July | 2015 | Jackie Parry

July 26, 2015
by jackieandnoel 8 Comments

Afterlife of Books and Magazines

I don’t usually deface books or magazines, but the other day I did – out of desperation.

I should apologise to Motor Boat Monthly Magazine. But the magazine in question was several years old, ten I think, and it had been read several times, by us both – AND, they went out of print last year (according to Wikipedia).

Instead of throwing out the magazine we became inspired. Most people, who live the nomadic life (especially on boats) learn this knack, everything has at least two uses. We certainly had a use for the stiff folds of paper.

Saving your sanity
So, what can you make with an old Motor Boat Magazine, coloured tape, paper, scissors and string?

You can make something to save your sanity – that’s what!

Freedom at a price
Mooring on the French canals is a wonderful freedom. At many places, most times, you can stop for the night or even a day or two.

Currently, shade is our top priority. Fortunately, we have found great shady spots, safe depths and tied up safely on a straight stretch. (Why oh why do so many boats tie up on a blind bend?)

Slow down
It’s here, tied blissfully to a quiet spot we are hounded by hire boats that insist on racing alongside with total disregard of the ‘rules of the road’ – you must pass all moored vessels at no more than 3 kms/hr.

What happens?
As the water is sucked and pushed alongside a speeding boats’ hull, we shift forwards then backwards and our mooring pegs, that have been driven into the bank, are literally pulled out.

When we see a boat approach and ask them to slow – most do. Some look at us as if we are mad!

So, we made a sign, that’s reinforced with Motor Boats Monthly magazine. It is nowhere near big enough, it’s a little amateurish (hastily cobbled together in desperation and fear of being set adrift!), but it’s a start. I am already planning Mark 2.

What creative ideas have you developed to improve your life on the road?

July 22, 2015
by jackieandnoel 5 Comments

An Exhilarating Tale For 99 cents / 99 pence

Let me transport you into the Australian bush….

There’s only Noel and I and five huge horses!….. We did have a tent too!

Here’s our story of our adopted horses, trail riding for three months without support and a woman who questions her life while she falls in love with horses all over again.

50% of profits of this book will be donated to *horse charities

NO – YOU don’t pay more. I donate to charity from my earnings!

Get wrapped up in this thrilling ride – I’ll take care of the donations

Here’s what’s being said already:

‘To enjoy this thoroughly, all you need to know about horses is that the head’s the front and the tail’s the back.’

‘For me, this is a book about journeys: why we do them; with whom; how they challenge and change us; why they are so difficult to end.’

‘Even the chapter headings are well-written – eg “Bucking and Farting” and “Here’s My Heart.”’

‘It has some very moving moments of unexpected kindness – human and equine – that stayed with me after I’d finished the book.”

“Heartily recommended”

“A story that will resonate with any animal lover, any adventurer, and anyone

who enjoys reading about ordinary people achieving truly extraordinary things.”

Meet the stars!

The paperback book contains colour pictures and links into another world, but here’s the full photo album here: https://jackieparry.com/photo-album/ – meet the real stars of the story.

Please share – together let’s make a difference!

* Currently, supporting SPPHA – Standard Pleasure and Performance Horses Association and Redwings Horse Sanctuary

MORE CHARITY ORGANISATIONS WILL BE DONATED TO AS BOOKS SALES CONTINUE

July 18, 2015
by jackieandnoel Leave a comment

Unique & Thrilling Journey For A Few Cents / Pence

Saddle up and hold on!

You won’t feel the pain at all – not like we did.

Allow me to transport you into the Australian bush.

Here’s what’s being said already about our story:

“A hauntingly beautiful story.”

“Told with humour and humbleness.”

Let the tears fall as you witness a miracle

“Told with searing honesty.”

“This story will stick with you for a long time.”

“Even the chapter headings are well-written – eg ‘Bucking and Farting’, and ‘Here’s My Heart.'”

You’ll feel no pain, but you will experience ours.

Meet the stars!
The paperback book contains colour pictures, but here’s the full photo album for everyone to enjoy. Meet the real stars of the story.

But wait – there’s more!
I will donate 50% of all profits to help rescue more horses. So please share these words with anyone who enjoys reading about ordinary people achieving truly extraordinary things – any animal lovers, or adventurers too.

From 22nd July – 27th July you can purchase the ebook – A Standard Journey for 99 cents / pence (USA/UK) – what more could you ask for?

July 15, 2015
by jackieandnoel 2 Comments

Memoir Reviews

As an author of memoirs, I indulge in this genre more than I ever did before. I do read all genres and enjoy the vivid and varied styles and stories.

Here are two reviews for memoirs I’ve recently finished. So much enjoyment! So many books – so little time….

African Ways by Valerie Poore

A Compelling Read

Moving to South Africa with her husband and young girls was a challenge Valerie Poore tackled with endearing humility and humour. Their time there is a picture story created through vivid prose.

As she recalls the unique culture and charming characters I was taken on a journey where I could experience the countryside and feel her frustrations while enduring the tough challenges that a new culture brings.

This is beautifully written with down to earth, honest style.

I’ve read other books from Valerie Poore and I shall be reading more. This lady is smart, courageous, warm and funny – and this book will put a smile on your face.

No Damage: An adventure in courage, survival and the pursuit of dreams by Kathryn Hodgson

A roller-coaster read

Here’s a lady with enormous human spirit and a knack to laugh at herself.

Told with searing honesty, Kathryn takes you on a journey of love, loss, heartache, joy and redemption. Her most intimate decisions are shared, discussed, analysed and carried out with equal measures of humour, sadness, fear and validation.

Although at times I felt a tiny bit uncomfortable with her self-justification for some of those decisions – I still couldn’t wait to settle down each evening to be carried along with her sentiments and emotions. I wanted to see which one of life’s challenges would knock her flat next – and how she’d stand up and slap it right back!

These ‘life-lessons’ are experienced by us all, but Kathryn makes it a fun ride that’s all wrapped in the chaos of two lunatic, adorable dogs.

If you are a similar age and you like an entertaining read on handling the lumps and bumps of life that is loaded with sentiment – this book is for you.

I would have loved to have more written dialogue between Kathryn and her dynamic friends, to really hear how they carried her through the difficult times – but that’s just a personal perspective and takes nothing away from a great read!

July 5, 2015
by jackieandnoel 8 Comments

From Author to Calendar Girl?

A cheeky smirk played on my lips when I read the new message,

“From Wednesday you are our Calendar Girl!”

I’m giggling again now, as I can imagine your eyes scanning down to find the Calendar Girl shot – whether excitedly or in horror!

You must banish all of these visions dear reader, as the reference to me being Calendar Girl, is my photography! But do not despair – read on…. there are ‘exciting’ shots to follow!

Sweet Flower Cottage

This was taken on the Canal du Centre, France, as we puttered by on our 1920s Dutch barge – which is our current home, project, and escapade.

Maybe this (below) is what you’d expect as a Calendar Girl!

Admittedly, I am a few years older now, maybe a little softer in places and definitely sporting more grey hairs – I’ve earned every single one of them!

If you want to know why or how I’ve earned my grey highlights, laughter lines, and a life that is extraordinary, take a look at my sailing and horse-riding memoirs (Amazon link WITH excerpts):

A Standard Journey, 5 horses, 2 people, and 1 tent
Of Foreign Build, From Corporate Girl to Sea-Gypsy Woman

And just for being good sports and reading to the end of my post – here’s another recent picture that had Noel rolling his eyes! Well, a Calendar Girl has to have a beauty regime!