As part of the Rave Reviews Book Club, I occasionally get to host authors on their spotlight tours. The most supportive authors are chosen for this spot, and Natalie is a super supporter. I want you guys to give her a warm welcome, and don’t be afraid to use those sharing buttons at the bottom.
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Thank you for joining me today on this fourth day of the “Spotlight” tour!
Today, I’d love to share an extension of my poetry that is very near and dear to my heart.
When passion and purpose collide.
Did you know that the simple act of piecing together a jigsaw puzzle can offer therapeutic benefits? It can, and the promising findings were impossible to ignore. While stimulating the brain, it also acts as a form of meditation, allowing the mind to relax. This simultaneous action has shown promising findings for people living with dementia, and can be a valuable source of reprieve for individuals living and coping with mental illness, including PTSD.
My twin sister (Nicole) and I are both proud wives of long-serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces. We didn’t plan it that way. But we are blessed beyond measure.
We all know the devastating impact of PTSD. It hurts everyone. The man or woman suffering with it, their spouses, partners, children, parents, siblings, friends, relatives, and even their pets. Everyone is impacted. Many of those who are suffering with PTSD are military, police, paramedics, and firefighters. They are our first responders. In their selfless acts of service, they have suffered. It’s painful to see.
We have immense respect for those who serve, those who suffer, and those who struggle to find peace in their minds and hearts. If we can contribute even a small piece of peace, it is our privilege and honour to do so.
It is this inner call to action that Peace by Piece Puzzles was born.
We both have had fulfilling careers in business (Nicole) and counselling (me). Through our work and personal journey, we have witnessed the remarkable power of the human spirit. Equipped with empathy and compassion, we are eager to make a difference. We believe that every act of kindness, every gesture of love and understanding, is an infinite gift of grace. Let’s never underestimate its power, for it is a precious and always timely gift.
What is a Peace by Piece Puzzle?
Along with a beautiful, tranquil image, every Peace by Piece Puzzle carries an inspirational verse, a message of hope and love. The verses are written by me and come from a heart of gratitude. Through my words, I aspire to offer solace and hope, love and understanding.
In our face-paced, dynamic, and often complex lives, a gift to oneself or a loved one is special. A Peace by Piece Puzzle is a gift from the heart; it is permission to quiet the mind alone, or come together with a loved one in a shared experience. During those moments when words are sometimes hard to find, a Peace by Piece Puzzle can be your voice.
There are eight verses/puzzles available:
o A Mother’s Love
o A Father’s Love
o Mighty Heart
o Into the Light
o To My Sister
o From Me, To You
o Our Story
o Still Me
Today, I would like to share with you the verse “Mighty Heart.” I wrote this piece as a tribute and testament to the power and resiliency of the human spirit. This poem is included in my second and recently published poetry collection, The Heart’s Lullaby.
I believe mental wellness should not be a convoluted concept; it’s an essential piece of our lives. A daily promise to ourselves that we are worthy to be free of inner turmoil, free to love and be loved. Piece by piece, step by step, we can do this. We are all in this together.
Please visit our website, view our puzzles, and share with others.
We admire another’s courage
While doubting our own
Yet we’ve prevailed mighty hardships
Battles waged and won.
We hold no trophies or medallions
No headlines speak our name
We rose from the ashes
And piece by piece we built again.
Our scars tell a story
We braved the fiercest storms
For we’re both the pioneer and vessel
That ventured into the unknown.
We are not of myth or legend
Our hearts know the burden well
We bore, sustained, and survived
For into the fray we sailed.
Fear shall not cage nor define us
Here we stand on vast, shaky ground
So, let’s never doubt our courage
Dare this mighty voyage … both noble and proud.
© Natalie Ducey
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In celebration of my “Spotlight” tour, I’m delighted to say my second and recently published poetry collection The Heart’s Lullaby is currently available for .99 cents!
With a BA in Psychology, Natalie has worked in the Counselling field for 15 years. Through her work and personal journey, she has witnessed the remarkable power of the human spirit. Now, as an author and poet, she is passionate about stories that touch the heart and awaken the soul. Through words, she aspires to offer solace and hope, love and understanding. Natalie is the Co-owner and Writer of Peace by Piece Puzzles. She is the Owner/Writer/Designer of Whispers of the Heart (printable art/poetry/verse). She was born and raised in beautiful Newfoundland, Canada, with her two brothers and twin sister. She now resides in Ontario, Canada, with her husband, a Soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces, and their little dog, Bella. She loves kayaking and the freedom and serenity of being one with water. She is an avid reader, passionate writer, and seeker of tranquility along life’s mystifying journey.
