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

Comments widget is working again

Thank you Google / Blogspot for finally fixing the issue with the comments widget.  (recent blog comments were not displaying)

Flo

Thanks to a True North Friend

My friend Alberte mentioned the novel in this week's Bits and Bites column on True North Perspective. She also mentioned the June 24th Arts Night at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa. 


Thanks, Alberte!


I look forward to this speaking opportunity, to share "why I write" along with visual and musical artists.


How do you like them apples?


T

Even in an online world, the daily mail has its place

I agree with the headline from CBC News. Yes, we are in an era when we can communicate with family and friends, pay bills and perform banking tasks online.  When it comes to personal letters, I have to say that - depending on the nature of the letter -  I prefer receiving a handwritten one over an email. 

"There's something very special about receiving something in the mail, and it's something people may have forgotten in an era of email..."

In the news June 3, 2011:  

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2011/06/02/f-postal-service.html

The Canadian postal service and exchange of letters are featured often through the novel.  Travel back to a time when there were no personal computers, Internet or email.  Not even a cell phone!  Relax.  Enjoy...

Letters

These excerpts are posted in honour of Canada Post, the organization, their workers and the valued services provided. 

Excerpt 1:  After Sera convinces Carl Young to allow pregnant Amy to come back home

The next Friday, the Fletchers received an envelope in the mail with an invitation to the Red Hare Anniversary Party in February.  Inside the bright red card was a folded note in Jenny's handwriting. 

"Amy is coming home on Saturday. We’re planning a Chinese New Year party for next week.  Please ask the girls to drop by to discuss decoration ideas.” 

Your friends,
Carl and Jenny."

Marie broke into tears, leaning on Georgette for support while standing by the kitchen sink.   The twins were ecstatic. 

"That's tomorrow!  Amy's coming home tomorrow!" squealed Dela hugging Gwen. 

"What changed his mind?" asked Marie, dabbing her eyes. 

"I think I have an idea," whispered Georgette, smiling as she went to grab her coat and boots.  "I'll be back in time to make supper."

(This leads to Georgette's search for Sera at the local library...)

Excerpt 2:  Letters received with joy - and the realization of one that should have stayed hidden... 

(Eleven year-old Sera has just finished changing Harry's diaper in the apartment above the Red Hare restaurant)

They made their way back downstairs and into the dining room.  Georgette had arrived and was seated at the front, sipping coffee and reading some papers. 

“Bonjour, chérie!” she called and waved.

“Hi, Aunt Georgette,” Sera called back, standing beside her own booth.  She looked down to see two envelopes on the table.

Georgette called, “You have mail, la.”

“I see,” replied Sera, “Thanks!”

Jenny appeared out of the kitchen and said, “Here, Sera.  Let me take my grandson for a while.”

Sera released the boy with an expression of relief.  “Oooh,” she joked while she stretched from side to side, “He’s getting heavy.”

“That’s our boy,” Jenny responded and walked away kissing him on the forehead and swinging him gently to one side.

The letters intrigued Sera.  One was from Mrs. Johnson, from Vancouver.  Sera was so happy that she had lived up to her promise to write. She opened it with joy and read it over twice, line by line.  Rachelle had included photographs of her new home and gardens in Vancouver. She was very happy to be with her son, Mikail and to meet his fiancée.  Fiancée?  Wow.    

The other envelope contained a short note from Gio:

Dear Sera,

I hope this finds you well.  I have been thinking of you.  Please give little Harry a hug for me.  I am taking some time off to care for my parents.

Warm wishes to you and your family.  Have a good summer. Please write if you have time.

Gio

She grabbed the letters and walked with a bounce to sit with Georgette at the front of the restaurant.  Her aunt was reading her own mail with great interest. 

“Hmm?” she looked up to see Sera sitting in front of her and actually smiling. 

“I got a letter from Mrs. Johnson, Aunt Georgette,” said Sera happily. 

“Yes, chérie.  I know.”

“Oh, and one from Father Gio too. Kind of short though…”

“Uh huh,” her aunt smiled, reading her letter again.

“I want to write back to Mrs. Johnson.”

“Okay…” Georgette responded.  She looked up and smiled at her niece, “I think that’s a great idea, chérie.”

Sera packed her book-bag, said goodbye to the Young’s and Aunt Georgette then headed home.

Georgette sipped her coffee and read the letter from Gio again:

Dear Georgette,

Thank you for your letter of June 5th informing me of your discovery.  I was wondering when and how Matthew would learn the truth. I cannot tell you what to do.  Matthew should know although it would likely break his heart.

I feel that I am only a pawn in these cruel coincidences and circumstances. I think about Sera often and hope she is coping well.  I am glad to hear she is taking good care of young Harry.  Please keep an eye on her.

My Mother and Father are settled back in the vineyards.  Isabella visits from time to time.  Speaking of heartache, they have expressed their disappointment that they have no grandchildren now with Roberto deceased and both Isabella and I in the Church.  I am tempted to tell them about Sera but do not want to bring shame to the family name — or scandal to the Church. 

Thank goodness I have been able to take an extended sabbatical and help my parents around the orchards and vineyards.  They are getting old and feeble. Roberto’s death has sucked away their spirits.

I am saddened that Isabella has again lost contact with Victoria and her mother.  They left the shelter in March and have not returned.  Search efforts have not been successful.

I am applying for special consideration to leave the priesthood, to work as a layperson whose business produces wine and jams to be sold and raise funds for a new project. I am looking for someone who knows how to keep books, manage a growing estate and communicate with customers.  I was thinking of you, Georgette.

