tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91360491114734945502024-03-05T02:47:17.544-05:00The Year of the RabbitA novel about Fate, Family and ForgivenessAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414892795648737741noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-82492858698014010932021-01-10T14:12:00.003-05:002021-01-10T14:12:55.352-05:00Hard decisions in the year of the pandemic<h2 style="text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Retiring</span><span data-offset-key="1rdgm-1-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the Ebook: January 2021</span></h2><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="19fqj" data-offset-key="3deen-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3deen-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3deen-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Happy New Year, eh?</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3deen-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3deen-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3deen-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3deen-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">We are in the process of removing the Ebook from online platforms, reconsidering that bright idea of publishing a limited print edition before 2023. </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="19fqj" data-offset-key="a3gg9-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a3gg9-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="a3gg9-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="19fqj" data-offset-key="5uda-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5uda-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5uda-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Apologies in advance for any broken links and rabbit holes on this blog and related pages.</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="19fqj" data-offset-key="8m87c-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8m87c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8m87c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="19fqj" data-offset-key="7m6ps-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7m6ps-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7m6ps-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Stay well. Stay safe.</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="19fqj" data-offset-key="4undj-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4undj-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4undj-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="19fqj" data-offset-key="9bst3-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9bst3-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9bst3-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">T</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9bst3-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9bst3-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span data-offset-key="9bst3-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="19fqj" data-offset-key="cnq3e-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></div>Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-84630525869861454222020-10-29T05:41:00.004-04:002020-10-29T05:41:47.392-04:00Halloween 2020 is an eerie thing<h2 style="text-align: left;"> Stay home. Stay safe. Practice social distancing.</h2><p>Who would have thought back in 1975 this would be an issue, that the entire world would be in a Pandemic in 2020?</p><p>It is sad that some members of society are behaving like children, rebelling against the advice from public health professionals and local politicians. </p><p>Just grow the puck up. </p><p>Your trick or treat activities will have to be toned down. </p><p>You will have to find other ways to exercise rather than go to a sweaty gym. </p><p>You will have the opportunity to cook at home and learn new recipes rather than visit a restaurant. </p><p>It's a harsh reality but we can get through this if everyone cooperates without succumbing to the conspiracy theories of anarchists and anti-maskers.</p><p>Permit me to help you reminisce with an excerpt from The Year of the Rabbit, when Sera got to dress up as a witch and go trick or treating with her BFF Violet. </p><p>Read: <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.com/2010/10/halloween-night-sera-loses-her-friend.html" target="_blank">http://novel-yotr.blogspot.com/2010/10/halloween-night-sera-loses-her-friend.html</a></p><p>Stay safe but still have fun, kids.</p><p>Grow the puck up, selfish, irresponsible adults. </p><p>Flo T</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-35766459918521495472018-06-17T08:41:00.000-04:002018-06-17T08:41:26.264-04:00Father's Day 2018<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This post is in recognition of Father's Day.</span></span></b><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Due to my own Father passing away many years ago and the lack of a Father figure in my little family, this day no longer holds much significance. </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can imagine how it must feel for some families to celebrate Mother’s Day or Father’s Day in a home divided or where one parent has passed away. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I admire families with dedicated, responsible fathers. I envy women who have had the good fortune to find a man, a mate who is faithful, kind and supportive, and who sticks around to help raise their children.<br /><br />In the <a href="http://www.yearoftherabbit.ca/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">novel The Year of the Rabbit</a>, we are introduced to Matthew Fletcher, father of Sera and her older siblings. Only a handful of people had been aware of Sera’s true paternity. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After Marie passes away, her <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.com/2011/06/letters.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">hidden letter of confession</a> reaches Matthew via an unlikely messenger. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /> </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I like to think of Matthew Fletcher as an ideal husband and a good father. He was gentle and loving with his children. He was forgiving of his wife’s wild behavior. He performed honest work as a carpenter and cabinet maker. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read more <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2014/06/fathers.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's wishing all the good fathers out there a wonderful Fathers’ Day. Enjoy the time with your family.<br /><br />I invite you to read <b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/p/excerpts.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">more excer</a></span></b><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/p/excerpts.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">pts</a></span></b> from <b>The Year of The Rabbit</b><b>, a Novel </b><b>About Fa</b><b>te, Family and Forgiveness</b>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Join <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/p/reader-comments.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;" target="">others who enjoyed</a> this unpolished gem of Canadian fiction. Download the first few chapters of the eBook for free from <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Smashwords</a>. If you like what you have read, you can then purchase the entire book for 99 cents or more (you set the price).</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>In the spirit of conserving resources and time, most content of this post has been recycled from an earlier one. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-7864267652296010662018-05-01T08:39:00.002-04:002018-05-01T08:39:54.510-04:00Juicy Beltane bits <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Happy Beltane all you nature lovers! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">We're finally getting some springlike weather in the Ottawa Valley after one <i>b1tch</i> of a winter!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Enjoy an excerpt from the novel about <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.com/2011/04/hide-and-seek-childhood-games-and.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">young love (err.. lust)</a> and a <a href="http://tjo-deepblondethoughts.blogspot.ca/2011/04/merry-merry-month-of-may.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">recycled blog post</a>. These will hopefully lure you to</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> enjoy </span><a href="http://www.yearoftherabbit.ca/" style="color: #888888; font-size: large; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">The Year of the Rabbit</a><span style="font-size: medium;">, a novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Follow the wall posts on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Year-of-the-Rabbit-ebook/126203987461766" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and contribute to the discussions. Like it! Share it with your friends but NOT your dear, sweet Mother. <i>This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Get 20% of the Ebook for free. No trees were harmed during the creation of this edition. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Buy the Ebook from </span><a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160" style="color: #888888; font-size: large; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Smashwords</a><span style="font-size: medium;">, an awesome publishing platform for indie authors. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Thanks for dropping by. Be wary of friendly Green men in the forest today ;-^</span></div>
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Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-77978952014601106332018-01-21T09:38:00.000-05:002018-01-21T09:38:43.614-05:00To wallow or wiggle through this cold lonely winter<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;">The New Year cometh. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">You can enjoy this illustration of a happy chow dog to mark the arrival of the Lunar New Year or you can wallow in sadness with the author by reading this excerpt from The Year of the Rabbit. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIppxmkMaEoY4W6Lk-KZTUHPpBx4gECX3eY1QkH8tfi4-VFeTLCz0IVibTe9PDjx8MhVwxH4Mr0MNbat6v-AZ8TSucta1BKTv8B8uOKA2EPbhcygPt3y9UYEmQlf90Z9HqBLwxKxU21H0/s1600/YOTR-dog-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="464" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIppxmkMaEoY4W6Lk-KZTUHPpBx4gECX3eY1QkH8tfi4-VFeTLCz0IVibTe9PDjx8MhVwxH4Mr0MNbat6v-AZ8TSucta1BKTv8B8uOKA2EPbhcygPt3y9UYEmQlf90Z9HqBLwxKxU21H0/s320/YOTR-dog-sm.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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<i style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Imagine yourself in a small town on the shores of Georgian Bay during winter. Meet a lonely yet brave 11 year-old girl - a girl on a mission. </i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><i>----</i></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">It was late January at the Winter Carnival celebrations at the town park that Sera approached Aunt Georgette for a couple of dollars. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">“Don’t you want to go on a sled ride, chérie?” Georgette asked, “How about some hot chocolate and pastries?” </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"I have to go... see someone," the girl responded.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Where are you going, Would you like company?" asked her Aunt.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">“Just somewhere, Aunt Georgette. I need to go alone,” Sera replied, choking back tears.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Okay, chérie," Georgette bent and kissed her on the forehead while handing her two dollars. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"I'll see you back home, Aunt Georgette. Thanks." She quickly pocketed the money and turned towards Main Street. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">The snow drifted down in a gentle, lacey curtain. Sera adjusted her scarf and pulled the knit hat down over her ears and dark curls. Her walk was slow yet determined with her boots making a steady ka-lump, ka-lump rhythm as she walked down the street. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">She had no desire to join in festivities in the park or at the ice-fishing derby on the Bay. She needed to be somewhere familiar and comfortable. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Sera headed towards the Red Hare, digging up the warm memories of the place, anticipating a hot bowl of wonton soup and sitting in her favourite spot. I have to take things into my own hands, she thought while walking down the bustling sidewalk. "Someone has to fix this. I'm going to talk to Mrs. Young."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">When Sera entered the restaurant, she was disappointed and angry to see Daryl MacDonald at one of the booths near the front, chatting up some of his police buddies, Constables Harrison and Brown. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Well, look what the cat dragged in," he feigned polite joviality, "It's the youngest of the Fletcher brood. Where's the rest of the crew? I haven't seen you people in here for weeks."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Sera felt a flood of fear and anger. He likely knew damn well why they hadn't come lately. Now he was sitting here gloating and rubbing it in. She hated this man for what he did to her friend's mother. She hated that they had to move away and she couldn't know where they were. At least he didn't know where they were. Look at him, what a big shot — just because his family owned most of the lumberyards in town. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Don't say anything stupid. Don't be afraid, she reminded herself. Remember why you are here. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Hello, Mr. MacDonald," she responded while removing her hat and mitts, "Hello, Constables. People have been busy, I guess." She strained to see if her favourite booth was available. She felt relief when she saw Jenny clearing her favourite table near the back.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">The constables shifted in their seats uncomfortably. They didn’t look like they enjoyed his company.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Daryl continued, "Now, how's that Daniel doing in college?"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Fine, thanks."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"He's a fine young lad, " Daryl continued to his companions, "He's going to make a fine officer some day."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">The other men nodded in agreement and sipped their coffee. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">“Yes, siree. And I heard he’s going to be a father too,” he gaffawed and slapped the table.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Excuse me," Sera said curtly and headed towards the back. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">She walked at an even pace towards her booth. Jenny was clearing away dishes from the previous customers and stopped to smile at her, "Hello, Sera. How are you, sweetie?"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Not great, really," she responded, removing her coat, folding it and tossing it into the corner of one of the benches. She scooped up a couple of plates and put them into the bussing bin that Jenny was holding, helping her tidy up. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"I miss you, Sera," Jenny said, still performing her work, "I miss your whole family." She pulled a handkerchief from her apron and blew her nose. