I recently responded to call for an 11-word story about love. Here are three of my attempts.
- Cat gazes cooly into the distance, longing to be fondled, kissed.
- Their hands make love together, palms palpating, thumbs and fingers philandering.
- “I love you.” “What if there is no ‘I’ or ‘you’?”
The challenge was proffered by For Reading Addicts, a Facebook page “by a team of literary-mad writers and editors.”
What about you? Rachel Writes invites your 11-word story about love! Just send it to rawrites@yahoo.com.
STORIES, STORIES, STORIES
A storytelling festival is sweeping the Estrie region from October 17 to 27. It’s called Les jours sont contés. That’s a play on words, of course (contés, not comptés), like saying your days are storied, rather than counted. This is the 27th annual story festival organized by the Maison des arts de la parole, and it features 18 accomplished storytellers from this region, from across Quebec and Canada, and from elsewhere. Program and ticket details are at https://maisondesartsdelaparole.com.
But right off the top, I can tell you about two storytelling events planned for the Haut-Saint-François, one in English, one in French. Read on!
A TIME FOR ALL SEASONS, 19th
In English: Our very own Ann Rothfels will be performing stories on Saturday, October 19, at 2 p.m., along with two special guest story tellers: Jacques Falquet from St. Adèle and Lynda Bruce from Dunham. A Time for All Seasons is the name of their show of traditional tales, and is aimed at an adult audience. The stories explore aspects of the seasons as well as the aging process, with stories about the survival of young children and the wisdom of the old.
The event is to be at the Foss House of the Eaton Corner Museum, 374 Route 253, in Eaton Corner. Donations will be accepted and refreshments will be offered.
ARCANES, 25th
In French: Arcanes is the title of this show by Nadine Walsh from Montreal. Meaning: Mysteries. Arcanes is a new creation by Nadine, a storyteller who also works in dance, mime, and with marionnettes. Arcanes is a 70-minute show offering four stories “that emerge from the silence,” meant for an audience aged 12 and older.
Nadine Walsh is at the John-Henry-Pope Cultural Centre’s Victoria House (downstairs), 125 Principale West, Cookshire (use side entrance from the Parc des Braves), on Friday, October 25, at 8 p.m. Free-will donation.
VOTING, 21st
Did you get your Voter Information Card yet from Elections Canada? If not, call 1-866-213-4081 or visit elections.ca. And go vote! The date is Monday, October 21, and the hours are 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Your Voter Card tells you where to go.
CARDS IN BULWER, 24th
A 500 Card Party is at the Bulwer Community Center, 254 Jordan Hill Road, on Thursday, October 24, at 1:30 p.m. Admission: $6 for cards, lunch, and prizes, to be distributed after the card games.
JIM ROBINSON IN CONCERT, Nov. 3rd
Jim Robinson will be in concert on Sunday, November 3, at 1:30 p.m., at the Trinity United Church, 190 Principale West, Cookshire. The occasion is the launch of his new album, Nick Dean’s Barn.
Here’s how Don Parsons described this well known musician: “He was a ‘down homer from Inverness’, brought up in Bulwer and went to high school in Cookshire, played with his dad in Prescott’s Orchestra at Nick Dean’s Barn in the 60s, graduated from Bishop’s and became a teacher, had a well known rock band in the 70s – AW Fish. Lives in Montreal’s West Island, and is a singer, song writer and entertainer. Many of his ballad-type songs are about local people, past events of this area, and descriptive narratives of our rural surroundings. He will put on a good show.”
Tickets: $15. Proceeds for the support of the Trinity United Church. Light refreshments. Info: Don Parsons, 819-875-3796.
CHRISTMAS STARTS Nov. 2nd
Ready, set, go: Here comes the season of markets, bazaars, and community suppers.
On Saturday, November 2, put Newport on your schedule. A Flea Market for the benefit of Lawrence Community Centre is at 449 Lawrence Road, Newport, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A dinner of lasagna, Shepherd’s Pie, tea, coffee, and desserts is to be served starting at 11 a.m. Info: 819-875-5227.
Also on November 2 is a community supper in Saint-Mathias-de-Bonneterre, at 2035 Route 210, followed by an evening of bingo. A meal of vol-au-vent, tortières and desserts is to be served starting at 4 p.m. Adults: $15. Ages 5 to 12: $7. Toddlers: Free.
Finally, the Little Christmas Bazaar of Newport is back on November 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Municipal Community Hall, 1452 Route 212, Island Brook.
In another neck of the woods, the John-Henry-Pope Cultural Centre at 25 Principale East, Cookshire, will be hosting a Christmas market on Sunday, November 24.
CHURCH SERVICES
United. Sunday services are in Cookshire at 9:30 a.m., and in Sawyerville at 11 a.m. On October 27, Dr. Bruce Gilbert will lead the services. Info: 819-889-2838 (listen to message).
Baptist. In Sawyerville, the Sunday worship service is at 9 a.m. in French, and 11 a.m. in English. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. in English and French. Info: 819-239-8818.
Anglican. Sunday services are at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s in Bury, and at 11 a.m. at the St. Peter’s Church in Cookshire. Info: 819-887-6802.
Messy Church. On Monday, October 28, at 5:15 p.m., stories, crafts, singing and supper are on the agenda at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 550 Main St., Bury (red brick church on Main Street). A joint United and Anglican intergenerational event. All are welcome. Info: 819-889-2838.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email rawrites@yahoo.com by October 21 for publication October 30, and by November 4 for November 13.