Dear friends,
One good thing leads to another – and that’s so true for Becoming Comfortably Numb!
My first Indigo book signing took place in my neighbourhood Indigo on February 22, and it was a success beyond my wildest dreams.
A few vignettes: two politicians, both heavily into campaign mode, took the opportunity to have their photos taken with me, and tell me how wonderful it is to see a local writer signing her book and doing so well. (I smiled appreciatively, but kept my political leanings to myself.)
A soon-to-be-graduating paramedic picked up a copy. Also, a Phd candidate at St. Paul University, who is doing her thesis on people who develop into leaders as a result of experiencing trauma or difficult life experiences, had her young son take a pic of us together, and she has already emailed me to confirm she will be in touch to collaborate further.
Another woman told me she read my book excerpt published in the Ottawa Citizen in December 2024 about how I returned to the workforce after my second stroke — and she just had to come in to congratulate me.
A diabetic woman who experienced pre-eclampsia twice in pregnancy picked up a copy without hesitation …
And now Indigo is listing my book in their national catalogue!
Bruyère Health again collaborated with me at the signing, proudly displaying their new Heart & Science of Care banners. Their raison d’etre: “Our research helps older Canadians understand their risk for diseases as well as their health care needs.”
Bruyère also invited me to share their booth with them at the 55+ Lifestyle Show April 4th and 5th at the EY Centre in Ottawa. I’m thrilled to collaborate with Bruyère, as someone fortunate enough to have received two caring, cutting-edge stroke rehab stints with them in 1984 and 1990. Over the last four decades, Bruyère’s therapies are the main reason I have continued to thrive.
And just last week, what an honour and surprise it was to have received this from Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe:
As Ottawa City Council points out — women experience unique risk factors for stroke over the course of their life. Yet, Canada’s Heart and Stroke Foundation indicates that only 11 percent of women know what these risks are. This needs to change.
To learn more, including the F-A-S-T method for recognizing heart attack and stroke in men and in women, along with the vital importance of calling 9-1-1 as soon as possible, please visit Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Best Always,
Cathy xo
Upcoming Book Signings
Saturday, March 8: The Book’s Better
275 Brockville Street, Settlers Ridge Mall
Smith Falls ON
Friday, April 4 and Saturday April 5: 55+ Lifestyle Show
EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa ON
If you can’t make it to a signing, Becoming Comfortably Numb: A Memoir on Brain-Mending is available in Ottawa at Indigo Innes, Books on Beechwood, Singing Pebble Books, Perfect Books and soon at The Book’s Better. Ask for it everywhere books are sold, including libraries & universities or order online now.
