Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

I was more than intrigued by the publishing campaign for Greenlights. I am not normally interested in memoirs, but this is so much deeper and meatier than your standard memoir! Matthew McConaughey is a bit of a wild child, a throw back to a time when life was a little less frantic, and while not my favourite actor, he is perhaps one of the people I most respect in this world. He lays his entire life open for readers and listeners to share. From the laughter to the tears, the amazing leaps of intelligence that piece together an amazing philosophy on life make this book worth every cent and then some!

I treated myself and got the audiobook. Not only do I get all of McConaughey’s wisdom and life story, but he is actually narrating it. His warm and inviting voice wraps around you, holding your attention rapt while he divulges the priceless information on the business of living that he has gleaned over the years. Greenlights is filled with poetry, prescribed notes for living, bumper stickers and some good ol’ honesty that the world seems to be missing in spades! It is as inviting as the warm golden lamp that sits in the window during a snowstorm to light the way.

Matthew is a unique man, a "McConaissance" man for certain. Not only multi-talented but he excels at so many of those talents! A wild child, as I said, but a father, husband and man who lives freely within the many responsibilities he shoulders. Pick up the book in any of its forms and catch a greenlight or two with this magical man. I highly recommend the ride!

 

 Penguin Random House Canada

#penguinrandomhouse

#greenlightsbook

#matthewmcconaughey

 

 

How A Woman Becomes A Lake by Marjorie Celona

It has been quite a while since I have been sucked into a book so quickly and completely. Marjorie Celona has a gift for crafting characters of great such interest and such depth that they seem to belong in the non-fiction section; their emotions and reactions have an amazing realism about them. They are not easy to let go of once you put the book down... or, perhaps, it is the characters holding onto you.

When a woman takes her dog for a morning walk at the lake  in the morning on New Year’s Day, there are numerous directions, complete with various twists and turns the tale can take. These only increase in number when she finds a young boy standing in the snow, alone and freezing, and almost forces him into her car for warmth. Her gorgeous dog is an unwitting lure to the boy.

Neither of them knows at this point that the world is about to shatter and spin out of control in ways that nobody could have predicted. They will both be launched into a lifelong nightmare of silence, although for one of them, it will be all too short.

I honestly cannot see this title in the mystery genre, it is perhaps more fitting for thriller. It is a slow pace, but it is steady and unrelenting. I would highly recommend this title to those who like a good solid read! It kept me a little unbalanced throughout... just when you are sure you know what is coming - nope!

Born and raised on Vancouver Island, BC Canada, author Marjorie Celona’s debut novel, Y, won France’s Grand Prix Littéraire de l’Heroïne, and was nominated for the 2012 Scotiabank Giller Prize.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC!

#NetGalley
#HowaWomanBecomesaLake

A Tune on the Mist by Celtic Knotwork

This is an intriguing group, to say the least. Celtic Knotwork was begun by Mary Baxley as a casual partnership with harpist Christie Saunders, who has since left the band but appears here as a guest musician. It would seem that Celtic Knotwork is not such a casual endeavour anymore, which is a lucky thing for those of us who enjoy Celtic music.

This is a Scottish-American group which integrates a diverse blend of vocals - singing in English, Broad Scots, and of course, Gaelic - as well as instrumentals. According to themselves, they "celebrate the tradition of Scottish and Irish music." And this CD is a testimony of that celebration, being a very lively and uplifting selection of both traditional and original compositions.

Celtic Knotwork is Mary Baxley (lead vocals, bodhran, guitar), Ken McCormick (classic guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin, vocals), Jason Nickerson (lead vocals, keyboard, transverse flute, whistle, accordion, highland pipes, small pipes), Judy Warner (fiddle, keyboards, vocals), with guest Christie Saunders (harp). Together they provide a very mature and polished sound for a first CD; singularly, they are all accomplished musicians with a great deal of experience.

The title (and first) track of this CD is an original composition by Ken McCormick and Jason Nickerson. It begins with the waves rushing in and out on a beach and a flute solo: simplistic and yet beautiful. The waves cease as the rest of the group joins in. The song becomes harder and more intense as it goes along, only to end with the flute and the waves, a circle from beginning to end and back again.