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"I miss you too, Mrs. Young," the girl responded, "I miss Amy and Mr. Young, I guess. I miss this place." Their eyes met. Sera was frowning and looked down at the table. "I miss Victoria." She burst into silent tears, her shoulders shaking with each painful sob. She sunk her chin into her chest and hunched her shoulders.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Jenny put her arms around Sera and held her closely. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"I miss her so much. I'm so lonely and I don't know .. don't know what to do."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"I know. I understand, Sera." </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"I miss … how things used to be. Mom is still not well enough. They say she's gone into a 'relapse'. Aunt Georgette tries to cheer me up but I just don't feel any better. I miss coming here, being here."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">She gladly accepted the tissue Jenny offered her and blew her nose loudly. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Here, sit down." Jenny slid in beside Sera on the bench with her arm around her shoulder and her head leaned in so she could speak softly. "Things have been pretty tense around our place too. Carl is embarrassed and angry with Amy. That is why he had her sent away to that place in Toronto."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"I know. I heard it from Dela and Gwen."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"It's ... very lonely around here without her too. My own little girl," she blew her nose one more time and breathed out in relief, "Thank goodness for Gio arranging with the high school that she could finish her studies from there." </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"He's not half-bad, then," Sera commented, "How is Amy ... feeling?"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Oh, she's a tough one but still her little princess self," she smirked, "and she tells me on the phone that she has been eating a lot. I mean A LOT!"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Great. I wish she was here. I wish I could see her big belly ... and feel the baby moving. "</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Jenny looked down at her delicate hands and whispered, "Me too."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">A small group of people entered the restaurant and seated themselves. Jenny sighed then gave Sera a half hug and squeezed her shoulders to her chest, "I had better get back to work. Where's that Carolyn? She's supposed to be covering the other side of the room. Are you hungry?"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Yes. May I have a bowl of wonton soup?"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Sure thing," Jenny replied as she rose to grab the bin and headed towards the kitchen. She turned and whispered, </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"It's nice to see you again, Sera." </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Same here, Mrs. Young."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">After she finished her soup and blew her nose again, Sera sat quietly and gazed at the rabbit painting above her booth. She took in the red, gold and green designs, the curves and simple patterns. She felt sadness. She felt a distant joy and contentment. She smiled. It was her first in a long time. I miss this, she thought. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">The kitchen door swung open slowly. Carl Young emerged, wearing his kitchen whites, as usual and holding a towel. He approached Sera's booth with slow, even steps, wiping his hands. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Sera perked up nervously and smiled, "Hello, Mr. Young."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Hello, stranger, " he responded.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Would you like to join me?"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Sure. Sure." he smiled briefly and sat across from her, "I guess I could take a break." He sighed and groaned as he sat down on the bench. Within seconds, Jenny swiftly brought over a coffee cup and saucer, filled the cup and dropped off the cream and sugar. Carl gave a curious look, almost surprised that his wife was so quick in serving him. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Sera bit her lip, looking down then slowly lifted her gaze to meet his tired eyes. He appeared old and sad. She rarely saw him sitting still for long periods. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Happy New Year, Mr. Young."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Happy New Year, Sera."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Soon it will be the Year of the Rabbit, yes?"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Yes, that's right," he responded, looking up at the painting. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Sera leaned forward, "It's my favourite year, you know, since I was born in it and.. that was the year you opened the restaurant."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Carl smiled slightly and nodded. "That's right. I forgot."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"I was wondering if you were going to have a celebration of any sort. You know, like an anniversary party?"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Oh. I hadn't thought of that. I've been.... busy."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"You could invite a lot of people."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Really?" he shifted in his seat.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Sure. I could help with the decorations. I'm sure Dela and Gwen would like to help too."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Sounds nice," he nodded, his eyes scanning the booths and front of the restaurant then took a sip of coffee. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"I miss Amy!" she blurted out.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Carl, closed his eyes, breathed out slowly and set down his cup.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"I miss her, Mr. Young. So do Dela and Gwen. So does.. Mrs. Young."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Sera..."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"I may just be a kid but I know she didn't do anything horrible. She's pregnant and yes by my brother. Stupid teenagers," she rolled her eyes, "Stupid. But.. but, it's not like she killed someone."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Carl looked at her sternly. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Please, Mr. Young," she pleaded with a soft whisper, stretching her hands across the table, "Let her come back home. The place isn't the same without her. I miss coming here with my family. I miss that, Mr. Young. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Sera..." he said in a tired manner.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Please." Her green eyes watered and bore pitifully at him. He did not want to destroy her youthful innocence.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Sera. It's a matter of honour, of family pride. She shamed the family. I gave her the best of everything and this is what happens... If this was another place and time, a girl in her situation would be…"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"I understand, Mr. Young. Well, I don't really ... I respect your opinion."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Thank you."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"If it's a matter of you not wanting her at home right now, can she come and stay with us? "</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Oh.. Now I see. Did your father send you here?"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"No! I came by myself. They don't know that I'm here. It was very hard for me to come here by myself especially seeing ... " she scowled, "seeing HIM here." her head jerked towards the front of the room.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"I see..."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"My friend was sent away with her mom because he hit her. I haven't seen her for months. I've only received one letter from her. I miss her. I also miss Amy. Dela and Gwen miss Amy. I miss coming here with my family. Please, please, can we just put things back the way they were?"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"I don't see how we can do that, Sera. My heart is broken. My family is shamed."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">More people entered the restaurant, stomping the snow off their boots, shaking their hats and heading to join their companions.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"I.. I… should let you get back to work, Mr. Young." said Sera, rising, "Looks like the winter carnival has brought a lot of people out today."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Yes, I should get back...."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Sera put Aunt Georgette's money on the table and slid it under her empty soup bowl. She grabbed her coat and got up to put it on.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Carl sat back and stared sadly at her.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Thank you for the soup, Mr. Young. It was delicious and warm as usual."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Thank you for dropping by, Sera."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"Happy New Year," she said as she put on her touque, turned and walked quickly towards the front door. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">- - End excerpt - - </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sample more <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.com/p/excerpts.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">excerpts</a>. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See what <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.com/p/reader-comments.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">others have shared</a> after reading The Year of the Rabbit. Download the first 20% of the novel for free at <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Smashwords</a>. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for dropping by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.yearoftherabbit.ca/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">www.yearoftherabbit.ca</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span></i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-46495129262165042112017-10-31T06:27:00.000-04:002017-10-31T06:27:07.355-04:00An unhappy Halloween<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Picture this: A little green witch, a fairy princess, a priest and a ruined Halloween night.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">This is an attempt to lure you to an </span><a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2010/10/halloween-night-sera-loses-her-friend.html" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">excerpt about Halloween night</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">in The Year of the Rabbit.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> I have no treats but this. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">J<i>oin <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/p/reader-comments.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;" target="">others who enjoyed</a> this hidden gem of Canadian fiction. Read the first few chapters of the eBook online or download for free from <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Smashwords</a>. If you like what you have read, you can then purchase the entire book for 99 cents or more (you set the price).</i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FlorenceTLyon/" target="_blank">Flo</a> or the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Year-of-the-Rabbit-ebook-126203987461766/" target="_blank">novel</a> on Facebook. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for dropping by ... and go safe tonight. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">T</span></span></span>Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-65598360052896890592017-02-12T07:39:00.001-05:002017-02-12T07:39:46.332-05:00Tears of innocence and hope <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although some of us just want to hibernate, </span>w<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">are wak<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ing</span> up <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">to the energy of</span> the Year of the Fire Rooster<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> in our <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">snow-covered</span></span></span></span></span> Ottawa Valley. The <a href="http://rcs.ncc-ccn.ca/" target="_blank">Rideau Canal Skateway</a> is open <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and <a href="http://www.canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1416239267950/1416239373076" target="_blank">Winterlude</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> celebrations</span></span> are under way. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>If you don't care for skating or skiing, you can enjoy fresh air<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">frosty</span> ambience by <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">touring <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the ice <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">sculpture<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> displays</span></span> and perhaps enjoying a <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Beaver tail</span> pastry and hot chocolate. </span></span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Permit<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> yourself</span> to <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">travel</span> back to a solemn winter during a time of innocence.
Imagine yourself in a small town on the shores of Georgian Bay in the
1970s. Meet a lonely yet brave 11 year-old girl - a girl on a mission to
convince Mr. Young to let his pregnant daughter come back home. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rVqvbN_kFudAM_Ae_3q0G0WMuVxSG2_IfbB7mj841IYG5QGq3Q5WpP9t7J37OQP8t2sx-ToRp9oY6vTDQMHSB86RGP5sId9KaTz3_f34D7L0YJO-2ARa5QRYjI7ISXu1AOzPYvnXH3yr/s1600/RestaurantWontonSoup.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rVqvbN_kFudAM_Ae_3q0G0WMuVxSG2_IfbB7mj841IYG5QGq3Q5WpP9t7J37OQP8t2sx-ToRp9oY6vTDQMHSB86RGP5sId9KaTz3_f34D7L0YJO-2ARa5QRYjI7ISXu1AOzPYvnXH3yr/s320/RestaurantWontonSoup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">- - Begin excerpt - - </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After
she finished her soup and blew her nose again, Sera sat quietly and
gazed at the rabbit painting above her booth. She took in the red, gold
and green designs, the curves and simple patterns. She felt sadness.
She felt a distant joy and contentment. She smiled. It was her first
in a long time. I miss this, she thought. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The
kitchen door swung open slowly. Carl Young emerged, wearing his
kitchen whites, as usual and holding a towel. He approached Sera's
booth with slow, even steps, wiping his hands. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sera perked up nervously and smiled, "Hello, Mr. Young."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Hello, stranger, " he responded.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Would you like to join me?"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Sure.
Sure." he smiled briefly and sat across from her, "I guess I could
take a break." He sighed and groaned as he sat down on the bench.
