Book Review: Dear Me by Anthony Maria

Ah love. It’s an emotion that can make you feel like you’re that delicious maraschino cherry on the top of a mountain high ice cream sundae. On the other hand, love can be so heart-breaking that it is like a disease that slowly eats away at you, with an insatiable smile, until there is nothing left, but an empty soul.

In the novel, Dear Me, written by local author, Anthony Maria, he speaks of a love that you would think only exists in the romantic’s handbook, but in fact, we've all felt it. Mason Gallo has fallen deeply in love with a mysterious woman named Keats Cameron, while on a trip to Niagara Falls, but is devastated when she disappears from his life, only sending cryptic letters, and making brief phone calls to him, which makes him feel like he is on the brink of insanity.

Copyright: Anthony Maria

Returning back to Windsor, where he left the old days behind, Mason hopes to find answers. The recollection of how they first met and all the feelings that flood Mason every day because of Keats sudden disappearance are told to us. She’s his addiction, plain and simple. He is on a quest to find his beloved Keats, at any cost, at any length, even if that means he will search for her forever. 

Meeting many colourful characters along the way, he is faced with agonizing realization that not only the love of his life is slipping away, but there are far more skeletons in his closet that he could have ever dreamed of.

👉My thoughts:

A little on the twisted side, yet brilliant authors like Brett Easton Ellis and Chuck Palahniuk, better take some notes because Anthony’s stylistic writing takes it to a whole new level.

The book is well-written, with subtle poetic sentiments that fill our hearts with hope, yet also laced with intense rawness and explicit language and subject matter, but will still send shivers down your spine.

I also love the fact that Windsor is the main focal point, where Caesars (in this book, known as Casino Windsor) is a prime location, along with Riverside Drive, Victoria Avenue, Hiram Walker, etc. There are also some highlights from our neighbouring city, Detroit Michigan, that are mentioned here, like  the Renaissance Centre and Joe Louis Arena.

I won’t mince words here. You’re in for a psychological mind-fu*k that keeps your heart pounding through every page. In the end, when you think that you are losing something so dear to you that you can’t seem to go on, remember that the truth is out there, you just have to be prepared to find it.

💜Anthony’s book is available online: Dear Me

💜You can also purchase his book by contacting him through IG page

 or by email: anthony.henry.joseph.maria@gmail.com

Uncovered: The Miriam Conspiracy by Bob MacKenzie

Copyright: Bob MacKenzie

Cover design by Joanne Gervais

I really enjoyed reading The Miriam Conspiracy. This was quite an intense read from start to finish!  It's the latest novel written by Bob Mackenzie. As a Canadian-based author, his expressive poetic musings and captivating novels have been published worldwide and have received numerous prestigious awards.

With the untimely deaths of family members, coupled with isolation on her homestead, Miriam begins to write personal confessions in a private journal that reveal more than anyone would ever imagine.  Her sister, Cassie, is just like a puppeteer - trying to pull the strings, which can feel rather relatable in a family dynamic, but with more sinister underpinnings.  The words off the pages begin to haunt the dreams and lives of deeply curious students who are searching for answers. Many other questions are posed from the ancient past to what lies ahead in the future, if one will actually exist.  

Bob has a keen way of playfully toying with the reader in this fictional piece of work set in the heartlands of Alberta, yet paralleling many realities of the current climate on the topics of political corruption and fanatic religiousity.  

The characters Zach and Evie truly play off each well and together, create an even more complex layer to the overall story, as they begin to realize watchful eyes have secrets of their own to conceal.

It is often said that it is a blessing and curse delving into the fragile human condition. Every page is a deeper dive into a story that ultimately challenges and shapes our own beliefs in a way that also leaves much to the imagination.

*2023 - Bob sadly passed away. This review is now in memory of Bob.

💜Order your copy directly from Bob's publisher here: The Miriam Conspiracy 

💜Other online retailers: Amazon.ca  Amazon.com

Getting Into Mischief: A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong Review

Welcome to December!  I just celebrated my 42nd birthday – so thank you so much for all the wonderful wishes.

