Category: Creativity

Through the eyes of writing ~ blog 144

A Probe & Ponder Newsletter…December Issue

Exploring books, learning, travel, life experiences & adventure with author, Roberta E Sawatzky

Welcome to Issue #2 of my newsletter!

If you’re someone who’s curious, courageous, and eager to grow through fresh ideas, practical writing tips, thoughtful prompts, and real-life reflections, you’re in the right place. Here, I share my ponderings and discoveries with a community of readers and writers who’ve connected with me through my books—and who love exploring how writing shapes the way we learn, create, and experience life. Let’s dive in together.

My books: For ordering and book information visit my website.

What If…? Finding new adventures through life’s obstacles. Between Here and Where? Embracing life’s transitions.

“A writer, I think, is someone who pays attention to the world.”
—Susan Sont

Books & Podcasts

Podcast:
I love travel and I love books. Needless to say, podcasts that combine those two topics catch my attention. My recommend for this month is from Books and Travel with Jo Frances Penn. You may recognize the name J.F. Penn, a prolific author of both non-fiction, and the ARKANE series. Born from her love of research, Penn hosts authors who books have been inspired by their travels. Episode #110 is titled Ahchemical History and Beautiful Architecture: Prague with Lisa M. Lilly. If you have never visited the amazing Prague, this interview will certainly whet your appitite to pay it a visit. Lilly shares how her visit to Prague inspired her latest book The Skeptical Man.

You just never know where your next book inspiration will come from–and I’m not suggesting you have to travel across the globe for that inspiration. Might I encourage keeping your eyes open in your own neighbourhood, city, or country? Like Lisa M. LIlly, you might just see a book scene unfold before your very eyes.

Book:
There are many tried and true practices as they relate to writing. However, how often do we reach for the latest and greatest book on the shelf, just to find that ‘magic bullet’, the one to make writing seamless. If only that were true!

I am finishing up reading a classic book on writing. Originally published in 1976, but updated several times, the latest revised update in 2006, William K. Zinsser’s book On Writing Well is full of treasures for new and accomplished writers. As I look back through the chapters, my pages are splattered with yellow highlighting. Let me share some of the nuggets that caught my attention from just the first chapter.

“Ultimatelly the product that any writer has to sell is not the sugject being written about, but who he or she is“. “But the secret of good writing is to strip every sentence to its cleanest components.” When speaking of style, Zinsser shares, “Readers want the person who is talking to them to sound genuine. Therefore a fundamental rule is: be yourself.” That one really spoke to me. One more quote. “I write entirely by ear and read everything aloud before letting it go out into the world.” This became clear to me when I was recording my audiobook What if…? Finding new adventures through life’s obstacles. I had read through the book more times than I wished, had a professional editor go through it multiple times, and shared it with three beta readers. I was told by folks much wiser than I in the field of editing that the first read through will catch 80% of errors, leaving a mere 20%. Not too bad, but not what I would be happy with. After two more read throughs, 0.8% of the original errors would still go unchecked. I was good with that. However, as I read my book aloud for the recording, I was shocked by how many mistakes I still found, simply by listening–by using my ear. Mr. Zinsser, you know your stuff! So, this is a high recommend book from a wise man.

Capturing holiday memories in a memoir can be both meaningful and fun. The following tips and story prompts are designed to help you bring your family traditions, special moments, and unique celebrations to life. Let these ideas spark your creativity as you begin writing your holiday stories.

Writing Tips (for the holiday season)

  1. Start with sensory details
  2. Focus on meaningful moments
  3. Interview family members
  4. Use photos and keepsakes
  5. Write one memory at a time
  6. Embrace both joy and challenge
  7. Use prompts and story starters

Try these prompts to get you started:

  1. Describe a holiday tradition that has been passed down through generations in your family. How did it start, and how has it changed over time? 
  2. Share the story of a holiday celebration that didn’t go as planned. What went wrong, and how did your family respond?
  3. Imagine a holiday from the perspective of a gift waiting to be opened. What does it hope for, and what does it witness? 
  4. Describe a holiday season in the future or in a different setting (another country, another planet, etc.). How do traditions adapt?
  5. Write about a holiday celebration that brought together people from different backgrounds or cultures. What did you learn? 

Created with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot.

