Hello and welcome to my monthly newsletter, my writing journal that we get to share. This is a place where I can keep you updated on what is happening in my life, my so-called writer’s life. The featured photo is of a white spirit squirrel. I think there may be a story in this sighting.
Here are five things that have kept me busy, entertained, and motivated for the last few weeks. This month, I am sharing my 21-day itinerary for Italy for anybody considering a trip to southern Italy. Also, I want to look back with gratitude at some of my recent events, some books I picked up, and a book review I wrote for One Small Sloth. I have spent time with prose and reading poetry, especially the works of the master, Robert Frost.
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
Robert Frost (1874 – 1963)
1. Writing events and vendor sales events with opportunities to present my stories to children are popular during these times. I did a great winter holiday market recently in Sutton, The Link Winter Market. I will be back at Sutton and The Link Winter Market in December for their grand finale.
Thank you to all the good folks who stopped by to say hello. It was a chance to connect, to hear me read, and to pick up some books for gift-giving. The holiday spirit was alive and well in the township of Georgina and the town of Sutton. I will be back at the Link Winter Market once more on December 8th along with many members of the Writers Community of York Region. I’ll have all my books available at festival prices. I am also scheduled to read from my winter classic Samba on a Snowy Day.
Prior to this event, I participated in the Richmond Hill Indie Author Day. One of my favorite events. A chance to meet fellow authors, see what’s new, and pick up some books; Hidden by first-time novelist Hailey Rose and One Small Sloth by children’s author Stephanie S. Cheung. I have read and reviewed One Small Sloth on my book review page. Children’s-Books-Reviewed.
2. As I write this journal entry, I am thinking of my next event—the Woven Word Symposium, which will take place at the Wasaga Beach Public Library on Thursday, November 28. I believe it’s a first for the library.
The inaugural event has plenty of programs and features planned, including a vendors section in one of the rooms. I will set up a table there to showcase all of my children’s books.
3. Recently, I came across a martial arts group that trains out of Craigleith Community Center just outside Collingwood. They specialize in a sword style called Niten Itchi Ryu, which was created by master swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. Musashi plays a small part in my middle-grade chapter book, Dojo in the Woods.
My partner Nina and I joined the group as drop-in members with a 10-class package. We have participated in 5 classes to date. Classes are held on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings.
4. Inspired by our trip to Italy, Nina and I are making limoncello. We are following an ancient tradition handed down through generations of Amalfi Coast lemon growers.
My people, the residents of Pisticci, I say this with tongue firmly planted in cheek, as I only recently discovered the town and its famous after-dinner liquor. This is an after-dinner aperitif not of lemon origin but bitters. Pisticci Amorone Liquor, made by Amoro Lucano.
Lucano was created by pastry chef Pasquale Vena in 1894 in the southern Italian region of Basilicata. It is made with more than 30 botanicals, including wormwood, gentian, and citrus peels, and has an alcohol content of 28%. It has characteristics of caramel and Cola, though a bit more tangy with hints of bitters.
5. My plans for the winter are set, flights arranged, and Air BnBs organized. Unlike the trip to Italy, where we traveled through four provinces and one island, Sardinia, we only have two places booked. One on the Carribean side of Costa Rica and one in the central valley, Escazu, San Jose.
In Italy, we stayed in numerous Airbnbs and stayed in a few bed and breakfasts as well.
My 21-day itinerary for Italy: If you’re looking to spend time in the South of Italy, I share some of these great spots for you to discover.
Thanks for reading. If you know of someone who may be interested in this Monthly Journal, please share. Be sure to check out my newest book, Life on the Beaver River, an early reader chapter book. I also have a new children’s picture book, Samba in Switzerland, and a middle-grade reader, Dojo in the Woods. All my books are readily available online through your favorite bookstores.
Be well, stay safe, and keep reading and writing.
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