'Conservator' writing

At work, part of my job is to write articles for Conservator, the Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) member magazine. Not everything that makes it into the print edition of the magazine is posted online, but you can click here to read one of the articles I've written this year.

To see the rest, you should become a DUC member!

Contrasts

The following poem was written from a beach chair while on my honeymoon in Cuba. I couldn't get over the incredible contrasts I noticed throughout the country, and attempted to write something that would accurately capture what I experienced during our week on this unique Caribbean island. 

A seaside resort,

a plethora of hospitality,

a hundred people basking in warmth

under shaded huts and palm trees.

A decrepit shack,

a street of gates,

an aging horse tied to a fence

frantically trying to find a meal.

A smiling server,

a wealth of tips,

a hundred staff catering to the

rich tourists' every whim.

A military uniform,

a limbless beggar,

a fading population of heart-

hardened Cubans trying to survive.

This is a country of contrasts.

Of those who come to escape,

and those who long to run away.

It is a country of wealth,

of poverty,

of communist ideals mixed with

sea, sun and endless struggle.

A rich man,

a poor man,

an endless surge of people

longing for something better

than what they have today.

Details for the guest book

It has been a million years since I've posted to this blog, and oversight that hasn't gone unnoticed by my friends and followers. In an effort to kick start what used to be my favourite creative outlet, I thought I'd post a few short stories I wrote for my mom over the weekend for our wedding guest book. She wanted to know the basics, including how Jeff and I met and when the proposal happened. I hope you enjoy...

Our first date:
Our first official date can best be described as "casual." Jeff needed a study break (he had an exam the next day), but only had a limited amount of time to grab dinner. He called me and asked if I'd like to go for pizza, making it VERY clear from the beginning that he would be returning to the library after we ate. According to Jeff: "I had been a very poor student in that class - and needed to study hard for a test the next day - but Amanda was too good to pass up." We ate, we talked and we've been together ever since.

How we met:
We first met working together at RONA. We talked a bit on random occasions, but neither of us took the initiative and made a move. Finally, I decided enough was enough. I walked up to Jeff - who was standing behind his desk with another coworker - handed him my phone number, told him to call me and walked away. Behind me, the coworker turned to Jeff and said: "Wow. It's really that easy?"

Who said 'I love you' first:
After much consideration, Jeff and I agreed that we have absolutely no idea when we said I love you or who said it first. As a result, we've decided that we loved each other right from the beginning.

The proposal:
Jeff took me to King's Park, a place where we've spent countless hours over the years. I brought a book; he brought his guitar. We ventured deep into the woods along the riverbank, searching for a spot to sit by the water. Then, when we finally got settled, Jeff pulled out his guitar and played softly while I talked about the new book I wanted to write.

I talked, and talked, and talked and talked some more. I had no idea that Jeff was waiting for me to stop talking so he could propose. Finally, realizing that I wasn't planning to shut up anytime soon, he stopped playing abruptly reached into his guitar case and swiveled around on one knee with the ring box in his hands. I screamed, HE talked, and here we are!

Obituary for Herbert Ralph Schultz - my beloved father-in-law

Herb died peacefully on December 26, 2011, after a short but intense encounter with non-smoker’s lung cancer. Herb was predeceased by both his sister Lorna and his first wife Anne. He is survived and will be eternally missed by his loving wife Jan, adoring sons Jeffrey (fiancée Amanda) and Dalton, siblings Alma, Eileen, Linda, August and Doris and their families, as well as countless relatives and friends.

Herb was raised on a farm in Niverville, Manitoba. After graduating from high school, he moved to Winnipeg where he studied geography at both the undergraduate and master’s levels. Upon graduation from the University of Winnipeg, Herb began a series of career positions with the Government of Canada, including the Department of Regional Industrial Expansion. He then joined the civilian end of the Canadian Military as Deputy Chief of Staff of Civilian Personnel. His work with the Government of Canada frequently took him throughout Canada’s north and to Ottawa, where he maintained many friendships.

After retiring, Herb continued to remain busy, and became a consultant and administrator for the Animal Nutrition Association of Canada. He volunteered with Epiphany Lutheran Church, as well as shared church maintenance duties with Jeffrey. Herb was the team leader of a group of sandbaggers who worked tirelessly to save a home during the flood of 1997. One of his more explosive retirement pastimes was his position as a pyro-technician, where Herb and his cohorts would put together elaborate and colourful fireworks displays for various celebrations.

