Well, it’s time to do a little “cele.”  You can grab a glass if you like!   I’ve been talking about it for a while and seeing as Neighbours Jan. 2017 edition is out, I’m allowed to share the news.  So many rules I must adhere to  ~ don’t want to get me fired the first month.

With a bit of a backstory, I was approached by Neighbours magazine asking me if I would be interested in writing a monthly column. My first shot at the big leagues. *Grin*   For some, this may seem like peanuts, but for me, this was huge. I always wanted to be a published writer. Wink!  That is what my family and friends now lovingly call me.  We have had some great giggles with this.  The teasing is relentless, but I can handle that.  (Tap on shoulder) “hey… are you not that famous blogger, Leslie-Ann Williams.”  ~ “Didn’t I just see you on Oprah the other day…”

Yesterday, I had one girlfriend ask me to sign her copy!  Come on now, how cute is she!  (moving forward, she can now go through my agent). 😉

For the first article, I was asked to introduce myself, so people could “get to know me.” That seemed easy enough, but funny,  I found this rather difficult.  Don’t know why, but perhaps try it yourself.  Don’t get me wrong, I do have some endearing qualities, but it was tough.  Do I give too much, not enough, just the top line ~ married, 3 boys, 1 dog, likes beer, done?  I am most sure some people have no problem spewing their accomplishments, but for me, I struggled.

I sent my “piece”  for approval/editing, and with a few slight adjustments (which I’m still trying to get my head around), it was good to go!  How dare they take out that part….that line cracked me up!!  So much to learn!

As long as I don’t get any hate mail, I think I’m going to enjoy this whole process.

I’m breaking out my favorite pen, journal, and channeling my inner goofy girl ~ Oakville style!  Booyah!

The first article is below ~ I’m thinking of having it blown up to poster size, framed, and hung in my family room – just a gentle reminder to my boys that if they step out of line, they may find themselves on the end of a poison pen! *anothergrin*

Cheers to you all – may you have a happy and healthy 2017.

with love,

Let me introduce myself, just so you know what you are getting into…

My name is Leslie-Ann Williams, and I’ve lived in Oakville for 19 years. I have been married for 29 years to my husband Paul, and have three boys, ages 24, 21 and 15.

We transferred here from Calgary with goldfish in hand and we’ve never looked back!

I spend my days working for an IT company and I love to write, so I was over the moon excited when Neighbours asked if I would be interested in writing a column. I didn’t bat an eyelash, didn’t call my lawyer, and without hesitation, answered “Yes, of course! I’m all in!”  I’m a tad compulsive, but I’m working on that.

I blog about the funny things in life, share real truths that everyone can relate to, all from my perspective. Which means you can read this and then visit me for more.

So, where to begin? Well, it’s January, so let’s go with #januaryblues for all you hashtagers. Am I right? January can be so blah, lackluster, but don’t worry, a bunch of us feel this way. Writing this makes me happy because I now have something to focus on other than where to plug in my light therapy lamp.

The truth is I am a huge Christmas fan so when we absolutely must take down the tree and all the “sparkly” around the house, it’s like losing a best friend. January in my house seems so dark, dreary and empty. Coming down in the morning for coffee just isn’t the same. I walk to my mantle only to remember all the lights and glittery things are tucked away in their bins for another year.

I am that person who decorates early and leaves it all up to the point where the water in the tree base has a bit of a funk! I try to extend the festive season as long as I can. My urns end up looking like they have mange, and the tree–well it must go.  Anytime someone sneezes or passes wind, we lose about 50 needles.

I don’t do resolutions–because, well, I’m lazy or mostly, I know thy self! The whole “I’m going to lose weight, run a marathon and climb a mountain” never happens. I’m a realist. I love food, beer, and socializing! Those three things don’t equal commitment. Don’t get me wrong. I’ll lock down a party date anytime and prep a menu plan for you. Now THAT, my friends, is true commitment!

Let’s get through these January blues together and focus on the fun things that lie ahead. I’ll try to keep it real, because at the end of the day, we all just love to laugh.