It is Thanksgiving weekend in Canada.
The Red Hare restaurant
would have been a nice place to host a family gathering rather than toiling away in a cramped apartment kitchen.
I invite you to read an
excerpt from The Year of the Rabbit where Sera and her extended family share in a Thanksgiving
meal.
Sera soon learns news that will add to her sadness and feelings of
abandonment.
It's a good thing she had Edgar and Jenny Young to give
her some comfort.
Drop by the novel's domain for links to other blog entries, reader comments and deep dark secrets. You will have to dig a little for those...
Giving thanks every day -
beginning, middle and end.
Waking from a dreamy state
The cycle starts all over again.
T
Note: Most of the content of this blog post is a reheat, a rehash from the one in 2012.
Well, we're coming to the Family Day holiday in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario.
Many workers are relieved to have a long weekend in February. Many businesses will be closed.
As I witnessed at the book shop yesterday, many parents of young children are grasping at options for indoor activities to take their bundled-up rambunctious kids to since it's too cold to play outside this weekend. One tired mother informed me that they also had Friday off as a PD Day!
It's too bad that libraries will be closed on Family Day Monday. I guess Librarians also need time off to spend with their families.
This year, I hope to spend the day with two of my young adult children. I was hoping to see another but time and travel options were not in favour.
In the novel, The Year of the Rabbit, Sera Fletcher faces loss of a close friend then people in her "family". When she discovers a secret project in her father's workshop she realizes the approaching death of her mother.
After a shameful teen pregnancy situation has divided her extended family, Sera courageously visits the Red Hare Restaurant to speak with Carl Young. She later shares in the joy when the birth of her illegitimate nephew reunites the families and friends one cold February night.
She is the unwitting messenger who reveals information that breaks her father's heart. After Matthew's descent into depression, she is pushed away, relocated to the Young family's apartment. Thanks to the kindness and love of Jenny and Carl, she is treated like family in their home.
This resilient young girl creates her own coping methods for dealing with the loss of her best friend, her mother, and others close to her. She later confronts a monster and is eventually united with her biological family.
Throughout the novel, the reader will encounter different situations where the concept of "family" will change and evolve. Whatever form of family you will celebrate this weekend, may it be one filled with love, respect and hope.
Sample some excerpts. See what others have shared after reading The Year of the Rabbit. Download the first 20% of the novel for free at Smashwords.
If you have already read the book, why not offer a brief review? Indie authors appreciate if readers post even a short review of how a book made them feel. Please do it!
Thanks for dropping by www.yearoftherabbit.ca. Stay warm :-)
T
Well, it looks like we are finally getting some winter weather in the Ottawa Valley. The Rideau Canal Skateway isn't open yet but preparations are under way.
Permit me to lead you back to a solemn winter during a time of innocence. Imagine yourself in a small town on the shores of Georgian Bay in the 1970s. Meet a lonely yet brave 11 year-old girl - a girl on a mission to convince Mr. Young to let his pregnant daughter come back home.
- - Begin excerpt - -
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 tuque, 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.
If you have already read the book, why not offer a brief review? Indie authors appreciate if readers post even a short review of how a book made them feel. Please do it!
Thanks for dropping by www.yearoftherabbit.ca. Stay warm :-)
T
This post is in recognition of Father's Day.
Due to my own Father passing away many years ago and the lack of a Father figure in my little family, this day no longer holds much significance.
I can imagine how it must feel for some families to celebrate Mother’s
Day or Father’s Day in a home divided or where one parent has passed
away.
I admire families with dedicated, responsible fathers. I envy women who have had the good fortune to find a man, a mate who is faithful, kind and supportive, and who sticks around to help raise their children.
In the novel The Year of the Rabbit,
we are introduced to Matthew Fletcher, father of Sera and her older
siblings. Only a handful of people had been aware of Sera’s true
paternity.
After Marie passes away, her hidden letter of confession reaches Matthew via an unlikely messenger.
I like to think of Matthew Fletcher as an ideal husband and a good
father. He was gentle and loving with his children. He was forgiving
of his wife’s wild behavior. He performed honest work as a carpenter
and cabinet maker. Read more here.
Here's wishing all the good fathers out there a wonderful Fathers’ Day. Enjoy the time with your family. Rock that colourful tie.
I invite you to read more excerpts from The Year of The Rabbit, a Novel About Fate, Family and Forgiveness.
Join others who enjoyed this unpolished gem of Canadian fiction. Download the first few chapters of the eBook for free from Smashwords. If you like what you have read, you can then purchase the entire book for 99 cents or more (you set the price).
Thanks for dropping by.
T
Just wanted to mention that it's Sera Fletcher's birthday.
Happy Birthday!
She's a fellow Leo and Rabbit.
"There's a little bit of Sera in all of us."
How about you? Are you a Leo too?
Get your copy of the ebook version at Smashwords.
Theresa
Get ready for homemade cards, breakfast in bed spills and gaudy ties.
Father’s Day
is June 15th.
In the novel The Year of the Rabbit,
we are introduced to Matthew Fletcher, father of Sera and her older
siblings.
I like to think of Matthew Fletcher as an ideal husband and a good
father. He was gentle and loving with his children. He was forgiving
of his wife’s wild behavior. He performed honest work as a carpenter
and cabinet maker. He also supported others in his community.
Golly. He was my ideal man.
I invite you to read a few excerpts describing Matthew and his gentle ways.
Upon meeting Father Gio for the first time:
Upon meeting Walter George for the first time, after the boy is caught stealing Sera's bicycle one summer night:
Sera catches Matthew in an emotional moment while the family prepares for Marie's surgery:
Sera discovers Matthew at work, finishing off a very special wood carving project:
Only a handful of people had been aware of Sera’s true
paternity. After Marie passed away, her hidden letter of confession reached Matthew through an unlikely messenger.
