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Well, it's done: my novel The Ten Weeks is now blogged.  I trust that those who have followed it have been blessed and entertained.  For those who have not kept up, it's not a problem; this site's traffic has traditionally come from its long-term content. The novel was an ordeal for its participants; while blogging …

Continue reading "Some Reflections on “The Ten Weeks” and Our Current Situation"

The weekend that came was decidedly strange. Lucian Gerland’s death and the fiasco of his funeral had made for a long week. There weren’t many on the Island alive and active who could remember a Verecunda not dominated by Lucian Gerland, and the anticipation of what life would be like without him depended upon what …

Continue reading "The Ten Weeks, 20 February, Like a Twitter Thread, At The End It’s “Fin”"

Terry stood nervously and alone outside of St. Sebastian’s, facing Aumonier Street. Behind her the stained glass windows of the church showed their images muted and in reverse. Her full length black dress and veil became her; her long hair was swallowed up in her dress. She stared blankly out into the street, so intently …

Continue reading "The Ten Weeks, 18 February, The Rioters Even Show Up to Funerals"

The next day, Terry was leaving her last class and heading to the locker room to get ready for tennis practice when Shu-Yi intercepted her in the hall. “You must come quickly,” she told her granddaughter. “Your grandfather’s condition is very grave.” “But I’ve got tennis practice,” Terry protested. “I’m in enough trouble already.” “I …

Continue reading "The Ten Weeks, 16 February, Death Brings the Worst Out in Families"

Amongst the collection of societies and clubs at Point Collina Comprehensive, its French Club was in a league of its own. Although the Republic had lowered the majority (and thus the drinking) age to eighteen, a milestone honoured in the breach, the Club had the distinction of being the school’s only student organisation where open …

Continue reading "The Ten Weeks, 15 February, When God Touches Your Life, You Are Never the Same"

It wasn’t the fastest way to get to Hallett, but on Saturday Madeleine puttered up the road in her Dyane from Verecunda city to meet with her favourite tennis student. It was something that made her happy, but this time was a little different. There had been trouble “in the sticks,” but Carla wouldn’t give …

Continue reading "The Ten Weeks, 13 February, The Best Solution Is to Leave"

The next day, Denise and Vannie had the head table to themselves. It had been this way since they got back from Serelia. Denise saw Jack as he limped to his table sporting a nose splint and other bandages. “I can’t believe he’s back in class this quick,” Denise said. “From what I heard, whoever …

Continue reading "The Ten Weeks, 10 February, Keeping “Them” From Moving Up"

The central consequence of Jack’s grounding was that he was confined to the Point, unable to use his car. School was no problem; depending upon where on the campus he started, he was on average about five hundred metres from school to home. A cold front had blown through the day before and made things …

Continue reading "The Ten Weeks, 9 February, Cancel Culture at the End of Fists"

Father Avalon was prompt for his 1000 appointment with Pierre des Cieux. Claudia was thrilled to see him come; she ushered him in and served them coffee. “So, what can I do for you today, Father?” Pierre asked, relighting his pipe. “I appreciate your time,” Avalon replied. “I came to talk about Madeleine.” “It seems …

Continue reading "The Ten Weeks, 8 February, So Why Aren’t the Sacraments Enough?"

Sunday morning came and the 0800 Holy Communion came with it. They found an acolyte robe for Jack; both he and Rick, stiff and sore from their beatings, performed their duties as best they could. Fortunately St. Mark’s was not as large as All Saints, so getting around wasn’t as difficult. Jack had drifted away …

Continue reading "The Ten Weeks, 7 February, The Burden of Our Sins is Intolerable"