For over thirty years I’ve lived blocks from Whitby’s historic downtown. The urban homestead my husband and I have created is the perfect setting for me as an author. Here I wrote my debut novel, The Last Hoffman and a second inspired by my Irish ancestry. A third manuscript is under way. My writing has also appeared in locally published arts magazine, Wunderlit. I’m the creator of The Wild Nellies, a collective of dynamic womxn-creatives that has raised funds, through performances and exhibits at Durham Region galleries and venues, to aid abused womxn. In 2018, we received Whitby’s Performing Arts Grant to showcase our town’s womxn in the arts at the Whitby Centennial Building. During my time with the Brooklin Poetry Society, I cofounded a poetry and spoken word series. I’m a past board member of The Writers’ Community of Durham Region. Today, I find pleasure in the community of avid readers that frequents the Little Free Library my husband and I host in our front yard.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband and I are empty-nesters and the proud parents of three excellent human beings. Our family values people, integrity, arts and the environment.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’m a novelist and essayist. Research, creative self-expression, and telling stories that matter are aspects of what I love most about the writing life.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My favourite Whitby eateries include Nice Bistro, KB, and Signature Indian Cuisine.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
For over 30 years, I’ve been a Whitby resident. I also worked 5 years in Whitby as an educator.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Madeleine Twyman, owner and co-founder of Durham School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance is one of the most fascinating Whitby-ites I’ve had the pleasure of sitting in conversation with. Her artistry and intense dedication are mind blowing. Right here in our little town, this award-winning dancer and choreographer (having danced in New York City with The Martha Graham Ensemble, Forces of Nature Dance Theatre of Harlem and Creative Outlet Dance Theatre of Brooklyn) is training new generations of world-class award-winning dancers.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
British Columbia calls my name. Someone I miss lives there.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I have so many favourites, but right now I’m thinking of The Pianist starring Adrien Brody. It’s a profoundly sensitive film that pulls us deep into the experience of Jewish classical pianist, Władysław Szpilman. Also, I love the Netflix series, Queens Gambit featuring Anya Taylor-Joy. It’s a compelling story featuring brilliant character studies.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Some storms come not to devastate you, but to clear the path.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To remain forever curious and to continue finding joy in simple pleasures.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
That’s tough. My musical tastes are eclectic. I have a Spotify playlist called Womxn Artists which features the likes of Buffy Sainte-Marie, Nina Simone, Rainbow Girls and local singer-songwriter Cheryl Ireland. That’s my go to at the moment.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Rotary Centennial Park Whitby makes me nostalgic for the days when my husband and I used to bring our three children there to spread a blanket in the grass and listen to Music in the Park.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I’d have lunch with Frida Kahlo because adversity could not silence her art and I admire that. We’d both dress in full skirts and Spanish blouses, then pin bright flowers into our braids. I’d bring a basket of fruits and honey from The Whitby Farmer’s Market along with bread from Caldense Bakery (and a rainbow of macrons from M & R Cakes & Café) then we’d sit on the end of the pier at the Whitby Marina. I’d ask how she managed to create beauty in the throws of emotional and physical agony. Then we’d sit in contented silence and toss bread to the gulls.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favourite thing about our community is the plan to cultivate culture—Station Gallery, The Whitby Public Library, Whitby Courthouse Theatre, Art With a Heart and the Whitby Historical Society (to name a few) have been innovative in engaging people, even throughout the pandemic. Downtown events are terrific. There are so many contributing groups and initiatives, both ongoing and for the future.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In five to ten years, I plan to be older, wiser, and infinitely content. I hope to do something that causes folks to exclaim, “She did what?!” Also, I’d like to have published a half dozen novels and multiple creative nonfiction essays.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
As a kid, I took guitar lessons from a truck driver in a furniture store after hours. In high school I received vocal training from a church minister’s wife who lived on a rural road not far from my childhood home. I performed some public events including a few small blue grass festivals.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
“Buen camino peregrino!” The Camino de Santiago or The Way, as it’s often called, offers breathtaking views. My husband and I hiked 211 km of this pilgrimage through Spain. The mountains, forests, cobbled streets winding through farming villages, and rustic chapels peppering the route are some of the most memorable places I’ve witnessed.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
July is a much-awaited month because our flowers are in full bloom and the vegetable garden begins to yield. I love Christmas when everyone comes home at the same time. Every new day becomes my best day. That’s the power of now.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My husband.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I’m inspired by every woman who’s left an abusive partner, risen from the experience, and reached a hand back to help another woman.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Earth after rain. Patchouli. Toasted raisin bread (the kind with cinnamon swirls).
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
My safe place to land. A poem written in bricks. There’s no place like it.