Within seconds, Jenny swiftly brought over a coffee cup and saucer,
filled the cup and dropped off the cream and sugar. Carl gave a curious
look, almost surprised that his wife was so quick in serving him. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sera
bit her lip, looking down then slowly lifted her gaze to meet his tired
eyes. He appeared old and sad. She rarely saw him sitting still for
long periods. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Happy New Year, Mr. Young."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Happy New Year, Sera."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Soon it will be the Year of the Rabbit, yes?"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Yes, that's right," he responded, looking up at the painting. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sera
leaned forward, "It's my favourite year, you know, since I was born in
it and.. that was the year you opened the restaurant."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Carl smiled slightly and nodded. "That's right. I forgot."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I was wondering if you were going to have a celebration of any sort. You know, like an anniversary party?"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Oh. I hadn't thought of that. I've been.... busy."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"You could invite a lot of people."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Really?" he shifted in his seat.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Sure. I could help with the decorations. I'm sure Dela and Gwen would like to help too."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Sounds nice," he nodded, his eyes scanning the booths and front of the restaurant then took a sip of coffee. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I miss Amy!" she blurted out.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Carl, closed his eyes, breathed out slowly and set down his cup.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I miss her, Mr. Young. So do Dela and Gwen. So does.. Mrs. Young."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Sera..."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I
may just be a kid but I know she didn't do anything horrible. She's
pregnant and yes by my brother. Stupid teenagers," she rolled her eyes,
"Stupid. But.. but, it's not like she killed someone."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Carl looked at her sternly. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Please,
Mr. Young," she pleaded with a soft whisper, stretching her hands
across the table, "Let her come back home. The place isn't the same
without her. I miss coming here with my family. I miss that, Mr.
Young."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Sera..." he said in a tired manner.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Please." Her green eyes watered and bore pitifully at him. He did not want to destroy her youthful innocence.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Sera.
It's a matter of honour, of family pride. She shamed the family. I
gave her the best of everything and this is what happens... If this was
another place and time, a girl in her situation would be…"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I understand, Mr. Young. Well, I don't really ... I respect your opinion."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Thank you."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"If it's a matter of you not wanting her at home right now, can she come and stay with us?"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Oh.. Now I see. Did your father send you here?"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"No!
I came by myself. They don't know that I'm here. It was very hard for
me to come here by myself especially seeing ..." she scowled, "seeing
HIM here." her head jerked towards the front of the room.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I see..."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"My
friend was sent away with her mom because he hit her. I haven't seen
her for months. I've only received one letter from her. I miss her. I
also miss Amy. Dela and Gwen miss Amy. I miss coming here with my
family. Please, please, can we just put things back the way they were?"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I don't see how we can do that, Sera. My heart is broken. My family is shamed."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">More people entered the restaurant, stomping the snow off their boots, shaking their hats and heading to join their companions.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I..
I… should let you get back to work, Mr. Young." said Sera, rising,
"Looks like the winter carnival has brought a lot of people out today."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Yes, I should get back...."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sera
put Aunt Georgette's money on the table and slid it under her empty
soup bowl. She grabbed her coat and got up to put it on.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Carl sat back and stared sadly at her.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Thank you for the soup, Mr. Young. It was delicious and warm as usual."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Thank you for dropping by, Sera."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Happy New Year," she said as she put on her tuque, turned and walked quickly towards the front door. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- - End excerpt - - </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I cried while writing that part of the story. You just ma<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">y cry too. </span>Sample more <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.com/p/excerpts.html">excerpts</a>. See what <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.com/p/reader-comments.html">others have shared</a> after reading The Year of the Rabbit. Download the first 20% of the novel for free at <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160" target="_blank">Smashwords</a>. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Thanks for dropping by<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span> Stay warm :-) </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>T</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-89054687510542132572017-01-24T06:14:00.000-05:002017-01-27T07:33:31.067-05:00Getting ready to rise and shine in the Year of the Rooster<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As someone who doesn't appreciate cold, long winters, I am looking forward to celebrating the Lunar New Year.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I like joining in small gatherings with family and friends to eat good food and share in good spirits. I like the of ambience colourful lights but do not appreciate the noise from firecrackers or fireworks. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The resident artiste and I already attended a <a href="http://eastwindottawa.ca/2017-fire-rooster-2/" target="_blank">Year of the Rooster workshop</a>. We received good advice on refreshing our living space and head space from our favourite </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Feng Shui master. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGge7Dv5Uw2-JC5Z7nGTPXBTZ4hcM8yX5MywwWAm0QT44O__WafU2h4VWMyyqebeQqNBFIVlm1ngwyfOnvL1O95TJbGYCMtn1e_-dZOvrU1cNNq7tXoIDAAoiNWiSYPV4FV_Zjs2Fzoa3v/s1600/YOTR-rooster-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGge7Dv5Uw2-JC5Z7nGTPXBTZ4hcM8yX5MywwWAm0QT44O__WafU2h4VWMyyqebeQqNBFIVlm1ngwyfOnvL1O95TJbGYCMtn1e_-dZOvrU1cNNq7tXoIDAAoiNWiSYPV4FV_Zjs2Fzoa3v/s320/YOTR-rooster-sm.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A while ago, the artiste produced a set of Chinese Zodiac illustrations for me as I was looking for ideas to enhance the second print edition of the novel. You can see some <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2013/12/feeding-artist-child.html">here</a>, <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2014/02/packing-carrots-and-sugar-cubes.html">here</a>, <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2014/02/monkeying-around.html">here</a> and <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2015/02/celebrating-lunar-new-year-2015.html">here</a>. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You may want to see the artiste's comic art work on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/startrip" target="_blank">Patreon</a>. You can support her quest to be independent and to move out from under my "motherly oppression". </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>Kidding aside,</b> do you want to know more about The Year of the Rabbit? </span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Drop by the <a href="http://www.yearoftherabbit.ca/">novel's domain</a>;</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Read some <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/p/excerpts.html">excerpts</a>;</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Download a few free chapters from <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160">Smashwords</a>;</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Read <a href="http://web.ncf.ca/co848/yotr/ReaderFeedback/">comments</a> from others;</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like the novel on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Year-of-the-Rabbit-ebook/126203987461766">Facebook</a>;</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stick around for a few years as we work on the second print edition (by 2023).</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPZmkpeBeKG7pRbvAIlI64Tp_8Df911Tf5PGLIcKvrYpsYJ7usUl67LlLYyApwl2QWCO8D7I11sL3yXx3AEIm6Vlyzzuk2Y3SkbdhLds1QKIGFNlP_dJR_fj_G12XTBZLb8QKggjPGNUa/s1600/YOTR-rabbit+-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPZmkpeBeKG7pRbvAIlI64Tp_8Df911Tf5PGLIcKvrYpsYJ7usUl67LlLYyApwl2QWCO8D7I11sL3yXx3AEIm6Vlyzzuk2Y3SkbdhLds1QKIGFNlP_dJR_fj_G12XTBZLb8QKggjPGNUa/s320/YOTR-rabbit+-sm.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Thanks for dropping by.<br /><br />T (aka Flo)</span></span>Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-16518939323728418082016-10-30T10:51:00.000-04:002016-10-30T10:51:48.290-04:00Another Halloween in Canada<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Halloween will soon be upon us. <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I hope there won't be many creepy clowns lurking about and spooking the sensitive souls. </span></span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As a kid from Canada, I can relate to the costume/snowsuit imagery shared by good ole CBC.</span></span><br />
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A monster...in a snowsuit! A mermaid...in a snowsuit! A robot...in a snowsuit! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Halloween?src=hash">#Halloween</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canada?src=hash">#Canada</a> <a href="https://t.co/t6mOSYWx9d">pic.twitter.com/t6mOSYWx9d</a></div>
— CBC (@CBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBC/status/792031443660656641">October 28, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As a chocolate-loving adult, I am enjoying that variety box of small chocolate bars we bought last week. We don't entertain trick or treaters in our building but I make a point of sharing the treats with family, friends and book shop patrons. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Anyway, here's an attempt to lure you to an <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2010/10/halloween-night-sera-loses-her-friend.html" target="_blank">excerpt about Halloween night</a> in The Year of the Rabbit. </span></span><br />
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</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">J<i>oin <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/p/reader-comments.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="">others who enjoyed</a> this hidden gem of Canadian fiction. Read the first few chapters of the eBook online or download for free from <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Smashwords</a>. If you like what you have read, you can then purchase the entire book for 99 cents or more (you set the price).</i></span></span></span><br />
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<br />Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-73876607858655679582016-10-09T09:18:00.001-04:002016-10-09T09:18:55.879-04:00Small thanks
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>It is Thanksgiving weekend in Canada.</b> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2010/12/red-hare-family-restaurant.html" target="_blank">Red Hare restaurant</a>
would have been a nice place to host a family gathering rather than toiling away in a cramped<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> apartment kit<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">chen</span></span>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I invite you to <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">read</span> an
