Through the Window of a Train: A Canadian Railway Anthology

[Note:  Barbara is a friend of mine who has written Through the Window of a Train. I think it's a great book, and offered to put a notice about it on my blog. Email her at railwaystories@hotmail.com for info about where to buy it.   A.O.]

By Barbara Lange

If you´ve ever been curious about the lives of people on board a moving train, or wanted to take a nostalgic trip back to the steam era, then this book is for you. Since the first trans-continental passenger train, the Pacific Express, headed west in 1885 – the railway has been part of many people´s lives. For some the railway was their life. One only needs to mention The Moonlight Special, The CNR, The E&N, The CPR, The Blueberry Special, The Milk Run, or The HS&W  (Hellish Slow & Wobbly) for memories to come flooding back.

This journey begins in Craigellachie, amongst the verdant mountains of British Columbia, where the famous last spike was driven home. The reader is then transported to Vancouver Island and across the Prairies to Nova Scotia, and from the era of steam to diesel-electric trains. Relive hilarious, hazardous, and historical moments as you peek through the window of a train and into the past. Meet gandy dancers, a rookie running out of steam, lost immigrants, and women entering the male-dominated world of the railway. Experience asbestos snowball fights, boxcar classrooms, and silk trains as they blur by your window.

These stories retell the significance of the railway, or a single journey taken, in the lives of ordinary Canadians. Dotted with junction and siding names, engine numbers, and routes, for the rail enthusiast.

Book Launch a Success

Thanks to everyone who came out to the launch of "Exploring the Mysteries of Life & Death" at McNally Robinson Booksellers at Grant Park Mall in Winnipeg. Over 60 people turned out on a wintry but sunny afternoon to celebrate with me.

If anyone is wishing to buy the book ($15), you can go to McNally Robinson, Prairie Sky Books, Radiance Gifts, Hollow Reed Holistic, Elemental Book & Curiosity Shop, U of M Bookstore, and Neighbourhood Books & Cafe.

Book Launch for Exploring the Mysteries of Life & Death

  Book Launch: Sunday, February 2 at 2 pm, McNally Robinson at Grant Park, Grant Avenue, Winnipeg Manitoba. Come celebrate with us: Reading, Q&A, Refreshments, Door Prizes.

 Exploring the Mysteries of Life and Death

Join Anna Olson as she touches on past life memories, visions, near death experience, ghosts, communication with deceased loved ones, near death awareness and more – in her new book, Exploring the Mysteries of Life & Death. She presents possible answers and explanations that may intrigue, amuse or annoy you – or make you question your previous beliefs.

Anna has been interested in metaphysics, the world of the unseen, for close to 30 years. She has learned through reading books, listening to others’ stories, and her own mystical experiences. She also loves to write, having written and edited professionally for over 20 years.

New book: Exploring the Mysteries of Life & Death

Hi everyone:  I've just published my new book called "Exploring the Mysteries of Life & Death" (140 pages, self-published). Don't worry, it's not a sad book – it's got some funny cartoons and lots of cheerful stuff. The list on the front says:   Past Life Memories * Visions * Near Death Experience * Ghosts * Communication with Deceased Loved Ones * Near Death Awareness  – and more!

On the back, it says:   Questions you may have ....
*  You or a loved one has had a near death experience. How do you cope with it?
*  A loved one saw a vision shortly before death. Do you understand why?
*  Are memories of past lives real?
*  Has the spirit of a loved one communicated with after his or her death?
*  How are ghosts created, and how can they be helped to go to the Light?

So far, the book (selling for $15), is available at Winnipeg's Prairie Sky Books, Radiance Books & Treasures, Hollow Reed Holistic, McNally Robinson Booksellers, Elemental Books & Curiosity Shop, U of M Bookstore, The Forks Trading Post (2nd floor at The Forks), and The Neighbourhood Cafe & Books. It's also available in the Winnipeg Public Library. In Gimli, Manitoba, it's available at Tergesen's General Merchant.

If you would like me to mail you a book, send a cheque for $20 ($15 plus $5 S&H) payable to Anna Olson, (#1115–610 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg MB, R3C 0G5). You can also buy it through www.amazon.ca.