You can connect with Natalie on:
Website/Blog – www.natalieducey.com
Facebook – Whispers of the Heart
Twitter – @NatalieDucey
Pinterest – Natalie Ducey
Author Page – Natalie Ducey
Google +1 – Natalie Ducey
GoodReads Author Page – Natalie Ducey
LinkedIn – Natalie Ducey
Best of luck, Natalie, with your writing and finding new fans!
I’ ve always had a soft spot in my heart for poetry. Your collection sounds enticing.
Carmen
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Thanks, Carmen.
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Thanks so much, Carmen, for your kind and encouraging words. It’s an absolute joy to be here today. Cheers! 🙂
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Reblogged this on Legends of Windemere.
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Thanks, Charles.
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You’re welcome. Happy to share. 🙂
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Thanks very much, Charles! Heading over your way now. 🙂
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You’re welcome. Happy to share. 😁
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Thank you, Craig, for hosting me today! It’s truly an honour to be here. It was such a delight to see this in my email while sipping my morning coffee. It suddenly became the best cup of coffee ever. Thank you! 🙂
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Never been the sugar in someone’s coffee before. I’ll take it. Hope the post gains you a ton of attention.
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Thank you. You rock! 🙂
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What a beautiful post from Natalie. The Peace by Piece Puzzles project deserves a Novel Peace prize! Such caring, giving hearts. The poem is appropriate in regard to the recent disaster of Hurricane Harvey.
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Thanks, Jan. Natalie is a strong supporter and I’m honored to host her.
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Thanks so much, Jan, for your kind and encouraging words. I’m so grateful that Nicole and I can do this together. I chose this verse to share as it’s universal in truth, and I hope it inspires others to see their strength. 🙂 Thanks again for your kindness and continued support. Cheers!
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Congratulations, Natalie. Beautiful post. Thanks, Craig.
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Thanks for dropping in.
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Thank you, John! I really appreciate your visit and kind words. Hope you’re doing well. 🙂
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Thank you, Natalie. We are doing okay. Just waiting to return to our home.
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We have US military servicemen and servicewomen in our family, so I understand the pride and the concerns. Blessings to you and yours, and best of luck on the release.
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Thank you, Staci. Blessings to you and yours as well. 🙂
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I love Natalie’s work, so it’s a pleasure to see her here today. And what a great undertaking with Peace by Piece. cheering you on Natalie!
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Thanks, Mae. Get back to work (joke).
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Haha! Headed there now 🙂
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Thanks very much, Mae, for your kind words and continued support. Cheering you on as well! You’ve been missed. 🙂
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Another beautiful poem, Natalie! I loved it with the wolves in the background. I like how you use puzzles for healing! Thanks for hosting, Craig!
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Thanks so much, D.L.! I love that we share a passion for poetry. I just recently finished this puzzle. The image at 28 x 20 inches is incredible. I just love it! So grateful that you’re following the blog tour. It’s a delight to see you at every stop. Thank you. And Craig is an awesome host! I’m honoured to be here today. Cheers! 🙂
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Lovely, Natalie. Your work is always inspirational and heart-softening. Blessings. Thank you for hosting, Craig.
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Thank you, Gwen, for your kind and encouraging words. It’s what I aspire to do. 🙂 Love seeing you at all the stops along the tour. Thanks for such tremendous support, now and always. Blessings to you as well. 🙂
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“We believe that every act of kindness, every gesture of love and understanding, is an infinite gift of grace. Let’s never underestimate its power, for it is a precious and always timely gift.” Anything that contributes to the ongoing support of those of us that suffer through and beyond PTSD ourselves, and all those that hold on to us with love should be considered a gift. What you and Nicole have done is inspiring, Natalie. Thank you. Craig, thanks so much for hosting Natalie today.
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Thanks, Soooz.
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Soooz, you’re always close at heart and someone I’ve come to admire and respect deeply. You’re in the trenches and never waiver in your resolve. Remarkable really.
