Harbourfront at dusk

Grateful that in this city, 

we can find our way, within minutes, to the water, 

to a vast sky uninterrupted by the ever-present jungle of buildings,

to a tranquil lake that allows us to unwind,

even when the weather is darn cold.

We take in the crisp air, a brisk wind slapping our coats,

whipping strands of hair across our elated faces,

and I realize I love winter, its toughness,

the resilience it brings out in us, 

and I wait for the softness 

of its snow flakes.

Winter

Winter is finally here. But shades of spring are always around when you're surrounded by the warmth of good friends. Wishing you all a cosy day at home with loved ones. Stay safe.

A collage to bring some dreaminess on this brutally cold day.

I'm gonna run to you

Womanvoice 2019

Inviting you to Womanvoice, a celebration of women. I will read a few poems from my book Island Lovers. My talented friend Shannon Hancocks will accompany me with her graceful interpretive dancing. 

This yearly event is organized by Honey Novick to honour the women who were massacred 30 years ago at the École Polytechnique in Montreal.  It is a platform to allow women to explore new ideas, find their voices and make friends.

Please join us if you can. Let's encourage women to keep expressing themselves, their intelligence and creativity and not let themselves be intimidated by men who try to suppress their voices.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

A few inspiring quotes by strong women:

We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.

Malala Yousafzai

Each time a woman steps in for herself, without knowing it possibly,

without claiming it, she stands up for all women.

Maya Angelou

Don't let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity.

It's your place in the world; it's your life.

Dr. Mae Jemison

There is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind.

Virginia Woolf

I am too intelligent, too demanding, and too resourceful for anyone to be able to take charge of me entirely. No one knows me or loves me completely. I have only myself.

Simone de Beauvoir

Authors' Afternoon with Naben Ruthnum

Inviting you to meet and chat with our guest author Naben Ruthnum. His best selling thrillers were written under his pen name Nathan Ripley. He will share his writing journey and talk about his books. It will be a thrilling afternoon for mystery lovers. See you there at this free and fun event.

Naben Ruthnum's books will not be available for purchase at the Authors' Afternoon. If you want the author to sign your books, please bring them to the event. They are available in all major bookstores.

On a trail in Cedarvale Park

On a trail in Cedarvale park

two red leaves on colours dark

startled me with such sorrow

so vibrant and sprightly

yet lost and scattered below

on a bed of soil and weeds

they lay there touching lightly

together, apart, friend or foe

poised, radiant, unaware

of their short lives so near

thriving in the moment

they spread their glow, ardent

with no fear, they dare the future

infusing the air with sweet rapture

two red leaves left their mark

on my walk through the park

Learning and growth

The last rays of summer on a cool fall day. Leaves turning shades of gold and red are so beautiful, invigorating, yet instil a melancholic feeling, preparing us for the dormant stage of winter. Fall may seem the same each year, but the delightful change of colours always fills me with a new sense of wonder.

Still working on my short stories. Lately, reflecting on past loves coming back into people's lives, perhaps to seek the comfort of what they miss from good old times. But when they repeat the same harmful patterns that broke the relationships, and cannot meet you where you have moved on, be strong enough to let go, or guide them in their inner journey. Learning from past experiences means not repeating negative habits. The key to growth is to be truthful to yourself and each other and to be willing to change.

We tend to think that when we get older, it's impossible to change. But there is hope. Check this video. I may not agree with everything Dr. Joe Dispenza says, but I do believe in his theory that when we desire change, we can rewire thinking habits, and create new positive connections in our brain.

Wishing you wisdom and growth in your evolving relationships on this gorgeous fall day, and a very happy Thanksgiving weekend among family and friends.

Authors' Afternoon with Susan Glickman

Inviting you to an inspiring afternoon with our guest author, Susan Glickman. 

She will be reading from her books and will discuss them with us. 

As usual, this is a free event and everybody is welcome.

Abstract Art

It was dark out there, and lights were reflecting on a window that had some kind of pinkish red pigment. Condensation from a quick change of temperature formed this interesting abstract image.

When we see things from only one angle, we miss so much. If the mind is flexible, a wondrous world opens up, not only in viewing things around us, but also in seeing people's positive potentials.

See all with your heart

through the complicated mess

feel sparks of wonder

Liter-Arti 2019

Inviting you to a fun afternoon of poetry and music.

