Lately in Ottawa, things have not been all well. A prominent politician's son committed suicide. That, and the fact that so many around me have cancer, has meant that I've been a bit blue. You might think that the fact that winter's coming would add to my morbid frame of mind but I find it's been the opposite. I'm looking forward to the snow. I'm anxious to go out in the first snowfall of the year and just enjoy it.
As a child, I loved the snow and all the stuff you could do with it. It was especially great when I took my dog out in it. She would try to eat any snowballs I whinged her way. It was quite a good time.
In Ottawa now, there are many things to do in winter. We have Winterlude in February and I go to see the ice carvings, they are quite near my home. I admit they aren't as impressive as the ones they have in China but they're always nice to see. I don't go skating on the canal because I haven't skated since I was a child but I can go down and watch others skate.
Well, I'll close off here but just after I tell you one more thing. On November 4,5,6, I will be in Montreal at the MuseItUp conference. My short story, The Mountain City Bronzes comes out that weekend. It can be ordered from the MuseItUp Publishing website. It's one more thing to pick me up this winter and even if this pales before all the grief of the families left behind by cancer and suicide, I'm grateful for it.
There's no greater blessing than the joy we find in the small thing. As you look forward to the snow, I look forward to the sand and sea as Summer approaches. Congratulation on the release of your story. I wish I was there in Montreal for the retreat, too.
ReplyDeleteHi Madeleiene,
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful time in Montreal. I'm like Wendy, wish I could be there, too.
You have a nice blog.
Hi Madeleine,
ReplyDeleteSnow, skating, ice sculptures... wow. Like Wendy I am looking forward to surf, sunshine and seaside. Today is one the first days the pool is tempting. We have had a funny spring.
Congratulations on the release of your short story... and being able to attend the Museitup retreat!! Think of us when you are there!! We'll be waving from way Downunder!!