Through the Trees

This month started and ended with trees.

When I was growing up, I swore I would never do any kind of job involving trees. Why? Because both my parents had tree-related careers, so the talk around the dinner table, or on family road trips, often landed on the subject. “Look at those over there. Pine beetle damage. [Or some disease affecting evergreens.]” Yes Mom, very interesting. Or Dad would talk about pruning the apples, or express concerns for the cherries because of recent hail. All valid points, and quite important and useful information when you live in a province full of forest and orchards.

Except when you’re a kid, they’re kind of boring.

I wish I’d paid more attention. These days, it would be fair to say I’m in my Tree Era. From planting an oak tree out front through our municipality’s boulevard tree program, to planting (hoarding) apples, peaches, and figs in the back yard, to getting out for walks in a Garry Oak meadow to clear my head, you could say I’m hooked. Or, grounded? Rooted? I’m working on it, anyway.

One of life’s great ironies is not appreciating things at the time. The clarity comes much later, when you look back. When you see how seemingly innocuous parts of your early years were quietly working their magic inside you all this time, in spite of your childish protests.

Trees are much wiser than I am. But I’d like to think I’m catching up.

I’ve just returned from a week-long vacation to the Kootenay Region of British Columbia, with the main sights being cows, mountains, and lots and lots of forest. Endless forest. And despite generally being immune to the charms of these views because I was born and raised here, I’m starting to see them the way visitors must.

The forest for the trees.

A Room of One’s Own

The “lengths” to which writers will go to set up the perfect creative space. Honestly, I’m impressed my clown car was up to the task.

Progress is coming along on my new writing study. (Watch for a full room reveal soon!) Now I just need time to actually use it. 🙄

Beach Read

Just the pick-me-up I needed!

A few of my readers have mentioned that they took Provenance Unknown on vacation. Something to consider if you’re heading off for Spring Break or another trip and are looking for a beach read. 🏖️ ☀️

But Then This Happened

The day after the high of the positive review, I received a rejection that gutted me. Now, as an author, I’ve received more rejections than I can count. But this one really, really hurt.

The program and application related to my culture and identity as a first-generation Canadian of Portuguese descent. At my lowest, I thought, If I can’t make it as finalist where I check all the boxes, then what hope is there for other residencies/awards/publications I might go for? That was emotional me, though. After a day of wallowing, which included indulging in a couple of things, I’ve come out the other side. Heck, I might even apply for something else.

Writers are nothing if not suckers for punishment.

On This Day

Every chapter in Provenance Unknown begins with a (translated) excerpt from a French diary rediscovered by main character Michele in the archives. The diary sends her on a journey from the West Coast of Canada to Paris, France! As it happens, there’s a March entry.

I’m thinking of sharing more entries as the dates come up. What do you think?

Daily Inspiration

When I recently found myself in the vicinity of the J.B. Fletcher Store in Ainsworth, BC, of course I had to visit.

Now a museum, the store was built in 1896 and is completely intact with all its original furnishings and fixtures. Such an inspiration to me both as an archivist and an author. (In my work-in-progress, it just so happens that the main character rescues certain types of antiques. She would love that cash register!)

Les Bouquinistes — Okanagan

My publisher, Okanagan Publishing House, has released a lovely new children’s book!

From the Penticton Herald:

Okanagan Author explores day with boy and his dragon

A local author’s split-second concern for a lonely young boy has been brought to life in a new children’s book from Okanagan Publishing House.

“Billy and The Dragon” was penned by Kelowna author Sally Quon and illustrated by local artist Billie Blue.

Quon, who’s disabled, was inspired to write the book after spotting a child walking alone one day and being overcome with concern.

“I was thinking, ‘Why was the child alone? Where were his parents?’ My head was filled with all the terrible things that could happen to a child by themselves. That is, until I remembered that my own childhood was full of such moments – moments during which my imagination flourished,” recalled Quon in a press release.

“Almost immediately, my thoughts turned to all of the interesting things that could happen!”

The full-colour, 24-page book is available at most local retailers and online at: OkanganPublishingHouse.ca.

As always, thanks for reading. Merci!

Sonia