A Room Of My Own

As you stroll in downtown at your own comfortable pace, take a break from your window-shopping, take a moment and look up and let your eyes explore the old façade of the buildings down here. The detailed architecture is a reminder of the history that these buildings hold. Every downtown core housed a Woolworths Five and Dime, a Kresge’s Department store or an S&R, and if you look close enough, you will be able to make out the buildings they once occupied. Downtown shopping is more than just getting the things you need, it is really a chance to slow things down, an adventure into the past, to a time when you knew everyone who you were buying from. Recently on a sunny afternoon, I made my way into one of my favourite antique shops to browse for a gift. “Hello Marina,” I said to the owner. She returns my hello with a big welcoming smile and asks, “How are all your girls?” She knows I am heading for the hats. I love the comfort of knowing the owner by name, the familiar feel to this s...

So, there I sat in the beautiful, open space upstairs at Books & Co. in Picton, Ontario surrounded by many familiar faces. The faces did not belong to friends or family, (well some were friends) but were familiar because they were pictured in the pamphlet we were all given to peruse at the beginning of the night. I was quite excited about the evening’s readings. We began with Lisa Gabriele reading from her new novel The Archer Sisters . She was fabulous to listen to with a very engaging voice full of energy. Her reading left us laughing and clapping in appreciation. Next on the docket was Shani Mootoo . I was most eager to hear her read as I have read her writing before. In particular, I have read an excerpt published in a recent issue of ROOM magazine from her upcoming memoir. Shani read from Valmiki’s Daughter and it was at this point in the evening when I told myself I would like to work harder at my writing. She left me feeling both inspired and humbled. The evening readings ...

Writing can get complicated. It is one of those professions that Canadian society would like to consider a hobby. It carries with it a cloud of mystery, a reputation of late sleepers who rebel against the working class and drink a lot. Admittedly some of that may be true to an extent, but considering this attitude an absolute can have a peculiar way of playing on writer’s insecurities. Should one admit to being a writer, they may find themselves being questioned on their ‘real’ job. My suggestion, hang out with more like minded people, i.e. writers. Check your local listings for writing festivals; you may be quite surprised at the variety of the events and the quality of the information. It is a great chance to meet other authors and muse over what is out there for you to explore. PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY AUTHORS FESTIVAL 2009 All readings will be held in the loft space above Books and Company Bookstore, 289 Main Street, Picton. Book-lovers can buy a Festival Pass for $15 to attend any an...

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods, There is a rapture on the lonely shore, There is society, where none intrudes, By the deep sea, and music in its roar: I love not man the less, but Nature more . ~George Gordon, Lord Byron, Childe Harold's Pilgrimage Celebrations for this day are unearthing all across Canada, the United States and if you check your local listings, somewhere in your neck of this World too. Book Launch This Wednesday, April 22 7:30 p.m. at Books & Co. 289 Main Street, Picton, Ontario, we are commemorating Earth Day with the launch of a new book " Stand up women: Heal Mother Earth ". This project, spearheaded by Roz Bound, began with written contributions of local women in and around Prince Edward County. It was introduced at the Town Hall in Bloomfield, Ontario in March on International Women's Day, and now the book is borne. Books & Co. is a beautiful, welcoming and bustling gem in the downtown core. There will be refreshments provide...