Herb deep in conversation with our friend Ty at my book launch - March 2011.

Herb met and married Jan in 1979. Throughout their life together, Herb and Jan shared many hobbies, including cross country skiing, gardening, ballroom dancing and relaxing at their trailer at Spruce Sands, Gimli. They belonged for years to a dinner club, which taught them the art of cooking gourmet meals. Herb was also a devoted father, and spent as much time as possible with both of his sons.

Throughout his life, Herb was both an avid builder and outdoorsman. Some of his more notable projects included a five-level tree house in the backyard for the boys, a walnut china cabinet, and a huge storage house and large woodbox that completed the setting for the nightly backyard fires he would share year-round with family and friends.

A large part of Herb’s life was his farm, located near Rossburn, Manitoba. Throughout the years, Herb, Jan and the boys often escaped to the farm to garden, swim, canoe, golf, bike, hike, sit around campfires, shoot targets with shotguns, watch “Lonesome Dove” on VHS and build additions to the house. They would also spend time with their wonderful neighbours and life-long friends Orest and Zelma Salyn, their son Tom (Jeffrey’s godfather), daughters Suzanne and Wanda and their families, as well as all the Maryniuk’s.

A memorial service to honour Herb’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 10 at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 200 Dalhousie Drive, Winnipeg, with Pastor Stacy Moroz officiating. Herb’s ashes were previously interred at a private family service on January 14. Donations, should you wish, can be sent to the Manitoba Forestry Association.

Below is the book launch video for my debut novel, Pieces. Herb is it it - just scan for the good-looking man in the leather jacket (same outfit as above).

‘Gone with the Wind’ by Margaret Mitchell

Spoiler alert: Some plot points are given away in this blog post.

For Christmas, I asked for a few novels that I have always wanted to read, yet have never gotten around to for one reason or another. One of the gifts I received was a copy of Gone with the Wind. As an avid writer and reader, it almost seemed like I was doing the literary community a disservice by not reading this incredibly popular novel, so I picked it up for the first time a few weeks ago.

Gone with the Wind is long. My copy was more than 1400 pages, and that doesn’t take into account the small, small print that fills each page in tiny, tiny lines. If you’re looking for an easy, weekend afternoon read, do NOT pick up this novel. It will take you a few weeks to get through – if not longer.

I managed to finish Gone with the Wind in under a week. I became engrossed with both the plot line and the characters. The “heroine” of the novel – Scarlett O’Hara – is the most evil, manipulative and unsympathetic character I think I’ve ever come into contact with in a novel. Everything she does is to advance her own self, and she marries three times for either money, or revenge.

Even though Scarlett does do a number of heroic things throughout the novel – such as delivering her sister-in-law’s baby while the city of Atlanta is being ravaged by war, or continue working her late parents plantation despite the fact that enemy soldiers keep tearing it down – there is always an ulterior motive for every action.

The original cover of the novel. It was published in 1936 and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1937 - not bad for her first full-length book...

Rhett Butler – the man who infamously “chased Scarlett for twelve years” – is one of her love interests throughout the novel. The two do eventually marry, even though Scarlett made it quite clear that she didn’t love him when she said yes. Their relationships is tumultuous at best, and one can’t help but feel sorry for Butler. Scarlett plays him just like she plays everyone else, and by the end of the novel he finally had enough.

If I were Rhett, I would have left Scarlett to her own devices early in the novel and tried instead to find myself a nice girl who actually appreciated me. But, it wouldn’t be much of a love story then, would it?

I did some research about Gone with the Wind before I started reading it. In America, the novel is the second most-read book after the bible. Margaret Mitchell became instantly famous when it was published, and her popularity increased even further a few years later when a feature film of the same name came out in 1939.

If you are one of the people who have avoided Gone with the Wind in the past due to its size, I urge you to give it a try. The novel isn’t for everyone, but if you like reading about war, love, turbulent times and broken hearts it is definitely a novel for you.

Hello KOBO

When the eReader first came out, I was completely opposed to even looking at one. How dare companies try to create an electronic device that people will choose over a traditional, print book? There was NO WAY I would ever consider an eReader, and I quickly put the whole concept of them out of my mind.

