Welcome to this corner of my world. This, my new blog page, will continue to be a work in progress. Please join me by subscribing and be notified whenever I post a new Poem, Musing, Story, Whatever; or edit a page. I welcome and look forward to your comments.
While living in Ireland I became interested in photography and writing. I tinkered around with writing about my lifeโฆ not so interesting, or maybe it felt like too much work, too much pain. The photography gave me opportunities to be creative and learn a new skill. Of course, that was back in my SLR camera days. Now I have to relearn all over again with a digital camera.
I read the book The Neverending Story by Michael Ende and loved it. I read it four more times within a few months. The details are amazing, and the story is intertwined with various moral messages. It made me think what an amazing legacy to leave behind.
Prior to moving to Ireland in 1975, during a difficult time in my life I picked up the book and read A Michener Miscellany by James Michener. It was his thoughts on writing, his writing. It created a real interest in reading. And so I began a love affair with reading, holding books in my hand, and going to a different place, time, and life.
After starting to do some writing myself I decided to send a letter to James Michener. It was a long letter, about seven pages, briefly describing a wee bit of my life, about reading his book, and my interest in writing. I never expected a response. About two months later I received an envelope from him with a letter which he had typed and signed himself. He said I was a very good story teller and should keep writing. WOW!
One morning the beginning of a story began walking through my head. I sat down with pad and pen. I wrote all day. My imagination could see the story told in other ways than just a published book! I continued to write for my own joy, never actually thinking about or believing I would one day get published. Circumstances and changes in my life, including returning to live in the U.S., trying to find work after being away for 12 years, going through a divorce, and literally starting my life over from scratch made the distance between starting the story and finishing it much longer than it should have
At one point I noticed there was a part of the story which could be told on its own as a short story, and I began letting a few people read it. I also read it to my Small Faith group from church. The responses were mind blowing to me. People began to tell me I was wrong not to share it with the world. One day, my boss at the time who was the VP of Marketing, a no-nonsense tell it like it is kind of person said she would like to read some of my writings. I included the short story part of the longer story, along with some poems. After reading my work she said they were very well written and she really liked all of them. She said she would look forward to reading the whole story about Little One. Coming from her that was icing on the cake. I began looking for a publisher.
What a special joy in my life when my first book โLittle One ~ End of Journey Aloneโ was published July 2003. From the day I got word my book was to be published, through to the point of actual publication and after, there were amazing blessings which I could never have imagined.
A favorite Quote from Marcel Proust “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”
I have seen with new eyes through my heart and soul, and now know the path God is leading me on and trusting in His blessings along the way. I am so grateful for the gift of finally knowing the purpose for my life, even though it seems strange to me.
Life is more beautiful and blessed when we let God take control and guide us. I am excitedly waiting for the next surprise He has planned for my life.
Contact info: amarquette732@gmail.com
A wonderful post. And James Michener was right.
Claire
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“When the student is willing, the teacher will appear. ” I don’t know who said this, but I do know that it is true, in my own experiences and in those of others.
You are a brave person, Ann, and that is one big part of being creative–go fearlessly forward on the path that you choose. It’s not an easy thing. I am not good at this. You are teaching me, that it’s much easier to do than I have believed. Thank you. ๐
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I love the Never Ending story, the movie- I’m sure the book is much better. I just introduced that movie to my 7 year old son, when he was 6. Some parts are a little scary but he enjoys it!
Sandi
http://www.ahhsome.wordpress.com
P.S. Thanks for visiting my site. I hope you subscribe and I’ll subsribe to your blog, hoping to be blogging buddies!
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P.S. thanks for stopping by here and reading about me ๐
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The BOOK is awesome. You really should read it.
I thought I did also subscribe to your site. Maybe it didn’t go through that way. I can try it again.
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What a wonderful peek into your life Ann. It really is all about the journey. When you believe in yourself and the possibility of wonderful things, anything can happen. Anything at all. Thank you for sharing. ๐
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What a special memory…your “meeting” James Michener. And to be encouraged to continue writing by a literary giant is a fantasy come true. God has blest you on your journey…
and continues to do so. ๐
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Thank you hugmamma. I didn’t actually “meet” James Michener. I wrote him a very long letter, and surprisingly he personally wrote me back with encouragement.