excerpt from The Year of the Rabbit<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>where Sera and her extended family share in a Thanksgiving
meal. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaa6gWhcqem32ROf5snyL29j0WVBuw78DhwagctuFp8_mMMrFxBacrMMkSFGJt9ydLmtsTRi6Na_T2PeWqWFhsjW0zv9dTrJr7aTLPhDnJCBPQwTaoQXztV3c8ZFj6mhJIOhdu7LjHsAU/s1600/Yotr+thanksgiving+buffet+excerpt.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaa6gWhcqem32ROf5snyL29j0WVBuw78DhwagctuFp8_mMMrFxBacrMMkSFGJt9ydLmtsTRi6Na_T2PeWqWFhsjW0zv9dTrJr7aTLPhDnJCBPQwTaoQXztV3c8ZFj6mhJIOhdu7LjHsAU/s400/Yotr+thanksgiving+buffet+excerpt.png" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sera soon learns news that will add to her sadness and feelings of
abandonment. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVhKltf06shZJJrVRFBlF69gW9SYLSMhzEaj16RNCVzKkiuu8VfggRF7GM40OxG1MRI8gwIO09DCPpQr6I08NebM8rJ3hVpNQ4wpFOf0iSwXCLxI8xkQYEM9XgdZm8-HiYyYjUbt7Jvs/s1600/Yotr+thanksgiving+buffet+excerpt2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVhKltf06shZJJrVRFBlF69gW9SYLSMhzEaj16RNCVzKkiuu8VfggRF7GM40OxG1MRI8gwIO09DCPpQr6I08NebM8rJ3hVpNQ4wpFOf0iSwXCLxI8xkQYEM9XgdZm8-HiYyYjUbt7Jvs/s400/Yotr+thanksgiving+buffet+excerpt2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's a good thing she had Edgar and Jenny Young to give
her <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2012/07/small-comforts.html">some comfort</a>. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Drop by the <a href="http://www.yearoftherabbit.ca/" target="_blank">novel's domain</a> for links to other blog entries, reader comments and deep dark secrets. You will have to dig a little for those... </i></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Giving thanks every day - </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">beginning, middle and end. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Waking from a dreamy state </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The cycle starts all over again.</span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Note: Most o<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">f the content of this <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">blog post is a rehea<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t, a rehash from <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2012/10/thanksgiving-and-beyond.html" target="_blank">the on</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2012/10/thanksgiving-and-beyond.html" target="_blank">e in 2012</a>. </span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span> </span></span>Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-42651669173437299282016-07-14T07:37:00.003-04:002016-07-14T07:37:50.995-04:00New ebook cover image fits the Smashwords request<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Finally, I updated the ebook cover image.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was after a few reminders from my publisher that the cover image was too small for e-reader criteria set by various publishers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The new cover is a lovely sample created in 2015 by the resident artiste. I was holding off until we got a chance to publish a new print edition. After much nudging, I finally got around to uploading the new cover to <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160" target="_blank">Smashwords</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkZ4AlpSEjFWxils6wR-JQUw8wkkZ2uA5dsSFwoiIk9k-7lYr9XPwMnF-1zJZZyn1MWc379_YNyc_gnpTK3kn_H8TJ4fO_RD-4xwKwlluipMB1GR8bGzIGTTPbRxxpM7sDGd2EsYHIdsz/s1600/YearOfTheRabbitNovelCover2016-Thm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkZ4AlpSEjFWxils6wR-JQUw8wkkZ2uA5dsSFwoiIk9k-7lYr9XPwMnF-1zJZZyn1MWc379_YNyc_gnpTK3kn_H8TJ4fO_RD-4xwKwlluipMB1GR8bGzIGTTPbRxxpM7sDGd2EsYHIdsz/s320/YearOfTheRabbitNovelCover2016-Thm.png" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wonder if it will attract eyes and increase sales? That would prove that you <i><b>can</b></i> judge a book by its cover.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thanks for dropping by. Visit <a href="https://florencetlyon.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Flo's blog</a> too, okay? </span><br />
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<br />Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-30424954899625436732016-06-19T06:42:00.000-04:002016-06-19T06:42:14.302-04:00Here's to the good Fathers<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This post is in recognition of Father's Day.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One can imagine how it must feel for some families to celebrate Mother’s Day or Father’s Day in a home divided or where one parent has passed away. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One can admire families with dedicated, responsible fathers. One can also envy women who have had the good fortune to find a man, a mate who is faithful, patient and supportive, and who sticks around to help raise their children. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the </span><a href="http://www.yearoftherabbit.ca/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; text-decoration: none;">novel The Year of the Rabbit</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">, we are introduced to Matthew Fletcher, father of Sera and her older siblings. Only a handful of people had been aware of Sera’s true paternity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After Marie passes away, her <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.com/2011/06/letters.html" style="text-decoration: none;">hidden letter of confession</a> reaches Matthew via an unlikely messenger. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wrote Matthew Fletcher's character as an ideal husband and a good father. He was gentle and loving with his children. He was forgiving of his wife’s wild behaviour. He performed honest work as a carpenter and cabinet maker. Read more <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2014/06/fathers.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />I invite you to read <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/p/excerpts.html" style="text-decoration: none;">more excer</a><a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/p/excerpts.html" style="text-decoration: none;">pts</a> from The Year of The Rabbit, a Novel About Fate, Family and Forgiveness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Join <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/p/reader-comments.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="">others who enjoyed</a> this hidden gem of Canadian fiction. Download the first few chapters of the eBook for free from <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Smashwords</a>. If you like what you have read, you can then purchase the entire book for 99 cents or more (you set the price). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "a rial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thanks for dropping by.</span><br />
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<br />Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-73924510700690502232016-02-14T16:01:00.002-05:002016-02-14T16:01:55.132-05:00What is family? <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Well, we're coming to the <a href="http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/hldys/menu-eng.html">Family Day holiday</a> in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario.</b><br /><br />Many workers are relieved to have a long weekend in February. Many businesses will be closed. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I witnessed at the book shop yesterday, many parents of young children are grasping at options for indoor activities to take their bundled-up rambunctious kids to since it's too cold to play outside this weekend. One tired mother informed me that they also had Friday off as a PD Day! <br /><br /><b>It's too bad that libraries will be closed on Family Day Monday. </b>I guess Librarians also need time off to spend with their families. <br /><br />This year, I hope to spend the day with two of my young adult children. I was hoping to see another but time and travel options were not in favour. <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnE4KaBQ3_v2ww2dG6p-yY-NaUjocqIgVnMqMecYpCLD91JTkyv2dYGLNSNR4Qp5QIOLE44kyJe4Zvsf9_QKJZsSZj0X77yoUQElOM1gdP54GYLT7dSIkS1xLQPJha_OpoAP3Uf4JUV8pe/s1600/grab+dict+def+family+Feb+14.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnE4KaBQ3_v2ww2dG6p-yY-NaUjocqIgVnMqMecYpCLD91JTkyv2dYGLNSNR4Qp5QIOLE44kyJe4Zvsf9_QKJZsSZj0X77yoUQElOM1gdP54GYLT7dSIkS1xLQPJha_OpoAP3Uf4JUV8pe/s400/grab+dict+def+family+Feb+14.png" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><b>In the novel, <a href="http://www.yearoftherabbit.ca/">The Year of the Rabbit</a>, </b>Sera Fletcher faces loss of a close friend then people in her "family". When she discovers a secret project in her father's workshop she realizes the <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.com/2010/07/life-after-death.html">approaching death</a> of her mother. <br /><br />After a shameful teen pregnancy situation has divided her extended family, Sera courageously visits the Red Hare Restaurant to <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2016/01/thawing-cold-heart.html">speak with Carl Young</a>. She later shares in the joy when the <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.com/2010/08/child-is-born.html">birth of her illegitimate nephew</a> reunites the families and friends one cold February night.<br /><br />She is the unwitting messenger who <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.com/2011/06/letters.html">reveals information</a> that breaks her father's heart. After Matthew's descent into depression, she is pushed away, relocated to the Young family's apartment. Thanks to the kindness and love of Jenny and Carl, <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2012/07/small-comforts.html" target="_blank">she is treated like family</a> in their home.<br /><br />This resilient young girl creates her own coping methods for dealing with the loss of her best friend, her mother, and others close to her. She later confronts a monster and is eventually united with her <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.com/2010/10/wine.html">biological family</a>. <br /><br />Throughout the novel, the reader will encounter different situations where the concept of "family" will change and evolve. Whatever form of family you will celebrate this weekend, may it be one filled with love, respect and hope. <br /><br />Sample some <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.com/p/excerpts.html">excerpts</a>. See what <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.com/p/reader-comments.html">others have shared</a> after reading The Year of the Rabbit. Download the first 20% of the novel for free at <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160">Smashwords</a>. <br /><br />If you have already read the book, why not offer a brief review? <a href="http://authorleefrench.com/2014/05/25/how-to-write-a-review/">Indie authors appreciate</a> if readers post even a short review of how a book made them feel. Please do it!<br /><br />Thanks for dropping by <a href="http://www.yearoftherabbit.ca/">www.yearoftherabbit.ca</a>. Stay warm :-) <br /><br />T</span></div>
Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-3047184010927917442016-01-19T07:18:00.001-05:002016-01-19T07:18:23.449-05:00Thawing a cold heart<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Well, it looks like we are finally getting some winter weather in the Ottawa Valley. The <a href="http://rcs.ncc-ccn.ca/" target="_blank">Rideau Canal Skateway</a> isn't open yet but preparations are under way.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Permit me to lead you back to a solemn winter during a time of innocence. Imagine yourself in a small town on the shores of Georgian Bay in the 1970s. Meet a lonely yet brave 11 year-old girl - a girl on a mission to convince Mr. Young to let his pregnant daughter come back home. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rVqvbN_kFudAM_Ae_3q0G0WMuVxSG2_IfbB7mj841IYG5QGq3Q5WpP9t7J37OQP8t2sx-ToRp9oY6vTDQMHSB86RGP5sId9KaTz3_f34D7L0YJO-2ARa5QRYjI7ISXu1AOzPYvnXH3yr/s1600/RestaurantWontonSoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rVqvbN_kFudAM_Ae_3q0G0WMuVxSG2_IfbB7mj841IYG5QGq3Q5WpP9t7J37OQP8t2sx-ToRp9oY6vTDQMHSB86RGP5sId9KaTz3_f34D7L0YJO-2ARa5QRYjI7ISXu1AOzPYvnXH3yr/s320/RestaurantWontonSoup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">- - Begin excerpt - - </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After she finished her soup and blew her nose again, Sera sat quietly and gazed at the rabbit painting above her booth. She took in the red, gold and green designs, the curves and simple patterns. She felt sadness. She felt a distant joy and contentment. She smiled. It was her first in a long time. I miss this, she thought. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The kitchen door swung open slowly. Carl Young emerged, wearing his kitchen whites, as usual and holding a towel. He approached Sera's booth with slow, even steps, wiping his hands. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sera perked up nervously and smiled, "Hello, Mr. Young."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Hello, stranger, " he responded.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Would you like to join me?"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Sure. Sure." he smiled briefly and sat across from her, "I guess I could take a break." He sighed and groaned as he sat down on the bench. Within seconds, Jenny swiftly brought over a coffee cup and saucer, filled the cup and dropped off the cream and sugar. Carl gave a curious look, almost surprised that his wife was so quick in serving him. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sera bit her lip, looking down then slowly lifted her gaze to meet his tired eyes. He appeared old and sad. She rarely saw him sitting still for long periods. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Happy New Year, Mr. Young."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Happy New Year, Sera."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Soon it will be the Year of the Rabbit, yes?"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Yes, that's right," he responded, looking up at the painting. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sera leaned forward, "It's my favourite year, you know, since I was born in it and.. that was the year you opened the restaurant."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Carl smiled slightly and nodded. "That's right. I forgot."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I was wondering if you were going to have a celebration of any sort. You know, like an anniversary party?"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Oh. I hadn't thought of that. I've been.... busy."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"You could invite a lot of people."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Really?" he shifted in his seat.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Sure. I could help with the decorations. I'm sure Dela and Gwen would like to help too."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Sounds nice," he nodded, his eyes scanning the booths and front of the restaurant then took a sip of coffee. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I miss Amy!" she blurted out.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Carl, closed his eyes, breathed out slowly and set down his cup.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I miss her, Mr. Young. So do Dela and Gwen. So does.. Mrs. Young."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Sera..."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I may just be a kid but I know she didn't do anything horrible. She's pregnant and yes by my brother. Stupid teenagers," she rolled her eyes, "Stupid. But.. but, it's not like she killed someone."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Carl looked at her sternly. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Please, Mr. Young," she pleaded with a soft whisper, stretching her hands across the table, "Let her come back home. The place isn't the same without her. I miss coming here with my family. I miss that, Mr. Young."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Sera..." he said in a tired manner.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Please." Her green eyes watered and bore pitifully at him. He did not want to destroy her youthful innocence.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Sera. It's a matter of honour, of family pride. She shamed the family. I gave her the best of everything and this is what happens... If this was another place and time, a girl in her situation would be…"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I understand, Mr. Young. Well, I don't really ... I respect your opinion."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Thank you."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"If it's a matter of you not wanting her at home right now, can she come and stay with us?"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Oh.. Now I see. Did your father send you here?"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"No! I came by myself. They don't know that I'm here. It was very hard for me to come here by myself especially seeing ..." she scowled, "seeing HIM here." her head jerked towards the front of the room.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I see..."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"My friend was sent away with her mom because he hit her. I haven't seen her for months. I've only received one letter from her. I miss her. I also miss Amy. Dela and Gwen miss Amy. I miss coming here with my family. Please, please, can we just put things back the way they were?"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I don't see how we can do that, Sera. My heart is broken. My family is shamed."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">More people entered the restaurant, stomping the snow off their boots, shaking their hats and heading to join their companions.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I.. I… should let you get back to work, Mr. Young." said Sera, rising, "Looks like the winter carnival has brought a lot of people out today."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Yes, I should get back...."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sera put Aunt Georgette's money on the table and slid it under her empty soup bowl. She grabbed her coat and got up to put it on.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Carl sat back and stared sadly at her.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Thank you for the soup, Mr. Young. It was delicious and warm as usual."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Thank you for dropping by, Sera."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Happy New Year," she said as she put on her tuque, turned and walked quickly towards the front door. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- - End excerpt - - </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Sample more <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.com/p/excerpts.html">excerpts</a>. See what <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.com/p/reader-comments.html">others have shared</a> after reading The Year of the Rabbit. Download the first 20% of the novel for free at <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160" target="_blank">Smashwords</a>. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>If you have already read the book, why not offer a brief review? </i></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://authorleefrench.com/2014/05/25/how-to-write-a-review/" target="_blank">Indie authors appreciate</a> if readers post even a short review of how a book made them feel. Please do it!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Thanks for dropping by <a href="http://www.yearoftherabbit.ca/" target="_blank">www.yearoftherabbit.ca</a>. Stay warm :-) </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>T</i></span></span><br />
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Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-64000966955057279812015-11-15T13:38:00.002-05:002015-11-15T13:38:33.234-05:00Cookies of contention<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Does it cause indigestion when others claim intimate knowledge of the preferences of some mystical figure?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flo has been spending free time haunting local book shops lately. This recent discovery provided the opportunity for a creative allegory about belief systems and the claims of some groups as having </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> correct answers and interpretations</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58t90MWhdggAkUJLbZbppZ_iffgRNJK3w6z0LOptbdPLkJWkxiyRy90lg0a3ZoGdUOe7tPsMGOmc_6H6_WCt2UNQDFoWETl8M8qROzqHD33AVMzEMQzKUkLyBbY4QQACpvF_3Erqx18hc/s1600/BooksSantaChristmasCookiesObsNov2015.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58t90MWhdggAkUJLbZbppZ_iffgRNJK3w6z0LOptbdPLkJWkxiyRy90lg0a3ZoGdUOe7tPsMGOmc_6H6_WCt2UNQDFoWETl8M8qROzqHD33AVMzEMQzKUkLyBbY4QQACpvF_3Erqx18hc/s400/BooksSantaChristmasCookiesObsNov2015.png" title="two books claiming to hold santa's favorite cookie recipes" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In <a href="http://yearoftherabbit.ca/" target="_blank">The Year of the Rabbit</a>, we touch upon different <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2011/08/zodiacs-and-bible.html">belief systems</a> and the shared values. Compassion and service to others are some of them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Download a <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160" target="_blank">sampling of the ebook</a> from the publisher today. Get a taste of the story by reading <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/p/reader-comments.html">others' comments</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/FloTLyon" target="_blank">Flo on Twitter</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thanks for dropping by. Apologies if you expected actual cookies. </span><br />
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<br />Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-42008058333827968402015-10-29T05:42:00.001-04:002015-10-29T05:42:13.755-04:00Halloween omens<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Pay no attention to that asteroid coming very close to us on Halloween.</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With any luck in Eastern Ontario, it will still be cloudy, rainy and all superstitious parties will be oblivious to the <a href="http://www.armstrongeconomics.com/archives/38659" target="_blank">ominous event</a> anyway. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For Sera Fletcher, Halloween used to be an enjoyable celebration for dressing up and knocking on doors for candy. Unfortunately, 1974 was the year <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2010/10/halloween-night-sera-loses-her-friend.html" target="_blank">she lost a friend</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Read more <span><a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/p/excerpts.html">excerpts</a> from The Year of the Rabbit. Download a free portion of the eBook <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160" target="_blank">here</a>. Unsure? See what other <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/p/reader-comments.html" target="_blank">readers have said</a>. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Thanks for dropping by. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Have a </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>safe Halloween.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9If380pCM6jJf42C6qx3Enytx83IiypixEVIQbrQgYZ91jALtBKuIg6FpqvLiaaGHQf7QAeUZuW0EHlIyBgd1ZtYyhK92iUhLqXhj5vxR4ZD0KD3tVmNtgUR0R9X1ViOTZOj6aXXbufQ/s1600/FullMoonPicMornOct27Grabbed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9If380pCM6jJf42C6qx3Enytx83IiypixEVIQbrQgYZ91jALtBKuIg6FpqvLiaaGHQf7QAeUZuW0EHlIyBgd1ZtYyhK92iUhLqXhj5vxR4ZD0KD3tVmNtgUR0R9X1ViOTZOj6aXXbufQ/s400/FullMoonPicMornOct27Grabbed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-26602915835398099632015-07-05T16:39:00.000-04:002015-07-05T16:39:30.867-04:00You CAN go home again<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I recently had a sentimental journey to my old home town.</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We descended on Parry Sound, Ontario <i>aka Seguin Sound</i>, <i>that fictitious small town in The Year of the Rabbit</i>.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My siblings,
their significant others and offspring were scheduled to gather for our
family reunion. My oldest son and I prepared well with a day on each