Then, I landed a job as the publicist for the Winnipeg International Writers Festival last summer. I was going on a trip to Toronto, so my boss handed me the festival eReader that everyone uses when they travel. It was already loaded with copies of at least ten novels, which meant that I didn’t have to lug around a pile of books in my luggage.

I grudgingly accepted the device, and went merrily on my way.

While I hate to admit it, the eReader made my trip so much easier. I was still able to read at my own rate – which is very quickly, if you’re curious – but I didn’t have to deal with the hassle of carrying around multiple books. Slowly, I was beginning to see why so many people were falling in love with the eReader.

When I returned to Winnipeg, I decided to do more research about eReader’s. I discovered that books are cheap if you buy them for your device, and you can sync all of your electronics. This means that I can read a book across my eReader, smart phone AND iPod. It will remember the spot I left off on, and will update automatically when I log into my account.

It is an intuitive system that is both easy to use and addictive. No wonder so many people love eReaders.

Then, I discovered the touch screen KOBO eReader with wifi – and I was hooked. I had finally given in, and for Christmas my fiancé bought me exactly the eReader I wanted. Within an hour of opening it, I had already downloaded as many public domain classics as I could find. Then, I moved onto the new releases.

I’ve had my eReader for a few months now, and I absolutely love it. I still read traditional print books, and buy them just as often as I used to. Even though I have a new, electronic device, I won’t give up on print entirely.

Say love with a song

For the last few months, Jeff and I had been trying to decide on the first dance song for our wedding.

Initially, we thought it made sense to go with Do You Remember by Jack Johnson:

Then, we started thinking about This Year's Love by David Gray (I can play it on the piano really well, but it's a bit too low for me to sing...):

And then, finally, we heard Crazy Love by Harry Manx performed live at the Centennial Concert Hall yesterday. And we were sold:

I can't wait to dance to it with Jeff! Seven months, and I'll be married...

'The Girls' by Lori Lansens

What would you do if you were constantly being followed?

If every moment of every day there was someone watching your every move? You can’t wake up, roll over, take a shower or read a book without a constant, nagging presence reminding you that you’re not alone. Would you go crazy? Would you try to break free? Would you do anything for a moment of freedom and solitude?

What would you do if the person constantly in your shadow was your sister?

The Girls by Lori Lansens tells the story of Rose and Ruby, a fictional pair of twins joined permanently at the head. They are conjoined twins that cannot be separated, because their heads share a vein vital to the survival of both girls.

Rose is regular height with a misshapen face; Ruby is small, yet beautiful, and needs to be carried on Rose’s hip like a child. Despite being connected, the girls are completely different. It was Rose’s idea to write her autobiography, and The Girls begins from her perspective. Gradually it shifts, and as the story progresses we get to hear from Ruby too.

For anyone who might be skeptical about the content of this novel, I assure you The Girls is worth reading. Written in the voice of both sisters, the timeline shifts back and forth as Rose and Ruby share anecdotes from their childhood and plans for their future. Gradually, a beautiful yet tragic story of survival, love and hardship is woven as we learn more about everything the sisters endured in order to live.

We don’t realize how lucky we are to have the ability to be completely and utterly alone…

A note on grief...

Grief is a funny thing.

It affects everyone so completely yet so differently.

Some people respond by closing off the emotion, trying to think of something else, and plowing forward like business as usual.

Others completely break down, and become hollow and irrational shells of their former selves. Nothing can take the grief away, and it is as if the griever is the one who has died.

Somewhere in the middle is a different type of grief. The person can still fully function – most of the time – but is occasionally gripped by bouts of overwhelming emotion.

When all of the above types of grievers share the same space for an extended period of time, disaster will sooner or later be the end result…

The 'Millennium Series' by Stieg Larsson

For some reason, I didn’t hop on the ‘Millennium Series’ bandwagon when the first of the three novels – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo – hit North American bookstores in 2009-2010. I think a part of me thought it was another Twilight fad, which was something I had no desire to be a part of.

It wasn’t until I read about the release of the American version of the film that I became intrigued. If a series of novels is popular enough to be published posthumously, turned into three Swedish films, and further turned into an American adaptation, it must contain a good plot line.

