Happy Holidays from Toronto

Some photos from Asia

Victoria harbour, Hong Kong 

Meizhou, China

Gardens by the bay, Singapore

A river in the shopping mall of Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

 Manila, Philippines

 Puerto Princesa, Philippines

Buddhist god playing music, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Detail of Buddhist temple, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Stilt house in Water Village, Brunei

Sentosa island, Singapore

Parking lot at Sentosa island, Singapore 

Nuit Blanche Toronto

Portraits glued on the grounds of Nathan Phillips Square

Wire sculptures at 401 Richmond Street

It was a cool fall evening, but enthusiastic crowds strolled through downtown Toronto and lined up at AGO, OCAD, and other venues to soak in the creativity of Nuit Blanche.

Relationships

Love has been on my thoughts lately. I'm writing a collection of short stories about what goes on in men's and women's minds and hearts when they are in committed relationships, and cheat. It is often said that life is stranger than fiction. In this collection, I'm extracting the essence of real situations and turning them into fiction.

I apologize to those who have been expecting a sequel to The Coral Heart. It will come at some point, but I was immersed in the1910-1950 period during the many years spent writing The Coral Heart, and it's refreshing to write about present times, and take a break from the past.

The Prison Book Club by Ann Walmsley

So proud to announce that Ann Walmsley, a very dear friend from my writing group, published her first book, The Prison Book Club, with Penguin Random House.

I was fascinated by Ann's story from the very beginning and it's been an incredible learning journey to support, and witness the progression of this thought-provoking book before it came to life. Ann's clear authentic voice, her warmth and courage resonate throughout this captivating non-fiction that will shatter many preconceptions.

The Prison Book Club can be pre-ordered and will be available soon in Canada, U.S., U.K. and all the commonwealth countries. Check her website for more info about Ann and her book.

Congratulations Ann. I will be cheering for you all the way to literary stardom.

BuskerFest in Toronto

Aerial performers on Yonge Street

A busker displaying her skills with a hula hoop on fire ...

Summer in Toronto is a continuous celebration on the streets with all kinds of festivals every weekend. BuskerFest was one of them, and I was awed by the talents of these performers.

Jann Arden in Toronto during Panamania

Panamania brought a new effervescence to Toronto's night life. Jann Arden, backed by her fantastic band, woos an enthusiastic crowd with her sultry voice and sassy personality.

Nathan Phillips Square on Tuesday night, August 11th. 

The Coral Heart at the Toronto Hakka Festival Saturday July 11th, 2015

The Coral Heart will be available at the Toronto Hakka Festival 

For other up to date info on The Coral Heart, please go to its facebook page here

Swans along the Avon River in Stratford, Ontario

It felt like summer in Stratford. With the breeze cooling us off as we sat by the river watching swans fluffing their wings, gliding gracefully along the water. Precious moments shared with good friends.

Only an hour and a half away from Toronto, Stratford is a get-away haven. Not only to catch a play but also to relax in a laid-back atmosphere surrounded by lush greenery and majestic swans preening along the river. 

Spring Blossoms in High Park

High Park was swarming with people snapping up photos of spring blossoms ... It is indeed exhilarating to be out there walking under a canopy of cherry blossoms as the fading sun casts its last rays on the profusion of lacy flowers, and yes, I love that feeling of stepping softly on fallen petals sprinkled on our paths, a sensual delight imbued with poetry.

Magnolia blossoms

Nature lovers under a canopy of cherry blossoms

The Coral Heart at U of T, Toronto Public Library and Beachcomber Magazine

Some updates on The Coral Heart

It is listed on the page "Great books published by the school's instructors & students" on this U of T site

Thanks to Lee Gowan, Director of  Creative Writing at U of T, for his support and for being an inspiring teacher. Thrilled to be in the company of my good friend Terry Fallis, and my wonderful instructors, Michael Winter and Ken Babstock.

The Coral Heart is now available at the Toronto Public Library

Here's an interview about the novel in Beachcomber magazine