singing "Walking on Sunshine."
Northern Lights Southern Cross is a Canadian immigrant’s journal. My spouse and I have been living in Alberta for twelve years now, and this rugged landscape has become our home. These entries describe our journey through the days...our random thoughts, our lofty dreams, our faltering steps, our bright hopes. Please join us for a brief sojourn or an entire season.
07 November 2010
7. Red, red barn
singing "Walking on Sunshine."
6. Alberta, Alberta
Here we're driving from S Calgary's book launch to Fairmont, BC, for
Reading week.
I love Alberta's Foothills and big blue prairie skies and rolling
green hills and hay bales and sheep safely grazing...
5. Book launch
Forgotten Voices...
...and it made me realise again how easy my life in Canada is. The
pioneer women whose stories Barb tells were astonishing. I admired
them more each time I read through the book.
I want to write about my life here as an immigrant, but sometimes I
feel a twinge of something akin to embarrassment that I lead this
privileged life (which I love).
4. Mrs. Howe's little helpers
alongside her to check the final pre-print proof copies.
What fun we had, often late at night and early in the morning,
sometimes even before coffee. empWe are all truly proud of the
finished product.
{Erin, it was a real pleasure working with you. Contact me anytime.}
3. Barb Howe and her cheerful editor
Techno Babe
P.S. This is the first time I eagerly held author Barb Howe's book in
my hands after spending a couple of years working with her on its 400
pages of meticulous research and fascinating stories of pioneer women
in Canada.
I was responsible for the small print: endless pages of footnotes and
bibliographic entries are my specialty.
It was a beautiful journey from beginning to end and I am immensely
proud of Barb for not giving up, despite deep personal grief during
the writing of her magnum opus. I am also grateful to Drs. David and
Barbara Wyman for introducing us. :)
2. Forgotten Voices
stories.
Here is one of the notes of appreciation we received from preview readers:
The book Forgotten Voices reminds us that stories of brave and sacrificial people enrich our lives and understanding. Each one of the stories of the women who followed God's call to difficult places reminds this missionary woman of the ease of my own forty years of missionary service in comparison with the way in which these women lived their lives of service only a short time ago.
A Brief History of the CMA (Appendix One) serves to inform the non-Alliance reader of the development from a missionary-sending enterprise to the strong denominational presence it is today. Reading that history before reading the stories of the women gives a framework for appreciating how these dedicated women went to very difficult places of service and gathered a group, ministered to them and established churches.
The section about the Bible Instruction Society provides fascinating reading. Teaching the Bible in schools was done by a variety of women who sometimes faced opposition. At the least, they were responsible
for getting themselves from place to place (nearly always by walking long distances).
Forgotten Voices also emphasizes other aspects of religious education. Sunday school, youth meetings, Vacation Bible Schools and camps came into existence in many places because of the commitment of these
pioneer women. These stories must be told, applauded, and remembered. And Barb Howe tells them with accuracy and excitement. They will serve as a resource for those who want to share with children and youth the call to missionary service. They provide a written record for those family members whose loved ones are represented here. They serve as an accurate record of God at work through the Christian and Missionary Alliance.
– Barbara Wyman, PhD, Professor of Psychology and Religious Education, Emeritus, Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary, Cochrane, Alberta, Canada
Dr. Wyman was kind enough to write the forward to my first book in 2007; she was my prof at seminary and I admire and respect her gentle wisdom. {Thanks for encouraging BH in her journey, BW.}
1. Runaway train
Dear NLSC Reader
Sept/Oct/Nov have been memorable months indeed. I am in a season of joy and serenity in my personal life, despite the usual dose of the unexpected (which oft' appears in rainbow form once the rain has
ceased).
In July I returned from afar and began writing about the "friends, moments, countryside" (Peter Gzowski's phrase) of my trip to Africa. Please let me know if you'd like a sneak preview once I'm partway
done. I wouldn't mind some input on this first draft from folk with whom I spent time during my six splendid weeks away. I hope to have at least a first glimpse by Christmas Eve (that's my deadline).
August was warm and friendly, as always: we spent our annual summer week at the lake in Vernon, BC, with our faithful Fairman family/friends, and we returned to work and school well rested, fed and watered.
September was a blur: new semester... almost 20 new and dearly beloved students... editing deadlines galore... and I forget what else.
And now onto October: see entry 2.
