overcast, cool, temps minus 4
Feels a little colder to me, but it is still WAY milder than normal.
Am having great fun engaging now with the next book. Just letting my thoughts run free. But I also realize how important music is to my creative process. Each book has had both poems, and pieces of music that have inspired it. Sometimes with lyrics, like the searing Leo Ferre piece called 'Avec le temps' that inspired the next book - Bury Your Dead - and the instrumental 'Colm Quigley' that inspired The Brutal Telling.
I was watching the pairs short programme at the Olympics the other day and as always was amazed. I just love all of them! And get so caught up in their stories...borders and frontiers disappear and it seems to become about the people - the human stories. But - what struck me like lightning - it really feels like a jolt - was the music used (co-incidentally) by one of the Canadian pairs. They didn't do so well in the standings, but their music stunned me. I loved it.
Yesterday I decided to try to find out what it was. I love research - part of what I adored about journalism...following leads and trails - and the amazing satisfaction when you find what you're looking for. So I googled and searched, refined my search, tried different things...and finally found a reference to it. The piece was Lux Aeterna by Clint Mansell, from his larger work Requiem for a Dream. Though, I actually think it was a slightly different version called Requiem for a Tower. But I downloaded both.
As soon as I heard it I knew it was the 'track' to book 7, which is tentatively called A WORLD OF SIGHS - from an Othello quote.
My books, I've long realized, are individually like pieces of music, and often collectively like a symphony...in that over the arc of several books and story lines, there are different movements.
After BURY YOUR DEAD - which as you'll see is like a final movement - rich, full, dramatic - the next book needs to start the cycle again. Ridiculous to keep building dramatically...then the series would turn into a melodramatic shriek.
No, there are natural ebbs and flows, and book 7 is really the beginning of another 'symphony'. Indeed, the thrilling part in finding that piece of music is it tracks what I hope A WORLD OF SIGHS will feel like - but it is also what the next arc of a few books will feel like, over the course of Lux Aeterna.
Not sure if this is making any sense, but it is thrilling for me...indeed pivotal. A turning point in approaching a book. so many unseen elements need to fall into place for it to feel real to me, and be propelled along. Having music in my head as I'm writing (granted and thankfully not all the time) - is a huge inspiration.
The trick, though, is not to over-listen to it, and have the 'magic' and power wear off. Now I'm afraid to listen to it at all until I start to write on March 1st. We'll see if I can or if I give in to temptation. As Oscar Wilde said, 'I can resist anything except temptation.'
Having fun watching the Olympics. I just adore the skating - hockey I'm afraid doesn't do much for me - but I do love curling. Such a game of nerves and strategy. Of finess. What an interesting - and probably psychotic - country Canada is - to embrace and love both hockey and curling. Like our seasons, we are drawn to extremes. Well masked behind a courteous exterior.
Thanks for letting me prattle on about music. It feels quite divine when something hits like that. Very exciting.
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
Monday, 15 February 2010
Yipppeeee!
overcast, mild, temps at freezing
Wow - we watched (curled into little balls) the men's mogul finals last night...and saw Alexandre Bilodeau win GOLD! You'd have to have a heart like a stone, or be related to any of the other competitors, not to be happy for the young man. It was the first time in the Olympics I was moved to tears. Not the moment it was clear he won, but to see his tears, when he stood on the podium. But I often get chocked up at that moment, no matter who is there. If they cry, I cry. Such joy and wonder and amazement and awe. So much work.
But I have to admit, there was definitely that added joy that he's a Canadian - and even a Quebecois...and he's so proud to be Canadian - not always a given in a Quebecois.
We're about to watch more Olympics. Thank God I'm not trying to write the next book yet! Just thinking about it. Poor Michael gets it every morning - the discussion of my thoughts on the next book. Title ideas, themes, poetry. It is wonderful to speak with him about it. He actually listens and helps a huge amount. He has a very cunning mind!
Having a lovely relaxing time. Off for breakfast tomorrow in Cowansville and a few errands. Great time in my year...quiet.
Hope you're well and enjoying yourselves. Speak to you tomorrow!
Wow - we watched (curled into little balls) the men's mogul finals last night...and saw Alexandre Bilodeau win GOLD! You'd have to have a heart like a stone, or be related to any of the other competitors, not to be happy for the young man. It was the first time in the Olympics I was moved to tears. Not the moment it was clear he won, but to see his tears, when he stood on the podium. But I often get chocked up at that moment, no matter who is there. If they cry, I cry. Such joy and wonder and amazement and awe. So much work.
But I have to admit, there was definitely that added joy that he's a Canadian - and even a Quebecois...and he's so proud to be Canadian - not always a given in a Quebecois.
We're about to watch more Olympics. Thank God I'm not trying to write the next book yet! Just thinking about it. Poor Michael gets it every morning - the discussion of my thoughts on the next book. Title ideas, themes, poetry. It is wonderful to speak with him about it. He actually listens and helps a huge amount. He has a very cunning mind!
