Dunnville Author ~ Brad Smith

Dunnville author, Brad Smith, has accomplished what many Canadian authors strive for and few achieve ~ having their manuscript picked up by a publisher. (Most books today are self-published -- certainly first novels.) In addition to that, Brad is making movies from books.

Brad's tales have a colourful cast of characters ~ admittedly composites of people he has met. Rough. Tough. Humorous. People whom we have met at some time in our lives. Dennis Lehane, author of Mystic River said, All Hat is an incendiary example of pedal-to-the-floor country noir."
The story lines are captivating; the underlying life-lessons linger.

When available "used," The Neat Little Bookshop carries Brad's books. All Hat, One-Eyed Jack, Bushed Flush, and Big Man Coming Down the Road, are all available new at The Dragonfly in Caledonia.

David Wice ~ Guitarist Vocalist

Guitarist/Vocalist David Wice, performing at
The Back 40, Cayuga, Saturday, June 20.
David appears regularly at The Bin in Binbrook ~ and anywhere that folks enjoy "listening to some good tunes." Self-described as "a bit of a jukebox when it comes to knowing songs," David has over two hundred titles in his repertoire. He can be contacted at
http://www.davidwice.ca/ Please note the date change.

Canadian Family Tree Research

Researching your family tree? At the Haldimand Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society genealogists regularly share experience and tips.
Tuesday, June 2nd, 7:00 p.m. at the Haldimand County Museum in Cayuga. Special Guest Speaker: Stephen C. Young, FamilySearch Project Manager of Historical Records in Canada, the British Isles and the South Pacific. Everyone Welcome. Admission Free.
www.familysearch.org

~ Niceties

Linda just brought us a piece of her homemade rhubarb pie. Linda is a special lady coping daily with more than most of us and still takes time to do something "nice."

Nice is a word that I don't often use unless in the noun form, "nicety." "There is still time for the niceties in life." The small things that make a difference. The important things. The things that matter.

A simple "Thank you" note takes a few minutes. A brief moment in front of the post office to exchange greetings. A few extra minutes to listen. A reassuring touch or a handshake. An unexpected "Thinking of you" card. A spontaneous invitation to a friend to ride-along. Or a piece of homemade rhubarb pie. Thank you, Linda.

"Woody"

It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of "Woody," Gary Whitty. "Woody," always a quiet gentle presence in the neat little bookshop since the earliest days of our opening, won a place in our hearts. His family came first. He carried a wish list of books in his pocket.
Woody, we will miss you. If Heaven's library has The Crow and the Castle, dear friend, please save us a copy.

Mavis Gallant

In an electronic age when we are addicted to recording, replaying and viewing at our leisure, it can be infuriating, indeed, to be travelling in a vehicle with the obvious distractions when a live interview with the famed author, Mavis Gallant airs. Number one, an interview with the eighty-six-year-old Mavis is a rare event. Number two, any dialogue with this amazing mind is worth reviewing.
On CBC "Q" this morning, Gallant talked about her life, her writing style, her recent brush with death and her new book, "Going Ashore."
Hopefully, one is sufficiently adept to locate and download the "Q" Podcast on-line or perhaps CBC will air this treasure again.

114th Brock's Rangers ~ C.E.F.

"Researcher seeking information, photos, letters, journals, militia relating to the 114 Brock's Rangers and the men of Haldimand County and Six Nations who served in WWI. Also seeking information relating to the local Women's Patriotic Leagues and Sock League from WWI. For more information contact: Ben (519) 409-0302 or Brocksranger@rogers.com "

One of the pleasures in a used bookshop is the researcher. Historical researchers and collectors typically frequent archives, libraries, antique shops, flea markets and used bookshops. (Not to mention e-Bay.) It is with pleasure that we pass along to our readers the above recently posted notice.
We first met Ben two years ago when he helped identify a WWII medal found on our family farm in Canborough, Ontario. When not working, participating in battle reenactments or hanging out in the Haldimand County Museum, Ben can often be found ~ where else? ~ in the military section of The Neat Little Bookshop. Please give Ben a call if you think you have something of interest.