Missing since Halloween

A Seguin Sound man posts a request in the local newspaper, looking for his wife and daughter.

Thing is... they don't want to be found.  Find out why in this excerpt.  

This becomes a traumatic experience for Sera Fletcher who will spend the subsequent months missing her friend and sinking into depression.   

She finds joy when her illegitimate nephew is born.  Then she ponders life and death while realizing her mother will not survive the cancer that is consuming her once beautiful body. 

See more Seguin Sounder clippings.  Read more excerpts.

Thanks for dropping by.   Hop on over to The Year of the Rabbit web site when you have a minute.  

T

Abuse of Power and Trust

I am troubled by more worldwide reports of abuse cases involving priests. 

Does it make you wonder though if their sickness was already present and they chose this vocation or profession because of opportunities to abuse while in a position of power?  Do not forget that we have seen reports of abuse by teachers and other professions. 

Yes, the novel leans towards the suggestion that priests should be allowed to marry.  Who knows if that would have prevented the actions by some sick individuals. Would they have eventually abused their own children? 

The Year of the Rabbit is loosely based on my experiences growing up in the Catholic Church in a small town and questioning the rules at many turns (but apparently not as spicey and humorous as those by Jenny McCarthy).  It is not intended to insult or show disrespect but demonstrate a growing need for change as was seen in the late 1960s and early 1970s.  

Yes, I am a Lapsed Catholic.  

Yes, I believe in a woman's right to make choices for her body, her reproductive system.  
 

I knew some interesting priests in my early years.  One who performed the wedding ceremony for one of my family members eventually left the church and got married.  

 

I wanted people to see Father Gio as a lovable, trustworthy character - a human male.  He regrets not acting sooner to prevent abuse in the small town where he served and questions his future in the Church. 

 

Let us not judge Gio for his moment of weakness, a brief encounter with a married woman in 1962.  If he didn't have that night of passion, we would not have gotten to know Sera, to watch her grow and cope through difficult times.  Was it fate or just coincidence?

 

 

Excerpts featuring Father Giovanni Vinoletti:

1. Gio Meets Sera  (An excerpt from Chapter 1 where Father Giovanni Vinoletti meets Sera Fletcher, his newly discovered, biological daughter)
2. Parish Picnic  (A priest's joy and shame. A child's innocent view on life after death)
3. The Red Hare  (Traditions, community and home)
4. Zodiacs and the Bible (A continuation of Gio and Sera's debate at the Red Hare) 
5. Sudden Loss (Halloween night - Sera loses her friend and Gio regrets not acting sooner)   
6. A child is born  (Birth, joy, teen pregnancy)
7. Wine (The results of patience and loving care) 

 

You will grow to love Gio.  I have.   

• Enjoy comments from readers
• Download 20% of the eBook for free at Smashwords. 
• You set the price if you choose to purchase it.

 

Thanks for dropping by and reading this far.  Comments are welcome!

 

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

Read an Ebook Week March 4-10

Flo is participating in "Read an Ebook Week March 4-10"

Since Smashwords is the publisher for the ebook version of the novel, you can get The Year of the Rabbit for $1.00 (US)

Visit Smashwords.com between March 4th and 10th.  Jump directly to the novel's page. Follow the instructions to get 75% off during the site-wide promotion.

Remember:  You can always download 20% of the Novel for free.

Don't get distracted by the funny cat video. Okay, go ahead. We all know the world could use MORE funny cat videos... 

Now for something serious and disturbing.  PayPal is requiring Smashwords to remove all erotica content on its platform that contains references to bestiality, rape and incest – otherwise it will stop doing business with Smashwords altogether.  This is considered censorship and unfair.  Read the TechCrunch article.  

The Year of the Rabbit is not considered erotica yet contains a "brief" teenage sex scene and reference to incest.   It does not promote nor condone.  It strives to educate. 

I would be interested to hear your comments - either here or on the Facebook fan page.  

