BOOKED FOR A STAYCATION

A recent commercial highlighted the coined word, ‘staycation.’ The concept of ‘staycation’ refers to a leisure break time spent locally, usually at home or nearby. As an avid reader I am advocating those unable to get away for a summer vacation this year, for whatever reason, to avail themselves of frequent relaxing breaks centred on leisure reading. As author Jhumpa Lahiri beautifully put it:

“That’s the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet.”

May I take the liberty to recommend the Electra McDonnell book series by author Ashley Weaver. Her series offers the reader a historical mystery collection set during World War II. As of July 2025, the series comprises five books:  

A Peculiar Combination (2021),

The Key to Deceit (2022),

Playing It Safe (2023),

Locked in Pursuit (2024),

and One Final Turn (2025).

The cleverly chosen titles subtly hint at Ellie’s life transition, as a former safecracker-turned-spy, as she navigates her complex new world of espionage. The books’ chapters combine elements of suspense, romance, and historical detail.

If you find yourself liking Ashley Weaver’s storytelling style and looking for more books by her, you might also enjoy the author’s other historical whodunit series, the Amory Ames Mystery Series. The protagonist in the series of seven is Amory Ames, a stylist, self- possessed, young woman living in 1930s England. Amory is an independently wealthy amateur sleuth who frequently finds herself entangled in murder investigation.

“Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.”

— Mason Cooley

I hope my blog is a reminder that a well-told story can transport you far beyond your front door. Happy reading and safe travels, wherever your pages may lead you.

-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ 

Image: Victor Ballesteros/Kari Shea | Unsplash

Love Lives On

These days, as my number of years increases, I find myself gaining new perspectives and insights. I suppose that experience is not unique to me, but rather one of the significant gifts that come with aging. A great deal of earlier life seems to be spent figuring out whether to go “gee” (right) or “haw” (left), to borrow from equine terms. With the passing of years, however, we begin to strive more intentionally to proceed straight forward carefully, thoughtfully, as best we can.

One new thought surfaced as the first anniversary of my good friend, Jean’s death approached. A new notion came to mind as I recalled the phrase, “Life is changed, but not ended.” In the past, I had always associated its meaning with the future life of the deceased, an encouragement to focus on their continued existence in the often-referenced ‘hereafter.’ But this time, with new insight, I found the subject of the phrase had become me.

While my longtime friend’s earthly life has come to its close and continues now in unimaginable ways beyond this world, I realized that my life, especially regarding our shared relationship, has also undergone a change, but continues.

“The friends we have lost do not repose under the ground... they are buried deep in our hearts. It has been thus ordained that they may always accompany us.”

— Alexandre Dumas, in The Count of Monte Cristo

Jean’s physical presence may be gone, but our connection, the shared memories, and the influence she has on my life are still very much alive. And so, my life too is changed yet continues to be so richly blessed.

-Sister Nancy Wales, csj

Images: le Sixième Rêve/Sixteen Miles Out | Unsplash

Summer’s Permission Slip

Now that I’m retired and no longer living by the seasonal rhythm of an educator, I’m discovering the need to be more intentional about my approach to summer living.

Regina Brett, who became a global sensation with her vital newspaper column “50 Life Lessons,” wisely said:

“Summer is the annual permission slip to be lazy.

To do nothing and have it count for something.”

Several summer pastimes spring to mind, activities that might be seen as “doing nothing,” yet they offer quiet meaning. May I suggest you take a well-earned permission slip and enjoy one of these gentle pursuits or other compatible ones.

• Sitting on a Bench: Observing, your outer or inner surroundings, without a device, without a book. Just savouring presence.

• Floating: Being buoyed by water, your body and thoughts are both carefree.

• People-Watching: Noticing others quietly, sipping something cool, engaging in a gentle study of human nature.

• Walking Without a Destination: Wandering without a route, seemingly aimless, but truly a walking meditation.

This summer, I’m letting the season be a permission slip to slow down and simply be. Wherever you are, however, you choose, may this summer give you permission to simply be.

-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

Images: Luke Dean-Weymark/Chris Galbraith/Unsplash

“Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.”

