Category: memoir

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

Welcome to a new year with Probe and Ponder…Blog 141

January 2025…how has the year started for you? Slow and steady? Like a whirlwind? Full of expectancy? Waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop? Are you excited about new beginnings? None of these outlooks are right or wrong…they just are. And that’s ok.

Mine started rather quietly – we slipped into 2025 without much fanfare. Like many people at certain stages of life, we were already in dreamland by the time the clock struck midnight!

That was until January 3rd. 

I love to smile, but recently I have been conscious of people’s reactions when they see a gap where until that day, a tooth lived. It happened like this:

I was meeting with a close friend, enjoying a great cup of coffee and a soft veggie wrap. We were laughing together, catching up on each other’s lives, and about to begin talking about a second walk together on the Camino de Santiago, when I felt the strangest thing…there was a hole where a front tooth used to be! My tongue explored it, my finger found the hole, and a selfie confirmed what I feared…I had lost a tooth. It split up the middle and was gone! I truly did lose it—it wasn’t in my mouth, nor was it stuck in the wrap…it was gone. Well, not completely lost, I had swallowed it!

As you can read in my memoir, life is not exactly stress-free when one’s husband has some major medical issues. So when this happened, I looked at my friend, recognizing my shock reflected in her face, and we both laughed! What else could we do? I immediately reached out to our dental office and shared my story of woe, and the receptionist laughed as well! Realizing her reaction may not have been overly empathetic, she quickly apologized. 

Within an hour I was sitting in the dental chair having x-rays taken, then setting up an appointment with my dentist for the following week (of course it happened on a day when the dentist wasn’t working!). Thus began the long process of having a tooth implanted by a dental surgeon…but first the remainder of my broken tooth needs to be removed. (There are many things I would rather do than visit the dentist…for any reason!)

So here was the dilemma I now faced. I was booked to be interviewed on a podcast (video, not audio), and present an Author Meet at our local library. I am also in the process of recording an audiobook. Do you know how difficult it is to pronounce ‘th’ and ‘f’ sounds when you are missing a front tooth? The recording mic is so sensitive the production guy could hear a plane passing overhead, a sound I couldn’t even hear! 

What to do? We were able to adjust the mic far enough from my mouth so as not to have the offending sounds pop the mic…one problem solved. But what about the podcast? If you have spent any time on virtual calls, you know how distracting it is to see your face on a screen just inches away. It can be disconcerting to say the least. Add to that the insult of seeing a very visible gap anytime you smile, multiplying the distraction. So the podcast appearance was cancelled. 

But what about the Author Meet? I seriously considered cancelling it as well, until I was hit with one of those epiphany experiences. That quiet inner voice reminded me that I had committed to be open and transparent both in my writing and in life in general. Having a tooth fall out is just part of life (at least my life). 

So here I am, missing tooth and all, ready to take on 2025. I look forward to openly and transparently sharing my probings and ponderings with you. Please stay tuned as I continue sharing my learnings from life and travel with you. Who knows what’s next? 

By the way, if you ever want to reach out for coaching, speaking events, or simply to say ‘hi’, here are my contacts:

roberta@samisremote.com | resawatzky.com | robertasawatzky.com | https://calendly.com/roberta20/complimentary-chat

As 2024 comes to an end…Blog 140

I’m sitting in my home office, gazing out at a very gray day. We had snow last evening, but mild temperatures and light rain have turned the fresh blanket of snow into a dull, mushy mess.

Winter isn’t my favorite season—my soul seems to hibernate, awaiting the awakening signaled by the first buds of spring appearing on the trees outside my window. These buds signal new life.

In summer, we slow down to soak up the sun’s warmth, shedding cumbersome jackets, socks, and ‘whole shoes’ (as our daughter used to call them) to make way for sandals, sundresses, t-shirts, and the ever-present sunnies. At times, the sun’s heat becomes oppressive, prompting us to seek the perfect shade under which to sip a cool beverage, dreaming of storing this glorious heat to be slowly released during the cold, frigid winter months.

Then autumn arrives. How I love this season! The summer heat fades, leaving warm days and nights that call for the cozy embrace of light sweaters to fend off the evening chill. The greens of summer transform into vibrant reds, ambers, and crimson leaves, drawing me in like the crackling flames of the fires my mum used to set in the evenings back in Ireland.

However, without the winter months that prompt us to hunker down and reflect on the gifts of new life, warmth, and harvest, we might miss the lessons nature offers.

