Sometimes the stories just come by chance – alone by a campfire, in the stillness of the morning, in the hustle of a busy day. Sometimes it comes from something someone said or something I read somewhere along the way. Sometimes it is not even a story but just something that came to mind – an idea, random thoughts or an ‘aha moment’ that I couldn’t wait to share with you.
Last week my niece introduced me to the book, Embers, One Ojibway’s Meditations, by Richard Wagamese. She is the Librarian at the town’s Public Library and offered to order it for me. It’s a wonderful system. If a particular book isn’t on the shelf, she can search the database to see if it is available from another library in the Province. If so, she can place a special request and bring it in on loan. It arrived within a couple of days – just when the ‘shock’ was about to happen. I reluctantly laid it aside to deal with the task at hand – such a dutiful martyr for the cause.
The Battle Against Bacteria
You see, it was that time again and the well had to be ‘shocked’. It’s the battle against bacteria. Not something that I get really excited about but it’s more fun than cleaning windows and it has to be done at least once every year. I drew off a supply of water – enough to get me through three or four days while the system is shut down. The long extension cord was stretched across the garden. The bottles of Javex were opened and waiting. The sump pump was out and ready to go. And, then the wind changed – northeasterly. It was cold enough to clip you and it started to rain. I decided it was much more sensible to wait it out and headed inside to curl up by the fireplace with my book.
WOW! I read it from cover to cover without stopping. It was excellent – quite powerful actually – and it left me in deep thought. It is amazing how some have the ability to reach you in that way.
A couple of years ago I read Starlight, the final novel written by Richard Wagamese. By the time I was halfway through I had forgotten it was a work of fiction. The characters and the story had become real. Like many other readers, I was totally engrossed in the lives of Frank Starlight and Emmy. They were people I knew. They were a part of my life.
At the end, I felt like I had walked to the edge of a cliff. There was no turning back and there was nowhere else to go. I remember frustration and wanting to write the ending myself but it could never have satisfied the desire to know ‘what actually happened’. Sadly, Wagamese died with only two sentences written in the final chapter of the novel. The novel, nearly but not quite finished, was left in the hands of the publisher who was able to give us thoughtful notes explaining Wagamese plan for the end. The publisher handled it respectfully giving readers a sense of closure.
As good as that book was, for some reason I did not clue in to the author, his story or his other writings – not until last week when I read Embers. I know for some of you his gems will be well known and old news but I was slow on the uptake with this man. An Ojibway Canadian author and journalist, Wagamese won many awards and has been acclaimed as one of Canada’s most prolific indigenous authors. He is a storyteller. Having listened to his 2015 acceptance speech for the Matt Cohen Award, I know I missed out.
That was moving! From the moment his voice started to quiver, I just wanted to wrap my arms around him and say, “You are special! Your writing is an inspiration. Thank you!”
Now I want to read everything Richard Wagamese had ever published. Some of the titles are:
For Joshua
Indian Horse
Keeper’n Me
One Native Life
A Quality of Light
Dream Wheels
Ragged Company
One Story, One Song
The Next Sure Thing
Runaway Dreams
Him Standing
Medicine Walk
Starlight
One Drum
Essay, The Path of Healing
Anthology, The Terrible Summer
Thoughts by the Fire
The weather is still down and the well is still waiting to be shocked. But such fun in the meantime! There was drumming with the Beavers at the 50th anniversary celebration of the organization. Such a wonderful experience as the children sat around us on the floor listening as we sang and drummed. Later, family and friends dropped by for a ‘jelly taste test’, coffee and chat and, then, another book arrived.
There was that burning desire to sit and write. Often times there’s nothing but a blank page; other times the magic happens around the edges of my writing desk. And then, other times it comes at the most unexpected times in the most unexpected places and the story writes itself as I clean the stove.
Oh, I meant to tell you! The Dandelion Jelly turned out great – at least the second lot did. The first attempt did not gel – 12 bottles of yellow gold that may end up as a liqueur.
But happy dance! The second attempt was a SUCCESS!
despite a bit of a mess!
TIP: make sure you use a big enough pot so it doesn’t boil over!
“Always be gentle. Act softly and kindly to others and to yourself. Be like the grass. It gets stepped on and flattened but regains its shape again once the pressure has passed. It is humble, accepting and soft. That’s what makes it strong.
~Richard Wagamese
from his book “Embers”
Beulah in case I haven’t told you, I am an absolutely hooked line & sinker with your stories! Once on got the notification on my phone, another story had come from you, that was it!, had to sit & read it immediately! No buts, if’s or anything & sit & read! You have a way with words my friend & I am lost in your writings! Beautiful read as always, and the fact that it’s every day life, is all the more reason I have to read them! The “Wonder” of it all, the anticipation of where it will lead me as I sit & read! Thanks so much, a beautiful way to start my day, week ❤️
Thank you Rita. I did a happy dance around the kitchen when I read your comments. It was so thoughtful and such a fantastic feeling to know how much you enjoy my stories.
Thanks Beulah! Enjoyed your story this morning! Keep on writing!!
So happy that you enjoyed it Audrey. Don’t you just wish you had known that man!!! I am now reading another of his books, Medicine Walk. I think it is the prequel to Starlight.
Thank you for sharing I also read 2 of these books medicine walk and starlight, thank you for your stories
You are welcome, StarLynn! And, if you haven’t read Embers yet, you really should – you would enjoy it and find it inspirational. I just know you would.
Reading your words/thoughts always makes me feel like I’m in your presence, and that’s a wonderful feeling. I always find nuggets in your stories that make me think, reminisce, question, ponder – thank you! It truly is the “little things” that have the most impact. 😊
That my words cause you to stop and think – wonderful. So good to hear from you MaryLynn. Wouldn’t it be great to sit with a coffee or glass of wine and chat!
As you know, a head injury several years ago left me with my desire to read and my love of reading obliberated from my life. However, your short stories and the way you write have given me the ability; to visualize your words, to make me laugh and to understand the meaning behind your tales. I looked forward to reading them because it made feel like a reader. So much so that I felt ready to began my journey to attempt to redeem my desire and love of reading and leave the frustration at the door. So with the help of a homeopathic compound Unda and your short stories, I marched forward and slowly am beginning to seeing results. Namaste 🙏 🥰
Oh Kathryn that is so wonderful! Recovering from a severe head injury is a tough and long road … that my writing may be helpful in your recovery makes me want to do a happy dance. Thank you for telling me about it. BTW … I had no idea what compound Unda was so I Googled it. The combination of that, the Yoga and other things is bound to be successful. Here’s to many pleasant hours of reading in the future!
You certainly have a way with words. l love your stories, and some l can relate to as well. Keep on writing , it is your ‘gift’, of talent. l enjoy it so much .
Thank you Bonnie. It is such a good feeling that you enjoy reading them. And that you can relate to some of the stories is awesome.
Beulah you have such a gift, wela’lin for sharing it♥️ I call my daughter a word wizard, you are certainly one too!!