P.S. The photo is dedicated to the friend who likened my thoughts to a runaway train. Personally, I choose my words carefully—and though they may be many, they are mostly deliberate. Sometimes I even think before I speak. I realise as the clock ticks down to my 40th, when I will officially be a grown-up (!), that I'm growing increasingly comfortable with my personality, word-quirks and all.
I am also finding that I am less likely to spend quality time with folk who aren't comfortable around me as I am. Of course I'll g-r-o-w and change as the seasons pass: I'm currently working on many areas (one being my way-word language habits). But life is short, and I'm going to say what needs to be said; I'm going to speak to strangers; I'm going to keep encouraging others to find their voice; I'm going to write and play with words and talk to friends who want to hear my voice and ask my many questions of hearers who are comfortable with my ways.
(And even runaway trains have a certain charm.)
03 November 2010
Penpals meet at last
Last weekend I met my penpal face to face for the first time.
When she left early on Monday, I finished my 2,000-word entry for this year’s CBC literary awards, and submitted it on Monday night, so instead of writing something original for this week’s blog, let me share what Sweet B wrote about our weekend together:
When she left early on Monday, I finished my 2,000-word entry for this year’s CBC literary awards, and submitted it on Monday night, so instead of writing something original for this week’s blog, let me share what Sweet B wrote about our weekend together:
… I feel a bit like Avis from Julie and Julia this weekend. I hopped on a plane yesterday (thanks to my wonderful hubby who told me he and the kids would survive quite nicely for a few days without me) and have flown to Calgary to meet my Julia … with whom I have been a pen pal for months now. And this weekend we met. Since being picked up at the airport yesterday evening, I have been whisked off to Banff for two nights of complete relaxation. It is a lovely clear and crisp day here, and we are nestled in a beautiful little town in the middle of the mountains. I am in heaven. The only improvement would be to have hubby and kids here too. Next time.
We spent the morning having breakfast across the street from our lovely hotel, and then we visited nearly every quaint little shop on the main street. I have fallen in love with the Christmas shop here and bought several little treasures there for our Christmas tree …
In an hour or so, we are going to go horseback riding in the mountains. I plan for it to be more successful than the last time I rode in the mountains, when the first horse of the day decided to go running after a deer and nearly lost its saddle (and me with it), and the second horse tripped over his own feet and fell with me under him. I have been riding several times since then, but this will be my chance to redeem myself on a mountain ride.
After that it's off to Banff Springs Hotel for tea … What have I done to deserve to be this spoiled, I wonder?
Amongst all the sightseeing, we are taking and laughing and taking pictures and L is chatting with complete strangers and we are generally getting to know each other. Any worries I had of not knowing what to talk about have been washed away. It's more a matter of not having enough time to talk about it all. Ah well, that's what letters are for.
Time to go and finish my latte... mmm.Yes, my new/old friend: what fun it was connecting in person, face to face, hug to hug, after months of putting our thoughts on pretty paper only. (Speaking of which: thanks for all my gorgeous gifts!) Thank you for taking the time to come and meet me. I had a simply splendid time this weekend. Wasn't it beautiful being surrounded by Rocky Mountains in every direction during our horse ride with Cedar and Ray-Lee? Here's to you: cheers! (raises imaginary chai latte)
28 October 2010
Oct 30 memories of Julia-dear
Since I'll be away on Saturday, I wanted to share this now.
I wrote this a couple of years ago, but feel the same way today as then, so I'm simply reposting a former entry, written when my friend Julia-dear passed away at the age of 90:
My beloved friend, Julia Hassell, passed away peacefully this week [30 Oct 2007] after a brave fight against colon cancer. Her loved ones have been by her side for weeks now, and I am so thankful that their hospice experience was a positive one. I have learned a great deal about compassion and strength and loyalty from this caring family.
Oh, I shall miss my little friend dearly. (Julia called me her little friend, but I towered above her in my stockinged feet.) Her generous spirit more than made up for her tiny stature!
Julia's influence in my own life extended beyond her frequent phone calls and my lunch visits to Big Hill Lodge these past seven years; although I was supposedly her Bible study "teacher", she was my spiritual mentor in many ways. I never left room #104 without her touching my forehead and gently praying that the Lord would bless me and keep me and make His face shine upon me.
Of all her qualities, I believe I shall most miss Julia's no-nonsense ability to pray about anything and everything. Her relationship with her Lord was vibrant and authentic, and she took her prayer ministry very seriously. Faithfully she interceded for all her neighbours at the Lodge, strangers and friends alike.
