My Book is Here!

I know I said I wasn’t going to post book related things here but I just couldn’t help it.

My book ‘Love and Light: Poems from Teenager to Woman’ is finally published and I’m so nervous and excited about it. It is available on Amazon and it will be available on Kindle and other e-readers shortly.

Check it out, it would mean the world to me: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1515142779/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1440916027&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=love+and+light+poems+from+teenager+to+woman

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/mobile/w/love-and-light-ashley-e-leonard/1122545068?ean=9781515142775

-Ashley

Love & Light Blog

Hello everyone,

I have decided to create a blog specifically for my poetry and my book because I feel it’s appropriate.

You can find everything at loveandlightpoetry.weebly.com

In the meantime check out the poetry book on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26130324-love-and-light

Love and Light is on Its Way!!

My poetry book, ‘Love and Light: Poems from Teenager to Woman’ has a cover and it’s on its way!!

I received the proof of the book two weeks ago and I have been looking over it to make sure it is perfect.

I’m so exciting for this journey and this new phase. Again, this blog is not intended for my publishing aspirations but I just have to share my excitement with all of you.

‘Love and Light’ is a poetry chapbook with a collection of poems I have written over the years. A chapbook is a smaller poetry book with fewer pages. I hope to write more in the future.

The book will be available on Amazon, Kindle and hopefully the Barnes and Noble website this month.

30 Before 30

 

Today, on this somewhat cloudy yet warm Thursday, a list of things I want to do before I turn 30 comes to mind. I am three years from the big 3-0 and I want to do certain things that I’ve never done before. I like to think that I’m an adventurer but the more items I put on the list, the more I realized that I have to get my butt in gear and accomplish some “stuff.” (Who lives in the Tri-state area and has never been to the top of the Empire State Building?! – Me, that’s who!)

I realized that starting my business was a huge accomplishment and to hear my mother tell it, “it’s the greatest thing in the world.” But I want to do more – I need to do more.

At 27, I look back and realize that there were times when I let years pass me by. I cannot continue on that path. So this is my list, 30 before 30.

As I accomplish something on the list, I will put a line through it and share the experience with you all. Granted, I have approximately 3 years to complete everything on this list, so be patient and hopefully stick around for the ride.

Some things on the list are things I am currently doing or have done within the past 8 months, such as “open a business” (which will be scratched off).

So here is part of the list (to see the complete list, click on the “30 before 30” page at the top of this blog):

 

1. Travel to 5 different countries
2. Start a family
3. Open a pop up shop
4. Sell French Soul Knittery knitwear in Brick and Mortar Stores
5. Live in a different state
6. Completely work for my self
7. Direct a movie
8. Cook a four-course meal
9. Learn French
10. Sell at a craft fair
11. Open a business
12. Start a youtube channel

………….

So what do you think about the list? (Remember to go the page to see list numbers

13-30).

Here’s to accomplishing our goals! 🙂

 

Do you have a list of things you want to do before you turn a certain age?

 

All the best,

 

-Ashley

The Knit Stitch (Point of View: French Soul Knittery Edition)

I am taking part in the Writing 101 series that WordPress is having and today’s topic is Point of View. It is the point of view of all three characters. You can read the basis for the topic here. Here is my version of the theme; Point of View. Enjoy!

Jill and Evan were having a relaxing walk in the park when they saw an older woman knitting a small red sweater. When Evan saw this woman and what she was doing, he began to cry.

 

Evan thinking to himself, “Why can’t I stop crying when I see knitting needles. The gauge, the point, the effortless skill that the knitter possesses; why is it so hard for me? Those memories of knitting as a child in my home in Chile just brings tears to my eyes. If only I can bring myself to do it again, but that accident was too much to bear. I can’t start again.

 

“This is new to see Evan this way. Why would he cry over seeing a woman knit. If he wants to knit or get knitted items, we can always check out French Soul Knittery. Ashley always makes great stuff. My goodness, seeing my honey cry makes me sad. Showing such emotion………..over knitting.”

 

“Oh dear, why is that young man crying? Did I do something wrong? Are my stitches off? Does he not like the color red? So unusual yet so intriguing. I wonder if his grandmother used to knit. Was she as special to him as I am to my grandson? I remember knitting with my grandson and how much he loved it so.” She smiled. As the couple walked away, she disappeared into thin air, red sweater, needles and all.