Writing Prompts (pictures from my travels):

  1. “I remember a time when we drank exquisite cocktails and talked about…”
  2. “This Christmas gnome made me smile because…”
  3. “As I sat in the chill of winter, gazing over the lake, my thoughts wandered to…”

What am I up to?

Last week I attended yet another Winter Market and shared a book table with a friend. I don’t know about you, but this is not my favourite way to market and sell my books. To be honest, sales were basically non-existent, and my feet and back hurt from standing so long. Perhaps it’s the memoir genre, or my poor sales skills. HOWEVER, I spoke to some wonderful people and heard their life stories. They were filled with heartwarming experiences, reflections of sadness and tragedy, courage, and hope. For me, as I reflect on the day, it was a success. It reminded me that I write because I’m passionate about sharing life with others in a way that will encourage, uplift, teach, and bring joy. I write because I’m a teacher at heart and have learned so much through books. I write because it provides a creative outlet that causes my mind to slow down and reflect.

In November’s newsletter I shared my thoughts on what my next book might look like. I did think more about writing a fiction, tried to come up with some creative ideas for story lines…nothing! I absolutely love reading murder mystery and suspense books, but writing one is outside my wheelhouse. And my love of storytelling about real life is what brings me joy, and from what I’m told, my readers find joy in reading my books. So that’s my lane, that’s where my voice is truly me. I’m now three chapters into a new work…stay tuned for updates.

“You don’t write because you understand life; you write because you want to.” — Anaïs Nin

Happy Holidays from our home to yours.

Through the eyes of writing ~ blog 143

Probe & Ponder…

Exploring books, learning, travel, life experiences & adventure with author, Roberta E Sawatzky

Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.

Anne Lamott

Are you ready to explore new adventures through life’s obstacles and transitions? Welcome to this first edition, sharing my ponderings with a community of curious, courageous readers who’ve connected with my books:
“What If…? Finding new adventures through life’s obstacles.” and “Between Here and Where? Embracing life’s transitions.”

Each month, you’ll receive:

  • ✍️ Insights on writing and creativity (from others wiser than I)
  • 📚 Book recommendations that inspire and challenge (from my readings)
  • 🌱 Quotes and insights on overcoming obstacles and embracing change
  • 🎧 Thought-provoking podcasts worth your time (from my listening)
  • 💬 Life stories or travel pictures to inspire your writing journey

Books & Podcasts

Podcast:
The Writer’s Routine Podcast is a great source of inspiration. In a recent episode, Faith Hogan shares her journey to becoming a bestselling author. She describes writing as a “punster,” letting stories evolve naturally. Her novels often take place on fictional Irish islands to shape atmosphere and theme. She explains her commitment to uplifting fiction and the core elements needed to engage readers.

Book:
There are so many great books on writing… all offering great value. The first book I read when I only dreamed about writing a book was Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. Lamott offers practical advice and honest reflections on the writing life, encouraging writers to focus on small, manageable steps, rather than feeling overwhelmed by the whole project. She blends humour, personal stories, and hard-earned wisdom to address common writer struggles like perfectionism, self-doubt, and writer’s block.

October in Hawaii

Writing Tips

Memoir writing is all about telling your story. Here’s a tip to help get you started:

Pick a Memory
Choose one moment that sticks with you—it doesn’t have to be dramatic.
Example: your first day at a new job, a family dinner, a childhood walk to school.

Set the Stage (5 minutes)
Write down where you were, what time of day it was, and who was there.
Use sensory details: What could you see, hear, smell, touch, taste?

Zoom In (10 minutes)
Describe one action or exchange in real time.
Instead of “My grandmother was kind,” write a scene:
“She slid the last piece of pie across the table to me, her eyes twinkling as though she had a secret.”

Reflect (5 minutes)
Add a short reflection on why that moment mattered.
This bridges memory (what happened) with meaning (why it’s part of your story).

Writing Prompts (from my travels)

Looking at this photo makes me think of a time when…
Imagine this bowl could tell its story. What has it seen? How old is it? What life might the creators hands have lived?
What might these two have been talking about…or avoiding talking about?

What am I up to?