And I shall miss the hymns we sang together! "Make a joyful NOISE unto the Lord," exhorts the psalmist. And we did. She knew all the words, too!
(And whose plate shall I eat off now?)
Julia's daughter, Marilyn (who has subsequently become my friend) called earlier this evening and asked if I'd pay tribute to her mom on Monday. I feel honoured. It was a real privilege to speak at Julia's memorial service in 2007. I shared the story of the young African hippo, washed up after the tsunami, and the old tortoise it befriended. I wore Julia's comfy dressing gown as I spoke, my pockets full of candy, as hers would have been.
I have often written and spoken of Julia in my more regular NLSC columns; a few years ago, while I was a student, one of my seminary papers for Developmental Psych (on aging gracefully) was actually about Julia. {Do you remember, Dr. Wyman?} I dressed up in some of her clothing, whitened my hair, and presented my paper. What an inspiration she was.
I was touched by the way in which Julia crept into the hearts of the angels at the Chinook Hospice where she spent the last few weeks of her life. Apparently some of the staff members gathered around her bed on the night she died and cried...
She has left a Julia-sized space in all our lives.
Blessings on your life this day, dear Reader. I cherish you.
"The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face shine upon you,
and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up His countenance on you,
and give you peace."
Honey B and Sweet Bee
Six months ago I had the privilege of interviewing Barb Glennie for the Baptist Horizon; we bonded at once and I wrote about our first phone call on this very blog.
Through BG I met her beautiful and talented best friend, Famous Author Jenn Kelly (whose book review I shall post here soon! {JK: you sparkle!}) and BG’s adorable brother-in-law, EB. I wrote about him, too, on Sept 1: his birthday. We have begun cheering each other on in our respective writing journeys and will both submit something this weekend for the CBC literary awards. {Go, EB!}
Shortly before EB’s birthday, I corresponded with his sweet spouse, Bee, for the first time. We instantly realised our mutual love of old-fashioned letters, written in ink, using stationery (imagine). So began our journey of words warm and comforting.
One family member at a time I have connected with each of these kindreds, and my heart is jubilant. I cannot describe this trio of new siblings, other than to say they’re somehow familiar; I recognise them; I feel as though I already know them. There was a Baker/Glennie-sized space in my life I didn’t even know was empty. Now I cannot imagine life without them.
Even their children have embraced me (we’ll talk about my nickname another day) and have resurrected a dormant dream in my life as a writer, and in the life (and stuffing) of shy new author Hubble, Hroshi’s niece from Botswana.
All this to say: both Barb and Bee will be in Calgary this weekend! Hip hippo Ray! My cup runneth over. I shall most certainly post details and photos aplenty of our special, sacred and silly times together in the next few weeks....
{See you at the airport tomorrow, Sweet Bee: only one more sleep.}
Through BG I met her beautiful and talented best friend, Famous Author Jenn Kelly (whose book review I shall post here soon! {JK: you sparkle!}) and BG’s adorable brother-in-law, EB. I wrote about him, too, on Sept 1: his birthday. We have begun cheering each other on in our respective writing journeys and will both submit something this weekend for the CBC literary awards. {Go, EB!}
Shortly before EB’s birthday, I corresponded with his sweet spouse, Bee, for the first time. We instantly realised our mutual love of old-fashioned letters, written in ink, using stationery (imagine). So began our journey of words warm and comforting.
One family member at a time I have connected with each of these kindreds, and my heart is jubilant. I cannot describe this trio of new siblings, other than to say they’re somehow familiar; I recognise them; I feel as though I already know them. There was a Baker/Glennie-sized space in my life I didn’t even know was empty. Now I cannot imagine life without them.
Even their children have embraced me (we’ll talk about my nickname another day) and have resurrected a dormant dream in my life as a writer, and in the life (and stuffing) of shy new author Hubble, Hroshi’s niece from Botswana.
All this to say: both Barb and Bee will be in Calgary this weekend! Hip hippo Ray! My cup runneth over. I shall most certainly post details and photos aplenty of our special, sacred and silly times together in the next few weeks....
{See you at the airport tomorrow, Sweet Bee: only one more sleep.}
English 101
Let me come right out and say it straight:
I am loving my students this semester! (Yes, I always say that, but this group is truly special. I call some of them my little chickens; they have nicknamed me Mama Hen.)
It's also different having almost twenty students again, after enjoying a mere handful at a time last year.
The seven ladies in class add a new and sweet dimension, too. Last year I taught only men. (And boy, can they write!)
