Posted on March 7, 2016 under Monday Morning Musings with no comments yet

“Dreaming of Spring”

 

What is it about one’s home town that tugs at the heart?

Most of us, especially those of us who grew up in small towns, couldn’t wait to leave town once we finished school. Many of us felt that we needed something bigger, more exciting, more sophisticated than a town with a half a dozen traffic lights.

Then we travelled afar , sometimes by choice and other times by necessity and as we aged ,came to the realization that the old home town wasn’t so bad after all.

I say these things because of the overwhelming response to my new feature, “Faces in the Crowd.” I routinely hear from ex-Antigonishers in different parts of the world. You can tell that they would love to be back having a slice of Wheel pizza, attending the Highland Games or watching a St.F.X. sporting event. Faces in the Crowd is a way for people to keep in touch with home and I am so happy that it brings you pleasure to see some old familiar faces.

By the way, please feel free to send me names of people you think should be profiled. Let’s face it… everybody has an unique and interesting story.

Have a wonderful week.

Posted on February 29, 2016 under Monday Morning Musings with no comments yet

 

Once again, the response to “Faces in the Crowd” was extraordinary. The recently retired Dr. Robert Sers was obviously revered by his peers but more importantly by the thousands of people that he helped through difficult times with caring, compassion and skill.

For many of you, this was your first introduction to my writing. While I love writing these “living tributes,” I cut my teeth writing short humour stories. Now I realize that everybody can’t live in Antigonish ( although we would welcome you with open arms! ), so for those of you new to Week45 and who live in far flung places, take note.

I have published three books of short stories about everyday life. They are available for purchase on my website but I want you to know that I’ve just inked a deal with the Chronicle Herald and they are carrying my books at their on line store. As an introductory offer, you can buy all three volumes for the low, low price of $40. ( a $55. value )… and they’ll ship them right to your door.

Go to the link, click on my book “Family, Friends and Foibles” and fill your cart! Thanks. http://shop.thechronicleherald.ca/East_Coast_Books_Posters

So I’m just back from a week’s vacation in Florida with my brother. We parted in Halifax this morning and on his way home to Amherst, he hit an animal and rendered his car “ non- functional.” This, in and of itself, is not shocking. However, it was broad daylight, the animal was a raccoon and ( ahem ), the raccoon was already dead. I’m not making this up but I may turn my full attention to this with a story… or penning  a country and western song!

Have a great week.

 

Posted on February 22, 2016 under Monday Morning Musings with 2 comments

More of Andrew Murray’s artistry

 

A society of zombies.

Do you think there will be a generation that won’t know how to talk? As I sat in the departure lounge for a flight south, everybody, I mean everybody was manhandling one or more electronic devices. It was hard to believe that nearly 250 people could be so quiet. I’ve heard more chatter in a funeral home.

We’re about to “leap” into March.

A few reflections on the first two months of the year:

. The Habs and Leafs are in a race to the bottom.

. It’s winter. Stop whining.

. Antigonish has been galvanized with the arrival of several Syrian refugee families… with more on the way.

. You’re really enjoying “Faces in the Crowd.” Later this week ( Thursday ) you will see a very recognizable face. He won’t be wearing his white lab jacket and no stethoscope around his neck.

Two more things. Sat with legendary college basketball hoops star from the 70’s, Mickey Fox and his lovely wife Brenda, on the flight to Tampa. Two rows back was Premier MacNeil. He was heading to Clearwater ( maybe to revamp the Senior’s Pharmacare plan?! ).

The Chronicle Herald will start selling my books later this week at their on line store. http://shop.thechronicleherald.ca/East-Coast-Books-Posters_c_9-4.html   You can get all three books ( $55 value ) for $40.

Have a great week.