Blog
This blog is separated into three categories:
- reflections on life (Come, Passion!)
- reviews of books I’ve worked on (Recognizing Creation)
- thoughts and suggestions on the writing craft (On Writing)
Come, Passion!
Articles in the Come, passion! series discuss the theme of compassion, both on a personal and professional level. You can follow the articles here, or sign up as a free subscriber on my Substack (link is at the bottom of the page) and receive emails when a new article is posted.
#11 A Giving Spirit
I lived in France for three years in my twenties (2003–2006). I had moved there for love, and despite my best efforts, that relationship hadn’t worked out. Still, I had a work permit, a job, and I was slowly making my own friends.
#10 Reciprocity
Several months ago, a man I’ve been seeing became woefully sick. He hadn’t had a cold or other illness like this in decades, he told me. He seemed both perplexed and angry that his body had betrayed him.
#9 Boundaries? What Boundaries?
As we navigate life, trying to squeeze the best out of every day, we are inevitably faced with tough scenarios. My perspective on the world is unique simply because each of us is unique. I view things through a lens that has been shaped by my childhood, the interactions I’ve had in my adult life, and the many good and bad experiences I’ve had along the way. My traumas will be different from yours, and what triggers me might not trigger you.
#8 The Accountant, the Boss and the Lawyer
I lived in France for three years. Much of that time was spent working for a business school as the incoming students’ coordinator. It was a really interesting job. There was rarely a dull moment as I dealt a lot with students who were from another culture and who often had random questions they came by my office to ask. In some ways, I was a kind of therapist to them, helping them solve problems and providing an ear when they wanted to talk.
#7 The Whistle
A few weeks ago, I attended the Caribbean Vibrations Festival at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto. I was interested in the rum tasting event because I wanted to try different types of rum, my favourite kind of spirit. The event was a little disorganized. They only had three brands of rum to choose from, instead of the five they had promised, but the bartenders were excellent, and I had a great time.
#6 Beneath the Surface
When I first moved to Toronto, I had no job. It was a massive risk coming to a new and expensive city without proper resources, and yet that is what I did. I’ve always been a risk-taker, and for the most part, I’ve been lucky enough that things have tended to work out okay. Shortly after I arrived to the city, I had an in-person interview that went quite well. The energy between me and the person who was to become my boss was very good, and despite the fact that I failed the local news test I was asked to take, I passed the grammar test just fine. Most importantly, I was told later, my responses to situational questions were good; apparently, I had sound journalistic instincts.
Recognizing Creation
This series of articles is a recognition of the courage it takes authors to pen works. I provide a synopsis on their books and what role I played in helping them achieve their goals.
Cat of the North and Other Tales by Shirley M. McGrath
I will fully admit that I’m not a cat person. First, I am allergic to cats, so that doesn’t help matters. But, in addition to that unequivocal bias, I also find cats to be rather standoffish. The cats I have liked the best tended to be the ones that behaved most like dogs, and the dogs I have liked the least tended to behave most like cats.
Building Bigger and Better: Growth Strategies of Top-Producing Financial Advisors by Daniel Collison
Do you work in the financial sector? Are you looking for ways in which you can grow your business?
Our financial future is probably front of mind for many of us these days, given the political climate. It is a frustrating time full of uncertainty. Some of us may be looking to our financial advisors to help guide us through this period.
Along the Camino Portugués: An Illustrated Travel Memoir by Julia Zacharias
Have you ever heard of the Camino de Santiago? Until I read this book, I had only vague notions of what it was. I knew, for example, that it was one of several well-known pilgrimages people may go on during their lifetimes, such as a trip to Mecca in Saudi Arabia or along the Kumano Kodō in Japan.
That’s What You Think by Scott Colby: A Practical Guide to Writing Compelling Op-Eds and Short Memoirs
Scott Colby, a former colleague of mine, recently published a book on how to write opinion pieces and short memoirs. Interspersed with humour, personal stories and tons of relevant advice, “That’s What You Think” is a great resource for people who are hoping to publish their thoughts and feelings about a topic that is important to them.
At Your Service: Authorized Biography of Eugene “Uncle Gene” Verdu by Mike Stith
As a freelance editor for FriesenPress, a Canadian self-publishing company, I have had the opportunity and privilege to work on many varied and interesting books. One of my very favourites is “At Your Service: Authorized Biography of Eugene ‘Uncle Gene’ Verdu.” As I read about Gene’s life and purpose, I fell in love with his mission and his selflessness.
On Writing
If you’re a writer who is struggling with what to write, or how to get your thoughts across, these articles may help guide you.
Articles coming soon
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