Having a lovely relaxing time. Off for breakfast tomorrow in Cowansville and a few errands. Great time in my year...quiet.
Hope you're well and enjoying yourselves. Speak to you tomorrow!
Sunday, 14 February 2010
Happy Valentine's Day!
Huge, light, fluffy flakes of snow drifting down, temps minus 4
Gorgeous, perfect Quebec winter day. Not too cold, not too windy. The Middle Bear -very Canadian. Not too too anything. But very lovely.
Such fun watching the Olympics. I realize I don't really root for a country - though I naturally lean toward Canadians. But in the long track skating last night - 5,000 metres - I was dying with anxiety for the Dutch skater. Can't remember is name. Apparently the whole Netherlands stopped to watch him - all hopes and dreams riding on his slender shoulder and quite formidible thighs. I realize I have skaters thighs. And proud of 'em.
but back to Sven (yes, I think that was his first name)...young guy - first olympics. In the netherlands the power company even said it would take money off everyone's bills for every gold this young guy won! Imagine.
I'd never heard of him before, and suddenly he NEEDED to win. I was practically curled into a ball, waiting to see how the others would do...
Such fun when the broadcsters give the individual stories, so that I care about the athletes as individuals.
Canada still has not won a gold. Our female mogulist (ette) won silver behind and between two terrific american performances.
Organizers doing an amazing, titan, job keeping the hills in shape given the epic rainfall they've had. but things should clear up.
Michael and I are having a quiet day in front of the fireplace. I'm going through Air Canada Vacations book dreaming of another trip. Great escapism. The truth is, I'm terribly comfortable here.
Today I've agreed - happily - to sponsor a table at malice domestic in Washington in May, and make a donation for the auction. Have also agreed to an interview with John Barber of the Globe and Mail Tuesday morning. And tried to arrange to meet a young woman - 14 - who lives locally and is a fanatical reader and writer. Wanted to get together for a 'girls only' afternoon tea at a nearby auberge, but we can't seem to co-ordinate her schedule and mine. I'm sure we will eventually.
Speaking of young writers, I did a fun Skype chat with students at Alexander Galt High in nearby Lennoxville. Their teacher, Stephanie Brown is amazing, and really encourages these exceptional students. Indeed, she's put my books on her curriculum, which is very creative and daring of her.
One of the students I spoke with is named Melissa - and she's a poet. Well, Stephanie just emailed the poem Melissa read for me at our chat. I was deeply impressed then, and now, and wanted you to read it. It was inspired by a character, Bean, in A RULE AGAINST MURDER/THE MURDER STONE. - and below it Melissa wrote what specifically inspired her to write this poem,
Bean and the Obituaries:
I sit in silence
Listening to the rhythm
Of 20 ticks in one tock
In simultaneous motion
I sit and think
Of how many humans who die
Every second tock
And every fourth tick
I lie down and feel
My heart speak in motion
To the beacons of time
I illuminate in my room
They know when the
Conversation between
My heart and them will end
I do not
However
I read the listings
Of people’s who have
I wrote this one on inspiration of all the clocks that Bean has in his/her room. I figured, clocks tick and hearts beat, and it could end up being a sort of conversation. The somewhat annoying but so desperately needed repetition in our daily lives. I thought about how I could relate the obituaries to the ticks and tocks of a clock, (which, was amazingly realistic seeing how all young children are fascinated or terrified by death.) and I got the impression that since they were having a conversation, and if one stopped talking, the conversation would end. As for the beacons being illuminated, they stand for what stands out to Bean. I hope you enjoyed it ☺
That was by Melissa Major. Brava.
Happy Valentine's Day! Be well.
Gorgeous, perfect Quebec winter day. Not too cold, not too windy. The Middle Bear -very Canadian. Not too too anything. But very lovely.
Such fun watching the Olympics. I realize I don't really root for a country - though I naturally lean toward Canadians. But in the long track skating last night - 5,000 metres - I was dying with anxiety for the Dutch skater. Can't remember is name. Apparently the whole Netherlands stopped to watch him - all hopes and dreams riding on his slender shoulder and quite formidible thighs. I realize I have skaters thighs. And proud of 'em.
but back to Sven (yes, I think that was his first name)...young guy - first olympics. In the netherlands the power company even said it would take money off everyone's bills for every gold this young guy won! Imagine.
I'd never heard of him before, and suddenly he NEEDED to win. I was practically curled into a ball, waiting to see how the others would do...
Such fun when the broadcsters give the individual stories, so that I care about the athletes as individuals.
Canada still has not won a gold. Our female mogulist (ette) won silver behind and between two terrific american performances.
Organizers doing an amazing, titan, job keeping the hills in shape given the epic rainfall they've had. but things should clear up.
Michael and I are having a quiet day in front of the fireplace. I'm going through Air Canada Vacations book dreaming of another trip. Great escapism. The truth is, I'm terribly comfortable here.