Sir Walter Scott provided the words to "MacGregor's Gathering." Mary Baxley's versatile vocals come straight from the heart to create goose bumps and a longing to transcend time itself and join the gathering. This track begins with the pipes, and the vocals are in English and danced about by a mournful fiddle.

The shortest track on the disc is a traditional one, "The Butterfly." It is flawlessly performed a capella by the entire group. Their voices harmonize and blend exquisitely, providing an all-too-brief treat.

I really enjoyed reviewing this CD, and realized that Celtic Knotwork is somewhat similar sounding to another group I really enjoy: the Rankin Family.

Sadly, I can find nothing at all online about this group. I fear that they have called it quits somewhere along the line, and definitely wish them well in what they are doing. If you are lucky enough to find a second hand CD somewhere, give it a listen!

APT= 50:35

A Tune On The Mist
The Stormy Seas of Cape Horn / Am Muilean Dubh
Macgregor's Gathering
The Butterfly
S'ann An Ile
Cold Blows The Wind
The Duke of Edlentown / The Duchess of Gordon
O'Carolyn's Ramble to Cashel
Love Gregor
Wee Elisabeth
Alaisdar Oig Mhic 'ic Neachail
Lord Lovat's Lament / Johnny Cope
Griogal Cridhe

Camp Cooking: 100 Years from the National Museum of Forest Service History

I love to cook. I love to camp. A book entitled “Camp Cooking” is right up my alley! I also love to experiment with old recipes, and some of the ones in this book are just grand. I found a whole new use for my Dutch oven, as I’d been using it for making beans in and nothing else. What a waste! All these years and I could have been using it while we were out camping.

Sourdough is a weakness that I will readily confess to, and I let my starter slip out of my grasp a number of years ago. However, there is one here that is wonderful! You’d never know it was the same starter you’d been nursing for years. I put together the starter and then when it was ready, I borrowed the backyard fire-pit for a time and pretended I was out camping. Some bacon drippings and a couple of cups of sourdough starter, and I had a loaf of bread baking away in my Dutch oven. It was incredible!

Around here we tend to like our eggplant fried in onion and garlic, and served up with a little parmesan sprinkled on top. I spotted this recipe for “Batter Fried Eggplant” and had to give it a try. With spices like curry and ginger, it really aroused my curiosity. For this one I just used a cast iron skillet over hot coals and an inch or so of oil. They came out golden and kicked French fries off of the map!

Desserts are a favourite, whether there’s company or not. The Dutch oven was put back into use for “Easy Peach Dutch Oven Cobbler,” since late summer peaches are available and juicily delicious. This recipe had three ingredients, easy to carry on a camping trip! It took a little finesse, ensuring that the correct number of briquettes were in use and that the oven was rotated on schedule. However, when it was done, this delicious cobbler did serve 8-10 people and was lip smacking with ice cream served alongside. Next time I’m trying the cherry cobbler!

There are some newer recipes here as well, they’re not all old. So you can really have a good time trying out new things and old while enjoying a peaceful camping trip at the lake, or the ocean, or wherever you happen to be. I would suggest bringing a copy along with you, though, it could prove invaluable!

Published by: Gibbs-Smith 2004

Raincoast Books

Almost There by The Dana Wylie Band

The Dana Wylie Band has members from diverse backgrounds creating a chemistry that is unbelievably incredible. There’s a wee bit of everything to be found in their sound, most likely due to the wonderful diversity of the members. The Dana Wylie Band has made this work for them where so many others fail as they cross all the boundaries with complete success.

There are elements of jazz and bluegrass and folk peppering the tracks of this spicy release. “Almost There” is an exceptionally strong debut album. It was recorded while the band was living in England, and has since been followed up with a second release, “The Unruly Ones.” While the band has relocated to Canada (Saskatchewan is Wylie’s home province) it hasn’t affected their sound whatsoever – they still blow the listener away.

Central to the band’s sound is Wylie’s exceptional skill on the piano. Combined with her powerful and overtly passionate vocals, listeners don’t have a choice – they’re caught up and spellbound before they realize it. Add to the mix a talent for creating stories with the lyrics… delivered clearly and for the most part, with a light-hearted pitch. Wylie has a slightly sarcastic streak, and she calls it as she sees it. This is quite noticeable in the track “Karmically Due.”

