jackieandnoel

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!

In the Rhone River, France, clay ‘beauty’ treatment (aka ‘playing in mud!’)

To find out more about this, you’ll have to start reading our travel blog

Do you have any grey-hair making moments on your travels you’d like to share?

June 18, 2015
by jackieandnoel Leave a comment

Giveaway

Win a copy of A Standard Journey – 5 horses, 2 people, and 1 tent:

Goodreads Book Giveaway

A Standard Journey

by Jackie Sarah Parry

Giveaway ends June 22, 2015. See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

GOOD LUCK! If you are not one of the lucky ones – the book is on sale on Amazon (ebook and paperback) Here: A Standard Journey

Don’t forget I am donating 50% of proceeds of this book to charity – I want to help rescue more horses!

June 6, 2015
by jackieandnoel Leave a comment

“Take the journey.”

Wonderful first review – don’t forget, I will donate 50% of all proceeds to help rescue more horses….

rochellecarlton

I was excited to receive a review copy of Jackie Parry’s new story “A Standard Journey.” I read and thoroughly enjoyed her previous book “Of Foreign Build,” and this highly anticipated adventure is the next offering from this remarkable writer.

A Standard Journey is set in Australia and takes the reader, by horseback, through The Bicentennial National (BNT) recreational trail. As with her previous book Jackie’s plans were never going to be straight forward.

Accompanied by her husband, Noel, she began the journey burdened down with gear, food and a dream to see this part of her adopted country by horseback.

Along the way they met unique individuals, forged friendships, gained knowledge and suffered bruises. Through her writing Jackie Parry opens up a window to the emotional and stressful life of the adventure that lay ahead of them.

Jackie Parry’s writing is, as always, professional and honest. Her free spirit…

View original post 26 more words

May 5, 2015
by jackieandnoel 12 Comments

Famed Yachting Authors

Many authors dream of a publishing contract. Knowing what I know now, it’s no longer my priority – although it is definitely up for discussion.

Alongside famous authors
However, I’ve recently signed a publishing contract that will place Of Foreign Build alongside famous authors.

Who?
New Street Nautical signed me up a few weeks ago saying, ‘we’d like to do an audio version of your wonderful book.’

Research
When one receives a fantastic offer it’s prudent to make some enquiries:

You check out the company – TICK
Check the contract thoroughly – TICK
Check the company background again – TICK
See who else they’ve published – TICK (and smile)
Read contract again and do a happy dance – TICK!

Famed Yachting Authors
My book will be alongside famed yachting authors such as Callahan, McCormick, Lin and Larry Pardey, and Cornell!

It’s all happening!
A professional female voice artist has just been hired and in mid-July the audio version will become available via Amazon.

There’s more… !
What’s more “A Standard Journey – 5 horses, 2 people and 1 tent” will be out in June.

Ohhh, I feel a giveaway coming on…. watch this space!

April 17, 2015
by jackieandnoel 6 Comments

Exposed!

I’ve been uncovered and exposed. I’ve been cajoled, poked, pushed and pulled.

It’s been a roller-coaster couple of days.

“Dig deep,” she said, “search your soul….”

For twenty-four hours I was worrying and fretting; how was I going to do this?

Then…. I GOT it!

Opening Up
My heart opened, my words flowed and my goodness it was cathartic. It was a relief, liberating, and on a par with a two-day marathon counselling session.

I laughed, I cried, I did both at once!

Even I understand myself better now.

The Beginning
It started last year (or seventeen years ago, depending how far you delve into my psyche!) In 2013, Noel and I rescued five horses and trekked part of the Bicentennial National Trail.

Jackie’s on Charlie taking the picture, so you can see part of Ned. Noel and his three behind.

The Story
I’ve written the story, and the editors (at Narrative Ink Editing LCC) said, “This was an absolute joy to read! It’s such a unique story. The characters are funny and kind and endearing. This book at times had me laughing out loud, but it is serious too…. Some of your descriptive passages were absolutely breathtaking. At times I felt like I was right there on the trail with them all.”

Noel on Stevie, leading Spirit and Dom (Dom’s trying to roll)

A Whole New Level
Now, together, we’ve taken the story to another level. Fears, accomplishments and my very soul weaves through the book; so not only will you laugh, cry, and be shocked, you will ride the trail with Noel and I, and you will also cling to the emotional roller coaster with me.

Jackie on Charlie, holding Ned, and from r to l Spirit, Dom and Stevie

Jackie on Charlie and leading Ned

(l to r) Stevie, Spirit, Dom, Charlie, Ned

For more about our current escapades, take a look here.

March 15, 2015
by jackieandnoel 9 Comments

Barge Renovations Update

We’re still buried in the bowels of our little ship – renovating away, only popping up for air when we need feeding.

Below are galley progress-pictures from a month or so back (where has the time gone?). Some people liked the painted cupboards, but we changed them for several reasons:

1) The photos looked so much better than the real thing.

2) My eyes couldn’t stand all the hectic patterns and clashing of colours, stripes and frills (frilly net-curtains, red curtains, striped curtains, and the stencilled flowers on the sky-hatch windows) – something had to give!

3) I like fresh, simple decor that creates the feeling of space.

4) We didn’t like them!