My book launch on Saturday was a wonderful success. Over 40 people came by and almost 50 books were sold. There was lots of socializing, (see chapter 3 of my book) and lots of laughter. I publicly thanked Peter, my husband and book agent, who passed out my business cards and my blog address to folks far and wide. I also honoured my grand daughter Agnes who designed the cover, with only these instructions: “Draw two old, slightly confused, anxious-looking people sitting on a bench, surrounded by icons of the 21st. century. And she did. She also forged my signature!
Then I thanked my son James who was my editor. He spent many hours rearranging my electronic files in the correct order, one of the hardest jobs for me and other seniors who grew up on the pre-computer age. James also reviewed my choices of stories and suggested omitting the political ones, since they quickly became dated. How right he was. I am especially glad I deleted all the rants about Donald Trump. And now I can even throw out my voodoo doll.
Then yesterday, a dear friend from the country offered to host a book party for me at her house. You may remember that Peter and I used to live in the country, in the village of King City. We moved to Toronto in 2018, eight years ago. And yet there are still readers there who follow my blog. Sixteen followers joined me yesterday and bought more books. We talked about the olden days and they had one tough question: Which did I like better, the country or the city? Since they hadn’t bought any books yet, I had to be careful. They also asked me if I always told the truth.
In truth, both lifestyles offer distinct advantages. The country is peaceful and filled with poetic landscape. Shopping for Christmas gifts is easily done at craft shows, art displays and specialty food shops for cheese, artisan breads, and honey. People become close, even though they may live an acre or two away. Socializing is more spontaneous and informal. If there is an important event, such as a play or an art show, everyone attends. If somebody is missing, several people are heard to say “Where is Mary? Is she sick? We’d better call her tomorrow and find out.”
In the city, the lifestyle is fast paced and sometimes frantic. People don’t drive as much as in the country, but then we are often caught by transit breakdowns. There are more high-end events to attend. Sometimes Alan Doyle is onstage, another time The Karate Kid comes to town. Once even Taylor Swift could be seen live if you had a fortune to spend. We get to know our next door neighbours, but people a few houses away are strangers.
As we aged, Peter and I made a trade. We traded a tributary of the east Humber river for the Humber river at the mouth of Lake Ontario. We discovered more walkable adventures and tourist attractions. We gave up a huge vegetable garden for a small, more manageable one. We traded driving for pubic transit. We gave up new friends and got reacquainted with old ones. But mostly we are now closer to our kids and grandchildren, and we get to see them more often.
Fortunately, due to the advances in technology, I can still communicate with all of you every Tuesday. Thank you all So much!
Sue
The Humber River near our city home