In time, I'd like to bring out an anthology of my first year students' creative writing...a disant dream but a pleasant one.
Be blessed, dearly beloved students of mine: you gladden the heart of your teacher.
September
A few blog entries detailing last month's marvels will simply not suffice. September was book-worthy. I'm attempting to capture some post-summer thoughts for my website (watch this space: my webdesigner and writing partner insists I have my own site, and soon! Elaine Mary Phillips dot com, here I come...albeit reluctantly).
October, on the other hand, is still here, so I'll send a few fall thoughts your way in the next few minutes. Stay tuned.
17 October 2010
10/10/10 hippopota-news
10/10/10
HIPPOPOTA-NEWS
Autumnal Greetings
from the president of hippo communications inc.
Dobry den! My name is Hroši Hrochova (Hroshi in English), meaning “girl hippo”. (Phillips is my adopted surname, pronounced Filipsova in my native Czech.) Many of you have already made my acquaintance—I sent out a similar newsletter in 2005 (has it been five years since I put paw to paper?)—but for the sake of several recent newcomers to hippopota-news, I’d like to tell you a bit about myself:
In April ’96 I left Prague (Czech Republic’s capital) to live with my human travelling companions, Robin (RP) and Elaine (EP). Having been bitten by the incurable travel bug in Europe, we moved from sunny South Africa to snowy Canada in August ’98. Since leaving Calgary (city of one million inhabitants) and settling in cosy Cochrane in 2000 (current population: 15,000), we have all three started working from home.
EP enjoys a part-time position as an adjunct instructor at our local seminary on the hill, teaching English, Research Strategies and Christian Classics. Last fall semester she and RP were privileged to co-teach the History of Western Civ. course. So thoroughly did R enjoy learning—and teaching—fact upon historical fact that he completely lost his mind and registered for a Master’s degree in Military History at AMU (American Military University is one of the larger correspondence universities in N America). He is doing really well to his surprise and my hippo-delight. (E knew R would love his studies; she’s been gently nudging him to pursue this passion for years.) What joy to see him thriving in an area of abiding interest after surviving too many tax seasons since he qualified as a CA in ’95.
For a much-needed tax break (and to escape the self-perpetuating piles of paper in his corner office), R takes photos; he and his assistant/camera bag carrier have photographed 30 bridal couples to date, mostly from Alberta and BC but as far afield as Africa. In 2008 they returned to South Africa for the wedding of Wallace and Chantal: a splendid affair! What a privilege it was for E to perform the sacred ceremony of her brother and his new bride, in the shade of an African tree, on a gorgeous golf course; R took the photos—and a grey loerie provided the entertainment by leaving a bountiful blessing on the speaker’s shoulder as she pronounced the couple duly married. {Thanks for the memories, W&C.}
With great enthusiasm, E preaches on occasion (here it’s called “pulpit supply”), and along with her more creative pursuits (photo-cards, poetry, penmanship), E also edits when absolutely necessary, albeit reluctantly. (A world of difference lies between a passion and a skill.) She does enjoy preparing the pre-print publications of her friends-who-write, though, and is currently working with a local author.
This particular hci newsletter—hippopota-news—is being sent to you for several reasons.
R and E and I, Hroshi, would like to keep you informed about our lives in Canada. Many readers of E’s NORTHERN LIGHTS SOUTHERN CROSS blog (which provides more personal news about seasonal emotions, experiences, “friends, moments and countryside”—to use Peter Gzowski’s phrase) have asked questions such as the following:
How do we juggle the demands of living and working in the same home-office? What exactly do we do? Is it difficult being self-employed? Our hci newsletters will thus attempt to answer questions not dealt with in NLSC.
First of all, like me, my adopted mom is a global correspondent by nature. (Simply put, she’s a letter-writer.) Most of E’s free time is spent writing (or responding to) personal mail, and she still prefers penning her post the old way. Being a beginner in the arena of modem-technology, E offers no cyber-help to R at all.
Enough about EP and back to me:
Readers who have followed my personal writing journey will know that before I retired, I co-authored an anthology of letters with a delightful unicorn named Evangeline (I began corresponding with her late in 2003, and in 2007 our book was published). Since I am a hippo, the book’s original title is: The Hippo and the Unicorn (inspired, I’m sure you’ll agree). Originally, my hope was to bring out a series of “hippo and unicorn” books, but Evangeline and I have naturally g-r-o-w-n and changed during the years since 2007. While our hope is to remain forever-friends, we have spread our writing wings, so to speak, and flown in different directions.
