All posts by George Walters

George Walters is a Canadian columnist and author with more than forty years of writing experience. For over twenty years he has written a weekly column for Postmedia Network — Canada's largest newspaper chain — never missing a single week, publishing fifty-two stories a year. Combined with his work in Reader's Digest Community Voices, World News, Country Living, The Country Register, and farm and rural lifestyle magazines across Canada, he has published well over two thousand stories drawn from everyday life. He writes about farm work, fishing, old trucks, and the kind of people you only find in small towns — but just as likely he'll hand a voice to a weathered telephone pole, or turn his eye on something happening in the world today and tell you exactly what he thinks about it. No subject is off limits. If there's a story in it, George will find it. He has been called a philosopher of everyday life, a description that came up more than once during his television appearances over the years — and it's not hard to see why. His writing has a way of making the ordinary feel worth sitting with. He is the author of eleven books, including yearly short story collections and the Clay Moretti Files mystery series. Clay is a fifty-year-old private investigator who drives a 1967 Ford Galaxie, smokes cigars, and operates by a code the modern world gave up on a long time ago. The cases are present day. The man handling them is not. All titles are available in paperback and eBook on Amazon. Together, George and his wife Ruth have also created Elmer Finds His Way, the first in what he hopes will be a long series of children's books. Ruth did all the illustrations, as she has for every one of George's books — and beyond that she designed and painted the covers as well. Her work is woven into every page of everything he has published. A few words from readers: "I pulled up a kitchen chair and read your story three times." "You have a way of making a person homesick for a place they haven't been to." "Thank you for writing things that make old people and kids feel the same way at the same time." All my titles are available in paperback and eBook on Amazon.ca here.

How Many Folks Are Stopping By This Blog

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A Heartfelt Thanks to All of You Who Drop By

You know, when I started writing here, I thought maybe a handful of folks might find their way to this little blog now and again. But as it turns out, I’ve been lucky to have far more company than I ever expected!

Every day, close to 4,700 people are stopping by to read, listen, and maybe even share a thought or two. Some days, that number climbs even higher. Now, I’ll admit, the internet is full of all sorts of visitors, including bots and automated programs that aren’t exactly here for the stories. But once we separate those from the real readers, we’re still looking at around 3,800 true blue readers each day.

It’s humbling to think of so many of you coming by, and I want to say thank you – for your time, your interest, and your company. Whether you’re here for a bit of wisdom, a story, or simply to pass the time, I’m glad to have you. And as long as you keep coming, I’ll keep writing. GW

All my books are available on my Amazon Author Page.

If you purchase a book, a brief Amazon review really helps new readers discover my work—it means a lot.

Support my writing: Support My Writing

In Closing, I Would Like to Wish You Well!

George Walters | [email protected]

Quiet Mornings, Northern Skies: A Life Off the Beaten Path on November 1/2024

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My Wife’s Vision In a Painting

Good Morning, from the quiet north, where the views are priceless, and the Wi-Fi is… well, let’s just say I rely on coffee more than Google.

Starting things off, the weather today is a mixed bag of northern charm—rain mingling with snow, temperatures hovering around 1°C (34°F), and a chill north wind reminding us who’s in charge. There’s even a chance of some flurries to keep things interesting. It’s the kind of day that makes you grateful for hot coffee, thick socks, and a sturdy roof overhead.

Highway 522 is quiet for now, but things are bound to pick up as we get closer to the weekend. Lots of hunters are making their way into the area, and that’s okay—as it adds a little excitement to our usual peace and quiet. Besides, it’s the one time of year when the deer start looking both ways before crossing! For the rest of us, it’s a chance to watch the local diners fill up, and maybe swap a few tall tales over coffee.

On another note, yesterday was a busy one here at my desk. I spent most of the day working away on the computer, made a few YouTube videos, and even found time to tinker around in the woodworking shop. Later on, my wife and I handed out candy to the kids for Halloween—a fun way to wrap up the day. All in all, not a bad day’s work (and a bit of play)!

My lovely wife now, well she has been setting up her new art studio for the past few weeks, preparing to step fully into her own creative world. For years, much like myself, she’s been a storyteller—only her stories aren’t told with words but with paint. She’s spent much of her career creating custom pieces, pouring her talent into bringing others’ visions to life. Now, though, she’s decided it’s time to paint from her own inspiration, and I couldn’t be more excited for her.

