Personal reflections on the Summer 2024 Residency of the University of King's College Master's of Fine Arts Creative Non Fiction program.
The Situation and the Story | Vivian Gornick
For those who are studying the craft of writing this book is essential. Pick it up. It own’t dissapoint.
Meander, Spiral, Explode | Jane Alison
A lovely book designed to help a writers brain break open and find all the possible ways in which narrative can find itself in a non linear format.
You’ve Changed | Pyae Moe Thet War
Despite the kickback against this book and it’s author regarding their privilege and placement in culture I found the break down essays on their name and the culture clash that they experienced with their name fascinating and beautifully written. Walking my own daughter through her middle names, why we chose them and her own identity crisis about them is eye opening and a privilege to behold. I think many people with names not based in an Anglo-Saxon linguistic while navigating a majority Anglo-Saxon demographic and world order structure will relate to this.
The Ten Thousand Doors of January | Alix E. Harrow
Complex, riveting and one of the most captivating reads I have had in a long time. Not worth spoiling, just read it.
A Court of Frost and Starlight | Sarah J Maas
A small bridge story between books in Sarah’s Court of Thorns and Roses series. A perfect read during the snow falls of January / February.
The Midnight Library | Matt Haig
I adored this read. It was not what I was expecting and.I found myself imagining what I would do if I was in my own midnight library. Truly a masterpiece.
Crown of Midnight | Sarah J. Maas
A distraction read during stressful times. Sarah J. Maas is becoming a comfort read.
Your Roots Cast a Shadow | Caroline Topperman
This book echoed into not only the current day that we are living now as I write this, but also into all of the spaces of my own heart and mind. As the first chapter states so well: “Our history, our roots is deeply planted. It’s vital that we not let these roots be wrneched from the ground, let alone used to clobber others.”
Hoe we anchor in to who we are and how we leverage that ‘identity’ causes impact, for the better or worse. Caroline doesn’t villanize, she sheds light. And we all know that light has a way of casting shadows.
Here in the Real World | Sara Pennypacker
A beautiful story about a boy who just wants his own bit of earth. In many ways - it reminds me of the summer-boy version of The Secret Garden. Both hurting souls looking to be seen by the land and company before them.
Pax | Sara Pennypacker
Sara weaves a tender and beautiful story between a young boy and his pet fox. Through the eyes of both the boy and the fox we learn of the pain and the joys of connection and what it means to be lost and finally, found.
A Curious Beginning | Deanna Raybourne
The first in the Veronica Speedwell Series. A much needed read to take a break from serious non fiction writing and reading for my masters. It helps that the heroine is a spicy independent victorian intellect.
Experiments in Imagining Otherwise | Lola Olufemi
Sometimes it’s enjoyable to just tip toe around words and see how they hit you. This was an expiermental read.
Your Spiritual Almanac | Joey Hulin
I adore this book as a friend during the year. I have finally reached the end of my full fiscal year journey with it and can safely say it will be with me for the end of time. I love books that give you monthly prompts to stay aware of the changing seasons. This book provides practical seasonal advice and knowledge like flowers and food that is in season but also helpful spiritual open ended thoughts to help connect the mind, body and spirit.
“I’ve learned not all threads belong…but the ones that do? I’ll be backstitching in.” - byamygrace
A Threads Project
Star Pillow | Indigo
Since Autumn, when I added a pumpkin pillow to our sectional couch for the giggles, we have realized that a cuddle pillow for the season is a fun additive for us all. Seeing this star pillow during a walk through Chapters / Indigo was a no-brainer for me for the winter season.
Complete Greek Myths by Usborne
Because we bought ourselves Mythos by Stephen Fry it felt apt that we picked up this visual version for our pre-teen.
Celine Dion | Lets Talk About Love Vinyl | Taz Records
With Celine coming back at the Paris Olympics, coupled with her latest documentary, I started to go back into my canon of music and realized I love her music even more now. Her passion, dedication, and quality of the craft are uniquely hers, surpassing her talent. I was eight years old in 1997, and these songs played in the malls, stores, radio, etc, which I believed helped define my childhood in the 90s.
Merit Lipsticks | Merit
I’ve been running out of lipstick lately. Something about the silky softness of Merits got me good.
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
I picked this up to pick away at as I enjoyed Stoic philosophy last year.
Both Sides Now | CODA version
This winter I have been enjoying Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” in my winter playlist and also to play on the piano. This version from CODA is another rendition that hits the feels!