The first line or two of “Even In Saskatchewan” brought to mind another Canadian, Alannis Morrissette. Wylie is treading her own path, breaking ground and boundaries as she goes. Vocally potent and with an honest outlook on life, Wylie captures ideas, wrapping them in her own words. “We may be just a whole lot of procreating magnets, but we sure have fun sometimes!”

“The Money Song” has a sultry flavour, and takes a serious look at the hold cash has on us, and all the things it cannot give you! Pointedly honest, there’s a huge amount of cheek to this track (something that Wylie has down to a science)! When music and lyrics are combined – this track is scorching!

I’d have to say that my favourite track is “Karmically Due.” I couldn’t stop laughing after the first listen. It’s just so blatantly honest. “My head is too far up my ass and I’m crass…Some days I’m not biased, I hate everyone, especially puppies, cab drivers and girls who wanna have fun!” There’s a brief delve into the melody of Cyndi Lauper’s ‘80’s pop hit “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” a definite side splitter!

“Almost There” -
Even in Saskatchewan
Winter in April
To Go
Jolene
I Know You Know
The Money Song
Hideout
Karmically Due
Hurricane Boy
Getting’ Ahead (The I Don’t Have Time Song)
Tiny White Girl Blues
We Know the Secret

Dana Wylie

Duster by Adam Stemple

‘Duster’ is the phenomenal new fantasy novel from Adam Stemple, The subject of dead gods has been presented to readers before, but never told quite like this. Adam has a gift for storytelling, weaving his words around you and ensnaring you in his world.

There was war, and oddly enough, the Gods were losing. The Galloch, a race of giants, was winning. To turn the tide, the Gods were forced into creation - the Illenthrell from stone, Duarsteri from cats, and mankind from young Haggan’s own hands. And so the battle was won, at least temporarily. But the Gods’ creations turned on each other.

Mika is long retired from the King’s Own army, when marching and fighting the Duarsteri, or ‘Dusters’ kept him busy. He has happily settled into this calmer existence, running a tavern with his lovely wife Jehannna in the town of Cairburn, watching as his three sons grow into men. Life is good and Mika is content, for the most part.

The happy picture is torn apart when a Duster half-breed comes seeking the couple’s middle son, Ferran. The Duster doesn’t ask nicely, and Mika finds himself forced to use his wits to get rid of his assailant. Then comes the immediate question, why is a Duster looking for Ferran?! The boy is known to be a bit of a party animal, enjoying his ale and the very addictive Mad Apple. For the life of him, Mika cannot figure it out. He immediately goes in search of his son, hoping to find him before anyone, or anything, else does.

One of the first stops is the local den of darkness, run by Gair, Mika’s best friend and army mate. Gair offers prostitution and gaming, alcohol and Mad Apple, anything to suit the clients vices - but no help for Mika. Although… as he continues his search,  Mika is rather clumsily followed by one of Gair’s working ladies, who tells him that his friend desires a night time meeting. Mika wonders at all the secrecy surrounding the meeting, and why Gair couldn’t have just told him what he knew. Little does he know that this almost perfect world is about to be spun around, torn inside out and upside down, then blasted apart at the seams!

A tale rich with imagery, action and love; the kind a bard would love to put to tune. It’s a rollicking great read from start to finish!

Are You Ready, Steve? by Steve Priest

 Steve Priest, bassist and a founding member of the British band ‘SWEET,’ lets us have a realistic look at a band that set the sparkly, sequined standard for what became known as ‘glam rock.’ We get to understand the hazards musicians face, from self-induced to problems with managers, audiences, and of course, the media. 

 

As Steve himself warns in the foreword of this book, it’s definitely NOT for children. I found it not as graphically racy as some out there, but it is a very open and blatantly honest look at the lifestyle of rock and rollers in the 70’s. Steve does give a very honest and open account of the band and himself. In fact, he was a self-proclaimed “almost serial shagger.” As Steve once told the Guardian, “If it breathed and was female, it was fair game,” going on to say, “The 70’s were magical. They were like the 60’s only crazier. God knows how we got away with it.” 

 

Honestly, if they pulled some of their antics today, the keys would have been thrown away. Motley Crüe thinks they were bad... hah! 