Today I've agreed - happily - to sponsor a table at malice domestic in Washington in May, and make a donation for the auction. Have also agreed to an interview with John Barber of the Globe and Mail Tuesday morning. And tried to arrange to meet a young woman - 14 - who lives locally and is a fanatical reader and writer. Wanted to get together for a 'girls only' afternoon tea at a nearby auberge, but we can't seem to co-ordinate her schedule and mine. I'm sure we will eventually.
Speaking of young writers, I did a fun Skype chat with students at Alexander Galt High in nearby Lennoxville. Their teacher, Stephanie Brown is amazing, and really encourages these exceptional students. Indeed, she's put my books on her curriculum, which is very creative and daring of her.
One of the students I spoke with is named Melissa - and she's a poet. Well, Stephanie just emailed the poem Melissa read for me at our chat. I was deeply impressed then, and now, and wanted you to read it. It was inspired by a character, Bean, in A RULE AGAINST MURDER/THE MURDER STONE. - and below it Melissa wrote what specifically inspired her to write this poem,
Bean and the Obituaries:
I sit in silence
Listening to the rhythm
Of 20 ticks in one tock
In simultaneous motion
I sit and think
Of how many humans who die
Every second tock
And every fourth tick
I lie down and feel
My heart speak in motion
To the beacons of time
I illuminate in my room
They know when the
Conversation between
My heart and them will end
I do not
However
I read the listings
Of people’s who have
I wrote this one on inspiration of all the clocks that Bean has in his/her room. I figured, clocks tick and hearts beat, and it could end up being a sort of conversation. The somewhat annoying but so desperately needed repetition in our daily lives. I thought about how I could relate the obituaries to the ticks and tocks of a clock, (which, was amazingly realistic seeing how all young children are fascinated or terrified by death.) and I got the impression that since they were having a conversation, and if one stopped talking, the conversation would end. As for the beacons being illuminated, they stand for what stands out to Bean. I hope you enjoyed it ☺
That was by Melissa Major. Brava.
Happy Valentine's Day! Be well.
Saturday, 13 February 2010
Opening ceremonies
light snow, windy, temps minus 5
One of those chilly days that gets into the bones. Last night too. The problem, always, is the wind. Late yesterday afternoon Michael came down from his study all chilled. His study is the coolest (not in a good way) place in the house - but not cold. Just cool enough that you don't notice yourself getting a chill until it has already happened. So off he went to bed with his flannel pajamas and a hot water bottle I boiled up for him. Felt better after an hour or so. Appeared (perhaps not completely coincidently) in time for dinner.
Then we both repaired to the bedroom and watched the opening ceremonies.
Wonderful. Those whales? The first nations! The dancing and joy. The images on the floor...the continental ice breaking up and splitting the clans. Amazing.
Like everyone else, our hearts broke for the Georgian athletes - and indeed for the Olympic organizers and volunteers who'd worked years and years - and then to have this tragedy happen just when it was time to let loose and celebrate.
Still, I think they did an amazing job of striking the appropriate balance between honouring the young man, marking his death, mourning it - but also allowing for a celebration.
Just two slightly odd things for us...everytime the camera panned to the VIP platform the guests looked uninterested. The athletes were waving and using their 'candles' - the 60-thousand in attendance were cheering...but the VIP's often looked asleep. Bored even. Perhaps it was just bad timing...and perhaps they were exhausted. And maybe they felt a certain gravitas needed to be shown. But I also think they could have looked happier. Or more engaged.
the other thing I thought was slightly odd was the decision to put Wayne Gretzky (I believe they might have found someone else to light the flame...I'd have loved to see Betty Fox or Rick Hansen or Nancy Greene) on a pickup truck at the end of the ceremony, shipped him across town, to light the outdoor Olympic flame, so far from any celebration...so the 60-thousand people, the athletes, the snoozing VIP's did not see it live. Just felt a little low rent after a beautiful, elegant, joyous opening ceremony.
But those are tiny things compared to the amazing achievement. Such soaring pride I felt. It was not an opening ceremony that will be remembered for anything in particular, I believe. But it was warm, welcoming, lovely - happy.
One of my favorite parts was the beat poet. He was great. I'm always astonished at people's poise. I cannot begin to imagine how many ativan it would take to get me up there.
Had breakfast this morning with Gary and Cheryl...lots of fun. Off to a meeting tonight. Quiet few days ahead. Bliss. We've dug out from the messages and mail and chores always waiting. God bless Lise for fielding most of the work while we were away.
Some of you wrote to ask about the calendars... Yes, we will definitely be creating them. Lise, Michael and I worked on the design yesterday, choosing appropriate photos from around here to compliment the months - and a few photos of Michael and me, and Trudy even slipped into one.
We have one of those perpetual calendars up in our kitchen and consult it everyday to see who's birthday or anniversary is coming up. Without it we'd be lost! Sadly with it we have no excuse for forgetting birthdays.