I purchased The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo a week before Christmas, and finished it in two days. The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest quickly followed, and by the New Year I had read the entire trilogy. As a whole, the novels were engaging, well-written, interesting, and at times, spooky. Finally, I understood what all the fuss has been about.

There are two main characters in the series. The first – and most important, in my opinion – is skinny, mid-twenties, asocial computer hacker Lisbeth Salander. She has a troubled past, and is deemed to be mentally unable to care for herself. However, the diagnosis passed down by the court does nothing to curb Salander’s photographic memory and love of mathematics.

The second character is journalist Michael Blomkvist. He is a womanizer in his forties who crosses paths with Salander unexpectedly in the first novel. After their initial interaction, the pair is hopelessly connected throughout the rest of the series. I believe the author modeled the character Blomkvist after himself (with a bit of wishful thinking when it comes to the many women he has relationships with throughout the trilogy).

One of the original covers for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo...

Swedish investigative journalist Stieg Larsson wrote the ‘Millennium Series’ as a personal project. When he came home in the evenings from his stressful job documenting and exposing Swedish organizations, he would work on the manuscripts as a way to kick back and relax. Larsson apparently submitted the series to publishers once, but was rejected. After he died suddenly in 2004, the novels were discovered and published posthumously.

The content of the ‘Millennium Series’ is quite eerie. Some of the recurring themes include violence against women, men who hate women, mental instability and murder. Larsson witnessed and wrote about countless violent and disturbing events throughout his career as a journalist, and he included fictionalized accounts of many of his real-life experiences throughout the series.

Larsson’s long time partner – Eva Gabrielsson – is currently in possession of Larsson’s computer which contains a partially-completed, fourth Millennium novel. There are also rumours that the computer contains synopsis or manuscripts for a fifth and sixth novel. Gabrielsson has stated that she is capable of completing the fourth novel, and I’m interested to see if she will actually do it.

There is currently a legal struggle over Larsson’s work, and this is making it difficult to move forward. Larsson and Gabrielsson never officially married, even though they lived together for many, many years. According to Swedish law, any married couple must publicly declare their address, making it available to anyone who is interested enough to look it up. Larsson was concerned the people he was investigating might track down Gabrielsson and hurt her to get back at him, so they decided not to marry to keep their address private.

Unfortunately, a partner is not technically a spouse in Sweden, meaning that when Larsson died, she was entitled to nothing – not even his computer that she currently is in possession of. All of Larsson’s estate is to go to his father and brother, who are his next of kin. At the time of his death – and for many years prior – Larsson was estranged from both men. Gabrielsson is fighting the legal battle of her life to get both Larsson’s money and the rights to his novels and other literary work.

I plan to see the American adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo in theatres over the next week. Then, I plan to rent all of the Swedish versions of the films. Many North Americans apparently had difficulty following the Swedish subtitles in the original three films, but I’m not concerned.

Stay tuned, because I’ll post my observations about the films once I have a chance to see them all…

2011 in a nutshell

Things have been a little hectic for me over the past few months. As a result, I have definitely neglected my blog. Part of me wasn’t interested in writing – another part was too tired to think about it. But now that 2012 is finally underway, I will make a conscious effort to write and update this blog that I’ve come to love so much.

When looking back at 2011, here is a brief list of the most impactful events that took place in my life…

January – I spent three weeks as an intern at MTS, where I realized that I actually AM interested in pursuing a career in PR.

March – I launched my first novel – Pieces – at Cre8ery Art Gallery.

April – After two years of intense work, I attended my last CreComm class.

May – Copies of Pieces became available at McNally Robinson Bookstore.

June – I attended my CreComm convocation.

July – My close friends Tyler & Kristen were married, and I was the MC at their reception.

August – Jeff & I travelled to Toronto for a week.

September – I was the publicist for the Winnipeg International Writers Festival, and had the opportunity to meet writers such as Miriam Toews, Guy Vanderhaeghe and Elizabeth Hay.

October – Jeff proposed.

November – I started working as the Communications Coordinator for DUC.

December – Jeff’s dad – my future father-in-law – passed away after a seven month battle with cancer.

Overall, I would consider it to be a positive year, even though the recent death of Jeff’s dad has been very difficult for everyone (and you can expect to read more about that later).