Yes God has blessed me much in my life and continues to do so. I am grateful.
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The last line is just superb. I couldn’t agree more, Ann! Well done on this! ๐
Subhan Zein
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Hi Ann, Thank you so much for visiting my post and following my blog:)
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Ann, I just nominated you for the Liebster blog award. Feel free to do with it what you may as I know that the awards thing can sometimes be a bit tedious with the rules and all of the writing…No pressure! I hope all is well! ๐ http://wp.me/pVHMq-xE
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Thank you mairzeebp. I appreciate the award. I will look at it later ๐
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Hey Ann
Are you okay?
I’ve missed seeing you!
โก
Di
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Hi Diane, Thank you so much for stopping by here and checking in on me to see if I am ok. I am, but have not been posting to my blog for a long time. My long time job assignment ended and 4 weeks ago listed my house for sale (this is the 3rd time since 2008). And planning my move to Greenville SC. I now have a contract on the house, thank God, and praying for the remaining processes to go smoothly. I will move as soon as the closing is finalized and money in hand ๐ Also working on cleaning/clearing out stuff, some for sale, and will then organize and plan the actual move ๐ I have wanted this for several years now. Thank you God ๐
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Not sure how I never read this. I am honored even more to know ya afrer reading your ABOUT!
By the way. The Never Ending Story affected me in much the same way. The symbolism and moral compass made me love it even more. Not to mention, that it was centered around a child who loved to read.
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Awe thank you Diane. I believe The Never Ending Story inspired me in the writing of my book “Little One ~ End of Journey Alone” to be a story read and enjoyed by all ages. Although I did not intentionally write special messages in the story, but many readers responded that they were encouraged and inspired; helped in some way in their lives. It was God who guided that writing.
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Dear Ann,
I came across your blog some time ago, but have just got around to writing you. I am historian and collector living in Toronto Canada. I thought that you might find it interesting that I bought the jacket worn by Audrey Hepburn when she
was pictured with you! It was sold in the Audrey Hepburn sale Part III May 2018 by Christies. (The full catalogue can be seen online). I also bought a skirt with this jacket (see catalogue photo) โ could it have been the one she wore on this occasion?
Thanks, in advance, for your help.
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Wow I had no idea. I have been in 2 pics with Audrey and didn’t know any were included in any of her collections!!!
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Oops! I misunderstood what you meant ๐
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May I ask how much you paid for them? Yes that is the jacket she wore in my pic. ๐
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Dear Ann,
Thanks for responding to my email. I paid around $3500 US for this costume (including cost, fees, taxes, shipping etc.). I was just lucky enough to get it – I had bid previously on other items in the first and second sales 2017 and struck out. Whatever the cost, I had to pay it, for I knew that I would never again have a chance at such an item.
It is really a thrill to own a piece of history such as this. Through researching such items one learns a great deal along the way about all manner of subjects. Audrey seems to have regarded this jacket as a particular favourite – she wore it on at least four occasions which can be documented. She can be seen in two books with it on (one showing her childhood nanny and probably taken the same day as your Ireland photo). Furthermore, she was interviewed wearing it on GOOD MORNING AMERICA AUDREY HEPBURN 1987 (website) and with Larry King 1989. You should see the 1987 interview, as it covers a lot of ground with regards her life and career. It makes me firmly believe that I bought the most important piece in the 2018 auction.
Both you, who met her wearing this jacket, and I, who now own it, share a historical bond! Truly remarkable I would say, especially after so many years.
Before I go, I should mention that I have two other historical garments that you can view on line. You might find them entertaining: 1) type in FRED ASTAIRE 1966 and watch Astaire and Barrie Chase dance on Hollywood Palace – I own the dance costume worn by Chase, and 2) type in MERYL STREEP 2010 OSCARS and watch Streep interviewed on the ‘red carpet’ – I own her white gown.
Take care and continued success with your writing endeavors.
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Hi Gordon, Wow! Do you have a museum where you display them?
By the way, the photo of Audrey and her Nanny in one of the books is the one I took of them. I ran into Robert Wolders at a Unicef event where he asked my approval to publish it. I said of course it was, but the book was already being printed so they couldn’t add my name as the photographer. At the same time Robert gave me the ok to dedicate my first book to Audrey ๐
What is your website?
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