Come find me!

I have moved this blog over to Facebook for the time being. I'd love for you to visit me there.

Please go to:

Sally Paradysz, Author


Thanks so much, and I'll see you on Facebook.

Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards

Back in the spring I entered the 24th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards. Today I received the commentary on my book FROM SCRATCH.

Below is what the judge had to say:
"Judge, 24th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards."

Judge’s Commentary*:

"FROM SCRATCH: WHY I WALKED AWAY FROM MY LIFE AND BUILT THIS HOME by Sally Paradyz is a book that works on so many levels: new beginnings, spirituality, building a home -- anyone interested in any of these topics would do well to check out this wonderful memoir.

The cover is lovely. I like how the sunlight captures shadows, framing the author shown relaxing on the steps. The back cover copy is great and encourages the potential reader to peruse the book. The endorsement by a bestselling author adds credibility to the book. The author biography gave me a chuckle when I read about her cats.

Inside, the book is well presented. I like the drawing of a house before each chapter. I think a lot of women can relate to not being their authentic selves for much of their young lives. Most women are brought up to please and serve other people. This book is about one woman's growth as she and her partner build a home. I have never been part of such an immense building project and it was interesting to go through this by reading this book. I love the happy ending. Very inspirational. FROM SCRATCH will touch many hearts."

Needless to say I am honored to have received such a review! Thank you Writer's Digest.

If you would like to purchase this book you may do so at Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, or email me at: paradyszs@gmail.com

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

As we prepare our tables with food for family and friends tomorrow, let us remember those of us who are less fortunate. Many have had challenges over the past year, or years, and are not able to be filled with wonderful food, or a find a warm enough place to call home. If we go out to shop, or to football games, or to drive around to see the Christmas lights that start emerging after Thanksgiving, let us keep those less fortunate in mind.

So much can be done for others in small ways that are meaningful. Dropping off a meal at a front door, buying an extra blanket or jacket and handing it to someone on the street, or a call on the phone to let someone know you are thinking of them. Small acts of kindness that are so needed. Remember, too, the animals of this world that need our help. Adopt or rescue if you can. If not, spread some extra bird seed, or leftover bread cubes. Make a shelter, if there is room on your property, for an outside friend to take cover in for the cold months. I am fortunate to live in the woods. It is not only a peaceful place, but a sacred one. A sanctuary for all those who enter. There is a spirit here and I invite you to spend a little time in nature this holiday season. See how it gives you something that you have been missing.

From my small cottage home to yours, I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving. One filled with peace, gentleness, warmth, and love. And I will visit with you once again on the other side of this holiday weekend.

Most likely I won't be posting as much as I once did. However, I've been posting on my Facebook author page five days a week.

I suggest that you give it a try. Sally Paradysz, Author

Hopefully you'll find it worthy!

Last evening I was siting on the screened porch that we made six years after our home was built. In the large picture above, the porch sits to the left side. The screens are home made and can be taken off if desired. The doors were made at a company in Carlisle, PA. They are wooded, lots of screen, but with the old time handles.

Anyway, as I sat there reading I looked up occasionally to see what might be walking around the woods. Sure enough, five deer were moving around the feeding stations looking for food. Two bucks, plus mommy and her twins. The spots are gone now from the twins, and the bucks have a nice rack of antlers already. An antler grows about a quarter inch a day inside a soft coating filled with arterial blood, a nourishing tissue known as velvet. Antlers are bone--the calcium to make them comes from the deer's own body. By September, antler growth is complete, and the velvet that nourished the bone falls off in strips. It seems the deer know that Labor Day just passed. Every year it's the same.

I'm thinking that I need to go to the feed store to get some cracked corn. Right now I only put a small amount out every three or four days. Just a little bit to let them know they will always have food at my feeding stations as winter and colder weather approaches. The deer don't need me in their life, but I love being a part of theirs. Who knows, maybe we both need each other. Nature provides strange bedfellows at times!

Ahhhhhhhh, Nature!

1

There is nothing like going out to my garden, picking a container of blueberries, and then eating them! Especially in my writing cabin. I have a small refrigerator in there and it comes in very handy.