Now, as I enter 2012, there are a number of things that I am looking forward to. In addition to my wedding and honeymoon – both of which are only a short, nine months away – I have plans to attend concerts, plays and cultural events. I look forward to lots of time spent with family and friends, and will hopefully have many more good days than bad…

My favourite music-related films

The Doors – I must preface this section by noting that I strongly dislike Val Kilmer. With that being said, his performance as Jim Morrison was fantastic in this biopic. Kilmer studied the singer/poet’s mannerisms and speech, and spent hours practicing his singing.

Apparently, Morrison’s loved ones were not pleased with the way the late musician was depicted in the film. Patricia Kennealy-Morrison – Jim’s supposed “high-priestess, pagan wife” – was also critical of how she was portrayed in the film, even though she actually makes a cameo appearance.

The Buddy Holly Story – When my fiancé told me that Gary Busey played Buddy Holly in a film, I had to see it for myself. Originally released in 1978, Busey was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of the revolutionary musician. Beginning in Holly’s hometown of Lubbock, Texas, and ending during Holly’s final performance, the film takes viewers through the young musician’s life.

Tragically, Holly was killed in a plane crash when he was only 22 years old, and his pregnant wife miscarried their only child soon after.

The original movie poster for The Buddy Holly Story.*

Foo Fighters: Back and Forth – I am not too proud to admit that I have the biggest girl crush on Dave Grohl. When I saw him perform in Winnipeg a number of years ago, I thought I would melt each time he unleashed the “Grohl growl.” This documentary chronicles the history of the band from its beginnings – when Nirvana split after the suicide of Kurt Cobain – to present day. We learn more about each member of the band, as well as learn about past band members. If you’re a rock music fan, this documentary is definitely for you.

It Might Get Loud – Question: What do Jimmy Page, the Edge and Jack White have in common? Answer: They are all total shredders on guitar. The recently released documentary, It Might Get Loud, follows all three men and chronicles the evolution of their respective guitar styles. It includes both interviews with each musician and jam sessions where they teach each other new tunes. This is a documentary you’ll want to have in your movie collection forever, and you’ll watch it over and over again.

Queen Rock Montreal – This is the DVD version of the live album released by English rock band Queen. The original Montreal concert was help on November 24 – 25, 1981, which was exactly 10 years to the date before lead singer Freddie Mercury died of complications from AIDS. The DVD is complete with lights, intense sound and Mercury running around in ridiculously tight white pants. It’s an example of both the talent of Queen and the glorious times of the 80s.

Ray – This is probably the best biopic ever made about a musician. It chronicles the life of blind pianist Ray Charles as he struggles to become famous while battling both drug addiction and the difficulties of segregation. Jamie Foxx played the title character, and he took home the Academy Award for Best Actor as a result. Foxx was accompanied by an ensemble cast filled with strong performers, making Ray even more entertaining to watch.

Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles.*

Walk the Line – The performances of both Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon made this film come alive for me. Witherspoon took home the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of June Carter Cash, someone whose performances she studied for hours prior to filming. Walk the Line is based on the tumultuous and troubled life of Johnny Cash, and if you’re a music lover, it is a must-see.

*Images taken from Google.

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."

... and Charles Dickens definitely knew what he was referring to with that particular sentiment.

‘Sarah’s Key’ by Tatiana de Rosnay

Recently, I have started to spend my weekends hunting through the Bargain Books section at McNally Robinson.

Part of me is in search of unique holiday presents for family and friends, but a larger part of me is looking for myself. Regular-priced novels are something that I usually don’t purchase, due to the fact that I am a RIDICULOUSLY FAST READER. I’ll spend $35 on a hardcover, and I’m finished in an afternoon. For some people, spending the money is worth it. For me, it isn’t.

My McNally book hunts have taken me in a lot of different directions. About a month ago, I purchased Gonzo, a biography about Hunter S. Thompson. Then, I went on a Philippa Gregory splurge, and purchased four titles by the historical fiction author. Last weekend, I came across the novel Sarah’s Key by French author Tatiana de Rosnay, and it was fantastic.

The cover of Sarah's Key. It has recently been made into a movie as well...