As the holiday season stumbles upon us, I've been working my way around the globe and feeling pretty cozy right now in the UK. After all, it is the home of delicious Yorkshire Pudding, putting on the kettle for tea at any given time, and gleefully watching countless episodes of Monty Python - as we must always look on the bright side of life.

So if you’re like me, then it won’t be a surprise when I tell you that A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong, created by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, while directed by Richard Boden and Adam Meggido, should definitely be added to your list. 

During this Christmas special, the Mischief Theatre Company are at it again, proving that The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are way in over their heads. They’ve been banned from ever appearing on the BBC again. To our delight, they are not giving in to such rubbish, and decide to hijack a live production of Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol.  

In theatre, thespians rule the stage. While forgetting their lines, stagehands awkwardly appearing in scenes, dodging falling props, it’s clear that there can be only one – only one Scrooge, so someone needs to be incapacitated!  

It was a great opportunity to be able to see this and share my thoughts! The cast was absolutely brilliant and I was in stitches from the performances by the Henry’s (Lewis & Shields), Jonathan Sayer, Derek Jacobi, and more. There is no shortage of puns, physical comedy and just all sorts of shenanigans that will leave audiences wondering who spiked the egg nog. 

No spoilers, but if you don’t watch this, I am telling you, yule be sorry. 

💜Make sure to check out all the other incredible works from Mischief

More Than 9 Lives: A Street Cat Named Bob Movie Review

Addiction doesn’t just come in the form of drugs and alcohol, it is prominent in food, gambling,  social media, religion, etc... We can be addicted to just about anything. How far that goes depends on many factors that each of us are ultimately held responsible for. 

A single thought can be harmless. However, it often begins this way. You may have a genetic predisposition or you may not, but when a triggering event, or multiple ones happen over time, a pseudo-harmless thought can spiral into chaos. Nothing begins to matter anymore. It's just you and the addiction. 

The intense craving and the inability to think about anything else but feeding our addiction takes over our already fragile mind. We give into the euphoria, even if it’s for a split second to feel the illusion of happiness, and then we are warped back into reality, stricken with grief, depression, shame, and all the other unpleasant feelings that lead us desperately again into our next high. The cycle continues until we can let go or we sadly die trying. In our minds, we feel that if we are not actively pursuing our addiction, we are forever lost.

I was inspired to write about our viewing of A Street Cat Named Bob, a best-selling international book made into film. It is based on the true story of James Bowen, a heroin addict who fatefully meets a four-legged ginger cat, who affectionately  becomes known as his life-saving furry pal, Bob.   Bring on the tissues!

Luke Treadaway plays the role of James, a heroin addict who is facing the same fate as his friend Baz, who has overdosed for the last time. Trying to withstand the pressures of getting one more hit in, repairing his relationship with his father and somehow rebuilding his life, one night, James finds a four-legged cat rustling around in the hallway and that’s really where the story begins to take shape. 

There is such a beautiful bond that forms and although not everyone’s journey is like James, it gives a sense of hope. Another heartfelt part of the movie is James’ unlikely human friendship and brief love interest with Betty (played by Ruta Gedmintas), James’s quirky and lovable neighbour. She is not all rainbows and sunshine though. Underneath, she is still holding onto grief from her brother’s death, and so that adds a heightened element to the story on what level of support we can honestly take on, even when witnessing such suffering. 

Healing can begin once we face our deepest wounds, but it’s a long and messy road to even feeling half alive again. For some, it takes hitting rock bottom, and for others, it can be a life of balancing the good days and any relapses that happen. We are rooting for James all the way through this film, to at least be given the chance to live out loud with confidence again, as he is working so damn hard through every obstacle tossed his way - totally relatable on some level? Heck ya.

The movie shows many barriers that addicts will continue to face, as well as the toxic “not in my backyard” phenomena that exists especially with recovery involving methadone hubs and harm reduction clinics in residential areas. There are plenty of moments as well where the human condition is explored through the loving relationship that James has with Bob, his ginger cat that won’t leave his side and makes him feel seen, where alone busking on the streets of London, others would make James feel invisible.

