Not Cancelled - Canadian Kindness in the face of COVID-19

When I was taking this picture with Blaze, my maple tree 🍁, a neighbour from across the street came over. He pointed to the tree and said 'nice'. I nodded, thinking yep, Blaze does look especially fine. He speaks very little English and I speak even less Vietnamese. I showed him my shot. He went to take my phone, offering to take my picture with the tree. Oh no, I thought, this is for the Gram.😆 I thanked him, and we both smiled, me for his offer, and him probably wondering why I took a picture of a book.

Talk about the title coming to life, a little demonstration of Canadian kindness!

These short stories sure came to me at the right time in this pandemic.
After our month break closure in July, I hoped to return refreshed and energized to teaching my adult ESL class. Instead, attendance was dismal and students were unmotivated. They had had enough of learning & struggling online, and wanted back in the classroom. That first week back was just defeating.
Fortunately getting to read these tales brought a smile to my heart, knowing human interaction and thoughtfulness hasn't left us in these COVID times.
People with various backgrounds from across the country have shared more than 50 stories about bagpipes and bhangra; art and photography; that talking dog Pluto; and Girl Guides cookies.
I've been taking my time, not rushing through this collection, savouring them. It's nice to look forward to reading one or two after a challenging work day.
Now that Ontario is in a second wave, with concerns about going back to phase 2, these stories are again much needed.

🤗 For your next feel good read, look no further! 🍁❤️🍁❤️ 

I received Not Cancelled from Wintertickle Press - thank you!

Until next time,

Kara