Posted on October 17, 2013 under Thursday Tidbits with one comment

The last vestiges of the turkey are swimming in a big pot of soup. Don’t you just love the aftermath of a turkey dinner? It’s like a gift that keeps on giving. It was such a stunning holiday weekend. It’s terrific when everyone is taking a breather and really enjoying the down time with friends and family. And when the weather cooperates, it’s a big bonus.

Am I the only one who suffered mild embarrassment, bordering on humiliation, taking part in a school concert or play in elementary school? Not likely. Something caught my eye the other day about a friend who had her big singing debut in school that went badly. She had a “wardrobe malfunction” …. not quite like the one Janet Jackson had years ago at the Super Bowl. Her clothes were too big and you can probably guess the rest. Using the soundtrack from the “Sound of Music,” as the backdrop for this story, I have put together the sad tale of one youngster whose dreams died on the auditorium stage. It is called ” If The Shoe Fits” and I will be posting this on Saturday.

My long suffering editor ( Betty ) finished editing the story I was telling you about recently. It’s about the “birds and the bees” and a mother’s anguish about answering a difficult question posed by her son. I can’t give you the title because you will go scurrying to the dictionary. So, I will keep you in suspense until next week. I think it’s one of my personal favorites so far because it deals with a subject near and dear to parents. How do you answer those questions about body parts and procreation? I sincerely wish I could tell you what our principal at the time told us back in the ’60’s during our one and only “sex education” class. It’s not fit for mixed company.

I have received a number of book orders so far and with Christmas just around the corner ( I can’t believe I said that ), it might be a gift idea. Only $15. a book ( no taxes ) or 2 for $30! A limit of 100 books per person. Let me know if you want me to put one aside for you… or several. I will autograph them for you.

Hope you have a great weekend.

Posted on October 3, 2013 under Thursday Tidbits with 2 comments

Well, it’s back to the grind after an incredible week or so on the old rollercoaster that is life.

The fundraiser is over and the money is still coming in: a little over $6200 with more to come. Still hoping to hit $7500. My videographer is currently editing the footage taken at the event and I hope to have clips or even full stories to post on my website in the not too distant future. We are doing another performance in a few weeks time for the Sisters of St. Martha as they were unable to come to our show because of a retreat. We have had several requests to do another show sometime. Maybe we could do a Christmas special. We’ll see.

My book is in the home stretch. The stories have all been chosen and we’re just finalizing the cover picture and a few other house keeping items. Thought I would let you know that the official launch of the book is Thursday, December 5th. at 7:00 p.m. at People’s Place Library. If you would like to pre-order a copy from the original run, please let me know. I plan to do a few readings at the launch and will have books available for sale @ $14.99 . I will be accepting cash, Visa or Mastercard. Great for Christmas presents or the outhouse if you’re still using one. Refreshments will be served.

As mentioned earlier in the week, I have a story coming up called “Mistaken Identities.” The night of our fundraiser, there was another event going on just down the hallway: Sex Toy Bingo. I’m almost certain they don’t play this at the hall in Pomquet. The story centers around two couples and how taking a wrong turn resulted in some confusion.

My brother was home for the funeral last weekend . Did you see my story in The Casket? Some people who read this in other parts of the world and weren’t born here, thought that the name of the paper was part of the humour in the story. The story was, after all “buried” in the back section of The Casket. How good is that! Anyway, my brother was telling me about a race that he took part in many years ago where he finished first in his age group. He was startled by the result being a “middle of the pack” kind of guy. He came clean to me at our 5:15 a.m. coffee get together the other day. Look for the story “Pegged For Success” in the next week or so.

Just asking. Someone commented that my posts are too frequent. Fair or foul?

I’m off to the Georgetown conference in PEI today  and have my 40th homecoming from X this weekend.

And over 3000 views of “Lou’s Last Laugh.” Thanks for your support.

Posted on September 26, 2013 under Thursday Tidbits with no comments yet

                                                           IT’S SHOW TIME

Tonight is our big fundraiser at the Schwartz Auditorium in support of the St. Vincent de Paul. The show gets under way at 7:00 p.m. and will last two hours unless the audience throws us out before then. Please try and get your tickets prior to the show at Brendan’s Fairway, Brosha’s Short Stoppe or The Tall and Small Café.

In addition to the story telling, we will be airing the premiere of Phil’s excellent video ” Antigonish on my Mind” prior to the start of the performance and at the intermission. Unlike TIFF and the Cannes Film Festival, there will be no red carpet appearances from famous people. I know many of you have already seen this video on Facebook but it is much more impressive on the big screens.

Ok.  Just so you know what you’re getting yourselves in for, here’s the format. I will do a short intro thanking sponsors and mentioning a few “housekeeping” items including the location of the washrooms which is an important piece of information for seniors like Phil and I. Phil will lead off with a story and I will follow with one of mine. I’m sure there will be mindless banter between the two of us throughout the evening. Just before the intermission, we will open up the floor to comments or questions.

There will be one 20 minute intermission. We will be providing free coffee, tea and water, courtesy of our corporate sponsors. At this time , members of the St.Vincent de Paul Society will be available should you wish to make a charitable donation. Tax receipts will be provided on the spot.

The second half of the program will follow a similar pattern to the first,  with a little surprise at the end of the evening.

By the way, if you have a strong back and a willingness to help those less fortunate, the St. Vincent de Paul Society is looking for a few able bodied people who might help out with furniture delivery, one of the services that they provide. You can contact Phil about that.

We are both excited and terrified as the clock winds down to show time. We are hoping for a good crowd. As I said to someone the other day, please bring your legion of friends or your friends from the Legion!

See you tonight.