I believe the four seasons—winter, spring, summer, and autumn—are a rich metaphor for life, especially when we consider the changes each one brings. Over the past year, I’ve been working on a book about change and transition. Initially, its focus was on transitioning from full-time employment to part-time, contract work. This transition would bridge the years between the workforce and possibly leaving paid employment altogether. As I wrote, I realized that life is, and will continue to be, filled with various transitions, each with its own intensity. This process has made me reflect on the many changes and transitions I’ve experienced and consider how successfully or unsuccessfully I’ve navigated each. Transitions stem from change; some are self-initiated, while others result from decisions made by others that impact us. Some transitions bring wonderful opportunities filled with adventure and excitment, while others may lead to loss, grief, and anxiety.

During this winter solstice season, as I reflect on the past year, I remember moments of joy and laughter, delight and pleasure, beauty and wonder, awe and curiosity, peace and stillness. I also remember moments of deep sadness and tears, anger and fear, loss and grief. This is life; these are the seasons of life that shape us into unique and wonderful human beings living amidst its messiness.

One of my favorite Broadway experiences was Rent. From the opening number, I was captivated by the stories of a group of young bohemians endeavoring to live fully. It chronicles a year in their lives. The opening song, “Seasons of Life,” asks, “How do you measure the value of a year in a person’s life?” A big question! But is it really? Looking back over 2024, how would you describe its value in terms of your accomplishments, contributions, and what you’ve received? What gauge or criterion might you use to evaluate its worth? I believe this question, posed by songwriter Jonathan Larson, provides a simple yet profound foundation for closing off a year and setting intentions for 2025, marking it as a year of great value.

What do you think? How might you measure the value of 2024?

Journeys Through the World: How Travel Has Shaped My Life…Blog 137

When I think about the top elements that have defined my life, travel has to be in the mix. You’d think writing about such a key part of my life would be easy, right? Not quite! How do you distil experiences from visiting 25+ countries over 65 years into one short blog? It’s an impossible task, but let me highlight some of those memories.

Early Adventures: From Annalong to Disney World‍

Imagine weekends in Annalong, that quaint fishing village in Ireland where my dad grew up. Fancy dress parades in lush English gardens of a grand old boarding house in the South of Ireland. Snacking on fish and chips at pebble beaches in Portsmouth and Bournemouth, England, while battling off hungry seagulls. As a young girl, I was thrilled when we “spotted” the Loch Ness Monster through the foggy waters in the Scottish Highlands.

After immigrating to Canada, despite tight finances, our family still managed to squeeze in vacations. My favourite memories are from beach front cabins where storms lit up the sky. We would huddle under blankets with umbrellas to guard against the leaky roof, giggling at the adventure of it all. And let’s not forget the epic trips to Disney World. Four days of mind-numbing drives were instantly forgotten as soon as we entered the magical realm of Disney, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Lessons from the Road: Life is Best Shared with Others

Travel taught me that life’s best moments are shared. For example, several years ago, I had a free afternoon during a business trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and I decided to visit Peggy’s Cove. I sat there, mesmerised by the vast Atlantic Ocean. But something was missing—I needed to share it. Thank goodness for cell phones! For an hour, I used texting and FaceTime to share the experience with my family, magnifying the moment a hundredfold. Every country I’ve visited—25 in total—I’ve shared those moments with loved ones. And that’s taught me one thing…

Strength in Relationships: Bonding Over Shared Experiences

Travel strengthens relationships like nothing else. Picture this: climbing 462 steps to the dome of the Duomo in Florence, getting scolded for touching the beautiful frescoes, and then laughing about it for years with friends. That one moment, amid the grandeur and awe-inspiring architecture, turned into a hilarious, bonding story.

Travel isn’t always about joyful moments; sometimes, it’s deeply emotional. On a trip to Ireland, Google Maps accidentally led us down Shankill Road in Belfast, a place marred by the bloody history of The Troubles. The murals commemorating atrocities triggered tears and a panic attack. But it gave my shocked son and grandkids a firsthand account of what life was like for me growing up. Conversations that followed were deep and transformative.

Talking Travel: Bridging Cultural Divides

One of the best ways to connect with people is through travel stories. For seventeen years I taught culturally diverse classes in Post Secondary Institutes. Domestic students who have travelled abroad tend to be more inclusive. When we discuss where we’re all from and share travel experiences, barriers come down.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

I fondly remember a conversation with a German student about my Berlin trip in June 2018. My son and I travelled for research on remote workers, experiencing everything from Berlin Cathedral’s grandeur to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. That common ground opened many doors for deeper connections with other students as well.

Embracing New Perspectives: The Finnish “Why Not?” Attitude

Travel opens your mind to new ways of thinking. My first visit to Finland for a Global Colloquium was a revelation. The Finnish “why not?” attitude permeated their approach to life. Why not have a picnic in The Esplanadi Park with a glass of wine? Why not jump into a frigid sea in February? These attitudes transformed my perspective, encouraging me to embrace life more fully.

