When the Seaside editorial team met to plan our August issue we were sure of just one thing: it’s got to be a COVID free zone! We were proud of ourselves for having got the July issue off to the printer, but aware that the content was so (understandably) COVID focused. Thinking ahead we wanted to provide a breezy, summery issue that would allow our readers to think about something else for a little while.
Did we achieve it? Well, I think we did pretty well, but I recognize that a dose of realism is needed too. It is not a normal summer. Life isn’t proceeding along as usual. We can’t deny that our community is being impacted economically and socially. I’ve found that however hard I try I can’t just put COVID-19 out of my mind and carry on with the day-to-day, and so it is with our writers too. It’s just not realistic to expect them to ignore this global situation; it will inevitably be there as they approach almost any topic.
Something I’ve really missed from my life the past few months is the Seaside Magazine Book Club. This community endeavour has been a way for me to connect with so many Peninsula residents and it’s left a hole not having our monthly meetings. Last night we tried something new: book club online. We didn’t discuss one specific book as we didn’t have one planned; instead we each shared a few thoughts about something we’ve read whilst everything has been closed.
It stood out to me how many people suggested a non-fiction title. We had stories about Canadian history; about Churchill and WW2; true crime mysteries; a behind-the-scenes life in the kitchen, and memoirs involving politics and music. It seems that when the plot happening in the world around us gets too confusing to follow, we just can’t take any more fiction. Reading true stories about real people – and often real people negotiating incredible situations – has been one way to stay grounded.
I hope you enjoy the stories we’ve brought you this month. Take pleasure in learning how the people around you are moving forward despite the challenges they are faced with.
Wishing you some summer fun and safe adventures, with the opportunity to create some new stories for yourself.