I’m so grateful to be able to do this my sister. We hope to make a difference in any way we can. Thanks so much for your kind words and tremendous support. I hope the sun is shining bright for you today. XO
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❤️️ It’s shining on a new Spring morning, my lovely friend. Color me happy. xo
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Hello! Puzzles are great exercise for the brain, but at the same time they are soothing and fun. Natalie, you and your sister are doing a wonderful thing. Your poem, Mighty Heart is very inspiring––love it! Thanks for hosting, Craig!
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Thanks for dropping by, and for taking the time to comment.
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Always a pleasure, Craig. 🙂
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Thank you, Vashti! Mighty Heart is very near and dear, and the response it’s received is truly amazing. We have two puzzles with this verse. The other one is a majestic scene of ocean waves reaching shore. The image is rich in colour. We love it. I’m going to share all the wonderful comments with Nicole. I’m flying over to see her way on the 20th. We’ll raise a glass in cheer for sure. It’s so lovely to see you at all the stops along the tour! Your support is just awesome! XO
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I saw the puzzle with the ocean scene. It’s beautiful. Thank you and raise a glass for me. Cheers!
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Another fabulous post, Natalie!! Craig, thank you so very much for hosting and sharing your site with us. 🙂
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Thanks for dropping in and commenting.
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Thanks so much, Marlena! Love seeing you at all the stops. Wishing you a lovely day! XO
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🙂
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I adore this book cover, Natalie, and thoroughly enjoyed reading THE HEART’S LULLABY. I would highly recommend it. Best wishes with everything!
Craig, thank you for hosting Natalie today 🙂
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Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
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Harmony, I can’t thank you enough. Your kind words and continued support warm my heart. Thank you for all that you do. XO
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Great post, you two! Nice to meet you Craig!
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Hi, Laura. Thanks for dropping by, and for leaving a comment.
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Laura, your support along the tour has been amazing! Thank you! 🙂
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You are a talented poet, Natalie. Loved the poem!
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So lovely to see you here, Sue! Thank you very much for sharing such lovely words. You bring an instant smile. Wishing you a beautiful day. 🙂
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PTSD & dementia touches on so many lives – Peace by Piece Puzzles are just amazing! 😀 Thanks for hosting Natalie toda,y Craig 🙂
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Thank you, Jan.
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Thanks so much, Jan! We hope to be able to ship to the UK soon. Nicole and I are trying to figure out a way to ship them without it actually costing more than the product. It’s crazy! But we’ll get there for sure. 🙂
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That’s interesting, and a real concern. Could Amazon help with that?
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I know, it’s crazy! Craig, even shipping within Canada is costly. For example, one puzzle less than 2 pounds, 10 x10 x2 inches costs $14. Many small, online businesses struggle with shipping costs if their product is a “package” and not an “envelope.” We absorb half of the cost because nobody likes paying high shipping fees. We’ll loose them at the “checkout” stage. And sadly $14 is the cheapest rate available within Canada. We have more options for international shipping, but it’s still costly. We’re looking at a few options and hope to work something out soon. 🙂
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Best of luck with it.
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Great show of support, Mr. Boyack! Thanks for hosting.
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Hi, Beem. Thanks for dropping by.
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Thank you, Beem! 🙂
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Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio.
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Thanks, Don.
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You’re welcome
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Thanks so much, Don! Heading over your way now. 🙂
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Lovely work. The cover is very inviting.
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Thanks for dropping in, Gracie.
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Thank you, Gracie! That’s a joy to hear. 🙂
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These are lovely!
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Thank you, Wendy! 🙂
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How wonderful to see Natalie here, Craig, with her inspiring poetry and puzzles. A lovely treat on a Friday morning.
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Thanks, Robbie.
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Thank you, Robbie! And it’s lovely to see you here as well. 🙂
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Natalie, that was lovely!! My youngest daughter is named Nicole and she and her sister, Kelly are close like you and your sister. I do puzzles daily and it is soothing. I just bought your book, The Heart’s Lullaby. Thanlks, Craig for hosting.
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Thanks for stopping over.
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Micki, your words bring an instant smile! Thank you for kind words and continued support. I hope you enjoy this collection. XO
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Natalie, what an amazing concept! Heading over now. Craig, many thanks for sharing.
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Thanks very much, Nicholas! It’s so lovely to see you here. 🙂
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