Alison Neuman's Blog

Over a year ago, I was diagnosed with a spine condition requiring surgery to maintain mobility, but surgery was postponed.

My spine stole the feeling in my arthritically bent fingers and created numbness, pain, and tingling. Trauma from an accident added pain, loss of range of movement, and headaches. All of the above made it hard to do crafts. Being reminded of how temporary life can be, I wanted to make something special for some of my friends this holiday season. Crafting has always filled a unique void for me, and I missed it.

After watching online videos in search of something to create, I found the Cricut mug press. The mug prep included washing and surface-cleaning with a lint roller. The design process included using infusible transfer sheets and laser paper, drawing or using the Cricut Design Software, and creating my own or using their designs. This craft appeared to use limited strength in the hands and would merge my love of writing and design. I was sold!

I used the Cricut Design Studio app images, text and my designs and placed them on a mug template. The Cricut Explore printed and cut out the mug design, and I used the infusible markers to make the letters and images pop. Friends helped with cuts that required more precision than I had in my hands, but overall the process for pressing mugs allowed me to match my energy and ability for that day. With each mug, my writing and crafting led to empowerment in a time where everything seemed in flux.

Here are some of my gift mugs.

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I’m now excited to work with friends offering others these personalized gift ideas:

Expression Mug ($22 +plus shipping): include a favourite expression in an exciting fontMemory Mug ($28 +plus shipping): include a drawing of the person and their favourite expression

If you are interested in a designed mug or have any questions, you can reach me at info@alisonneuman.ca.

Guest Blog: Mandy Eve-Barnett

I have always written my stories, without limiting the narrative with a specific genre in mind. I enjoy the flow of words, and the surprises that arise from my characters. A story may start as one thing and morph into another entity entirely. That is the fun of writing without a plan. The revisions and editing come later as does the decision on the genre. However, after publishing my steampunk novel, The Commodore’s Gift in September 2020, I began pondering my NaNoWriMo project. I did have several folders of short stories that I could draw from but a new concept and idea came into my head. Not only was it a new genre for me to tackle but also a trilogy. This was exciting but at the same time made me apprehensive. Apart from my two novellas, The Rython Kingdom and Rython Legacy, all my novels have been stand-a-lone.

To embark on a new genre is one thing (I have done it a lot) but a three book series is quite another. For the first time, I found myself creating character sheets, back stories, and plot arcs for each novel and the trilogy. There was also a lot of research to do for locations, police procedures and specific poisons, as well as reading books in the genre. A detective/crime series needs careful planning to ensure the facts are correct but also to make sure each book intrigues my readers and entices them to read the next one.

So this brings me to the life hack. Organize paperwork, documents, mementos etc. so you can easily find something when the need arises. At first, it can seem daunting but tackle one space, one set at a time. Focus on creating a system that works for you. You can colour code files, label containers and store in see-through boxes.

Guest Blog By Linda J. Pedley

A reader picks up a book as a form of escape, a getaway from real life to forget about now and get lost in wherever. The author employs techniques to ensure the reader has a good reading experience. Because readers relate to the main character, or protagonist, they have high expectations for that character.

In order to drive interest and engage a reader enough that they will turn page after page, the author must make the character believable. They cannot be perfect because… well, that is just not real. We know it’s only a story from the author’s imagination, but we invest time and must relate in some way to the main character in order to champion the story. The hero must grow. By that we mean, the character must face conflict, overcome obstacles, and change – become a better person.

Over the past year, we have experienced a situation that many of us have never faced before and perhaps never will again. The pandemic is real life. So what has the past year to do with reading a novel?

We have already ascertained that a character must grow – change and learn over the course of the book. Facing obstacles, solving conflict, learning, becoming a better person – this is all growth. YOU are the main character in your life story.

We have been forced to adapt to new ways, limited ways with restrictions, mandates, and orders telling us what we can and cannot do. How have you changed in all this? Are you more accepting? More patient? More compassionate? More helpful? Have you strived to learn new things, new ways to keep in touch with others, new ways to communicate? Have you learned things about yourself? Your family? Those around you? Are you more tolerant? Less wasteful? More resourceful?

The situation over the past year either provided us with an excuse to be angry and resentful, stubborn, or sad… or it opened up opportunities for us to grow.

I would like to think that I have become a better person at least in some ways. If we tried our best to move forward then I feel it is growth. We all have our faults, habits, attitudes that might not be swayed; after all, we are only human. So like the main character in your favourite novel, we, too, shall overcome by persevering.

