Heather Plett, Author at Heather Plett

May there be peace

by Heather Plett | Jan 8, 2008 | Uncategorized

I’ve been feeling a little heartsick about what’s been happening in Kenya. When you’ve walked on the soil of a country and let yourself be touched by its people, you can never again ignore the news of that country quite as casually as you did before. In the past three years, I’ve been touched by many Kenyans, and with them, I grieve the turmoil their country is in.

I think of Esther, who gave me the beautiful earrings I’m wearing today. A woman of great wisdom and compassion, who sees the beauty in prisoners and prostitutes and dedicates her life to helping them find wholeness and hope. May she be safe today.

I think of Fidelis, who speaks boldly and with passion, challenging rich North Americans to set aside their arrogance and self-assuredness and not assume they have the answers for Africa. A woman who teaches farmers that their own ingenuity and strength can build a better country. May she sleep peacefully tonight.

I think of Daniel, who’s here in Canada, far from his family. A young man who wants to use his skills as a teacher to offer hope and a future to young students. I think of his sister Agnes, still in Kenya, whose shy smile brought me great pleasure. May they both rest assured that they will see each other again some day.

I think of Paulina, who so humbly and graciously welcomed me into her mud hut and offered me friendship. May she hold her children close and not fear for their safety.

I think of beautiful and bold Sheila, studying for her masters degree in Canada so that she can work for a better future for people living with HIV/AIDS. Sheila, who comes from Kisumu where much of the violence started. May she know that her family is safe.

I exchanged emails with my Nairobi-based uncle last week. He and his family are safe and their lives have not been dramatically impacted (though they can’t go very far from home), but I know that his heart – that is so full of love for Africa – is hurting a little too.

May there be peace in Kenya. May there be bridges built between tribes and political parties. May goodness prevail over evil.

In Cahoots

by Heather Plett | Jan 4, 2008 | blogging, writing

Quite awhile ago, some of you might recall I posted some interview questions for an article I was doing on blogging. Many of you were kind enough to respond to my questions. I used your quotes, and the article was accepted by Cahoots Magazine. It took them awhile to use it, and then they went through a transition in which they switched from a paper magazine to an ezine, so the article became a little dated (Karla’s baby was still growing in her tummy, and now he’s a year old already!), but here it is nonetheless.

But don’t stop there… make sure you check out the companion story by Karla. What fun it is to be published together with one of my favourite blog friends (who also happens to be a great writer)!

By the way, if you’re visiting through a link on the Cahoots page, please be kind and leave a friendly comment. I love to know where visitors come from!

Be sure to bookmark Cahoots. It is one of my favourite magazines (one of the only things I read cover to cover when it shows up at my door) and I’m positive you won’t be disappointed with the electronic version.

I resolve to

by Heather Plett | Jan 2, 2008 | resolutions

– listen to good music
– read good books
– engage in stimulating conversations
– let go of regret
– go for long walks
– seek peace
– be kind
– pursue friendship
– encourage boldness
– pause to gaze at dandelions
– forgive others
– forgive myself
– savour delicious food
– walk gently on the earth
– light candles
– be inspired by others
– embrace the ordinary
– let beauty surprise me
– watch my children play
– stare at snowflakes
– smile at strangers
– get my feet wet
– give something away
– pray
– take pictures
– play in the rain with my daughters
– take a risk
– let people change me
– listen to stories
– go for dates with my husband
– create something new
– pause
– taste a new food
– gaze with wonder out of a plane window
– wait contentedly
– be available
– limit my expectations
– ask cab drivers to tell me stories of their home countries
– drink water
– sit by a campfire
– be open to surprises
– ask good questions
– reduce, reuse, recycle

Going…going…gone

by Heather Plett | Jan 1, 2008 | Uncategorized

Tomorrow I have to go back to work. Sigh. I want another week of holidays.

Here’s what I did:
– went skating with my kids
– went bowling with my extended family
– celebrated Christmas Eve at Marcel’s sister’s place
– celebrated Christmas Day at my sister’s place
– watched Julie bake and decorate a birthday cake for Auntie ccap
– ate a couple of good meals at my mom’s place
– went to a movie with my siblings
– went to a couple of movies with my kids and assorted nieces and nephews
– watched 5 soccer games
– ate lots of great food at the annual New Year’s Eve brunch at church
– ate lots of great food at the Prairie Bounty open house
– went to see the New Year’s Eve fireworks
– slept late almost every morning
– tore out the remainder of the ugly carpet
– painted the floor
– painted the walls
– played some lame computer games
– played some less-lame board games
– partook of the annual “candy and pop” breakfast on New Year’s Day with my daughters (do you know that Coke at 9:30 in the morning makes me sick to my stomach?)
– took lots of long baths

Here’s what I didn’t do:
– Christmas baking
– much cooking
– read anything more intellectually stimulating than People magazine or Reader’s Digest
– visit the shopping mall – not for Christmas shopping nor for “Boxing Day Blowout” sales
– blog
– clean the house
– have any company over

Happy New Year everyone!