Our connections with humans can be limited but there is something extra special about the love shared that is also evidence-based between humans and animals.

The music is also a high point in the movie, as we see this guitar strumming bloke, riding his bike with a cat on his shoulder bringing smiles and hope to all that pass by. Satellite Moments is truly special, along with Second Time Around and Don't Give Up. 

If you can take anything from this film, it is the fact that sometimes helping to save someone else’s life, ends up saving ours too.  

Photo Credit: Author James Bowen with Bob

*Sadly, Bob passed away in 2020 but will never be forgotten

💜A Street Cat Named Bob: http://streetcatbob.com/  Street Cat Named Bob Book Series

💜Addiction/Mental Health Support Links

https://www.ontario.ca/page/mental-health-services

https://www.ccsa.ca/

https://ontario.cmha.ca/

https://bana.ca/

https://www.connexontario.ca/en-ca/

https://atforum.com/related-websites/ - International

Rise Like A Phoenix: Q&A with Author, Steve Bottrill

On March 22, 1996, Chatham resident, Steve Bottrill, got into a terrible motor vehicle accident, which took a turn that no one saw coming. After being hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, and in a coma for 10 days, he was determined to find a way to tell the world that his time here wasn’t up yet.  A single tear drop saved his life. 

With a new lease on life, author, motivational speaker and exercise therapist, Steve Bottrill is sharing his journey in his book "Overcoming Impossible Odds-The Steve Bottrill Story" and inspiring others to live their best lives, no matter what odds are thrown at them. 

Enjoy my Q&A with author, Steve Bottrill below!  

Copyright Image: Steve Bottrill

1. It’s been many years since your motor vehicle accident, what are still some challenges that you face in your daily life?

I can’t see properly and my depth perception is not accurate, so I am not good at sports anymore. My reaction time is slower too since I can’t see. I am unable to move my eyeballs downward. 

As it is noticeable, I do look different.  I also have memory problems, but I do my best. Physically, I deal with chronic back pain, however moving my body in whatever way feels comfortable is still important to do. 

💠

2. There has always been an impossible beauty standard to uphold in our society, and obviously, your accident left a lot of scars.  Since you are often in front of many people with your presentations, do you feel any pressure to undergo any aesthetic treatments or are you content with your unique profile?

I don’t feel pressure to undergo surgery, although it would be nice. I have nerve damage in my eye, that cannot be fixed. 

I view myself as a very unique person, but of course, sometimes it is annoying to be seen by others as different and strange. 

💠

3. Are there any favourite spots in Chatham that you like to go to that just rejuvenate you after a long day? 

I really enjoy going out to eat at local restaurants for breakfast and dinner, particularly non-chained restaurants. 

My favourite cuisine is fish and chips.

💠

4. Finally, what can be found on your playlist when you’re exercising? It’s always interesting to know what people are listening to when they want that release of dopamine and serotonin from our bodies!

I like to exercise to AC/DC and heavier music. I enjoy dance music in the 125 bpm range.

I also have many Youtube videos that I've done to help others who want to exercise at their own pace and who may be dealing with injuries. Exercise is a great stress buster too!

For more information on Steve, check out the links below!

💜You can purchase Steve's book on Amazon

💜IG: @coma_to_inspiration

A Pancake Mistake: Q&A with Author, Stri Anderson

A Pancake Mistake is a delicious story by Windsor, Ontario author, Stri. This book is stacked high with fun rhymes and energetic illustrations that everyone can enjoy reading. Also a good reminder that even in the messiest of situations, a good laugh together can always make everything better.   

Stri's book A Pancake Mistake will also be showcased Sept 1, 2021 on The Giggle Mat , so you’ll want to tune in for that. 

Enjoy my Q&A with Author, Stri.

Stri and his little Riv

1.  Okay let’s get the BIG question out of the way, what do you put on your pancakes?

Syrup of course. My son and I are BIG fans. Occasionally I'll use jam though. 

💠

2.  The bond between a father and a son is very precious, and I know you dedicated this book to your son, Riven. What was his reaction when you showed him the book? 

