Growing up Catholic

It's not a secret.

The average reader will have concluded that most of the Catholic themed portions of the novel are influenced by the author's upbringing.

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 have fuzzy memories of my First Communion and dropping my little white Bible into the Seguin River on the way home.  

As we became teenagers, some of us played hooky, smoking cigarettes and killing time beside the railway tracks. Shame, shame!
 
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 Red Hare restaurant. 

Those were good, wholesome times. 

What memories do you have of growing up Catholic? Any anecdotes filled with wonder, mischief or the fear of punishment by fire and brimstone? Do submit a comment below.

If you have read the novel, please add your comments to those of the other readers. Thanks!

If you haven't read the novel yet, take a detour through Smashwords to download a sampling of the ebook format of The Year of the Rabbit.  If the notion grabs you, purchase a copy of the entire novel.  You get to set the price.  How do you like them apples?


Thanks for dropping by!  

T

Année du Lapin Un roman

Mon Dieu!  As if I don't have enough projects on the go...

During 2013 and 2014, Flo would like to translate The Year of the Rabbit, a novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness to French.  A grand idea?  Crazy or what? I am going to need the help of kind, skilled people (for free).

Je voudrais traduire le roman en Français.  Ce sera un projet durant 2013 & 2014. Grande Idée?  C'est fou, non?  J'auras besoin des gens gentils avec des compétences (gratuit). 

Apologies for the weak translation.  I am learning. Excusez-moi pour la traduction mauvais. J'apprends.

This project is intended to improve my skills in speaking and writing in French.  It will connect me with nice, talented people.  It will keep my mind busy and hopefully improve my grey matter well into old age. 

Follow this web page for updates. Suivez-vous cette page pour lire quoi de neuf. 

Thank you.  Merci.

- - - - 

The Year of the Rabbit, a novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness  is indeed a story about fate, family and forgiveness.  It is about friendship, loneliness and hope. It is about teenagers, pregnancy and adoption.  Visit this page for a list of themes within the story.  Follow Flo for Twitter updates. 

News overload and media cuts

This blog entry touches on the theme of "confession" in the novel.  It also provides a good opportunity to comment on the recent Sunday edition newspaper cuts at PostMedia. 

PostMedia cutting jobs, Sunday editions
Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Montreal papers affected
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/story/2012/05/28/postmedia-job-cuts.html

The novel's author has not read a Sunday paper in years.  That's right.  There has hardly been a print edition newspaper in this household for ages.  She obtains most of her news online from credible sources or from that old thing called "radio".  At times when the news is overwhelming, she shuts everything off and cocoons to read or write. 

Summer 1975 (correction) 1974. Gio has arrived after a couple of parishioners depart from visiting Father John O'Reilly at the hospital.  Father John is recovering from a stroke. 

- - -

The elder priest slumped in his chair, in a seemingly act of relief.

"Are you tired, John?" asked Gio quietly, leaning toward his mentor. 

"Oh... sort of," he responded, "Those two sure can talk."

"So can you, Father O'Reilly, " quipped Gio with a wink and smile.

"I suppose so..." He gazed around the room, out the window then smiled wistfully at Gio, "So, how are you holding out?  Have you heard from Toronto yet if you can get some help?"

"I'm doing well, Father.  Well and busy.  No, the Arch Diocese hasn't found anyone yet.  But hopefully, you will be back on your feet soon?"

"I sure hope so.  I just get tired easily and..." lowering his voice and leaning forward, "a little confused at times."

"That's just part of the recovery, as the doctors told us,” assured Gio.

Father O'Reilly smiled weakly and gazed out the window longingly, "I miss my work, Gio.  I miss saying mass, giving communion and being with the congregation."

Gio lowered his gaze to his hands, folded on the table.  "I understand, John."

They were approached by a candy-striper pushing the coffee and snack cart. 

"Hello, Fathers,” she greeted them with a perky tone, "Would you like some coffee, cookies or something to read?"

Gio recognized her as Janice Foley, the young girl with whom he had seen Daniel at the picnic a few years ago.  How she had grown.

"Oh, hello, Janice," said Gio, "Nothing for me thanks.  Father O'Reilly, would you like something from the cart?"

The old priest seemed awakened from a daydream.

"Huh?"

Janice leaned over to him with a cheery smile and spoke a little louder, "Would you like something from the cart, Father?"

"Jeez Louise! I'm not deaf, dear girl!"

"Sorry, Father, " her face flushed, this time speaking normally, "Would you like something from the cart?"

