Welcome Ingrid

Thank you for joining us last night.  Welcome to the group!

March 1, 2013

Hi everyone,

Just a note to let you know my ankle surgery went very well, and I'm fine.  I even had a ramp built on the front of the deck so I can get in and out of the house in a wheelchair.  Please come and visit.

It's been a sad week for us, because my daughter-in-law's mother Beatriz Bensusan, who some of you met at the Brian Henry Workshop, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday.  Her commemoration is this evening in Milton, 7 - 9 if anyone wishes to come, all are welcome.  It's been pretty devastating for our family, especially Ximena and our grandsons Christian and Julian.

Anyway, I'm here, doing emails again, will start writing next week I hope.   I understand you didn't meet this week, due to snow.  Hey, it's winter, in Canada, what did you expect? Invest in snow tires, then you can go anywhere anytime.

Miss you all, Susan

The Tenors

I loved your piece Karen, a wonderful description of a really meaningful encounter.  I just read it, somehow missed it before.  I saw a special of The Tenors in Las Vegas and was blown away.  I loved the voices and the guys - very down to earth as you say.  I loved the fact that the Hispanic tenor had his son and wife there, in the front row and wow - what a voice he has.

Thanks for sharing Karen.

If any of you planned to go, I'm reading at CJ's Cafe in Oakville tonight 6:30 - 9, about 12 of us are reading pieces we've written.  Hope to see some of you there.
Susan

October 30th 2012

5am.

Had my shower, wrapped a towel around my head to dry off the excess water.    I walked back to my room and sat on the bed beside the pile of clean clothes I laid out 2 days ago in anticipation of this morning. 

As I was getting dressed, my hubby rolled over and rubbed my back.  “Do you want me to get up and help you get ready?”  he asked.

“No....I’m ok!” as I continued to put gel in my damp curly hair.   I was hoping to blow dry and style my hair to wear it straight but because of the weather they have predicted, I don’t want to take a chance.  I like it curly cause it’s a wash and wear this way. 

I quietly leave the bedroom, put on my coat and shoes and head out the door.  Chris stayed in bed quietly.  I’m sure he’s waiting for me to call him to come and help me get ready as I’ve done in the past. For almost 12 years, he’s been my knight in shining armour.  Always coming to my rescue, helping me get ready to leave the house but not this time.  Only a couple months ago, he struggled with where he was going to fit in to my life because of my newly acquired independence and now, he just beams with pride, knowing I can do so much more for myself and we do things together and not just him carrying the whole load.  I donned my jacket, stepped into my shoes and quietly closed the door behind me. 

As I pulled out of the driveway I could feel the van sway a bit because of the wind but no worse than any other average rainy fall day.  I think yesterday’s forecast is not going to be as bad as they are anticipating, only a bit of rain with lots of wind blowing.  It’s now 5:40am and the highway is busy but moving well.  I am not normally on the road this early but I believe I’m ahead of the morning rush.  I thought hard about taking public transit last night but with the flow of traffic moving so well, I’m glad I decided to drive myself. 

As I headed north on Yonge St, I realized I didn’t know exactly where the CityTV building was.  I turned where I thought it might be and found it tucked behind Dundas Square.  I parked in the underground lot kitty-corner to the building and walked over Dundas Square and headed to the entrance.  I could see a familiar face through the glass.  Standing against the wall checking her cell phone was my wonderful friend Sue. 

We hugged and headed inside to the reception desk.  To the right of us, there was an opening and we could see and hear the Tenors rehearsing!  I felt my heart beat faster.  It’s been 3 years since I’ve seen them live.   I sent Remigio, one of my Facebook friends, a message to tell him I won the tickets to be here this morning.  Just over a week ago, I sent him a message just to keep in touch and I said I hope to see you soon.   Little did I know it would happen so soon.

One of the show assistants came to take us down a long hallway to an elevator.  We got to the second floor and walked down another long hallway to a holding room that was over top of the studio.   We could hear the Tenors rehearsing.  Even from a distance, they sounded so amazing! 

There were about 25 of us corralled in this holding room.   It a big open concept room with black tiled floors, 2 walls are white and the other 2 are glass.  One faced outside and the other faced an office full of cubicles.  It’s just after 7am and none of the desks are occupied yet. 

We could hear the beautiful voices seeping into our room...it was heavenly but then it stopped.   I thought at that point they would turn on the monitor in the room so we could at least watch the show while we waited to go to the studio but they didn’t turn it on.  Finally just after 8am, someone came to escort us back downstairs to the studio.  We took another elevator that was right beside the front door.  We walked into the studio past the stage with four mics, a keyboard, drum kit and a couple guitar stands.   They had us all stand in a tiny corner of the room.  Some of the assistants came around with chairs for those who needed them.  April, the floor director asked me if I was the one who requested a chair and I happily said no. 

Minutes later, the Tenors walked in the room we all gasped and smiled.  

The show attendants were arranging stools for them to sit in for their interview with Dina.  Remigio said “Hi Karen” and waved.  Victor looked over and smiled from one ear to the other.  “Great to see you” he said with a welcoming wave.  I wasn’t sure if he would recognize me but he did. 

The guys all sat with Dina Puliese and spoke about all of the things they have been doing lately, meeting with the Queen during the Olympics and being with President Obama.   They also spoke about their new album being released that morning.   After the interview, Victor walked right over to...ME!  He gave me a huge hug and thanked me for coming.  He then kissed Sue on the cheek and thanked her for coming.  Remigio came over and hugged me as well.  It made me remember what I really love about the Tenors even more than their music is how genuine they are.   They truly have not forgotten the fans.  They spent the next few minutes greeting the fans and thanking them for coming! 

Next...the piece de resistance, they took the stage and sang a song from their new album “Lead With Your Heart”.  What a beautiful song.  I can’t wait to hear the whole CD.  

What an amazing morning!  This new body has opened up so many doors for me....I can hardly wait for the next adventure.  Bring it on!  :o)

An Exciting Publishing Week

Last week was exciting in the publishing world in Canada.  Linda Spalding won the GG's award for her novel "The Purchase" and Ross King won the non-fiction prize for "Leonardo Davinci and the Last Supper".  Various other prizes were doled out too, making it a big week.
Susan McCrae

Melodie Campbell's Book Launch

What a delightful night I spent with Cathy Astolfo, Karen Clouter and friends in Hamilton at Melodie's launch of her 3rd novel, "The Goddaughter" .  Its a Rapid Read genre aimed at adults with little time or those for whom reading has been a challenge.

I read it last night (I'm a fast and voracious reader) and it lived up to its billing.  Its fun.  Its protagonist Gina, loosely related to a 'mob' family in Hamilton, gets drawn into a 'caper' with a romantic hunk.  Its engaging, fun and funny.  I recommend it. 

I'm starting on "Rowena Through the Wall" a lovely sexy romantic fantasy with weird witchy overtones.  So far so good. 

Thanks Cathy for inviting me - a great evening.
Susan

Story Posted

November 1, 2012

Hi there,
The story "The Smoke Under the Floor Boards" is finally up on commuterlit.com and is the feature story today.
Susan