CHAPTERS, & CHANGES

We had been in the bookstore for at least 3 hours before either of us noticed the time. Chapters has a way of absorbing bookworms. One can wander around, select editions, read a chapter or two before deciding to drop it into your bag for purchase, or reluctantly return it to the shelf because you’ve already busted your budget. There were many on sale, marked down from 25$ to 5$, so I managed to add a couple of new (to me) writers to my choices.

On entering the store, Helen and I had each gone our own way, drawn to our personal interest sections, but met again in the long line at the cashier counter. In spite of the crowd, the excellent service had us rung up in no time. Yep, I spent more than planned; a normal occurrence whenever I go for books. We headed for the Starbucks concession. We couldn’t leave without having one of their famous ‘lattés’. There was a table installed near the bottom of the stairs, and there I met a Canadian author promoting her best-sellers. It was Sheila Kindellan-Sheehan, and she signed the copy of her The Sands Motel for me. I agreed to send her my comments by e-mail after reading it.

It was mid-afternoon by the time I got back home. My doggies were waiting for me impatiently. The hours spent at the office last week kept them shut in the house for longer than usual each day; and now Saturday I was away again? In an attempt to make up for the lack of attention, I decided to forego housework and take them for a long walk. It didn’t hurt that the weather was beautiful, the fall colours vibrant, and my own desire to wander around outside was far stronger than that of pushing a mop. And I knew they would be alone again for the evening. My Cuban friends had invited me to their house for a fondue; an occasion one does not miss. I attended, had a wonderful time surrounded by laughter, music and delicious food, then made sure to hug and play with the doggies for at least an hour when I returned home at midnight.

Little do they know, but because of my guilt about leaving them alone for such long periods last week, the doggies have pushed me to do what should have been done ages ago. Thursday I advised the employees and the associates (who are still there for the time being) that I would be working from home on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting tomorrow. Not only will I make better use of the 4 to 5 hours spent in traffic each of those days, but my dogs will have a more normal life. A good pit-bull is a tired pit-bull. Bud, older and slower because of his cancer, finds it less difficult, but Grump, still young and VERY active, is showing his boredom by being constantly underfoot when I am at home. He’s becoming high-strung; not a good thing with his breed. A lap-dog he is not! Besides, technology permits me to work directly on the office server, telephone and fax machines are available, and meeting with clients can be scheduled the three days I will be in the city. My decision is made; now I just have to stick to it!

It is cool and gray and very windy outside right now, but still good for putting on a warm sweater and jogging out with my four-legged companions. I do eventually have to get to the housework too, so leave you now, wishing you a happy day. Sending you my SMILE!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

I'M STILL HERE...

Helen is an avid reader, but has never been to that huge, wonderful, bookstore called Chapters. For the longest time we’ve been planning to go together, and something would always come up, on her side or mine, so we never did make it. Lately she’s been having a rough time, and needs the break. I have $80.00 of gift certificates in my purse, and they have been crying out to be cashed in for the longest time…so today is the day. I’m picking her up at ten this morning and off to the city we go. For a couple of hours we will lose ourselves in that fascinating new-book smell, peeking into the imaginations of as many authors as we can before choosing the ones that most entice us. In my case it’s always a toss-up; there are too many. I have difficulty deciding on which to buy and which to leave for another shopping spree. Ah – if only all the decisions I need to make could be so joyful an experience!

It’s been a tough week. Long hours and stressful situations kept me from blogging, and I apologize to my regular readers. I know how disappointed I feel when Kilroy doesn’t post; it messes up my routine, LOL! However, I always end up writing what touches me emotionally at that moment, and there some things better left unsaid. Fortunately, I had a long chat with my Saskabush friend, Karen, last night, and it helped put my head on straight. She endured my venting, so now I can move on to more positive thinking. Thank you, Karen!

This is short, folks. I need to prepare for my excursion to Chapters, but I’ll come back in later today and write more. Have a good one – enjoy the beautiful fall colours that are so vivid in this morning’s sunshine! Sending you SMILES!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

NEW FRIENDS!

I’ve got my truck back! It looks and runs like it was brand new – they shampooed inside it too – a bonus! I’ve been driving a truck for so long now that I really didn’t feel secure in the little Honda Accord. The garage is one of our clients, so the repair costs were more than reasonable, and the loan of the Accord was thrown in free. This lady has no complaints!

I have already told you in here about my joining an internet site for writers. It has been a year now, and many of the writers in there have become friends. We comment on each others work, offering encouragement, constructive criticism, and congratulations when due. I was more than delighted when a couple of these writers contacted me, saying they were coming to Montreal, and asked me to join them for supper. I accepted, of course, and last night after work I met them at Moe’s restaurant on the West Island. The lady is from Australia, while her husband is a native of Montreal. They are both published writers, and extremely interesting people. We sat, chatting and laughing for hours, and could have gone on for many more. Because we already knew each other through our many stories read on the site, we just naturally slipped into an easy familiarity. It was as if we had been friends for years. I wonder if Kilroy’s ears were burning, because he came up in our conversation, as did my children, grandchildren and Dawna & Malcolm’s travel experiences in Mexico. Beware of what you say when you talk to an aspiring writer – your words are sure to be repeated, LOL!

Because I had to pick up my truck before the garage closed at 3 PM, I had left the office early. The location was in the same area as the restaurant, so instead of returning downtown, I used the free time to visit ‘Chapters’. I love that store! For over two hours I wandered around, surrounded by stacks and stacks of books, browsing here and there….and ended up spending too much money. But hey! I actually did some Xmas shopping before December 24th, which, unfortunately, is my usual day for that hectic venture.

Today I need to drive into the office and catch up on some work. I was to join my Cuban friends this evening – the traditional Xmas tree decorating – and my daughter is having a small party at her house. If I’m not too tired, I’ll attempt to visit both places. At the moment there is a lot of noise happening here at home. The guys are installing a snow fence on the roof. I don’t want my gallery ramp knocked over again. The sunshine out there this morning is just a ruse – the snow WILL come!

Off I go! Sending you all a big SMILE – hoping you are out there enjoying your Saturday!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.