I’m mulling around an idea for a new book. I love telling stories from life experiences, but I would also like to try my hand at fiction. So, I may attempt to create a memoir-esque, factional novel, autofiction… not sure what the correct term is. Or maybe I’ll just stay in my lane and write stories from life that hopefully inspire, motivate, challenge, and produce a giggle. The pages are still blank… perhaps I’ll have more clarity to report in the next newsletter.

“You’re never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.”

C.S. Lewis

Travel-inspired meditation…Blog 138

Welcome to the start of my meditation journey! As someone new to this practice, I’ve often felt hesitant about diving into the unknown world of meditation—perhaps out of fear of what I might discover. However, my curiosity and the need to slow down my constantly racing mind have finally led me to embrace this new experience.

So how does mediation relate to my travel learnings? A great deal! In fact, I discovered that mediation actually created an opportunity for me to think back and dwell on some very special times in my life, from recent travels all the way back to my childhood. Let me elaborate.

In the meditation session, the ‘guide’ used imagery to walk us through a 30-minute practice:

Body like a mountain, Heart like the ocean, Mind like the sky.

Mountain, ocean, and sky…nature in all its beauty. However, what do these three images mean? I had to go back and do some research on this (remember, I’ve only been to one class so far). This is what I learned.

Body Like a Mountain: Symbolizes strength and stability, encouraging a grounded posture in meditation. Now, to go along with this was the imagery of a strong back and soft front. This speaks to balancing resilience and vulnerability, promoting courage and an open heart ready for connection and compassion. (Quite lovely!) Heart Like an Ocean: Represents depth and emotional openness, fostering boundless compassion and acceptance. Mind Like the Sky: Signifies spaciousness and clarity, allowing thoughts to come and go freely.

What was especially wonderful, was not having any issue calling up mental pictures of each of these – all from my life. 

Mourne Mountains looking over the Irish Sea. (Thanks Pexels free photos)

During the meditation on body like a mountain, I vividly recalled climbing the Mountains of Mourne in Ireland as a young girl. I remember walking through the beautiful heather as it gently danced with the breeze coming off the Irish Sea. The vivid purple colours amidst tufts of green provided a soft cover between the rock surfaces. Of course, it would have been impossible to not allow the visual of a great deal of Irish Hare droppings to enter my mental scrapbook of memories. As a family, we would do day hikes on Slieve Donnard and Slieve Binnian (Slieve is Irish Gaelic for mountain). My grandparents lived in a small fishing village called Annalong…a view of the Mourne Mountains out their front door, and the Irish Sea out the rear. This was the playground of my father’s growing-up years.

Cabo Finisterre, Spain

The practice continued, and I was ready to stay in the memories of heart like an ocean for the rest of the day! If you know me even a little or have read previous blogs, you will know that the ocean is my happy place. Not surprising since I was raised in a seaside town called Bangor in Northern Ireland. There is something about being by the ocean that puts life in perspective. Sitting on a sandy beach or perched on rocks along the water’s edge can transport me to places of pure calm and peace. But the presence of the mighty sea can also unveil deep emotions that have been squashed, finally forcing their way to the surface, longing to be acknowledged and processed. A visit back to Annalong a few years ago provided a memory refresh of long-ago days sitting on the Black Rocks, just five minutes from my grandparent’s home. For me, however, there was more climbing than sitting – a successful day of rock climbing called for several bandaids (plasters as we called them), on scratched and bruised knees and shins.

Our travels have blessed us with many more open heart memories of moments sitting and walking along the ocean. Carvoeiro, Portugal;  Cape Finisterre, Spain; Greystones, Ireland; Tofino in British Columbia; the South of France, and the beautiful Greek Island of Naxus to name a few. All call out to my heart refusing to be ignored, requiring a response to whatever bubbles to the surface.

Last but not least, a mind like the sky. Who doesn’t need clarity in their life? But how many of us actually make the time, and space for clarity to work its way through the noise of our endless thoughts. The focus this required for me was the most challenging. As already noted, I have one of those minds that is always thinking, planning, worrying, and just plain busy! The idea of seeing a thought, acknowledging its existence, then allowing it to pass by without stopping for a visit is easier said than done. Again the visualization really helped (not conquered – helped). Think of days lying in a field of daisies looking up at a clear blue sky, relaxing on a warm, soft sandy beach, or dressed in warm winter gear taking a break from making snow angels with your grandkids to notice the shape of the clouds amid a cobalt blue sky. Being transported back to such memories helped greatly in my endeavour to let the thoughts that started flooding my mind, pass by. But it took willpower to not reach up and grab them…I have some work to do on this one for sure.         

