I hope everyone is doing well.  It has been a little while since I last posted.  All is fine.  My work continues to be published on www.fridayflashfiction.com; www.101words.com and now www.page&spine is also publishing my short stories.

I plan to publish a book of short stories this year.  I will let you know as I get closer to the final draft.

Have a wonderful day.  And keep well.

Marjan

Hello everyone:

I hope you have all been well.  I decided it was time to once again visit my website.  And I apologize to all of you for not posting sooner.  As you may or may not know,  I worked as an Intensive Care Nurse for 30 years.   A few years ago I decided to take a break from  nursing.  40 years is a long time in one profession and since I was a prolific reader I said to myself:  why not try and write?

So what am I up to now?   Well I have been busy writing flash fictions.  These are stories that vary in length.  A few hundred words to a few thousand.  I find they offer me a writing challenge.   One of my favorite sites is www.fridayflashfiction.com  This site has published a number of my stories over the last year.  And in December, 2018 I was shortlisted for  “Southbound.”

My flash fictions have also been published on www.101words.com   May 4, 2018: George; May l4, 2018: Scott; June 21, 2018: The Counsellor; August 2, 2018: The Dog Stays. October l5, 2018: Shattered.

I try to cover different genres.  Of course my work may not appeal to every taste but hopefully you can find something that gives you a chuckle.

If you have a minute, please check www.100wordstory.org  The site gives the reader a photo prompt.  And one creates a l00 word story.  My story for the month of January 2019 is titled:  “No More Excuses.”

I have a suggestion.  Why don’t you all try your hand at writing a little drabble.   After all if you don’t at least give it a try, you will never know what gems are brewing in your subconscious.

Well folks that is all for now.  I will try and post more frequently.

Please follow me on twitter   @SierhuisMarjan

sincerely,

Marjan

Hello Everyone:

I shall be offering my electronic book free on www.amazonkindle.com  from Monday,  April 2, 2018 until Friday, April 6, 2018 for those who are interested in reading it.     One of my flash fiction stories will be  published in www.reflexfiction.com. Anthology collection.  Release date is April 2018.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Marjan

My aunt Renske passed away on Saturday March 24, 2018.   Today I attended her funeral.  Although it was a solemn occasion I had the honor and privilege of spending the day with eight of her children (my cousins)  and their families.   This wonderful and kind woman had 21 grandchildren and l8 great grandchildren.   And she will surely be missed by all.

Dear Aunt Renske:  May you rest in peace.

Hello everyone:

I have a story for you to read on www.adhocflashfiction.com   It is called:  The buckle.  And it is story #60.

Please enjoy.

Marjan

Hello Everyone:

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged.  And please except my apologies.  A lot has happened since then and I will share some of my news with you.   Exciting news!  One of my flash fiction stories made the Autumn 2017 Longlist at www.reflexfiction.com.  I also made the third quarter 2017 Longlist of #flash500.  And I made the longlist final quarter 2017 of #flash500.

I am now also a contributing author on www.fridayflashfiction.com.  And you can read my short and long stories on this site.

I have also been published weekly on ad hoc fiction.   Submitted stories are anonymous and put to a vote.  Once off we submit a new one for the following week.

My Autumn 2017,  longlisted story,  “Another minute, another hour, another day” will be published in reflex fiction’s anthology collection in April of 2018.

I must admit I have neglected my second novel.  It still remains a work in progress.  But I love writing my flash fictions.

I will keep you informed regarding my second novel.  No not a memoir this time.  But a medical thriller.

Hope you are all doing well.  I promise not to neglect you this time for such a long period.

sincerely

Marjan

Hi

I hope you’ve all been well since my last blog.  I thought you might enjoy some pictures.  So I have attached a few for your viewing enjoyment.

Bloor-Yorkville had it’s l2th annual ice-fest in February.  And I have included a few of the sculptures that were carved by some very talented artists.

This year was a special event.  The theme celebrated Canada’s l50th anniversary.  20,000 lbs. of crystal clear ice was sculpted inspired by the celebration of Canada’s Confederation.  A truly magnificent display.

Of course I also had to pay a visit to Toronto’s Zoo.  What can I say.  It’s one of my favorite places. As you can see from my photos, the pandas are an absolute delight to look at and watch.   If you have an opportunity, please drop by.  I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.  It’s a great place to visit.

Great news.  For all of you who haven’t had an opportunity to read my book, I have made it free on amazon-kindle this week.  You may enjoy reading it.   It is also available in the Toronto Public Library.  Where a hold may be placed on the library site.  The memoir is also available in Ottawa Public Library, Mississauga Public Library, and Regina Public Library.  As well as on the Indigo website, and in several indigo stores.

I will now say goodbye.  It is cold outside.  So please bundle up.

Talk soon.

Marjan

Hi Everyone:   A few pictures for your viewing pleasure.