“Thank-you for being the threads that have held me together.” - Amy Grace
A Threads Project
“Even the most beautiful tapestry…is a mess behind it all. You are human..” - Amy Grace
A Threads Project
divine
adjective (diviner | dəˈvīnər |, divinest | dəˈvīnist |)
1 of, from, or like God or a god: heroes with divine powers | paintings of shipwrecks being prevented by divine intervention. • devoted to God; sacred: divine liturgy.
2 informal excellent; delightful: he had the most divine smile | that succulent clementine tasted divine.
The most provocative thing about life, is that it is consistently providing opportunities to evolve and unravel from the ways in which we have become entangled in constructs, concepts and ideologies.
This year, I am walking into a more embodied way of living, breathing and being. To embrace the word and concept divine to me is a physical, spiritual and metaphysical concept.
Over the years, I have been shedding the understanding of the patriarchal faith I was raised in and learning to lean into a holistic approach to spirituality. The Divine does not need to be divorced from the feminine, and the feminine in me does not need to hide from my masculinity. I can stand and breathe within these two elements, knowing that they exist in their states as all of these elements exist.
The Sun and The Moon.
The Day and the Night.
The Light and the Dark.
The Humanity and the Divinity
Onwards,
I reflect on the year of Aces in the last hours of 2024 with open eyes.
I was ready for big moves, and honestly, in these last hours, I have no aces from this year left to play.
I played them all.
Carrying ace cards throughout the year has taught me that I am more gutsy and daring than I ever understood myself to be. They allowed me to consistently reevaluate my choices and look for the opening to make a new, brave, and bold move.
One of those moves was already set in motion before 2024 began, and I happily laid down the card when I was accepted into a master’s program in creative writing. But in truth, I continually remind myself of that card in every assignment and essay/chapter I write.
Another move was for my daughter. She changed directions in her educational journey when it became apparent that she would lose her confidence if she stayed where she was. It is a privileged choice, but one we don’t regret making.
The thing about Ace cards and the moves I made this year with them is that they are only pieces of paper, but their symbolism is a permission slip—perhaps the sly wink we need when we doubt.
Just days ago, someone I love said,
“Yes, you’re going to shake things up obviously, but I don’t think it will necessarily be viewed as reckless. I think it’s brave."
I admit the cards I played this year have set me on a trajectory I had no idea I was capable of. Given this, I will need to be more connected and anchored in my embodiment of myself and this life more grounded.
Above all the shifts, changes and opportunities, I am eternally thankful for the souls surrounding me and the air I breathe.
To play an ace is to live.
And this year, I have truly, deeply and evocatively lived.
Onwards,
Books lined up on a shelf.
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret | Judy Blume
Having never read the book, this was a delightful revisit to a novel that could have been on my shelf. It is a beautiful coming-of-age story that cracks you open and makes you remember the heart and spirit of your younger self. I am looking forward to watching its film adaptation.
When He Was Wicked | Julia Quinn
Slipped in another Bridgerton read. I can see why some fans would have wanted Francesca’s story included in the television adaptation series. The read was still a good one. As my friend and I would say, It’s like eating cake.
The Briar Club | Kate Quinn
Centred on the 1950s post-war era, The Briar Club features characters of Brair Woodhouse, a female boarding place. Although highly rated, this one did not scratch the fictional itch I was looking for when I read this.
A Gentleman and a ThIEf | Dean Jobb
Not only a professor of mine but also a local writer who riveted the world this year with this true crime story. Dean writes in a visually captivating tone that leaves your imagination nothing to desire. After sitting through a handful of his lectures, it’s no surprise that he leaves no stone unturned in this book. Anyone interested in true crime will find this a tremendous rapid read.
Nocturnal | Wilder
For those who like art mixed with poetic words, this book of poetry is beautifully made—a work of art in and of itself.
The Inheritance Games | Jennifer Lynn Barnes
A high school student finds herself in the centre of a dead billionaire’s pre-planned game to launch his family into a mystery after his death. With no known connection to this man or his family, protagonist Avery Grambs must decide how willing she is to follow the terms of the will or risk losing it all.
A great young adult read that is worth a film adaptation.
In the Dream House | Carmen Maria Machado
I used this book to study the use of metaphor. It’s haunting in its delivery and captivating in it’s entirety—a memoir to remember.
The Echo Wife | Sarah Gailey
A psychological thriller wrapped up in an eerie sci-fi concept. This book could easily be a Black Mirror episode. Highly recommend if this genre is your thing.
