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  • Blog
  • Books
    • Bernice and the Georgian Bay Gold
    • The Thing with Feathers
    • Sunsets in Britt
    • The Writing Spiral
    • Once Upon a Rocking Chair: A Play
    • From the Cottage Porch
  • Mentorship
    • Creativity Spiral Series
    • Classes and Workshops
  • Podcast
  • Poet Laureate
    • Community eChapbooks
    • Weekly Poetry Present
      • Archive of Poets
    • Monthly Poetry Column
    • Poetry for Occasions
    • Poet Laureate Gallery
  • Stories of Place
    • Georgian Bay
    • Michilimackinac
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    Sunsets in Britt: A Georgian Bay Tradition

    October 17, 2021 /

    Jessica Outram is a Métis writer and educator with roots in the Georgian Bay Métis Community. She is the 4th Poet Laureate of Cobourg, Ontario. For decades she has captured Georgian Bay summer sunsets with her camera. This project is for family and friends who share her love of sunsets. Anyone is welcome to purchase a book.

    • Primary Category: Arts & Photography Books
    • Project Option: Standard Landscape, 10×8 in, 25×20 cm
      # of Pages: 24
    • ISBN
      • Hardcover, Dust Jacket: 9781006416453
    • Published by Sunshine in a Jar Press
      • Using a print on demand service: Blurb. Since hundreds of copies were not printed, the cost per book is higher than hoped.
    • Limited Edition.
    • $55.00 plus tax and delivery

    If you know Jessica or live nearby, you can also purchase books directly from Jessica to avoid shipping costs (paying by cash or etransfer: $55 plus GST/HST $7.15 = $62.15).

    Sunsets in Britt is also available at Let’s Talk Books in Cobourg.

    To order online now with delivery click here.

    Read More

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    From the Cottage Porch: An Anthology About Cottage Life in Ontario

    March 18, 2021

    Once Upon a Rocking Chair: A Play in Two Acts

    April 29, 2017

    The Writing Spiral by Jessica Outram

    September 4, 2021
  • Michilimackinac

    Learning About Ezekiel Solomon’s Home in Fort Michilimackinac: Creating a Timeline

    September 28, 2015 /

    For years I’ve been exploring my family history, trying to learn more about my family story. Among the most fascinating discoveries has been the story of Ezekiel Solomon, and the first post I wrote about him remains the most visited and most commented one on my site.

    Read More

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    Is Jane Johnston Schoolcraft, the First Native American Literary Writer, My Great(x5) Aunt?

    March 25, 2012

    Jane Johnston Schoolcraft’s Loneliness

    July 30, 2013

    Ezekiel Solomon: Introducing My Jewish-Canadian Grandfather

    January 21, 2012
  • Georgian Bay

    Georgian Bay Sunset Cruise in August

    August 11, 2015 /

    There is nothing like a Georgian Bay sunset. Dad took us out on a beautiful August evening for a cruise around Gereaux Island Lighthouse. What makes the water look like a mirror? Why do sunsets feel so much like coming home?

    Every summer I indulge in Georgian Bay photography. I often post my photos on Twitter and Instagram too!


    The Sunset is a Teacher

    every evening

    watch the sunset

    in a boat if possible

    swaying in the shining water

    listen closely, our ancestors join us

    notice the pulse of Mother Earth’s

    lullaby of colour marked across the sky

    pause to feel the call of the loon

    soften in a moment of stillness

    as the sun exhales a good day

    in a ballet of light

    By Jessica Outram


    Read More

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    purple sunset

    Sunrises and Sunsets on Georgian Bay

    August 24, 2019

    Family History in Britt, Ontario

    March 16, 2019

    Picking Blueberries

    September 27, 2017
  • Georgian Bay

    Family Recipe: Mom and Her Homemade Butter Tarts

    August 10, 2015 /

    Learning Big Lessons from a Family Recipe

    A family recipe can be a legacy. We all learn from our parents. For many of us, parents are our first teachers and our most influential teachers. I’ve worked with so many families over the years and whatever the family story, whether the parents are very present or very absent, children learn big lessons. And we learn from every experience and encounter with our parents, things that can hurt us and things that can heal us, things that take us backward and things that move us forward.

