The Cottage

That's Miriam sitting on the dock. We spent two wonderful weeks at my parents' cottage up north on a lake. Its a small lake with much crown land (owned by the Queen and can't be sold. Natural areas). A number of cottages are scattered around the lake. We don't have any close neighbours so its very quiet and private.

As you can see, we have a little fishing boat. I'm the only one who uses it. Twice I tried to start it but it wouldn't work. Got the local handyman in and he got it started. We took it out and was at the other end of the lake when the motor died. Tried it again. It started but soon died. Rowed for a bit and let the engine rest. Tried it again. And yes yet again it started, then died.

I looked around the lake and spotted a guy in a boat. I waved him down. With 2 dogs in his boat, he towed us home. So didn't take the boat out again. Ever year I like to take a tour of the lake to see if anyone has changed their property or cottage. The cottagers association decided that no new cottages would be built on the lake so lots of forest, but some people add buildings or additions to their cottage. It's always fun to note any difference. Not much changes around the lake. People have had cottages there for over 50 years.

Sorry I haven't written in a while. I spent two weeks at the cottage and worked hard on my books. I've finished another one, A Discerning Heart, about a poor fisherman. Out to catch a famous fish, he finds himself shipwrecked on a deserted island guarded by mermaid. The island is filled with treasure from shipwrecked pirate ships. He finds a dead pirate's journal. One day he escapes the island taking as much of the treasure as he could. He assumes the identity of the pirate captain and takes revenge on the villagers because they had always mistreated him.

The novel is now with the editor. After I make those corrections, I'll send it to a friend to check for any other mistakes/typos. Once those corrections are noted, I'll be self-publishing. I hope you'll find the topic interesting and buy a copy.

have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser

Here is a photo of Emma, my cat, at the cottage seeing if the dog left her anything to lick from the ice cream container.

About Children

I never wanted children. Sorry to say that so bluntly but been thinking for a few minutes of how to begin this blog and I keep coming back to that statement, but I don't want to offend. So I hope you'll understand and keep reading.

As a young child, I didn't play with dolls. Sure I was given dolls but I never played with them. I preferred my brother's Tonka toys.

On the street where I grew up, there were many families of boys. Two were across the street, two in the house beside us. Three from around the crescent, and another boy who was friends with them and always hung out with us. All these guys were older than me so adopted me as their little sister. We wrestled and hiked in the woods. One day, they found abandoned bunnies and gave them to me.

Growing up, I was only interested in sports. I played baseball, volleyball, waterpolo, badminton, and soccer. I refereed volleyball and basketball for $20 a game. I worked the penalty box for hockey and the down box for football. I was also a lifeguard and swimming instructor. Boys were to compete with or a good rival. Never considered them as possible husbands.

Only after arriving in Israel, did I learn about sex. While there, I joined a kibbutz who offered the opportunity to study Hebrew and work on the kibbutz in trade for the lessons. It was an amazing experience.

Every month, we received 30 packs of cigarettes for free. Also they gave away the Pill for free to any woman who wanted it. Since I had met someone, I accepted the offer and went on the Pill. I didn't want to take a chance. It never occurred to me to get pregnant. I never thought about children or getting married.

A few years later, I was living in Tel Aviv studying English Literature at the Tel Aviv University. My boyfriend and I broke up so I went off the Pill. To make a long story short, we got back together and I got pregnant. While my boyfriend was serving his yearly military service, my best friend and I sat down and made a list of pros and cons about keeping the baby. I had a semester to go to finish my degree. Danny and I weren't married and I wasn't sure he'd marry me. I was alone in Israel without any family. Could I be a single mother?

Yes, lots of cons. One other big one was both Roni and I felt there was something wrong with me and I shouldn't be having children. I had always thought something was wrong with me but all the doctors said it was nothing. With all these thoughts, we both believed that it was best I have an abortion, which is what I did. In Israel, any single woman has the right to have an abortion.

In 1986, I returned to Canada and in 1987 I was diagnosed with Bipolar Affective Disorder. I was advised that it is hereditary and I definitely carried the gene for the illness. Much mental illness rained on my family. My brother was diagnosed Bipolar too.

I didn't want to take a chance of having children. I couldn't bear seeing my child go through the hell I've been through. The doctors agreed that I should be prohibited from having children so performed a tubal ligation. I've never regretted that decision.

From my 20s to my early 40s, I lived like a gypsy. Marriage and family were the farthest things from my mind. Running away from my problems was my sole occupation. When things got hard, I'd quit my job and move somewhere else, even to another country.

Now, I'm in my 50s living a very free life. Yes, I have the responsibilities of my cat, dog and house but I'm satisfied with my life. Sure whenever I see a baby or child I don't wonder what if, but then I think of all the work. They require constant attention, which continues for the rest of your life. When I think of that and what it would mean to have a child here demanding my time, I'm glad I didn't have kids.