What I learned is that meditation can provide a guided tour through inner landscapes and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a seasoned meditator or a beginner, curious like me, I invite you to give it a try. I’m looking forward to further exploring the strength of mountains, the depth of oceans, and the vastness of skies, all while discovering the hidden beauty in my everyday life.

Odeceixe, Portugal

Travel with all your senses…Blog 136

I really enjoy spring and summer. There’s something wonderful about the bursting forth of new life, the many shades of green, and the blooming flowers that turn so intently, yet gently to smile at the sun. Who can blame them after a long winter’s hibernation?

Green truly is my favourite colour. Growing up in Ireland, the Emerald Isle, may have left a greater imprint on my psyche than I imagined. Even now as I watch travel shows or movies that feature my homeland, there is something deep inside that calls out to me, an internal connection that can only come from deeply seeded memories of years gone by. Memories of times spent roaming among the purple heather on the Mountains of Mourne, walking along the shores of the Irish Sea and climbing the boulder sized rocks close to my grandparent’s home in the small fishing village of Annalong. Long days filled with picnics, swimming, sandcastle building and simply lazing at Tyrella Beach in County Down. And not to be forgotten, swimming lessons in the frigid waters of Pickie Pool in Bangor; the water was so cold it forced the breath out of my young lungs, propelling me to the safety and warmth of the edge of the pool where Mum crouched with a cup of hot cocoa. I just needed to reach her!

Green, as I sit writing this blog from my deck in Kelowna, BC, my eyes again get to feast on the many shades of green: cedar hedges, maple trees, manicured lawns, tree covered hills, grasses in patio containers, and of course herbs, ready and waiting to add an element of freshness to my morning smoothies (or to be eaten by my youngest grandkids before making it into the house).

I’m currently reading “The Heartbeat of Trees” by Peter Wohllenben. To be honest, it’s not the kind of book I traditionally read, but when you have grandkids who are committed to learning about and preserving our planet, they have a tendency to open your eyes and truly take in the beauty and creation around us. And to realise how much we need nature to live healthy lives.

Early in the book, the author speaks to how being in the forest, among those stately and life giving trees, can benefit our very health. He says:

“It’s a good idea to give your nose, palate, and gut a break every now and again by going out into the forest and spending a good long time there. Everything that flows over your senses when you are in the forest is exactly the kind of compound your body is made for. If you take along a snack of natural, minimally processed food without additives, then your time spent forest bathing will be even more beneficial.”

As you know, my blog, Probe and Ponder is all about travel and learning. Now, I don’t travel for the sole purpose of education, although that certainly is an amazing byproduct of travel. But I do want to be intentional about being aware of what’s around me, of utilizing my senses. What am I seeing, what am I hearing, smelling, tasting, and feeling through touch?

Those who know me well will confirm that I can only fully see something when my sense of touch is involved (yes, even having to touch those sacred fresnos and statutes throughout Europe!). Needless to say, I was thrilled to read Wohllenben’s reflection on research regarding how touching helps us think. I get it!

So, as you head out on your travels this summer, let me share a suggestion from “The Heartbeat of Trees”.

“The next time you are walking outside, try touching a variety of objects. The feather lying by the side of the path is just waiting to be picked up. Even the slippery rock covered with algae offers unusual experiences of contact and motion.”   

In other words, experience the forest, the seaside, the mountains the way you did as a child. Or, perhaps, rather than getting frustrated with the slow, exploratory ways the little ones in your life go for a walk, take a moment to look at the tiny bug walking along the sidewalk, explore the many beautiful shells strewn across the beach, stop and smell the wildflowers on the mountain side, help them gather the ‘nature’ they encounter along the way and bask in the moment shared with those who have not yet lost their sense of wonder. 

Pics by me

Cafés, coffee, and creativity…Blog #133

Lot 61 Roaster, Amsterdam

One of the many things I love about travel, is finding new cafés. Now, I’m a little picky about my cafés ~ they need to have character, atmosphere, background music that isn’t overbearing (jazz is always a good choice), comfortable chairs, and of course the necessary internet connections. When doing work travel, cafés are my location of choice to write and prepare for whatever projects I may be working on at the time.

