New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, 21 January 1858 “I am astonished more and more at the stupid extravagance… Fashion rules so absolutely… The people in the house would lend me any amount of flower garden bonnets if I would but go out in them. This is so like the Americans… They are generous and kind but… Continue reading Canada Slim and the Promised Land
Tag: Brussels
Canada Slim and a Matter of Perspective
Landschlacht, Switzerland, 30 December 2016 There are many things that are unpleasant about getting older: diminishing senses, unflattering changes to one´s body, memory lapses, acquisition of a world-weariness… But for myself, especially in 2016, it has been the loss of one’s heroes. Yet another musical legend passed away over Christmas: George Michael, age 53. Famous for… Continue reading Canada Slim and a Matter of Perspective
Canada Slim and Last Year´s Man
Landschlacht, Switzerland, 19 December 2016 Now, Belgians love a good celebration, but a big night in the Belgian boozers often leads to mornings of regret and grim reflection. Being the chaste daughter of an English curate, nights in a bar were probably not part of Charlotte Bronte´s story, but her unrequited love for a married… Continue reading Canada Slim and Last Year´s Man
Canada Slim and the Days Confused
Landschlacht, Switzerland, 19 December 2016 Time changes a place. A place changes a person. I think back to the little town of Lachute, Quebec, Canada, where I went to high school. Many of the people I remember and much of what I knew is gone. “Progress” has arrived in the form of shopping malls and… Continue reading Canada Slim and the Days Confused
Canada Slim and the Teacher’s Travels
Landschlacht, Switzerland, 14 December 2016 They are beloved by everyone from misunderstood teens and fools for love to the serious-minded middle-aged and those of a critical bent. Now the Bronte sisters are taking centre stage again as the bicentary of Charlotte´s birth (born 21 April 1814) brings a host of events at their Yorkshire home… Continue reading Canada Slim and the Teacher’s Travels
Silence and gold
Landschlacht, Switzerland: 23 March 2016 It has been a time that has tested me both personally and professionally. It has been a time that has discouraged me, that has made me withdraw silently into myself. I have written little for over a month. I have wanted to write, not to say something, but because I… Continue reading Silence and gold