Wednesday 25 May 2011

One Book One Island!



sunny, warm, beautiful day - temps 24

Actually, a very slight nip to the air, but very, very nice. Very peaceful. And most of the black flies, that had been plaguing us, seem to have left.

The writing's going much better now - over the difficult patch. What a joy it is to get to sections that just flow quickly...hard to type as fast as the words want to come out. As you can see, it's not always like that...but when it is? Bliss.

Speaking of bliss, I wanted to show you two photos I took when I'd finished writing. Michael and I walked through the woods to the guest cottage and came across that wild apple tree, in full bloom. Magnificent.

And, at home, the lilac are in bloom...I cut lots of blossoms today and spread them in vases through the home. In this one I also put some allium and some white bleeding hearts, on the kitchen table. I wish this was a scratch 'n sniff blog (though often I'm very grateful it isn't)....I think the scent of lilac and peonies are just amazing. if heaven tastes like posset, it smells like lilac and peony. The peony are in bud, but not bloom. I'll torment you with photos of those once they pop.

Well, I've managed to keep mum for months, but finally it was announced that Prince Edward Island has chosen STILL LIFE as its One Book One Island selection this year!

the entire province will be reading (or at least encouraged to read) the book, in English or French.

I am beyond thrilled!! This is, essentially, a province-wide book club. Events will be organized throughout the summer, inspired by STILL LIFE and then it will all culminate when I visit on September 13th and 14th!

Have you ever been to Prince Edward Island? It is a gem. A real hidden jewel. I say 'hidden' though of course it isn't hidden at all, it just isn't as well known as it should be. Mostly I think it's known internationally as the home of the Anne of Green Gables books - which I adored as a child.

But PEI is so much more than that. Miles and miles of red sand beaches. peaceful, beautiful, unspoiled - but throbbing with culture. Great art, great theatre, great music - and cuisine. I am almost sick with excitement at the idea of visiting!!

but mostly, I'm so thrilled at the very great honour of having my book selected for their One Book One Island initiative.

Here's a link to information about the programme.

The English URL of the One Book site is http://www.library.pe.ca/onebook, and the French URL is http://www.library.pe.ca/unlivre.

I'll be doing interviews tomorrow morning on both the English and French CBCs. And just finished one with the Charlottetown Guardian.

Hope you're all well - speak soon!

12 comments:

Andi said...

We loved PEI and its smallest harbour in the world! Had three great days there about 10 years ago.

Ann from Boston said...

My mother was born on PEI and I spent many summers on my uncle's farm there. I have visited there many times since then. The last time was four years ago. I've been wanting to go again. The site of my uncle's farm is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It's in Orwell Cove. A remote location even for PEI.

In honor of this great occasion I'm going to re-read "Still Life."

MargaretJ said...

Everyone should read the Anne of Green Gables books and visit PEI (after they visit Nova Scotia!)

H. L. Banks said...

How wonderful you will be visiting down are way. I hope to get a chance to meet you in person. PEI is so beautiful. I think Regis and Kelly helped put it on the map as well.

Sandra W. from Trumbull said...

Love PEI and how clever of them to have selected your book. Now I'm in the mood for mussels and it isn't even 9AM!

Melody said...

Congrats on the news on one book one Island! Prince Edward Island is a place I'd love to visit. I agree with you on the Anne of Green Gables comment.

I'm glad to hear writing is going smoothly. I would love to be able to write books.. It was always in the back of my mind that it would be heaven to be an author..but instead I have chosen to stay close to the book/literary world by being a Librarian. I do love my job... It is even richer with authors creating books like yours.
Thank you.

Katie said...

Hi Louise, Katie here from PEI. We have a Twitter account for One Book One Island at www.twitter.com/IslandbookClub as well as Facebook!

Love for you to check it out and thanks for all your praise of PEI!

lil Gluckstern said...

I am smelling lilacs in my mind. How very lovely. Have fun with all your adventures.

Liz said...

When I get a whiff of lilac at this time of year, I'm instantly back to being a 6-year-old carrying a bouquet of lilacs to school in Ottawa for my Grade One teacher (can't remember her name). Same with peonies, ants and all. Just love this time of year.

darlene said...

Gee, Louise, I feel like a techno-geek! An hour ago I couldn't have told you what an RSS feed is, but now I do, thanks to your blog. Wow! (I know I'm a Luddite.:) )

Interesting that Vancouver peonies are just in bud and lilacs just in bloom, too, because of our lack of spring and warmth. I'm going to cut some lilac before the rain destroys it all. Love that scent.

What a lovely thing for PEI to honour Still Life as their special book. Congratulations!

Judy said...

No lilacs in bloom here yet, still waiting for the sun to burst through the fog...week 6! Hope you can make it NS when you're down this way, would love to have you visit with us. Looking forward to book 7.

Barbara said...

I've been to Nova Scotia twice and both times I ran out of time before I got to PEI. Well, there's always next time. Congratulations on their brilliant choice of Still Life. Sept. should be beautiful there.