Inspiration from Matt Cutts

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

On Wednesdays, I share posts, fables, songs, poems, quotations, TEDx Talks, cartoons, and books that have inspired and motivated me on my writing journey. I hope these posts will give writers, artists, and other creatives a mid-week boost.

At the beginning of each NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) project, I listen to this short Ted Talk from Matt Cutts. Afterward, I feel reassured by Matt’s practical, easy-to-implement advice.


At the Two of a Kind Craft Vendor Show

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

For the second year in row, the Multiple Sclerosis Society has held five different craft vendor shows throughout communities in Ontario. I was happy to discover that the Belgian Nursery in Breslau, a short twenty-minute drive west of Guelph, was hosting one of these shows today.

When I visited in early afternoon, I struggled to find a parking spot in the overcrowded lot. One of the artisans informed me that the opening crowd at 10:00 a.m. had been simply overwhelming.

Once inside the large meeting room, I was impressed by the quality and diversity of the products featured by over eighty vendors. In addition to the “usual” holiday fare—tree decorations, knitted and crocheted items, bath products, jewelry, cards, paintings—several unique items caught my attention. I was intrigued by the beaded flatware, wine purses, and ornamental rock wildlife.

Anyone living near London, Ontario, can visit the final craft vendor show on Saturday, November 17. Find out more here.



On Winning a Lottery

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

We don’t hear too many happily-ever-after stories about lottery winners. Often, they are portrayed as impulsive people who manage to squander all their money within years (sometimes months) of winning the jackpot.

And then there are the horror stories about long-lost friends and relatives who appear out of nowhere, asking for handouts. It is not too surprising when lottery winners decide to take physical and emotional distance from their previous lives.

Gilda Greco, the protagonist of A Season for Killing Blondes, Too Many Women in the Room, and A Different Kind of Reunion, took a more measured approach after winning $19 million in Lotto 649.

Continue reading on Mallory Heart’s Cozies blog.


A Love Affair with Yoga

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

A yoga enthusiast, protagonist Gilda Greco loves to share her experiences and extol the many benefits of the practice.

Here’s her story:

During the first forty-nine years of my life, I was content to be the non-athlete in my circle. Well, one of the non-athletes. Several ladies did play golf and one adventurous soul went white water rafting for a week each summer. For the most part, we were content to participate in book clubs, see movies and theater, and attend gallery openings and other cultural events.

All that changed after I won $19 million in Lotto 649 and embarked on a series of travel adventures.

Continue reading on A Holland Reads blog.