Stranger (short memoir) by Leanne Dyck

 A strange encounter with a stranger inspired this short memoir.

A stranger is just a friend you haven't meet yet. -William Butler Yeats

Or...

"The 'problem" with [this] quote lies in its idealized nature, which ignores the potential risks of interacting with strangers, the fear and hesitation people experience, and the fact that not all strangers become friends, often leading a simplistic view of human relationships and societal safety... In essence, while the quote serves as a gentle reminder to be open to new connections, its oversimplification overlooks the necessary caution and discernment required when navigating social interactions." AI Overview

photo by ldyck

"art by a stranger"

Stranger

The hour-and-a-half bus ride had taken me from my cozy home in rural Manitoba and dropped me off in the intimidating city of Winnipeg. Tomorrow I will begin my studies at the University of Winnipeg, but tonight, I felt too overwhelmed to do anything but walk the short distance from the bus station to a mall. I found a bench on the second floor and watched...nothing. I was the only "ghost" that lingered. Down below, a janitor's cart rolled across the floor as the mop danced beneath the janitor's skilled hands. And then, a few feet away from my bench, the elevator door opened and... He stepped out of the pages of GQ, wearing a long camel coat that accentuated his shiny black hair. One word dominated my thoughts—handsome. The clock struck 9 PM, and I was mesmerized--my eyes glued on him. He headed my way. Me? I wore a sparkling gown and glass--. Nope, my mother's skidoo pants and my faded corduroy parka. 

Really?

Yup, sad but true.

He offered a charming grin. "May I sit?" His voice was thick with an accent I couldn't quite place.

I'm not sure how it happened, but one thing led to another, and he asked if I would like to go to a movie with him. Hmm, of course!

The theatre marquee presented several options, and I chose "Steel Magnolias".

"No, I pay," he insisted, taking responsibility for both tickets.

"'Steel Magnolias' is about...?" he asked as we walked into the theatre.

"Friendship among women," I replied.

"In this country, do men go to such movies?" he inquired.

We brushed elbows in the dark.

"Some," I whispered.

On this blog in September...

is dedicated to stories for and an article about children

Sunday, September 7

Your Favourite Children's Stories written by Leanne Dyck

Each story in this list had a history of earning over 1,000 page views.

Sunday, September 14

Marion, My Day Friend (children's story) by Leanne Dyck

was inspired by career in infant care

Sunday, September 21

Baby, Come Back (children's story) by Leanne Dyck

can be chanted during playtime or sung during naptime

Sunday, September 28

Home Children: Canadian History (article) by Leanne Dyck

September 28 is Home Children Day. Why? What's a "Home Child"?

Read this article to find the answer to these questions.

Book Review: The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters (historical fiction)

  historical fiction about the '60s scoop.

photo by ldyck

The Berry Pickers

Amanda Peters

Harper Perennial

2023

Writers Trust of Canada Finalist

In The Berry Pickers, an Indigenous family of seven—three sons and two daughters—travels seasonally from Nova Scotia to Maine to pick berries for a farmer. In 1962, when the youngest child, Ruthie, was just four years old, she was kidnapped by a white family. As a result, Ruthie loses all ties with her birth family, and many of those left behind believe she is dead. For the next fifty years, Ruthie lives under the name Norma as the only child in a middle-class white family. Any memories she retains are dismissed as dreams by her adoptive family. 

The narrative alternates between Norma's life in Maine and that of her youngest brother, Joe, in Nova Scotia. Both well-developed characters—Norma (formerly Ruthie) and Joe—are portrayed as relatable, flawed, and compassionate. 

Although the book addresses the dark period in North America's history known as the '60s Scoop, it maintains an underlying tone of love and hopefulness, making its important message easier to digest. I highly recommend this finely crafted book.

Next Sunday...

Sunday, August 31

Stranger (short memoir) by Leanne Dyck

"...a few feet away from my bench, the elevator door opened and..."