I'm poor. I'm a struggling author. I work every day of the week. I'm constantly on my computer putting words together. Some days I don't even take the dog for a walk. How could I look after children? I couldn't. I made the right decision not to have kids.

Do you agree with me? Do you understand?

have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser

my children:

Update about Signings

I try to remain positive in my blogs. No one wants negativity; there's enough of that in the world. So I keep my blogs positive and optimistic. However, I'm going to change that policy with this blog. I need to vent.

I'm an author. My job is to write and then sell my books. One possibility for this is a book signing at a bookstore. Here in Ontario, Chapters is the major chain hosting signing events. It's very easy to book a signing: just call the store and ask to speak to the person who organizes the events. Never had a problem talking with that person and, after a detailed email about me and my books, I scheduled a date.

Most stores place a table for you in the front of the store by the front doors. I thought this was a great spot, but I have learned the ropes. When people walk in a store, they don't want to be accosted especially by someone selling something. But, when you are sitting there, you have no choice but to say hello and invite them to look at your books.

Most people say, "No, not interested." I don't mind them not being interested but I wish they were more polite. At one store, people were just rude. I'm sorry to bother you but this is my job. Being rude is totally unnecessary. You can say no but be polite about it. At the end of the day, I feel terrible and beaten down. If it weren't for Miriam, who drives me to all my signings, I'd be upset. She is a gentle soul who knows just what to say.

At the Guelph store, the manager put the table back into the store on a main walk-way. People were more relaxed because they were already shopping and would stop by my table to hear about my books. I sold quite a few at that store and the people were really nice; even the ones who said no but they said it with a smile on their face.

Today's signing was a disaster. There were more staff in the store than customers. Everyone I tried to interest in my books said, "I don't read," "I have no time to read," "I'm not much of a reader." Well then (sorry) but what the fuck you doing in a bookstore? Sorry but seriously? I only stayed at this store an hour as there were no sales and I couldn't be bothered to waste my time further. This is the first time I've left a signing early. Usually I stay from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

I do signings because it's the best way to get your work out there and I will continue to do signings. Each year, I have a new book to add to the collection and I want to promote it. Even though I find them so difficult, I must persist. You never know who will buy your book and maybe it could lead to something. Also, I sell more books at the stores than I would sitting at home. I just wish people were nicer.

In my next blog, I'll give you an insight into my new novel, The Discerning Heart. I don't know the genre yet. My editor will help with that. I call it adventure.

have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser

From my signing in Guelph:

Playoff Hockey

Playoff hockey is the best. Hockey is my favourite sport and I love watching it. I'm a big Toronto Maple Leaf fan and yes I admit it. Even though they were third worst in the league, I still say, "There's always next year" as does every other Leaf fan.

Leaf nation received some great news this week with the announcement that Mike Babcock will be the new coach. Mike was the coach of the Detroit Red Wings and won a Stanley Cup with them in 2008. He's a famous coach in Canada since he won two Olympic gold and a world championship for us. I'm thrilled he's taking over and look forward to a Stanley Cup in a few years.

Back to playoff hockey. I haven't missed many games this season. It's such a difficult sport. I have much admiration for the players except when they fight. Don't like the fighting. Went to a boxing match and a hockey game broke out.

In playoff hockey, the guys play that much harder. They skate faster, hit with more abandon, and find it more difficult to score. I was cheering for Montreal and Calgary until they lost out. If the Leafs aren't playing for the Cup, then I cheer for any Canadian team. Now, I'm cheering for Chicago and New York Rangers but they are down in both their series with Anaheim Ducks and Tampa Bay respectively.

I would love a Chicago/Ranger cup final but it will probably be Ducks and Tampa Bay. My bet is Tampa for the win but it will be a long series, probably go seven games. But that's great. Lots of great hockey to watch.

I just had my backyard sodded. It was a mess and terrible to look at. After discussing it with a friend who owns a contracting business, he offered to do it for me. One of his workers came over and dug up the mess that was my backyard so it was dirt for a few days. I was surprised that Emma liked that.

The landscaping has been completed and I love how it looks. Wow this is so much better. Waiting to see if the pets prefer it. I sure hope so. Keeping it watered well. That's easy to do. I'm so happy how easily this problem was solved.

have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser

Striking Teachers

Happy Victoria Day!

Right now, in Toronto, teachers are on strike. I'm not going to read up about their issues or learn the reasons for their strike just to regurgitate it here because I really don't care. Don't have kids and don't know any kids of school age so really it's not a matter which I can honestly discuss. But I think teachers should never be allowed to strike.

Just think of the stress they are causing to kids in their last year of high school. Their whole life could go askew because their entrance into university or the work force is put off for a few months. And what about the parents? They have to stay home from work to look after their kids so the strike affects them aversely too.

