Sights on Jarvis ~ Haldimand Ontario

Newspaper clipping* launching Robert Schweyer's book, Sights on Jarvis, a documentation of the Second World War years at the Jarvis training school for pilots from all over the world.

We join with our readers in sending our thoughts and prayers to our friends, Robert Schweyer and family.

~ Please get well soon, Robert.

* Times - Reformer, Vicki Hartlen.

Lake Erie at Kohler Road

Quagmire ~ A series of alterations to the ditching/culvert system along Lakeshore Road and the construction of a significant rock pier, have reduced the lake's natural ability to renew itself.

Stagnating sludge and noxious weeds *

What used to be one of a few public accesses to a small, sandy beach on a cove has turned into a stagnant swamp. Lakeside owners vacation steps away from this sixty-six foot road allowance.

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The village of Cayuga is located on the Grand River which flows into Lake Erie. Kohler Road/Lakeshore is fifteen minutes from Cayuga.

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* For larger images, click on picture. For additional photographs and information, search Lorna Walker on Facebook. Property owners have contacted Haldimand County, Ward 2 councillor for help in cleaning up our lakefront.

http://www.haldimandcounty.on.ca/ for tourism maps of Ontario's South Coast.

Eric Burns, in The Joy of Books, emphasizes the importance of life-experiences to a writer. He concedes that a writer may study English at a university if he chooses; however, insists that the author "must have lived abundantly before writing it."
"He must have scaled summits and sunk into abysses, completed marathons and stumbled at starting lines, mingled with the throngs and dwelt in utter isolation. He must have laughed and cried, bellowed and whimpered, censured and praised. He must have been sinner and saint, knave and hero and clown. This is not to say that his experiences should have been unique; rather, they should have ranged far in the realm of the typical. He must see clearly, but have had moments of blindness; hear acutely, but have gone through periods of intense silence...It is the quiet times in which a writer writes, but without tumult there is nothing to say."

Supporting this theory, Nobel Prize winner for literature, Sinclair Lewis, when asked how one should prepare for a life in letters, said, "Run a filling station."

Writer/Illustrator William Bart with fans, Kathleen and Faye.

Photo: Courtesy of Marilyn Hamilton. Thank you, Marilyn. Half of Me is a special story ~ beautifully illustrated.

Visit http://www.williamjbart.com/ for an insight into William Bart's wonderful world of design and storytelling. Click on ILLUSTRATION.

Half of Me

We are pleased to host an afternoon with illustrator, author, William Bart, in The Neat Little Bookshop on

Thursday, August 26 1:30 p.m.

William's first book was a humorous tale about a peanut-butter addicted rat who is continually getting into awkward predicaments with long-time foe, Blink ~ a cat who also happens to like peanut butter.

His second book titled Half of Me addresses a much more thoughtful subject. Many of us can gain greater understanding from William's rather special book about young people overcoming the challenges that life can pose.

Meet and visit with William Bart who has written ~ and beautifully illustrated ~ a book that should be mandatory reading for all of us.

http://www.williamjbart.com/ Note: Be sure to click on ILLUSTRATIONS for more pages of Half of Me.

Sights on Jarvis

Today we send out our thoughts and prayers to author and historian, Robert Schweyer. Robert is in the fight of his life and we know he is strong.

Robert impresses us with his limitless knowledge of No. 1 Bombing and Gunnery School, Jarvis, Ontario, through the war years, 1940 - 1945. From the age of nine when he witnessed his first crash site, Robert has passionately collected memorability and information. He has communicated with many of the families who lost loved ones in the tragic plane crashes during training. In his book, Sights on Jarvis, Robert documents the historical facts.

To Robert and Cindy, to Sarah and Mathew, know that your many friends are sending beautiful thoughts your way.

Your Smile for Today:

Found on a nineteen-forties bookplate:

"This Book is from the Hoard of Dr. Alex Turnbull.

Read Thoughtfully. Handle Carefully. Return Promptly."

~

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Background graphics: Appropriately, a squirrel reading a book under a chestnut tree.

Dr. Alex Turnbull is our uncle. He served overseas as a doctor and later in London, Ontario. He is buried in the little church cemetery in East Seneca, Haldimand, Ontario, with his wife, Molly.

(Click on photo for larger image.)