Thanks for dropping by. 

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

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

YOTR coverage in the Citizen's "The Wrap"

There was mention of The Year of the Rabbit in the Ottawa Citizen's "The Wrap" Volume 53, #1 September 2011.  

Title:  "Domestic Violence Survivor uses her writing as therapy" 

Read an electronic version of the article in PDF or JPG.  

Read T's ramblings about writing as therapy here. 

By the way... The Wrap wants general interest stories from Ottawa citizens, neighbourhood news and information.  They also spotlight charities and non-profits.  Read more here.  

About the novel:

• Read selected excerpts
• Read comments from others
• Go to Smashwords.com where you can read or download a sample then… purchase a copy in one of many supported formats.
  

Thanks for stopping by.  It has been an interesting journey.

T
 

Seguin Sounder newspaper clipping - Gruesome Discovery

Curious?  Read some excerpts from the Novel.  Read some more news clippings unearthed on the long weekend. 

 

Thanks to the awesome Newspaper Clipping Generator at Fodey.com.  http://www.fodey.com/generators/newspaper/snippet.asp   (Sure beats hours of tweaking around in MS Word!)

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) 

Movies with Trains: The Station Agent

What a sweet coincidence the evening of the day I release the novel that TV Ontario airs an indi movie about trains and the intertwining lives of people living in solitude - some by circumstances and some by choice.

A couple of the young folk stayed to endure the The Station Agent while snuggled at their usual spots on the sectional, performing quests on their electronic gadgetry.  They may not admit it but I think they enjoyed the story since they made enough comments on the fact that this poor fellow who just wanted to be alone was constantly visited by other people!

Let us ponder about the difference between solitude and loneliness.  We choose to exist in solitude if only for a few hours a day. It's important to have that quiet time, to reflect, strum a guitar, meditate or read.  We don't choose loneliness.  

In the novel The Year of the Rabbit, young Sera encounters loss and loneliness on more than one occasion.  It started one Halloween night when Father Gio helped Sera's friend and mother escape an abusive home, spiriting them away onto a train.  Her loneliness is briefly lifted with the birth of her illegitimate nephew.  She finds comfort at the Red Hare restaurant and escape through reading many books harvested from the town library.

If you are a fan of trains, their purpose in connecting communities and lives, visit the domain for The Year of the Rabbit. Read the PDF of chapter 1.  Buy the book :o)

T

 

Little girls and women on International Women's Day March 8th

This Deep Blonde Thoughts blog entry mentions feminine characters from the novel.  

I wish I could teach the little girls to scream. It was too late for one little girl...

Halloween night - Sera loses her friend

Excerpt from Chapter 6 (my text before edits by a paid service)

Halloween night 1974.  The happy celebrations of the youth group Halloween party are interrupted as Gio is called outside by Georgette.  She has stowed away Victoria and Margaret MacDonald in her car and asks him to help them find refuge from an abusive home.  He agrees to send them to Toronto where his sister will meet them and take them to safety.  

Eleven year-old Sera, dressed as a witch, had been eavesdropping at the party and snuck into the car.  She is distraught to learn her best friend is going away.  Halloween night will never be the same again. 

Readers get a taste of the blossoming romance between Gio and Aunt Georgette. 

Warning:  Contains swearing.

Inside the hall, Gio quickly gave instructions to Perry and the twins, leaving in them charge, telling them to make sure everything was turned off and there were no burning candles before they left.  They could worry about the cleanup the next day. 

When he arrived at his car, he saw that Georgette had already helped the passengers transfer themselves and what little baggage they had. 

"Thank you, Gio."  She whispered, staring him in the eyes as she handed him the keys.  Impulsively, she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him on the cheek.  “Thank you.”

He didn’t want her to let go.  His impulse was to wrap his arms around her waist and shoulders, to pull her closer to his body.

One of the car doors opened and closed again.  It caught their attention briefly then Georgette turned back to the priest.  "You're a good man."