The novel cycles back and forth between two different stories. The first is about a 10-year-old girl named Sarah. She is a French-born Jewish girl living in Paris during the Second World War. In the middle of the night, the French police bang on her door and demand the family leaves their home at once. Convinced she would only be gone for a short period of time, Sarah locks her four-year-old brother Michael in a hidden cupboard. Pocketing the key, she promises she will return soon to set him free.

The second story is about Julia, an American-born journalist living in Paris. Set in modern-day Europe, Julia prepares to move into a newly-renovated apartment with her French husband and teenage daughter. However, a story Julia has been chosen to write for a local newspaper unknowingly connects Julia’s new apartment with Sarah’s past 60 years prior.

The central event that both stories revolve around is the Vel' d'Hiv Roundup. It was a Nazi decreed raid and mass arrest in Paris by the French police on July 16-17, 1942. The aim of the roundup was to decrease the Jewish population in occupied France. Over 13,000 people – mostly women and children – were rounded up and given little time to collect personal belongings before being whisked away into the night.

Most of the arrested people were taken to the Vélodrome d'hiver. It was a large recreational facility primarily used for biking, and was located near the Eiffel Tower. The arrested Jews were held prisoner in the stifling-hot facility. They had no lavatories: of the 10 available, five were sealed because their windows offered a way out and the others were blocked. There was only one water tap, and food was infrequently available. Those who tried to escape were shot on the spot, and a number of people took their own lives.

French Jews held prisoner, circa 1942.*

After five days, the prisoners were hustled into city buses and transported out of Paris. They were first taken to internment camps on the outskirts of the city, and were later distributed to extermination camps. The majority ended up at Auschwitz.

The Vel' d'Hiv Roundup is an event that most people know little about. When I visited Paris in 2009, my hotel was located blocks from where the biking facility once stood. I had no idea such a tragedy occurred, and if I did, I would have made sure I took a moment to walk by the site where so many people suffered.

Sarah’s Key is a tribute to the families who were taken from their homes on July 16, 1942, never to return. It is a somber, graphic and heart wrenching story, and I guarantee you will feel haunted after reading it. With that being said, I believe it is a magnificent and important novel that sheds light on a less-known yet equally tragic event that took place during the Second World War.

Read it. McNally Robinson’s Bargain Books section is waiting for you…

*Images taken from Google.

I want you to want more…

A few weeks ago, I was invited to be the guest speaker at a book club meeting.

Somehow, the stars had all aligned at the proper moment, and Pieces was selected as the book everyone in the club would read. Nine copies were purchased at McNally Robinson Booksellers, and when everyone finished reading, they wanted to meet me.

Flattering, right?

Obviously I said yes, and I also brought my mom along for the ride. It’s her family history too, and she offers a unique perspective. The novel I wrote is historical fiction, which means it’s based on fact but some sections have been made up. Mom knows the story as it actually happened, and I knew she would be a great addition to the evening.

Well, let’s just say the club asked a lot of tough questions…

As a writer, I want a certain amount of mystery to remain with the reader after they have finished the book. I don’t want to give it all away, and it’s a good thing for people to want to know more. If a reader were to finish a book and say “that was a decent story, but I never need to think about it again” the writer has failed.

Everyone in the club wanted to know more, which was fantastic to see. It became difficult, however, when they wanted to know specific details that I wasn’t particularly interested in sharing. I never stated that the content of Pieces is 100 per cent accurate. As I mentioned at my launch, it was necessary to take certain liberties with characters and events because all the people who could confirm what I needed to know were dead.

The club wanted to know what I had made up and what was real. I told them a few things, but tried to keep the rest back. They pushed, and I pulled. Mom provided a bit of additional information – some of it being details that I didn’t even know – and in the end, I think the club was satisfied. They are now privy to SOME of the secrets of Pieces, without knowing everything.

Like I said, I want people to want to know more.

Participating in a book club meeting was a great experience, and it taught me a lot. I learned that I actually do need to prepare answers to questions ahead of time if I don’t want to be stuck. I also learned that people will not give up asking a question if they really want to know the answer.

Finally, I learned that the club truly enjoyed my book. I’m pretty sure they would have told me if they didn’t, and knowing I wrote something people take pleasure in is the highest form of flattery a writer can receive. I hope they weren’t too disappointed that I didn’t answer every single question they asked.

But, in the end, a girl’s gotta keep some secrets to herself…

Remembering NOT to forget

The following was a CreComm journalism assignment I wrote on November 11, 2009. I think it's one of the best stories I've ever written, and I'll let it speak for itself...

Remembrance Day at the Minto Armouries was celebrated by hundreds of sombre men, women, and children. They crowded the main floor and filled the balcony, eager to find a decent spot to watch the ceremony. Military personnel wearing formal uniforms, camouflage, and kilts stood in formation and awaited instructions. Many people in the audience wept throughout the ceremony, especially during the moments of silence.

Sgt. Smith, from the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders, quietly explained that attendance at this year’s ceremony was down. “There are fewer people this year than last, and I believe that is directly related to H1N1,” he said. “But since our troops entered Afghanistan in 2002, many more people have started coming. I’ve attended for 35 years, and it’s moving to see that people care enough to come to a ceremony.”

The young Air Cadets were among the many uniformed personnel who stood in formation on the main floor. Trevor Malcolm, a former cadet instructor, explained that his favourite part of the ceremony was watching the youths break formation.

“We count every year,” he explained. “They have to stand at attention for the whole ceremony, and many start to get dizzy and sick. They are instructed to go down on one knee when they can’t stand anymore, and someone comes to get them.” A number of officers swarmed the area, waiting to rescue anyone who began to sway.

In total, 28 white-faced cadets were removed during the ceremony.

“We think it’s a metaphor,” said Malcolm’s wife, Nancy. “They drop so quickly. But, in an actual war or conflict, that’s how quickly a soldier dies. One second they are fine, the next they are dead. It’s sad... so very sad.”

“It’s easy to forget about Remembrance Day, if you sit at home and don’t get involved,” she added. “But it’s important for everyone not to forget. These are our people, this is our history, and if we forget we’re destined to repeat the past.”

Note: All of the above names have been changed.

We have a date!!!

Mark your calendars people, because on Saturday, September 15, 2012, THIS GIRL is getting married :)

Yep, true story.

Believing in ghosts

When I was younger, I occasionally watched a popular daytime television program about a man who was a medium. During each half hour episode, the man would stand in front of an audience and call on specific individuals whose dead relatives were trying to make contact through him. I didn’t believe this program was legitimate, but like so many other people, I watched it nonetheless.

A few evenings ago, I encountered the new TLC program Long Island Medium. It is similar to what I watched as a child, except it follows the modern and highly-popular reality TV format. A camera crew follows Theresa Caputo – the medium – through her everyday activities, including appointments with customers, errands, trips to the gym and evenings out with her husband and friends.

Unfortunately, spirits seems to follow Theresa wherever she goes. As a result, she ends up talking to random people on the street about their dead relatives. It’s an interesting show, and I would like to believe that it’s real, but I have such a difficult time accepting supernatural television shows as legitimate.

First of all, anything can be edited out. We may see the occasions when Theresa gets it right, but there could be a thousand more occasions where she gets it wrong.

Second, any encounter can be edited to look different than it really is. The audience may think the recipient of the reading is satisfied, when in reality he or she is highly disappointed with the results.

Last, it is quite possible that the entire program is set up. The staff could research each person who receives a reading ahead of time, and provide Theresa with information.

Note: I’m pretty sure this last point isn’t true, because TLC is a reputable television network. I don’t think they would intentionally mislead audiences, but one never knows…

So why am I writing a blog post about a television show, you might wonder. Good question. I’m not really sure either. All I know is that I want to be a believer in mediums and spirits, but I’m definitely a sceptic. And, when I see television programs like Long Island Medium, I think it makes it even more difficult for me to believe that a medium could be legitimate.

Theresa Caputo, I guess you’re going to have to pay me a visit in person before I believe in your “gift.”

McDonald's complaint letter

I wrote the following letter - and mailed it - earlier this month. I've decided to post it because I didn't receive a response from the company. Maybe now I will...

McDonald's Restaurants of Canada Ltd. 


McDonald's Place


Toronto, ON

M3C 3L4

October 3, 2011

Dear sir/madam:

I would like to begin this letter by making it clear that this is the first time I have written to a company with a complaint. Usually, I simply explain my grievance to as many people as possible, and hope that word of my frustration spreads. This time, however, I feel it is necessary to ensure my voice is heard.

