Carol's Corner

Give yourself permission to believe in the validity of your own narrative – Bill Zinsser This quote made me stop and think. Can I honestly say that I believe in the validity of my message? I speak on topics of inclusion – I believe this is important, valid and necessary to share so others will […]

I love reading. I have enjoyed reading and stories as long as I can remember. However I, like many people, have my favourite genre, authors and style of writing which I prefer. Historical fiction, a simple mystery or a bit of romance and a big easy chair to curl up in gives me enjoyment. This […]

Mouths water as we smell our favourite cookies baking. The first bite into a still warm, soft chocolate chip cookie or a melt in your mouth short bread done to perfection creates a taste sensation we do not easily forget. Everyone has a favourite recipe, possibly passed down from generation to generation or maybe a […]

Inspiration for writing, telling stories, preserving family memories or anecdotes for speaking can come from unexpected sources. It may be something we hear or see, questions we are asked or things we read. A few years ago I picked up this book, The Story Jar by Robin Lee Hatcher and Deborah Bedford published by Hendrickson […]

The tags on this hand decorated jar I received one Christmas from my oldest daughter read: Recipe for My Life History Combine a generous slice of your life history a dash of nostalgia, several cups of facts and feelings and deliciously interesting questions. Draw 1 slip of paper. Take a few minutes to enjoy the […]

The Nativity scene is central to our celebration of Christmas. There are so many varieties of sets you can buy today. I love looking at each of them. My budget and the room in my house preclude having all the ones I might like. Yet I can window shop, taking time to gaze at them […]

Children excitedly make wish lists or at least tell others what they want for Christmas. Often it is the popular toy of the year or electronics of various kinds. They count down the days until school is out for a holiday and how many sleeps until they can open gifts. Some children’s curiosity (and adults […]

Christmas and gift giving go hand in hand for most people. At times it feels like a contest to see what is under the tree with your name on it. Maybe you love giving gifts and want to pick just the right gift for someone. At other times attitudes can drift from the real meaning […]

December 1, 2016 and the countdown to Christmas has begun. Do you look forward, with eager anticipation, to celebrating Christmas or do you dread the upcoming event? For many this time of year accentuates the loneliness of a first Christmas without a loved one – it will for me this year since my father passed […]

1/15079019_10153906809372353_7060634450848151738_n-1.jpg”> Photo courtesy of Shannon Vinter District 42 Toastmaster I had the pleasure of presenting an educational session at the District 42 Toastmasters fall conference in Regina, SK. on November 12, 2016. The beautiful setting of an old, regal looking hotel ball room, complete with chandeliers, gold and white walls and sunlight streaming in the […]