August 26 . Issue #144

“I have a passion for teaching kids to become readers, to become comfortable with a book, not daunted. Books shouldn’t be daunting, they should be funny, exciting and wonderful; and learning to be a reader gives a terrific advantage.” Roald Dahl (1916-1990)

Hello and welcome to my Monthly Journal. A place where I share 5 points of interest. Things that kept me busy, piqued my interest or gave me a sense of purpose. This month, a trip to Tobermory, a visit to nearby Bruce Peninsula Park, Symphony in a Barn contributing to a new magazine and more.

My world starts to look more familiar with a time a few years ago when people got together and events were happening all the time. Yes, things are slowly getting back to a new sense of normalcy.

1. This has been a busy month for me. Travelling for adventure, a staycation in Ontario. A visit to beautiful Tobermory, diving for wrecks and exploring the Bruce Peninsula Park and lovely Lake Emmett.

2. As I mentioned in last month’s journal I had purchased tickets to Symphony in a Barn. My report on that adventure was recently published in That Canadian Magazine.

During the Toronto Jazz Festival, I got the chance to interview Emanuel Harrold, the mainstay drummer for the Gregory Porter Band. My interview is featured in That Canadian Magazine.

3. The nearby Town of Collingwood recently had a Sidelaunch Days Events. They featured some local vendors and artisans who set up along the pier in Collingwood harbour. There I met Owen, a young woodworker artisan.

I commissioned Owen of Blue Water Design to make me a custom vertical sword stand. I have three Japanese swords and one is strictly for show. A 1939 Kai Gunto, a Japanese naval officer’s sword, is the featured photo, mounted in my new katana kake (sword stand).

4. The Labour Day Weekend, September 2nd – 4th will host Elephant Thoughts, Labour Day Festival and I have tickets to the Saturday events.

I’m looking forward to seeing my friend Saiku from the African Drums and Crafts store in Toronto and all the other entertainers for this spirited and engaging eco-retreat. A 3-day cultural event for the entire family.

5. Eden Mills Writers Festival is the following weekend, September 11th. Look for me on Publishers Way. I’ll be there with Samba the Bernese Mountain Dog, book 1 and book 2 and Scratchy the Squirrel.

Thank you for reading, if you think someone you know would be interested in my newsletter please pass it along.

All of my books are now available at your favourite bookstores, support local bookstores with your online purchases. Make sure you get out and about this summer. Visit a book store, or the library and pick up some books. If you’re looking for a great early reader chapter book get my book Scratchy the Squirrel: A Time for Friends. Or one of my picture books, Samba on a Snowy Day or  Samba in Brazil.

Stay safe, stay well, stay strong and keep going.

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