THE RAM’S HEAD REVIEW

November 5, 2006

Our meetings are so much fun. There were ten of us here Thursday to share our writing and thoughts about Remembrance Day and our soldiers.

Bob brought his grandfather’s enlistment papers in the Canadian Over–Seas Expeditionary Force. Bob also had a clipping with 2 paragraphs written by Denny Boyd, a journalist he greatly admired and who recently passed away.

Susan read a notice about Clifford Grant, who had started collecting novels to send our soldiers. His organization is called “Save Our Troops” and if you want to get involved, you can call 604-542-0170.

I do want to point out that our own website now has a link that tells you what to do if you want to write to our troops. That link will remain after Remembrance Day.

Margaret read first, another short story about Rev. Peabody entitled “Knight At The Round Table”. This time he wishes to raise more money for his church in Scotland, and decides to hold a séance to contact the dead spirits that wealthy congregationists are willing to pay money to communicate with. But the only spirit there was that of a drunken repairman who fell in a wheelbarrow of plaster and then rose stiffly and walked through the room in ‘ghostly’ attire. Hilarious. We look forward to more stories Margaret intends to write in her “Peabody Collection”.

Ellie read more of Syvald and his party, hiding in the forest from pursuers. They learn to climb the trees to scout ahead and find a trail to follow. They are hoping to find shelter and supplies at village up ahead, but aren’t sure that will be possible.

Ann read to us her “Ode To Coronation Street”, the soap opera that’s about a street in Manchester, and that had been on the air for 40 years. She also read “Sacrifice”, about how the death of a young soldier in WWI had long term effects on family members for generations afterwards.

Susan read a chapter in her re-write of “Select Availability”, which shows Barley back at home after going to Sun Peaks with Newston. Phyllis is there when he gets home, and as they watch the news he finally learns exactly what Newton is searching for in geo-cacheing, the kidnapped boy.

Carolann joined us for the first time Thursday, and kindly allowed me to read her tear sheet of a gardening article she wrote for “Guest Shot” in the Langley Times. It expressed the joy and satisfaction derived from building a rock garden.

Gemma read us another of her charming first person dog stories, this time about a dog with wanderlust who goes out and gets trapped. We think she should put together a collection of these stories.

Before Nathaniel read his next chapter, Susan read some history about the Red River settlement and how the Earl of Selkirk obtained a grant of land which became known as Assiniboine, and of how the Hudson Bay Company and the Northwest Company joined in 1821.

Nathaniel read to us of a surprise warming of the weather which helped lighten spirits of those in the brigade. However, Rose misses her father. Alexander longs for her even though she’s married to Declan. The York boats enter a wider river and put up sails. They travel swifter, and the highlanders sing. As they approach Jack River Post, they see Indians encamped there, who now canoe toward them with scalps hanging from their canoes. Alexander and Tur meet in a teepee with the Indians who tell them they want half of everything they have in return for their lives and the lives of the settlers. To protect the settlers, Alexander agrees. There was a good buildup of tension here.

Since Thursday, Ann has emailed her son, who is a high school principal in Surrey, and invited him to have his students check out our website and perhaps submit any of their writings regarding Remembrance Day. It would be nice to hear from the younger generation. I love learning what their perspective is on world events.

Jean was back from her latest travel excursion and we were glad to see her.

Marilyn had mentioned she would love to see more of our works showcased on our website. She checks it out often and keeps looking for something new to read. So if you have something your would like to put up, just forward it to me or Sonny in a separate attachment.

Next meeting here at my place, Thursday, November 9th at 7:00 p.m. Hope to see you then, and that your Muse keeps you writing in the meantime.

Lisa