I’ve shared some of my favourites in this blog.

Barn Owl (Milk Shed), Kelowna, BC

Customer service is also important, I want to get the feeling that I’m welcome there, not just a source of revenue to the owners. I have experienced all of these elements in coffee shops across Canada and Europe, but I’ve also experienced some that cause me to quickly drink my beverage and leave…after all who wants to feel like an inconvenience? 

Zandvoort, Amsterdam

As I write this blog, I’m sitting in a local café in my home town of Kelowna BC. Soft jazz is playing, I’m sitting in a comfortable chair by the window providing a view of the lake. I am very much enjoying a decaffeinated, double espresso, macchiato. (It has to go be strong to make me forget it is decaf!). A new barista asked if I wanted a 12 or 16 ounce — good clue that she was new. However, the person training her respectfully whispered that she was not quite on the right track, then proceeded to coach her through making my not-so-often requested drink. The training was magnificent, as was my coffee.  

I have a home office (currently being redesigned by a new start up business, Design Floral), and I really do like working in it. However, there’s something about the inspiration I get when working from such coffee shops as this one. I use my AirBuds to quiet down some of the distractions, while still allowing the gentle ‘buzz’ of the patrons to filter through. It’s peaceful, and for some reason, provides an atmosphere that stimulates creativity.

Black Rabbit, Kelowna BC
House of Tribes, The Hague

I’m sure you have come across some hidden gems from your travels, or even in your own home town — I would love to hear about them. What do you look for? What are some non-negotiables? What kind of work do you feel most inspired to do in a café of choice? What would perhaps make a one-time-visit-never-to-return experience? What location would you recommend as a must visit?

Cafés, coffee, and creativity ~~ a dynamic combination.

Autumn, it’s the most wonderful time of the year…Blog # 128

I love Autumn. Always have, and always will. It was the perfect month for me to be born! (Actually, today’s my birthday!) There’s something about the feeling of the warmth of the sun filtering through the cool, crisp air. The light is somehow softer in the autumn, as sun rays are less direct. By early afternoon through early evening, the sun beats through my home office window. I have one of those oversize chairs by the window — my favourite place to sit and read, listen to an audio book, or even allow myself to have a short afternoon snooze while the sun serves as a warming blanket.

Every autumn, our city in western Canada treats us to a cacophony of fall colours as trees display their red, orange and yellow leaves. Who doesn’t love strutting through the leaves and hearing them rustling underfoot? While I appreciate the diligence of city workers and gardners as they rake these autumn carpets, I simply can’t resist gathering the leaves and throwing them in the air, then laughing at the shower they provide as, once again, they float to the ground.

I haven’t travelled since May, and even though I’m always ready to travel to some far-off place, my husband and I have thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of the Okanagan Valley. Have you ever walked around your area and looked through the eyes of a first-time visitor, or a tourist? Try it…I guarantee you will appreciate the surrounding beauty in a new light.

We can’t all live by the ocean (sad, but true), nor can we all live by a 90-mile-long lake (like we do), however, there is such beauty in a prairie sunrise or sunset. I will never forget my first visit to the Canadian prairies…how could anything be so flat?? On my first day I decided to brave the brisk early morning October air. Dawn was just breaking on the horizon and I witnessed the most spectacular sunrise I have ever seen. It’s awesomeness literally brought tears to my eyes. Then there are the spectacular views from atop a mountain or the sense of insignificance we feel when looking up at such majesty from a lush valley. I remember standing with a friend on Mars Hill in Athens and gazing over the expanse of the magnificent city spread out before us.

Who can forget their first experience of wonder when snorkelling in the waters of Hawaii, or Mexico? It is like entering another world, one that is peaceful, abundant with every colour of the rainbow, and occupied by the most amazing sea life that would give Dr. Seuss’s creative mind a run for his money!

You get the idea. Yes, travelling is wonderful, something never to be taken for granted. But so is the world immediately around us, in our backyard, across the street, on the other side of town, a day trip away, or a bike ride along a peaceful country road.

Sadly, there are times when beauty is destroyed by devastating events caused by nature, or man. My hope is that in the midst of such devastation, we are able to eventually see beauty…like a phoenix rising from the ashes. In the meantime, I’m happy to share nature’s beauty with you, looking through my eyes.

