Happy Holidays and Happy 2026!

 

Charlie Brown had the right idea!!

Hope the New Year brings you all the Good Things, especially those that truly matter like love, lasting friendships, good health and peace of mind.

You can also visit me at my author's site, where I post on a more regular basis including book promos and my latest news. 

My author's site is at: 

Geraldine Helen Hartman 

Summer Sunshine Returns....

 

Don't you just love daisies! I sure do. 

Summer flowers that seem to smile.😁

Stop by my author's site for regular updates and new book promos. 

Seasonal haiku poetry and photos too. 

Wishing You a Happy, Healthy Summer!!!

Are You Ready For Spring?

I sure am!!! 🌷🌷🌷

This winter here in Northern Alberta has been long (already), very cold (even for the Prairies) and with LOTS of snow. I love all four seasons, including winter but I am so ready to see the warmer weather, flowers and clear skies return.

Hope you enjoy this photo and haiku from my Haiku Reflections poetry series.

SPRING: BRING IT ON!!!

Heartfelt Gifts of Peace and Blessings to You, in 22"

After this most difficult past 2 years, I send my heartfelt good wishes and blessings to all  my blog readers, past and present.

 May 2022 be the start of the end of this Covid nightmare that has gripped the world, month after month. Hard to believe it has continued for all this time.

I have been coping as well as I can. Trying to immerse myself in creative projects, losing myself in happier thoughts and good memories too.

On the plus side, I have gotten back to writing after a very long hiatus!

I have a new Kindle eBook, now available at all Amazon sites:

A "straight from the heart"  "no punches pulled" work that has been percolating in my mind for a long time.  

I hope you'll check it out and that you find it helpful in your own life and struggles with regrets. 

Stop by my author's site anytime for all my book promo updates. This is now my most active site/blog, which I still update on a regular basis.

Take care, Stay Safe, Healthy and Hopeful. 

Blogger Update and Back to WordPress!

Hope you are having a wonderful summer so far. 

Here on Vancouver Island we've been having picture perfect weather, day after day. 😊 Hopefully, we will be spared the heat wave that is now moving West.

The unpacking goes on and on....but we can now see an end in sight. 

Have already given away over 50 boxes of clothes, household goods, books....and at least another 50 more to come. It's hard to part with some stuff but at the same time, so liberating!😉

I've made some blogging decisions too. 

I'm putting, My Real Life Reviews,

on hiatus.

I will still be posting reviews on a regular basis at Amazon Canada, where I am a Top 500 reviewer and Vine Voice member and at Amazon.com, but that is all for now, in terms of reviews.

If you are stopping by to request a review, check out the information for review requests first, see top of this page for more information. I am still accepting review requests for consideration, but only if your book or product is currently available at Amazon sites.

I will continue to post periodically at my author's site re: upcoming Amazon promotions, personal updates, projects in progress...

Geraldine Helen Hartman

🌼🌼🌼

I've also decided to " resurrect " my two WordPress blogs in the near future:

Veggies, Yarns &Tails, 

and

My Poetic Path

I have missed posting recipes, craft projects, Mr. Cheddar updates, poetry....so this seemed like the right move for my blogging pursuits. will be trying for weekly posting over there.

I also have a lot more followers at those blogs and many WP blogs that I follow too, so it feels like a good move. Never say never, especially when it comes to blogs and blogging!😉 

I still love blogging but it's time for a change. Hope you'll stop by over at my other blogs, sometime soon. 

So, it's Goodbye (for now) My Real Life Reviews♥

and

  Hello (again)WordPress!😁

Happy Autumn and 2018 Fall Amazon eBook Promotion!

We've been having an absolutely glorious Autumn, here on Vancouver Island!

Sunny, warm days with just a hint of a breeze. 

The Mountain Ash trees(above) are looking spectacular; one of my favorite trees.

And if the forecast is right, we are expecting at least a week or two more of this weather trend.

I'm just loving it!😊

Hard to get much indoor work done, but I have scheduled my latest Amazon eBook promotions, for October, continuing into November, for all my current eBook titles. 

The first promotion starts today, October 15th!

You can check out all the dates and details at my Author's site:

What's New Page

🎃 Happy Reading, Cooking and Autumn too! 🎃

Summer 2018 Kindle eBook Promotions

🌴 Summer 2018 Amazon eBook Promotions 🌴

Stop by my author/book site for a list of all the eBook promotion dates/links and additional information. 

