Simply Sawyer

"You will write someone's favorite book in the whole world someday. You will write the book that changes someone's life. You will write the book that opens someone's life to a whole world of books and makes them love reading. Someone out there is waiting for your book. Someone out there needs you to write it." - Joel Hilchey  Who knew that going to a Residence Life Leadership Conference would open so many doors? I've been twice, and while both of these conferences were amazing in their own right, this second conference became a large stepping stone in my life. A weekend conference where I would begin to network with others who are also writers and authors.  Both years I have made many friends from many different colleges and universities. Still to this day, I keep in contact with most of them. I've even had the pleasure of running into them again in other walks of life.  However, no one sticks out more to me than our keynote speaker, Joel Hilch...

This hasn’t been the easiest of posts for me to write. I’m pretty sure I’ve deleted more words than I’ve written and I’m still not sure if what I’m trying to actually say makes any lick of sense either but if you’ve been in my shoes, hopefully you’ll understand. As a person who has lost many family and friends, I should be a natural at this. I’ve been preparing myself for the emotional rollercoaster, I read blogs on grieving, books, gravitate toward my 'safe places' such as Disney, Harry Potter, Star Wars and of course, writing. Losing someone you care about isn't easy. But I didn’t expect it to be this hard either.  I’m glad that at this point in time, society has been speaking more openly about mental health. I’m thankful that there are resources available for them when they need the help. I’m grateful for the awareness that is out there now amongst peers and teachers and others in authority. I can’t say enough how thankful I am to those who are...

The shower, along with other parts of the bathroom, is one of the only places that we visit every day where our mind can totally disconnect from the troubles and distractions around us. One’s mind begins to wander, and when it does, it can occasionally come up with brilliant shower thoughts like these. Well, at least I think my thoughts can be brilliant at best. #1) Nothing is on fire, but fire is on things. #2) Your stomach thinks all potato is mashed. #3) If I punch myself in the face and it hurts, does that make me weak or strong? #4) The Japanese flag may actually be a pie chart that shows how much of Japan is actually Japan. #5) Fitness Clubs should offer a membership package where patrons pay for everyday that they miss. #6) The reason Oxbury mall is called such a name is because it is on the corner of Oxford and Highbury. * Yes, I have just noticed this earlier today. Do not judge me. #7) Doughnuts (donuts) aren't even real nuts. #8) What if Bingo wasn't his n...

Wow. I am both blest and humbled to be apart of this small but mighty, amazing and generous community. My heart is full. Extremely full. When something happens to a member of our community, the rest of us comes together. Through triumphs and tragedies, for better and for worse. Last night, hundreds of people came together in the small town of Mitchell for the Seigner family.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with this story, I take you back to the end of January to give you a brief synopsis. Michelle and Darryl Seigner were heading away when they were involved in a serious accident that injured Darryl and seriously injured Michelle. Darryl and Michelle were taken to a hospital in Cambridge where Michelle was immediately to Hamilton General Hospital. When Michelle made some more progress and beds were opening in London, Michelle was transported to Victoria Hospital. Michelle was labelled as quadriplegic and has been relearning basic movements at Parkwood in London. Through her ...

  Welcome to my first segment called Five Friday Favourites . On Fridays, I will be sharing a variety of my top five favourite things , ranging in different themes. Yes, you've guessed it. The majority of these Friday blogs will be dedicated to Disney . My Top Five "Must Have" Disney Treats #5. Popcorn - Various Locations One standard theme park snack item is popcorn. If you love this flavorful treat you will not be disappointed at Walt Disney World. You can find popcorn all over Disney. Many stores have plain popcorn, caramel popcorn, chocolate and nut popcorn, kettle popcorn, confetti popcorn and several other choices. At stands in the parks you can also get an order of traditional popcorn. Buy it in a souvenir container and you’ll have something fun to remember your trip by . #4. The “Plaza” Ice Cream Sundae -  Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, Main Street U.S.A (Magic Kingdom)    Step back in time and visit a vintage ice cream parlor that serves up sundaes...

The other day I was thinking about why I was interested in writing, and why I have stuck with it for a large part of my teenage and young adult life. At first, I thought that it was probably because other work didn’t give us the same sense of satisfaction as writing novels, short stories, poetry, scripts, and songs. This led me to thinking, just what is it about being an author that is so satisfying? So I thought it would be interesting to try to pin down some of the reasons: Escapism When writing a novel you can escape into your own world which can be anything you want it to be. That does beg the question – why is my writing world full of pain, difficult subjects, and warped characters, and why does that give me so much satisfaction? I have not fully pegged down an answer that I am fully satisfied with, but I can say that (and unfortunately so) my writing reflects current events in the world. My writing is (at least for me) very real and captures how I, and perhaps how society, ...

It is hard to explain the idea of a SAFE SPACE to some people who may have the luxury of never needing one. For me growing up, a safe space was curling up in my bed and reading the beloved Harry Potter series, family trips away from normalcy, and Disney . These were few of the places, whether it be of physical capacity or just mentally, that I could simply exist - as me. Me in all my glory. Every flaw in every detail. I was accepted and included. That safe space would extend to those who entered and left my life. I think that most people in my life realize I have a strong connection with Harry Potter, Disney, Star Wars, my family and my friends. I always have. For our friends and family in the LGBTQ+ community, that safe space included various night clubs and bars that catered to them, a place where they did not have to worry about being judged, or approaching the wrong person that they found attractive. Those safe spaces extended into the various communities in cities around the wor...

       It’s no secret that Gomez has the most followers on Instagram and why she is adored by her tremendous fan base across the world. On Monday, May 23rd, 2016 Selena Gomez returned to the Forest City after five years, giving her loving fans exactly what they’ve been craving for with her explosive Revival Tour. The Budweiser Gardens showed that 'Same Old Love,' seats filled with fans of all ages ready to welcome Bea Miller, DNCE, and Selena Gomez.       Opening with “Same Old Love,” from her latest album, Revival, Gomez packs a powerful punch setting up the show with a bold statement declaring for a break from a vicious love life circle relating to family, friends, career, and a longing need for self-love. Selena Gomez certainly knows how to bring the energy level up the audience with not only her stunning looks and endless talent but with a back-up dancing squad that certainly makes their mark in sync uniformity placing ...

Hello everyone, and welcome to my blog!  I have decided to make a personal blog site. This means that every blog that is posted here will be authentic to me. All thoughts and opinions are my own unless otherwise said. Some posts will be strongly opinionated. Others may cause some discomfort. I write in order to cause YOU to think. I want you to question what I post. I want you to think, feel and have an opinion.  I have been very busy in the writing scene. I am currently working on two novels. One is a collaborative novel and the other is my novel that I've been working on since November 2014. My solo novel will be released January 2017 for public viewing and purchase. The profits from sales will be donated to different organizations/families each month. I will keep you posted on more novel information as it becomes available. Also, I've been a reviewer for local shows and performances. I am excited to share those with you! Reviews will be posted on here within the we...