Teachers never striked when I was a kid. Our teachers rarely took time off work. I remember them always being in class. They were always available to us and offered great school programs. I have great memories of many teachers from Westdale Secondary in Hamilton.

When in grade 12 and with our history teacher and a few adult chaperons, we went to Quebec City. We took the train. I was 17 years old and so in Ontario, I wasn't old enough to drink since the age was 18. However, in Quebec, the age requirement to drink was 16. I was playing bridge with the history teacher, an older sister of one of my classmates and another teacher. They were all drinking except me who had a can of coke. When we crossed the border, my history teacher picked up his bottle of rum and poured it into my coke. I loved him for that!

For some strange reason, I fell in love with chemistry in grade 9. I did very well in that class and volunteered to clean test tubes after school. My chemistry teacher was a lovely man who spent time helping me excel in his classes. I received a 98% in that class. Actually, it was the best mark I ever received. I was more a B student.

I had a lot of problems learning how to read. As a child, I avoided reading as it was torture. I don't think I was dyslexic but probably borderline. I see words as shapes. If a word is spelt wrong, I can tell by its shape but I'm not always able to identify the mistake. I remember sitting quietly in class as the other students read. Amazingly enough, I managed to make it to grade 5 without being able to read.

Then I met Mrs. Markham. I'll never forget her name. She realized I wasn't reading and set out to teach me to read. She spent much quality time with me. To encourage me to read, she gave a book: Mrs. Pickerel Goes to the Moon. That was the first book I ever read and I loved it. Reading became better than candy and because of that book, I set out to read everything I could get my hands on. I'm still a voracious reader thanks to Mrs. Markham.

Teachers are a major part of a child's life. They make a difference. I have the upmost respect for teachers but they should never be allowed to go on strike. Let me know what you think. Do you agree or disagree?

have fun,
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser

Restaurants

When we were kids, we hardly ever went out for dinner. When we did, it was to celebrate something special. When my parents were kids, they never ate out at restaurants. Well time's have changed.

We now go out to dinner quite frequently and it is no longer something special. Well, it's always special to me. I love eating restaurant food and I have a few favourite places in my city.

My favourite place is La Luna. The chefs are Lebanese and serve middle eastern food. And the food is absolutely fantastic. I must have eaten everything on their menu. There have two restaurants. One is in downtown Hamilton. The other is on the mountain which is ten minutes from where I used to live. So when I lived on the mountain seven years ago, I would order from La Luna every two weeks. Their staff is the best: the friendliest and nicest people.

My next favourite restaurant is a Japanese place owned and run by Koreans. These Koreans are the nicest people I've ever met. I've learned some Korean so that I may thank them for their meals. Joya Sushi serves the best sushi and I love their beef teriyaki. There is also an assortment of Korean dishes which are delicious.

Yesterday, I had my favourite lunch at the Indian restaurant. India Village serves a special lunch which comes on a metal tray like you get in the army but in each place is a lovely variety of Indian food such as an appetizer like onion bhaji, a main dish with a few pieces of butter chicken, a salad, a side vegetable dish and a small sweet ball for dessert. It's absolutely delicious and very healthy.

Another favourite restaurant is Bangkok Spoon. They provide delicious Thai food. Their fresh spring roll is absolutely fantastic. They also have a great variety of beef, chicken and seafood dishes. Had a few and enjoyed every one.

As you can tell, I like ethnic foods. I love to eat things I could never make for myself. I also enjoy spices. When I travelled to different countries, it was so much fun trying their native foods. I could eat my way around the world!!

Where do you like to eat? What are your favourite foods? Leave me a comment.

have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser

Inventions

Ever watch Dragon's Den or Shark's Tank? Ever think of an invention? Those shows promote intelligence, business savvy and strong personalities. Not only is it interesting, but you learn some great ideas. But it's difficult coming up with something that everyone will want to buy. Some ideas succeed but most don't.

Have you ever heard of Magic Mess? It's a brilliant invention. It is a screen that covers any door.

It's a simple mesh that is fastened to your door. Those pins you use for particle boards are the best things I've found to keep the screen attached to the door frame. They are easy to stick into the wood frame and easy to take out at the end of the season.

In the centre are magnets which allow easy passage and connect quickly upon closing. It is a brilliant invention. I love that fresh air.

Now I can leave my backdoor open all the time. No flies or bugs get in and the dog and cat can go in and out as much as they please.

How would you like to receive notice of my next blog? Or obtain information about my next book? Or maybe you'd like to know of my next signing?

You can now leave me your email and I will inform you about is happening. Go to this site and leave me your email address. Lots of news is to come.

On Saturday, May 9th, 2015, I have a signing at Chapters Ancaster in Meadowlands. Please come out and say hello.

have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser