THE END OF SUMMER EDITION 

Hello everyone, wherever and whenever you are, and welcome to the end of summer edition of the Shakarri News.

I hope it’s been an exciting — in a good way — and enjoyable summer for everyone. Weather being what it is, was outstanding in some parts of the country, chaotic and disruptive in other areas, wet and miserable, or unbearably hot in others. Those are the joys of living in the third largest country in the world. No doubt someone experienced snow as well. Sorry! Did anyone experience the torment of those miserable biting insects that I mentioned in the May Newsletter? 

BOOK THREE OF THE SHAKARRI SERIES

THE END OF THE BEGINNING 

Good news for eager fans of the Shakarri series. Book 3 has just launched!

 I came across a quote from Winston Churchill that seemed to be the perfect title for my third novel. It is not a simple, straightforward expression. Instead, it begs the question, what does that actually mean? The answer, of course, is dependent on the context to which it is applied, and your own interpretations. Naturally, I wanted to share the specific circumstances where the quote was made. 

Below is an excerpt from a BBC article on Field Marshal Bernard “Monty” Montgomery

“In defeat, unbeatable; in victory, unbearable.” In one remark, Winston Churchill captured the infuriating brilliance of Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, the brains behind the celebrated November 1942 victory at the Second Battle of El Alamein. Seen as a turning point in World War Two, the battle in North Africa inspired another famous Churchill quote: “Now, this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”

The full article is linked below. 

Field Marshal Bernard “Monty” Montgomery
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20260319-the-british-general-who-outwitted-his-arch-rival-in-world-war-two

TIGER MAN

THE MUIRGE FIONN ACADEMY

One piece of this novel that I particularly enjoyed writing, was when the children of the refugees from Jord were about to enter the Muirge Fionn Academy. In spite of the anticipated looming invasion, there was an excitement and anticipation of the knowledge and skills they would learn. 
I thought readers might be interested in knowing the location I chose for the opening ceremony of the Academy. The north end of the fortress is at the South end of Woss Lake, and the outdoor presentation occurred at the junction of several valleys near the community of Woss. 
 

GRIZZLY BEARS 

GRIZZLIES ON VANCOUVER ISLAND ARE HERE TO STAY

For years it has been known that grizzly bears would island hop from the mainland to Vancouver Island, and return to the mainland and their original territory once their curiosities — or hunger — were sated for the season. It appears that situation may have changed, which should not be a real surprise, but it is something to be aware of. 

Residents on Vancouver Island already coexist with black bears, wolves, cougars, and many other critters, so why not grizzlies. Below is an article suggesting that grizzly bears may be here to stay. 

Expect more grizzlies on Vancouver Island, expert warns | CBC News

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/grizzlies-vancouver-island-officials-warn-9.7190550

HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE THESE NAMES

PRONUNCIATION OF MAIN  CHARACTERS IN THE END OF THE BEGINNING

Pronunciation of Main Characters

HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE THESE NAMES

A NATIONAL TREASURE 

THE GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST 

In keeping with the bear theme, if you have read Tiger Man, you will recall that Kelly and Kijah spent some time in the Great Bear Rainforest. Although I have not had the pleasure of visiting there yet, it is definitely on my bucket list. It is is one of Canada’s gems that we should be immensely proud of. The videos in the link below give a small taste of the creatures that are protected, the beauty of the land, lakes, and ocean, being preserved for all to enjoy, and the collaborative efforts that were involved in making this treasure a reality. Canadians should be very proud, and protective, of what has been achieved, and support future initiatives to preserve the beauty of our land for future generations. 

I’ve attached a link to information from the BC Government related to the Great Bear Rainforest. Explore the links and u-tube videos to gain a better understanding of what has been accomplished. 

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/great-bear-rainforest

SEPTEMBER: THE END OF SUMMER. A HAPPY TIME WHEN CHILDREN RETURN TO SCHOOL

QUESTIONS? THOUGHTS?

Summers end is the beginning of the fall season, when temperatures begin their transition to cooler days and nights, parents rejoice in the children returning to classes, and the routines of life return to normal, whatever your normal is. 

Officially, El Niño has returned and is expected to affect Canada’s weather over the next fourteen months or so. Typically we can expect a warmer winter and spring, though some parts of the country may experience cold arctic air. Don’t hold me to that forecast. Climate change does affect everything now, and the planet will react in ways that may surprise us. She’s not very happy with mankind these days. 

I have attached a link from Environment Canada that describes what El Niño is.

El Niño – WeatherCanada.cahttps://www.canada.ca › services › el-nino

Enjoy the end of summer as and however it unfolds. I am fond of repeating a message I learned at a course in Banff long ago, “Adapt or Perish” It makes life easier to accept if you follow that philosophy. 

As always, I’d love to hear from you, so Email Me and let me know your thoughts on anything in this newsletter, or suggestions for what you’d like to see in future editions.

-Ray

Ray St. Denis

Author, The Shakarri Series