The “dog days of summer” and a blog hiatus

It’s the time of year here in Canada that my mother and grandmothers called the “dog days of summer.” Between late July and early August, life slows. Road traffic isn’t as heavy. Email volume is lighter. Even social media engagement drops as life outdoors...

“Summer Holiday”

In the last few weeks, “Summer Holiday” by Cliff Richard and The Shadows (first released in 1963 with the British film of the same name) has been on my mind. With a catchy tune and fun, uplifting lyrics, it’s an ode to taking a summer break away from the regular...

Why writing is like kayaking

As many of you know, I was on holiday last week. For me, a highlight of that time at a lakeside cottage was kayaking, previously new-to-me but something I enjoyed and want to do more often. And as I paddled on a tranquil lake near Canada’s famed Algonquin Park, a...

A different kind of Christmas

With less than two weeks until Christmas 2019, the few presents I’ve bought are still in a drawer, unwrapped. My holiday cards remain in their packaging and apart from a vintage Santa candle and musical angel, my cherished Christmas decorations are still tucked away...