My son was an integral part of the process, and I couldn't have done this without him. The book is dedicated to him, yes, but his consistent assistance was as always, invaluable. That said, he WAS extremely excited when I first told him what I was planning, and that I wanted him to help with ideas and sketches throughout development. 

Even if this book isn't extremely successful, just seeing the smile on his face as he held a physical copy for the first time, definitely made it all worth it. 

💠

3.  Writing a book is not always a linear path. Did you encounter any obstacles in creating this book, if so, how did you navigate that? 

There's always challenges when creating anything, but this book in particular, thankfully had very few.

Creatively, we didn't really see any obstacles we couldn't easily circumvent, except perhaps how/where to publish and advertise.

As a new author, I'm not really sure of the best ways to get the word out, so for me personally, it's still an on-going learning opportunity.

💠

4.  I read that you consider yourself an “adversity survivor” so can you tell me a little more about how that term fueled your passion to write a children’s book?

There are plenty of reasons I could consider myself a survivor, but the truth is, the REAL survivor is my son Riven. 

He was born in The Hospital for Sick Children, with a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, Hypoplasia, and dextrocardia. Basically, that means there was a hole in his diaphragm, which allowed his intestines to enter and crowd his chest cavity, thus causing severely depreciated lung tissue, whilst pushing his heart into the axilla region (armpit).

In the hospital, during our many, lengthy visits to soothe Riven when he was in pain, I would sing/read him nursery rhymes. Eventually I ran out though, so I turned to writing poetry. I would read my poems to him so often, that other ill children began to gather and listen in. Their parents soon joined as well, until one day a parent suggested I write for children in a professional fashion.

I suppose that was the first time I had even thought about it, much less considered it. As a single father, I had spent many years by my child's side, worried about his well-being and inevitable future health complications. So my priorities had to remain there, with my little Riven, until his health improved.

Despite his prognosis, he has not only surprised the medical professionals, but has exceeded ALL expectations and I honestly couldn't be more proud. 

The love and mutual admiration my son and I have built and share, is a joy I hope every parent can experience one day. Thinking back, I truthfully cannot remember what it was like without him in my life, and for that, for HIM..I am eternally grateful.

Dedicating a series of rhyming, poetry based children's books to him, is just one small way I'm attempting to show my son just how much I adore him.

We have certainly struggled in numerous ways in addition to what I've said, but the bottom line is, together, we have successfully made it to today and because of this, I have found some time to pursue this poetic passion.

💠

5.  Will there be other books on the horizon for you?

Actually yes. This is shaping up to be a series. 

In fact, book two (titled: "Where'd you go? I don't know.."), is already written now and ready for purchase here!

💠

Check out all of Stri's links below!

💜Amazon: A Pancake Mistake  

💜IG striPlay

💜Facebook We See Poetry 

Wishes Do Come True: Q&A with author, Tara Shannon

 

Rabbit and Bear Illustration by Tara Shannon 

A book is a wonderful gift that will never go out of style. It may get a little dusty or the pages may wrinkle over time, but it’s often a treasure worth keeping. Once you open that first page, your heart skips a little beat because there’s an adventure waiting just for you and that’s pretty exciting.  A book is also like your own personal travel companion, as it goes wherever you go, no questions asked. 

Tara Shannon is an Ontario-based children’s author who recently published her exciting book Rabbit and Bear Make a Wish that sprinkles a little extra magic in every page, filled with hope, comfort and endless possibilities. It teaches us connection and helps to unravel those uncomfortable emotions that get stuck. The illustrations are simple and combined with meaningful verses in every line, Rabbit and Bear become your best friends and that will warm anyone’s heart. 

Tara's book Rabbit and Bear will also be showcased April 1, 2021 by Miss Kate – the librarian, on The Giggle Mat , so you’ll want to tune in for that here: Episode 3: Bunny Tales

Enjoy my Q&A with Tara below.

1. For your book, you chose an interesting pair; a rabbit and a bear. What’s the connection for you with these particular animals?

