|
Some friends leave us far to soon and my dear friend EvSome friends leave us all too soon but Ev Clark Meader were here for the first edition of Rock Solid she would be hooping and coughing, laughing and getting all red in the face as she let me know how proud she was of her SCITS friend (Sarnia) today. I cherish every one of my friends dearly, yet Ev was Number One when I needed her the most.
~~~~~~ 
A photos can speak volumes. ~~~~~~~ Another dear friend in Halifax just wanted to be one of the first to read Rock Solid and she was! Sharon has been my friend since high school days. We had lost track of each other as the decades slipped by however when Judy Craig of Newmarket suggested a SCITS reunion of 'the girls of 1955' I was keen, and Sharon and I were soon reacquainted...... Despite the fact Sharon's husband is not well, she has found time to encourage me on over the last several months as I struggled through despair and frustration as the publication date neared. With every edit, more mistakes showed up. Sharon kept her encouragement flowing and I loved her for it. This month Rock Solid arrived in her hands and she read it and despite limited time to send emails she made me feel on the top of the world as she sent her comments as promised. But fate would step in and deleted her own copy from her sent file and not long after, the very same unkind fate struck my "in" file. Neither of us could restore her comments about Rock Solid. But Sharon is a true friend. The following comments arrived in my computer. Words, the key to happiness Carol, how hard (it is) to recall all my “words of wisdom”. As you said, I do remember marvelling at the amount of research done by you and being able to get it all in order. It was a truly pleasant book to read, in spite of all the hardships the people endured. I may be prejudiced, but I kind of think the women had to adjust more than the men – keeping the families fed, safe and together. Don’t think I could have done it. Anyway, what I wrote weeks ago has long fled my mind. I loved the book! Thank you Sharon ~~~~~ A note from a dear friend going back to when we both went to dog shows and I was hooked on showing Old English Sheepdogs! Thank you Mary Gale for your insights about ROCK SOLID.. Mary Gale wrote: Ijust finished reading Rock Solid and really enjoyed it! You are very talented. I have enough trouble writing an email. It must be really interesting researching your ancestry. The characters are really strong pioneering spirits. I was especially impressed with young Billy Martin and the heroic efforts he made during the great fire. He was a true hero at the age of only thirteen years. I also Iiked the chapter presentation......each chapter narrated by the various characters. The bookmark with the family members outlined was very helpful to follow the characters. Paddy Carol. I loved your book! Thank you for an engaging story. I love Canadian history and it was wonderful the way you wove your story and the history of NFLD together. Please keep writing! Love Paddy And thank you Paddy, words that make my heart sing, all the way from Mission BC If you have read RockSolid and have comments to make, for now please email me at chhelfenstein@icloud.com Harry and I would love to hear from you Begin your message with "Comments-Rock Solid" |
I noticed this simple puddle at the end of our gravel driveway one day and marvelled that its scene of beauty was a message waiting for me as I waved good bye to company last year. Even a puddle shines bright, given half a chance...and a story can begin.
Harry and I were part of this gathering of the Baker clan in St. John's, Great food, laughter and stories. Was it really three years ago? I promise, I will have several copies of Rock Solid on its way to you asap. And then you must add some comments to my review page, please. ~~~~ Patricia Henry, A chance meeting In Kincardine I met Carol Helfenstein by chance at the Kincardine Library a few years ago. I was the newcomer to Kincardine and she welcomed me with warmth and enthusiasm. I knew I had found a friend as well as a mentor. In the months and years to come Carol would share her gift of storey telling, leaving me mesmerized, wanting to hear more. (Patricia kept asking me more, I had no choice but the chatter one!) As Rock Solid unfolded, it was the characters that told the wonderful tales of love, survival and discovery. This amazing story is definitely Carolyn's own journey of self-discovery leaving the reader in suspense until the very last page. Congratulations Carol Patricia Henry ~~~~ Patricia returned to London and oh how empty the town felt without her apartment as a place of refuge, laughter and time to share our aches and pains. And nowin July as we settle in Cobourg Patricia seems incredibly happy back in the arms of the city she knows best. Carry on Pat, soak up the joy of it all! More from Pat to come!! ********** Jane H. is a SCITS friend from Sarnia days Sent this in August: She wrote: I was charmed! Rock Solid was difficult to put down, as was necessary during this busy summer_ and always a joy to pick up again. You wove your tale so beautifully, building the characters and interweaving the history throughout. One understands the caring strength of the people of Newfoundland which has been passed down over the generations. Struggles with that rocky and challenging landscape built dependance on one another, love for the land, family and friends. Thank you for sharing this tale. It touched my heart knowing that you and Harry were Rock Solid in your commitment to this book and to one another. Each character was strongly realized and difficult for me to choose one over the other as you had asked. Marian and Ted seemed to posses the enduring central strength. With Love and congratulations on your dreamed achievement. Jane And again, Jane, many thanks. |
