I did my first performance for a book club last night. It was for a new, still small group that meets at Valour Road Community Centre in the West End. My host was Katherine Wiese, and she and her colleagues couldn’t have been nicer. I did the usual three readings and songs, but, for the first time - by myself. It’s funny how you can be nervous and make small mistakes playing and singing songs you’ve done a thousand times. And for an extra treat my guitar fell out of its stand during the second reading. I caught it in time, so there was no damage. It even stayed in tune! Bless you Takemine Guitar. There were smiles and applause afterwards, and some good questions about the writing process and about the characters motivations. The more intimate setting allowed for a more ‘literary’ chat, which was cool for a change. Tea was served (still some debate on the Earl Grey versus Orange Pekoe issue) with fruit loaf slices. I mention these facts because I have not had breakfast this mornig, but have still to develop a menu plan. Avoid retirement - the stress is crushing! Thanks to Carol Lee at Bendecido Books for setting this up.

Next up is radio interviews at 8:00AM next Thursday October 8 on AM 950 and 1250, out of Steinbach. Maybe FM96.3? The promo is in aid of a show at the Jake Epp Library in Steinbach at 7:30PM on Wednesday October 14. I hope Takemine doesn’t ask for a raise.

P.S. Just posted the lyrics to ‘The Boat Song’. Hope to post the song soon.