The book? HAMEWITH and other Poems by Scottish poet, Charles Murray. Constable and Company Ltd., London, first published 1929. Reprinted 1944 & 1948.

The Neat Little Bookshop Closed

The Neat Little Bookshop will be Closed

this Saturday only, August 21. We apologize for any inconvenience.

(Photo by Lorna.)

Ghost Stories ~ Cheryl MacDonald

Captain Al Robinson and Cheryl MacDonald

Museum curators: Dana and Anne with Captain Al and writer Cheryl MacDonald. As the sun sinks and night falls, guests are captive to scary, gruesome tales of hauntings and murder.

If not in your own backyard, be assured it took place in your neighbour's. Spine-tingling stories of murder, grave-robberies, drownings ~ not to mention the hangings and demonic dogs, buried treasures and ghostly native warriors. Cheryl MacDonald, well-known author and historian, will convince both the curious and the cynic.

Everyone loves a ghost story! Two August boat trips along the Grand River are SOLD OUT. Haldimand Museums present an evening of story-telling at Big Creek Boat Farm, Caledonia. As the sun sinks and darkness falls, sixty or so guests are subjected to scary, gruesome tales of haunted sites allegedly in the Haldimand and Norfolk area.

Look around. Be aware... Contact your museum curator or Cheryl to inquire about future cruises.

Photos by Lorna. (Click on photo for larger image.)

Save to your Favourites: http://www.heronwoodent.ca/

William Bart ~ Half of Me

William Bart is a career graphic illustrator/designer/artist. Along the way, he added author and photographer!
His first book, Wibby the Peanut Butter Rat, is an epic tale of cat and mouse ~ or rather rat. Wibby and his antagonist, Blink, prey on the same peanut-butter jar in a kitchen battleground.
William will be at The Neat Little Bookshop to talk about his latest book, Half of Me.
Thursday, August 26, 1:30 p.m. Mark it on your calendar. The coffee pot is always on...

Check out William's website at http://www.williamjbart.com/
Don't miss clicking on 1. Children's Books 2. Newspapers. 3. Illustrations great too!

Sports at Its Best ~

Duff Gibson knows "Sport at Its Best!" For an excellent review on the book The Dynamic Path*, go to our favourite Olympic-athlete's blog: http://www.sportatitsbest.com/
Watch Duff Gibson's video review of The Dynamic Path by James Citrin. "Access the Secrets of Champions to Achieve Greatness through mental Toughness, Inspired Leadership and Personal Transformation."

The author interviewed such well-known achievers as Buzz Aldrin, Colin Powell and Magic Johnson, identifying characteristics and disciplines that led to their success.

Some of our readers will recall from earlier posts that Duffy, as we knew him, spent many of his summer holidays in Cayuga. (For earlier posts, click on Labels: Health and Fitness.)

*Rodale, 2007

Defining Edge ~

For some exceedingly beautiful artwork and poetry, visit personal trainer, Krista Schaus' Defining Edge. http://www.definingedge.blogspot.com/

For inspiration and motivational tips, scroll through Krista's fascinating and informative posts.

August is Laughing Across the Sky

August is laughing across the sky,

Laughing while paddle, canoe and I,

Drift, drift,

Where the hills uplift

On either side of the current swift.

The river rolls in its rocky bed;

My paddle is plying its way ahead;

Dip, dip,

While the waters flip

In foam as over their breast we slip.

And oh, the river runs swifter now;

The eddies circle about my bow.Swirl, swirl!

How the ripples curl

In many a dangerous pool awhirl!

E. Pauline Johnson, Flint and Feather, The Song My Paddle Sings, 1912

Photo: The Grand River. (For larger image, click on photo.)

Note: Pauline Johnson, daughter of a Mohawk Chief and an English gentlewoman, grew up at Chiefswood, the family home on the Grand River near Brantford.

Thought for Today:

Found on Toastmasters International website: " Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret."

~ Ambrose Bierce, American editorialist (1842 - 1914)
http://www.toastmasters.org/

Your Smile for Today:

"If your project doesn't work, look for the part you didn't think was important."

The Complete Murphy's Law, 230. Arthur Floch, Price Stern Sloan, Inc. 1990.