Be of good cheer, though: a couple of hippo-relatives have taken up my relinquished quill (I mentor the little darlings). My primary successor is my niece, Hubble, who left her sunny home in beautiful Botswana—home of Alexander McCall Smith’s Mma Ramotswe and the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency—to come and live with us all at Glenbrook Pond Hippo Sanctuary. Our desire (and yours, no doubt) is to see more hippo-letters radiate from GPHS to interested parties. E will send an update in her annual Christmas letter. Hubble recently began corresponding with the trio of Ontario offspring belonging to E’s kindred correspondents, B&E.
In 2009, E began a fresh chapter in her own writing journey with new co-author EGM; they are delighted to hold each other accountable each week and hope to have their first book of letters ready by the time I send out my next edition of hippopota-news. (I obviously inspired EP, and she has subsequently inspired other writers who have begun pursuing long-dormant dreams: watch this space.)
This year (April 25) I turned 14—that’s 28 in hippo years—and already my physician-Ouma in Africa has twice had to re-stitch my split seams. Life is short and unpredictable, even for one who lives a leisurely life, as I do. I need to mentor Hubble while I still have both wit and wisdom to share; E had better get writing and mentoring, too! (She turns fabulous 40 in Feb 2011, and will spend a week in solitude and silence early next year, counting her bountiful blessings.) One thing I did learn from my former co-author, Evangeline, was the importance of taking time to smell the roses.
The second reason I send out hippopota-news is to give readers a glimpse into the precise nature of R and E’s work. As a home-based company, hci has operated under two trade names for the past six years; here’s an excerpt from a NEWSFLASH clipping shared with the public:
Robin Phillips Accounting and Tax Services (a division of hippo communications inc.) offers professional accounting and tax advice and preparation. February to May is hci’s busiest season. “We include the student market and aim to offer affordable tax preparation services,” said Ms. Hroši Hrochova, president of the company. Most clients live in Cochrane, Calgary, and surrounding communities in rural Alberta.
The second division, hippo photography, offers photographic shoots for weddings. hippo photography has had the privilege of photographing weddings as far afield as Vancouver, BC, and South Africa. Each new bride brings to the event her own radiance. R (the primary photographer) and E (his camera assistant and devoted slave) particularly enjoy meeting the families of the bridal party and sometimes attend the rehearsal dinners and/or wedding receptions. We tell customers, “Robin is the lens; Elaine is the voice.”
In addition to website photos (available at hippophotography.ca or .com), hippo photography has an extensive portfolio for prospective clients to view.
Along with tax preparation and photography, hippo communications inc. manufactures top quality greeting cards for distribution to local and international markets.
“I am very proud of Ms. Hrochova,” one of the analysts told the media after the announcement of hci’s expansion. “This is a tremendous accomplishment for a female, minority species immigrant.” [Ms. Hrochova is a hippopotamus from the Czech Republic. She immigrated to Canada in 1998. Hroši Hrochova used to reside in Cochrane Lake, but moved to Glenbrook Pond in 2004 to begin a Hippo Sanctuary, alongside Glenbow’s railway track.]
Note: A third trade name has been added to hci’s range: see my next (more or less annual) edition of hippopota-news for more details.
May blessings fill all the nooks and crannies of your home during this sacred season. Happy Thanksgiving from our hearts to yours!
Affectionately,
Hroshi the hippo, president of hippo communications inc.
(on behalf of Robin and Elaine)
HIPPOPOTA-NEWS
Autumnal Greetings
from the president of hippo communications inc.
Dobry den! My name is Hroši Hrochova (Hroshi in English), meaning “girl hippo”. (Phillips is my adopted surname, pronounced Filipsova in my native Czech.) Many of you have already made my acquaintance—I sent out a similar newsletter in 2005 (has it been five years since I put paw to paper?)—but for the sake of several recent newcomers to hippopota-news, I’d like to tell you a bit about myself:
In April ’96 I left Prague (Czech Republic’s capital) to live with my human travelling companions, Robin (RP) and Elaine (EP). Having been bitten by the incurable travel bug in Europe, we moved from sunny South Africa to snowy Canada in August ’98. Since leaving Calgary (city of one million inhabitants) and settling in cosy Cochrane in 2000 (current population: 15,000), we have all three started working from home.