The Writer In Me

Blogging is something of a unique and unusual phenomenon and I am 100% enjoying every bit of it. Being a writer was something that I have always wanted to do. From wanting to write books, to starting my own business and ultimately becoming a blogger – I always wanted part of my life to begin and end with the written word. Writing is something that takes you away to another world, it allows you to escape.

I have always had an affinity for poetry. I would write countless poems as a young girl, hoping to publish them one day. In elementary school, my teach sent one of my poems to the Anthology of Poetry and they publish it – it was a very sweet and inspiring moment for me.

I know, you are probably asking, “Ashley, what are you trying to say?” I’m getting to the point, I promise.

 

 

Today, one of the most legendary poets, writers, intellectuals and civil rights leaders said their final farewell. Maya Angelou died this morning at the age of 86 and she was a phenomenal woman. She has inspired so many to reach for the stars even when others try to bring them down. Her words led generations to fight for their rights and fight for what they believed in. Her poetry made little ‘ole me pursue poetry and ultimately a career in the creative world.

She was one of the greats and today we say farewell but her words and legacy will never leave us because so many young people have much to learn from her.

 

 

P.S. Creativity is a wonderful thing.

Its makes the bleakest life bright again.

It makes your anguish turn into joy.

Whatever you do in life, purse a life of creativity,

for creativity is life,

creativity is love.

– © 2014 Ashley Leonard (Just a little poem from me that I just mustered up.) 🙂

Knitting is the Best Medicine

French Soul Knittery

There was a great article on CNN’s website on the importance of knitting and how the process can help your mental health. Knitting is very relaxing and it allows you to focus on one specific thing versus being anxious about things you can’t control or being worried about things to come. In the article, the subject, Sarah had a very difficult time dealing with the death of a loved one. The repetitive action of knitting allowed her to get through those difficult days and focus only on crafting.

Being a knitwear designer has changed my perception on the craft a little. Not only do I knit for myself now, I primarily knit for others and with that comes more responsibility and more joy.

I get the relaxing feeling when I knit but I get an even greater feeling knowing that I am knitting an item that is being sent to…

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Knitting is the Best Medicine

 

 

There was a great article on CNN’s website on the importance of knitting and how the process can help your mental health. Knitting is very relaxing and it allows you to focus on one specific thing versus being anxious about things you can’t control or being worried about things to come. In the article, the subject, Sarah had a very difficult time dealing with the death of a loved one. The repetitive action of knitting allowed her to get through those difficult days and focus only on crafting.

Being a knitwear designer has changed my perception on the craft a little. Not only do I knit for myself now, I primarily knit for others and with that comes more responsibility and more joy.

I get the relaxing feeling when I knit but I get an even greater feeling knowing that I am knitting an item that is being sent to someone else. The CNN article continues to point out that knitting can be a possible natural anti-depressant and the action of knitting is similar to meditation.

Imagine, sitting in your home on a quiet Sunday morning, the sun shinning brightly into your living space. You sit there with a ball of yarn on one side and a pair of needles in your hands. Isn’t that an amazing feeling? Doesn’t it sound like your cares can just melt away?

 

What do you think about that CNN article on the power of knitting?

Reading About Knitting and Other Jazz

As a new designer, I’ve learned that it is very important to constantly learn. While I use my own knowledge and skills in knitting, I find that it is always a great idea to learn new techniques.

For the month of February, there are a few books that I am currently reading and exploring. Most of the books are about knitting and others are basic craft and general interest.

Take a look:

The Knitted Alphabet is a fun book about knitting alphabets on knitwear. This book is great because it teaches you how to knit alphabets right into your project, without using extra materials. It is a great read and I learned so much in the short time I have been exploring it.

Have you ever wanted to learn different stitches but were having difficulty finding new ones? This book is super helpful and I can’t wait to try some of the new stitches.

Occasionally, I like reading inspirational phrases and quotes. I find that inspirational quotes get me motivated and it gets me thinking about the future, life and new possibilities. Great Sayings is not a book to read from cover to cover, its just a book to flip through and find sayings that speak to you on any given day.

It is so much fun to share what I’m reading with you.

What have you been reading lately? What is on your ‘must-read’ list?

Forever grateful,

Ashley