SOMETHING TO DO, TO READ, TO TALK ABOUT …
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
The good fortune we enjoy is not about goodness or fortune – it’s more likely the combination of who I am and where I was, what I did, or who I met. Good fortune is great when we have it, and we enjoy it so much more when it is someone else’s good fortune.
Case in point, about fifteen years ago, a friend and fellow Toastmaster brought Kelly Kaur as a guest to Kelly’s first Toastmaster meeting. She’s since won many of us as fans and friends. And cheerleaders. Kelly has shone brightly as both writer and performer of poignant stories; she has been a speaking champion many times over in serious and humorous themes. And she represented her district at the World Championship of Public Speaking.
Before that, and still, she’s been a writing prof a long time – I believe it has been 25 years teaching at Mount Royal University. She’s many things, a great friend and someone with deep insights into the human condition and the funny bone – her cheery disposition and straightforward manner are assets everyone envies, and now she’s a first-time novelist.
Monday this week, I attended a book launch event at the Alexandra Writers Centre * – five authors doing readings from their just-published books http://www.stonehousepublishing.ca/ . Of course we were there to hear all five readings, but primarily to help celebrate the launch of Kelly’s first novel.
Letters to Singapore is a delightful format and gripping tale … as was clear from her reading to the enthusiastic cadre of friends and strangers there to cheer her on. I encourage you to check out her book, and if you are intrigued, order a copy.
You can get a copy at Owl’s Nest Books here in Calgary or click any of these links to order one …
Order from the publisher, Stonehouse Publishing:
Order it in Canada:
Order it in the U.S:
*a couple of years ago, as a member of the Alberta Writer’s Guild, I got an email describing a program the Alexandra Writer’s Centre had for immigrant women. I forwarded that to Kelly, expecting she might pass it along to one of her students. Instead, she applied – and they grabbed her up, partnered her with a great mentor, and the rest has unfolded wonderfully for my friend … and I’m so glad to have played a tiny role in her considerable accomplishment
Reader feedback:
I am very tempted to hit ‘’reply all ‘’ with this response …………..instead : how are you these days ?, AN, Calgary, AB
The third person to “reply all” is the worst. Let’s be benevolent and imagine the first to “reply all” made a mistake. The second responder follows what they believe was expected, but the third. … The third person can clearly see what will result if another forty-seven people “reply all”. Just stop. Better yet, avoid the problem and send better emails to begin with. My zoom call irritation is “can everyone hear me”?, HM, Calgary, AB
Thanks for saying what I have thought for years. One of the greatest inventions of my lifetime has been the internet because you have access to any information in seconds. One of the worst inventions of my lifetime has been the internet because work can always find you. As you put it….read/delete/fume is a daily process and is right up there on my pet peeve list with a few other items. Thanks for taking the time every day to put your thoughts to words, PP, Sherwood Park, AB