While I was picking this morning, I tuned in to the sounds of Nature all around me. Wrens, bluebirds, red-winged blackbirds, and mockingbirds were serenading me over and over again. When I looked up to find them, I also spotted a red fox. She was scamping along the fence row next to the field, I haven't yet seen her babies this year, but I'm hoping....

Now, as I sit here looking out at the woods surrounding me, I understand the messages I'm being given. Simplicity is today's theme. Less is more it has been said, and if you are a lover of Nature you will agree. I see subtle changes from day to day and that is enough.

Nature is always enough!

Cute as a writing cabin!

The book FROM SCRATCH was written within the walls of this writing cabin. Cute as a button the cabin sits in a wooded area close to my home that I built FROM SCRATCH. 

I wrote to the music of the birds, frogs, and peepers, each day for several years. If you haven't had a chance yet to read this book you can get a copy online at Amazon or Barnes&Noble. Also, it is available in local bookstores if you happen to live or play in upper Bucks County.

With help from my family and my partner I was able to finish the inside of my cabin last week. Now it is ready to accept the challenge of another book to be written, and so am I.

After meeting and talking with a very precious book club in Newtown, PA last week, I realized there may be other book clubs who would like me to speak to them as well. My contact information is below.

It has been an interesting spring this year. So much rain and wind has kept me from going forward to complete the cabin. But now, with a little cooperation from the weather and a lot of love given to the project, the cabin stands strong in all of its cuteness. It is hard to be humble enough to enter and begin writing yet another book or story, but I will give all the effort I have to keep moving forward. As I sit here at my window watching a Rufous-sided Towhee hop in the leaves, I realize the wonder nature has to give.

https://www.paradyszs@gmail.com

My boyz!

I looked into these two little faces of love this morning and melted...again. They give me the courage to go forward in every moment of my day, by sharing their souls and trust with me. 

Courage and trust are huge in my life. Let me give you an example, if you don't mind. Three or four years ago, I decided to write a memoir about building a new home. At sixty years old. It took me so long to write the book, edit the book, rewrite the book, edit the book, etc. Then I questioned myself as to whether I might even try to publish it, because I didn't feel worthy. It took every ounce of my courage to go forward and publish, but I did. It took every ounce of my trust to think someone would purchase the book, but they did and my words have helped so many. Imagine.

At times in our lives we are all challenged in some way. If we choose to trust, we will find the courage needed to do most anything. So, take a deep breath and begin something, anything that's been on your mind. You will find yourself in an new life, an unknown world really. Scary? A bit, yes, but it's so exciting to live a more fulfilled life. 

My book, FROM SCRATCH, has led me to a lovely life that empowers me each and every day.

I hope you become successful in every thing that challenges you. Trust.

My new book!

Just published my new book! A memoir to help people find their passion in life and move forward, regardless of circumstances, to make it happen.

Insights into purpose, love and forgiveness, while wearing a tool belt and swinging a hammer to build her new home. At age sixty!

If you have been locked away from your dreams, or not able to believe in yourself, FROM SCRATCH brings insight to those who have been searching.

Ahhhhhhhhh

It has been way too long since I've posted a new blog. In fact, it was a spring post. Lordy!

The summer got away from me and I've been doing battle with my cancer and the chemo side-effects. It is a challenge, but I can handle it with meditation and time spent alone.

With that said, this is my time of year to rejuvenate. In order to refill all the parts inside me that need work, I head to Maine. It is the one place that this New England girl loves. When I take time away from my normal life, I want to go where I can walk, hike, and breathe in fresh pine-filled, and ocean-filled air. It is clean and helps me spend time within.

For my needs cleanliness is very important. If the areas that surround me are unkempt, then so are my thoughts. My emotional body needs to be free of "stuff". I suggest this for anyone who wants to improve their quality of meditation or their solitude. At least it works for me.

Maine gives me all of that and more. The sound of the waves hitting rock, the crunch of pine needles under my feet as I hike, and the feeling of salt on my skin. Ahhhhhhh, such a gift. I'm headed to Maine later this month and my heart and mind are already there.

We all need time alone. I hope life gives us this opportunity, but if it doesn't, find a way to make it happen. I make it a priority every year and it isn't easy to do that. But if I really want to walk my talk, I find that way. I hope you might do this as well.

