Spring Snowstorms?

There’s been a debate here in the deeply frozen north about when winter snowstorms become spring snowstorms. First, I think it’s important to understand that snow does not mean winter. In the mountains, snow can be found even in summer. In Calgary, we’ve had snow every month of the year. If snow defined the seasons, winter would be endless and unbearable.

I let my garden define the seasons. If there’s green, it’s spring. The first flower defines it more clearly, but any green brings hope. This year, my first green came in daffodil shoots emerging in an east-facing bed close to the house, in late February. They’ve been buried under snow over and over since then, but each time they emerge, they’re a little taller. Now I see buds forming, as we anticipate a lovely warm day. Of course, more snow is coming, but my daffodils will still be there. Because it’s spring.

Maureen

Teaching About Writing For Children

I’ll be teaching an 8 week course on Writing for Children, Tuesday nights starting April 16, at the Alexandra Writers Centre in Calgary. Here’s the blurb: How does writing for children differ from other forms of writing? We’ll discuss children’s books by age and genre, and focus on what is particular about writing for children, through discussion, examples and exercises. We’ll set aside time to critique one short story or chapter per student. And, as the course is about kids, I’ll introduce a little whimsy, read stories out loud and make sure some of the exercises are absurd.

http://www.alexandrawriters.org/what-we-offer/courses/

Maureen

Boots, Everyone

It must be spring – Calgary is awash. We have deep piles of snow, getting heavy and thick in the top layers, roads covered in running water, and oozy slush everywhere. Crossing the street is a hazard, between the piles of snow, the pools of water, and the ooze in between.

But it’s spring. It’s warm, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and everywhere is the sound of water – dripping, running, splashing. Any snow that falls now must surely be spring snow.

Maureen