We hope to make the design very easy, simple, clear - and reflective of the Gamache series without being too in-your-face. Hitting the tone, really, of Three Pines. So we're being quite careful, and consulting each other a lot over choices. happily both Lise and Michael have an artists eye. I provide the words, which in a calendar turns out to be quite easy.
We hope to have it ready by April...which in a regular calendar might be a problem, but in one that is not year specific should not matter.
Am off to soak in a bubble bath and see if there are any Olympic events on. I love it!
One of those chilly days that gets into the bones. Last night too. The problem, always, is the wind. Late yesterday afternoon Michael came down from his study all chilled. His study is the coolest (not in a good way) place in the house - but not cold. Just cool enough that you don't notice yourself getting a chill until it has already happened. So off he went to bed with his flannel pajamas and a hot water bottle I boiled up for him. Felt better after an hour or so. Appeared (perhaps not completely coincidently) in time for dinner.
Then we both repaired to the bedroom and watched the opening ceremonies.
Wonderful. Those whales? The first nations! The dancing and joy. The images on the floor...the continental ice breaking up and splitting the clans. Amazing.
Like everyone else, our hearts broke for the Georgian athletes - and indeed for the Olympic organizers and volunteers who'd worked years and years - and then to have this tragedy happen just when it was time to let loose and celebrate.
Still, I think they did an amazing job of striking the appropriate balance between honouring the young man, marking his death, mourning it - but also allowing for a celebration.
Just two slightly odd things for us...everytime the camera panned to the VIP platform the guests looked uninterested. The athletes were waving and using their 'candles' - the 60-thousand in attendance were cheering...but the VIP's often looked asleep. Bored even. Perhaps it was just bad timing...and perhaps they were exhausted. And maybe they felt a certain gravitas needed to be shown. But I also think they could have looked happier. Or more engaged.
the other thing I thought was slightly odd was the decision to put Wayne Gretzky (I believe they might have found someone else to light the flame...I'd have loved to see Betty Fox or Rick Hansen or Nancy Greene) on a pickup truck at the end of the ceremony, shipped him across town, to light the outdoor Olympic flame, so far from any celebration...so the 60-thousand people, the athletes, the snoozing VIP's did not see it live. Just felt a little low rent after a beautiful, elegant, joyous opening ceremony.
But those are tiny things compared to the amazing achievement. Such soaring pride I felt. It was not an opening ceremony that will be remembered for anything in particular, I believe. But it was warm, welcoming, lovely - happy.
One of my favorite parts was the beat poet. He was great. I'm always astonished at people's poise. I cannot begin to imagine how many ativan it would take to get me up there.
Had breakfast this morning with Gary and Cheryl...lots of fun. Off to a meeting tonight. Quiet few days ahead. Bliss. We've dug out from the messages and mail and chores always waiting. God bless Lise for fielding most of the work while we were away.
Some of you wrote to ask about the calendars... Yes, we will definitely be creating them. Lise, Michael and I worked on the design yesterday, choosing appropriate photos from around here to compliment the months - and a few photos of Michael and me, and Trudy even slipped into one.
We have one of those perpetual calendars up in our kitchen and consult it everyday to see who's birthday or anniversary is coming up. Without it we'd be lost! Sadly with it we have no excuse for forgetting birthdays.
We hope to make the design very easy, simple, clear - and reflective of the Gamache series without being too in-your-face. Hitting the tone, really, of Three Pines. So we're being quite careful, and consulting each other a lot over choices. happily both Lise and Michael have an artists eye. I provide the words, which in a calendar turns out to be quite easy.
We hope to have it ready by April...which in a regular calendar might be a problem, but in one that is not year specific should not matter.
Am off to soak in a bubble bath and see if there are any Olympic events on. I love it!
Friday, 12 February 2010
Olympics - Lucy and Janet
overcast, cool. windy, temps minus 5
Michael and I went out for breakfast - to Knowlton. To one of our favorite restaurants in the area...Cafe Floral. And heard the fabulous news that one of the owners, Janet, had been named a Woman of the Year in our area! And...wait for it....another one who'll be honoured as Woman of the Year on International Women's Day in march is...Lucy!!! From Brome Lake Books. Lucy McAuley. Some of you might have been in touch with her when ordering the Vive Gamache mugs - so you know how great Lucy and Danny are.
We are so proud of both of them...imagine we know two of the women honoured! This also hard on the heels of Brome Lake Books being named the Bookstore of the Month in Canada!!! they're on a roll - and deserve to be.
Congratulations to Janet and Lucy.
Am watching the torch relay through Vancouver. Lovely. But terrible news about the fatal luge accident. I was extremely surprised that CTV, the official Canadian host of the Olympics, showed the accident. It was clear to Michael and me, and I suspect anyone watching that we'd just witnessed a fatal accident. No one could survive that. Then they replayed it.
Even CNN, reporting just now, chose not to show the video it was too horrific. They might change their minds - but I think that's the right decision.
