First ever "Patron of the Arts Scholarship"

Here I am conferring the first "Patron of the Arts Scholarship" to Chelsea Skerlan, visual art student.

LOVE Internetdating9

The book sales are going well.  I have already sold 75 and have a Chapters book signing planned for June 7th.

Book is being printed up this weekend.

My book is now available for purchase on amazon.com

Chapter 3 - more preview

3 – Teacher/consultant

             This gentleman messaged me several times on the internet dating site before I responded.  He was older than I, had a winning smile, and was well educated, working half time as a teacher and half-time as a consultant for the school board.

            I thought we might have some commonality so I engaged in several chat conversations with him.  He seemed pleasant enough and finally invited me to lunch on a Sunday afternoon, at a quaint little restaurant by Ferry Lake in Newmarket.  I accepted.

            This was my first date from this site so I wasn’t sure what to expect.  I wore a turquoise fitted mini dress, turquoise sandals, amber jewelry, pink lipstick and huge expectations.  I arrived at the restaurant and was directed to the patio.  It was one o’clock.  I waited.

            At 1:15, I ordered a beer and continued to wait.  There were couples seated at tables nearby.  I sat alone.

            At 1:30, I began to wonder where he was.  Being new to the site, I hadn’t gotten the gentleman’s cell number, so could not reach him.  I asked for my check. 

             At 1:45, I paid my cheque and left.  I had been stood up!

            When I arrived home, I logged onto the internet dating site and checked my messages.  There were none, so I deleted him.

Chapter 2 - more preview

2 – My journey begins

I began my journey of internet dating in March, 2012. I searched out a popular, internet dating site with hundreds of thousands of users online at any given time. My goal was to log on, create a profile and begin the adventure of seeking out an exclusive compatible companion.   I blogged my travail on internetdating9.

Perhaps it would be best to start with my profile.

I’m a happy woman who enjoys her life and is seeking a companion to enhance it.  I’m looking for friendship first, and then more.  I enjoy fitness, going to the gym regularly, yoga, art and travelling.  I am well-educated so seek a gentleman who is also educated.

I have a wellness mentality.  I believe that there is good in everyone and seek to bring out those positive, energizing qualities.  I strive for success and have achieved it in many aspects of my life.

I live with my 16 year old son.  For years I coached his soccer teams (as recently as last summer) and attend all of his hockey games.

I would love to meet a nice guy, to spend time with, laugh with, and get to know better.

Good luck to everyone on this site!

 My profile included eight photos (taken recently and constantly updated) including close-ups and full-length shots. It stated that I was seeking a long-term relationship.

Chapter 1 - preview

1– The hospital

            He had been in the chronic care hospital for fourteen months; winter was here and it was very cold; a blizzard was predicted.  My mother went to visit him as usual in the late morning.  Her tiny frame, well dressed with an Italian aristocratic air, demanded care, for my father.   She was all too familiar with the remnants of humanity that lined the hallway, on stretchers, in wheelchairs, or merely flopped over on a lounge chair.  These people were in their last days and they deserved attention.

            Moans, chants echoed along the corridor; outstretched hands pleaded for water.   She did what she could, making her way to the nurses’ station and when her words were unheeded, she helped them herself.  These were lost souls; abandoned by their loved ones, reliant exclusively on the health care system. 

            As she entered his room, she saw that his condition had worsened.  He was refusing food or water and told her that he wanted to die.  This saddened her and she talked to him, hoping her words would instil some measure of hope, but today was not good.

            His head lay on the pillow, his blue-grey eyes lucid, and his mind intact.  My father was ninety-one and a half.  A little over a year ago he was living at home, going for solitary walks, enjoying nature in his garden and taking care of my mother who was prone to anxiety disorders.   This big, strong man who had survived being struck by lightning in his teens, WW2 on the front and years in POW camps in both Libya and England, was now on his deathbed.

Final edit of my book completed. Check out the front cover!

LOVE

Internetdating9

By

Josephine Catalano MacPherson

Can you find love on an internet dating site?

Final Edit of my book completed! - Check out the back cover.

This candid glimpse into ideal love juxtaposes two stories.  The first is the author’s courageous one year journey on an internet dating site, where she meets thirty men, describes her experiences and provides valuable insight into online dating. The second is the description of the last year in the life of the author’s dying father.   The book is infused with positive messages and images of the author’s original artwork.   Definitely worth reading!

Josephine Catalano MacPherson has a combined honours degree in Mathematics and Psychology, a Bachelor of Education, and a Masters of Education with a focus on gender based learning. For over 25 years, she has worked as a high school Mathematics teacher, having taught more than 3,750 adolescents with a 95% success rate. She is a self-taught, award winning visual artist.  This book includes many of her colourful images.

World War II Vet - like my Dad

I am looking forward to Angelina Jolie's upcoming movie, "Unbroken".  It is the story of a 96 year old WWII survivor, Louis Zamperini, who survived being shot down and interned in a Japanese POW Camp. Like my Dad, who passed away at almost 92, these men are remarkable in their resiliency and ability to rebound with love and forgiveness.


http://iajournal.com/angelina-jolie-bringing-louis-zamperinis-epic-life-big-screen/


Postscript:

They are a magic couple.  Last night at the Oscars it was evident that they are in a relationship gone "right". How do I know?  They are thriving together and great things are happening.  She won a humanitarian award for her work in developing countries, he produced the "Best Picture" winner, "12 Years a Slave".  They've just launched a new wine, Chateau Miraval, at their French estate, which Decanter Magazine called "mouthwatering".  I tried to purchase a bottle yesterday but it was sold out everywhere.  Everything they touch turns to gold --- that's the sign.  They are definitely where they need to be:)

It's Oscar night!

Celebrating the Oscars at my friends' Marcia and Gerry's place.  Looking forward to the Red Carpet fashions and the announcement of the winners.  Marcia and I have seen all of the "Best Picture" nominees.

Oscar updo

My book is completed and off to the Publisher.

I sent my book off to the Publisher this week.  In a few days I will get a proof copy and then I will go from there with the order.  Very exciting!