All photographs taken from right here in Kelowna, Canada. We truly live in a four seasons playground.

A climb to remember by Gracie Sawatzky… Blog #126

I am so thrilled to have a guest blogger for this post, my second oldest granddaughter, Gracie. She is a talented writer and painter, and I know you’ll enjoy hearing about one of her favourite travel adventures.

Hello! My name is Gracie and I have spent the past ten years travelling around Europe with my parents and siblings. Though we certainly haven’t been everywhere nor seen everything, we have seen so much that has inspired us! One experience that sticks most in our memories was a summer we spent up in the Alps, camping in a tiny French town on the southern tip of Lake Annecy. Beautiful and deep, the lake filled the valley and up from its shores the mountains and hills rose to the sky over which wonderful and beautiful cloud displays crowned the peak of the mountains. 

It was at the foot of these mountains, in the valley, that we spent our time looking up at the mountains from below and watching as the paragliders left the mountain ridge and descended slowly down in circles and curves. We wondered how the view would look from up there and heard people tell of a hike you could take to reach it. We love to explore, especially by foot, so on one of the cooler days we started out for the trail. 

The early-morning sun was only just starting to show its face over the peaks. We started off through the village, passing houses with their stone bases and dark wooden walls. The whole village was filled with the smell of fresh bread from the local bakery. We passed gardens over whose walls the flowers flowed in all colours, swaying and filling the air with heavenly fragrances. Behind us the sun’s rays moved slowly down the slopes; the cool of the morning would soon depart leaving a heat that was less enjoyable to hike in. After leaving the village we walked along dusty paths through the fields and crossed over the main road through the valley. On the other side it was cooler, for here we walked through the damp woods to reach the foot of the mountain. As we approached the base of the mountain, the path separated into minor trails, all leading to lovely places along the shores of the lake. But our trail lay up the mountain, and so we started on the broad trail that zig-zagged its way slowly up the slope, over which the sun began to flood with fresh light and warmth. At first, the trail was easy, the way was straight and clear, but gradually it narrowed. Around us, the forest grew up the slope on our right and down the slope on our left. 

As the morning passed, and we made our way up, the trail grew busier; some people passed on by up the mountain, while others descended, though from where exactly, we weren’t yet sure. The air was cool and we felt energetic and enthusiastic. The people we met were of all sorts, some went by without saying anything, others smiled and said good morning (or “bonjour; everyone bonjour’s in France), and a few had some comments about the journey and the destination. But not all were seeking the top, there were those coming down to enjoy a dip in the lake at the bottom. 

Painting by Gracie Sawatzky

By midday, we reached the halfway viewpoint. Here, people would turn back. After this, the path began to become more challenging. There were tree roots and mossy stones to clamber around, slippery leaf banks, and a few steep places, where my dad was absolutely convinced we were all going to fall to our death! We were getting tired but it was still fun and interesting, but we were all getting pretty hot and sweaty; the coolness of the morning was quickly becoming a fading memory. In patches through the treetops, one could catch glimpses of the surrounding view, but only glimpses, for the woods were thick, and one was always weaving in and out of the rolling. 

The afternoon wore on and one felt like the world was mostly trees and a never-ending path. The most tired simply focused on each step and the most ambitious sought out ways to traverse the more intricate ground below and above the path (we resembled goats, much to my dad’s fears, as I’ve already mentioned). Now, when people passed, one had to stop and move aside, for the path was narrow. Soon, the path no longer zig-zagged up but began climbing in a steady upwards direction. At every bend, one half expected to find an opening, and at every rise one felt the altitude rise ever so gently. Soon faces began to look fresh and smiles of encouragement spurred us on. Some of the nature changed and signs dotted the path here and there to herald the (what we assumed to be) end of our hike. Then, at last, the tree line broke and up a few well-worn steps brought us out into the open above their tops. Our feet were aching and our legs exhausted, but it was all quite quickly forgotten when one turned around and saw the great expanse of mountain, sky and valley below! The lake was now far below, and on its surface, the boats left white lines, yet seemed to hardly not move. We spotted familiar landmarks and watched the cars along the thin line of the road. The valley was patched like a quilt of green: forests, fields, farms, and villages. Looking down we saw the slopes rise from the very and over their top peaks we saw more slopes beyond, rolling on into the misty distance. Behind, the mountain peaks rose from the green mountain pastures into the misty clouds sailing fast not far above. Across the pastures the sounds of bells could be heard, their ringing mixed with the lowing of cows and baying of sheep. In the tiny village at the top of this mountain, the many visitors bustled about buying cheese as well as other alpine articles of interest. The paraglider jumped off and tired hikers and cyclists (there was a road to the top as well) parked and rested, gazing off at the view. The air was lighter and fresher, it felt like another world far up there, and rather exhilarating was the fact that we had reached here, not by car, not by bus, but with our own legs, and all that we felt had been well worth the climb! 

