Cynthia Reyes's Blog, page 8
August 21, 2020
In the Garden
Turning the corner of a supermarket aisle, I glimpse a woman in a kiosk. She’s short, plump, wearing the white uniform of chefs and food-service workers. She’s surrounded by products of some kind. “Try these perogies!” She calls to shoppers, right hand holding a bag high. “Spinach, feta and potato perogies for vegetarians!” Her left… Continue reading In the Garden
August 15, 2020
Did You Go to Book-Review School?
No? I didn’t either. Nor did being a journalist equip me to write book reviews. So I buy and read other authors’ books, but — until I published my first book — I didn’t take the next step and review them. I feared I wouldn’t sound wise enough, that my analysis would be inept. Perhaps… Continue reading Did You Go to Book-Review School?
August 12, 2020
Guts and Strategy: 6 Things I Learned
Life and careers are indeed a journey. Along the way, we learn survival skills. Here are a few things I learned: Don’t wait for others to step up and end your suffering. Ever been in a freezing meeting room where others are visibly shivering, but no-one asks for the temperature to be turned up? Unable… Continue reading Guts and Strategy: 6 Things I Learned
August 8, 2020
Kendra Francis – Creating Heirloom Pieces for Children
In our hot summer, this bonnet and two others have come in very handy when our granddaughter is being dressed for a walk. (She’s only 9 months old now, so we adults are the ones doing the actual walking!) The bonnet and the whole outfit are from Petits Genoux (French for “Little Knees”). Its beautiful… Continue reading Kendra Francis – Creating Heirloom Pieces for Children
July 27, 2020
A Literary Ape
Be warned: today I’m writing about a great ape. One who does a lot for authors around the world, and accepts payment only in virtual bananas. ~~~ If you love books – reading them or writing them — you may have visited the Story Reading Ape website. It’s a treasure trove of books, authors from… Continue reading A Literary Ape
July 12, 2020
Rediscovering Novelist-Playwright James Baldwin
“If we do not falter in our duty now, we may be able … to end the racial nightmare, and change the history of the world.” James Baldwin wrote these words in one of two essays later published as The Fire Next Time. He wrote them in 1962 — fifty-eight years ago. You may, like… Continue reading Rediscovering Novelist-Playwright James Baldwin
July 8, 2020
Babies and Books
Shall we start with the best part first? Our grandbaby was christened a week ago. In our garden. Well, on the deck overlooking the garden. The sun shone warmly, the birds sang a variety of tunes, and the sweet babe, dressed in her beautiful lace christening gown, was secure and placid in her father’s arms. … Continue reading Babies and Books
June 24, 2020
SHE HAS TWIGS IN HER HAIR
I simply love this review by Toronto writer Lionel Gayle: SHE HAS TWIGS IN HER HAIR Plants flourishing in the garden—such a colourful scene. Perhaps it stirred up envy or stoked admiration in a few visitors and passers-by. Everything seemed hunky-dory, they probably said. And the gardener just had to sow the seeds, or… Continue reading SHE HAS TWIGS IN HER HAIR
June 19, 2020
The Peonies are Bloomin’!
The peonies are blooming in different shades and varieties. A bit late here in the sticks, but it’s been a splendi-florous week. Yes, those are the legs of an insect in the centre — it didn’t move so maybe it’s asleep, as this was early morning. Happy Juneteenth and I wish you a lovely weekend,… Continue reading The Peonies are Bloomin’!
June 15, 2020
When the Mask Slips
My husband is the strongest man I know. In his work as a journalist, police commissioner, mental health adjudicator, community volunteer and diversity and inclusion consultant, he has seen and heard the most gut-wrenching cases you can imagine. And yet, he seems to find a way to process it all, so he can come home… Continue reading When the Mask Slips
