Category: Inspiration

Notes of Encouragement while wandering in the Park

Two things happened recently, one good, and the other... also ultimately good. The first is that the winter weather finally left, and it's spring! That is definitely a good thing. The second is that I was recently laid off from my teaching job. It felt bad at first. But if you believe as I do … Continue reading Notes of Encouragement while wandering in the Park →

For your viewing pleasure: “First Novel”, a NFB film

I hope all of you authors and aspiring authors out there will get a chuckle from this 1958 film. I did, and as a writer I also found it encouraging. While researching video viewing options online, I ran across many sources of entertainment and education (see below), including the National Film Board of Canada. I … Continue reading For your viewing pleasure: “First Novel”, a NFB film →

Unsung heroes in Canadian History

I grew up in the U.S. in a predominantly white neighborhood during the sixties and seventies. My city's school system began forced busing when I was eleven years old, just as I was leaving elementary school and preparing to start junior high. It was a controversy that sparked violence and unrest. From a social media … Continue reading Unsung heroes in Canadian History →

Holiday Gems

One of the joys of the holiday is settling down after all the energetic activities to read inspired holiday fiction. You are no doubt familiar with some of the well-known holiday books and short stories… Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol…     The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Anderson… Eugene Field’s The First Christmas Tree…          O. … Continue reading Holiday Gems →

Imagine! The best quality books for free!

Well, you don't need to imagine it, it's true! As a fellow blogger said, "I rarely pay full price for books. Loving classics has its advantages, they are widely available and utterly cheap." I couldn't agree more! Ever since I figured out how to put them on my Kindle, I've had a blast finding vintage … Continue reading Imagine! The best quality books for free! →

Fellow vintage book readers

I just wanted to share some of my favorite websites for vintage books and reviews for all of you fellow vintage book afficionados! Leaves and Pages "Bibliovore. Botanist. Gardener. Armchair Traveller and Vintage Book Explorer"  And I would add: "Voracious Reader"! A feast! On this blog I find excellent reviews of books published in every … Continue reading Fellow vintage book readers →

Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21

As part of Canada's Truth and Reconciliation work with its aboriginal peoples, we are celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day today! In my area of Calgary there are events well worth attending at Fort Calgary and Canmore to honor our First Nations, Metis and Inuit people. There are plenty of resources for teachers and children here: … Continue reading Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21 →

Review of All In by Lisa Simonds

I have just finished one of the most powerful books I've ever read, and am absolutely in awe of this new author's writing talent. Lisa Simonds has the ability to write in a way that lets us experience all the action, dialogue, thoughts and scenes--without noticing that we're reading a book.   The pace of … Continue reading Review of All In by Lisa Simonds →