Personal stories from now and in the past.
I’m not a linguist but I like to think that I know a few things about words. I have been a teacher of dramatic arts, English literature, English grammar, and English as a Second Language. As well, I’ve done my share of acting and directing over the years. Words matter to me. Languages naturally evolve. … More Weaponizing Words
I recently submitted a poem to an Ekphrastic poetry contest and received an honorable mention. I was very happy with this as there were some amazing poems entered in the competition. I don’t consider myself a poet and this was the first time I had tried anything like this. An Ekphrastic poem is a poem … More The Six Bells
There is a lot of passionate argument right now about Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare”. It seems that the book as well as the television interviews and Netflix episodes have all been incredibly polarizing. The world is lining up—for or against. Why? Are we all experts in the history of British Royalty? Of course not. We … More His Story and My Story
My husband and I were avid globetrotters until COVID came along and shut the planet down. Recently, after 3 years of staying close to home, we decided to join the multitudes who’d determined that it was once again time to venture out into the big, wide world. Where did we choose to go? Las Vegas, … More Are We Having Fun Yet?
Last night I watched Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis movie for the second time. As mesmerizing and engaging as it was the first time around, this biopic creatively captures the Elvis Presley so many of us remember. I never met Elvis nor, sadly, did I get the opportunity to attend any of his shows. But I grew … More Elvis and Me
In 1989, following the 1988 publication of The Satanic Verses, Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran accused the author, Salman Rushdie of blasphemy and issued a fatwa ordering Muslims to kill him. This sparked worldwide protests, threats, violence, and bombings of bookstores. Rushdie issued an apology, to no avail, and ultimately went into hiding. Many years have … More The Offended
I am happy to be getting back to blog posts and writing in general after a couple of months’ hiatus due to surgery. It seems that surgical procedures deplete concentration skills. Thankfully those skills are back, and I am healing nicely. Even though I wasn’t able to write for a few weeks, I enjoyed some … More Grace and Fortitude
Are female voices stronger today than they have been in the past? Are we heard? Are we taken seriously? Have we come a long way or is this just another mirage with no real substance? I was born in 1948, a time of hope and burgeoning prosperity in Canada. I had what most people would … More Female voices
Recently, I was looking through an old scrapbook and I came across a yellowed newspaper clipping from the Calgary Herald dated April 30, 1964. It was entitled Machine No Substitute For Langdon’s Operator. Mrs. Scott, our intrepid community switchboard operator of 46 years was retiring at the age of 76. The article goes on to … More The Switchboard
Summer Through the leaves dappled sunlight falls across my shoulders. Swinging, Swinging Swishing, Sailing Higher, Higher The wind tickles my legs. Giggles bubble in my tummy. Palettes of My Childhood Yellow sun, blue sky, green grass Brown earth, black shoes, pink socks White house, red barn, golden wheat Purple blooms, orange crush, saffron smiles Colors … More Childhood Prairie Memories
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