Research is difficult and tedious

The author of The Year of the Rabbit didn't have ample time to properly research wines before publishing the novel. 

To the kind and gracious readers, she apologizes.  

If you have read the book and noticed any faux-pas's with wine references, here's your chance to be rewarded for the inconvenience.  You can help her correct any wrongs. 

Visit this Deep Blonde Thoughts blog post.  Follow the instructions to obtain a much-deserved gift.

Are you not familiar with this bittersweet story?  Really?  Mon Dieu!  You are welcome to read excerpts from the novel.  Download a sampling from Smashwords.  

See what others have offered after reading the book (and without noticing any key omissions about wine). 

Thanks for dropping by.  Now we must head off on our important quest...  :o) 

T

A Favourite Tree

Do you have a favourite place where you can go to be alone or to enjoy with a special person?

One of my favourite places to visit is the arboretum at the Experimental Farm in Ottawa. 

In recent years I have been dragging my children there for picnics and walks along the lush, colourful pathways.  We also visit my favourite tree, a Bebb's oak. 

It reminds me of my dear old Dad, of a photograph that was taken of him leaning on a cane during his final years.

During a 2005 visit, we noticed a plaque on the tree dedicated to Ardeth Wood, a promising young woman who was murdered on a bike path the summer of 2003.  

Visiting the arboretum provides us with a chance to experience nature as a family, to get fresh air and exercise. Visiting this tree provides me with time to reflect with a respect for ancient wisdom, hope for the future and gratitude for being a survivor. 

This springtime visit, I remembered to pack my copy of For the Love of Trees so we could identify the different species.  Unfortunately, we didn't have time to wander and explore due to tight schedules.  Another time, perhaps. 

In the novel, trees are featured often - especially the pin cherry tree.  It was a favourite place for Sera Fletcher to climb and hide.  It was from this tree that she first met Father Gio. 

This tree provided the riggings and backdrop for the last  performance witnessed by Sera's ailing mother. 

Soon, it too met with its fate.  

As I look at a nearby cherry tree losing its blossoms, I know that it will produce berries this summer and that the remaining ones will be consumed by hungry birds during the winter.  

This tree is a reminder of the cycle of life and death, much like the The tree of life.

If you appreciate trees and want to read undiscovered Canadian fiction, please visit by the web site for The Year of the Rabbit.  

Thanks,

T

For the Mothers

Happy Mother's Day, if you celebrate it.

 

In The Year of the Rabbit, a novel about fate, family and forgiveness readers will encounter a few motherly characters:

• Marie Fletcher was a caring mother figure despite her struggles with mental health issues and a dark secret;
• Margaret MacDonald experienced deep guilt and regret that she did not prevent the abuse of her daughter;
  
• Jenny Young struggled with supporting her pregnant teen and understanding her husband's disappointment;
• Amy Young became a teenage mother who learned how to be responsible with the help of her own family and friends;
• Gio's Mom was the typical doting mother and eventually an exuberant grandmother. 

Excerpt:  While she lay in her mother's casket, young Sera Fletcher pondered life after death. 

Have a lovely Mother's Day - or make it one for your own Mom. 

T

Kitchen Help and Cooking Therapy

Sera sank deeper into depression after Amy and Dela left for Alberta, taking little Harry with them.  

She missed them.  

She also missed the comfort of Edgar Bear whom she had given to Harry. 

She missed her father who seemed like a different, distant man since her mother had died.  

Jenny and Carl let her stay in Amy's old room above the Red Hare Restaurant.  Over the past few months, Carl had softened up towards Sera - in his own way. 

Thanks for reading this post.  Please provide your reaction below or submit a comment.  Check out the other excerpts if you'd like to taste a little more of this bittersweet story.  Drop by www.yearoftherabbit.ca for more information about the novel.