Family Values | Dr. Charles Sophy
If you are looking for an easy and quick read with prompts to help you re-orient your compass for a ‘team’ mentality in your family, this was great. Specifically in the sphere of intergenerational trauma/cycles, the way this book is packaged helps any partner/parent process the work they need to do on themselves and their history to navigate a safer environment for family evolution. .
Liturgy of the Ordinary | Tish Harrison Warren
Growing up under the Christian tradition, I have a connection to that which is meditative as an act of prayer. Recently, I read that art and creativity in and of itself is prayer. The act of it. In this book, Tish allows us to follow along to see how our ordinary lives give room for the mindful and prayerful moments, so many of us crave a conceptual da. I may not attend a church or relate as strongly to the tradition that raised me anymore, but I still live with mindfulness of how I can connect deeper and broader to the Divine.
Good Prose | Tracey Kidder and Richard Todd
A great read for any nonfiction writer. I appreciated the topics and pacing of this compact book.
Pines: Wayward Pines 1 | Blake Crouch
Recommended by my partner, who has become a reader of Dystopian books - I found this a great window into his new niche and am looking forward to picking up the sequal.
“I’ll spend my lifetime seam ripping open all the pockets they sewed shut..” - Amy Grace
on the pocket: *places you thought I didn’t belong.
A Threads Project
Star & Moon Pyjamas | Indigo / Love & Lore
I love and have this set in a short-sleeved pair of pants for a year. It seemed a practical and enjoyable choice to pick up the longer-sleeved pant set. No Regrets.
Snoopy Napkins | Homesense
I am a sucker for seasonal napkins. Snoopy is our nine-year-old favourite cartoon character, which seemed a perfect addition for October.
The Market Candle - Fireside | The Market Wolfville
As seasonal visitors to the sweet town of Wolfville in Nova Scotia, we often dip into The Market Wolfville. I picked up this candle and loved burning it in autumn.
Poetry is magical. This beautifully packaged book is too.
After seeing a version of this on a store's website and realizing I couldn’t order it - I went hunting, and this happy, hugable pumpkin has delivered in our cozy couch moments as a family.
Janis Joplin Vinyls | Second Hand
Janis Joplins' spirit, voice, and energy have my soul needs serving wh this season. Spinning her records is a saving grace.
Merit Concealer | Merit Beauty
Quick and easy. A lifestyle minimalist dream. I don’t have the energy to spend on makeup, but this is as easy and effective as it gets.
Autumn Vibes - Maison Margiela | Sephora
After purchasing a sample pack of scents to share and enjoy for our 13th anniversary for a few months, I have found that my favourite scent from the pack is Autumn Vibes. It is fitting for the weeks of autumn.
To the threads that have been, are and continue to be…
You’ve taught me what it means to hold space despite the chaos.” - Amy Grace
A Threads Project
Alongside Accessible Media Inc. and Lynn Matheson, I helped produce this episode of Our Community.
More Than a Drive showcases the tireless and dedicated work of MusGo Rider.
Watch Here.
“Thank-you for the mess…I am still working through it.” - Amy Grace
A Threads Project.
I spent the better of two decades telling myself University was not for someone like me.
I thought finances, intellect, individuality, and worthiness were beyond my means.
Was this because of my conservative upbringing, where women were often pigeonholed as the caregivers of their families while the men worked? Was this because of the teachers who saw my marks and considered me a lost cause? Or was this a lie of my own making?
The unwinding of these self-restrictive thoughts continues, but their hold on me does not.
Sitting in the lecture hall of the Unversity of Kings College on the first day of my master’s education earlier this year, I was struck by how, rather than standing out as an odd duck, I was simply normal.
A storyteller and producer who knew and had honed her craft and was ready to refine it to it’s next level.
“Storytelling is your power and home here.” Gillian Turnbull - Director of Writing and Publishing, University of Kings College
Back to school is not just an ‘era’; it is coming home to the side of myself that I had believed I needed to hide. The side that intuitively knows the heartbeat and cadence of the scene, can break down story and character development without blinking and is more knowledgeable about the craft of the story than she lets on. The side that spins words to find healing and wholeness, the side that digs deeper into the personal to dig deeper in the relational. The side that knows that the craft of writing is a craft that can build bridges as quickly as it can burn them.
To the side of myself I had let collect dust and believed was put to bed for good, I say welcome home.
You belong here.