Here's wishing all the good fathers out there a wonderful Fathers’ Day. Enjoy the time with your family. Rock that colourful tie.
I invite you to read more excerpts from The Year of The Rabbit, a Novel About Fate, Family and Forgiveness.
Join others who enjoyed this unpolished gem of Canadian fiction. Download the first few chapters of the eBook for free from Smashwords. If you like what you have read, you can then purchase the entire book for 99 cents or more (you set the price).
T
When you work in the service industry, you have to put your personal issues and attitudes aside while dealing with the public and other customers.
Most times, you must force that smile and keep your voice in a friendly, welcoming tone - even while dealing with personal issues or difficult people.
I wrote about a recent restaurant experience while dining with friends. Hop over to the Deep Blonde Thoughts blog post Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
Readers of the novel will remember the different types of patrons who frequented the Red Hare restaurant.
Co-owner Jenny Young was patient and polite while serving customers. She kept her attitude in check - especially while serving unpleasant customers like Daryl MacDonald.
You can meet Jenny and appreciate her kindness, her professionalism while you read the following excerpts:
Read more excerpts from The Year of The Rabbit, a Novel About Fate, Family and Forgiveness.
Join others who enjoyed this unpolished gem of Canadian fiction. Download the first few chapters of the eBook for free from Smashwords. If you like what you have read, you can then purchase the entire book for 99 cents or more (you set the price).
Visit the novel's web site.
Thanks for dropping by and remember: the next time you dine out, be kind to your server.
T
As an avid reader who likes to relax with a good book, would you want an app that helps you speed read through a novel on a smart device?
Something like the Spritz app would be helpful in circumstances when you need to study a short article or story summary of a book. I don't think it can compete with the pleasure of sitting down with a good book or taking a novel to bed. Would you agree?
I'm the kind of person who likes to read printed books in paperback and hard cover format. I have progressed with the times by reading books on my iPad Mini as well. I find that paperbacks work best when reading in bed. They make less noise or risk less damage if they were to drop from my sleepy grip.
In The Year of the Rabbit, Sera Fletcher loved to read and would often go to the local library to soften the pains of loneliness and escape into other worlds she discovered through books.
She would also find herself sorting and re-shelving the books from the return carts. She loved this sense of order and control since her world was falling apart around her.
- If you would like to download the first few chapters of the eBook version for free, visit this page at Smashwords.
- If you want to read more, you can set your own purchase price (above 99 cents) at Smashwords.
- If you’re not sure but would like to first see what others thought of the book, start here.
- If you don’t own one of those newfangled eBook readers yet, you can purchase a Portable Document Format (PDF) version of the novel and read it on your computer, laptop or tablet.
Although it took me four years of drafts, edits, love and tears, I will allow you the right to read it as fast as you want.
If you’re waiting for the next print edition, it may be ready before 2023.
Thanks for dropping by.
T
I have engaged with a talented young artiste to provide illustrations for the second edition of the novel.
The objective is to provide representations of the paintings gracing the booths at the Red Hare restaurant. I am also planning for a new cover design.
The artiste will provide twelve Chinese Zodiac illustrations over the next four months.
Here are samples of the first two works:
I think they are very lovely. You can view these and more of the artiste's creations at her Arting Around blog.
To read up on the novel and related activities, please visit www.yearoftherabbit.ca.
T
You wouldn't know it in the Ottawa Valley but Spring is here.
In local travels, we have witnessed crocus sprouts pushing up from the earth and snow. People are planning for the annual Tulip Festival.
Friends and relatives are dusting off their patio furniture and eying their garden plots still covered by a dirty blanket of snow. They are logging up-coming events in their calendars. Who knows what they are going to dig up?
Recently, on the other side of the pond, "... in Edinburgh's frozen clay soil, the city’s archaeologists unearthed a diamond.
Resting in the dark, underneath what was once a city car park, the remains of a medieval knight were discovered."
See: History unearthed: Meet the team who discovered the car park knight
"The discovery comes just a month after the bones of Richard III were identified after being discovered below a car park in Leicester in what is being heralded as one of the most sensational finds in archaeological history."
I enjoy these discoveries, things of ancient past dug up and respectfully handled by archeologists - and drooled over by historians.
Then there are those discoveries that indicate a body was not placed out of respect - and not under a car park but under an apartment building that the surrounding neighbours didn't want built.
This news story was published in The Seguin Sounder, a fictitious newspaper that evolved out of the novel.
If you are curious to meet a certain redheaded girl who likes to bury things - and meet her younger, sadder sister Sera, read excerpts from The Year of The Rabbit, a Novel About Fate, Family and Forgiveness. Hop on over to the web site.
After you purchase the book, you will join the ranks of other readers who enjoyed this undiscovered piece of Canadian fiction.
Thanks for dropping by. Visit the novel's web site. Watch where you are digging ;o)
T
How about an old-school form of entertainment?
Until we figure out how to get this in an iPad app, here's a little something to print and keep you occupied during slow periods.
Get out your trusty pencil. Be daring and confident - use a pen.
Thanks to http://www.worksheetworks.com.
Enjoy!
T
I have met some French Canadian, Irish and Italian Catholics who have a love-hate relationship with the Church.
This is reflected in the novel although names have been changed to protect the innocent - or the guilty.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit and experience a local pub that was well decorated yet seemed a little irreverent towards the church and its many accoutrements.
You can see more pictures in this other blog post.
The Year of the Rabbit - a novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness
contains a lot of reference to the Roman Catholic Church. One of the
main characters is an Italian-Canadian priest. The other is his
biological daughter. Do I have your attention now?
When you purchase the ebook version through Smashwords, you get to set the price. How does that grab you?
Thanks for dropping by.
T