 

Steve’s glam rock persona was hilariously, playfully campy with his own inimitable style. His sense of humour was probably misunderstood by many, as the majority seemed to think the entire band were gay. In fact, if Steve was approached and asked if he was gay, he had a tendency to answer, “would you like to find out?!” Mischievous to a fault! “Milky skin, wavy red hair, puckered lips....’I looked like a 12 year old girl,’” he once stated.

 

His writing style is as openly gregarious as he is, and you almost feel as if you’re kicking back having a chat. This is an ebook worthy of an attentive read - and if you are so lucky as to be able to get your hands on a hard copy, well then cherish it! 

 

Steve handled some pretty fun lyrics, you’ll pick him out in Blockbuster (we just haven’t got a clue what to do), Ballroom Blitz (oh, I see a man at the back as a matter of fact, his eyes are as red as a sun, and a girl in the corner let no one ignore her, cause she thinks she’s the passionate one, oh yeah), and Fox on the Run (Foxy on the run), among numerous others. He had a great time, and that really comes across to his fans.

 

Sadly, as many readers will already know, Steve Priest passed away June 4, 2020. The cause is undisclosed, however it was reported that he went into the hospital in March and didn’t leave again. Steve leaves behind a wife and 3 daughters, and 3 grandchildren. He was predeceased by bandmates Brian Connolly (1997) and Mick Tucker (2002).

www.thesweetband.com

Riddle of the Wren by Charles de Lint

If one chooses to, one can go back and find the time when any author was 'unknown.' For Canadian fantasist Charles de Lint, that time was at an end with the release of Riddle of the Wren, published by Ace Fantasy in June of 1984, with a second printing in March of 1985. This novel is very hard to come by, but well worth the effort of searching for, as I well know. I spent years haunting used bookstores, only to run across it last spring by pure chance. And I almost overlooked it, noticing it only on the second glance through the 'D' section. My patience was well rewarded with the wonderful journey this tale took me on.

Riddle of the Wren is actually the second book that Charles de Lint ever wrote. The Harp of the Grey Rose was the first he finished writing. The first book published was De Grijze Roos ("The Grey Rose:" collection), Een Exa Uitgave, trade paperback, Belgium 1983.

In Riddle of the Wren, we find a much different approach than we are used to seeing from de Lint. It is a tale of high fantasy, although still woven with his lyrical prose, which at times seems to flow with a life all its own. It reaches out almost spell-like to entwine about, and entrance, the imagination.

The protagonist, a heartbreakingly innocent young lady named Minda, is thrown headlong into the proverbial battle of good versus evil. In this case good takes the form of Huorn the Hunter, while Ildran the Dream-master and eater of souls convincingly portrays evil.

Each world has a magical gateway in the form of Standing Stones, or Menhirs, which Minda is able to open. Using the Standing Stones, Minda travels from world to world, with death and destruction hot on her heels. A battle that threatens to rip apart the delicate cloth of reality, as woven by de Lint, it spreads throughout the many realms like a dark tide.

Minda gains many allies as she moves from world to world, sometimes only a breath in front of Ildran. Sadly, some of these allies even perish for her and her cause: to free the 'Heart of the Moors' from his wrongful imprisonment by Ildran. The final battle, however, is still one that Minda must fight alone. A very simple riddle for the Wren to solve. And solve it she does, but the story does not end there, far from it in fact. Minda has learned much of herself, and of the workings of the worlds. She has a new life to begin.

This is a fanciful tale on the surface, but with de Lint's mastery of subtleties, he creates many sub-layers within which to delve. It can be read again and again, seeming slightly different each time. I recommend losing yourself within its pages -- if you can find a copy. Meet a very different, yet disconcertingly similar, Charles de Lint.

Even in this, his first novel published in North America, there are overtones of what he is to become with time -- a master, or perhaps the master of urban fantasy. I admire his ability to find magic within the mundane and to share it with an appreciative and ever- growing audience. I have yet to be disappointed by a de Lint work.

Published by: Ace, 1984 & Firebird, 2002

This review was quoted on the back cover of the Firebird re-release edition of “Riddle of the Wren” by Charles de Lint in 2002. “A tale of high fantasy that reaches out almost spell-like to entwine about, and entrance, the imagination.”