"We'll see.  I still have to get them onto the train without being noticed."
 

~ ~ ~

While in the CP Rail parking lot, Gio instructed the MacDonald’s to get dressed properly and fix their hair as well as they could in the darkened back seat.   He went into the train station to buy tickets and make a telephone call to Isabella.

Up until now, Sera sat quietly beside Victoria who held hands with her mother while they waited in the car. 

"Victoria," Sera began, "What's happening? Are you going away?"

"I don't know, Sera.  Mommy?"

Mrs. MacDonald touched her eyebrow and wiped her eyes on the sheet.  She only nodded and sobbed in response.

Gio came back to the car and sat in the driver's seat.  He had canned drinks, sandwiches and cookies with him.  "The next train for Toronto leaves in twenty minutes.  What good timing," he sighed as he turned on the little interior light.

He turned and handed the drinks and sandwiches to his two passengers, "Here, these will hold you over until you arrive in.... holy shit!  Sera?  What are you doing here?"

The familiar green face appeared from the shadows, above what he thought was one of the duffel bags.  "Uh... hi, Gio."

"Oh, Jesus!  Sorry!  Dammit! You shouldn't be here."

"I...I.. was curious why you and Auntie Georgette were talking.  I snuck in to the car."

Victoria started crying, "Please don't make her leave, Father Gio, please!"

"Of course not, Victoria," he sighed, "I won't.  I can't.  Not here.  Shit!"

From the distance, they heard the sound of the approaching train horn. 

"Get your bags ready and tidy up.  We'll go in just before they finish boarding."

"Can I come too?" asked Sera.

"No.  Sera.  No.  You will stay in the car.  I will take you home afterwards. Understood?"

"I guess."

A few minutes of silence passed before Gio turned off the interior light and spoke, "It's time."

Sera grabbed Victoria's arm, "Victoria! I....I... don't want you to go.  I don't want you to leave.  I...I..."

Gio had opened the back door to help Mrs. MacDonald with her bags.  His heart was in his throat.

"Sera, you will have to say goodbye and let Victoria go."

Victoria gave a big hug to her friend.  She was still holding her magic wand. 

"I'll miss you Sera.  We'll write, okay?"

"Okay," responded the witch between sobs.

"Here," said Victoria, handing her the magic wand, "I don't know why I had this with me still... You can keep it."

Sera grasped the wand, "Thanks..."

Gio pulled Victoria by the hand and put a woolen hat over her golden locks.  He bent over and said to Sera sternly, "Stay in the car.  Got it?"

"Yes."

He slammed the door then rushed the MacDonald's to the station, slipping past the lobby and heading straight to the train.

Sera sat alone in the car, twirling the wand around in-between her fingers.  She got up on her knees to look out the windows so she could see what was happening.  Her eye caught her ghastly green reflection in the rear view mirror. 

She stared into her own eyes.  She raised her left hand and slowly waved the wand back and forth in front of her face.

"She's gone.  She's disappeared..."

Wave, wave, slowly back and forth.

The lonely train blew its horn and howled its way out of the station.  Gio trotted back to the car and lowered his hefty body back inside.  He turned to the side and glanced back at Sera who was sitting quietly in the back corner, staring ahead and hugging her knees. 

"Are they gone?" she asked softly.

"Yes, they're gone."  he answered, "They will be staying with some good people near Toronto." 

"When will I see Victoria again?"

Gio closed his eyes and breathed out slowly, "I don't know."

"What happened, Gio?"

Gio paused, searching for the right words for an eleven year old to understand, "Mr. MacDonald was hurting Victoria and her mother."

"But he spoiled her, he gave her gifts and toys all the time."

"He did, I'm sure, Sera.  He didn't give her the gifts of trust and protection that a parent should give a child."

"I hate him."

Gio only nodded in agreement.  He was tired and winded.

Sera started to cry, "I wish he was dead."

~ end excerpt ~