side of the weekend to allow for <i>and recover from</i> travel. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sadly, the passenger trains don't stop there as much anymore. We took the train from Ottawa to Toronto then connected by bus. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We played tourist in my old home town. A lot has changed in 30 years. I reacquainted myself with some of the sites that inspired settings in the Novel. We also got in a visit with a dear, old friend. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I captured many photographs of my childhood neighbourhood, the nearby Seguin River and that famous CPR train trestle. If you read the novel, you will know that <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2010/06/train-of-thought.html">trains</a> played a major role. They passed by many times a day and night blowing their loud whistles, sometimes stopping to bring visitors and at other times, taking people away. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0E7gxOgzaLU7wA_ARaZQQNVUMbhnAS06elwS8lUzNiDr0Soo7r7_JDkHjAF85d7kprP_fw1-dCfQaDhBpQ_5-Sp1WDQgxCNLSuPscIbHUrvcS1gmIciI1M33zqGnJ0tpbR5ds0yu-WVn-/s1600/SeguinRiverTrestleFromNorthSide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0E7gxOgzaLU7wA_ARaZQQNVUMbhnAS06elwS8lUzNiDr0Soo7r7_JDkHjAF85d7kprP_fw1-dCfQaDhBpQ_5-Sp1WDQgxCNLSuPscIbHUrvcS1gmIciI1M33zqGnJ0tpbR5ds0yu-WVn-/s320/SeguinRiverTrestleFromNorthSide2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We walked to many places within good distance of the lovely Bed and Breakfast on the rich side of town. As you can see from this building mural beside the Seguin River, <a href="http://www.parrysoundlibrary.ca/page.php?unid=31" target="_blank">logging was a big part of Parry Sound's beginnings</a>. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXEj-1Vn0pbG49HhrwFSn-JEcoyDsnCdbCqfLiRNkxdigwXg5xdjm7WEI6Orm9XrBdBR2IisBC3RLPm_yL-bSkbky4b3LlKNSKxlVZPp2c1NGBlYYFD8ijv1WIOzGRlkTHR6hoStpG-N6/s1600/BridgeOverSeguinStreetLoggingTown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXEj-1Vn0pbG49HhrwFSn-JEcoyDsnCdbCqfLiRNkxdigwXg5xdjm7WEI6Orm9XrBdBR2IisBC3RLPm_yL-bSkbky4b3LlKNSKxlVZPp2c1NGBlYYFD8ijv1WIOzGRlkTHR6hoStpG-N6/s320/BridgeOverSeguinStreetLoggingTown.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After a rainy Sunday walking tour to tower hill and around the old neighbourhood, we ate a warm lunch in the restaurant that inspired the <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2011/08/zodiacs-and-bible.html" target="_blank">Red Hare</a>. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHigZzMtQts7G0X13Z-P7Y7srO_v3w5DOL0eewbjJ-uItikfoWaVYoUBjljot3X9CF8NtzuCHTW-khNngVW96DgRMQOM8-VqDzLKhW-1EAOvTTI8vLOcqKf58UtqgUay6-V6ichBMpaYIa/s1600/RestaurantPlacemat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHigZzMtQts7G0X13Z-P7Y7srO_v3w5DOL0eewbjJ-uItikfoWaVYoUBjljot3X9CF8NtzuCHTW-khNngVW96DgRMQOM8-VqDzLKhW-1EAOvTTI8vLOcqKf58UtqgUay6-V6ichBMpaYIa/s320/RestaurantPlacemat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I was compelled to have a bowl of chicken wonton soup - for old time's sake. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicG_HF5PLCohyphenhyphenkt6JbNwXzLpsTCSzZeJEWTQqqRXUWG_EYptx8fjMMSqRtPnX-qiWdTySNrImZSt21wrGU2R1Ddd1MBsPeVqLnHfCOpEk1Lub3fTbCHKGS-5uUkaDP2vsw2GNj2o8Z7wpd/s1600/RestaurantWontonSoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicG_HF5PLCohyphenhyphenkt6JbNwXzLpsTCSzZeJEWTQqqRXUWG_EYptx8fjMMSqRtPnX-qiWdTySNrImZSt21wrGU2R1Ddd1MBsPeVqLnHfCOpEk1Lub3fTbCHKGS-5uUkaDP2vsw2GNj2o8Z7wpd/s320/RestaurantWontonSoup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The soup, the river and the passing trains wrapped me in the good, fuzzy memories of my old town. Thankfully, I didn't bump into any old flames or </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">undesirable characters </span></span>while I was there. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As stated in the opening pages of the Novel, the reference to any characters that resemble people living or dead is purely coincidental. Some
characters may be a blend of individuals I encountered in my early
life. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I haven't heard any complaints via email or in the <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/p/reader-comments.html">reader feedback</a> comments. Maybe enough people haven't read the novel yet. </span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So until they do, there is no worry of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_Can%27t_Go_Home_Again" target="_blank">going home again</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Thanks for dropping by. </b> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you're curious to read the novel, you can visit <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160" target="_blank">Smashwords</a> to download a sample or purchase an ebook copy. It's only 99 cents or you can pay what you feel is a fair price. <i>It's okay, I didn't write it to make money, only to share a story.</i> If you enjoyed it, mention it to others. Please post a rating and/or a review on </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160" target="_blank">Smashwords,</a></span></span> or on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16708881-the-year-of-the-rabbit" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> if you </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">already </span></span>have an avid reader account. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Otherwise, stick around for a few years as we work on a shiny new print edition, due out by 2023. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you're curious to see more Georgian Bay vacation pictures, drop by my <a href="http://deep-blonde-thoughts.com/" target="_blank">Deep Blonde Thoughts blog</a>. I'll be posting more soon. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Have a nice summer.</span></span><br />
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Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-29890488792941905492015-06-21T09:02:00.001-04:002015-06-21T09:02:44.335-04:00What it takes <b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This post is in recognition of Father's Day.</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Due to my own Father passing away many years ago and the lack of a Father figure in my little family, this day no longer holds much significance. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I can imagine how it must feel for some families to celebrate Mother’s
Day or Father’s Day in a home divided or where one parent has passed
away. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I admire families with dedicated, responsible fathers. I envy women who have had the good fortune to find a man, a mate who is faithful, kind and supportive, and who sticks around to help raise their children. <br />
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In the <a href="http://www.yearoftherabbit.ca/">novel The Year of the Rabbit</a>,
we are introduced to Matthew Fletcher, father of Sera and her older
siblings. Only a handful of people had been aware of Sera’s true
paternity. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After Marie passes away, her <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.com/2011/06/letters.html">hidden letter of confession</a> reaches Matthew via an unlikely messenger. </span><span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I like to think of Matthew Fletcher as an ideal husband and a good
father. He was gentle and loving with his children. He was forgiving
of his wife’s wild behavior. He performed honest work as a carpenter
and cabinet maker. </span></span><span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Read more <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2014/06/fathers.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here's wishing all the good fathers out there a wonderful Fathers’ Day. Enjoy the time with your family. </span></span><span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rock that colourful tie. </span></span></span><br />
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<span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I invite you to read</span> <b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/p/excerpts.html">more excer</a></span></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/p/excerpts.html">pts</a></span></b> <span style="font-weight: normal;">from</span> <b>The Year of The Rabbit</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>, a Novel </b></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>About Fa</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>te, Family and Forgiveness</b>. </span> </span><span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Join <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/p/reader-comments.html" target="">others who enjoyed</a> this unpolished gem of Canadian fiction. Download the first few chapters of the eBook for free from <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160" target="_blank">Smashwords</a>. If you like what you have read, you can then purchase the entire book for 99 cents or more (you set the price). </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thanks for dropping by.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span>Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-23876784785300264712015-05-10T10:52:00.003-04:002015-05-11T05:51:03.134-04:00Being alone on Mother's Day<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>It's Mother's Day 2015. I am alone. </b><br /><br />My kids are away and have forgotten to gift me with flowers. As a consolation, they have been sending me instant messages, cute stickers and Tweets. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Welcome to the next generation, the new age of <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/mother-s-day-ads-drop-sentimentality-for-edginess-1.3061584" target="_blank">sentimental expression</a>. </i><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The cats seem apathetic but <a href="https://shewrite63.wordpress.com/2015/05/10/catty-writing/" target="_blank">helped me express</a> some former-Catholic, Motherly guilt. <br /><br />That writing session took a lot out of me so I'm going to trim this bittersweet post by recycling some previous ones about Mothers Day and <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/search?q=mother" target="_blank">Motherly references</a> in <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160" target="_blank">the Novel</a>. <br /><br />Thanks for dropping by.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Call your Mom. <br /><br />T</span></span>Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-64782002248360294292015-03-01T06:43:00.000-05:002015-03-01T06:43:33.916-05:00Lion or Lamb?<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hello there, March!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So glad to see you and say farewell to frosty February!</span></span><br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
February Haiku 2
For the shortest month
Also coldest and bitter
Bidding you farewell!
FTL<br />
— Florence T Lyon (@FloTLyon) <a href="https://twitter.com/FloTLyon/status/570923465126973443">February 26, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So far this Sunday morning, you seem calm and dull. Are you a gentle lamb or a lion in sheep's clothing? Ah, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weather_lore" target="_blank">weather lore and folksy interpretations</a>, I love ya! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I shall celebrate this new month, a chance to do some pre-spring cleaning and <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2010/08/child-is-born.html" target="_blank">celebrate birth</a> as we ease into the <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2015/02/celebrating-lunar-new-year-2015.html" target="_blank">Year of the Sheep</a>. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WvPfw9aY_x05cy3lDJvIK-2P30FV96XrXPWYJlTlM9ai_4-l_YLxSYfz7CfN_5NSmisJSazAoNzWwjJ7qUls2ejanuEwQqO_a4xGwVZHcyqJcUdMYHrlmffW_cmUYeLQ9vxvfIjWj2yf/s1600/8-sheep-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WvPfw9aY_x05cy3lDJvIK-2P30FV96XrXPWYJlTlM9ai_4-l_YLxSYfz7CfN_5NSmisJSazAoNzWwjJ7qUls2ejanuEwQqO_a4xGwVZHcyqJcUdMYHrlmffW_cmUYeLQ9vxvfIjWj2yf/s1600/8-sheep-sm.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-50105211658827885632015-02-15T11:34:00.002-05:002015-02-15T12:06:13.182-05:00Blending traditions like there's no tomorrow<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm not a fan of Valentine's Day.</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I would not go out of my way to ruin the fun for all the lovers yet I feel sorry for the flowers suffering unnecessary carnage. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">No, I'm not bitter that I had nobody special to share this Hallmark holiday with.... I can celebrate it with my children and merge it with other tasty, shiny events this month. I shall wait another day or two before I enjoy the savings on all the retail chocolate! <i>Bwaa-ha-ha-haaaaa.</i></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/FloTLyon/status/566972596311191552" target="_blank"><img alt="Florence T Lyon tweets about blending traditions" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyDPstRD77Uc4oklU6zzTn-QMkUef_AotJO3SHx4zmDiOqajuLlD-NnEk73ZdpFVWQrjX4srflRdlIPwyetWJgwcP8pRb2Q2Lw6MymvM6-7zTuSz6CXAOLcXduJqEikaIrVtYpTb17se1/s1600/happyChocolateTweet.png" height="320" width="264" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was a bittersweet day on February 14, 2015 when <a href="http://qz.com/344808/goodbye-to-michele-ferrero-the-man-who-gave-us-nutella/" target="_blank">Michele Ferrero passed away</a>. I shall think of him every time I bite into, every time I savour one of those tasty, chocolate-y, nutty Ferrero Rocher nuggets. There were times when they helped me through tearful drafts of the novel when <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2010/07/maynards-fruit-gums.html" target="_blank">Gummy Bears</a> just would not do. <i>Thank you, sir. </i></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wishing all visitors a safe, enjoyable and chocolate-y Valentines'-Flag Day-Family Day weekend and a prosperous, healthy <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2015/02/celebrating-lunar-new-year-2015.html" target="_blank">Lunar New Year</a>. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WvPfw9aY_x05cy3lDJvIK-2P30FV96XrXPWYJlTlM9ai_4-l_YLxSYfz7CfN_5NSmisJSazAoNzWwjJ7qUls2ejanuEwQqO_a4xGwVZHcyqJcUdMYHrlmffW_cmUYeLQ9vxvfIjWj2yf/s1600/8-sheep-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WvPfw9aY_x05cy3lDJvIK-2P30FV96XrXPWYJlTlM9ai_4-l_YLxSYfz7CfN_5NSmisJSazAoNzWwjJ7qUls2ejanuEwQqO_a4xGwVZHcyqJcUdMYHrlmffW_cmUYeLQ9vxvfIjWj2yf/s1600/8-sheep-sm.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Would you like a little taste from The Year of the Rabbit? </span></span></span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Drop by the <a href="http://www.yearoftherabbit.ca/">novel's domain</a>;</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Read some <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/p/excerpts.html">excerpts</a>;</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Download a few free chapters from <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160">Smashwords</a>;</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Read <a href="http://web.ncf.ca/co848/yotr/ReaderFeedback/">comments</a> from others;</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Otherwise, stick around for a few years as we work on a shiny new print edition, due out by 2023.</span></span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <br />Thanks for dropping by.<br /><br />T (aka Flo)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-49189921773241778412015-02-08T14:35:00.003-05:002015-02-08T14:35:42.698-05:00Celebrating the Lunar New Year 2015<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you're from the Ottawa or Eastern Ontario area, you will commiserate with me as we receive more snow.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSo64lqqkP32iE_d-4TPtjMt8dFBDgy-qyaCGaRioy31hf9w-Q2ar9IWSLmtCnvf0xZFYe_jSWtZ05vj3KGrETDve4JxsyxXJX__nIH9m8yysBoAt17cRoxWPLabkMgsBWs-Rd-1GCxlYS/s1600/KitchenWindowBalconySnowFeb8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSo64lqqkP32iE_d-4TPtjMt8dFBDgy-qyaCGaRioy31hf9w-Q2ar9IWSLmtCnvf0xZFYe_jSWtZ05vj3KGrETDve4JxsyxXJX__nIH9m8yysBoAt17cRoxWPLabkMgsBWs-Rd-1GCxlYS/s1600/KitchenWindowBalconySnowFeb8.jpg" height="320" width="264" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My excuses for not going out today:</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am completing support tasks for my writing group and enjoying the meticulous order of things;</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There's too much frickin' snow - especially for a short-legged bus mouse.</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It would be nice to get out to the <a href="http://www.ottawacommunitynews.com/news-story/5268128-inaugural-chinese-new-years-festival-coming-to-ey-centre/" target="_blank">inaugural Lunar New Year celebrations</a> in Ottawa or some kind of <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2015/01/winter-carnivals.html" target="_blank">winter carnival </a>activity. I would much rather attend the former because it happens indoors, celebrates the anticipation of spring and a new year coming on February 19th. There will likely be tasty treats, colourful decorations and firecrackers.</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Forget the firecrackers!</b> I'm not fond of sudden, loud noises. I understand the original intention was to scare away the nasty lion or dragon that would come down from the mountains. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm not all that superstitious but I like to explore and appreciate different traditions. The <a href="http://www.msn.com/en-ca/travel/article/10-chinese-new-year-superstitions/ss-AA7UW3l" target="_blank">Chinese New Year</a> is special to me and <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2011/08/zodiacs-and-bible.html" target="_blank">Sera Fletcher</a>, a character in <a href="http://yearoftherabbit.ca/" target="_blank">the novel</a>. </span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In less than two weeks, we will enter The Year of the Sheep (or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goat_%28zodiac%29" target="_blank">goat</a>, depending on whom you consult).</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySJL8d9iiqRXcPtqSSDC5UQKG-5kK7eSS5r7nOTUtqvtQycCKsXHO6Jl_gAQW7VgHVoHfPBDVRFqsBlnUHXnO5PXlMFNyx1TtrmiCQkQ_kOaGCj4cmMUJgweXI-xsnVVibDdzigQYOzUa/s1600/YOTR-goat-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySJL8d9iiqRXcPtqSSDC5UQKG-5kK7eSS5r7nOTUtqvtQycCKsXHO6Jl_gAQW7VgHVoHfPBDVRFqsBlnUHXnO5PXlMFNyx1TtrmiCQkQ_kOaGCj4cmMUJgweXI-xsnVVibDdzigQYOzUa/s1600/YOTR-goat-sm.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2013/12/feeding-artist-child.html" target="_blank">resident artiste</a> <i>finally</i> finished the Sheep illustration I commissioned a while back. She has been creating Zodiac pictures in lieu of paying rent yet took <i>a little longer than expected</i> due to her personal projects. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbjAv8YlR3aZWYvACFuBBHDXf3gMcN7P39SAiL2kDvVmi5UjyOJm2OMf1qHhgUMUoHrov17cXo3I8fjNyXhi9vEeR_auWZnFCrC7MgP9HHuxbT9YA3M_xedBo-VPKoHzbshVpO0MY5kI5/s1600/8-sheep-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbjAv8YlR3aZWYvACFuBBHDXf3gMcN7P39SAiL2kDvVmi5UjyOJm2OMf1qHhgUMUoHrov17cXo3I8fjNyXhi9vEeR_auWZnFCrC7MgP9HHuxbT9YA3M_xedBo-VPKoHzbshVpO0MY5kI5/s1600/8-sheep-sm.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Delays aside, I love her style. I like to think creativity runs in our family - or frolics and bounds as we <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2014/02/monkeying-around.html" target="_blank">monkey around</a>. </span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwfBf2xue-qCXJMFraPMsNpA1LKC9t12NrmVpcrlQKtEVO7Cmcv3gDZkfdiTfawemp--XKfBlImWEatXRcs3A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm not sure if or how we will use all of the illustrations in the next print edition of the novel but they sure provided a nice distraction and collaboration exercise over the past couple of years. We also got to fine tune our communication skills. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You may want to see the artiste's comic art work on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/startrip" target="_blank">Patreon</a>. You can support her quest to be independent and to move out from under my "motherly oppression". </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><b>Kidding aside,</b> do you want to know more about The Year of the Rabbit? </span></span><ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Drop by the <a href="http://www.yearoftherabbit.ca/">novel's domain</a>;</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Read some <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/p/excerpts.html">excerpts</a>;</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Download a few free chapters from <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160">Smashwords</a>;</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Read <a href="http://web.ncf.ca/co848/yotr/ReaderFeedback/">comments</a> from others;</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Like the novel on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Year-of-the-Rabbit-ebook/126203987461766">Facebook</a>;</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Stick around for a few years as we work on the second edition (by 2023).</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <br />Thanks for dropping by.<br /><br />T (aka Flo)</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-8178916883622705742015-01-11T09:30:00.000-05:002015-01-11T09:30:03.860-05:00Winter Carnivals <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well, the <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/rideau-canal-skateway-opens-for-2015-season-1.2890177" target="_blank">Rideau Canal opened</a> for skaters yesterday. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>I am not a willing participant in crowded events - especially those involving bone-chilling temperatures, shrieking children and sharp objects. </i><span class="Apple-style-span"><i> </i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>To get into the winter spirit though, I wanted to offer an excerpt from the novel, during January
1975 and leading in to that Year of the Rabbit. </i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Imagine yourself in a
small town on the shores of Georgian Bay. Meet a lonely yet brave 11
year-old girl - a girl on a mission. </i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>------ </i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">It
was late January at the Winter Carnival celebrations at the town park
that Sera approached Aunt Georgette for a couple of dollars. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">“Don’t you want to go on a sled ride, chérie?” Georgette asked, “How about some hot chocolate and pastries?” </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"I have to go... see someone," the girl responded.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Where are you going, Would you like company?" asked her Aunt.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">“Just somewhere, Aunt Georgette. I need to go alone,” Sera replied, choking back tears.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Okay, chérie," Georgette bent and kissed her on the forehead while handing her two dollars. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"I'll see you back home, Aunt Georgette. Thanks." She quickly pocketed the money and turned towards Main Street. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The
snow drifted down in a gentle, lacey curtain. Sera adjusted her scarf
and pulled the knit hat down over her ears and dark curls. Her walk was
slow yet determined with her boots making a steady ka-lump, ka-lump
rhythm as she walked down the street. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">She
had no desire to join in festivities in the park or at the ice-fishing
derby on the Bay. She needed to be somewhere familiar and comfortable. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Sera
headed towards the Red Hare, digging up the warm memories of the place,
anticipating a hot bowl of wonton soup and sitting in her favourite
spot. I have to take things into my own hands, she thought while
walking down the bustling sidewalk. "Someone has to fix this. I'm
going to talk to Mrs. Young."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">When
Sera entered the restaurant, she was disappointed and angry to see
Daryl MacDonald at one of the booths near the front, chatting up some of
his police buddies, Constables Harrison and Brown. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Well,
look what the cat dragged in," he feigned polite joviality, "It's the
youngest of the Fletcher brood. Where's the rest of the crew? I
haven't seen you people in here for weeks."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Sera
felt a flood of fear and anger. He likely knew damn well why they
hadn't come lately. Now he was sitting here gloating and rubbing it in.
She hated this man for what he did to her friend's mother. She hated
that they had to move away and she couldn't know where they were. At
least he didn't know where they were. Look at him, what a big shot —
just because his family owned most of the lumberyards in town. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Don't say anything stupid. Don't be afraid, she reminded herself. Remember why you are here. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Hello,
Mr. MacDonald," she responded while removing her hat and mitts, "Hello,
Constables. People have been busy, I guess." She strained to see if
her favourite booth was available. She felt relief when she saw Jenny
clearing her favourite table near the back.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The constables shifted in their seats uncomfortably. They didn’t look like they enjoyed his company.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Daryl continued, "Now, how's that Daniel doing in college?"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Fine, thanks."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"He's a fine young lad, " Daryl continued to his companions, "He's going to make a fine officer some day."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The other men nodded in agreement and sipped their coffee. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">“Yes, siree. And I heard he’s going to be a father too,” he gaffawed and slapped the table.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Excuse me," Sera said curtly and headed towards the back. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">She
walked at an even pace towards her booth. Jenny was clearing away
dishes from the previous customers and stopped to smile at her, "Hello,
Sera. How are you, sweetie?"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Not
great, really," she responded, removing her coat, folding it and
tossing it into the corner of one of the benches. She scooped up a
couple of plates and put them into the bussing bin that Jenny was
holding, helping her tidy up. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"I
miss you, Sera," Jenny said, still performing her work, "I miss your
whole family." She pulled a handkerchief from her apron and blew her
nose. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"I
miss you too, Mrs. Young," the girl responded, "I miss Amy and Mr.