🍉While you're there, check out the recipe page too! 🍅

🌴 🌴 🌴

Happy Summer, Cooking and Reading!!!

Holiday Cookbook Sale 2017 :-)

I am having a holiday cookbook sale for my first (print) cookbook,

NOT JUST FOR VEGETARIANS

for the rest of November and the month of December.

You can read all the details here.

Happy Cooking and Happy Holidays!!!

Haiku Reflections III (now available) ! 😊

Haiku Reflections III

Is now completed and available at all the Amazon sites! 😊

And yes, I DID change the cover photo AGAIN!!! 

The print copy is already available and the Kindle version is available for pre-orders, which will be delivered automatically to tablet,kindle...., on June 1st. 

I decided to go with a pre-order arrangement for the Kindle version this time, while preparing some marketing plans and finishing up my new author website. 

I am so happy with how this book turned out. 

A labour of love, as always. 

How I love all things haiku!!!😁

Here are four sample (spring) poems from Haiku Reflections III (120 poems in total) and one of the interior photos:

Steamer trunk, lavender.

Rereading old love letters.

Break from spring cleaning.

*** 

“Pussy-willows, cattails...”

Humming an old Lightfoot tune.

Tiny silverfish.

*** 

Warm winds and fresh scents.

Sensing the earth awakening.

Planning the garden.

*** 

Bulbs bursting through.

A feast for the senses.

Awaiting jonquils.

*** 

You can read more about the Haiku Reflection series and all my other eBooks/books here.

Wishing You a Wonderful Day and Happy (Haiku) Reading! 😊

Taking a Short Blogging Break and Happy Mother's Day :-)

I am working on a number of projects right now, so have decided to take a short break from blogging and reviewing. 

And yes, I am trying to spend more time outside too! The weather here on Vancouver Island has been so nice lately, hovering around 15C which IMO is just right for long walks. Not too cool but not hot either. Love it!!

One of my priorities right now is to set up an author's website, to share my numerous books, reviews etc...all in one place. That has turned out being harder than expected as I am trying to do it myself. I thought it would be easy but to date, have not found a website builder that checks all my requirements: easy to set up, attractive templates, free domain, good reviews about their service...But I know I'll get there! 😊

I'm also on the last stages of finishing Haiku Reflections III for print and kindle versions. The print version is already finished, now to get the kindle one completed and on Amazon sites. Hopefully this week. I'll be posting about that when it's all complete!

In the meantime, I hope you have a wonderful week and

😀 Happy Mother's Day too! 💓

A Haiku and French Lesson Update :-)

As you may remember from this previous post about the latest book/eBook I am currently working on, I was trying to decide what color and photo to go with for Haiku Reflections III. 

                                                                                         

The pink cover above is what I ended up choosing instead of this one:

What do you think?
                                                                           

The print book is now in review at CreateSpace and I am also working on the Kindle version, which will also have additional interior photos, for each season. 

I'll post a link when available at Amazon! 

It has been such fun creating a new book and I look forward to completing this project in the next few days. 😊

Onto another topic, you might also remember this post about my wish to learn French and my experience to date with Duolingo software.

I'm still motivated to continue with my French language pursuits but not with Duolingo.  It ended falling well short of my expectations, after working with this software for several weeks. Too many errors in translations, silly sentences that didn't make a lot of sense and certainly didn't help with learning....and several other issues. 

But free is free so I won't complain too much. Suffice to say, it was time to move on and find other methods to continue with my French studies.

I'm working through a couple of French learning books right now which I'm quite impressed with so far (see below).



       

I am also checking out Benny Lewis' language site.

His own record of being able to speak over 10 languages fluently and with thousands of happy fans/students worldwide is impressive. 

We shall see! Best of all, my desire to learn French hasn't waned through all this and I think that's the most important thing when it comes to learning anything new.

Hope you have a lovely weekend and week! 😊

A "Crafty Mojo" Post !

I have always loved creating handmade items. 😊

Crafting in a variety of mediums has been a part of my life since I was in the single digits, age-wise LOL.

Knitting, painting, jewelry, sewing, embroidery,  eco-crafts....the list goes on and on.

