by Anita Benedict
On Mother’s Day weekend I decided to treat myself to a weekend away before the busy tourist season starts. With a bag of my funky hats and comfy clothes off I went.
I asked my sis if she wanted to join me at the Digby Pines to attend “For The Love of Books” retreat and there she
began her journey into the authors we were going to meet that weekend. I was going because Lesley Crewe was going to be there, a very well-loved author by all who have read her works. I nearly have all of her books, and will read and re-read them because the stories are relatable to my own life in one way or another.
Crew’s work brought me out of a dark era where reading, a once loved passion, had fallen by the wayside. I used to take bags of books from the bookmobile and managed to read most before the next month rolled around. I think our little stop kept it as active as long as it did. I rarely went to the local library and my means of choosing a book was usually by author, title and the first few lines. I need to be at the library to choose.
“I Kid you Knot” by Crewe was gifted to me by a neighbour. Short stories that took me back in time, helped me see my future and made me laugh and cry. I was hooked and I began searching the bookstores for more. When that failed, online ordering brought them to my door. The last book I need to purchase to catch up on volumes is on the way, and a new one is soon to be released. Her book “The Spoon Stealer '' inspired the creation of the “Just Words” writing workshop in Noel last year, one I look forward to repeating.
I had a fangirl moment when I met her husband in the parking lot at the Pines. I was happy to know she was there. Later that evening I finally met this wonderful, energetic, talented storyteller. I was surprised I didn’t curtsy!
While waiting for Crewe to arrive, I was having a lovely chat with another author Carol Bruneau. She had written a story based on Maude Lewis called “Brighten the Corner Where You Are.” I told her the story had sent me on an adventure to find Maude’s gravesite, having visited her original house at the Art Gallery years before. I was surprised by the humble marker and site that suited the life of this Nova Scotian icon. Bruneau’s story is a lovely tribute to Lewis and the title says so much. Lewis lived humbly at the end and made the best of the life she had with bright colours.
I had not read any books by the third author, Stephens Gerard Malone, but did buy two of his books to enjoy. I am looking forward to finishing “Jumbo”, I had started it the first night which was a mistake in that I needed to sleep. I did not want to put it down.
I enjoyed hearing from these authors about their inspiration, struggles and success. With the tips they provided I will keep writing, not with intention to publish, but to satisfy the inner writer.
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