    Read More

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    Family Picnic Magic

    November 4, 2017

    Growing Up In Gereaux Island Lighthouse in the Early 1900s

    August 17, 2015

    Autumn Leaves on Georgian Bay

    October 14, 2019
  • Michilimackinac

    Ezekiel Solomon: Introducing My Jewish-Canadian Grandfather

    January 21, 2012 /

    Born in Berlin. Child of the Enlightenment Era.

    Ezekiel Solomon was born in Berlin, Germany in 1735. Solomon shares his birth year with John Adams (second American President) and Paul Revere (American Patriot). In 1735, Alexander Pope was writing poetry and George Frederic Handel composed operas. King George II was on the British throne.

    Read More

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    Learning About Ezekiel Solomon’s Home in Fort Michilimackinac: Creating a Timeline

    September 28, 2015

    Ezekiel Solomon and “Search out the Land”

    July 27, 2013

    Is Jane Johnston Schoolcraft, the First Native American Literary Writer, My Great(x5) Aunt?

    March 25, 2012
  • Georgian Bay

    Grandpa’s Clock Remembers Radio in the 1950s

    January 18, 2012 /

    A story inspired by Grandpa Lamondin’s clock.

    It’s the early 1950s, after school in a red house along the Britt road in Britt, Ontario.

    Read More

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    More About Gereaux Island Lighthouse

    September 8, 2019

    What the Bay Saw: Poetry and Photography Video

    October 26, 2019

    Thanksgiving Tradition: Hike in the Bush on Georgian Bay

    October 9, 2017
  • Georgian Bay

    Did My Grandfather William Lamondin Meet Tom Thomson?

    January 15, 2012 /

    Where is Gereaux Island Lighthouse?

    Gereaux Island Lighthouse was built in the late 1800s. It is on the northern tip of Gereaux Island marking the entrance to Byng Inlet from Georgian Bay, Ontario. My aunt shared the picture of the original lighthouse.

    Two of the people from my family tree I hope to focus on are Joseph Normandin (Jr.) and Louis Normandin. Around the time that Joseph Normandin (Jr.) moved to the Byng Inlet area the family name was changed to Lamondin (more on this in a later post).

    Read More

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    Southeastern Georgian Bay Landscape Photos

    September 8, 2021

    Georgian Bay Sunset Cruise in August

    August 11, 2015

    Growing Up In Gereaux Island Lighthouse in the Early 1900s

    August 17, 2015

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jessicaoutram

This is my Métis grandfather's baptismal certific This is my Métis grandfather's baptismal certificate. He went through life with two names. The church recorded both. Normandin was his Métis name and Lamondin was his French name. His children would be the first generation to have one name: Lamondin. 'Bernice and the Georgian Bay Gold' shares some of this history...

#MétisHistory #BerniceandtheGeorgianBayGold #middlegrade #Fridayreads #novel
This morning I was looking up my book for someone This morning I was looking up my book for someone to see if it is in stock in Peterborough at Chapters (and it is)... and I was delighted to see that it's been selected as a Staff Pick! Thanks for sharing in the excitement with me.
It's nice to have time to write in the early morni It's nice to have time to write in the early mornings. I look out at the garden as the sun rises, sip my coffee, and reflect. I'm working on rewriting some old blog posts with new thoughts, updating one at a time. So much has changed in a few years, and I am grateful.

https://www.jessicaoutram.com/post/time-for-a-change

#5amwritersclub #mondaymotivation #change #amwriting #surrender #writerslife #writingcommunity
Delighted to find red roses growing in the front g Delighted to find red roses growing in the front garden. Any tips for how to care for them?
My great-grandfather (Louis) received this letter My great-grandfather (Louis) received this letter when he became a lighthouse keeper in 1901, including the same salary as his father (Joseph) received. $375 per year. 'Bernice and the Georgian Bay Gold' shares some of the joys and challenges of this life. 

