Community Matters

Even before the events in Portapique last weekend, the church in Middleton had displayed the sign, in relation to the COVID-19 restrictions.

Things that matter are hard.

For several days, the thought of writing a blog seemed impossible.

Eventually, I turned to the bookcase, and rediscovered the biography of Mary Majka. She was a naturalist, living on the shores of the Bay of the Fundy in New Brunswick. She was the driving force behind Mary’s Point Western Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve.

Harry Thurston makes the following comment on Sanctuary by Deborah Carr.

“Sanctuary is an engaging and clear-eyed portrait of her indomitable spirit – a celebration of a courageous life – and an important book”

This led me to pull down my collection of Harry Thurston books. Thurston lives in Tidnish Beach.

I recalled meeting Thurston at the annual meeting, last Spring, of the Elizabeth Bishop Society of Nova Scotia in Great Village. He attended, along with Sandra Barry And hence, I searched out her books too.

I hope you find enjoyment in these books.

Acknowledgements

To those writers who choose to describe life in small communities.
Heather for encouraging me to spend more time outdoors this week.
Edward for his helpful support. Sandra Barry for her encouragement.

References
Deborah Carr, 2010. Sanctuary: The Story of Naturalist Mary Majka.Goose Lane.
Harry Thurston, 2004. A Place Between the Tides. Greystone Books
Harry Thurston, 2005. The Sea’s Voice. An Anthology of Atlantic Canadian Nature Writing. Nimbus Press.
Harry Thurston, 2009. Animals of my own kind: New and Selected Poems. Vehicule Press.
Allan Cooper and Harry Thurston, 2013. The Deer Yard. Gaspereau Press.
Harry Thurston, 2015. Keeping Watch at the End of the World. Gaspereau Press.
Barry S., Davies P., Sanger G. (Ed.), 2001. Divisions of the Heart: Elizabeth Bishop and the Art of Memory and Place. Gaspereau Press.
Sandra Barry, 2011. Elizabeth Bishop: Nova Scotia’s “Home-made” Poet. Nimbus Press.
Sandra Barry and Laurie Gunn (Ed.), 2013. Echoes of Elizabeth Bishop. Elizabeth Bishop Society of Nova Scotia.