Thrilled to be among these talented poets and songwriters.

I will read a few poems from my book Island Lovers.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Authors' Afternoon with Chris Hercules

Please join us for an exciting afternoon with our guest writer and story teller, Chris Hercules. He is among the new generation of spoken word artists who call themselves jazz poets. His material is inspired by jazz, world events, house music, and his everyday life experiences.

Night reflections

A cool summer night at Harbourfront
A Caribbean band's rhythm in the background
Lights flickering on the waves
Abstract art in the making

Reflections dancing on the water

gliding, swaying, shimmying, 

mesmerizing us with their 

shifting patterns 

Rainbow over the falls

I was at Niagara Falls last week with some friends, and we were thrilled to see this beautiful rainbow spreading its happy colours over the powerful rush of falling water. 

arc of hope and joy

ephemeral, compelling

defies all danger

                            

Authors' Afternoon with Honey Novick

Inviting you, book lovers and writers to meet our multi-talented guest author Honey Novick. She will talk about her latest poetry book, Undefeated Relevance and will share her writing tips with us.

Join us for an amazing afternoon with this dynamic poet and singer, and winner of the 2018 Canada 150 Outstanding Neighbours Award.

Creative vibes in Montreal.

Montreal always inspires me with its creative vibes. A few weeks ago, while we were walking through the Concordia University campus, we stumbled upon this sculpture. Mesmerizing. Just love the rhythmic movements propelled by the wind.

The Di-Octo is the creation of Anthony Howe, a kinetic wind sculptor. I'm fascinated by his work and checked them all. More if you click here.

Often, in our busy city lives, we forget to take time to enjoy art. Perhaps if we had sculptures like this in our concrete jungle, more people would be elated, joyful, and cope better with stress.

The Radiance of Light and Love

I was walking by Queen's Park the other day with a very dear friend, and the light was bathing the trees, grass, and people sitting by with a magical radiance. Even our friendship seemed to glow in it. Sunshine, like love, sheds light within us and around us. Wishing you all lots of light and love.

Authors' Afternoon with Dave Meslin

Inviting you to meet Dave Meslin, activist, artist and writer. He is our guest author this month, and will talk about his book, Teardown, Rebuilding Democracy from the Ground Up.

Join us for an exciting afternoon discussing his vision for democracy, and his constructive approach to changing the system.

Sunrise at Long Beach, Mauritius

A few weeks ago, in Mauritius, I woke up at 5:30 am, waited in the dark, beside large, black volcanic rocks, to watch the sun peek on the horizon, and flaunt its spectacular colours across the cloud-speckled sky and rippling ocean ... 

Nature. The most amazing artist.

My photos. A way of paying homage to it.

Each day, a blessing

when we're alive, renew love

in nature's splendour

Authors' Afternoon with Brenda Clews

Inviting you to meet multi-talented Brenda Clews, our guest author this month. She will talk about her video poetry and discuss the creative process that inspire her as a writer and an artist.

Join us for an exciting afternoon watching her video poetry and discussing innovative ways of sharing our writing with the visual impact of videos.

Merci l'île Maurice pour Coeur de Corail

Merci l'île Maurice de m'accueillir avec tant d'ardeur et de générosité pour le lancement de Coeur de Corail, la traduction française de The Coral Heart. C'était émouvant de revoir la famille et les amis et sympa de me faire de nouveaux amis. Un grand merci à Robert Furlong de m'avoir encouragé à travailler sur cette traduction. J'espère que beaucoup de Mauriciens et de francophones liront ce roman historique. C'est disponible à Maurice chez Bookcourt, Le Cygne, L'Artelier et Petrusmok et peuvent être commandés de ces librairies si vous vivez à l'étranger.

Thank you Mauritius for your warm welcome and generosity during my visit for the launch of Coeur de Corail, the french translation of The Coral Heart. It was so heart-warming to reconnect with family and friends and so nice to make new friends. A special thanks to Robert Furlong for encouraging me to work on the translation. I hope many Mauritians and francophones will read this historical fiction. It's available in Mauritius at Bookcourt, Le Cygne, L'Artelier and Petrusmok, and can be ordered from these bookstores if you live abroad.