Young, I guess. I miss this place." Their eyes met. Sera was frowning
and looked down at the table. "I miss Victoria." She burst into silent
tears, her shoulders shaking with each painful sob. She sunk her chin
into her chest and hunched her shoulders.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Jenny put her arms around Sera and held her closely. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"I miss her so much. I'm so lonely and I don't know .. don't know what to do."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"I know. I understand, Sera." </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"I
miss … how things used to be. Mom is still not well enough. They say
she's gone into a 'relapse'. Aunt Georgette tries to cheer me up but I
just don't feel any better. I miss coming here, being here."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">She gladly accepted the tissue Jenny offered her and blew her nose loudly. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Here,
sit down." Jenny slid in beside Sera on the bench with her arm around
her shoulder and her head leaned in so she could speak softly. "Things
have been pretty tense around our place too. Carl is embarrassed and
angry with Amy. That is why he had her sent away to that place in
Toronto."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"I know. I heard it from Dela and Gwen."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"It's
... very lonely around here without her too. My own little girl," she
blew her nose one more time and breathed out in relief, "Thank goodness
for Gio arranging with the high school that she could finish her studies
from there." </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"He's not half-bad, then," Sera commented, "How is Amy ... feeling?"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Oh,
she's a tough one but still her little princess self," she smirked,
"and she tells me on the phone that she has been eating a lot. I mean A
LOT!"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Great. I wish she was here. I wish I could see her big belly ... and feel the baby moving. "</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Jenny looked down at her delicate hands and whispered, "Me too."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">A
small group of people entered the restaurant and seated themselves.
Jenny sighed then gave Sera a half hug and squeezed her shoulders to
her chest, "I had better get back to work. Where's that Carolyn? She's
supposed to be covering the other side of the room. Are you hungry?"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Yes. May I have a bowl of wonton soup?"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Sure thing," Jenny replied as she rose to grab the bin and headed towards the kitchen. She turned and whispered, </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"It's nice to see you again, Sera." </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Same here, Mrs. Young."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">After
she finished her soup and blew her nose again, Sera sat quietly and
gazed at the rabbit painting above her booth. She took in the red, gold
and green designs, the curves and simple patterns. She felt sadness.
She felt a distant joy and contentment. She smiled. It was her first
in a long time. I miss this, she thought. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The
kitchen door swung open slowly. Carl Young emerged, wearing his
kitchen whites, as usual and holding a towel. He approached Sera's
booth with slow, even steps, wiping his hands. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Sera perked up nervously and smiled, "Hello, Mr. Young."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Hello, stranger, " he responded.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Would you like to join me?"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Sure.
Sure." he smiled briefly and sat across from her, "I guess I could
take a break." He sighed and groaned as he sat down on the bench.
Within seconds, Jenny swiftly brought over a coffee cup and saucer,
filled the cup and dropped off the cream and sugar. Carl gave a curious
look, almost surprised that his wife was so quick in serving him. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Sera
bit her lip, looking down then slowly lifted her gaze to meet his tired
eyes. He appeared old and sad. She rarely saw him sitting still for
long periods. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Happy New Year, Mr. Young."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Happy New Year, Sera."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Soon it will be the Year of the Rabbit, yes?"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Yes, that's right," he responded, looking up at the painting. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Sera
leaned forward, "It's my favourite year, you know, since I was born in
it and.. that was the year you opened the restaurant."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Carl smiled slightly and nodded. "That's right. I forgot."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"I was wondering if you were going to have a celebration of any sort. You know, like an anniversary party?"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Oh. I hadn't thought of that. I've been.... busy."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"You could invite a lot of people."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Really?" he shifted in his seat.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Sure. I could help with the decorations. I'm sure Dela and Gwen would like to help too."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Sounds nice," he nodded, his eyes scanning the booths and front of the restaurant then took a sip of coffee. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"I miss Amy!" she blurted out.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Carl, closed his eyes, breathed out slowly and set down his cup.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"I miss her, Mr. Young. So do Dela and Gwen. So does.. Mrs. Young."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Sera..."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"I
may just be a kid but I know she didn't do anything horrible. She's
pregnant and yes by my brother. Stupid teenagers," she rolled her eyes,
"Stupid. But.. but, it's not like she killed someone."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Carl looked at her sternly. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Please,
Mr. Young," she pleaded with a soft whisper, stretching her hands
across the table, "Let her come back home. The place isn't the same
without her. I miss coming here with my family. I miss that, Mr.
Young." </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Sera..." he said in a tired manner.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Please." Her green eyes watered and bore pitifully at him. He did not want to destroy her youthful innocence.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Sera.
It's a matter of honour, of family pride. She shamed the family. I
gave her the best of everything and this is what happens... If this was
another place and time, a girl in her situation would be…"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"I understand, Mr. Young. Well, I don't really ... I respect your opinion."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Thank you."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"If it's a matter of you not wanting her at home right now, can she come and stay with us?"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Oh.. Now I see. Did your father send you here?"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"No!
I came by myself. They don't know that I'm here. It was very hard for
me to come here by myself especially seeing ..." she scowled, "seeing
HIM here." her head jerked towards the front of the room.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"I see..."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"My
friend was sent away with her mom because he hit her. I haven't seen
her for months. I've only received one letter from her. I miss her. I
also miss Amy. Dela and Gwen miss Amy. I miss coming here with my
family. Please, please, can we just put things back the way they were?"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"I don't see how we can do that, Sera. My heart is broken. My family is shamed."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">More people entered the restaurant, stomping the snow off their boots, shaking their hats and heading to join their companions.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"I..
I… should let you get back to work, Mr. Young." said Sera, rising,
"Looks like the winter carnival has brought a lot of people out today."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Yes, I should get back...."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Sera
put Aunt Georgette's money on the table and slid it under her empty
soup bowl. She grabbed her coat and got up to put it on.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Carl sat back and stared sadly at her.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Thank you for the soup, Mr. Young. It was delicious and warm as usual."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Thank you for dropping by, Sera."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Happy New Year," she said as she put on her tuque, turned and walked quickly towards the front door. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">- - End excerpt - - </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Sample more <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.com/p/excerpts.html">excerpts</a>. </span><span class="Apple-style-span">See what <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.com/p/reader-comments.html">others have shared</a> after reading The Year of the Rabbit. Download the first 20% of the novel for free at <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160" target="_blank">Smashwords</a>. </span><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">If you have already read the book, why not offer a brief review? </span></i></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <a href="http://authorleefrench.com/2014/05/25/how-to-write-a-review/" target="_blank">Indie authors appreciate</a> if readers post even a short review of how a book made them feel. Please do it!
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<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Thanks for dropping by </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.yearoftherabbit.ca/" target="_blank">www.yearoftherabbit.ca</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span">. </span></i></span></span><br />
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Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-11218184872772638092015-01-01T13:00:00.001-05:002015-01-01T13:00:17.189-05:00Smashwords: Smashwords Year in Review 2014 and Plans for 2015From Mark Coker and the folks at Smashwords.<br /><br />
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<i><a href="http://blog.smashwords.com/2014/12/smashwords-year-in-review-2014-and.html?spref=bl">Smashwords: Smashwords Year in Review 2014 and Plans for 2015</a>: Each year I provide Smashwords authors and publishers a review of our progress in the year as well as hints of our plans for the coming ye...</i><br /><br />
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Smashwords is the publisher for the ebook version of The Year of the Rabbit (2011). We're working on a new print edition, due out by 2023. Meh... I just enjoy keeping a young artist and editor hostage, feeding her and supporting her creative work.<br /><br />
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Happy New Year!<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Theresa (Flo)<br /><br />
Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136049111473494550.post-34799921022278120212014-12-28T16:37:00.000-05:002014-12-28T16:37:19.207-05:00Growing up Catholic<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's not a secret.</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The average reader will have concluded that most of the Catholic themed portions of the novel are influenced by the author's upbringing. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">While Sera Fletcher was often excused from Sunday mass, my siblings and I were obligated to attend church. Some of my brothers were altar servers so they had no excuse. <i></i></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ugE7EjytDrYJvC4HR6c_LLAAXC41nTQQjlUI0zspOjLZ6UZqQU8K3D7Q7az7BeasFPtM7meQEXSvvnn0u8esUiztO6aqddQdkn4omXFDpyE_bbixqIUrFZIz3hLMt5iBwUBz9ooUCJvu/s1600/theresaconfirmation197ishsepiagrab1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ugE7EjytDrYJvC4HR6c_LLAAXC41nTQQjlUI0zspOjLZ6UZqQU8K3D7Q7az7BeasFPtM7meQEXSvvnn0u8esUiztO6aqddQdkn4omXFDpyE_bbixqIUrFZIz3hLMt5iBwUBz9ooUCJvu/s1600/theresaconfirmation197ishsepiagrab1.jpg" height="316" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have fuzzy memories of my First Communion and dropping my little white Bible into the Seguin River on the way home. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As we became teenagers, some of us played hooky, smoking cigarettes and killing time beside the railway tracks. <i>Shame, shame! </i></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sera would spend her Sunday mornings with the Johnsons, the kind neighbours who encouraged her to read Bible stories from Baptist and Coptic sources. After church, the Fletcher family and close friends gathered for brunch at the <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/2010/12/red-hare-family-restaurant.html" target="_blank">Red Hare restaurant</a>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Those were good, wholesome times. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>What memories do you have of growing up Catholic? </b>Any anecdotes filled with wonder, mischief or the fear of punishment by fire and brimstone? <b>Do submit a comment below. </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>If you have read the novel, please add your comments to those of the other <a href="http://novel-yotr.blogspot.ca/p/reader-comments.html" target="_blank">readers</a>. Thanks! </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>If you haven't read the novel yet</b>, take a detour through <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160" target="_blank">Smashwords</a> to download a sampling of the ebook format of <a href="http://www.yearoftherabbit.ca/" target="_blank">The Year of the Rabbit</a>. If the notion grabs you, purchase a copy of the entire novel. You get to set the price. How do you like them apples? </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thanks for dropping by! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">T</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span>Theresa Jamonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08586338030733071108noreply@blogger.com0