She’s self-taught, and her work has touched people around the world, finding homes in places near and far. Watching her bring a blank canvas to life is like watching a novel take shape—each stroke adds depth, each color another layer. She’s truly remarkable, and I feel lucky to witness her creativity firsthand. I can’t wait to see what she’ll create next—no doubt it’ll be a story worth waiting for.

If you’re in the area come spring, be sure to drop by and see what she’s been working on. I have a feeling it’ll be something special.

As for me, well, with another wet and cool day outside, I’ll be staying in, working away at my computer. It’s nice knowing that all my outdoor projects are wrapped up, giving me the freedom to settle in for some writing. I’ll be editing videos I made over the summer, creating a few new ones of me reading stories, and maybe even tackling that mystery sci-fi novel I started last year but haven’t yet finished. Either way, the day’s shaping up to be a full one, that’s for sure.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me, along with a good, strong cup of tea. There’s nothing quite like starting the day with a warm meal prepared by someone who knows exactly how you like your eggs—and, most importantly, just the right splash of milk in the tea. It’s these little morning rituals that fuel the day’s creativity…and keep me from getting distracted by the fridge every fifteen minutes!

You all have a great day, and remember—it’s the simple things that make life rich. A warm meal, a cozy spot indoors on a chilly day, and the chance to do a little of what you love. I’ve learned over the years that it’s not always about big adventures or grand plans; sometimes, it’s about savoring the quiet, everyday moments. So take a little time today to enjoy what’s right in front of you. Life’s short, folks—might as well make the most of it. GW

All my books are available on my Amazon Author Page.

If you purchase a book, a brief Amazon review really helps new readers discover my work—it means a lot.

Support my writing: Support My Writing

In Closing, I Would Like to Wish You Well!

George Walters | [email protected]

Up Here, Mornings Don’t Rush, They Just Happen on October 31/2024

Good Morning! You know, the best thing about a new day is you don’t need it all figured out to make it a good one. And I plan on doing just that.

It’s a cloudy morning here in the north. We had a light shower overnight, but it was sure nice outside temperature-wise. We slept with our bedroom window open, letting in that fresh northern air. You can’t beat that! When you do, your body takes in all the good stuff while resting, and you wake up with a clear mind and a body that feels mighty fine. That is, of course, if you’ve been looking after yourselves.

Tonight in Port Loring, the Halloween weather forecast reveals a spooky atmosphere! Expect temperatures around 16°C (61°F), feeling like 15°C (59°F), thanks to gusty southwest winds. Rain is highly likely, with a 100% chance and about 10 mm (0.4 inches) expected throughout the evening. As the night progresses, temperatures will drop to around 8°C (46°F). So, if you’re planning to venture out for some trick-or-treating, be sure to wear something warm and waterproof!

Highway 522 isn’t all that busy these days, but come the weekend, it’ll start buzzing with activity. The locals will be out and about, moving with purpose, as if they’ve got a prize to claim at the end of the road. And then the hunters will roll in, bringing along enough gear to stock a small store. Just remember, if you hear someone say they’re “hunting for dinner,” it might just mean they’re hoping to find a decent burger joint before heading home!

On another note, yesterday I spent some time working on my computer, but I also took advantage of the nice weather to clean up the remaining leaves that had fallen. It turned out to be a good choice; with the wind at my back, you could say cleaning them up was a breeze. All in all, it was a productive day—I got some work done at the computer, cleared the leaves, and even had time to enjoy a coffee with my lovely wife on the front porch, soaking up that much-needed vitamin D, which, of course, is the sunshine.

Today, well, we’ll see. I’m thinking I might clean up my woodworking shop and get it set up to make my wife a new pine harvest table. Or, I might just stay here at my computer and work on some stories for my columns. Or, ah hell, truth be told, I don’t really know what I’ll be doing. But I do know one thing: whatever I end up with, it’ll probably involve more coffee than actual progress. Just because I can.

With that, I’m off for breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me, and then I’ll get to doing… something. It’s one of those days, my friends.

That’s my two cents for the morning. Now, go out and make some meaningful memories. GW

All my books are available on my Amazon Author Page.

If you purchase a book, a brief Amazon review really helps new readers discover my work—it means a lot.

Support my writing: Support My Writing

In Closing, I Would Like to Wish You Well!