Happy late summer to everyone. :)

Cutest writing cabin....EVER!

As I sit inside the gentleness of my cabin I'm reminded that summer is just hours away. In the last days of spring, with all the newborns running and flying around, I have the chance to renew myself again.

Just as the fledglings topple from one tree branch to another trying to get their wings adjusted to flight, the fawns are hopping and jumping with glee. In this new environment they are happy yet mindful of what they are being taught.

I'm learning as well. Spring brings opportunity to start over, bringing the best I have forward to others as well as myself. The animals and birds show me innocence, it is how they are born. We as humans have the choice to decide which side of the divide we want to be on. The side of caring and sharing, or the side of a more ego-filled existence. I don't believe that any of us choose the latter necessarily, but we all slip back at times and forget to listen. Nature shows us the path to walk, it is up to us to move forward on it.

From my cabin I see nothing but nature. It can be harsh and cruel at times, but mostly it is spectacular. As I head into summer I'm lifted within myself to help the forgotten or the innocent. There are many who are brave, going forward in this world alone or with no one to help them at crucial times. Perhaps I might do a better job of being there for them. To listen and care more, while loving unconditionally.

Awakening from Inside...

 As I sit in my writing cabin this morning I realize that it has been a long winter for all of us. Especially the outside animals and birds, as well as for my two boys. I'm sure they are longing for me to open the screened porch so they can watch and listen to the birds, and sit on the large porch window ledges I made especially for them.

Like these animals, I, too, have been hibernating a bit myself. Actually, it feels good to ready oneself for the awakening of the new season to come. Spring. It's almost here, I can smell it and hear it in the mornings while the woodpeckers drum on the trees...back and forth through the woods...looking for a mate. The mommy doe's are pregnant and need the food.

I feed the deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, birds, and other animals that stroll through my woods making sure they have something in their bellies before bedding down at night. It was the promise I made them when I first came to purchase these three acres. I am honored to be a part of the circle of life here.

Although the animals and birds I've listed do not hibernate, they do slow down. So does their heart rate. They do not need as much to eat, unlike me who loves to make comfort during the cold season! But most of us survive, even through the tough challenges that are handed to each of us. Like cancer, for instance, for me. It is what makes us stronger. It is what makes us trust.

Trust is huge, but if you can learn this very important lesson it will help with each and every emotion we feel. It doesn't matter which faith or path you follow, take time to meditate and listen to your self. Honor that within your heart and go forward in trust. It is there, but we must find it. And all shall be well. In all manner of things, all shall be well.

Cold, Clear, and Clever...

 Cold, Clear, and Clever!

If we are mentally quick and alert, we will understand the meaning of winter. It is right here in front of us showing off its keen and sharp-witted comparisons to all the other seasons.

I laugh as we all struggle with winter and its use for us personally. I am empowered by the strength of Nature's use of symbolism as it manifests or makes apparent all of the needs I have. The need to be warm, to be healthy, to be safe, and to eat the food given us by our summer gardens. Amazingly this time inside our homes, and hearts, helps make visible, or bring into view, our need to contemplate on what comes next for us. What are we seeking during these three months of winter, and what do we want to follow?

For me it is a time of returning to my inner self to search and rescue what I may have forgotten. Inwardly my spiritual self longs for this long span of time to seek. And outwardly, I long to go back to Maine and feed all of the sea birds I left behind during the fall.

There is much darkness with these shorter days and that is extra time to meditate, do yoga, and go within. I think about what I want to accomplish in this new year and now is the time to begin. To identify and then reveal after I've made my decisions.

The moment is now for this introspection. I must stay right here...in the moment...and rescue what I've let go for too many months. Begin again, if need be. Elevate. Love and love more deeply, allowing ourselves to become whatever it is we choose.

Seek. Contemplate. Find.
The time is now.....

 It has been a while since my last post, so I wanted to get back in the swing.

To me, this is a time to be grateful for all we have in this world, both physically, and most importantly, inside our hearts. The gifts we have are many if we take a moment to sort through them. Our homes, food, cars, are needed for shelter, sustenance, and transportation.

