The following is a new companion story to the book Camp Follower One Army Brat’s Story by Michele Sabad. To be published Fall 2019 in a new anthology “My Hero Dog: Stories on How Our Dogs Have Helped Shape Who We Are” by the Museum of the American Military Family. The phone rang one weekday … More Cognac. Yes, Named for the Booze.
Some pictures define a life. When I retired almost 3 years ago now (!) I took up writing as my new raison d’être. In year 1, I wrote and self-published the book Camp Follower One Army Brat’s Story by Michele Sabad. Year 2 was spent marketing, which I found I didn’t hate: the signings, the … More Writing, Retirement Year 3 Begins
When my son was deployed to Mali, Africa, I admit I didn’t know how I felt. I grew up an Army kid. I lived all over Canada and in Germany, too. My dad was away often. Then I married a fellow army kid in Petawawa, and he joined the Air Force. So I lived a … More Brat to Wife to Mom
This is my third winter of retirement. It occurred to me this fine, freezing Quebec January morning, that my winter survival habits have changed since my working days. In those quickly-forgotten working days of January, I would bundle in as much winter gear as necessary to catch the bus, where I would overheat on said … More Winter is Better in Retirement
Who can look at this photo of winter and not say it’s their favourite season? I’ve always loved winter activities and am eager for the river to freeze enough to walk on it. Alas, I am not young enough to enjoy skating on the rough, cracked, natural ice anymore, but I do like watching. It’s … More Winter : One of my Favourite Seasons
This time of year, I see many posts on social media of favourite quotes, advice, words of wisdom. Maybe I’m naturally contrarian, but I always think of a smart-alec snarky response! Here’s some New Year’s resolutions and advice translated Stevie-style. Caution, to be read with a sense of humour as it was written with tongue-in-cheek. … More New Year Resolutions – Debunked
As usual I did NOT read as many books this year as I planned. How does that happen? I spent a busy year marketing and promoting my book Camp Follower One Army Brat’s Story, which turned into more fun than anticipated. Many signings, travels, family events; it was a high-school renunion year; it was my … More Reading List 2018
I know Christmas Day is still a week away, but for me, Christmas Season is well underway and almost over. I don’t know if it’s because we’re a military family, with members spread far and wide, or because we’re just a normal family, with grown children and expanded families of their own to attend – … More Christmas Season 2018 in pictures
I entered Camp Follower One Army Brat’s Story in the prestigious Writer’s Digest Book awards. Boldly. Contests can be intimidating, but this one promised a review for the entry fee, so taking a deep breath, I submitted. Below, in its entirety, is the judge’s commentary. I admit I disagreed with 2 points. Read on and … More Camp Follower : Writer’s Digest Review
I wrote this post some time ago. My son is safely returned from his deployment to Africa. But the sentiments are still appropriate and I invite a read while we observe our November 11 Remembrance day here in our lucky country of Canada. Last Sunday we marked the 100th anniversary since the end of the … More Your Military. They Serve and Protect.
Stevie Szabad, Author 