"Oh. Any newspapers?  Any recent newspapers?"

Janice bent to retrieve one from the lower shelves, "How about yesterday's Toronto Star?"

"That will have to do, I guess." his hand shook as he reached for it, "Thank you very much, my dear.  How much do I owe you?"

Janice darted her eyes to Gio who was smiling at the exchange between old and young.  She smiled, "There's no charge, Father."  Before she turned to wheel her cart to the next table, she chirped, "Have a nice afternoon, gentlemen."

"Nice girl," said Father O'Reilly as he slipped on his reading glasses and opened the paper.

"That was Janice Foley, John,” said Gio, "She goes to Saint Pete's.  You saw her through first communion to confirmation."

"Oh."  He looked over to the girl across the room, "Sure grown up now, eh?"

“They sure do.”

Gio sat quietly, nodding as the old priest leafed through the newspaper, making one-sentenced comments about the news, voicing his opinion from time to time and muttering away. 

“John,” Gio spoke to get the elder priest’s attention, “Father O’Reilly,” Gio said louder then leaning in with a whisper, “I would like to make a confession.”

- - -  
If you found this to be an intriguing blog post, taste a few other excerpts.  Explore a few clippings from the Seguin Sounder a fictitious newspaper that evolved after the novel was published.  We don't have a weekly crossword to offer yet could entice you with a word search puzzle.

Come support efforts to reduce paper waste, to save a tree or two by purchasing an Ebook version of The Year of the Rabbit.  Even better?  Get a free copy by May 31st.
Thanks for dropping by.

T

They seemed like a happy family...

Domestic Violence is an undercurrent in The Year of the Rabbit.  

Although Sera Fletcher, her mother or other family members were not victims of abuse, they experienced a ripple effect when the abuse next door presented a crossroad.  Sera's friend Victoria and her mother were spirited away to a safe location by the people who suspected a problem but did little to address the situation prior.  

Of all the people, young Sera is the most affected and sinks into a depression from missing her best friend.  At least near the end of the novel, readers encounter the theme of forgiveness and promise of a reunion. 

Perhaps it is a coincidence but I have noticed the subject of Domestic Violence showing up more often in the news lately.  Have you noticed it too?

99,000 Canadians reported family violence in 2010
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/story/2012/05/23/ottawa-family-violence-canada-statscan-report.html

What keeps me hopeful is the fact that people are talking about it, raising awareness and even making efforts to educate others through art.  

The Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada is bringing " Ghosts of Violence " to Halifax
http://www.cbc.ca/arts902/add-category/2012/05/02/the-atlantic-ballet-theatre-of-canada-is-bringing-ghosts-of-violence-to-halifax/

Topic of domestic violence makes for a powerful, poignant ballet
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/theatre/topic-of-domestic-violence-makes-for-a-powerful-poignant-ballet/article2443716/

As a survivor of domestic violence, I do as much as my anxieties will allow in raising awareness and educating.  I don't think I could bring myself to watch a ballet, play or movie on the subject though.  When I have tried, the imagery and sounds brought back bad memories. 

I invite you to read a bittersweet tale of Fate, Family and Forgiveness.  You can download a free copy of the Ebook before May 31st.  

Thanks for scrolling this far.  Feel free to submit relevant comments below and give feedback after reading The Year of the Rabbit.  

T

All the world's a stage

In this excerpt from The Year of the Rabbit, young Sera Fletcher is once again saddened by the news of more people moving away - one of them is Gio, her biological father.  

Her mother is dying from a rapidly spreading form of cancer.  Twin sisters Dela and Gwen try to cheer Sera up.  With approval from the adults and costumes from Aunt Georgette's burlesque trunk, they and friends work magic to create a live performance in their back yard.

This excerpt represents one of the final stages of life for Marie Fletcher and the beloved cherry tree.  Readers with sharp perceptions will catch the reference to "All the world's a stage" and … the Tree of Life. 

T

~ ~ ~

Sera changed into her jeans and T-shirt. She fixed herself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, grabbed a glass of milk, clenched the book under her arm and went to sit on the patio.  Tiger, the tabby cat was sprawled out in a sunspot along the bench.  Ringo sat in the shade.

She felt some comfort chewing on and savoring the flavors from her sandwich and taking occasional gulps of cool milk.  With the help of an occasional breeze, she leafed through the book on the patio table while tonguing peanut butter from the roof of her mouth.  Through the screen door she could hear the others arriving home from lunch and heading upstairs to change.  She heard Aunt Georgette ask Mrs. Johnson how her mother was.

