This continues the serialization of an oral interview I did with Emma Walton Hamilton, founder of the Children’s Book Hub, for the Hub on January 8, 2013. Today we’re learning about Emma’s background and training in the theatre. From the “Meet Emma” page on Emma’s website: Emma worked as an actress in theater, film and…
“Bonjour, mes amis!” Those were the words that greeted our Grade Seven classroom that early September day in 1968 when Monsieur Pugh strode into our first French class. Little did I know, the first time I encountered the sandy-haired recent arrival from England that he would have an impact on my life that continues to…
Katherine Anne Porter was an essayist, novelist, social critic, Pulitzer Prize winner, who learned to be a survivor from an early age, and whose writings reflected her understanding that no matter how difficult life gets, one must hold on and go forward. As a brief biography on the PBS website states, “Often concerned with the…
This post could be subtitled “A Cautionary Tale.” Last Monday, I blogged about the joy inherent in the artistic expression of children. I remember feeling that joy myself. I liked my art big and bold and life-size, if possible. Mum used to tell of going into the spare bedroom where she’d covered the bed with…
Imagine yourself visually impaired, or even totally blind. Close your eyes, and then imagine that even if you opened them, you still would be cut off from the visual world most of us take for granted. In that situation, would art have any meaning for you? Could it? Would there be any possibility for you…
I’ve just learned that the congregation of the 100-year-old Third Avenue United Church in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, has been told by the church authorities that they may not apply for heritage building status. This would likely mean that when the congregation folds, as is probable, the building could be sold and perhaps demolished. The building has…
Yes, “bonus” post ahead… When I was growing up, if I mentioned being cold, my mother would quote her father as saying in response to such a complaint, “Well then, jump up and do something!” Today it’s cold in my apartment. It’s chilly outside, and there’s a strong wind blowing against my side of the…