My Assistant Lise came by today for a meeting here at World Headquarters. She's working on designing and ordering Three Pines book plates, and those special perpetual calendars that are for birthdays and special anniversaries...that are not year specific, but remind you year after year that your anniversary is Feb 12th.
Oh oh.
Lise is putting all that together, so basically she comes by, tells us all the things she's done while we roasted on the beach, we hug and kiss her and say, "Yes, Lise - please never leave us."
Will be watching the Olympic opening ceremonies tonight.
Michael and I went out for breakfast - to Knowlton. To one of our favorite restaurants in the area...Cafe Floral. And heard the fabulous news that one of the owners, Janet, had been named a Woman of the Year in our area! And...wait for it....another one who'll be honoured as Woman of the Year on International Women's Day in march is...Lucy!!! From Brome Lake Books. Lucy McAuley. Some of you might have been in touch with her when ordering the Vive Gamache mugs - so you know how great Lucy and Danny are.
We are so proud of both of them...imagine we know two of the women honoured! This also hard on the heels of Brome Lake Books being named the Bookstore of the Month in Canada!!! they're on a roll - and deserve to be.
Congratulations to Janet and Lucy.
Am watching the torch relay through Vancouver. Lovely. But terrible news about the fatal luge accident. I was extremely surprised that CTV, the official Canadian host of the Olympics, showed the accident. It was clear to Michael and me, and I suspect anyone watching that we'd just witnessed a fatal accident. No one could survive that. Then they replayed it.
Even CNN, reporting just now, chose not to show the video it was too horrific. They might change their minds - but I think that's the right decision.
My Assistant Lise came by today for a meeting here at World Headquarters. She's working on designing and ordering Three Pines book plates, and those special perpetual calendars that are for birthdays and special anniversaries...that are not year specific, but remind you year after year that your anniversary is Feb 12th.
Oh oh.
Lise is putting all that together, so basically she comes by, tells us all the things she's done while we roasted on the beach, we hug and kiss her and say, "Yes, Lise - please never leave us."
Will be watching the Olympic opening ceremonies tonight.
Thursday, 11 February 2010
Dorothy L
light flurries, cool, temps minus 3
Lovely day...winter, without the cruel bite. We've been watching, along with most of NA, the terrible storms on the east coast. poor Baltimore, Washington, Philadephia...New York City. Wow. Of course, the real problem is a loss of power. that's when it gets frightening and dangerous.
We have a large generator here because when we lose power we lose water too. but I know, of course, in cities people don't have generators.
If you're affected by the storms, and I know many of you are - you really are in our thoughts.
We've been having fun watching the Today Show etc in Vancouver for the Winter Olympics. We Canadians don't often wave the flag, but I have to admit to feeling my heart swell when I see Vancouver, Canada on all the TV's and in newspapers. Very proud of how beautiful it looks...and how efficient everything seems to be. Of course, the games haven't even started - so I suppose it's a little early to crow! Still, I'm very happy - and proud - and excited. I love the Winter Olympics. I suppose as a Canadian they just strike a cord. We were raised skiing and skating and doing a lot of the sports...until that great well of laziness was tapped. ow we watch others.
Can hardly wait for the games to begin. In truth, I root for Canadian athletes, but I also often also root for athletes from other countries. Some just have such inspiring, amazing stories. Imagine the work for these young people to get there? And they are all so young. Amazing. Humbling.
Had fabulous news from the website Dorothy L. It's a very prestigious site dedicated to crime fiction, with a bent to traditional mysteries _ ala Dorothy L. Sayers. Every January they poll their members for the top books and favorite writers....
Can you see where this is going....
Well, The Brutal Telling was the top book! And Louise Penny was the favorite writer!!! It actually feels very strange writing this because it feels way too much like bragging. And yet I've told you about other unexpected and wonderful events and honors...not sure why this feels different. and I suppose, really, it is bragging. But I'm just so happy about it. And frankly surprised. But mostly astonished and really, really joyful.
Do you know what I find amazing??? That I live outside a tiny village, in a french speaking province, in a lovely but quiet country - and readers have found my books. And enjoy them. And far from Canada and Quebec being a handicap readers seem to find it a good part of the series...a real benefit.
How open readers are. And how I have benefited by that. Honestly, what are the chances a middle aged woman writing in front of a fireplace in an old farmhouse would be discovered?
When I think of it my heart soars - and I'm aware again that it happened because of you, being open to what appeared to be a small Canadian village mystery series...but is in fact (I hope) set not in a place, but inside all of us. that's the real landscape. They're not about death but really about goodness and kindness, about friendship. About the light, not the darkness.
Enough of this - I just wanted to tell you the great news - and to thank you. I suspect many of you reading this now are also members of Dorothy L. You have a very, very happy author here...and I thank you.
Oh, another bit of news - Michael and I decided to go for our Nexus cards, which would speed our passage through Canadian and US customs. Since we travel so much, especially my air, it is huge to be able to avoid what is often a very long line. In some cases it takes an hour or more of shuffling forward. So we applied and guess what???
