Beginning about autumn of last year, I told everyone I knew that the first half of 2025 was going to be stupid. Not all bad stupid, mind you, but beyond busy. And just as predicted, it has been. The last show of Taylor Swift’s Eras tour in Vancouver. The release of my first poetry chapbook — the release of any writing always means back and forth editing, plus marketing, of course. Family trip to Mexico for Spring Break. More poetry written and published and written. Re-release of my first novel, with — you guessed it — more marketing. Big work conference, which I helped to organize, in Georgia, along with the last minute and on-site challenges that needed to be solved. Chaotic workload in general with additional responsibilities. Installation of new windows. Some volunteering with the Superheroes of Victoria, though I feel like it hasn’t been enough. Family milestones including a graduation and a first triathlon. Another work conference I’m organizing for July. Minimal book writing.
Actually, looking at this list now, most of these sound positive, (other than the last one). They are. And I know I’m lucky in so many ways for the opportunities in my life. But it doesn’t mean there hasn’t been a lot of stress. And sheer, overwhelming exhaustion. I could sleep for two weeks straight.
But there’s so rest for the weary or the wicked or whatever, and life keeps coming fast and furious. I’m grateful. Not for the exhaustion, but for the connections. For the magical moments big and small that will stick with me, from sitting and chatting in the sun with friends, to hitting the dance floor with my parents and sister.
Let me tell you more about the latter. Twice a year, my parents come out to Victoria, and their visit always aligns with a Portuguese festival (festa) of some kind. These are a combination of religious and cultural, and are a tangible link to my heritage as a first-generation Canadian from a Portuguese immigrant family. In mid-June, we, along with my sister and nephews, who live locally, attended such a festa, complete with the decorations my mom remembers from her youth on the island of Santa Maria, Azores. The meal was Portuguese sopas, a traditional dish made up of thick slices of bread soaked in broth with mint leaves and a hint of cinnamon, beef, cabbage, carrots, and potato (in case the bread wasn’t enough carbs!); followed by a dessert of a sweet, yellow bread, and arroz doce, a rice pudding — more carbs!
(Author photo)
After the food, with my insides ready to burst, the band, called Primos (meaning “cousins”) because it’s a group of actual cousins, took the stage and played familiar songs from both Portugal and Mexico. Now, the festas we usually attend always include folklore-based entertainment to watch, but not general dancing to participate in. This time, the music pounded and the floor filled — fuelled in part, perhaps, by the free-flowing wine. The scene mimicked a Portuguese wedding. Soon, we joined in. First, I wriggled my finger at my sweet dad and dragged him out for a few songs. Later, my mom asked if I was going back out. “Not by myself!” I said, so she joined me, all smiles, despite some physical issues she was struggling with. Finally, my sister and I rocked out, with nearly as much laughter as dancing. The best part? The expression on our parents’ faces as they watched us. Their hearts, like our insides, were full.
By the time I got home, which was rather late, I knew it had been a magical night. No matter that I would be (even more) exhausted the next morning, or that those carbs were going to hit me straight in the mid-section. Those moments, those memories, counted for far more than any calories ever could.
I wanted the evening to last forever. In a way, it will.
Portuguese Heritage Month
For Portuguese Heritage Month, celebrated in June, I put out a few special things!
(Order HERE & ELSEWHERE: AN ANTHOLOGY OF PORTUGUESE CANADIAN WRITERS through Arquipélago Press!)
49th Shelf has also included Here & Elsewhere: An Anthology of Portuguese Canadian Writers in its June giveaway. Enter for a chance to win! (Giveaway period ends on July 1.)
I wasn’t able to attend, sadly, but the Toronto launch for HERE & ELSEWHERE: AN ANTHOLOGY OF PORTUGUESE CANADIAN WRITERS took place at The Peach Gallery on June 19th.
For people in British Columbia, I’m waiting to hear about a Vancouver or Victoria event. And I’m in the Okanagan from time to time — I would be happy to do a reading/signing if anyone knows of any opportunities.
Poetry in Motion
A new poem of mine came out on June 3 in The Amazine! Their theme was wonder, so I hope I did it justice. Read the piece for free:
Third Time Lucky
Never thought I’d get to do three unboxings for one book. My debut novel’s had three covers, and I’m so in love with this one. 😍
Now that my books have arrived, my book signing event at Saanich Archives has been rescheduled for Thursday, July 10. I’ll be reading some local history / archives-related passages too! If you’re in the area, I’d love to see you there.
Books, Books, Books!
The latest additions to my collection, which I picked up in Columbus, Georgia. I’m not a spender at all, but when it comes to vintage books, I can’t quit them. See my new-old treasures on my reel.
Les Bouquinistes
One Summer in Provence, by Carol Drinkwater
Carol is another author I’ve been following online, based in France. Her new book, One Summer in Provence, which comes out on July 3, promises “A summer of surprises.”
Celia Grey appears to have the perfect life: married to Dominic, the man of her dreams, and living on a glorious, thriving vineyard in the south of France. To celebrate their good fortune, she decides to throw a huge party.
When she is contacted by a stranger who claims to be her long-lost son, David, the newborn she gave up at twenty and has never spoken of since, Celia impulsively invites him for the weekend of celebrations – without mentioning it to her husband.
Despite his surprise, Dominic graciously welcomes David and his unexpected companion – but secretly he harbours doubts. Is David really Celia’s son? And who is the mysterious young woman travelling with him?
Only Celia can decide how far she will go to hold everything together, to keep her perfect life from unravelling…
One Summer in Provence is a story of betrayal and belonging, and of discovering love in unexpected places.
As always, thanks for reading. Merci! And don’t miss my July newsletter. I’ll have some fun happenings to report!
Sonia
Sonia Nicholson 
Hi Sonia, are you available for a short tel con sometime Monday? Les
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Yes!
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