Reading history and digging into archives to research stories is a true joy for me. In these blog articles I will share some of the research gems I’ve found, and write about things that are meaningful to me, or just plain fun. I may even share a recipe from time to time.
Remembering Mrs. Fuga
Winnipeg’s Olga Fuga has passed away at the age of 94. She was a force of nature who helped shape Winnipeg. She was also a force who helped shape me.
Mnohaya Lita Многая літа
Mnohaya Lita is a very old Ukrainian song that means “Many Happy Years.” When I heard it as a child, it always made people cry.
Book Club Questions for the Author
Meeting with book clubs, whether in person or in video chats, is one of my favourite things. I have met many wonderful people to discuss Ravenscraig, and find it very rewarding to learn people who have never had a connection to Winnipeg are interested in learning more about the city.
Titanic Survivor Eva Hart and her Winnipeg Connection
Eva Hart was just seven years old when her family left Ilford, England, and boarded the Titanic in Southampton. They were saying good-bye to England to make their future in Winnipeg, Canada.
Armstrong’s Point
The historic neighbourhood Armstrong’s Point in Winnipeg was the ideal choice for the location of the fictional home Ravenscraig Hall in my novel Ravenscraig.
Family Research Leads to Ravenscraig
Ukrainian families first settled in Manitoba in the 1890s. My family was among them. They came from Bukovina and Galicia in what was then the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Recognized as “Stalwart peasants in sheepskin coats,” they came to a tough life.