Michael got accepted, but I was rejected? Do they know who I am? Apparently they know perfectly well. I'm the idiot who got caught not once, but twice trying to sneak something into Canada. A Lands End bathing suit - then a month later, a restoration Hardware swing arm lamp.
Honestly - what was i thinking? It was humiliating. And apparently the border security people have long memories.
We went for Michael's interview two days ago at the Montreal airport and I explained my situation. The extremely kind (and beautiful - and powerful) customs officials looked up my dossier and discovered the infractions. I asked if maybe, since it was clearly a minor issue, it could just be, well, maybe, erased? (cue huge smile).
No. (cue their huge smiles). These cards are, they explained, for TRUSTED travelers.
They had me there. The irony is that I am actually, now, probably the most trusted traveler you could find. Nothing would entice me to lie at a border now. But the horse has already bolted. I am deemed untrustworthy.
Michael found this both amusing and annoying since we travel together all the time and his being able to sweep through customs means he just has to wait on the other side for his recidivist wife. Well, his fault for marrying me. He should have seen this larcenous streak in me.
But i have to say, the customs people really were very sympathetic and kind - and very helpful when Michael's eyes didn't want to have the retinal scan. Very patient they were. Finally, holding his lids open so wide I was sure the balls would roll out, they got the scan.
Hope you're doing well - and if you've been in the path of the storms, that you haven't been too, too badly affected.
Lovely day...winter, without the cruel bite. We've been watching, along with most of NA, the terrible storms on the east coast. poor Baltimore, Washington, Philadephia...New York City. Wow. Of course, the real problem is a loss of power. that's when it gets frightening and dangerous.
We have a large generator here because when we lose power we lose water too. but I know, of course, in cities people don't have generators.
If you're affected by the storms, and I know many of you are - you really are in our thoughts.
We've been having fun watching the Today Show etc in Vancouver for the Winter Olympics. We Canadians don't often wave the flag, but I have to admit to feeling my heart swell when I see Vancouver, Canada on all the TV's and in newspapers. Very proud of how beautiful it looks...and how efficient everything seems to be. Of course, the games haven't even started - so I suppose it's a little early to crow! Still, I'm very happy - and proud - and excited. I love the Winter Olympics. I suppose as a Canadian they just strike a cord. We were raised skiing and skating and doing a lot of the sports...until that great well of laziness was tapped. ow we watch others.
Can hardly wait for the games to begin. In truth, I root for Canadian athletes, but I also often also root for athletes from other countries. Some just have such inspiring, amazing stories. Imagine the work for these young people to get there? And they are all so young. Amazing. Humbling.
Had fabulous news from the website Dorothy L. It's a very prestigious site dedicated to crime fiction, with a bent to traditional mysteries _ ala Dorothy L. Sayers. Every January they poll their members for the top books and favorite writers....
Can you see where this is going....
Well, The Brutal Telling was the top book! And Louise Penny was the favorite writer!!! It actually feels very strange writing this because it feels way too much like bragging. And yet I've told you about other unexpected and wonderful events and honors...not sure why this feels different. and I suppose, really, it is bragging. But I'm just so happy about it. And frankly surprised. But mostly astonished and really, really joyful.
Do you know what I find amazing??? That I live outside a tiny village, in a french speaking province, in a lovely but quiet country - and readers have found my books. And enjoy them. And far from Canada and Quebec being a handicap readers seem to find it a good part of the series...a real benefit.
How open readers are. And how I have benefited by that. Honestly, what are the chances a middle aged woman writing in front of a fireplace in an old farmhouse would be discovered?
When I think of it my heart soars - and I'm aware again that it happened because of you, being open to what appeared to be a small Canadian village mystery series...but is in fact (I hope) set not in a place, but inside all of us. that's the real landscape. They're not about death but really about goodness and kindness, about friendship. About the light, not the darkness.
Enough of this - I just wanted to tell you the great news - and to thank you. I suspect many of you reading this now are also members of Dorothy L. You have a very, very happy author here...and I thank you.
Oh, another bit of news - Michael and I decided to go for our Nexus cards, which would speed our passage through Canadian and US customs. Since we travel so much, especially my air, it is huge to be able to avoid what is often a very long line. In some cases it takes an hour or more of shuffling forward. So we applied and guess what???
Michael got accepted, but I was rejected? Do they know who I am? Apparently they know perfectly well. I'm the idiot who got caught not once, but twice trying to sneak something into Canada. A Lands End bathing suit - then a month later, a restoration Hardware swing arm lamp.
Honestly - what was i thinking? It was humiliating. And apparently the border security people have long memories.
We went for Michael's interview two days ago at the Montreal airport and I explained my situation. The extremely kind (and beautiful - and powerful) customs officials looked up my dossier and discovered the infractions. I asked if maybe, since it was clearly a minor issue, it could just be, well, maybe, erased? (cue huge smile).