The Indelible Marks of Travel

From childhood through adulthood, my travel adventures have left an indelible mark on my psyche, values, and life choices. My husband of 45+ years eagerly adopted my tradition of yearly holidays, and our children grew up expecting family adventures. No matter the budget, we always found a way to explore new places, laying a foundation for an even healthier worldview.

We’ve even introduced friends to the joys of travel. For our 25th wedding anniversary, we planned a Mediterranean cruise and ended up immersing eight people in this adventure. That couple we first introduced to cruising? They’ve repeated the experience more times than I can count!

Looking Forward: The Future of Travel

Me, my mum, and my gramma enjoying a vacation beach day.

But what if access to travel changes? The COVID-19 pandemic brought this possibility into sharp focus. In recent times, travel certainly has become more expensive, and due to World events certain locations are no longer desirable or even safe destinations. However, this new reality makes travel a more treasured experience than ever before.

So, why not take advantage of every travel opportunity that comes your way? With a more intentional and purposeful mindset, I plan to share life adventures with family and friends any chance I can!

This blog is an exerpt from my book “What if…? Finding new adventures through life’s obstacles”

Gap ‘year’ for Generation Jones?…Blog 129

I’ve developed quite an affinity for the concept of a gap year, so much so that I believe its scope should extend beyond the younger demographic. Why should such a remarkable opportunity be confined to those transitioning from adolescence to adulthood? Consider this: what about us, navigating the transitions of our mid-fifties and sixties? What if we, too, could benefit from a hiatus, even if just for a month? Imagine this: before the decision to retire settles in (a term I’m not a fan of), what if we embraced a gap, a designated period to contemplate what we truly want for the next chapters of our lives?

I love the notion of a gap year. This is a period when the younger generation takes a step back, often after surviving the whirlwind of high school and just before embarking on the college or university journey. It strikes me as perfectly sensible, providing them with the chance to discover themselves, catch their breath, refocus, and then set the course for the chapters ahead.

Alternatively, what if we opted for a departure from full-time employment, tapping into the financial contributions accumulated over the years, without fully retiring? Imagine taking a ‘gap,’ a span of time after bidding farewell to the 9-5 grind, before embarking on a new and exhilarating chapter—a journey in our passion, earning a living on our terms, and crafting a schedule that allows us to savour the next stage of life to the fullest. The possibilities are intriguing, don’t you think?

Of course my break will take place by the ocean.

Well, in fact, that’s precisely what I’m gearing up for in just shy of four weeks. I’ll be embarking on a break—a pause, if you will—between bidding farewell to my role as a tenured professor in a business school and diving headfirst back into the incredible world of coaching and leadership development, all anchored in a strengths-based approach. It’s hard to fathom anything more fulfilling than investing in others as they hone their skills and wholeheartedly embrace the responsibility of guiding their teams. The prospect of nurturing and guiding others in their professional journeys brings a unique sense of joy and purpose that I find truly invigorating.

My adventure started with publishing my first book!

Another aspect of this new venture that truly warms my heart is the prospect of having more dedicated moments with my family, especially those eight incredible grandchildren my husband and I are fortunate to have. It’s like laying the groundwork for the next generation of leaders right within our own family!

Call it balance, integration, or harmony—whatever term you prefer—I’m at a point where I’m ready to take charge of how I spend my time, with whom, and for how long. Now, you might suggest, “So, you’re going to be semi-retired?” Well, no, that’s not quite it. I prefer to see it as a process of rewiring, refocusing, rethinking, and renegotiating the terms of the next chapter in my life. It’s about embracing a new perspective and shaping the future on my terms…and I am really looking forward to it!

My book is published!…Blog #127

Hi there, I feel like I’m returning to an old friend…it’s been a while! In my next blog, I do want to chat about appreciating the beauty right on our own doorsteps — it’s coming your way shortly. But first…

I do have some great news to share. As my followers may remember, back in February I submitted a book for publication. This week it was finally published after 9 months of going back and forth, reading, re-reading, editing, and learning a great deal about the publishing process. Now I understand why they say it’s like giving birth!

I am grateful for the support and encouragement I received from the incredible team at Friesen Press Publishing. Their dedication and collaboration made the journey of bringing our amazing travel experiences to life through the written word, a true delight.

As I dove headfirst into this creative project, I found myself drawn back into the captivating world of our 7-month sojourn in Portugal and Spain. Each memory transported me back to those cherished moments, allowing me to relive the joys and challenges, while savouring the extraordinary adventure my husband and I were privileged to experience.

Sagres, Portugal

The book will forever serve as a reminder that the pursuit of our dreams can lead to life-altering experiences, and for that, we will forever be thankful.

So here it is What if…? Finding new adventures through life’s obstacles.

I look forward to your feedback after you’ve had the chance to read the book. It is currently available as an e-book and will soon be accessible in both softcover and hardcover formats. Your thoughts and insights mean a lot to me, and I can’t wait to hear what you think.