Our family, friends, partners, and pets, are what enrich our soul. This is the important piece in our lives. My Maine Coon cats, Kiva and Kodi, bring love that comes with no attachments. They love me fully and completely. They snuggle in bed with me at night, resting against my back or with their chin on my chest or shoulder. Purring out their love for me gives me reason to fight against any challenge I may have.

Nature gives me that same soft feeling. Watching the deer mate a few weeks ago from my cabin windows, or seeing the turkey and fox eating from my feeding stations together in harmony, allows my heart to fill with many different emotions. One of these is caring. Nature cares for us by giving back with gorgeous and outrageous sunsets or sunrises, or with autumn leaves the color of gold, orange, and red. Also, the animals watch out for one another. Deer huddle together for warmth on cold wet nights, turkeys pack together for being stronger in numbers. The toms and hens separate during the summer months and have their own packs, but in winter they group together as one.

Give some time to watching and listening and smelling the woods, flowers, and streams that are nearby. And for caring for your corner of the world. It will empower you. I feel I am stronger because of all these things.

Love all that is living. It will bring you strength.

Fun!

Over Labor Day weekend I drove to Western Massachusetts for a day to see an old country fair that I went to as a child. I was not disappointed. It held my heart as I watched three horse drawing contests, a fiddle contest, and walked the barns holding rabbits, chickens, sheep, goats, and other assorted cuties! Also, the folks selling maple syrup, honey, and products made from the area were a popular draw.

I've been trying to catch up on some of the things that bring joy and fun to my life. The fair is one of them. As I sat and watched these various contests, walked along the midway, and ate the various foods that were offered, I was transported in time. The fair is still very much as it was years ago, when I was a young. Some of the people from my childhood are not there any longer, but some still are. It was a lovely day and I'll go back yet again another year.

Doing things that come from your heart

is a way to bring happiness closer. I found that I need to spend more time on fun. It takes courage to do this, believe it or not. It's easy to get caught up doing things that we feel drawn to by others. But their fun is not always ours. Challenges occur in all of our lives, just as they do in mine.

I've found that in doing what my heart feels is important, whenever possible, brings me to a better place. I go to Nature to be surrounded and grounded by love. I never feel weak or lonely within Nature. Give it a try.

And as you watch an outrageous sunset some evening, you will feel the evensong. The song of evening, twilight, if you will. It brings a closeness between you and the Universe, and allows you to feel soft and gentle as you approach your night's rest.

This fair in the Berkshires helped me feel joy. My heart felt serene and secure when I left, and I carried the feeling of serenity home with me.

 We all have challenges in our lives. I just finished chemotherapy #7. A challenge for sure, but it is not going to stop me. If anything, it helps me fight for what is important to me. Joy is one of those feelings, so chemo #8? Bring it on!

Go out and do something heartwarming. It will change you!

In my backyard?

 Well, there you have it. For fourteen years I've been saying, "one day a bear will walk through here". Imagine my surprise as one of the largest black bears I've ever seen lumbered along right beside my deck last week. He looked back at me while I was taking photos with my phone, but never stopped walking.

He was majestic and cute all at the same time. His coat was black as coal and shiny. Healthy, I think. He was quickly named Barney, but hasn't been back for a visit...yet. I guess that's a good thing seeing I'd like to keep my bird feeders and deer feeding stations in one place.

As I watched him walk down the path to my neighbor's home, his natural strength took my heart. I felt his need to survive. I felt his need to find sustenance in the growing forest surrounding my home and other places he would travel to that day. But mostly, I found love in that strength. Love for life and how hard he would fight for it should he be challenged.

Perhaps there is a lesson here for me. I fight daily to keep cancer from growing more than it already has in my body. And in this fight I know it takes strength, along with love of life, to keep moving forward. Like the bear in my woods, I feel I have much to do yet, and I can't stop if my need to survive is too great.
And it is....

Changing circumstances that don't fit your life anymore...

 I have two Maine Coon kitties, both boys and both amazing examples of spending time in the moment. When I worry about the future, (crazy) or the past, (unchangeable and gone) I look to them for this reminder.We cannot predict or change either.

So, as I sit at my cabin's desk and look out to the misty day on my land I'm trying to think of only 'this moment'. What can I do in 'this moment' to improve myself, and take away the stressful things in my life? What action can I take to get me there?