Sera finished her sandwich and gulped down the last of the milk.  She licked her lips and wiped the remainder with her hand. 

The dwindling aroma of lilacs wafted in from the nearby bushes.  A few honeybees buzzed back and forth between the clusters of flowers, then randomly flew away and headed towards the cherry tree.  She followed their flight with her gaze.

“It looks sad,” she thought.  “It looks like it’s dying too.”

The twins came out in their jeans and light spring tops to join her.  At sixteen years old, they were filling out nicely and shooting up in height — almost as tall as their father. 

They had heard from Mrs. Johnson that Sera was feeling down.

“Hey, Sera,” said Dela, patting her little sister on the shoulder, sitting beside her and pulling the cat onto her own lap, “So you know about Mrs. Johnson moving.”

“Yeah.”  She responded, still staring at the cherry tree.

Gwen piped in, “I just learned about it on Friday.  It’s a good thing her house didn’t catch fire last night too.”

Sera stayed silent.  She almost stopped breathing. 

Dela responded, “They think it was the oil furnace.  Apparently, dickhead Daryl didn’t drain it properly.”

All three girls snickered at the nickname.  Sera breathed a sigh of relief. 

“I heard him give the constables a verbal lashing this morning,” offered Gwen, “He was yelling at them to do their jobs in finding who —” she lowered her voice in a mocking tone, “did this to me  — and — you useless faggots couldn’t even track down my family … and they’re saying back to him, it’s not our job to investigate fires and…”

Dela was sensitive to Sera’s feelings about the ‘family’ comment and interrupted her sister’s portrayal, “Okay, Gwen.  We get the picture.”

Sera just sat staring at the tree and nodded as if to acknowledge the conversation.

Dela gently dropped the cat onto the patio floor and wiped the loose fur off her lap, “Sera?  What’s up?  What are you staring at?”

“The tree.”

The twins turned their gaze to the cherry tree.

“It looks like crap,” commented Gwen with a sad tone.

“It looks like it’s dying,” said Sera in a monotone voice.  “It looks like it’s suffering.”

“Like Mom,” added Dela quietly.

“Yeah.”

Georgette came out in her house clothes to check on the girls.  She kissed Sera on the cheek. 

“Qu’est ce qui se passe, mes petits choux?” she asked.

“We’re just talking about stuff, trying to cheer up Sera,” replied Dela.

Gwen suddenly bounced in her seat, “Hey, Aunt Georgette!”

Georgette laughed, startled,  “Mon dieu!  What is it?”

The red-headed teen smiled broadly, looking at her sisters then her Aunt, “Can we put on a show?”

“A show?”

Dela grimaced at her sister, wrinkling her freckled nose, “What do you mean?”

“Can we set up a stage under the cherry tree with sheets for a backdrop and curtains, you know… and put on a little show for our Mom?”

“I-I-I don’t know.”

“We can ask Dad and the boys to carry her bed out,” offered Dela, being sold on the idea.

“Dela and I know some songs and a few dance steps from our lessons,” continued Gwen, “Dad will be happy to see that money put to good use, right? You know how he teases us about it.” 

Georgette cocked her head and made a funny face.  She straightened up and said, “Well, why don’t you ask her? Go ask your Mother if that is what she wants.”

The twins raced from the benches towards the door.

“Quietly!” Georgette shouted then realized the irony of her own loud outburst and shook her head, exasperated. 

The girls slowed their pace and walked quietly into the house then to their mother’s room in the front parlor.  Marie responded that she loved the idea of an impromptu performance in the backyard! 

~

Family and friends worked magic that afternoon. Walter and Sera expertly climbed the tree to tie a half-dozen bed sheets from the branches and pin them to each other.  Matthew and Perry laid planks down for the small stage and dance floor. Georgette pulled out some of her costumes. Dela and Gwen were pleased to explore the contents of her theatrical trunks.  Amy brought Harry; Jenny and Carl arrived to set up chairs and watch the show; they had even closed the restaurant for the evening. 

As the western sky glowed azure blue and orange, Perry and Walter hooked up the service lamp to the side of the shed.  Once the stage was set and the performers were ready, Matthew, Perry and Walter were on hand to transport Marie’s bed and attachments out to the back yard.

Sera forced her imagination to compare the scene to that of an Egyptian queen being carried by her servants to some grand performance along the Nile. 

The events of the day gave her a bittersweet feeling.

