If I was able to write anyone’s biography, it would be tempting to seek out Harper Lee and find out the little details of her very short but amazing writing career. I’d like to ask Nelson Mandela how he kept positive while he was confined in prison and bumping up […]
Wendi Stewart – Wendi with an ‘eye’
Wendi lives in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, but the farm on Rainy River in Crozier will always be her home. MEADOWLARK, her debut novel released September 15, is published by NeWest Press of Edmonton. She is the mother of four daughters who did the unforgivable: they grew up. http://wendistewart.writersresidence.com
I went to Charlottetown, P.E.I., the birthplace of Confederation, to celebrate Canada Day this year. I was very excited. It felt like an act of patriotism; something I’ve wanted to do since 1967. That year was a big deal for me and, of course, most Canadians. At age 12, the […]
Hearing your name called in a walk-in clinic waiting room feels somewhat like winning the lottery or an Oscar. Having experienced neither of those events, I can only guess, but I’m reasonably sure the sensation is somewhat similar. You feel like blushing as you stand, looking at the poor souls […]
I like sports. I can be obsessive in my “watching” and if I had to categorize from favourite down, I’m not sure I could. Instead, I shall just put all my favourites in an alphabetical hat: baseball, curling, golf, show jumping, tennis. That’s a good start anyway. I used to […]
With Father’s Day having just passed, I’m sometimes annoyed by these Hallmark-type occasions that have us pulling out our wallets because the calendar says we should for planning outings in the name of a certain day. Other times I like that we are reminded to think of others; to remember […]
It is fair to say the news these days is something less than bleak; terrifying in many, if not most, instances when we consider the economy and the state of our planet and the anxieties created by a changing climate. It’s tempting to crawl under the bed and hope for […]
I’ve been known as a plant-killer—a reputation that has spanned a good many years and one that is fairly well-earned. A shortcoming, if you prefer, and one that I share with my mother. Her plants always looked a tad beaten, neglected, misfortunate. Her life was busy; perhaps I will use […]
It’s Sunday morning when I am writing my column. It’s early. No one else is awake—not even the puppy. It’s quiet and the sun is delicious, but not hot. The air has a crispness to it and it makes me glad because I know it is going to warm up. […]
I recently did a road trip with Laurie (Daughter #3) from Owen Sound, Ont. to Wolfville, N.S., covering the 2,000-plus kilometres in two days. Although the marathon of driving was a bit tedious, sitting in that small space with my daughter took my heart and gave it a complete overhaul. […]
To nap is to sleep lightly, especially during the day. I looked up the definition just to be sure. Although a nap sounds like a lovely treat, I only nap when I no longer can walk; when I am almost falling down with fatigue. I find “nap entry,” like re-entry […]
“To Kill a Mockingbird” is my favourite book of all times. Although a few others have come close, none move me the way Harper Lee’s writing does. I carry the novel around with me like a Bible—a source of inspiration and comfort and hope. I often have it in my […]
Obedience is defined as compliance with the wishes of another; an acknowledgement of authority. What a grand idea. I would like to be the authority and would be most pleased to have “Gracie,” canine member of my family, to be compliant. How would I achieve such status? Take one Miss […]