No. (cue their huge smiles). These cards are, they explained, for TRUSTED travelers.
They had me there. The irony is that I am actually, now, probably the most trusted traveler you could find. Nothing would entice me to lie at a border now. But the horse has already bolted. I am deemed untrustworthy.
Michael found this both amusing and annoying since we travel together all the time and his being able to sweep through customs means he just has to wait on the other side for his recidivist wife. Well, his fault for marrying me. He should have seen this larcenous streak in me.
But i have to say, the customs people really were very sympathetic and kind - and very helpful when Michael's eyes didn't want to have the retinal scan. Very patient they were. Finally, holding his lids open so wide I was sure the balls would roll out, they got the scan.
Hope you're doing well - and if you've been in the path of the storms, that you haven't been too, too badly affected.
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
home!
partly cloudy, cool, temps minus 5
We're home. And as wonderful as Paradise is, well, this is Heaven on earth. Snow everywhere, of course. Another other things, now that Trudy is back. I was tossing her the ball this morning, and digging to try to find the one she'd lost in the deep snow, and realizing that when the spring comes our lawn will be littered with brilliant yellow tennis balls. And poop.
When we got home and pushed open the door (and were greeted by the unique scent of home) the first thing our eyes hit was a vase of fresh tulips! Up the few steps and into the kitchen, on the long pine table.
They were from our friend Kirk down the road, who is also, with Jane Walker (also a friend), our interior decorators. They're wonderful. They'd come over a few times before we left - I might have mentioned it - to choose fabric. We knew we needed the large sofa more or less re-built (a very big, and wide, author had sat there for 5 years writing and now the cushions rested on the floor)...so we decided we'd bite the bullet and recover the sofa, and two chairs...and might as well do the curtains (previously Ikea specials - I LOVE Ikea, but a little goes a long way). don't you find the 'might-as-well's kill you?
But while we were away Kirk and Jane worked their magic and we came home to fresh tulips and a brand new living room. Oh, it looks beautiful. Feels like a brand new room - warm, fresh, alive and comfortable. Trudy friendly too. But with a simple elegance. I hope. thanks to Kirk and Jane.
The trip home from St. Lucia could not have been easier. We hugged and kissed everyone...feeling very sad to leave the most stunning place, and the most gracious people. There's a saying that no man is a hero to his butler. I can't begin to say what the wonderful Malaika, Amos and Sabie thought of us, but I know what we thought of them. They were kind, thoughtful, dignified, warm.
As an example, on our last night Michael and I decided we'd have dinner at a restaurant called Barfeoot by the Sea...we'd eaten there the night before and adored it. It was scramble seating, which was fine with us...but we had to let Amos know our intention. Next thing we know, he was at the door to escort us down...he'd selected a lovely table on the shore, and sprinkled the table with flower blossoms.
I believe they do this for everyone, but Amos, Sabie and Malaika all made us feel we were the only ones they were caring for.
Never obsequious, always gracious...amazing people.
The resorrt arranged for a chauffer to drive us the 90 minutes to the airport. It's up and down and all around, and through the rain-forest. Glorious. But for a delicate flower like me (motion sickeness) a bit of a trial. So I dramamined up and even tried those pressure-point things you put on your wrist. Something worked because the drive was terrific.
Flight fast - uneventful - 4 hours. We were home and ordering pizza by 9pm.
It still amazes me...breakfast by the shores of the Caribbean and dinner with snow outside our window. We won't talk about lunch, which was an Air Canada special...which is to say, nothing.
We miss St. Lucia. Feel a little lost without someone to care for us - I can definitely see how people grown spoiled and entitled. Funny, but it doesn't seem such a bad thing now.
Mostly we feel lost and a little frightened out of sight of a buffet. We just stand in the kitchen pointing to our open mouths, and nothing happens.
I remember when my mother was alive my brothers and I would marvel that the further away she got from her sofa the odder she became. A transatlantic flight with her was quite an experience.
We feel a bit like with with the Sandals buffet table. But I think we'll survive. once we figure out how to use the oven again.
Breakfast tomorrow with Joan...we're making plans with friends. So wonderful to still have about 3 weeks 'holiday' before starting to write the next book. time to settle in and start structuring it...feeling and fleshing out the characters. Coming up with mis-directions and red herrings...I love that. But I have to stop myself from doing too much. Must leave space for inspiration.
I've decided I need to respectfully decline all invitations for at least march and april - to really concentrate on the writing. But today the phone rang and it was the Sutton Elementary School asking if I'd read to the kids and speak to them as part of their push to get kids passionate about reading.
I couldn't say YES fast enough. I remember when I realized I could be a writer...I was in elementary school.
The downside is that I'm rubbish with kids. Have no idea how to relate to them. I just pretend they're puppies - but that has its limits.
thank you too for all your comments on the blog while I was gone! I read them all but didn't respond since the internet wasn't covered and the rates were frankly ruinous - so I simply wrote real fast blogs...and scanned the comments, enjoying and appreciating them.
