Book launch/by-donation concert/party

Oh, my heavens, this week the event I have been planning for/dreaming about/worrying over for, what seems like, a very long time, will finally be a reality. A party...I'm throwing a party at the Ag Hall. The Ag Hall was built in the 1900s. It features wooden floors, a kitchen and a stage. It is simple in structure but in my mind it holds the memories of Mayne Island's past. The hall echoes with the applause of audiences...neighbours... who attended events: ten days ago, ten months ago, a decade ago, a century ago. Applause will fill the hall once again, the night of September 4th, as I cheer for my family and friends who have come to help me celebrate Maynely a Mystery.
As a friend recently said, in response to my invitation, "Be there or be square."
If you are unable to attend, I will report back...in words, pictures, possibly even a new YouTube video.

Summer friends

As vivid coloured leaves begin to decorate the ground and the there is a crispness to the breeze, I bid my friend Phil a fond farewell until next summer. However, I am thankful that I can visit him at his blog. Please down to the previous posting for the address.

Yesterday was full of laughter, chatter and song as my friends and I continue to prepare for my book launch/by-donation concert. It will be a fun night I hope you can attend: Friday, September 4th at 7:30 pm at the Agricultural Society Hall.

MY BLOG

by Phil Hindmarch

If you love verse with rhythm, rhyme,

Verse that scans (most of the time!),

See this blog; its cost is nil.

It’s there for all who have the skill

To type a simple Web address,

And then the Enter key depress.

www.forbetterorforverse-phil.blogspot.com

Maynely a Mystery's by-donation concert/book launch

There are some real special people on Mayne Island. I know because I am lucky enough to be related to and friends with some of them. They are helping with (and will appear during) my big night. I'm getting so excited...like a child looking forward to Christmas. September 4th is the big day...only 16 days away. I'm hoping that I won't forget to do anything. The big thing right now is to get the word out. If you can help with that I would be so grateful. My reoccurring nightmare is that no one will come. I know even if this happens I will still have a great time because of the a fore mentioned people. That said, it would be so nice if the Ag Hall was full. I'm going to be mailing out invites tomorrow and hanging posters. I plan to hang a large 'CONCERT' sign on the Ag Hall at lunchtime on the 4th. Your positive thoughts are most appreciated.

Maynely a Mystery news

The Islands Independent recently ran this interesting brief article...

Congratulations to Mayne Island's Leanne Dyck on the self-publication of her first work Maynely a Mystery.
The small novella is a fun summer read with an interesting depiction of Gulf Island life and characters juxtaposed with those from a more urban setting. Dyck does a nice job of interweaving humour into her mystery as she takes the reader back to Mayne on her lead character's journey to deliver her grandmother's ashes and discover her own truth while her stereotype cousin tags along.
For information on where Maynely a Mystery is available, kindly view www.maynelyamystery.blogspot.com

Much thanks to Laurie and the crew at Islands Independent for the review.

Mother, May I

This is what I read during the opening night of the Mom Show.

I offer this a poem, a chant, a prayer...

Mother, May I

Mother Mary

Mother Goddess

Mother may you

***

Create me, hold me, transform me

From virgin to mother to crone

***

Blessed Mother

Mother Creator

Mother may I

***

Create, hold, transform

From virgin to mother to crone

***

The divine love

The power of three

Honouring Mother

This year, on Mayne Island, Mother will be honoured with an art show. Our local art council is planning, organizing and presenting this multi-discipline show. Visual art will be on display in the Mayne Island reading centre (library) during the entire month of August. Opening night will be celebrated in Miners Bay Park. The park will be alive with music and spoken word. I will be presenting my poem -- Mother, May I. Please join me in the park on Friday, August 7th from 7 to 10 pm. The live performance will be from 8 to 9 pm.

Call Her Anytime by Phil Hindmarch

She walks in beauty down the aisle,
The world encompassed by her smile,
Firmly clung to father's arm,
She effervesces joy and charm,
Bridesmaids aglow as summer days,
Guests brush joyful tears away,
When suddenly a sound rings out!
Could it be? There is no doubt!
A cell-phone call has interrupted,
This holy rite rudely disrupted.
The guests all turn to find the dink
Who to such boorish depths could sink.
At last the truth hits with a shock,
And all in total wonder gawk.
The unblushing bride has boldly plucked
The cell-phone in her bodice tucked.
Then is heard her voice so coy
Above Beethoven's Ode to Joy:
'Hi! I'm glad to hear from you!
Show tonight? I'd really love to!
'But for a while my schedule's tight.
Call again, say Friday night?

Our visit with Phil continues

I am so grateful that Phil has decided to continue his visit with here on the Maynely a Mystery blog. Without another word from me, here is another treasure from Phil Hindmarch's pen...

Canadians

Canada has got it all,

Eden's plenty 'ere the Fall.

Mountains, forests, lakes and streams,

Ocean shores and land that seems

To stretch forever east and west,

Scenic wonders Heaven blessed,

Beaver, moose, and polar bear,

Silver, gold and oil to spare.

***

We assume this treasure chest

Is due to holy righteousness.

In previous life we were so good,

God gave us his best neighborhood.

He threw in a health-care plan,

UI, welfare, Petrocan

And to top our legacy,

He awarded us the CBC!

***

Still we carp and moan and whine,

Ungrateful for our gifts divine.

We can't even summon thanks

For our friend and neighbour Yanks.

We scorn their taste and wild excess,

While envy drips for their success.

We can't even let them be

For instead of 'zed' saying 'zee'!

Gifted verse combined with a grand sense of humour

It is a treat to encounter a writer who amuses and inspires. It is a special treat when he attends your writers' group. Phil Hindmarch is such a person. Phil summers on Mayne Island and while on island he attends our writers' group. He always leaves us begging him to share more of his wonderful work. It is my great pleasure to share one of his poems with you.

LEANNE

Among its bright gals and fellers,
Mayne Island has bold storytellers.
But twice-gifted Leanne
Outdoes woman and man,
Knitting while writing best sellers!

Thank you so much Phil. I am delighted and honoured.