Tag: Alexander McCall Smith

December 11. Issue #68

Post author By Paul Yanuziello
Post date December 11, 2020

“You simply have to put one foot in front of the other and Keep Going. Put blinders on and plow right ahead.” George Lucas

Welcome all to my Weekly Journal

This weeks 5 things that interested me and I hope will be of some interest to you.

1. I have been asking folks if they will get the COVID-19 Vaccine when it’s available to them. Most people I speak with, either in person or on my travels or even during my virtual meetings; have indicated they will get the vaccine. As for me? — I’m in!

Much ado about nothing, indeed: The U.K rolls out the first doses of the Vaccine this week. William Shakespeare, an 81-year-old U.K resident was the second person to receive the vaccine.

Some people are still doubting the reality of COVID-19; I received an e-mail from an acquaintance, Eknath Erwin Vann, a yoga teacher and a musician whose work I had the pleasure of reviewing. (My review of Let’s Call Ed.)

I was shocked to read in Eknath’s message that he had a serious case of COVID-19. I asked him if I could share his story and he agreed.

Eknath plans to start teaching Yoga as soon as he’s back to full strength; in the meantime, he has shared his Hatha Yoga For All online course.

2. John Lennon (9 October 1940 – 8 December 1980) has been gone for 40 years. His music lives on with some wonderful reimaginings. I’ve been enjoying this; Michael Occhipinti’s SHINE ON: THE UNIVERSE OF JOHN LENNON.

My soundscape for this week also included Dave Brubeck and the Quartet, Live in Belgium 1964. This week marks the anniversary of Dave Brubeck’ death on Dec 5, 2012.

I fondly recalled Brubeck’ last performance in Toronto in 2010 with bandmates; saxophonist Bobby Militello, bassist Michael Moore and drummer Randy Jones.

3. My reading this week, The Craft of the Japanese Sword by Leon and Hiroko Kapp, Yoshindo Yoshihara, a book that I revisit often. A must-have for lovers of the Japanese sword. A refresher as I recorded a video, how not to polish a samurai sword.

A book I have just started, The Department of Sensitive Crimes by Alexander McCall Smith, it’s a fun read by one of my favourite authors.

4. My eye candy, all about movies and shows with a vast amount of comedy. I just realized “Working Moms” has released a new season.

5. My promotion for the holiday book sale is still running, take advantage of some good deals on e-books, including my book Samba on a Snowy Day.

Children’s Books Holiday Sale: Get my e-book for a limited time, at a fantastic price. There are some great deals here from some award-winning children’s authors.

Thanks for reading, if you think someone you know would like my newsletter please share it with them. If you’re looking for a great children’s book, check out my book, Samba on a Snowy Day.

The paperback version of Samba on a Snowy Day is now available in all York Region Chapters-Indigo stores. Pick up your copy before the Christmas rush.

Please consider a contribution to our next book project; scheduled for February of 2021. You can contribute by buying me a coffee, just swing by Ko-fi.com. You know I appreciate my coffee and in these crazy times every coffee really helps out.

Check out my weekly journal, follow the link to subscribe. Get the weekly happenings in your inbox, no spam I promise.

Tags Alexander McCall Smith, Erwin Vann, Japanese Sword, Working Moms

Museums Reading

Newsletter 33

Newsletter 33

Hello all and welcome to another week. I hope you have been taking advantage of any spare time you might have to take in the beauty that surrounds you — Nature. Things in my part of the world are starting to bloom, the featured photo is a flower in my garden, a Daffodil. This week I explore museums, books, music and some things to keep the kids busy with.

“If you truly love Nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” Vincent van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh (1853 – 1890) was a post-Impressionist painter whose work — notable for its beauty, emotion and colour — highly influenced 20th century art. He struggled with mental illness and remained poor and virtually unknown throughout his life.

The painting featured: Flowering plum orchard: after Hiroshige

Vincent van Gogh (October 1887 – November 1887)

1.Museums of the world are united in allowing the public to virtually come in and browse. I have been loitering at the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. The museum with the largest collection of paintings by the master, Vincent van Gogh.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York opened their doors to self isolating folks. One of my favourite museums, they have one of the best Japanese samurai sword exhibits in North America. They are also offering ten free art books, I am an admirer of Japanese Netsuke and Inro.

Something for the kids too Metkids with Easter just around the corner, how about colouring an easter rabbit. Or maybe an easter egg hunt. A great pass-time for the kids if you have any eggs on hand. Easter egg designs, hard boil the eggs, about 10 minutes, let them cool, get a pencil make a design and paint the eggs or use coloured markers. Make sure to use food grade colouring if your going to eat the eggs.

2.Sound adventures I have been listening to include Canadian bassist, band leader, composer and producer, Roberto Occhipinti. A Bend In The River, is his a 2009 release that features the talents of pianist David Virelles, Alto Saxophonist Luis Deniz and drummer/composer Dafnis Prieto.

3.My love of water has taken me to some interesting places and fostered a love of sharks. Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto is inviting everybody to virtually visit but watch out for the sharks.