Take care all. Be safe and stay well. Linda

Guest Blog: Kelsey Hoople

The dictionary describes Wellness as the quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as the result of deliberate effort. I include the soul because I feel it’s an often-overlooked aspect of wholeness. We must feel fulfilled in all areas to remain balanced.

These are my top 3 recommendations for whole-body wellness: mind, body, soul.

1. Fitness (3 Main Categories):

• Cardio – Recommendation is to get at least 150 minutes per week of Cardiovascular Training. This can be anything from going for a walk, dancing around, using equipment, to some form of Circuit Type Training. There are many forms… for all abilities. It is meant to strengthen the heart/lungs and can help reduce high blood pressure (among other benefits). Sometimes it takes trying a few different activities to see what works for you. The key is, to find something you enjoy.

• Strength – Recommendation is all muscle groups at least two times per week. This helps to build muscle so we can perform our everyday tasks with more ease. If you have limitations, there are many different modifications, types of equipment, and personalized exercises too.

• Flexibility – Recommendation is 2-3 times per week. There are many different types, from chair yoga, Pilates, to specified stretch routines. We ask our body to perform for us daily, taking time to release tension in our muscles helps to keep us at our best and prevent injuries.

Fitness doesn’t have to be intensive. It’s about movement, listening to our body, and taking time to put our best self forward with intention. Benefits include: balance (body/emotions), improved health, more energy, self-confidence, and much more.

2. Nutrition: Food is fuel, it keeps us going or hinders our performance. A good place to start is a food journal. Write down what you eat and how you feel afterwards; sluggish, energetic, bloated, upset stomach, etc. – every BODY is different. We are what we digest.

3. Spiritual Practice: Some form of stillness and peace. I have found a home with Yoga Nidra – a body-sensing, self-discovery meditation. There are many other forms of self-reflection or inner cleansing from religious practices to creative expression. ~ Breathe.

Wellness is meant to bring a sense of calm, evening out the ups and downs into more manageable daily routines. Effort in any form is good and sometimes it can take a while to figure out what works best for you (and that’s okay). Remember life is a process, the time will pass anyway… why not spend it well?

For more healthy lifestyle tips and my Top 10 Wellness Recommendations visit www.todayisdayonealways.ca/post/top-ten-recommendations-for-overall-wellness . These suggestions are outside of healthcare priorities: get your annual check-ups with your doctor, smile at your dentist, keep an eye on your optometrist, and ask for help when Mental Health needs arise. ~ Take care all and be well.

 Kelsey (Personal Training Specialist – Women Specialized, Lean Body Coach, and Meditation Instructor) Bio: A little about me: I went from 340 lbs to under 200 lbs in the span of 5 years. There was some fluctuation in progress between multiple family losses, Mental Health struggles, alcohol addiction, and everyday life stressors. Wellness became a necessity to keep the ups and downs of my world sustainable. I had to focus on the areas I knew provided access to be my best self, more often. This has all been a learning curve. Coming from a background of being a bigger child and getting beaten up almost everyday until grade 11, then fighting to find a place to fit through drunk foggy eyes. Wellness isn’t just a catchphrase or word I throw around. It’s a way of life which transformed me, from living to alive, and continues to do so.

Guest Blog By Rick Lauber

What was the biggest news story from 2020? Undoubtedly, it was COVID-19 which arrived, quickly proved to be something to be taken very seriously and resulted in people living very differently.  

One key change COVID-19 brought for me was a temporary layoff from work which – in due course – became a permanent layoff. I adhered to the social distancing restrictions and quarantined myself at home for many months.

But remaining stuck at home became tiresome. There were only so many “make-work” projects I could undertake, jigsaw puzzles I could tackle, floors to vacuum, and Youtube videos I could watch to pass the time. While I’m no social butterfly, I yearned for social contact with family and friends and restlessly paced around my home like a caged animal looking for something to do. I learned that writing helped me in various ways:

Writing kept my mind working. The human brain is like a vehicle … it needs both fuel and regular service to keep working. The act of writing got me – and kept me – actively thinking and kept my mental wheels rolling. I remembered how beneficial and fun it was to learn, tuned into webinars on subjects of interest, and registered for on-line classes offered by the local public library.

Writing kept me sane. Throughout a completely abnormal year, writing provided me some normalcy. There were writing jobs to complete and submission deadlines to meet. Without these, I may well have permanently parked myself on my couch and watched more mindless television.

