As winter teases us here in Ottawa, snowing and freezing and then treating us to warm sunshine, followed by freezing rain, I think of the looming winter in Ukraine. People there facing sub-zero temperatures without electricity, gas, or even running water. Yet the Ukrainian people continue to defy the Russian invasion. They’re committed to resisting, […]
It’s a Canada Day like no other before. Communities from coast to coast to coast, from mountains to prairies to forests, are cancelling fireworks and other festivities, in recognition of the pain and sorrow wrought by the discoveries of over a thousand unmarked graves of Indigenous children at residential schools. Schools these children were forced […]
As I write this, the radio morning show is doing a “streeter,” talking to people in the ByWard Market as COVID-19 restrictions in Ontario ease. Non-essential businesses are opening again, with limited capacity: stores, restaurants, bars, summer camps and others. People who speak with the radio reporters express relief, even joy at the ability to […]
A new Hawaiian Storm mystery featuring Vanessa Storm from Torn Roots will be on the Amazon virtual shelves in time for Christmas and for downloading to those new Kindles you might find under the tree. This is a true Christmas story, with mystery, action and even romance for Vanessa. Here’s an excerpt from the opening. Vanessa drew her […]
I have had some pretty adventuresome vacations: Banff, where I had my closest encounter with a grizzly bear; whitewater canoeing in Ontario and Quebec; and last year, when we got uncomfortably close to the wine country wildfires. And last month, I encountered a different kind of adventure in Portugal. It’s a wonderful place, and […]
Patriotism is a strange thing. It has always seemed to me to be a little artificial to claim some personal credit for things that other people do in the name of the group or country you come from. But at the same time, the shame on behalf of your country feels very real. This weekend, […]