What seems important is to choose one thing. One! And then make that change and see where it brings me. I may not care for what I've chosen, but it may turn out to be the best, or at the very least, a beginning. To sit and refuse to try something different is not an option. We'll stagnate that way. Moving forward in any direction is a positive step. Let's take one.

Remember Einstein's quote on Insanity:
"Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

Ha! We've all done this again and again. Now it's Spring! New beginnings and rebirth. If you think like me, that it's time to make a few changes for something new and perhaps more productive, look to your pets. They are sleeping, playing, or loving, in just this one moment of time. But they are always ready for the next thing to happen.

It's perfect!

Remembering and Growing

In July, 2012, I took a writing workshop in upstate New York. It was facilitated by noted author, Susan Richards. I was scared, but determined to grow as a writer, so I made the effort.

Now, almost two years later, I am still using the skills I learned at that workshop. But most important was my dedication. During that week I bought a bracelet. (It's important to know that I hardly ever wear jewelry.) With that purchase I promised myself to always remember what I learned, and to grow from it.

I am now zeroing in on the completion of a manuscript. Yes, it's the same one I worked on at the workshop. A year ago I sent it to an editor who read it, edited it, and sent it back with a memo full of vivid ideas on how to make it better. I reread the memo thirty-six times! Worked all late fall and winter on making the changes necessary to help the book tell its story. Now I'm going to send it back for another edit. I haven't given up.

My suggestion for wanting to feel a sense of growing and completion in our lives is to work longer than you ever thought necessary. If what you're doing feels important, go forward with commitment. Don't be tossed away. Never doubt yourself. These words of encouragement were given to me and now I'm giving them to you.

I use my bracelet as a reminder, and looking at it gives me a strength. I may not ever be the best writer, and I may not ever be a published author, but I will always remember to grow in whatever I choose to do in my life.

Spring, Nature, and the Higher Self...

Spring is three days away. Yippee!

I have a large woodpile waiting for me to split and I'm anxious to get to it. I don't like splitting wood in the cold, but I do relish the idea of warmth coming soon. When I do split my pile I feel the sun's strength on my back and I love it. Both the wood and the sun give me what I need to keep my self in tune with Nature and going forward.

On my wooded land I never feel lonely or weak, and I am given all I need for new growth and healing. That is what Spring and Nature give me every year at this time. I watch for green shoots to find their way above ground and for birds to begin finding nesting materials. As I look at the woodpile I feel the earth beneath my feet begin to awaken in perfect harmony to the sun's heat.

In meditation I thank the Universe for the seasons. They are outrageous and I don't want to live anywhere else but the northeast. Each season here helps me become stronger within myself, stronger in love, and more capable within.

I love this time of year!

Nature...

Someone asked me the other day if it matters whether or not I feed the deer, birds, fox, raccoon, and turkey that wander throughout my woods. I've been thinking about that question. Who does it matter to? The animals and birds, or to me?

Simply, the answer is both. It matters to the birds, turkey, deer, and other animals especially at this time of year. The ground is covered with snow and now a layer of ice on top of that. More snow is to come in this winter and what are these gorgeous souls going to eat? Yes, they do nurture themselves in many ways, but does it hurt to supplement their diet with corn, bird seed, and suet made by me? Many opinions, both for and against, have been shared about feeding wild animals. My feeling is why not! If we can help sustain them by adding a little supplement each day, I am honored to do so.

And does it matter to me? Yes! Nature and all souls are so giving in every way. Seeing their beauty inspires me, teaches me, and helps me to understand how we are all One. We need each other to survive this life. Trees give us shade, winter's dead-fall wood and therefore warmth as we burn, beauty in their leaves both in summer and in fall, and strength as we watch them stand tall under the harshest conditions. And birds, deer, turkey, fox, and other animals that share their woods with me? I view them as I would my friends. Loving, caring, and asking for help on occasion.

Yes it matters that we pay attention to the lessons of Nature. And yes, it matters to me as I watch them run with joy to my feeding stations on my property. They know me and I know them. They do not fear me. Nor I them. They wait with patience as I walk toward them with my feeding bucket every evening at dusk.

My whistle lets them know they are safe with me. The same whistle each time I feed, the one that they know so well.

What an honor to be a part of this exceptional beauty.