~ ~ ~

Did you like that excerpt from The Year of the Rabbit?  Want to read more? Do drop by Smashwords to download 20% of the ebook for free.  I'm certain you will subsequently want to purchase a copy :o)

T

Bullies and Trolls

Those who have read the novel The Year of the Rabbit will be familiar with antagonist Daryl MacDonald.

Some have even mentioned through conversation that they knew someone like him in their own home town.  He could have been a wife beater, an angry drunk and abuser as well as a bully who controlled others because of his family's position in the town.  Other adults were either afraid or indifferent so did not confront him.  Finally, his reign is taken down by a twelve year-old girl - with a little help from nature.

The author has endured and confronted bullies at different points in her life.  She has met talented writers who have published books on the topic of bullying, offering advice to kids, school children and to office workers.  It may be encounters with these childhood bullies and anonymous cowards that have inspired her to create the doomed Daryl MacDonald and spout deep blonde thoughts on the subject. 

Those who haven't read the novel yet, can sample some short excerpts.  If you're still curious, you can download 20% of the Ebook for free from Smashwords.  No trees were harmed ;o)

Thanks for visiting and reading this far.  Please offer your feedback and words of wisdom.  Sorry, anonymous comments are disabled.  

T

The Year of the Dragon is hot on the Rabbit's fluffy tail

Fellow Rabbits, can you feel that?  Can you feel the hot, moist breath of the Dragon on your fluffy little tails?  Fear not. Open the window to a new year.  Go with the flow and enjoy the celebrations. 

January 23rd marks the new moon and the start of the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Water Dragon.  I am impressed to know that many famous, respected people were born in the Year of the Dragon. 


Like the young heroine in my Novel, "The Year of the Rabbit", I enjoy learning about other cultures, I respect most traditions and willingly share in the celebrations.  The year of the rabbit is a timeless concept for me and for my character, Sera Fletcher.  I invite you to read excerpts where Sera is introduced to the Chinese zodiac, adopts her sign into her belief systems, presents it as a way to heal the wounds between friends and leans on it to welcome her new-born nephew into her sad and lonely world. 

I invite you to enjoy comments from readers of the first, print on demand edition of the novel. Make sure you taste a free sample of the Ebook version at Smashwords.  I also invite you to follow Florence T Lyon (my pen name) on Twitter.  She's a child of the 1970s and is adapting slowly to this new-fangled Internet technology. 
 

Although the timid rabbit may retreat from the joyful noise of the Dragon new year, its representation will always have a special place in my heart.  As a consolation, one of my children was born in the year of the Dragon.  I look forward to her success with achieving yet another (insert gush of pride) degree in 2012 and the many opportunities that follow. 

Happy New Year!

T

Winter Carnival

It's a cold, damp January 2012 in the Ottawa Valley.   Before the Year of the Dragon pounces in, I thought you would enjoy an excerpt from January 1975, leading in to the Year of the Rabbit.  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. 
  


It was late January at the Winter Carnival celebrations at the town park that Sera approached Aunt Georgette for a couple of dollars. 


“Don’t you want to go on a sled ride, chérie?” Georgette asked, “How about some hot chocolate and pastries?” 


"I have to go... see someone," the girl responded.


"Where are you going,  Would you like company?" asked her Aunt.


“Just somewhere, Aunt Georgette. I need to go alone,” Sera replied, choking back tears.


"Okay, chérie," Georgette bent and kissed her on the forehead while handing her two dollars.  


"I'll see you back home, Aunt Georgette.  Thanks." She quickly pocketed the money and turned towards Main Street.  


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.  


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.  


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."


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.  


"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."


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.  


Don't say anything stupid.  Don't be afraid, she reminded herself.  Remember why you are here.  


"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.


The constables shifted in their seats uncomfortably. They didn’t look like they enjoyed his company.


Daryl continued, "Now, how's that Daniel doing in college?"


"Fine, thanks."


"He's a fine young lad, " Daryl continued to his companions, "He's going to make a fine officer some day."


The other men nodded in agreement and sipped their coffee.  


“Yes, siree.  And I heard he’s going to be a father too,” he gaffawed and slapped the table.


"Excuse me," Sera said curtly and headed towards the back. 


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?"


"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.  


"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.  


"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.


Jenny put her arms around Sera and held her closely.  


"I miss her so much.  I'm so lonely and I don't know .. don't know what to do."


"I know.  I understand, Sera." 


"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."


She gladly accepted the tissue Jenny offered her and blew her nose loudly.  


"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."


"I know.  I heard it from Dela and Gwen."


"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."  


