Welcome 2026!

2025 was a humdinger!

From my unbelievable Pole to Pole Cruise starting in January (133 days of cruise bliss from one end of the world to the other, touching five continents), to a productive and hugely motivating month in Blairmore, Alberta at the Gushul Writer’s Residency, it was a

year filled with memories to feed my soul.

Bonny working at Gushul

I’d expected to spend a solitary month in Blairmore, and though I was alone in my little cabin, Karen (Ren) Davidson Seward and Peter Seward from Saranac Lake, New York, were the residents in the Artists Studio only a few steps away.

Frank Slide and the Crowsnest Pass are integral to their projects. Ren is tracing her family history, mostly through the eyes of her great grandmother,  and influenced by her great grandfather, Sam Gebo. The history starts in Frank, Alberta, but will continue with adventures in the United States (Montana and Wyoming) and into mines in Guatemala. There are tragedies, secrets, espionage and both the accumulation and loss of wealth.

 Peter did an epic, thirty-foot long pencil etching of the Frank Slide. Every evening when I shared a glass of wine with them, I couldn’t wait to see what else had been added.

The Pencil Etching, with the reference photos below. Untitled.

I cannot wait for when the piece is showcased. And for when Ren’s book is published.

The month was more than writing and editing in my cabin, and enjoying wonderful company.  I had a book signing and reading at Tuesdays Bookshop in Bellevue in mid December. What an amazing little store! Lorraine (owner)  is so enthusiastic about her shop, books, and life in general – if you are going through the ‘Pass, stop in for a visit and browse not only her great selection of books but interesting book-related gifts. www.tuesdaysbookshop.ca 

I bid a sad farewell to Blairmore on December 31 and have settled back into my normal routine in Calgary. While I’d repeat the Gushul experience again in a heartbeat, it is good to be home.

After such a wonderful year, how is 2026 ever going to compete?

New Year’s Day morning breakfast is one of the few traditions I adhere to. It started with Gerry (my late husband) in 2000. First thing in the morning (the earlier the better) we’d go to the nearest pancake house. Over coffee and pancakes (always), we’d review the highs and lows of the previous year and set expectations for the upcoming twelve months. Though he passed away in 2014, I’ve continued with the pancakes, coffee, and opening a new journal to chronicle my year.

For 2026, I have no shortage of writing goals (completing manuscripts, submitting to magazines, etc.). And of course, does anyone start a new year without pledging to become more fit? Lose extra pounds?

By nature, I am a solitary creature, so I’ll include something that forces me to emerge from my “cave” and interact with people.

And finally, I want to give back to the writing community. That will be through committee work with When Words Collide www.whenwordscollide.org , Bouchercon 2026 www.bouchercon2026.com , and Sisters in Crime, Canada West Chapter.

To be clear, none of these are “resolutions”, but more like guidelines. A roadmap, if you will.

How do you plan your year? Do you regularly check in to monitor your progress?

Coming up in January — don’t forget my book signing at Found Books in Cochrane on January 17. Found is yet another gem in the world of independent booksellers. If you haven’t stopped in yet, take a drive to Cochrane. Before you stop for an ice cream cone, browse through their wonderful selection of new and used books. www.foundbookshop.com (one block east of MacKays).

In February I’ll be at Owl’s Nest Books in Calgary. We’re still firming up the date, but I’ll post it here and on FaceBook as soon as I know.

I hope the new year brings you contentment and good health. May you be in the company of people who are kind and supportive.