For the last eight years, I have not eaten fast food at any chain restaurant – McDonald’s included. It is not a type of meal that appeals to me.

This past summer, I discovered your Dollar Drink Days promotion. It was an unusually hot July afternoon, and my coworker took me through the drive thru. She ordered me a vanilla iced coffee – even though I politely declined – and grudgingly I drank it.

It might have been a combination of the heat, my overall exhaustion, or the employee who mixed the drink, but I can honestly say it was the best iced coffee I have ever had in my entire life. Period.

I have driven to McDonald’s (even when the nearest location was nowhere near my destination) almost every single day since that initial encounter in July. My purchase is the same every time – a large vanilla iced coffee – and some of the employees at the branch near my home have even started to recognize me. I realize that I’m not buying full meals from you, but I am still a paying customer who likes a product.

Enter my frustration.

After work today, I drove through McDonald’s as I normally do to order my iced coffee for the drive home from work. When I was handed the beverage, I knew something was wrong immediately. The liquid was completely discoloured, and looked more like milk chocolate than the caramel tone I was accustomed to.

I asked the employee at the window if something was off with the beverage. He rolled his eyes, curtly replied “no,” and shut the window. As I explained earlier in this letter, I really enjoy your product, so I knocked on the window. When the employee opened it, I asked if he could remake my drink. He rolled his eyes again, and said “lady, there is nothing wring with it.” Then, he closed the window again.

Fuming – and slightly embarrassed at having been denied – I drove away. Sticking the straw into the drink as I entered rush hour traffic, I took a cautious sip.

Awful. Simply awful.

The coffee was either burnt or very, very old. Either way, it was definitely not drinkable. I considered turning around and returning to the McDonald’s branch, but decided against it. At that point, I just wanted to get home. I also decided against calling the branch and complaining, because I didn’t want to encounter another employee who was as rude as the one at the drive thru window.

All I purchase at McDonald’s is iced coffee. It is the best I have ever had – until today – and rivals every single high-end coffee shop I have ever visited. McDonald’s is pushing to be recognized as a coffee shop in addition to a restaurant, and I was on board with this shift. Now, I am frustrated and unsure how to proceed.

I don’t know if I will continue to purchase iced coffee at your branches anymore. I’m very disappointed – both in my treatment by your employee and in the condition of the beverage I purchased. It should have been a no-brainer – make the customer happy and mix another drink.

My email address is amanda.hope@live.com. I would love to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Amanda Hope

I forgot about Philippa Gregory!

In my haste to graduate, find a job, buy a car and start a little life, I neglected to resume reading the work of one of the greatest historical fiction writers of this generation.

Known primarily by non-historical fiction readers for her widely-popular The Other Boleyn Girl, Gregory has written eight additional novels including The Constant Princess, which I just finished last night. This novel chronicles the life of a character I haven’t really thought about previously – Katherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s first wife – and shines light on her life.

Tudor England is the period Gregory focusses on in most of her novels. The illustrious reign of King Henry VIII is infamously filled with love, sex, drama, violence and vengeance. Throughout his 38 years as ruler, women were constantly vying for his affections – and, of course, the title of Queen. It was a time when one woman could be unceremoniously dumped onto the street with a whispered word from another, which makes any story from this period fascinating reading.

The Constant Princess provides a fictionalized account of Katherine’s life, beginning when she was five years old and continuing until the beginning of the end of her marriage to Henry. The novel is filled with rich details and descriptive paragraphs, making it all too easy to believe that the Katherine portrayed in the novel was really what the Queen of England was like.

Throughout her career, Gregory has received quite a bit of criticism. Historians especially have chastised her for not sticking to history as much as she claims to. When I read accounts of people complaining that “it couldn’t have really happened like that,” I just laugh. We’re talking about people who lived in the 15^th century. We have no IDEA how it “really” happened.

I think that Gregory writes fantastic historical fiction. She does her research to ensure people, places, major events and incidents are correct and factual. Then, she takes everything she has read about a person and creates a character.

Katherine of Aragon’s character in The Constant Princess is believable and interesting. It makes me want to learn more. Next, I plan to read The Boleyn Inheritance, and I’m sure it will be just as fantastic – if not better.