Writing introduced me to new people. While writing is normally a solitary profession, I had the opportunity to meet and interview others (via the telephone or e-mail, mind you) for ongoing newspaper, magazine, and/or blog assignments.

Writing made me feel good. Doing something and creating stories were satisfying to me. While COVID restricted a great deal and – admittedly – resulted in my sometimes questioning my purpose, I was pleased to see what I could still accomplish. I was happy to see I could still produce something of interest and value to others.

2020 will long be remembered as the year of the pandemic. COVID-19 brought with it personal and professional upheaval, unexpected challenges, and considerable losses (of jobs, earnings, business closures, quality of life, and life itself). Writing became my constant in a year of change.

Rick Lauber is an established freelance writer and author of two published caregiving guidebooks (Caregiver’s Guide for Canadians and The Successful Caregiver’s Guide). www.ricklauber.com .

Guest Blog By Katherine Restoueix

When news of the pandemic was scary last March, I started making my own masks and checked the web for ideas. Then I received a Facebook challenge from a friend to post once a day for ten days on the topic of “Being a Mom.” The challenge allowed me to look in my sentimental keepsakes and sort through stuffed animals and dolls for donations. One doll didn’t join the other items because she was missing a shoe. She was my first decorative doll when I started my adult life. I noticed a hole near her mouth, so I sewed a new mouth, and with her crooked teeth and glued googly cat eyes, her personality came to life. She gave me an idea for posting.

Her name was to be a blending of the pandemic names. I posted the first picture on my Facebook page to introduce Covida. Why not? We could make it fun! My friends responded and were commenting and enjoying our adventures.

As an avid crafter and miniaturist, I had to make her pyjamas and later a housecoat, so we could look comfy relaxing at home. Then a reinforcement of her legs was required so she could stand. My shopping trips at Walmart gave me a space to let my creativity run free with potential accessories. When summer and fall arrived, I made Covida lighter and heavier clothing that worked for each season, including matching outfits and masks.

While we were all social distancing, Covida and my adventures became an activity to share. Planning and photoshoots became my regular activities. We didn’t forget the marking of special days and holidays. Covina found use for my little sleeping puppy and a mini Tupperware set. Many of my Facebook friends responded with suggestions to name her new pet cat and I chose Tirus, a blending of petit and virus.

Through this experience, a challenge connected me with Covida, used my crafting and miniature skills, and kept us all connected and engaged at a time when we were isolated.

I will keep posting Covida and my adventures on my Facebook page until the pandemic is over. And I intend to make a souvenir booklet of our adventures!

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Guest Blog By Gerry Morita

In February, I started teaching an online course for Mile Zero Dance, What’s the Score, on Mondays and Fridays from Noon to 1:30 pm. It is designed to be a creative process seminar. We move at the start a bit, research the different themes (Fluxis, Games, Materiality, Tests, Art), and try some short scores and then do homework assignments on Fridays. This class has been my hack to introduce a sense of play to my week, to allow myself to see the world and artmaking with freshness.

The course is open to dancers, actors and performance artists to encourage creativity through group practice warm-ups, community check-ins, and personal coaching. An interdisciplinary focus will provide a framework to promote artist comfort when exploring improvisation.

Payment for the course is by donation, $15 per class, to support our programming. Anyone wishing to participate but unable to donate may join us for free.

Pre-registration is required. 

For more information about this course, contact Gerry Morita at info@milezerodance.com.

Find all the What’s the Score details and registration link on our website.

What’s the Score? – Mile Zero Dance

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2021 is my year to wade into the ocean of social media posts and build my brand. In preparation, I spent the summer social distancing and taking pictures of parks and surroundings. Other photographers shared images for use in my social media designs as well.

The sun shone in my window and travelled across my wall. The line on the screen blinked in competition with the ticking wall clock. My dictation software waited for me to speak twelve inspiring sentences to type across the screen’s blank page.

Online videos taught me how to take the quotes, match with themed pictures, and create slides. I selected PowerPoint to design my posts because of program familiarity. Taking the images and placing them on size appropriate social media slides was straightforward. Determining the coordinating sentence required more thought. Creating a textbox was in my prior skillset. Selecting the font elements proved challenging.

The social media post design process confirmed additional design courses would have benefited as I only had, from my communications program, one class on magazine design layout. Social media posts were not even in the scope of our awareness at the time.

Selecting one of the numerous fonts involved going through the list and visually examining which one best fit the picture. Each font had to compliment the image and content and fit within the picture’s confines. The shape of the font was essential to ensure it was accessible. In my first few slides, I was conservative with basic fonts and limited colours. Then I started to play with different art and colours before saving them in a social media appropriate file. This process was time-consuming, taking approximately half an hour for each slide.

