It has been a busy autumn thus far so I figured that this blog would speak to various subjects as opposed to simply focusing on one bit of news.
Update on 48 Hours – A Story of Choices
I am really glad I wrote this book. I know it is not Pulitzer nor going to be any sort of best seller. Heck, it will not likely break a 100! However, I have been able to speak at a couple of group sessions about the book, what inspired me, and the importance of tackling the societal issue of violence and abuse.
If nothing else, the book is helping to be a conversation starter, and with a ripple effect, I remain hopeful that my goal of increasing awareness is quite attainable. A lot more work to do…thank you for your support. If you have not yet bought a copy, you can on this web site.
Writing
I completed the writing of my second book, currently with the title of Stories from the Bench. The manuscript has been evaluated, changes made and is now undergoing a ‘copy edit’. I now expect to be able to only self-publish in January 2025 although who knows, maybe we’ll slip it into a few Christmas stockings.
In the meantime, I have found myself inspired to write several different poems. These have broached the subjects of autumn, remembrance, change, and superpowers. In addition, I realized I had not posted a number of poems written a few years ago, so these are all now on the web site www.momentsofreflection.ca.
In that same vein, I have taken the decision to not share my poetry via email any longer. Not only has this been time consuming for me, it is also presumptive on my part that the recipients are even interested in my poetry. The poetry is on the web site, and from time to time as I blog, I will highlight my writings. If you know of anyone who might be interested however, I invite you to share my news, the blog and the web site.
Authors
If anyone is looking for authors to read, two of my favourites are Jodi Picoult and Terry Fallis.
Jodi has recently published her latest novel, By Any Other Name and I found it a very enjoyable and interesting read. Her novels address social issues that touch so many of us in one way or another, and she is not afraid to tackle these issues in an informed and heartfelt manner.
Terry is a Canadian writer, and I have read all of his books. Most of them bring his sense of humour and all of them bring his Canadian perspective. If anyone is looking for novels to read that are well-written and enjoyable, I recommend Terry’s books. His latest is called A New Season but he has about another eight or so that have been published, and is slated to have another out in 2025. He is also very active on the speaking front. For example, he is to be in the Ottawa area on December 4th speaking to a group, and I very much hope to get out to hear him.
Life
I wrote my last blog ‘Life is like a Knuckleball’ a couple of weeks ago and made allusion to a big change facing me. In the coming weeks (or months), I expect to be undergoing a heart valve replacement open-heart surgery procedure and so a lot of my energy is dealing with that these days. I have had to step back from the very important volunteer work I was doing with Shelter Movers Ottawa and do not see myself returning to that. And adjustments are being made to what and how I pursue other activities, at least until I get through the surgery and recovery phase.
This is obviously not something that was on my bucket list, and yet it is my reality. I have lots of support and lots of confidence in the Ottawa Heart Institute, so am filled with hope that all will go as intended. I have written before about ‘life having both ups and downs, while living is about getting back up’. Such is this challenge. That being said, a little prayer or two along the way would be appreciated.
Music
Anyone heard Jelly Roll’s new song, I Am Not Okay? It is a great entry into the music world, and underlines how important it is to be honest with one’s self and others as to how you are feeling. At the same time, I like how he speaks to ‘we will be alright’.
I wrote a poem in May 2020 as we lived through covid entitled ‘The New Normal’. In that poem, the driver was being able to acknowledge how it is okay to say “I am not okay”. Take a look on this web site under the section of poetry and short stories.
Canada and the Globe
We are living some very strange and concerning times, both here in Canada and around the globe. I am not going to use this blog for any political purposes and yet, we live with the choices made by electorates and countries that quite simply blow my mind.
I live with the hope that we as a democratic society can respond to these challenges, and that we can each give serious consideration to how we use our wisdom (not social media) and stand up for values based, character leadership – not political gamesmanship and partisan divisiveness.
Enough said.
Thank you all. Take care and be kind.
George