This time last year I was gearing up for my trip to Vancouver Island. I was there for the Canadian Children's Book Centre's Book Week and did I ever have fun!! I met so many interesting young people, heard so many great stories, and saw such gorgeous rugged terrain. I am also thinking about Victoria because I got an email this weekend from Darinka Popovic, the teacher librarian at RockheightsMiddle School. She filled me in on her news -- and I wrote back with mine. I told Darinka about my trip to Czechoslovakia this summer; it turns out her family has an interesting war story, too. I feel very happy when I think about how many great stories there are out there. In class, I sometimes point out how sad or disturbing stories tend to be more compelling than happy ones. That means that if ever you have to go through a difficult experience (and we all do sometimes), there is one good thing: you get MATERIAL! (Remember that next time you're having a hard time.)
Darinka was hoping to do some gardening over the weekend. Gardening weather seems to be pretty much over here in Montreal. When I turn my shoulder to look out my office window, I see the leaves on the tree outside are turning yellow. I'm afraid my clothesline may not see much action for a while. Oh, I was going to tell you more about my clothesline obsession. First, I think clotheslines are beautiful. I also love how each one is different. Some are organized (socks hung out in pairs, clothes arranged from smallest to largest); others are more haphazard. If you observe a clothesline, you can usually learn something about the people who live inside the house. Sometimes, being a writer is a little like being a spy. So, if you're lucky enough to be someplace where it's still clothesline-weather, have a good look at one on your way home today. Can you learn something interesting from it?Â