Each finished post plays with words, pictures, and colours to share a message that is more than the sum of any of its parts. Wading into the design of social media posts taught me about layout, design, messaging, and patience. I plan to share twelve posts, a new post every two weeks on my Facebook and Instagram accounts, until the end of 2021.

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Guest Blog By Alison Clarke

Setting my foot on the Path, as a poet and fantasy author, it’s a freeing and magical thing.

Like writing, walking is creative and enjoyable, and has helped me to write Phillis: A Poetry Collection coming out on October 15, 2020, by the University Of Calgary Press, and my Sisterhood Trilogy, available at Chapters in Terra Losa and Chapters in St. Albert. 

Walking, I love it; it clears my head, and I’m able to let my Imagination roam free.

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My thoughts take flight when I walk. The fresh air, it’s relaxing, and it’s also a meditation.

I recommend walking as a way to increase productivity, and feel more relaxed. Studies have shown this, and people like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg saw walking as part of their exercise regime, and had walking meetings to prompt creativity. That would be my tip for anyone reading this blog.    

Writing, it’s peaceful too, and it’s a sea I love to navigate. I’m the Captain of the ship, and I love entering uncharted waters. As I work in different genres, being a poet and fantasy author, it gives me a chance to explore the literary landscape. 

With Phillis, my latest release, I go back into the world of poetry, as that is where I started, being a writer. It’s wonderful to enter that realm again. With Phillis, it’s not only a biographical work, it’s also mystical, and emphasizes the importance of the past, present, and future, and how it all converges, time is not linear. I also emphasize the importance of narrative, of storytelling. 

With my Sisterhood trilogy, I do the same. I also create different worlds: ones that consist of faeries, angels, dragons, wyverns, and so on. With fantasy, there are no rules. Yes, you follow basic rules of grammar in writing, like in any other literary form, but that’s it. It’s quite fun, and freeing. 

As a literary artist, there is no limit. That’s why I like writing in different genres, and it’s also very fulfilling. To set my foot on the path: figuratively and literally, that is the Journey of being a writer. 

Phillis: A Poetry Collection – Amazon.com

Phillis: A Poetry Collection – Amazon.ca

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Guest Blog By Wendy McGrath

I just finished teaching EKPHRASIS: WRITING ABOUT ART–an online course through the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Extension. When I agreed to teach the course, I had no reason to imagine I would  deliver it in any other way than a traditional classroom setting (you remember, the kind where it’s in real-time, in real-life, real-in-person interaction). In March, the world changed. I was going to deliver this course online and so I prepped; participating in several online workshops, readings, and classes. At first login, it appeared as if my world was shrinking to the size of a frame within a computer screen. But, at the same time, I felt my life was expanding, even as I just…stayed…home. I participated in a Zine workshop delivered from New York City. I tuned into a Royal Society of Literature panel on Dalloway Day. I tuned in to panels and workshops during a week-long literary festival. Without leaving my house, I had actually ‘travelled’ virtually to NYC; London, England; and Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.   

Now, my challenge was to bring a world of art and writing to students in their homes.

I had students scattered, physically, across the country. But when all of us entered our ZOOM meeting, it was as if each of our faces was framed as part of a virtual portrait exhibition. At the moment, public art galleries were closed so this ZOOM class was, metaphorically, as close to visiting a traditional real-world gallery as we might get while social distancing in our homes.   

My plan; however, was to inspire students to look for art outside a traditional gallery setting which, for some, can be an intimidating barrier because of class, socio-economic status, race, or accessibility requirements. Students at home or within their neighbourhoods could look for inspiration in objects they liked and disliked, as well as films, television, street art, and graffiti. The writing students produced was terrific—they had looked around them with fresh eyes. Their work reflected a broad definition of ekphrasis and, most significantly, reflected the rich potential for inspiration that exists inside us, inside our home, and in our immediate neighbourhoods.

In this strange time inspiration can be found in the small-framed worlds that contain the pictures of our lives.  

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Wendy McGrath is a Métis writer and artist living in amiskwacîwâskahikan (so called Edmonton) on Treaty 6 Territory.  Her most recent novel  Broke City  is the final book in her Santa Rosa Trilogy. She recently completed Paso doble a collaborative manuscript of poems inspired by the photography of Danny Miles–drummer for July Talk and Tongue Helmet. She works in multiple genres.

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