My dear mom, Helen was a very talented seamstress and painter and I think a lot of my creative abilities and interest are thanks to her.
                                                                                                       

We spent many a long day together, creating beautiful things over the years, especially when I was writing a weekly craft column for over 5 years, in one of Canada's major newspapers, The Regina Leader Post. Such good memories that still bring a smile to my face, thinking about those precious hours spent together, creating something unique and beautiful.
                                                                                                                 

With crafts and hobbies on my mind, I thought you might enjoy checking out a few of the craft and hobby books/products/ sites that I have shared here, over the years at My Real Life Reviews. 
                                                                                  

Hopefully, one or more of these will inspire you to create something new and special, in the days ahead. We all need a boost at times to get our "crafty mojo" back. I know I do!
                                                                                     

Right now, I am happily working on my new haiku book but also hope to get back to another knit project, before the end of this week.
                                                                                           

What are you working on right now? 

What is your favorite craft(s)?

                                                                                                              

I have so many fav crafts and hobbies, I wouldn't know how to begin to answer that question!😊

Here goes:

Crafting with Cat Hair (a fun craft book and lots of Mr. Cheddar photos too!)
                                                                       

Homemade (a unique and extensive craft book, filled with all kinds of beautiful ideas)
                                                                                                  

One Yard Wonders (a fun book and sew kit, with all kinds of 1 yard or less, sewing ideas)
                                                                                                             

Knitting Warehouse (my fav online shop for knit and many other types of craft needs)
                                                                         





Lion Brand Recycled Cotton Yarn (one of my fav summer cotton yarns)
                                                    



Down & Dirty (gardening is apparently, the most popular hobby in the world!

Happy Crafting and Creating!!!

An Exciting Amazon.ca Screenshot to Share! :-)

                                                                            

❤ This page, at Amazon.ca (this morning) really made me smile!! ❤

                             

                                                                                                

That is one of my eBooks: Haiku Reflections I, in the Number 1 spot for Japanese Poetry and Haiku, on the paid list!

I have had several of my eBooks show up on Top 100 lists over the years, but NEVER in the number one spot, on any paid list.

 I am honored and encouraged by this.

 I've actually been thinking about writing another haiku eBook (I have two in this series to date) and this has given me a gentle push to get started on that book project.

Haiku is one of my favorite poetry forms. I love the simplicity but at the same time, complexity that is part of creating a memorable haiku poem. 

If you are not familiar with this poetry form, you can read more about it at one of most popular  and respected haiku sites :

Haiku Journal
                                                                                           

And, if you'd like to check out my Haiku Reflection series, you can find the two eBooks (with seasonal photos) at these links:

Haiku Reflections I (at Amazon.ca)

Haiku Reflections II (at Amazon.ca)

and

Haiku Reflections I (at Amazon.com)

Haiku Reflections II (at Amazon.com)

I probably won't stay at the top of that list for long (these lists change every hour) but I'm sure glad I happened to check out that particular book today, at the right time! 😁

Have a super week!!!

Soups On! An Upcoming eBook Promo :-)

With the arrival of autumn, I'm back into "soup mode" in a big way. :-)

I love soups of all kinds, all year round. But autumn/winter is the time when I enjoy and make them, almost every day.

To celebrate the change in season, I'm having an eBook promo at Amazon, for my newest vegetarian soup collection:

The Groovy Green Kitchen II Simply, Super, Supper Soups

starting on October 20 and ending on October 27th.

This 151 page eBook will be available during that time at Amazon.com for only .99 cents (regular price is $3.99).

Click here for a sample recipe from this collection for you to enjoy now (pictured above): Summer's Bounty Herb and Veggie Soup

This recipe is a great way to use up the last of summer's bounty from the garden or farmer's markets.

And here's some additional info. about this eBook, from the Amazon product page:

Featuring a tantalizing selection of luscious, flavorful, body and soul warming soups.

A variety of interchangeable side dishes are also included to "round-out" a meal when you are truly ravenous and crave a bit more than just soup, to make dinner (or lunch) complete.

In: The Groovy Green Kitchen (Volume II) Simply, Super, Supper Soups, you will find many of award-winning cookbook author: Geraldine Helen Hartman's, perennially-popular soup recipes.

Some of these classic soup favorites have been tweaked a bit over the years of tasting, testing and updating, with a dash of this, a spoonful of that…resulting in the tastiest results possible. And just as important, with healthier eating and cooking-method choices, kept in mind.