That was a few years ago now, but the memory of that day has never left us, nor the inspiration and motivation of where we could reach on our own two feet. We had reached a beautiful view of the Alps, the heavens, as well as rolling hills and valleys. We saw life moving slowly below, we saw the clouds within reach, encircling the rocky peaks above the tree line, and we saw those peaks rise and disappear in the distance as they climbed higher. 

‘Maynooth’ by Gracie Sawatzky

Now I take those memories of ours and photographs from my mother, to create pieces as I work on growing my skills in drawing and colour theory. If you are interested in perhaps purchasing this piece or looking at others you can contact me at gracie.art@icloud.com

Alaska, reliving the memories…Blog #125

A reminder sounded on my phone just now… ‘Boarding at 1 p.m.’

Today was the day we were to board the cruise ship for an Alaskan Cruise. Sadly, it’s not happening. Pneumonia decided to attack my husband’s lungs, so rather than soaking up the beauty of the Alaskan glaciers, we’ll be soaking up the beauty from our own deck. 

When planning an adventure, part of the joy is the anticipation. We didn’t miss out on that. In fact, because we had taken a similar cruise several years ago, we had already been revisiting the memorable time we had exploring the magnificence of that area.

In a previous blog, I talked about taking time over the summer to reflect. For me, one way to do so is to look at pictures from past adventures, absorb every detail, relive the moments, feel the emotions, and let my mind remember and be there once again.

For our Alaskan cruise, I didn’t need to look at pictures to remind me of the moments, the emotions, the awe-inspiring creation all around. This is actually a good thing because I can’t find our pictures from that trip; I still had a Blackberry at that time!

John Hopkins Glacier

First of all, the weather was perfect and the cooler temperatures were most welcome in the midst of a hot Okanagan summer. The scenery from the ship was simply breathtaking! And the glaciers…wow! Our cruise was at the end of July, and we were fortunate, (according to the Captain), to have perfect weather, the most calving activity they had ever witnessed, all presented under the deepest blue skies I think I had ever seen. 

However, the most vivid memories that come to mind are the two excursions we took: kayaking on a glacier lake, and biking to Mendenhall Glacier. 

We love kayaking, but to that point, our ventures were mostly on local lakes in British Columbia, with a couple of paddles around the coast off Vancouver Island, which were truly lovely. But never before did we experience the calm, turquoise waters of a glacial lake! I have since learned that the specific blue hue, the glacial blue can only be found in glaciers.

Photo by Frank Cone on Pexels.com

But it wasn’t just about the glacial lake–the guide reminded us to look up and around. What we saw appeared to be hundreds of golf balls stuck in the surrounding trees. We had no clue what we were looking at…until we saw the majestic eagles taking flight. What appeared to be golf balls were actually the heads of bald eagles! We were speechless. And seeing them in flight was truly a sight to behold. We learned that Alaska is home to over 30,000 bald eagles, many living in the trees around inland lakes. And we were blessed to see them in their natural habitat. Unbelievable.  

What can I say about Mendenhall Glacier other than wow!!! Mendenhall flows from the Juneau Icefields into Mendenhall Lake. We were up close and personal as we biked along lakes, glaciers, mountains, and local swimming holes. Yes, kids were actually swimming in the lake then climbing out on the rocks to warm up in the intense Alaskan sun. The ride was about 14 km, nice and easy, truly affording us the privilege of taking in all the sights along the way. 

Our final destination on that excursion? A brewery where we were treated to some of the most delicious beer from around Alaska, accompanied by an interesting presentation delivered by a knowledgeable local historian while we imbibed the rich brew.

