I’m moving at the speed of turtles this week (to quote Oscar at Hermit’s Door), but it’s been a turtally wonderful time for Myrtle (to quote Gallivanta).
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First: Is this not the sweetest face?
Meet Aggiliki, 6, whose photo was taken by mom Theano, of Whitby, Ontario. Thank you, Theano and Aggiliki, for this delightful photo, and for loving Myrtle the Purple Turtle!
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Second: Myrtle has been translated into French, thanks to Jean Long and Jessica Charnock.
When they first read Myrtle the Purple Turtle, Jessica noticed that Jean was translating the words into French as he read. They quickly offered to do a written translation for publication, and of course I said, “Yes, thank you very much!”
You may remember Jean and Jessica. A French-Canadian couple, he’s a former teacher and vice-principal, and she’s a former high fashion model, secretary and wine importer. Both are extremely creative (see my blog posts about their remarkable creations).
Myrtle will also get a French name! More on that later.
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Third: At my family church, St. Thomas’ Anglican in the village of Brooklin (northeast of Toronto), 7 year old Makayla marched up to me this morning. She clearly and politely requested her very own copy of Myrtle, paid for it, and waited as I signed it.
It was part of a successful fundraising book-sale at St. Thomas’ today. Money raised will benefit the parish’s good works.
Fellow author Paul Mason also kindly contributed books to the sale. We both feel privileged to do this. Our families have both experienced the loving kindness for which this church is known.
Fourth, Myrtle has been blessed with more positive reviews. I’m over the moon with gratitude to these terrific bloggers who took the time to read Myrtle the Purple Turtle recently and review it. This is a magnificent gift and I thank you all:
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And finally, an elegant, well-known friend of mine, who — to protect the guilty — shall only be identified as Rita D, decided to one-up my friend Mandy and me after we painted our fingernails purple. Yes, she had her toenails painted purple.
Having recently recovered from injuring her leg, Rita decided to celebrate by getting a pedicure, and she chose purple to honour Myrtle.
Mandy and I are pleased to be one-upped by you, Rita. Thank you!
So there we go. A series of events that have a certain purple turtle — and tons of loving kindness — in common.
Be well, my friends! Thanks always for being there.
Cynthia Reyes 