As Seen on TV
If anyone predicted a year ago that I’d appear on Rogers Cable TV show, Daytime, because of a story I’d written about our dog Cookie at Washburn Island, I’d have laughed out loud. But it happened on June 13.
I have company for this performance: James Dewar, President of the Writers’ Community of Durham Region. We are two of many authors that Jessica Outram of Sunshine in a Jar Press selected for the anthology From The Cottage Porch.
I’m not nervous in the Green Room until a very nice lady puts a mic up my shirt. In Oshawa, Roger’s Green Room is a spare office with two bright green couches, a coffee machine and a gallery of local awards covering the walls. I realize that I haven’t thought much about what is about to occur. I wonder what will happen if James doesn’t show up – or how James will feel if he catches sight of me driving off before show time.
Lights – Camera – Action!
I push aside thoughts of public speaking phobias and dry mouth syndrome long enough to enjoy the moment. James arrives, we warm up by conversing about our cottage experiences, which is like runners stretching before a race. We’re escorted to the studio, and given no time to back out, or be sick. Two interviewers, Chris and Amy, two guests, James and Mary, a crescent-shaped table with stools — lights – camera – action!
Our dog, a beagle named Cookie, rolled in dead fish before we left Washburn Island to go back to Scarborough. For dog lovers who live near water, you already know the odour on the snout of your dogs when they revel in a fish carcass on shore. My story is about my father’s reactions to sharing a car ride with a foul smelling beagle.
Readers comments and stories are welcome.
Or, contact by email: marye@bell.net
Washburn Island: Memoir Of A Childhood 
Posted by Barbara Yeo on July 1, 2011 at 4:37 am
Great job, Mary! I’ll have to put From the Cottage Porch on my summer reading list. Interesting that James’ poem was inspried by and written from a dock on lake Temagami. I wonder if it’s close to our place.
I have to agree with all your comments about cottage life. If only every child could experience summers at the family cottage!
Have a wonderful summer. School’s out today and, of course, I’m heading straight to the lake tomorrow.
Posted by Cheryl on July 1, 2011 at 12:56 pm
What a great interview!
Posted by Bette on July 1, 2011 at 5:34 pm
Your interview makes me feel nostalgic – and my family has never had a cottage! You did a super job – congratulations! (And how did you manage to get your outfit to match the studio set so well!! – You looked sooooo coordinated!!)
Posted by Barbara on July 1, 2011 at 6:49 pm
Well done Mary, for having your story selected and for braving the TV camera! All the comments and stories about cottaging truly took me for a stroll down Memory Lane.