— Henry James

A Moving Memoir

Adding My First Memoir to My Lending Library

I’ve just added my first memoir to my bookcase and what a heart-stirring introduction to the genre it turned out to be.

As my new colleague, ChatGPT, explains:
A memoir is a form of nonfiction where the author reflects on personal experiences and memories, typically focusing on specific events, themes, or periods in their life—rather than recounting their entire life story, as an autobiography does.

That definition came to life for me through The Migrant Rain Falls in Reverse by Vinh Nguyen, released on April 8, 2025, ahead of the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon.

Nguyen was one of the many Vietnamese “boat people”, refugees who fled the country by sea after the fall of Saigon in 1975. Alongside his mother and siblings, he escaped in a crowded boat, part of the mass exodus of those seeking safety and freedom across dangerous waters. His father fled separately and then vanished without a trace. The memoir traces not only Vinh’s harrowing escape but also the emotional terrain of absence, longing, and inherited memory.

The Migrant Rain Falls in Reverse contains all the key features of a memoir: it’s written from Vinh’s perspective, it focuses on his memories and reflections, and it shows, often through dialogue, how personal experiences shape an individual, through offering lessons and insights.

Nguyen himself describes the memoir in this way: “It begins with memory and it moves forward. As it moves forward, it hits the limits of memory. And so increasingly, the book becomes speculative. I moved towards thinking about what could have been—what did I want to have happened?”

I discovered The Migrant Rain Falls in Reverse through the Amnesty Book Club, which featured it in celebration of World Refugee Day on June 20th.

Amnesty also hosted an online interview with Vinh Nguyen offering listeners a thoughtful, vulnerable conversation that adds even more depth to the memoir’s reading experience. With Amnesty’s permission, I’m sharing the link to the recorded interview with Vinh Nguyen here.

If you’ve ever wondered how personal memory and historical events intersect on the page, this memoir is a beautiful, poignant place to start.

P.S. For those interested here is the link to join the Amnesty Bookclub.

-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

image: Nathan Dumlao/unsplash

Feeling Foolish

Have you ever asked a question, only to instantly regret it the moment you heard the answer? That was me, one afternoon in Yellowknife, back in the spring of 1996.

I was chatting with George Erasmus, a respected Dene leader, in the staffroom of the high school where I taught. At the time, just days before our conversation, Governor General Roméo LeBlanc had announced the Government’s intention to create a national celebration of Indigenous peoples, to be held annually on June 21st. It was to be called National Aboriginal Day. Years later, in 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would rename it National Indigenous Peoples Day, to reflect the growing preference for the term Indigenous, both nationally and internationally.

Trying to connect with George and make conversation, I asked, “Why was June 21st chosen?” He gave me a quick, matter-of-fact response: “It’s the summer solstice. A day of traditional significance to us.” I winced inwardly at my own ignorance. “Of course,” I replied, quietly.

George went on to explain the significance of the longest day of the year, a tradition held by his people and numerous Indigenous communities across the land for generations. A time for renewal, spiritual connection, and honoring tradition.

That day in 1996 is a reminder to me of how much I must learn and how important it is to ask questions and even to appear foolish to grow in understanding.

George’s explanation stayed with me. I was reminded of his words when reading how the Government of Canada acknowledges this day, “National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For generations, many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities have celebrated their cultures, languages, and traditions at this time of year. The summer solstice holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for many Indigenous Peoples, marking a time of renewal, connection, and celebration.”

On June 21st, I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to view and celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. One great way to do this is by viewing the broadcast of Indspire Awards.  You can watch them on CBC at 7 PM and APTN at 8 PM on June 21, 2025.

As noted, online, “the Indspire Awards celebrate the highest honour the Indigenous community bestows upon its own people. After 31 years, the Indspire Awards have honoured over four hundred First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievement across Turtle Island and beyond. Their stories are shared in a nationally broadcast celebration that highlights the diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada.”

Let us keep listening, learning, and celebrating Indigenous communities, even if it means feeling foolish first.

-Sister Nancy Wales, csj

Image: Ant Rozetsky/Unsplash