EP enjoys a part-time position as an adjunct instructor at our local seminary on the hill, teaching English, Research Strategies and Christian Classics. Last fall semester she and RP were privileged to co-teach the History of Western Civ. course. So thoroughly did R enjoy learning—and teaching—fact upon historical fact that he completely lost his mind and registered for a Master’s degree in Military History at AMU (American Military University is one of the larger correspondence universities in N America). He is doing really well to his surprise and my hippo-delight. (E knew R would love his studies; she’s been gently nudging him to pursue this passion for years.) What joy to see him thriving in an area of abiding interest after surviving too many tax seasons since he qualified as a CA in ’95.
For a much-needed tax break (and to escape the self-perpetuating piles of paper in his corner office), R takes photos; he and his assistant/camera bag carrier have photographed 30 bridal couples to date, mostly from Alberta and BC but as far afield as Africa. In 2008 they returned to South Africa for the wedding of Wallace and Chantal: a splendid affair! What a privilege it was for E to perform the sacred ceremony of her brother and his new bride, in the shade of an African tree, on a gorgeous golf course; R took the photos—and a grey loerie provided the entertainment by leaving a bountiful blessing on the speaker’s shoulder as she pronounced the couple duly married. {Thanks for the memories, W&C.}
With great enthusiasm, E preaches on occasion (here it’s called “pulpit supply”), and along with her more creative pursuits (photo-cards, poetry, penmanship), E also edits when absolutely necessary, albeit reluctantly. (A world of difference lies between a passion and a skill.) She does enjoy preparing the pre-print publications of her friends-who-write, though, and is currently working with a local author.
This particular hci newsletter—hippopota-news—is being sent to you for several reasons.
R and E and I, Hroshi, would like to keep you informed about our lives in Canada. Many readers of E’s NORTHERN LIGHTS SOUTHERN CROSS blog (which provides more personal news about seasonal emotions, experiences, “friends, moments and countryside”—to use Peter Gzowski’s phrase) have asked questions such as the following:
How do we juggle the demands of living and working in the same home-office? What exactly do we do? Is it difficult being self-employed? Our hci newsletters will thus attempt to answer questions not dealt with in NLSC.
First of all, like me, my adopted mom is a global correspondent by nature. (Simply put, she’s a letter-writer.) Most of E’s free time is spent writing (or responding to) personal mail, and she still prefers penning her post the old way. Being a beginner in the arena of modem-technology, E offers no cyber-help to R at all.
Enough about EP and back to me:
Readers who have followed my personal writing journey will know that before I retired, I co-authored an anthology of letters with a delightful unicorn named Evangeline (I began corresponding with her late in 2003, and in 2007 our book was published). Since I am a hippo, the book’s original title is: The Hippo and the Unicorn (inspired, I’m sure you’ll agree). Originally, my hope was to bring out a series of “hippo and unicorn” books, but Evangeline and I have naturally g-r-o-w-n and changed during the years since 2007. While our hope is to remain forever-friends, we have spread our writing wings, so to speak, and flown in different directions.
Be of good cheer, though: a couple of hippo-relatives have taken up my relinquished quill (I mentor the little darlings). My primary successor is my niece, Hubble, who left her sunny home in beautiful Botswana—home of Alexander McCall Smith’s Mma Ramotswe and the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency—to come and live with us all at Glenbrook Pond Hippo Sanctuary. Our desire (and yours, no doubt) is to see more hippo-letters radiate from GPHS to interested parties. E will send an update in her annual Christmas letter. Hubble recently began corresponding with the trio of Ontario offspring belonging to E’s kindred correspondents, B&E.
In 2009, E began a fresh chapter in her own writing journey with new co-author EGM; they are delighted to hold each other accountable each week and hope to have their first book of letters ready by the time I send out my next edition of hippopota-news. (I obviously inspired EP, and she has subsequently inspired other writers who have begun pursuing long-dormant dreams: watch this space.)
This year (April 25) I turned 14—that’s 28 in hippo years—and already my physician-Ouma in Africa has twice had to re-stitch my split seams. Life is short and unpredictable, even for one who lives a leisurely life, as I do. I need to mentor Hubble while I still have both wit and wisdom to share; E had better get writing and mentoring, too! (She turns fabulous 40 in Feb 2011, and will spend a week in solitude and silence early next year, counting her bountiful blessings.) One thing I did learn from my former co-author, Evangeline, was the importance of taking time to smell the roses.
