“The Lady of Shalott”

Anybody who can play a standard harp and sing at the same time is good from my perspective. When they can get (and hold) my attention singing a lengthy song in “olde English” some of which is a little baffling  to me, then they are really special.

“The Lady of Shalott” has undergone a number of changes over its considerable lifespan, but I believe Tennyson (the apparent original author) would be very happy to hear Loreena McKennitt’s take on his poem.

COVID – Odessa – Christmas!

With COVID-19 controlling our current life-styles, and with Christmas on the horizon. this would seem to be a very appropriate time to promote the book “The Odessa Chronicles.  It can be ordered from any of the usual on-line book retailers, or direct from Friesen Press Store, so no shopping trip necessary. Bonus … it is suitable for ages 4 to 104. Continue reading →

A classical classic!

This is rather different from my usual Saturday musical offerings (as is the timing! I am running a little late today.)

I know that a number of you really appreciate classical music, and I also know that some of you are indifferent to it. This piece was selected for all of you because of what is beautifully presented in the middle. Continue reading →

Twas A Month Before Christmas 2020!

Twas A Month Before Christmas …

T’was a month before Christmas,
And all through the town,
People wore masks,
That covered their frown.

The frown had begun
Way back in the Spring,
When a global pandemic
Changed everything.

They called it corona,
But unlike the beer,
It didn’t bring good times,
It didn’t bring cheer.

Contagious and deadly,
This virus spread fast,
Like a wildfire that starts
When fuelled by gas.

Airplanes were grounded,
Travel was banned.
Borders were closed
Across air, sea and land.

As the world entered lock-down
To flatten the curve,
The economy halted,
And folks lost their verve.

From March to July
We rode the first wave,
People stayed home,
They tried to behave.

When summer emerged
The lock-down was lifted.
But away from caution,
Many folks drifted.

Now it’s November
And cases are spiking,
Wave two has arrived,
Much to our disliking.

Front-line workers,
Doctors and nurses,
Try to save people,
From riding in hearses.

This virus is awful,
This COVID-19.
There isn’t a cure.
There is no vaccine

It’s true that this year
Has had sadness a plenty,
We’ll never forget
The year 2020.

And just ‘round the corner –
The holiday season,
But why be merry?
Is there even one reason?

To decorate the house
And put up the tree,
When no one will see it,
No-one but me.

But outside my window
The snow gently falls,
And I think to myself,
Let’s deck the halls!

So, I gather the ribbon,
The garland and bows,
As I play those old carols,
My happiness grows.

Christmas ain’t cancelled
And neither is hope.
If we lean on each other,
I know we can cope.

Copyright-Shawna Hickling
By: Shawna Hickling, Calgary, AB, Canada
November 19, 2020

Continue reading →