Rabbit came along out of the blue one day, or so I thought. About 2 years ago, I was looking for a way to relax and calm my anxiety and express my creativity. I decided to try and draw a rabbit and I searched Pinterest for photos. Surprisingly, my first few rabbits turned out well, so I kept going. I was adding to each image some dialogue with another animal, insect or element of nature. One of the friends I paired rabbit with was a bear and people really seemed to like the two of them together. 

It wasn’t until later that I realized the personal connections... there are a few. Bear was my nickname as a child (I couldn’t pronounce the *T* in my name and it came out sounding like a *B*) and I still have some family who call me that. I used to hate it but actually like it now because it’s a link to my childhood and my family. 

My parents died several years ago in 2011 and 2013. I also lost a pregnancy in 2009. Those combined losses affect me to this day. One of the gifts I received during my pregnancy was a toy rabbit. So, Rabbit and Bear are equal parts the younger and older version of myself and representative of those I have lost. My parents and grandparents in Bear and my baby in Rabbit.

💠

2. Let’s take a trip back to a nostalgic time. Do you remember your favourite childhood book?

I enjoyed Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit and A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh but it was the Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams that had me by both heart and mind. I remember when my mom read it with me... it was so sad but so beautiful. Like life can be. 

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3.  One of your illustrations went viral around the world, which is amazing. Why do you think this particular drawing resonated so much with a global audience?

It tapped into the collective consciousness worldwide at the outset of COVID-19. I created that particular piece several months before it went viral, based on my struggles with anxiety and depression and my husband's struggle to know how to be there for me. At the time that I first shared it, it received a few likes and shares. Then, with COVID it seemed overnight hundreds of thousands of people understood anxiety, fear and depression in a way they maybe hadn’t before. They needed someone to sit with them. Rabbit and Bear were there. 

💠

4. Another passion you have is cooking.  I read that you were dipping your toes in culinary adventures in Dublin, Ireland. So of course, I need to ask, what is your number one comfort food that you like to make?

Yes! That was an amazing adventure that I will treasure always. I went to Dublin in 2016 for three months and stayed with my Aunt (my dad was from Dublin and much of his side of the family are still there) and earned a professional cookery certificate. Pretty well everything we made and ate was amazing but my go to for comfort food has to be just about anything with fresh pasta or mashed potatoes. That or Indian food. Absolutely love eating and making Indian food. 

Tara in the kitchen

The finished dish. Yum!

💠

5.  What is one piece of sage advice you’d like to share with anyone who is going through a difficult time?

If you feel you are out of your depth, ask for help.

I’m pretty much a die-hard introvert and I am stubborn but there have been times when I couldn’t go it on my own. My grief, anxiety and depression were too great and I was out of my depth. I had to ask for help. Sometimes we need help to get through difficult times. Don’t feel bad or ashamed about that. Ask for help. Reach out to a friend, family member, doctor or therapist. Pick-up the phone or send a message. 

💜You can find Tara’s book to purchase on Amazon, Indigo.

💜Website: https://www.tarashannonwrites.com/

Housewares Review: Super Sweese Bowls Arrival From Amazon!

I had to write a quick blog here on these incredible Sweese bowls that I found while shopping on Amazon.com

Most often, I shop at Amazon.ca but I was surprised at the MAJOR price difference. So, along with a limited high-valued coupon that was available, it made the most sense to go the .com route!

Initially, I was struck by the beautiful bright colours, but realized that while aesthetically pleasing bowls are nice to have, they also need to be functional and versatile. Reading the description, they seemed exactly what we were looking for, so why not take the chance? 

Things I love so far about these bowls:

• Fluted design (looks unique and they are easy to handle)
• Dishwasher-safe (I just did my first one and they turned out great!)
• Microwavable-safe (great for reheating leftovers!)
• Easy to clean (if you're washing by-hand)
• Stackable (we have limited space in the cupboards)
• Ideal size (especially for cereal or a hot bowl of soup!)
• Chip-resistant 
• The colours are so vibrant

Stacked bowls

Gorgeous colours!

Shadowy Times Ahead by Author Bob MacKenzie

A noted craftsman in the literary world, Bob MacKenzie continues to intrigue his readers in his recently published novel; A Gathering of Shadows.