Please consider joining me at the Villa Vinoletti.  At least come for a visit.  I am sure that your work with the Fletcher’s will soon be done.  I miss Sera.  Can you provide an excuse to bring her with you when you visit?.  It’s so beautiful here.

Warm regards,  Love,

Gio

Georgette held the pages close to her chest and reached for her coffee.  As she sipped the warm liquid she thought, “What a good idea, to take a vacation and visit Gio.  I should write a quick note back to him.”

After she consumed her late lunch, she read through the letter a third time.  It was then that she realized Sera had already headed home and was planning to write a letter to Mrs. Johnson. 

What if…?   (teaser link to another excerpt...)

Georgette feverishly packed the envelopes into her purse and called back to Jenny. 

“Good bye, Jenny.  Au revoir.  I must go.”

“Okay,” called Jenny as she opened the kitchen door with Harry in her arms, “Bye, bye!”

“Baaaaah!” called Harry.

- End excerpts - 

Do you like what you've read so far?  Buy the book ;o) 

Postal workers could strike this week

Oh, fwonderful...  My pretty blonde head is calculating chances of receiving some printed copies of the novel in time for a speaking engagement in June.

All the more reason to get that eBook version ready. I'm just so tuckered out since the move to the little apartment. I am sooo looking forward to return to work, only to worry about disk space for bloated mailboxes rather than storage space in a smaller apartment :o}

CBC News
Posted: May 30, 2011 10:44 AM ET  Last Updated: May 30, 2011 7:44 PM ET
Postal workers could strike this week
Mail service could stop Friday if contract isn't reached
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2011/05/30/canada-post-strike.html

Let's hope contract issues can be resolved soon. Regular, "traditional" postal service is featured fondly in the novel that takes place in the 1970s.  There was no email, no texting or Twitter.  Such simpler times. 

Canadian Writers Speak Out on Copyright

Wow.  It's a little disturbing to know that if my novel gets picked up for high school reading lists (yes, yes, yes!!), that teachers could copy for free?  

Watch the video.  Learn how to take action:  http://www.writersunion.ca/C-32_video.htm

Year of the Rabbit Postage Stamps

Here's a pleasant and promising diversion aside from my novel progress reports :-)

Do you feel a state of calm coming over you? The Year of the Rabbit is a peaceful year, one that will be far more tranquil than the previous “Tiger” year, and give us the necessary rest to revive ourselves from a time of uncertainty and stress.

That excerpt was taken from the Canada Post page announcing the January 7th release of the stamps for The Year of The Rabbit.  Officially, this year does not begin until February 3, 2011.   I am really looking forward to it.  There's a lot I have to get over from the snarly Tiger year and life changes for this year coming. 

As they say "Rabbits '... are survivors—and can deal with anything life throws at them as long as they are at peace with themselves.' "  The next few months will provide me the opportunity to be at peace with myself, to understand myself as I learn to better understand the challenges experienced by my loved ones.  If I need to shift gears or take a different path,  I will take the advice of my friend Alberte in doing my best to continue in good work and make this a better world. 


As for postage stamps and the use of snail mail, I'd be interested to hear comments from readers and fellow bloggers on any continued, dedicated use.  


Cheers!

If it wasn't for celibacy...

It was an interesting coincidence on a cold winter's night that I tripped upon Frank Hegyi's book cover for "If it wasn't for celibacy, I would have been a priest".  It jumped out at me while I viewed a list of books by members of the Ottawa Independent Writers.

I stole the opportunity to speak with Frank about his book before a working group meeting in February.  I asked him about it and shyly mentioned that one of the main characters in my novel is a priest - a priest who encountered carnal temptation early in his career.  Frank gladly pulled out a copy of the book and offered it to me as a gift - although I insisted twice on paying him. 

The book is a collection of Frank's essays on Religion, Politics and Life. When time permitted, I really enjoyed reading his insights. I found myself nodding in agreement with many of his observations and views.

Frank is a calm, quiet man with an extraordinary history of overcoming obstacles.  He is also a cancer survivor who co-wrote and published "Death can wait. Stories from cancer survivors" along with Roslyn Franken, Jacquelin Holzman and Max Keeping.

Although he is not representative of my target audience, I hope I can return the favour by offering him a fresh, printed copy of my novel this winter. 

The evolution of telephone communication

As I reviewed and edited this section in chapter 11, (Darn! How did I miss those mistakes?) I thought it would be interesting to note for the impatient, mobile youth that cell phones didn't exist during this time period (1970's). 


Excerpt:

As Gio trotted out the front door to his car, he waved at the girls.  They waved back.

Panting and slightly soaked, he sat in the driver’s seat and turned on the interior light.  He looked at his watch.  Eight o’clock.  His parents and Georgette were going to be worried.  He spotted a telephone booth across the street from the Pizzeria.  He grabbed a handful of quarters from the clean ashtray and made a dash over to the phone booth.

After negotiating with the Bell operator and pumping in a few quarters, he heard the line ring on the other end.

“Hello?” said a woman’s worried voice.

“Hello, Mama?” said Gio.

“Gio!” she gasped, “Where are you?  We were worried!”

:End excerpt

There was no instant messaging, no texting and there were no camera phones.  It seemed like a much simpler time...

Links:

• http://www.cbc.ca/doczone/cellphones/history.html
• http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/kidszone/history_cellphone.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phone#History