What a wonderful trip down memory lane to revisit a world so different from our own. I can’t wait for our friends to come home and share the joys of their discoveries and adventures on the Alaskan cruise we will have to retake another time.

Summer, slowing down to reflect…Blog #124

Summer has officially begun! Honestly, it feels like summer began mid-May when I flew away to Spain and I’ve been waiting for the rest of the world to catch up with me! 

Summer always speaks to me of slowing down, experiencing getaways and travel, adventure, lazy afternoon’s sipping wine on a patio or local winery while gazing over vistas boasting breath taking views of lakes and vineyards, long bike rides, leisurely walks (that always end at a cafe), and taking time to simply reflect on life.

Taking time to reflect…hmmm. As I was reading over blogs from previous years, I came across one I’d written on Information Overload and Creativity–these words stopped me in my tracks.

Cape Finisterre, Spain

As I write this I am again reminded that what I don’t manage well is time to reflect, to slow down and relish the moment I am in, to ponder those special moments that happen each day. To call up the smile on the face of a grandchild you’ve had a chance to cuddle with, to share in the joy of good news offered, or to simply walk through the falling leaves of autumn. 

In the blog I provided a link to Manoush Zomorodi speaking on How boredom can lead to your most brilliant ideas  

Watching the video I felt at once convicted and inspired. How amazing to recognize when your body goes on autopilot, your brain gets busy forming new neural connections that connect ideas and solve problems.

I have a need to keep busy, to check my phone all too often, to stay on top of what’s happening on LinkedIn…I am guilty of FOMO! Not a recipe for effective reflection, or embracing opportunities to actually be bored.

Close to Sarria, Spain

So, I have a goal for this summer. Picture time…not taking more, but spending time looking at pictures from past adventures, absorbing every detail, reliving the moments, feeling the emotions, letting my mind remember and be there once again.

I’m ready to be inspired, to be brilliant for what lies ahead. I’m looking forward to some bored moments this summer. How about you?  

Melide, Spain

Pictures taken along the way while on my recent ‘Hiking the Camino’ trip to Spain.

Steps 3,4 etc in my publishing journey…Blog #120

What does it take to go the publishing process? Patience, tough skin, open mindedness, patience, tough skin, open mindedness…repeat, over and over!

Seriously though, I’ve learned that the writing of a book, deciding to publish, finding a publisher and submitting the manuscript is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to actually getting a book to the point of publication.

I last wrote about this adventure on January 26th, and since then the process has been wait, review, edit, submit, then wait again. The most challenging aspect has been receiving the feedback and recommendations from the deep edit. Ouch! I know I may not be the best English grammar student – ok, not even close. But to see the word pictures I so lovingly and painstakingly created and scripted, and reflections on happenings from days and years gone by that have etched their learnings into my psyche, placed under the editor’s critical microscope and dissected without consideration of my virgin writer’s feelings, is tough! 

And necessary, and has taught me so much!   

Thanks again to my writing mentor, Karen, I had to take a step back, to become more objective in reviewing the editors comments and recommendations. While the feedback was valuable, I was still responsible for deciding what elements of the feedback aligned with my message, my voice, and my goals. Don’t get me wrong, there was no question whether or not I would accept the many grammatical corrections, the awkward construct of sentences, and the amazing suggestions regarding the structure of the book. Still, what stories remained, the emotions I wanted to provoke, and the seemingly unimportant details were up to me. 

I had three choices: accept the changes, consider what parts of the suggested changes I would accept, and what I would reject. The end result was a better manuscript, and a great deal of gratitude to my editor.

Right now the publisher is working on the book layout, including photographs from my journey, and I have approved the script for the back cover; the editor did an amazing job on that! The graphic designer is working on a few edits for the front cover, which I should be signing off on shortly.

The next big step for me is getting the ARC (advanced reader copy), and sending my book, ‘What if…’ out to a few trusted readers for their endorsements. 

So, as far as I can see, we are on track for a late summer release, and I am excited! For now, I wait, again. 

But that’s just fine – I leave today for Spain, where new adventures await. We will be walking a section of the Camino, sandwiched between a few days in Madrid, Bilbao, and San Sebastian. Stay tuned!

First photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com

Second photo by Shane Kell on Pexels.com