George Walters | [email protected]

Facing Today’s Political Landscape

Only on The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

As we get closer to the U.S. election, you can really feel the weight of what’s at stake. It’s not just about what happens in the States; the effects will reach us here in Canada too. Looking back, here in Canada, we haven’t had many solid leaders over the years. But Mike Harris stands out, as he took the reins during tough times, inheriting a real mess left by the previous powers that be. What sets him apart is that he followed through on his promises and made genuine changes. In my eyes, it’s a shame when good leaders are pushed out before they can fully make an impact.

Now we’ve got Trump going up against Harris<>a different Harris, of course. The polls show Trump with a slight lead in some key states, but it’s still anyone’s game. This election feels like more than just politics as usual; it seems like we’re at a crossroads, trying to navigate through all the chaos that’s around us.

Now here is the thing: Both Canada and the U.S. are bringing in more immigrants than ever, but it makes me wonder<>is this really about helping people, or is it just a way to score more votes? In all honesty, it seems to me like the politicians benefit while everyday folks end up with the short end of the stick. The thing is<>there’s only so much we can handle before something has to give.

Here in Canada, we may have our own issues, but we’re not that different from our neighbors to the south. What we really need are leaders willing to roll up their sleeves and tackle the hard problems<>not just make a bunch of empty promises that vanish once the votes are counted. As we wait to see how everything turns out, one thing is certain: we need leaders who actually do what they say they’ll do. Will we see that this time around? Your guess is as good as mine. For now, all we can do is hope for the best. As we sure as hell, as the US need a change. GW

All my books are available on my Amazon Author Page.

If you purchase a book, a brief Amazon review really helps new readers discover my work—it means a lot.

Support my writing: Support My Writing

In Closing, I Would Like to Wish You Well!

George Walters | [email protected]

Up North, Where Mornings Feel Right On October 30/2024

Good Morning! You know being a writer for many years<>among other things, I have found that: “Life’s like a good story<>just when you think you know the plot, it throws a twist your way”. It’s been happening that way all my life, which keeps things interesting to say the least.

Today in Port Loring, weather wise, we’re set to reach a cozy 20°C (68°F) this afternoon, with a bit of cloud cover and the occasional breeze blowing in from the southwest at 18 km/h<>gusting just enough to keep things interesting. It’s a great day to be outside, with a touch of warmth hanging on before the cool-down tonight, where we could see a sprinkle of rain (about a 30% chance) before things clear up again tomorrow.

Not a bad deal for late October<>feels a bit like winter’s playing a game of hide and seek, giving us just enough warmth to remember what we’ll be missing soon enough! So<>it might be a good time to finish up any outside work that needs doing?

We’ve also been seeing a steady stream of hunters moving into our area, and it’s only going to get busier as we approach the first two weeks of November, with deer season right around the corner! As the roads fill with serious hunters<>and folks just looking for an excuse to get out of the house, it’s a good reminder to be extra cautious if you’re out in the bush.

Yesterday was spent right here at my desk, putting together some new YouTube videos from my collection of well over a thousand stories I’ve published over the years. It’s been a bit of a puzzle getting everything organized, but progress is being made. This new adventure for my YouTube channel is exciting, and while I’m focusing on these stories, I’ll still be adding other content as well. There’s plenty to share, and I can’t wait to get it all out there!

I should mention that my stories cover a wide range of topics, reflecting what I’ve learned from others and my own personal experiences. I’ll also be sharing plenty of tips that might just make your life a little easier. To be honest, there are thousands of insights packed into these tales, and they’re worth a listen more than once. There’s always something hidden in there if you listen closely enough, just waiting to be uncovered.

So why not give it a listen? Who knows, you might find something in there that, at the very least, makes your day a bit brighter! Just don’t forget to subscribe, it doesn’t cost anything, but helps me immensely and I would sure appreciate it. Click here if interested. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFZgmNzfz2OI0tjOoiqYECg

Today for me, will be much the same, but with the weather feeling more like summer, I’m thinking some front porch sittin’ later on with my lovely wife is definitely in order. One must take advantage of the nice weather whenever it shows itself in this neck of the woods, that’s for sure.

With that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my little woman has made for me. After that, I’ll get started on the day<>just doing what feels right.

Have a great day folks, and remember that: “Life gives us a new chance each morning<>don’t let it slip away without a little adventure!” GW

All my books are available on my Amazon Author Page.

If you purchase a book, a brief Amazon review really helps new readers discover my work—it means a lot.

Support my writing: Support My Writing

In Closing, I Would Like to Wish You Well!

George Walters | [email protected]