The second reason I send out hippopota-news is to give readers a glimpse into the precise nature of R and E’s work. As a home-based company, hci has operated under two trade names for the past six years; here’s an excerpt from a NEWSFLASH clipping shared with the public:
Robin Phillips Accounting and Tax Services (a division of hippo communications inc.) offers professional accounting and tax advice and preparation. February to May is hci’s busiest season. “We include the student market and aim to offer affordable tax preparation services,” said Ms. Hroši Hrochova, president of the company. Most clients live in Cochrane, Calgary, and surrounding communities in rural Alberta.
The second division, hippo photography, offers photographic shoots for weddings. hippo photography has had the privilege of photographing weddings as far afield as Vancouver, BC, and South Africa. Each new bride brings to the event her own radiance. R (the primary photographer) and E (his camera assistant and devoted slave) particularly enjoy meeting the families of the bridal party and sometimes attend the rehearsal dinners and/or wedding receptions. We tell customers, “Robin is the lens; Elaine is the voice.”
In addition to website photos (available at hippophotography.ca or .com), hippo photography has an extensive portfolio for prospective clients to view.
Along with tax preparation and photography, hippo communications inc. manufactures top quality greeting cards for distribution to local and international markets.
“I am very proud of Ms. Hrochova,” one of the analysts told the media after the announcement of hci’s expansion. “This is a tremendous accomplishment for a female, minority species immigrant.” [Ms. Hrochova is a hippopotamus from the Czech Republic. She immigrated to Canada in 1998. Hroši Hrochova used to reside in Cochrane Lake, but moved to Glenbrook Pond in 2004 to begin a Hippo Sanctuary, alongside Glenbow’s railway track.]
Note: A third trade name has been added to hci’s range: see my next (more or less annual) edition of hippopota-news for more details.
May blessings fill all the nooks and crannies of your home during this sacred season. Happy Thanksgiving from our hearts to yours!
Affectionately,
Hroshi the hippo, president of hippo communications inc.
(on behalf of Robin and Elaine)
With Thanksgiving
Dearly beloved but neglected NLSC reader
Happy Thanksgiving!
The events of the past season to date are far too numerous to capture in this tiny blog space; without exaggeration I could write a book. In fact, I'm inspired by the very idea! (Jots down new book idea...alongside two other recent additions. One is to write about my memorable June trip to SA, highlighting the "friends, moments, countryside" I encountered, to use Peter Gzowski's phrase; the second is to join retired Hroshi's niece from Botswana, Hubble the hippo, on her new writing journey with a trio of pre-tween readers.)
This is my month to write: my week to begin. I am leaving in the morn (via Barb Howe's book launch in Calgary) for beautiful Fairmont, BC, where I will spend my annual Reading Week in silence and in (relative) solitude. My silent partner will join me this year; he finally persuaded me after several years of going away without him that being together is as good as being alone. :)
I have been struggling with some personal quirks (personality-related, I believe, but possibly pointing to deeper issues, according to some voices in my life) over the last little while, and this week will give me just the break I need from (or perhaps for) the season of soul-searching I find myself in. I have packed a few good books, my current journals, and a gloriously empty week-long do-to list.
In concluding this post, please see the next one from Hroshi; it's her autumnal hippopota-news letter. Enjoy.
Happy Thanksgiving!
The events of the past season to date are far too numerous to capture in this tiny blog space; without exaggeration I could write a book. In fact, I'm inspired by the very idea! (Jots down new book idea...alongside two other recent additions. One is to write about my memorable June trip to SA, highlighting the "friends, moments, countryside" I encountered, to use Peter Gzowski's phrase; the second is to join retired Hroshi's niece from Botswana, Hubble the hippo, on her new writing journey with a trio of pre-tween readers.)
This is my month to write: my week to begin. I am leaving in the morn (via Barb Howe's book launch in Calgary) for beautiful Fairmont, BC, where I will spend my annual Reading Week in silence and in (relative) solitude. My silent partner will join me this year; he finally persuaded me after several years of going away without him that being together is as good as being alone. :)
I have been struggling with some personal quirks (personality-related, I believe, but possibly pointing to deeper issues, according to some voices in my life) over the last little while, and this week will give me just the break I need from (or perhaps for) the season of soul-searching I find myself in. I have packed a few good books, my current journals, and a gloriously empty week-long do-to list.
In concluding this post, please see the next one from Hroshi; it's her autumnal hippopota-news letter. Enjoy.
12 September 2010
Foothills of the Canadian Rockies
Cochrane each week.
September morn in Cochrane
the awe I feel when I view the Canadian Foothills from my window.
