Harvey the Cat: A Nearly True Story of Hurricane Harvey and the Houston Floods

When life throws overwhelming experiences at me, I write about them. That’s just what I (and most of the other writers I know) do in order to process and make sense of things. So when I recently went through Hurricane Harvey with my family and pets, I started writing.       First it wasContinue reading “Harvey the Cat: A Nearly True Story of Hurricane Harvey and the Houston Floods”

Two Upcoming Camsell Hospital Events in Edmonton

  As part of the upcoming Reconciliation Week and in support of ongoing truth and reconciliation work in our city, RISE is please to be hosting two upcoming events related to the history and memory of the Charles Camsell Hospital. Both events are free and everyone is welcome. Donations will be accepted at the doorContinue reading “Two Upcoming Camsell Hospital Events in Edmonton”

“The Job for Me” for Legion Magazine now up!

“Whiplash is how they described it. In 1980, when captains Nora Bottomley, Deanna (Dee) Brasseur and Leah Mosher walked anywhere in their Canadian air force blue flight suits, heads snapped around. The three women were the first in the country to receive their wings for active duty, and they knew they were under the microscopeContinue reading ““The Job for Me” for Legion Magazine now up!”

Houston Talk: “Writing Stories of Humiliation and Hope”

If you live in and around Houston, I invite you to come to this free talk through The Final Twist Writers Society on Saturday, January 7, 2017! “Writing Stories of Humiliation and Hope” January 3, 2017 is Humiliation Day and is observed worldwide on the same day each year. Humiliation Day is thought to beContinue reading “Houston Talk: “Writing Stories of Humiliation and Hope””

Community Blooms through Love Thy Neighbor Initiative

Ligi Varghese and her 3 year-old daughter clutched bunches of roses in front of the Maryam Islamic Center outside Houston, Texas before Friday prayers on December 2. They, along with a dozen or so community members of various faiths and backgrounds passed out more than 400 flowers to worshippers as they arrived at the mosque. TheContinue reading “Community Blooms through Love Thy Neighbor Initiative”

The Charles Camsell Indian Hospital: From Haunting to Understanding

I was walking around my new neighbourhood here in Houston, Texas, and all the pumpkins, witches and ghosts decorating homes got me thinking about the Charles Camsell Hospital and how far we’ve come. In 2014, when I first started researching the Camsell in earnest, most news stories and internet hits talked about its status asContinue reading “The Charles Camsell Indian Hospital: From Haunting to Understanding”

A Celebration and Transformation

When I decided to throw a party to launch my new book in the US, I wondered the best way to do it. While traditional book launches are lovely, this book has been all about creating community, having tricky discussions, and seeing each other through new eyes. I wanted my young son to be ableContinue reading “A Celebration and Transformation”

Time To Celebrate – and Work – Together Stateside!

I am beyond thrilled with how much In This Together has connected with readers, teachers, reconciliation advocates, and politicians in Canada. Since it launched in April, it has become a regional as well as National Post bestseller and has gone to a second printing. And every week I hear from someone by email, on Twitter, onContinue reading “Time To Celebrate – and Work – Together Stateside!”

Off 6 coffee house series ready to kick off!

When I moved to the Houston area a few months ago, I was a little in shock. But recently a good friend told me a great saying: “Bloom where you’re planted.” So that’s what I’m doing. In the different towns and suburbs I’ve lived in across North America, one thing has always helped me feelContinue reading “Off 6 coffee house series ready to kick off!”