“Perhaps there is some secret sort of homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers. How delightful if that were true.” So goes a quote from one of my favourite books of all time, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I came across such a book recently. A colleague and fellow … Continue reading Goodbye to my 30s
Category: Blog
The two M’s
I don't know what it is about the fall that makes me suddenly and keenly aware of time passing. Maybe it's the sight of the leaves turning, a bright brave blast of colour before they wither. Everywhere, signs of slow decay. It doesn't make me sad, but it does make me a bit more reflective. Summer, so eagerly awaited, … Continue reading The two M’s
My 15 Favourite Books of All Time
In no particular order. 1) Gone With the Wind For all the great lines: "After all, tomorrow is another day." "As God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again." "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." First read this when I was 9, and even then I thought Ashley was a twit. Also, … Continue reading My 15 Favourite Books of All Time
Signs of spring
Spring used to be my favourite season, from the first snowdrop in February, to the delicate drifts of cherry blossoms, the golden trumpets of daffodils and the uplifted chalices of tulips, all the way to the lush blooming of the lilacs and the first roses. On the west coast of Canada, you can mark time … Continue reading Signs of spring
Cumulative effects
I cut open a tube of lotion this week — something I do every time I can't squeeze any more product out of its container. You'd be surprised at how much stuff you'll find inside an "empty" receptacle, if you only cut it open. There's usually enough in there to last a few more days. … Continue reading Cumulative effects
New ways of looking, learning, loving
I’ve discovered a new magazine called depict, which provides commentary on Canadiana in the form of infographics and other rich visuals. I've always preferred to read text-heavy publications, so depict helps me to see and learn things in different ways. Spring can't get here fast enough, as far as I'm concerned. But in the meantime, … Continue reading New ways of looking, learning, loving
New Year’s wishes
Growing up, we children were always encouraged to jump, as high as we could, at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve. If we did that, we were told, we would be sure to grow tall and strong in the coming year. This New Year's Eve, I won't be making that eager, hope-filled jump … Continue reading New Year’s wishes
Letter to my teacher
Dear Mrs. O, You used to stride into class, balancing your generous curves and armload of books on a pair of dainty high heels, and immediately the room of thirty-plus girls would settle down into quiet anticipation. English Lit with you was our favourite class. Well, at least, it was mine. I sit here now, … Continue reading Letter to my teacher
The things that endure
It's become my practice to cast a look back and try to find a common theme or thread that links the events of the past week. It's not an easy exercise, but I do it because it forces me to think things through, helps me make sense of what bewilders me, or remember moments that … Continue reading The things that endure
Maria Olaguera 