#GeorgianBay #GereauxIslandLighthouse #FridayReads
Tuesday morning brunch in the backyard. Tuesday morning brunch in the backyard.
Now that I feel more settled into my new home, it' Now that I feel more settled into my new home, it's time to build a new creative life here. Part of my process is to read, write, and reflect. This week I've been thinking about creative energy and how it can bring so much light into our lives. Like any other relationship, it requires time and attention. (Picture of the Otonabee River, steps from my yard.)

https://www.jessicaoutram.com/post/bring-light-into-your-life-through-creative-energy

#creativelife #creativespirit #writerslife #mondaymotivation
This is the painting that inspired the character o This is the painting that inspired the character of Tom Thomson in ‘Bernice and the Georgian Bay Gold.’
Delighted by this new review by the Historical Nov Delighted by this new review by the Historical Novel Society of 'Bernice and the Georgian Bay Gold.'

https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/bernice-and-the-georgian-bay-gold/

#MiddleGrade #NewBook #TBR #SecondStoryPress #MétisHistory #BerniceAndTheGeorgianBayGold #Adventure #GeorgianBay #GereauxIslandLighthouse #HistoricalNovel
The day I finished writing 'Bernice and the Georgi The day I finished writing 'Bernice and the Georgian Bay Gold,' I went for a walk. A few blocks from home on the ground was a sewing needle. For those who have read the book, do you think this was a sign? 

#MiddleGrade #NewBook #TBR #SecondStoryPress #MétisHistory #BerniceAndTheGeorgianBayGold #Adventure #GeorgianBay #GereauxIslandLighthouse
One of Bernice and her sister's chores was to go i One of Bernice and her sister's chores was to go into the bushes on the islands of Georgian Bay and fill baskets with blueberries. Their baskets didn't look like this, but they would certainly need to pick this many berries to help feed their family. How long would it take to find and pick this many blueberries in the wild?

#MiddleGrade #NewBook #TBR #SecondStoryPress #MétisHistory #BerniceAndTheGeorgianBayGold #Adventure #GeorgianBay #GereauxIslandLighthouse
In our last episode, we talked about a summer with In our last episode, we talked about a summer with Rilke? How is your summer going? Have you had a chance to read Letters to a Young Poet?

https://thehummingbirdpodcast.com/

#amplifyBTPMPODS #hummingbirdenergy #amwriting #writers #writingcommunity #spirit #poetry #poets #podcast #writingjourney
Each summer we drive past Lamondin Point many time Each summer we drive past Lamondin Point many times (named after my great-Grandpa Louis Lamondin). He inspired the father character in 'Bernice and the Georgian Bay Gold.' He was the lightkeeper for 29 years! His dad, Joseph, piloted the first ship into the Britt harbour. Being on the water among these islands feels like home to me. 

Have you had a chance to read the book yet? Is there something you're curious about?

#MiddleGrade #NewBook #TBR #SecondStoryPress #MétisHistory #BerniceAndTheGeorgianBayGold #Adventure #GeorgianBay #GereauxIslandLighthouse
Moving to a new house means trying new things. Had Moving to a new house means trying new things. Had fun putting this together today. Used a power screwdriver for the first time. I had no idea that they were so easy to use and made small projects like this a breeze!
Here is what it looks like traveling by boat to Ge Here is what it looks like traveling by boat to Gereaux Island Lighthouse (featured in Bernice and the Georgian Bay Gold). What a workout it must be to row in these deep waters! 

#MiddleGrade #NewBook #TBR #SecondStoryPress #MétisHistory #BerniceAndTheGeorgianBayGold #Adventure #GeorgianBay #GereauxIslandLighthouse
Bernice and her family (including my grandpa) didn Bernice and her family (including my grandpa) didn't spend many winters at the lighthouse. They stayed in another house in town. Can you imagine how lonely it would be to live at a lighthouse in the winter with everything frozen around you and no boats passing by?

#MiddleGrade #NewBook #TBR #SecondStoryPress #MétisHistory #BerniceAndTheGeorgianBayGold #Adventure #GeorgianBay #GereauxIslandLighthouse
Bernice and her sister make houses out of moss on Bernice and her sister make houses out of moss on the granite of Georgian Bay in 'Bernice and the Georgian Bay Gold.' This is what the moss looks like... How would you make a house with this?

#MiddleGrade #NewBook #TBR #SecondStoryPress #MétisHistory #BerniceAndTheGeorgianBayGold #Adventure #GeorgianBay #GereauxIslandLighthouse
Our family called the tall house 'the house on the Our family called the tall house 'the house on the point.' It's where they lived most of the winters (instead of at the lighthouse). The logging industry impacted everyone at that time. It was one of the biggest logging towns in Canada. Can you imagine paddling here?

