Not only did I celebrate another poem out on July 1 (thanks, Paddler Press!), but I also spent Canada Day going down memory lane. Almost thirty years 😳 after being crowned Miss Osoyoos, I was back in my home town for a royalty reunion and the big parade in honour of the 75th anniversary of the Cherry Fiesta.
Much appreciation to Mayor Sue McKortoff, Kara Burton of the Osoyoos & District Museum and Archives, and their team for organizing the events for past royalty; and to the Osoyoos Festival Society for putting on this Festival year after year. I had such a great time getting nostalgic and doing my best queen wave on the fabulous anniversary float. Can’t wait to come back!
Season of Poetry
Visit MoonLit Getaway for all new artwork, fiction, and poetry. June 30th contributors include me and Chris Cottom. Plus, don’t miss the interview with poet and writer John RC Potter.
This poem is from my latest batch, which is made up of my best work to date — my poetry era is going strong. (More to come soon.)
And as referred to above, Volume 14 from Paddler Press is now live to the world. This issue includes a poem and photograph from yours truly. Fun fact: I wrote my hockey poem during a Victoria Royals hockey game — that was a first for me!
And here’s a different poetry win:
Poetry connects us. Across town, across borders. More and more, I’m convinced that poetry diplomacy is real, quietly joining the quiet hearts. Slowly creating threads between the creators which then spread the power of emotion, observation, and tiny, beautiful moments further afield with a version of e.e. cummings’ “intense fragility.”
This beautiful, hand-typed poem was written and sent by the thoughtful and talented Frances Denise from the southern US to me in Victoria on the West Coast of Canada. And the timing of both the generous offer and of receipt were perfect — always on days when I needed a boost.
Thank you for making the world a better place, one poem at a time.
Author at the Archives!
Well, you sure know how to make a gal feel special.
From the friends, family, and members of the public who came out to the Author at the Archives! event; to the Saanich Archives staff who kindly hosted; to everyone who liked and shared the posts on social media — thank you!
It was a lovely time of archives, local history, a little piece of France in Victoria, and most importantly of all, connection.
(If you missed out and wanted to purchase a copy of Provenance Unknown directly from me, please reach out and we’ll make arrangements.)
Pink Elephants
When a fan surprises you with the perfect gift inspired by your book 🥹. Meet Rutley the pink elephant from Rutledge Park, in watering can form! (Find Rutley in the pages of Provenance Unknown)
What a lovely, thoughtful, and appreciated gesture from reader Helen. Thank you!
Business and Pleasure
All work and no play, etc etc.
I capped off a conference in Calgary in late July with an afternoon at Heritage Park. I’m a huge fan of the vintage midway! 🎡
Where are your summer adventures taking you?
Les Bouquinistes
Sweet Ridge Hearts — a sweet, small-town romance book, by Susan Bagby
Susan is a publisher sibling of mine, with our first books published by Sands Press and She Rises Studios. Here’s her latest!
When Katy Flanagan, a driven marketing professional, loses a promotion and gets dumped by her boyfriend on the same day, she flees New York for a small-town break with her cousin, Christine.
She jumps in to help Christine win a competition for her Sweet Ridge Bakery but is not prepared for Derek Higgins, the handsome bakery manager. A veteran dealing with the aftermath of PTSD, Derek is a loner. Being forced to work with a spirited businesswoman is challenging, but the stakes are too high for him to give up helping his boss.
The chemistry between them heats up until Katy is offered a new job in another city, and Derek must face his own issues when a personal tragedy wraps him in survivor’s guilt.
While Derek seeks to heal the wounds of a haunting past, and Katy searches for the courage to face her fears and forge a new path, what will become of their relationship?
As always, thanks for reading. Merci!
Sonia
Sonia Nicholson 
Thank you, Sonia! Hope all is well with you!
Warmest wishes,
Susan
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I was happy to feature your book!
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