I know I say this a lot - but wow, are we lucky. To have had such a blessed and blissful holiday, and to be back in a home and community we love. Doing what I love.
Thanks for coming to St. Lucia! Must see most of our friends fast before the tans fade...already they seem tepid. Well, compared to that glowing, radioactive thing I was a few days ago. Ships at sea were making for me.
Speak to you tomorrow...
We're home. And as wonderful as Paradise is, well, this is Heaven on earth. Snow everywhere, of course. Another other things, now that Trudy is back. I was tossing her the ball this morning, and digging to try to find the one she'd lost in the deep snow, and realizing that when the spring comes our lawn will be littered with brilliant yellow tennis balls. And poop.
When we got home and pushed open the door (and were greeted by the unique scent of home) the first thing our eyes hit was a vase of fresh tulips! Up the few steps and into the kitchen, on the long pine table.
They were from our friend Kirk down the road, who is also, with Jane Walker (also a friend), our interior decorators. They're wonderful. They'd come over a few times before we left - I might have mentioned it - to choose fabric. We knew we needed the large sofa more or less re-built (a very big, and wide, author had sat there for 5 years writing and now the cushions rested on the floor)...so we decided we'd bite the bullet and recover the sofa, and two chairs...and might as well do the curtains (previously Ikea specials - I LOVE Ikea, but a little goes a long way). don't you find the 'might-as-well's kill you?
But while we were away Kirk and Jane worked their magic and we came home to fresh tulips and a brand new living room. Oh, it looks beautiful. Feels like a brand new room - warm, fresh, alive and comfortable. Trudy friendly too. But with a simple elegance. I hope. thanks to Kirk and Jane.
The trip home from St. Lucia could not have been easier. We hugged and kissed everyone...feeling very sad to leave the most stunning place, and the most gracious people. There's a saying that no man is a hero to his butler. I can't begin to say what the wonderful Malaika, Amos and Sabie thought of us, but I know what we thought of them. They were kind, thoughtful, dignified, warm.
As an example, on our last night Michael and I decided we'd have dinner at a restaurant called Barfeoot by the Sea...we'd eaten there the night before and adored it. It was scramble seating, which was fine with us...but we had to let Amos know our intention. Next thing we know, he was at the door to escort us down...he'd selected a lovely table on the shore, and sprinkled the table with flower blossoms.
I believe they do this for everyone, but Amos, Sabie and Malaika all made us feel we were the only ones they were caring for.
Never obsequious, always gracious...amazing people.
The resorrt arranged for a chauffer to drive us the 90 minutes to the airport. It's up and down and all around, and through the rain-forest. Glorious. But for a delicate flower like me (motion sickeness) a bit of a trial. So I dramamined up and even tried those pressure-point things you put on your wrist. Something worked because the drive was terrific.
Flight fast - uneventful - 4 hours. We were home and ordering pizza by 9pm.
It still amazes me...breakfast by the shores of the Caribbean and dinner with snow outside our window. We won't talk about lunch, which was an Air Canada special...which is to say, nothing.
We miss St. Lucia. Feel a little lost without someone to care for us - I can definitely see how people grown spoiled and entitled. Funny, but it doesn't seem such a bad thing now.
Mostly we feel lost and a little frightened out of sight of a buffet. We just stand in the kitchen pointing to our open mouths, and nothing happens.
I remember when my mother was alive my brothers and I would marvel that the further away she got from her sofa the odder she became. A transatlantic flight with her was quite an experience.
We feel a bit like with with the Sandals buffet table. But I think we'll survive. once we figure out how to use the oven again.
Breakfast tomorrow with Joan...we're making plans with friends. So wonderful to still have about 3 weeks 'holiday' before starting to write the next book. time to settle in and start structuring it...feeling and fleshing out the characters. Coming up with mis-directions and red herrings...I love that. But I have to stop myself from doing too much. Must leave space for inspiration.
I've decided I need to respectfully decline all invitations for at least march and april - to really concentrate on the writing. But today the phone rang and it was the Sutton Elementary School asking if I'd read to the kids and speak to them as part of their push to get kids passionate about reading.
I couldn't say YES fast enough. I remember when I realized I could be a writer...I was in elementary school.
The downside is that I'm rubbish with kids. Have no idea how to relate to them. I just pretend they're puppies - but that has its limits.
thank you too for all your comments on the blog while I was gone! I read them all but didn't respond since the internet wasn't covered and the rates were frankly ruinous - so I simply wrote real fast blogs...and scanned the comments, enjoying and appreciating them.
I know I say this a lot - but wow, are we lucky. To have had such a blessed and blissful holiday, and to be back in a home and community we love. Doing what I love.
Thanks for coming to St. Lucia! Must see most of our friends fast before the tans fade...already they seem tepid. Well, compared to that glowing, radioactive thing I was a few days ago. Ships at sea were making for me.
Speak to you tomorrow...
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