Espresso Nights

My story "Espresso Nights" will be available online beginning April 3, 2008. So swing on by and take a read at: www.longandshortreviews.com/story.htm

You Don't Have to Travel Far to be Surprised!

Today I learned that Canada was bombed once - well sort of!

During World War II the Japanese floated balloons carrying bombs over North America intending to cause havoc with forest fires and such.

On January 12, 1945, one of those balloons landed south of Regina. Yes, this all happened in Saskatchewan - a Japanese bomb - you heard it right - it exploded and took out a fence!

Right here, just south of sleepy little Regina, a bomb landed and a fifteen year old boy who witnessed it all had one exciting story to tell at supper that night. To think I'd never heard about it - how is that possible? Because in Saskatchewan, even 63 years later, this is exciting news!

The things you learn when you least expect it.

Any strange stories from your corner of the world?

Ryshia

Inspiration is Everywhere

A different kind of journey today - let's go back to last night's American Idol. Yeah, I know lame, but give me a break I'm feeling a little under the weather tonight with a bit of "end of winter" flu. Seriously, this guy is worth listening to. David Cook - what an incredible voice. So tonight it is a journey to TV land and inspiration from someone struggling to beat the odds in the tough music business. This may sound familiar to some of you out there, beating the odds in a tough business I mean. Writing is rather the same - tough - you need guts and you have to hone your voice.

So take a listen and get inspired.

David Cook last night on idol


Don't lead a quiet life. Let the world know you're here.

Ryshia

In Borneo Things Are Happening

"Last Man Standing" - My hero, Aidan is finally happy with me. He's off the docks and into the action. There was a bit of a lull there for my Aidan chap as I reviewed other projects. But now he's under deadline and he's happy. A three day guiding gig into the Borneo rain forest with the woman of his dreams. How could he not be happy? And he is - was - until his mother showed up. I know - how many mothers show up in the middle of the Borneo jungle who are both competent guides and have years of training at annoying their grown children? Not many, and maybe that's why Aidan is pissed. Not that he'd say that word - pissed I mean. He's doesn't tend to use foul language of any kind. That's just the way he is. But until he extricates himself from a mother gone array and a heroine with well, as she would put it, "more balls than God gave most men." Well let's just say our guy is in a bit of tropical hot water.

To renewal, rejuvenation and new beginnings


Ryshia

Through the Remnants of Winter

Yesterday the snow covered path on the back deck had melted clear of snow. This morning that same path is frosted over as winter makes one last attempt to lay claim to the land. But spring is hard and hot on winter's heels and it's a losing battle.

It's a great time of year as we wait in anxious anticipation of spring. Although it does make walks a challenge as I map a route that will have the least encounters with mud, water and dirt. Because it's the time of year when a dog walk means leaving a towel at the door. It's amazing how much dirt and mud one dog can collect but Rourke loves it all!



It's a time of year where you're not quite sure what to wear. The prairie breeze still has an icy chill on it but the skies are clear, the falcons screeching overhead as they stake out nesting territory. Puddles line the streets and dirty snow piles are everywhere as the winter retreats leaving treasures long forgotten over the many cold months; a dog's pull toy, a child's ball, an empty coffee cup.

But winter's debris is easily overlooked as the prairie sky shines blue and vibrant overhead, and young men venture out in t-shirts while the rest of us still huddle in winter jackets - in this season that is still winter, and not yet spring.

And a sure sign that spring is just around the bend - the kids
and their bikes
are back on the road!

Happy Easter!



Ryshia

On the Road to Saskatoon

Saturday, March 15, 2008 is the day of the McNally Robinson book signing in Saskatoon. A group of friends came along for the fun. And it was a fantastic time. I don't know many women who can kick off a post book signing party in the local dollar store. Yes, it was just that kind of trip.

So five women in a truck for a 2 1/2 hour drive did not even reach the outskirts of Regina before a pit stop had to be called for Egg McMuffins and coffee and then we were off.

With the prairie fields still covered in snow it's still a beautiful day for a road trip. And despite what you may have heard, Saskatchewan is not totally flat. And yes, I know the pictures that follow confirm otherwise - you're just going to have to take my word for it.




With a break to take a look at the local road signs and a few more laughs as we line up for pictures and break through the rotted snow that is so common this time of year which, of course, only causes more laughs - we are back on the road. Still, even getting your socks wet in a rotted snow bank is all part of the fun because spring is just around the corner and Saskatoon is just down the road.

And then it's off to Davidson. Considered the half way point between Saskatoon and Regina, meetings are sometimes scheduled here when the participants come from both cities. And meetings aside it is also the place where people on more lengthy journeys stop to get gas, food or just a chance to stretch their legs. While our trip is much shorter than many travelers on the road, we're not adverse to a stop - after all this is a weekend out with the girls. No marathon driving sessions for us. Not that 2 1/2 hours would ever be called a marathon but...


Further down the road there's a southern Saskatchewan classic, the grain elevator. These used to be a common sight in every bustling farming community but they are slowly disappearing.

So let me present the Bladworth elevator. Bladworth's beauty is as much in the vast prairie landscape that borders it as the peaceful elevator that announces its existence.


So we finally arrive with time to spare and a chance to admire the view. Saskatoon is known as the bridge city. And the view from our hotel leaves no question. This is a pretty little gem of a city in the middle of the Canadian prairie.

McNally Robinson did a fantastic job of promoting the event. And what a great bookstore. I think I'm in love! But it's the people that really make the event and I met so many including my Aunt Pauline and cousins Valerie, Maxine and Dakota. It thrills me every time I meet people who love words like I do because every book is a journey.

After a hard day of authoring - no, let me correct, book signing, and I enjoyed every moment - an author needs her rest. It was a great time ladies.

Cheers to Saskatoon!

Ryshia