My pictures were taken a few days ago at Allan’s Gardens, in Toronto.  I used my Samsung 7, smart phone. The picture quality is great. Don’t you agree?  And there are always some gorgeous flowers and plants to capture one’s interest.

Please enjoy.

I hope you’ve all been well.  Everything has been fine with me.  I am still busy promoting my book, and attending book signings.  As you know I am on the Indigo website.  And my book is available in several indigo stores.  The website lists the different stores.  And most are in Toronto.  My next book signing will be at Chapters, on Saturday, March 11, starting at l2:00 noon.  The address is:  Erin Mills Power Centre; 3050 Vega Blvd. Mississauga, Ontario.

I would love to see you there.

My book is also available at Toronto Public Library; Mississauga Public Library; Ottawa Public Library, and Regina Public Library.  As well as the University of Toronto Bookstore;  Please check my website for more details.

For any of you who love to read or for that matter enjoy writing, I am a member of a great writing group.  It is called the Toronto Writer’s Cooperative.  And we meet every Sunday in  the Toronto Reference Library on the 3rd floor, in the discussion room.  Time:  2:00 to 4:00 p.m.  We are a group of like minded individuals who meet and critique each other’s work.  It’s free, and open to everyone.  And we have a fabulous group of members who include  journalists, published author’s, poets, etc. and writing instructors.

The email address is towc@live.com;  John Miller is founder of the group.  And I am sure he would love to hear from you.

On March 5, Catherine Dorton will be conducting a workshop in the Reference Library.  She is a freelance editor and proofreader with many years of experience.  The workshop will be held on the 3rd floor.  It will  be in the Discussion Room, starting at 2:00 p.m.  It should be a fun day.  As well as informative.  Hope to see you there.

If you send an email to towc@live.com I am sure you will be able to subscribe to upcoming group events.

Well that’s all I have to say for now.  My second book is calling out for some attention.   I’ll let you know when it’s completed.  At the moment it remains a work in progress.  The little rascal is somewhat of a brain teaser, and keeps me challenged while I try to come up with new ideas, and interesting plot twists.

Keep well.

Talk soon.

Marjan

Hello Everyone.

I hope you’ve all been well, and have bundled up whenever you’ve ventured outside lately.  It’s been quite chilly.  And please be careful when you drive or use the sidewalks.   Both can be quite slippery.   Also a friendly reminder to “wash those hands” frequently.  Bugs can be quite stubborn, and like to take ownership of our body.   And they never seem to ask for our permission.

I’ve decided to share some photos with you today.  I think you will enjoy them.   They may even give you a chuckle. During the last few weeks, of this month,  I have visited the Toronto Zoo as well as Allan Gardens in Toronto.  As I have mentioned in previous blogs these are two of my favourite places.   I wanted to try the camera and video component on my new Samsung  phone.  And I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the pictures.    See what you think.

The pictures  from the zoo are quite delightful.  I am certain the animals knew they were having their pictures taken.   They became very active and quite delightful to watch.  I see some stars in the making.  Address: 2000 Meadowvale Road, Toronto. Open: 9:30a.m.-4:30p.m. daily.   (416) 392-5929.

If you have an opportunity to visit the Toronto Zoo please do so.  It’s a fun place, with many beautiful, and interesting animals, and open 364 days of the year. And a great learning experience for people of all ages.  By the way, don’t forget your camera. You can also pack a lunch, or purchase  food at the various food outlets.  And yes,  there is a Tim Hortons on site, for all you fans.

Last but not least is Allan Gardens Conservatory.  As you know it is a tourist attraction in downtown Toronto, and well worth the visit.  They have a spectacular Christmas flower show, and open daily from l0a.m. to 5.00 p.m.  You can view the conservatory by candlelight with extended hours until 7:00 p.m. on weekends of Dec. 7,8,l4,l5,21,22.  website: http/www.toronto.ca/parks/conservatories.

Before I go I would like to mention that my first novel is now available in a few libraries.  And if you have an up to date library card you can place a hold on the novel:  wwwtorontopubliclibrary.ca;  also available in www.mississaugapubliclibrary; www.ottawapubliclibrary.ca  and www.reginapubliclibrary.ca

I will also keep you posted on the days I have my signings.  I usually list them on my twitter page: @sierhuismarjan; or my author’s page on facebook. Should you be in the neighbourhood during a signing, please stop by for a visit or a chat.

For those of you who may have wondered, about my second book it remains a work in progress.   I will keep you posted.

Well that is it for now.  Enjoy a healthy, and happy holiday season.  And may you stay well.

If I take any more  photos, that I think you may enjoy, I promise to post them on my website.

Talk soon.

Marjan

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Hello Everyone:

They unveiled the Christmas window’s at Hudson’s Bay/ Saks store on Queen Street, a few days ago.  And they have an animal theme this year.  It’s really cute.  If you happen to be in the city this holiday season don’t forget to stop by the Queen Street store.

Have yourself a wonderful weekend.

Marjan