"He's not half-bad, then," Sera commented, "How is Amy ... feeling?"


"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!"


"Great. I wish she was here.  I wish I could see her big belly ... and feel the baby moving. "


Jenny looked down at her delicate hands and whispered, "Me too."


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?"


"Yes.  May I have a bowl of wonton soup?"


"Sure thing," Jenny replied as she rose to grab the bin and headed towards the kitchen. She turned and whispered, 


"It's nice to see you again, Sera."  


"Same here, Mrs. Young."




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.  


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.  


Sera perked up nervously and smiled, "Hello, Mr. Young."


"Hello, stranger, " he responded.


"Would you like to join me?"


"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.  


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.  


"Happy New Year, Mr. Young."


"Happy New Year, Sera."


"Soon it will be the Year of the Rabbit, yes?"


"Yes, that's right," he responded, looking up at the painting. 


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."


Carl smiled slightly and nodded.  "That's right.  I forgot."


"I was wondering if you were going to have a celebration of any sort.  You know, like an anniversary party?"


"Oh.  I hadn't thought of that.  I've been.... busy."


"You could invite a lot of people."


"Really?" he shifted in his seat.


"Sure.  I could help with the decorations. I'm sure Dela and Gwen would like to help too."


"Sounds nice," he nodded, his eyes scanning the booths and front of the restaurant then took a sip of coffee.  


"I miss Amy!" she blurted out.


Carl, closed his eyes, breathed out slowly and set down his cup.


"I miss her, Mr. Young.  So do Dela and Gwen.  So does.. Mrs. Young."


"Sera..."


"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."


Carl looked at her sternly. 


"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.  


"Sera..." he said in a tired manner.


"Please." Her green eyes watered and bore pitifully at him.  He did not want to destroy her youthful innocence.


"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…"


"I understand, Mr. Young. Well, I don't really ... I respect your opinion."


"Thank you."


"If it's a matter of you not wanting her at home right now, can she come and stay with us? "


"Oh.. Now I see.  Did your father send you here?"


"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.


"I see..."


"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?"


"I don't see how we can do that, Sera.  My heart is broken. My family is shamed."


More people entered the restaurant, stomping the snow off their boots, shaking their hats and heading to join their companions.


"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."


"Yes, I should get back...."


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.


Carl sat back and stared sadly at her.


"Thank you for the soup, Mr. Young.  It was delicious and warm as usual."


"Thank you for dropping by, Sera."


"Happy New Year,"  she said as she put on her touque, turned and walked quickly towards the front door. 


- - End excerpt - - 


Sample more excerpts.    See what others have shared after reading The Year of the Rabbit.  Download the first 20% of the novel for free at Smashwords.  Thanks for dropping by www.yearoftherabbit.ca.  

The Year of the Rabbit as a Concept

Have you ever needed a creative outlet to help you cope with tragedy or personal challenges? I have. For many years.  

The Year of the Rabbit, A Novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness provided me with a creative outlet as well as a structured approach to a goal and a dream.  

The title represents hope, respect for traditions and the conquering of fears.  While conceiving and nurturing it, I was able to balance creative freedom and basic project management skills.  Yes, The Year of the Rabbit for me was a concept as well as a project.

This post will focus on the concept.

Events in the 1999 Year of the Rabbit forced me to be more assertive yet maintain a level of compassion and personal sanity.  I sought ways to improve my family’s home life while living with financial uncertainty under a cloud of oppression.  The four years prior and after that year were some of the most difficult in my life.  I won’t dwell on that influence in this post.  You can read about the novel and writing as therapy in another blog.  

Short stories I wrote began to evolve and provided a welcomed creative outlet.  I pondered and wrote poetry on the concept of time. Short story characters charmed their way into my imagination, encouraging me to write them into a novel.   It was a personal quest that started as an idea in 2007, a way to distract my concerns of the reality of being a single parent and knowing that in five short years, my attacker would apply for parole.   

I wrote many journal entries, asked many questions and explored different belief systems. I read my share of “self help” books.  I declined suggestions by friends and acquaintances to write about my own life altering experience.

During my explorations, Buddhism was one belief system that appealed to me the most because of its respect for the natural world and encouragement to lighten one’s load.  Although the woman’s role seemed limited in monasteries and Buddhist communities, I was still curious. Due to an overly creative monkey mind, I was not yet a good candidate for meditation.  I enjoyed movies like Enlightenment Guaranteed and Up in the Air.  