Info sur la couverture de Coeur de Corail 

En 1911, des immigrants chinois de culture hakka débarquent à l’île Maurice dans l'océan Indien. Parmi eux, un enfant. Il a faim. Il travaille pour son père qui est commerçant, et lui remet tout ce qu’il gagne, selon la tradition chinoise. Devenu jeune homme, il s'adapte au pays et développe son commerce. Il tombe amoureux d'une musulmane, et tous deux tenteront de faire tomber les barrières. Dès lors, sa confiance dans la culture et les traditions chinoises est mise à l'épreuve.

Pour écrire ce roman, l’auteur s’est inspirée des lettres retrouvées de son père. Une histoire qui se déroule avec pour fond historique, les périodes durant la déposition de l'empereur chinois, la montée du communisme, l'invasion japonaise de la Chine et les deux Guerres mondiales.

Peggy Lampotang est écrivaine et photographe. Elle est née à Maurice et vit à Toronto, au Canada. Elle a étudié le design à l'université Ryerson de Toronto, et le creative writing à l'Université de Toronto. Ses écrits ont été publiés dans The Globe and Mail, le journal national du Canada, et dans des manuels scolaires de Nelson Education, l’un des principaux éditeurs dans le domaine de l’éducation au Canada. Son livre Island Lovers, Poems and Images of Mauritius a été publié en 2016. 

L'Express: Coeur de Corail

So thrilled to share my book Coeur de Corail during radio, tv, and newspaper interviews in Mauritius. Thanks to l'Express newspaper for this blurb. If you're interested in reading the french version of The Coral Heart, I will have a book signing at Bookcourt Bagatelle this coming Saturday June 1st, from noon to 3 pm. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Ravie de partager mon livre Coeur de Corail pendant les interviews à la radio, la télé et avec les journaux à Maurice. Merci au journal l'Express pour cet article sur Coeur de Corail. J'espère que ceux qui préfèrent lire en français viendront à la séance de dédicaces à Bookcourt Bagatelle ce samedi 1 juin de 12h à 15h. Je serai si contente de vous voir.

Coeur de Corail

So happy to announce that Pamplemousses Éditions is publishing the French translation of The Coral Heart in Mauritius and the book launch will be on May 16, 2019 at Hennessy Park Hotel in Mauritius. Looking forward to seeing many of you there.

I would like to thank Robert Furlong, a writer, actor and a kind friend based in Mauritius. He wanted this historical fiction about Chinese immigration in Mauritius to reach the larger French audience there, and surprised me by sending me his first draft of the translation. It propelled me to immerse myself in French and edit the translation.

I've always felt the duality in my personality when I switch back and forth in both languages, as in this article I wrote a while ago for The Globe and Mail.  For a year, I went back and forth from English to French to bring the essence of the story in the translation. The manuscript was then sent to several publishers.

I'm thrilled that Alain Gordon-Gentil of Pamplemousses Éditions chose to publish my book. He is one of the best French writers in Mauritius. I have read all his books and I respect his writing immensely. And I love his final edit of the translation. Hope you will enjoy it too.

Authors' Afternoon with John Oughton

Inviting you to meet John Oughton, our guest author with a great sense of humour. He will talk about his mystery novel and read some of his poetry. Come by to chat with him about his work and journey as a writer, poet and editor.

On the nature trail in High Park

After a delicious brunch with some friends on Sunday, I was in High Park, on the trail that runs along Grenadier Pond, to do some research for my current short story. Visual feasts greeted me ... inspiration and elation at the beauty around me ...

We're blessed with so many large parks, and ravines within the bustling city that is Toronto. Let's make more time to connect with nature's wonders and reap the mental and physical health benefits. Reducing stress fosters positive attitudes towards others and conciliatory ways to resolve problems ...

stand tall in the wind

unwind your mind in nature

sip the wine of life

Ode to friendship

A close friend gave me those lilies, and it means so much to me. I love them not only for their elegance, but what they symbolize: innocence, purity, devotion, sympathy, and most of all friendship. 

Ode to friendship

Bursts of lilies, your offering

in graceful shades, ease suffering

O what a thrill to have you back

Sweet scents you bring with your presence

with much remorse break your silence

O what a thrill to hear you sing 

The clash of minds tore us apart

but in our hearts the bond remained

for love that's free cannot be lost

expands along in all weather

in forgiveness grow stronger

with you my friend

I share my soul

in truth and trust

ever closer