It amazes me to look back on my life's experiences, and realize how those ripples have flowed, and branched out in so many directions - that is what my writing is all about: the power and wonder of the ripple effect, beginning with our first actions as children.
I was very fortunate to have been raised in a small, but lively home on the banks of the Rideau River, in rural Manotick, Ontario. One of seven children, ours was a typical Irish Catholic family, struggling to get by on scarce resources. Love, music and laughter, however, were in good supply; Those gifts saw us through the tough times, and brought a special sparkle into our many celebrations. They have remained woven into the fabric of my writing and artwork, along with a desire to give my fellow man something to smile about.
In 1970, I married Ross Batstone, and together, we raised three amazing children. Their ripples grew to take in their three spouses, and seven beautiful grandchildren that keep us in a constant state of thankfulness. In 2010, we retired from our organic farm and market-garden operation, Padgeberry Farm, after 25 years. My love of nature was nurtured during these years, as was my sense of humour (totally essential in coping with the physical and financial stresses of farming!) Along with chickens, vegetables, and field crops, we grew a wonderful circle of friends, including those in the farming, market, and restaurant communities, which we continue to cherish.
We initiated and were members of the ITR (amateur)Theatre Group, based in Osgoode, Ontario. This experience gave me a tremendous respect for those who put their talents out there, and leave themselves vulnerable, in order to share their gifts with others. I was inspired to pursue my own gifts for writing and artwork, which had me hooked at the tender age of four, when I received my first paint-by-numbers set. That first love grew with every book I read, every stroke of my pen or brush, and with every class I was able to squeeze in. In the Fall of 2008, I began to pen my first book of children's poetry, "How To Wash A Puddle", and I completed it with my own illustrations. It was published in May, 2010 by Baico Publishing Inc. in Ottawa.
My second book, "How To Grow A Puddle" was published in November 2011, and "How To Stretch A Puddle" in 2012.
Recently, I have created melodies for some of my poems and enjoy singing them to the children. This adds a whole new element of warmth and fun at book readings.
Children and music, in beautiful colours, continue to romp through my head, eager to be included in the 'ripple effect' as I continue to write, from our new digs in the beautiful town of Prescott, Ontario.
Birth Place: Ottawa, ON, Canada
Accomplishments: My major achievements are the raising of 3 wonderful children and becoming grandparents to 7 irreplaceable young lives.
I continue to write and publish my poems and blogs on my websites and in various small publications and local papers, and to give presentations of my poems.
I am continuing work on two more children's books.
Books
How To Stretch A Puddle by Edie M. Batstone Grab your inner child, and jump into Edie's latest 'puddle', as she takes us for a delightful trip through the magical landscape of a child's imagination. Her wonder-filled poems take the ordinary situations and places around us and stretches them through a child's lens, to reveal a world where everything is possible....
Price:
$9.95
(eBook) Edie Batstone
How To Wash A Puddle by Edie M. Batstone Edie Batstone's first book of colourful picture poems invites us to jump into a child's world of wonder and possibility, just as a child jumps into a puddle - knowing only that it seems like a good idea at the time! Join her on this journey of discovery, one ripple at a time....
How To Grow A Puddle by Edie M. Batstone This second book in Edie's 'Puddle' series is filled with wonderful catchy rhyming poems that have positive nostalgic messages. Her whimsical illustrations carry the poems along on ripples of warm vibrant colours....
Poetry ( View all 134 poems ) The Virtigo Dance by Edie M. Batstone I wrote this poem in the midst of a stubborn case of virtigo that has kept my movements hampered - perhaps some of you might relate?... Ahh! The Strawberry Social by Edie M. Batstone A happy childhood memory... A Tribute to my Dad by Edie M. Batstone A nostalgia trip - a tribute to all of the fathers and nurturers who do their best to raise their children through the ups and downs of these uncertain times.... My Hand-me-Downs by Edie M. Batstone Let's take time to evaluate the contributions we have made, and can still make; the true valuables we have amassed— those will be the hand-me-downs that we pass on; may they be the very best of oursel... My Hand-me-Downs by Edie M. Batstone Let's take time to evaluate the contributions we have made, and can still make; the true valuables we have amassed— those will be the hand-me-downs that we pass on; may they be the very best of oursel... Only a Blink Away by Edie M. Batstone This poem is a call from my inner child, to pay attention to the beauty, and the fragile potential of each moment.... Home by Edie M. Batstone The warmth of kindness is the insulation that truly makes a house a home....
News How To Stretch A Puddle - available Dec. 1/2012 by Edie M. Batstone Third book of illustrated children's poetry in Edie Batstone's 'Puddle' series will be available for sale Dec. 1, 2012. Check out details on her website: www.ediebatstone.ca
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A portion of the proceeds from my books go to the Ryan's Well Foundation - Ryan's efforts are a wonderful example of the power of the ripple effect in the hands of one small boy who cared.