You will also find an array of all-new "go to" recipes that will surely become family favorites, including:

-French Green Lentil and Coconut Soup

-Cream of Cauliflower and Tarragon Soup

-Minty Fresh Green Pea Soup

-NOT Your Grandma's "Chicken" Noodle Soup

-Southern Nights Slow Cooker Veggie and Sausage Gumbo

And for side dishes, a variety of easy-to-prepare choices ranging from veggie-brimming salads to hearty specialty breads including:

-Colorburst Bean, Rice and Veggie Salad

-Easy Cheesy Soup Loaf (with variations)

-Green Goddess Dressing with Veggie Wraps

-Bran Buds and Honey Bread Machine Loaf

and many more crowd-pleasing soups and sides.

All of the recipes in this new Groovy Green Kitchen collection are vegetarian and/or vegan-friendly but they are definitely NOT just for vegetarians.

These flavorful, stick-to-your-ribs soups and side dishes will satisfy and appeal to the meat-eaters at your table too. Even the kids (always the most discerning/picky taste-testers) will give these yummy recipes the "spoons-up" and ask for more!

So dig out your favorite soup pot, biggest ladle and prettiest serving bowls and let's get started!

HAPPY SOUPING and HAPPY AUTUMN :-)

Some Upcoming Summer eBook Promos! :-)

I have Amazon promotions coming up soon for 3 of my Kindle ebooks.

Hope you'll check them out and also share these promos with friends, family, blog pals...too. 

Amazon reviews are always appreciated, if you do enjoy my work. :-)

Laughing AT the Grim Reaper! 

Will be available for the discount price of .99 from July 1st-4th at Amazon.com.

Haiku Reflections II

Will be available for FREE from July 2nd-3rd at all Amazon sites. 

Mr. Cheddar's Meowsings! 

Will be available for the discount price of .99 from July 8-11 at Amazon.com. >^^<

Happy Reading and Happy July 1st and 4th! :-)

The Groovy Green Kitchen II: Simply, Super, Supper Soups

The Groovy Green Kitchen II: Simply, Super, Supper Soups

(click for Amazon.com product page)

I have FINALLY finished this cookbook! 

I am doing a happy dance today. :-)

So much work, so much time invested in this project...but I'm very pleased with the finished results.

I hope you'll check it out soon, now available in Kindle and print versions at:

Amazon.com, .ca, UK, IT....

Happy Cooking and Reading!

Cookbook Countdown!!!

I've made the end of February, my deadline for completing my newest cookbook.

You can read all the details here, including an upcoming free Kindle book promo and sample recipe.

Wish me luck! :-) 

Happy Cooking and Weekend. 

Bubbies Sauerkraut

I've always loved sauerkraut and over the years, I've tried a lot of brands. 

Bubbies is the best sauerkraut I've ever tasted! 

I know that for a lot of people, sauerkraut is not all that appealing but that's certainly not the case for everyone, based on the stats, over at the Bubbies site. 

Americans annually consume a whooping  387 million pounds of sauerkraut, or about 1.5 pounds per person per year. 

Bubbies Sauerkraut is a very simple food with only 3 ingredients:

cabbage, water and salt

But all sauerkraut is NOT created equal and when it comes to flavor, Bubbies is superior to any other ones I've tried. And with no chemicals or preservatives, like some other brands have added to the mix. 

Health-wise, sauerkraut has a lot going for it too:

-Sauerkraut is fat free and low in calories. 

-Good source of Vitamin C and contains other important nutrients including iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, thiamin, riboflavin, fiber, and niacin.

-Health experts recommend eating several servings of cruciferous vegetables each week to reduce the risk of cancer of the colon. Sauerkraut, like cabbage, is cruciferous.

The only thing that would make Bubbies Sauerkraut even better is, you guessed it....an organic option. Hopefully something they will add to their product line soon. 

If you've never tried sauerkraut before, or have and just didn't like it, Bubbies just might be the brand to change your mind. 

And if you are in need of some recipe inspiration to give Bubbies a try, stop by Veggies, Yarns & Tails, for my Slow Cooker German Sauerkraut Feast recipe. 

Happy 'kraut ;-) Cooking!!

Overall rating for this product: Very Good. 4 out of 5

Haiku Reflections II FREE Promo This Weekend!

If you don't already have a copy of my second haiku poetry collection: 

Haiku Reflections II

it will be available as a FREE Kindle download, all this weekend at:

 Amazon.com, .ca, .UK....

You can read all the details here.

Happy Reading and Have a Great Weekend! :-)