June 6th ~ Book Launch Day

Designed to be a celebration of my book Humans of Haliburton Highlands, Book Launch Day became a celebration of my new life.

During the peak of covid, I decided I could just as easily work from the cottage as from my home in St. Catharines, but when work decided to return to in-person, I decided to retire for good and make our cottage on Saskatchewan Lake my permanent home.

I envisioned retirement as sitting on the dock writing the great Canadian novel. Instead, I channeled my writing into a new opportunity. Inspired by Humans of New York, a blog showcasing regular people with unique stories in New York City, I pitched a column to our local newspaper. New York City may have more people than Haliburton County, but our people have stories just as interesting. Humans of Haliburton Highlands was born.

I love to ask questions. Some say I’m nosy; I prefer myself curious. The weekly column gives me permission to engage with people from all walks of life, young, old, local and seasonal with the purpose of telling their stories. After three years of weekly columns, I created a chapbook to showcase the diversity of the people.

With a book comes a book launch.  

Held at the Corner Gallery in Haliburton, I was thrilled with the number of people who came to celebrate. So many people from past and present. My family made the trek from Cambridge and St. Catharines. My cousins Wendy and Heather from Toronto made a surprise appearance. I don’t see them often, but they always make an appearance for my important milestones. I was so also thrilled to see so many new friends. My travel buddies, our lake friends, CFUW friends and the PJ Writing Group from around southern Ontario. And yes, even the new friends I have made by telling their story in my column. And of course, a special thank you to Lisa Gervais, editor of The Highlander for moderating the event.

As they say, it takes a village. I am so lucky to have the Village of Haliburton and beyond for so much support.

P.S. Retirement has allowed me to write my first novel. I'm looking forward to a book launch one day soon for it as well.