4.This week I finished reading The Right Attitude to Rain which is the third of the Sunday Philosophy Club series of novels by Alexander McCall Smith, set in Edinburgh, Scotland. McCall Smith has me interested in Scotland and I am presently reading all about its fascinating history, The Story of Scotland by Nigel Tranter (1909 – 2000).

Another book that I keep coming back to is karate-dô, Perfecting Kumite by Masahiko Tanaka. Tanaka sensei was a champion fighter and he provides the secrets to his success in this fantastic resource. A video, Tanaka, The Champion, went along with the book and has been uploaded to youtube. The quality, while not that good, provides for some different ways to train, there are some great techniques to study here.

5.My book Samba on a Snowy Day is available as part of a promotion Stay At Home Togeather. A group of best selling children’s book authors helping out during this global pandemic by sharing some books. Have a look, most of the books are free and there are some great books on offer.

Samba in Brazil

This week I completed draft three of my manuscript for my next book, Samba in Brazil. My team of trusted advisors have reviewed it and want me to make some changes. Have you heard of Ko-fi? A friend of mine recommended it to me, I check it out and decided I would join up. So I have set up a page and now if you would like to buy me a coffee you can do so at Ko-fi.You can also read the first page of my new book there.

We will get through this together, remember to stay home if you aren’t a front line worker. Stay safe, wash your hands and continue to practice physical distancing.

Love and Light

Thanks for reading, if you think someone you know would like my newsletter please share it with them. If you’re looking for a great children’s book, Samba on a Snowy Day is available at Amazon.ca. Check out my blog, follow the link, sign in. Get the weekly newsletter in your inbox, no spam I promise.

Tags Alexander McCall Smith, Dafnis Prieto., David Virelles, Luis Deniz, Masahiko Tanaka, Nigel Tranter, Roberto Occhipinti, Vincent van Gogh

Reading

Newsletter 23

Newsletter 23

Hello all, in this weeks newsletter I check out the Grammy’s, give a nod to the Juno’s, Canada’s adaptation of the Grammy’s and discuss the events surrounding the Coronavirus. Among other items, including offering my book (e-book) for free, for a limited time.

In this weeks newsletter five things that interested me and I thought may be of interest to you too.

1. Grammy awards have been handed out and Juno nominations were announced as well this week. I was very happy to see some of the musicians I follow getting a Grammy award, especiallyRodrigo y Gabriela for Mettavolution in the Instrumental category.

Jacob Collier won two Grammy’s and his acceptance speech was point on, I was particularly impressed by this statement, “Do things on your own terms, do things in your own time, do things for yourselves, and give everything away.” A young man for our times, genius and generosity all rolled into one remarkable individual. Check out his sublime performance at Paste Studio in 2019.

2. The Crown a series I just started watching on Netflix and I like it. I did not think that I would enjoy it but this series is really well produced with excellent acting. An award winning show that provides a glimpse into Buckingham Palace and No. 10 Downing Street. I continue to read the Alexander McCall Smith, The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, great fun, such a wonderful writer.

3. Starting February 1st, I have joined a group of Children’s Authors for a free give away. Follow the link: February Children’s Books Giveaway for a free book, including my book Samba on a Snowy Day.

Thank you for having a look at my book. I hope you enjoy it and I would really appreciate it if you could visit Amazon Canada, or Amazon.com, the links are for my book, where you can add a rating and leave a review!

This week I was asked by a school administrator to make a video. Me reading my book Samba on a Snowy Day I jumped at the chance hoping to turn this into a great promotional tool and get into reading at the schools.

4. My karate classes are all about punching, kicking and fun. I try to make each children’s class mostly about fun. Sometimes however you get a child who does not want to participate. Luckily I have not had too many of those situations. There are many ways to deal with children who are reluctant to participate. I found a good site online Great Play, Interactive Gym For Kids they have produced an article that provides tips to parents that they can try with their children who may be reluctant to get involved in the activities. I especially like the point about leaders and how you can tell if they have children training and I believe what is mentioned is correct.

5. The Coronavirus has been declared a global health emergency and it is likely coming to a city near you. As someone who went through the Sars virus and was placed in quarantine, simply due to a visit to a hospital where the outbreak initiated in 2003. I can tell you that in Toronto and the GTA, Greater Toronto Area, a 100 mile radius around Toronto, a lot was learned. Having experienced and survived the Sars epidemic I am hopeful that the mistakes of 2003 will not be repeated and the virus will be contained. I remain optimistic and confident that all those in North America will remain calm and that sensible actions will prevail.

Thanks for reading. If you like what you’ve read forward this to someone you think will enjoy it. Remember to check out my book, Samba on a Snowy Day available at your favourite book store. A fun children’s book for children to read to adults or the other way around. Check out my blog, follow the link, sign in. Get the weekly newsletter in your inbox, no spam I promise. Copyright © 2020 Paul Yanuziello, All rights reserved.

Tags Alexander McCall Smith, Josh Collier, Rodrigo y Gabriela