excitement. </div>
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I wrote my longest book to date this year, and am now expanding it further. It reminds me of what it must feel like holding the reigns of one horse vs an eight-hitch team. There is beauty and purpose in both, but the two experiences are different. That is a lot of power in your hands, waiting to be channeled.</div>
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I'm really loving expanding my boundaries as a writer. Not only in story length and all the plot and character adaptations that entails, but also including more of my environmental/nature-loving side. I'm also exploring going deeper with my characters and their emotions. Let me tell you, that's a trip. Characters are as rich and deep as you take the time to explore. They are there, patient, waiting for you to get to know them more. Waiting for you to then share that with the reader. </div>
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The more confident I become as a writer, the more I am able to push those boundaries, to get to a place where I feel comfortable taking myself beyond my previous comfort level. Writing is dynamic stuff. :)</div>
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How do you expand your writing boundaries?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dgm4-fVPgKVL1TIV3AnnoQWcmcJ4tNn-1226A2wdTq5dq4VKS047tkCkaQovoT0Tiw9GQpgzzqF-5s-KPCjdeokgmbF0bIgMsqYway8-DNpI2IScj61z6XV3xD5XKVT6q1BXJn1xBU8/s1600/DSCF6209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dgm4-fVPgKVL1TIV3AnnoQWcmcJ4tNn-1226A2wdTq5dq4VKS047tkCkaQovoT0Tiw9GQpgzzqF-5s-KPCjdeokgmbF0bIgMsqYway8-DNpI2IScj61z6XV3xD5XKVT6q1BXJn1xBU8/s1600/DSCF6209.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Writing: as dynamic as a shoreline<br />Long Beach, Pacific Rim National Park, Vancouver Island, Canada</td></tr>
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Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-75389112425526806412014-12-29T00:00:00.000-08:002014-12-29T00:00:10.238-08:00Writing Ideas: Where Your Flow Comes FromI was at the grocery store the other day and feeling marginally bad I hadn't changed out of my yoga pants to make the trip (** definitely in Holiday mode**). But as I stood in the produce department, checking out fresh dill and basil packages, SHAZAM! A scene pops into my head to write. I love when that happens. I can't say I know exactly what set off that scene, but I'm sure glad it came.<br />
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Holidays are often a good recharge for my creative mojo. I stop pushing, stop the frantic pace. Holidays provide room to breath and play. Room to Be.<br />
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I write year-round, but clearing out the stress cobwebs from the day-to-day push sure generates sweet results. I am so grateful to have this Holiday season to do just that!<br />
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Where does your writing flow come from? How do you generate the flow?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHpiCu-OZSQaG0VeZa3WM9ob95wIiEhdruvY5lpQAG16D2lIf6aXiygTOAjSM4HXDTdmMHpln9HQaBn3uUjqVIA9wtTsgP5bUPFG2JIL7RJSkvSUbmZ1zqjN6qQipRMtjRHZtPaU2BIo/s1600/DSCF0596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHpiCu-OZSQaG0VeZa3WM9ob95wIiEhdruvY5lpQAG16D2lIf6aXiygTOAjSM4HXDTdmMHpln9HQaBn3uUjqVIA9wtTsgP5bUPFG2JIL7RJSkvSUbmZ1zqjN6qQipRMtjRHZtPaU2BIo/s1600/DSCF0596.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kings Creek, Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada</td></tr>
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<br />Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-37028394779428319302014-12-26T00:00:00.000-08:002014-12-26T00:00:07.889-08:00Writing More: One Foot in Front of the OtherThe Christmas Season brings with it a lot of joy and merriment. And for this writer, it also brings a chance to log more minutes/hours writing! This is a gift I give myself and let me tell you, it fills my bucket. :)<div>
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I'm working on expanding a story. I love this story and what I'm adding I really resonate with and dig the direction it is taking the story. But as I carve out writing time, the road to completion sometimes feels a long way away. Ever get that way? The project is cool, but man, sometimes the journey feels like "are we there yet?</div>
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But like any journey, you get there by putting one foot in front of the other. So as I navigate my way through this writing experience, I am getting there one word/sentence/scene down, and then another. And as I go, I am learning more about this story, myself as a writer, and what direction I want my writing career to go in.</div>
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Dang, that sounds just like what travel does; learning about yourself, your world, and putting life into perspective. Clever Universe and all its parallels. Double dang, now I want to plan a trip.</div>
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What are you working on? How are you putting one foot in front of the other?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsy2twpNYbUHPWCvXH2e7BeCblnZs4AZ8EyisgQTXGkB-6JcY65Gm6vmT_vDWjgGcS8oXep0IV17jvwqDjEHX5s0jW_nM1zuoOEyhKvQ160-9hyvrq9QEsqzbndWU66cOhdAbAV56bVI/s1600/DSCF0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsy2twpNYbUHPWCvXH2e7BeCblnZs4AZ8EyisgQTXGkB-6JcY65Gm6vmT_vDWjgGcS8oXep0IV17jvwqDjEHX5s0jW_nM1zuoOEyhKvQ160-9hyvrq9QEsqzbndWU66cOhdAbAV56bVI/s1600/DSCF0402.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We get there by putting one foot in front of the other.<br />Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada</td></tr>
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Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424047642575456387.post-33359725218068095412014-12-24T20:21:00.000-08:002014-12-24T20:21:13.978-08:00Happy Christmas and Reindeer Sparkle ConfettiIt is Christmas Eve night. For some it preludes a religious day, for others a family day, for others just another day. But for me it is a day of magic. When I was a kid Christmas Eve was always The Day. Santa came when we were at the 5pm Mass. How clever. Now days, my spiritual path runs more along the forest lines. Still, I celebrate Love in all her forms. And that is what Christmas is to me. A season of loving your family, friends, colleagues, community, the world. And on Christmas Eve night, it feels good to celebrate the magic and Love all around us. *Happy twirls and reindeer sparkle confetti*<br />
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So Dear World, Happy Day! </div>
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May we all have a beautiful day filled with extraordinary Peace and Love. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv73Ij2biP9jyA-POMm4jAMhxJJqnpx92ED365GM4TRqK5dnVxV_7jH-v9RYQWM_stiMLcqocLsU6v4wVLABsvz-ahGIYOWPpzVrp157h5mnlzfic_YZBfhvV_cWEjNAboSYiXVObnatg/s1600/DSCF0351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv73Ij2biP9jyA-POMm4jAMhxJJqnpx92ED365GM4TRqK5dnVxV_7jH-v9RYQWM_stiMLcqocLsU6v4wVLABsvz-ahGIYOWPpzVrp157h5mnlzfic_YZBfhvV_cWEjNAboSYiXVObnatg/s1600/DSCF0351.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a magical winter wonderland...<br />Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada</td></tr>
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<br />Sarah Kadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362974819513722709noreply@blogger.com0