Writing, editing and sharing drafts of this novel provided me with opportunities to connect with other writers, published authors, to re-open myself to friendship and trust.

As mentioned in the project angle, there were delays and disappointments.  Yet in April 2011, I released the Print on Demand edition of The Year of the Rabbit, A Novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness under the pen name of Florence T Lyon.  There was no way that I wanted my married name on my new creation.  For the curious, Florence T Lyon is a pen name that represents a renaissance and a philosophical crossroad. I had accomplished a major feat and arrived at a “crossroad” along my difficult journey.  

The reader feedback for the PoD version was encouraging.  Over the next few months, I corrected chronological inconsistencies and grammatical oversights.  In September 2011, I released the eBook version.  

Visit www.yearoftherabbit.ca where you can follow links to enjoy draft excerpts, reader comments and other blog entries.  

As for the missing chapters for the years in-between, they will become a short story collection that I hope to nurture, plan and release in plenty enough time for the 2023 Year of the Rabbit.  For the next couple of years though, I have to focus on practical goals.

Yes, I was born in the Year of the Rabbit, the same year as the novel’s main character, Sera Fletcher.  We both were able to tackle demons through reading and writing.  Sera though succumbed to rage when encountering one of hers for the last time.  I relied on the pen (or keyboard) as my weapon and as an escape.  Forgiveness though will be a long time coming.

Thank you for reading this far.

T

The Year of the Rabbit as a Project

Have you had long term goals that seemed out of reach or just impossible to achieve?  With proper planning, organized teamwork and frequent spoonfuls of determination, we humans are capable of almost any positive accomplishment.  

The Year of the Rabbit, A Novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness provided me with a creative outlet as well as a structured approach to a goal.  The title represents hope, respect for traditions and the conquering of fears.  While conceiving, nurturing and planning for it, I was able to exercise creative freedom as well as practise some basic project management skills.  Yes, The Year of the Rabbit for me was a concept as well as a project.

This post will focus on the project angle.

It started as an idea in 2007 and was documented in January 2008 with an anticipated delivery date in mid-2010.  I had set targets for completion of various phases and milestones like chapter draft completion dates, novel edit version 1, version 2 completions, etc...  

I acquired resources who helped as readers, subject matter experts and editors.  Some services were obtained in exchange for lunches, dinners or for my own skilled offerings.  Some were offered freely.  Some required payment.  I met new people, made professional connections and obtained some unlikely new friends.

Along the way, it became apparent that I would need to adjust the time span represented in the novel and the intended milestones leading up to the release.  There were real life distractions with family issues, volunteer group commitments, working a day job plus preparing to downsize and move the family home in mid-2011 (yet another project).  

Due to the quickly changing publishing scene in Canada, my dream to have the novel released on target by a credible publisher soon faded.  There were other options but there was no way I was going to pay to have hundreds of copies of my novel printed and eventually end up storing boxes of them in my own home.  No way - especially if this  would hinder the moving project.  I thought about the cost, the space, my energy performing the leg work plus... the possible waste of trees and paper.  

My goal had to be delayed or re-imagined.  I pondered options available to me.  I explored alternatives.

Enter the liberating opportunities for Print on Demand and ePublishing.  

In April 2011, I released the Print on Demand edition of The Year of the Rabbit, A Novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness under the pen name of Florence T Lyon.  The reader feedback was encouraging.  In September 2011, I released the eBook version.

Although the targeted completion date was delayed, I am proud to say that this project was completed in 2011.  Visit www.yearoftherabbit.ca where you can follow links to enjoy excerpts, reader comments, tweets and other blog entries.  

As for the missing parts of the final product, they may be part of a new project that I intend to nurture, plan and release as a collection of short stories by 2023.  Another project I can envision is for the novel to be made into a movie.  I think it has the potential to rank with the likes of To Kill a Mockingbird and Stand by Me. I also think I need time to re-energize before even drafting a plan for that project.  

Yes, I was born in the Year of the Rabbit, the same year as the novel’s main character, Sera Fletcher.  

Thank you for reading this far.  Comments are welcome.   

TJ

Year of the Rabbit Ebooks to invade the book fair

They laughed (and some scowled) when I mentioned I was going to present The Year of the Rabbit Ebook at the book fair this year.  


Ottawa Authors & Artisans Fair 2011


Date:  Sunday, November 20
Time:  10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Place:  Jack Purcell Centre


Details and updates:   http://www.oiw.ca/events.php#bookfair11link


Do drop by. 


Save a tree!  Buy the Ebook.  :o) 


T