#MiddleGrade #TBR #SecondStoryPress #FeministReads #CurrentlyReading #MétisHistory #BerniceAndTheGeorgianBayGold #Adventure #GeorgianBay #GereauxIslandLighthouse #BrittOntario
I grew up hearing stories of the swinging bridge i I grew up hearing stories of the swinging bridge in Britt that stretched across the Still River. For those reading 'Bernice and the Georgian Bay Gold,' this is what it looked like! 
 
#MiddleGrade #TBR #SecondStoryPress #FeministReads #CurrentlyReading #MétisHistory #BerniceAndTheGeorgianBayGold #Adventure #GeorgianBay #GereauxIslandLighthouse #BrittOntario
This beautiful book written by my podcast co-host This beautiful book written by my podcast co-host @catgrahampoet arrived in the mail today! What an accomplishment to have a collection of New & Selected. And, what a stunning cover. Book looks great, feels great to hold. Looking forward to diving in! Congratulations, Catherine!
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Sunshine in a Jar

4 weeks ago

Sunshine in a Jar
So delighted to see ‘Bernice and the Georgian Bay Gold’ included here!New books for Children, Teens and Young Adults, from your favourite bestselling Indigenous authors and illustrators!*Apli' kmuj's Journey (Pre-Order for Sept 25/23). Written and illustrated by Braelyn Cyr, a status member of the Listuguj Mi'kmaq band.*Auntie's Rez Surprise (Pre-Order for Sept 19/23). Author Heather O'Watch is a Nakota and Nehiyaw woman from Okanese First Nation, located in Treaty 4 Territory. The illustrator is Ellie Arscott.*Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior (Pre-Order for Sept 19/23). From New York Times bestselling picture book author Carole Lindstrom and illustrator Bridget George comes Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior, an inspiring picture book biography about indigenous water warriors Autumn Peltier and Josephine Mandamin - with a forward from Autumn Peltier herself.*Bernice and the Georgian Bay Gold (2023). Jessica Outram is a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario. "A compelling novel about an adventurous girl who finds that the real gold on Georgian Bay is right where she lives." — Parry Sound North Star, June 2023*Maggie Lou, Firefox (Pre-Order for Oct 3/23). Arnolda Dufour Bowes is a Métis writer. She is the author of 20.12 m: A Short Story Collection of a Life Lived as a Road Allowance Métis, which won the Danuta Gleed Literary Award and the High Plains Book Award. Illustrated by Karlene Harvey an illustrator and writer who lives on the unceded and ancestral home territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tseil-Waututh people. *Nish: North and South (Pre-Order for Sept 05/23). The first book in Isabelle Picard’s bestselling coming-of-age series about Innu twins, Léon and Éloïse.*Tyowennatyerénhton First Words. Tyowennatyerénhton - First Words is an introductory Kanyen’kéha (Mohawk)/English vocabulary book celebrating the language, land, and culture of the Mohawk people. An audio download is included to support word pronunciation. Gail Brant-Terry (Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory) is an educator with over 34 years experience. Dianne Sedore-McCoy is an educator with over 25 years experience.Please visit our online catalogue for more: goodminds.com/collections/2023-new-releases ... See MoreSee Less

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Sunshine in a Jar

1 month ago

Sunshine in a Jar
This is my Métis grandfather's baptismal certificate. He went through life with two names. The church recorded both. Normandin was his Métis name and Lamondin was his French name. His children would be the first generation to have one name: Lamondin. 'Bernice and the Georgian Bay Gold' shares some of this history...#MétisHistory #BerniceandtheGeorgianBayGold #middlegrade #Fridayreads #novel ... See MoreSee Less

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This Week’s Top Five

  • Welcome to Sunshine in a Jar
  • Ezekiel Solomon: Introducing My Jewish-Canadian Grandfather
  • Family History in Britt, Ontario
  • A Poem for the First Day of School
  • Marie Elizabeth Louise Dubois: Who is She?

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  • Bernice and the Georgian Bay Gold
  • The Thing with Feathers
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  • Sunsets in Britt: A Georgian Bay Tradition
  • Southeastern Georgian Bay Landscape Photos
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