Sunday, March 22, 2026

Don't Listen (short story) by Leanne Dyck

Do you believe what they say about them?

 photo by ldyck


Don't Listen

The big blob had a message, and we all listened. "I'm so very proud of this side. I truly am. I'm blessed to be on this side. That's how I feel. I feel blessed. Our side is the best side. We're the brightest. The most capable. The kindest. The nicest. Our side is the right side. Thank God for our side. Thank God. Because let me tell you, something is wrong with the other side. It's wrong. It's just not right. It's wrong. They're greedy. They're selfish. They're mean. They're cruel. And they're jealous of us. They have every right to be. Let's face it, they do. I mean, why won't they be jealous? They would. Because we have it all. The sun shines brighter over here. The air is fresher. Life is purer. Everything is just better on our side. And what do they have? Nothing. That's what they have. Nothing. And that's why... That's why they want to harm us. They want to hurt us. They want to kill us. So we have to protect ourselves, protect what we have. We must do whatever it takes because if we don't... If we don't, it will all be gone. Taken away. Just like that. All of it. Gone. So kick. Bite. Scratch. Kill. Death. Kill. Murder. Death. Kill. Murder. Death. Kill. Kill. Kill. Kill."

We. All. Listened. We didn't set one foot on the other side. We were too scared to.

On the other side... Knittens purred. Puppies licked. Children giggled. Lovers kissed. On the other side. 

We had so much in common. But we never knew. How could we?


Written on January 16, 2026.


'if [we] truly understand history [we] will be able to acknowledge the mistakes that were made, recognize prejudice when it is being repeated, stop messages of fear and bias from spreading, and have the courage to stand up for what is right.' (p. 350)—Danielle R. Graham (All We Left Behind)


On this blog in March


New content is added to this blog 
every Sunday 
at approximately 4:40pm (Pacific Time). 



Sunday, March 29
Beware the Island Storyteller (short story)


On Mayne Island



Jessandra Phillips (from Canada) and Bea (from New Zealand) are sisters. Each time they get together, they like to do something special. The special thing this time was an exhibition of fibre arts. The list of co-organizers also includes Amy Zimmerman 
and Abbie Hain.

Amy Zimmerman

Spinner

Amy is a co-owner of The 44


Lorrie Miller

Lorrie is a UBC professor who teaches university students to knit. 
She told me that she likes to learn crafts that are fading into history. (my wording)
And... and I actually got to watch Lorrie nalbind—be still my Viking heart.

Shanti McDougall

Weaver, knitter, and co-owner of Farm Gate.



Kim Rowley

Kim told me amazing stories about vintage quilts—one of the quilts was made of flour sacks during the 1930s, and another quilt was made on Mayne Island from men's ties. The one she is sitting beside is from the 1800s. Kim also told me that she is in search of a home for these quilts. Though I would have happily taken most, if not all, of them home, I think they need to find a home where they can be displayed and admired by the public. 

Bea

Heke Upcycled Eco-Fashion made in New Zealand


Jessandra Phillips

Water Edge Silver



Abigail "Abbie" Hain


Missing from this collection of inspiring, creative women is a photo of Sandra Sandvik.
My sincere apologizes for this oversight, Sandra.

This is a new group of textile enthusiasts, and I look forward to attending more of their events.

Much thanks to Jody Waldie for helping me with this brief review. 


Items of interest for writers and readers...

Where can you learn more details about your favourite author?
AI Mode
Where you can learn more about...me.
She writes humbly.



Poetry on Mayne Island.
Mayne Island Library is planning to hold another 

Poet Tea
Thursday, April 9th
2 PM
Agricultural Society Hall
Mayne Island

(Much thanks to Tina Farmilo, Sara Huson and Eleanor Cocker for providing this information—"Library Note," Mayneliner Magazine, March 2026.)

My review of last year's Poet Tea...

I was filled with inspiration... In fact, I could barely contain my excitement. I look forward to the next poetry celebration with eager appreciation.

Canada Reads will air on a variety of CBC venues from April 13 to 16


Book Launch

 
(fantasy romance)
(Canadian author)

March 23
7 PM PT
Vancouver Public Library
Vancouver, BC

March 24
6 PM MT
The Book Boudoir
Edmonton, AB

March 25
7 PM MT
Memorial Park Library
Calgary, AB

Author Talk

(nonfiction)
(Canadian author)

March 27
7 PM ET
Grimsby Public Library
Grimsby, ON

Book Signing


(cozy fantasy novel)
(Canadian author)


March 28
1 PM
Munro's Books
Downtown Victoria, BC
Free to Attend!

Author Talk

(cozy mystery)
(Canadian author)


Everyone in this Bank is a Thief by Benjamin Stevenson
("cozy-adjacent" mystery)
(author from Australia)

March 31
7 PM PT
Kitchener Public Library
Kitchener, ON

Tickets go on sale March 31


Book Signing

Presented by Munro's Books

(middle grade novel)
(Canadian author)

April 11
1pm


Triple Book Launch Event

Presented by Munro's Books

(travel memoir)
(Canadian author)

(historical fiction)
(Canadian author)

(short story collection)
(Canadian author)

April 14
7 pm


Book Signing

Presented by Munro's Books

(short story collection)
(Canadian author)

April 15
1pm



April 23, 2026

Book Signing

Presented by Munro's Books

(non-fiction)
(Canadian author)

May 2
1 pm


Book Launch

Bolen Books presents

False and Fatal Claim by Iona Whishaw
(historical mystery)
(Canadian author)

May 8
7pm










Posted by Leanne Dyck at
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