The World’s First Novel Was Written By A Woman

In 11th Century Japan, a woman named Murasaki Shikibu or ‘Lady Murasaki’ (which is believed to be a nickname) wrote what is considered to be the world’s first novel. During this time in Japan, women were tradition- ally excluded from learning to write Chinese. Normally, only men wrote in Chinese, since it was a sign… Continue reading The World’s First Novel Was Written By A Woman

Remembering Beverly Cleary

Photo Credit: VOX/HarperCollins

Beverly Cleary was born Beverly Bunn on April 12th, 1916, in McMinnville, Oregon, and lived on a farm in Yamhill until her family moved to Portland when she was school-age. She was a slow reader, which she blamed on illness and a mean-spirited first-grade teacher who disciplined her by snapping a steel-tipped pointer across the… Continue reading Remembering Beverly Cleary

Writer Superstitions

Most famous writers adopted bizarre habits and superstition year-round in an attempt to get their masterpieces words down on paper. Charles Dickens Charles Dickens (1812–1870) carried a navigational compass with him at all times and always faced north while he slept. He believed this practice improved his creativity and writing. Dr. Seuss The author and… Continue reading Writer Superstitions

The History of Valentine’s Day

You might think of Valentine’s Day as a modern holiday meant for sugary impulses, however, this heart-shaped holiday has an ancient and fascinating story, or rather, mystery. As it turns out, nobody really knows the true history of this holiday, even historians find themselves arguing over its exact traditions. The day is named, of course,… Continue reading The History of Valentine’s Day

February Is African-Canadian/Black History Month in Saskatchewan

Photo Credit: Global News/The Canadian Press

February is African-Canadian/Black History Month in Saskatchewan. The purpose and importance of this month is to recognize and honor the legacy of people of African descent across the nation. Black History Month is an opportunity to learn more about the many accomplishments and contributions from persons of African heritage to Saskatchewan and the rest of… Continue reading February Is African-Canadian/Black History Month in Saskatchewan

A Christmas War Bride

Recently we were discussing some Christmas stories that we’ve had the privilege of writing, and this one sprang to mind! In 1945, the aftermath of WWII threatened to extinguish Christmas hope and cheer as sweethearts, brothers, sons, and husbands were still missing from the family circle. One family determined to have their day quietly—until a… Continue reading A Christmas War Bride

A Brief History on Kindersley

As part of Kindersley’s Attraction Brochure, Ron Baker has wrote a brief history on the town! — Imagine a little over a century ago. A sparsely treed area of Saskatchewan – with no real lakes or resort potential – is opened for settlement. A flood of youth, immigrants and some enterprising entrepreneurs start overland to… Continue reading A Brief History on Kindersley

Celebrate National Indigenous History Month With The RSM

To celebrate National Indigenous History Month, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum (RSM) is streaming a special series of online programs to recognize the unique cultures and contributions of the Indigenous people of Saskatchewan. “National Indigenous History Month is an important opportunity for anyone to learn about, share in and enjoy Indigenous culture in all its richness… Continue reading Celebrate National Indigenous History Month With The RSM

A Church History

Well, I’ve got another book off the presses! Or is that merely printed – with the “press” being a glorified photocopier in a warehouse in Bolton, Ontario. Thanks to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, I have been able to get a paperback book into the hands of eager readers – or relatives who can’t resist my… Continue reading A Church History

Nova Scotia marks anniversary of catastrophic Halifax Explosion 102 years ago

Source: Alexander Quon, Global News, December 6, 2019  Friday marks the 102nd anniversary of the Halifax Explosion. On December 6, 1917, the cargo ships SS Imo and SS Mont Blanc collided in the harbour, starting a fire on Mont Blanc. Mont Blanc was full of explosives and as it burned, it drifted until it crunched against… Continue reading Nova Scotia marks anniversary of catastrophic Halifax Explosion 102 years ago