“It took me way too long to realize that one core thread, was me.” - Amy Grace
A Threads Projects
First Love | Lilly Dancyger
A heart-wrenching book of essays on the true love stories in our lives. Friendship. Specifically Lilly and her relationships with all of the women she has called friends.
The House Across the LakE | Riley Sager
It's a perfect rapid read for vacation. A ‘who dun it’ that turns into something more than that. No need to spoil. If you are looking for a psychological suspense novel - this is it.
Good Inside | Dr.Becky Kennedy
After listening to various podcast episodes by Dr.Becky, I decided to pick up the book. Focusing on the core value that all children and adults are ‘good inside,’ this book helps remind us to take a mindful approach in our parenting to support self-regulation, compassion, confidence and resilience. Highly recommend.
The Soulmate | Sally Hepworth
Another great rapid read: The Soulmate is perfect for summer vacation. It is equally moody, entertaining, and suspenseful.
The Next Mrs.Parish | Liv Constantine
This is the sequel to The Last Mrs.Parish. I read it during vacation and deeply enjoyed how all the characters continued the chess game that made the first book fun. I am amazed this hasn’t been made into a film by now. It's a great read all around.
FILMS/TV SERIES OF NOTE
Baby Reindeer - because it’s a true story that will leave you speechless.
Parent Trap ‘97 - because a rainy day on vacation deserves a great classic film to watch.
Argylle - because it’s a fun play on all the spy troupes one can find. Films don’t always have to be serious.
Physical S03 - because it’s a fun summer watch & I think Rose Byrns makes it. (warning: dysregulated eating is an underlying theme)
Inside Out 2 - because the second is as deep as the first.
The Last Breath | Kimberlly Belle
This is a fun, suspenseful read when one is looking for a distraction. The graphic descriptions of small portions seemed unnecessary to me. Readers don’t need as much gore to buy in as one might think.
The Old Moon in Her Arms | Lorri Neilson Glenn
Hearing Lorri read a small portion of this book on the first day of my degree was a moment I will not forget. Her words and presence are as deep as they are witty, and there is a reflectiveness in her writing that I deeply aspire to. Reading this collection of essays has been a refreshment and a beautiful anchor point in why I wanted to do this master's program.
The First Shot | Liv Constantine
I re-read the prequel to prepare for the sequel to The Last Mrs.Parish. I love the protagonist's twists and turns, and it says enough that I willingly ‘re-read’ this.
Family Trouble | Joy Castro
This book of essays is from the required reading list in my Master's program. It is a collection of essays from those who have written memoirs and writings that reflect their families.
Lessons in Chemistry | Bonnie Garmus
I adored this read. Bonnie’s beautiful writing keeps this story alive and the characters even more. Without spoiling, this book follows a female chemist's struggles and life happenings in the 1960’s. It is as charming as it is pointed. It’s very clear to me why it got picked up for a tv series on Apple TV.
The Last Mrs.Parish | Liv Constantine
In preparation for the second book, I reread the first. Liv Constantine (team of two writers) did not disappoint in this reread. I found it as riveting as the first time. No spoilers. Just read it for yourself.
FILMS / TV SERIES OF NOTE
I am Celine - Her voice and interviews filled a lot of important moments for me, and watching this was as impactful as those moments.
Wish - For the art style alone (& if you pay attention - there is a fascinating narrative woven in regarding those in governance and leadership).
Baby Reindeer Season 1 - Because it claims to be a true story and has been talked about for weeks. It’s FASCINATING.
Our Knots are showing.
A Threads Project
As our little family of three evolves, we have begun to explore what dipping our toes in travel looks like for us and decided to start where are hearts were already, with our best friends.
Visiting Nanaimo, British Columbia, along with other obvious places (Vancouver, Victoria, Coombs, Chemainus etc.), was a no-brainer. Our goal to experience the coast they live on and the landmarks that make up their lives was quite honestly the best place to start.
Standout moments/experiences
Lantzville Beach for a dip (it seemed essential to experience the Pacific Ocean)
Window Seat Books in Nanaimo (beautiful independent bookstore)
Horang - Korean-inspired restaurant bar - (the food was explosively good)
Sticky Rice Mango Bowl at Dumpling Drop in China Town in Victora
Butterfly world (we learned some things)
A ridiculous souvenir our daughter picked up in Coombs (it became a mascot of the trip)
The special moments together when we did nothing but talk, read, nap and muddle about.
I don’t need to travel to feel fulfilled or inspired, but I deeply enjoy living alongside those I love, and this adventure gave me all those values and then some.