by Laura Peck

On 24 February 2024, at the Cline House Gallery reading about a chosen piece of art – I was struck by Michelle O’Connor’s Light of Winter painting for three reasons: it was round; the colours reminded me of a dear bush; and I saw two of my Christmas Novel characters, Bernie and his Grandfather. Here’s the excerpt.

Grandpa and Bernie, his eleven years old grandson from Ottawa, worked and laughed a lot that Saturday on his farm in Glengarry. The shop’s wood stove was roaring. The two cats were supporting their efforts. Curled on a stack of rags. Sleeping, mostly. 

“It’s time to get out,” said the old man. “Let’s snowshoe in the bush, I want to show you something.” Bernie was excited when he saw the brand new snowshoes. He never liked the oldies. 

Outside, the frigid air tightened his chest. The freezing wind made breathing almost painful. Did he lose his resistance to taking the cold? Or his childhood carelessness? Or both? He pulled his grey beanie as low as he could, and his neck warmer as high as possible. Grandpa only wore his thick brown jacket and the ageless beige tuque that Grandma knitted for him. Noticing that, Bernie shouted, “Hey Grandpa! Don’t you have a scarf or something?”

“Don’t need that! Come on, we’re late. Oh, I must warn you, I didn’t trim the trails this year.” 

And off they went. Entering the bush on the south side. Towards the west. Summoned by the glowing sun! Or something else? Bernie sped up mesmerized by the burning sky set on fire by the solar power. The striking orange and red added to the magnificent blinking. Playing hide and seek with the snow-covered trees and branches, the sun was winking at him. Half blinded though he couldn’t help but notice that bending arms were reaching out to him, with their extended claws. 

[Ed. note: Michelle O’Connor is a recent addition to The Collectif!)

If you read this, you’re interested! Contribute something about your inspiration, collaboration. Send words & pictures to cagac.ca@gmail.com