11 September 2010
Lynne, Rachel & EP
family to me: Lynne is my "twin" at seminary (same birth month and
year; same country of origin; similar accent), and Rachel Phillips is
my Canadian"cousin."
I am blessed.
Green & gold
the rest his "heroes."
The early changers are "traitors."
I love 'em all!
One of the aspects of life in Canada I most enjoy is the distinct
changing of the seasons.
(We have three seasons in Canada: autumn, winter, and construction.)
Autumn in local park
the colours each year...
The season is a-changin'
I enjoyed seeing this spendid golden tree on the way home from
seminary this afternoon. It was green a mere week ago! When fall
finally comes, it arrives almost overnight.
Cochrane railway
seminary picnic earlier.
Stormclouds over CSBS&C
years ago (2000-2003) and current workplace (2004-2010).
My English classroom is on the ground floor to the far right of the
chimney/cross.
01 September 2010
Still Sept 1
As the day ends I want to say how blessed I feel today.
On CrossLight (my companion blog) I'll post something soon about a Spiritual Inventory I did online today--a complete disaster, showing catastrophic areas of growth needed, and soon!--but for now let me say I am at peace.
I live in a free country; rent a lovely home with a wild green garden; have more than enough resources to meet all my needs (and a merciful Creator who fills every part of me with His life-giving presence); I am surrounded by a quantity of quality friends, neighbours, colleagues and kin; I keep meeting new/old friends--earlier today Bee (BG's li'l sister and EB's soulmate) and I discovered that we, too, were both left-handed, enjoyed Austen and loved letter writing--and technology makes it possible to chat to friends long distance and feel like we're in the same room; I love celebrating Special Days with Special People and look forward to each new morning; and as I finish my teaching prep for the week, I realise I am glad to be "back to school."
As I lay me down to sleep, I am truly blessed.
On CrossLight (my companion blog) I'll post something soon about a Spiritual Inventory I did online today--a complete disaster, showing catastrophic areas of growth needed, and soon!--but for now let me say I am at peace.
I live in a free country; rent a lovely home with a wild green garden; have more than enough resources to meet all my needs (and a merciful Creator who fills every part of me with His life-giving presence); I am surrounded by a quantity of quality friends, neighbours, colleagues and kin; I keep meeting new/old friends--earlier today Bee (BG's li'l sister and EB's soulmate) and I discovered that we, too, were both left-handed, enjoyed Austen and loved letter writing--and technology makes it possible to chat to friends long distance and feel like we're in the same room; I love celebrating Special Days with Special People and look forward to each new morning; and as I finish my teaching prep for the week, I realise I am glad to be "back to school."
As I lay me down to sleep, I am truly blessed.
Sept 1, 1970
40 years ago a sweet little baby was born: EB.
I'll write more about my new/old friend later this week--when I've finished grading all my English Placement Tests, and survived my first week back at school, and downloaded the photos R and I took today for a book of poems I'm editing for a dear friend, and submitted the final round of changes to the designer for another book I've just finished proofreading, and written to my mommy (I promised her a weekly letter when I came home in July), and attended our first chapel service at seminary, and...more.
But tonight let me just say how, once in a rare while, I meet someone who seems...familiar.
Not only do we have an eerie amount in common, but already I feel a real fondness for my new friend's extended family. Like we were meant to be friends; meant to be part of the same extending, embracing circle.
And to think it all started with a phone interview for the Horizon last semester, and the writing of an article about my new/old friend's sister(in-law), which I'll post here on Friday. So: watch this space.
Happy birthday, EB.
Affectionately,
Moo
(Why on God's green earth this is your chosen nickname for me remains a mystery, but there you have it...)
I'll write more about my new/old friend later this week--when I've finished grading all my English Placement Tests, and survived my first week back at school, and downloaded the photos R and I took today for a book of poems I'm editing for a dear friend, and submitted the final round of changes to the designer for another book I've just finished proofreading, and written to my mommy (I promised her a weekly letter when I came home in July), and attended our first chapel service at seminary, and...more.
But tonight let me just say how, once in a rare while, I meet someone who seems...familiar.
Not only do we have an eerie amount in common, but already I feel a real fondness for my new friend's extended family. Like we were meant to be friends; meant to be part of the same extending, embracing circle.
And to think it all started with a phone interview for the Horizon last semester, and the writing of an article about my new/old friend's sister(in-law), which I'll post here on Friday. So: watch this space.
Happy birthday, EB.
Affectionately,
Moo
(Why on God's green earth this is your chosen nickname for me remains a mystery, but there you have it...)
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