Set in the city of Windsor, we meet the main character within the first few pages. Steve Lansing, a freelance journalist is a man who desperately needs a change of pace in his life. A victim of being at the wrong place at the wrong time, Steve suddenly finds himself in a terrifying whirlwind of crime and conspiracy. As Steve’s obsession with finding out the truth slowly begins to consume him, he is driven towards the company of a police officer and a widow of a murdered cab driver, both who may be his only chance of survival.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. There’s no doubt that Bob can heighten your senses from excitement to fear in a single page. His style has an unusual scattered-poetic feel that just fits perfectly, especially when the para-normality is woven into the chapters. There was also a great mix of personality traits in each character, which is something that I must highly praise. This was a compelling story, filled with intelligent dialogue and coupled with mystery that doesn't leave you in the shadows.

💜You can pick up a copy of A Gathering of Shadows online.

Book Review: Ghost Shadow Unfinished Sins by Author Bob MacKenzie

So when’s the last time that you picked up a good book? I don’t mean downloading one for your Kindle, but physically picking up a soft or hard cover novel and flipping through the pages. As much as I am intrigued by all the new technologies, I still like the simple pleasure of sitting down and curling up with a book. I like to feel the pages brush over my hand and get a sense of who the author is, by his or her choice of artistic touches and to display it on a book shelf so I can re-read it again, if I so choose to.

This time, I didn’t even have to scour the bookstores or even the library, as I was approached by a wonderful author named Bob MacKenzie. He asked me if I would review his book. He also included his cd, just for my listening pleasure. I was very honoured that he took the time to write me, and so I agreed. Honestly, I had never even heard of this man before and so the first thing I did was Google his name. Interesting… a political guru. Why would someone like that be contacting me? Reading further along, he had been deceased since 2011!! Thinking that perhaps by the title of the book “Ghost Shadows” I was somehow being contacted by his ghost, I realized there was no information about him being an author and with such a common name, this was most likely the wrong person. Okay so I was safe and continued to search until I found the right person. Ah yes, not only an acclaimed world-wide author, but a poet, spoken-word performance artist and much more. This was the Bob MacKenzie I would be communicating with and to my relief, he was very much alive and well!

I received a large package in the mail via Express Post and in my hands was the anticipated: Ghost Shadow: Unfinished Sins. Before even opening up the book, the cover in its simplistic form is still quite imaginative. You may just see a ‘possessed’ fiery red-headed girl with demonic and empty eyes, or even something more along the paranormal realms. If you look closer and really embrace the image, the contours of the model’s body speak volumes of intense feeling and the fragility of what was once a young child. It transcends far more deeper than that even, to create a basis for what unfolds inside in the book.

The story itself was interesting as it delved into the psyches of 3 very emotionally-stuck women (Payge Turner-private detective, the professor’s wife, and her daughter, Susan), a cold-hearted and narcissistic anthropology professor, as well as ruthless crime lords and their minions. Deceit, fright, honour, shame, survival and terror fill the pages of this 270 page book!

Taking place in Windsor, since I did attend The University of Windsor (although not in the mid-80′s), landmarks like Erie Hall, were well-known to me, so I felt a connection with the book. I also found the characters were not only well-written but each possessed a trait of the other. Topics such as racial predjudice, mental illness (specifically PTSD-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and various types of abuse were explored in a profound way. I will add that this book is not exactly for the faint of heart, as Bob does depict some rather disturbing scenes. Explosive anger and violence erupt throughout the book, and as innocence is shown to be ripped away, it can leave the reader haunted by their own memories. On the contrary, the strength and hope that lie within each of us, even after the worst circumstances, can prove to be triumphant in our continuous journey throughout life.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. Bob MacKenzie has a way with words that really pulls you into his world of story-telling. The story had a predictable nature but that was not necessarily a bad thing. It was the raw emotional content that truly raised the bar in completing a novel that in reality, some could say, really hits close to home.

Listen to the Youtube Interview and check out more of Bob's readings
To purchase Ghost Shadow: Unfinished Sins, it is available at Amazon