Today, all roads lead to Port Dover. Traditionally, Friday the 13th.
(Photos on Cayuga Street taken last year during ride.)

Photos by Lorna. (Click on photo for larger image.)

Neil Paul signs a book of poetry A Slim Volume for fan Mrs. Huitema.

From one of our favourite poems, titled Raspberries:"'Where do words come from?' she asked... Do they grow on bushes like this?/ Only recently having tasted the delight of words,/ She had concluded they were alive and gave life."

Poetry Reading ~ Neil Paul

Reminder ~ Neil Paul will be in The Neat Little Bookshop tomorrow, August 12, 1:30 p.m. We are pleased that Neil will entertain with readings from his latest writings, A Slim Volume.

"Coffee and tea pot's always on."

College of Two ~ In a small business, family and friends really count! Two individuals who have supported us, encouraged us and have always been there for us are Faye Farrance and Lois Marlett. Lois' published books and promotional profile and photograph can be found in the local authors section. A retired principal, she lives in Cayuga and writes extensively about her travels and adventures.

Faye also lives in Cayuga and is our wonderful staff when we cannot be in the store. She knows and understands the importance of a small business being open the hours posted ~ a commitment that we take seriously. Faye's business background, along with a sunny personality, make her a perfect book-lady.

Customers enjoy and welcome the College of Two: left to right: Faye and Lois, two of our resident conversationalists and FASCINATING PERSONALITIES. We learn from them every day.

Welcome to River 3 Family Restaurant

Welcome to River 3 Family Restaurant and Ice Cream Palace. This is the home of the best bread pudding around. Bonnie and Joe VanDalen serve real, home-cooked, country meals. Visitors will find Joe and Bonnie in the dining room, behind the counter and in the kitchen. They greet their customers with a smile and a quip. Customers become friends. Friends meet neighbours.

Every day is special. Shepherds Pie, Fish n' Chips (haddock), Liver and Onions ~ Ask for the special or simply ask for breakfast all day long!

A quick trip over the bridge in Cayuga.

Poetry ~ Neil Paul

An Intimate Poetry Reading

by Neil Paul from his latest book

A Slim Volume

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 12 at 1:30

Come by ~

No Admission

Tea, Coffee and Talk

"Poetry makes me feel good," Paul told John Hardy. "It's so nice to know it also makes other people feel good."

Your Smile for Today:

"Do not be fooled into believing that because a man is rich he is necessarily smart. There is ample proof to the contrary."

~ Julius Rosenwald (1862 - 1932) U.S. business executive, Sears, Roebuck & Company.

The fence that may have discouraged trespassers in the past is trampled on the ground. Rusty, mangled gates are stuck in open position and overgrown with brush. An "accident" waiting to happen?

St. Lawrence Resin Products Cayuga

There is zero indication that any of the court-ordered August deadlines for security, cleanup and identification of on-site substances will be met.
The fence that may have discouraged trespassers in the past is trampled on the ground. Rusty gates are stuck in an open position and overgrown with brambles.
Graffiti is sprayed on the walls. There is evidence of dumping.

We don't as a rule publish negative news; however, a contentious issue has once again reared its ugly head for the small town of Cayuga. For larger images, click on photo. (We welcome media use of our photos.)

The abandoned St. Lawrence Resin Products site should be of concern to every citizen in Cayuga. We are asked where the site is located. It is on Fishcarrier St., NE corner of residential Cayuga, bordered on two sides by homes. The plant was abruptly abandoned in the nineties after an explosion and fire.

Ever wondered why some books seem to self-destruct?

"Into Thin Air," Chapter 8 in

A SPLENDOR of LETTERS*, has a comprehensive explanation. "The transition to lesser-grade stock began around the time of the American Civil War (1860s), when increasing demand hastened the development of a cleaner process. To improve strength and to prevent ink from being too readily absorbed by the pulp paper, chemicals such as aluminum sulphate, known as alum, were added to the mix, with the result that documents exposed to humidity produced sulfuric acid, and the molecular structure of the cellulose was weakened. Further deterioration of the fibers was caused by bleaches that were used to brighten the sheets."

*Nicholas A. Basbanes, Perennial/HarperCollinsPublishers, 2003.

Caught on film by a disposable camera! For those who doubt the halo...!

Photo: Our friend, Judy.