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.

Night Time Snacks?

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.

You know, folks, they’ve been yammering on for years about when to stop eating, sayin’ it’s no good to snack after seven. But if you’re like me—a fellow who enjoys his snack now and then while watching the late-night news—this whole “no eating past seven” business sounds downright foolish. Sure, I know the sugar ain’t great for a feller my age, but there’s somethin’ to be said for a little something before bed. Now, I don’t go pedalin’ up mountains like some of those young cyclists out there, but I get plenty of exercise just the same—farming, working in the shop, tending the garden, and I tell ya, that can wear a man out just as well.

Anyway, it got me thinking that, after a day of hard work, the right kind of snack can be as good as a lullaby. And wouldn’t you know it, there’s a bit of science behind it too! Turns out, having a bit of protein—like some plain yogurt with a handful of nuts or maybe a slice of apple with a piece of cheese—can help your old muscles recover while you sleep. Now, I didn’t expect to hear that from a scientist, but I’ll take it. They say the protein in dairy, called casein, works slow and steady through the night to help with muscle repair. And hey, when you’re aching from the day’s work, you’ll take all the help you can get.

I’ll tell ya, though, I don’t have any need for fancy snacks. That Greek yogurt or almond butter? Well, I’ll stick to what I know: cottage cheese with a slice of peach or a glass of whole milk. Simple stuff I can find in the fridge without a fuss.

They say that a snack like that can even help you sleep better. Go to bed on an empty stomach, and you might wake up in the middle of the night with a growl so loud it scares the missus. So, a little pre-bed nibble can ease that hunger, keep the blood sugar nice and steady, and, who knows, help a man wake up feeling a tad better come morning.

So here’s my bit of advice: if you’re sitting there, thinking about that cookie jar, maybe swap it for a handful of walnuts or an oatmeal bowl with some blueberries. Won’t hurt ya, and it might just help you drift off a little easier. Just keep it light and stick to the good stuff. Till next time, keep your stories going, and don’t work too hard! 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]

Setting Our Clocks Here In Canada?

Well, folks, here we are again, coming up on that time of year when we “fall back” and mess with the clocks. They say it’s supposed to give us an extra hour of sleep, but I don’t know if that makes up for all the confusion. On another note, it’s noted that some doctors and scientists now say this hour here and there can mess with our health. They’re even recommending pills to help people adjust. Now, that’s something, isn’t it? We’ve come to a point where an hour change needs a prescription!! I can’t help but think we’re making things harder on ourselves than they need to be.

In the old days, we didn’t fuss over clocks like this. When the sun came up, we got up. When it got dark, we called it a day. Didn’t matter if the clocks said one thing or another<>we moved with the light. Now, though, it seems we’re all tangled up in these schedules and “quick fixes,” losing a bit of our own rhythm, if you ask me. We keep looking for answers outside ourselves instead of just rolling with what nature gives us.

Hell, they’re even talking about scrapping these time changes altogether. Seems like a decent idea, but I guess it’ll take years to sort out, knowing how things go. For now, we’re still stuck changing our clocks twice a year. But hey, maybe instead of worrying so much, we could just take a page from the past: enjoy that extra hour, toss an extra log on the fire, and let the rest be. 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]

Trump’s NYC Rally: A Call for Change

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.

At the recent rally in New York City, Donald Trump spoke to a packed Madison Square Garden, and I mean packed, and it was clear he had important points to make. He asked the crowd, “Are you better off now than you were four years ago?” The loud “No!” from the crowd showed that a lot of people feel the weight of current problems.

While some speakers at the rally made controversial comments, it’s important to focus on what Trump was saying. He talked about innovation and progress, similar to what figures like Elon Musk are doing. Musk is known for pushing the limits with new ideas in technology, which is something that resonates with those who want real solutions to tough problems.

Hulk Hogan’s enthusiastic statement that “Trump is the only man that can fix this country today” reflects what many supporters believe: that Trump can tackle the issues we face. This viewpoint suggests a strong desire for leadership that directly addresses problems.

What’s interesting is that much of what Trump discussed can also be seen in Canada. Many Canadians share frustrations about leadership and the state of their country. Issues of neglect and the need for bold action are not just in the U.S.; they are being felt here too.

Trump also presented ideas aimed at helping older adults and working families, like removing taxes on Social Security benefits and offering support for family caregivers. These proposals could help ease the financial burden many Americans are facing. By focusing on these issues, Trump highlights the need to pay attention to everyday people.

As the election approaches, it’s essential to think about the choices being made. The rally was not just a campaign event; it was a reminder of the urgent need for change. Many attendees left with a sense of hope, believing a different approach could lead to a better future for all.

In conclusion, the insights gathered from Trump’s speech show that we need to talk openly about the real issues facing our countries. While people may have different opinions, the call to address these important matters cannot be ignored. With the election nearing, the conversation about who can lead effectively is crucial—not just in the U.S., but also in Canada. 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]

Northern Morning’s Like They Used to Be On October28/2024

Good Morning! You know over the years I have found that: Chasing time is like always trying to keep up with life, pushing to get everything done or reach a certain point before time runs out. But time isn’t something we can control or catch; it moves on whether we’re ready or not. It’s about that feeling of life moving too fast and trying to keep up, but in the end, realizing that sometimes we just have to go with the flow and let things happen.

Moving along, it’s a crisp morning here in the north. The thermometer reads -0.2 C, or 31.6 F, so it’s a cold start. But that white out there? It isn’t frost this time. We got about an inch of snow last night, first of the season. Still, it won’t last long, as things are warming up above freezing by mid-day, and by tomorrow, rain will make an appearance.

Now, some folks go by the calendar seasons, but for me, the first snow means winter’s arrived. Fortunately, my wife and I, as always, are ready for it this year. Gardens are worked up, equipment tucked away, firewood stacked in the house, and the freezer’s full. No matter what the weather throws our way, we’ll stay warm and won’t go hungry.

You know! Living up here, you’ve got to be ready, or the north will teach you a hard lesson. I’ve seen plenty of folks move up, only to throw in the towel after a couple of winters and head back to the city life. It takes a special kind of person to make a real go of it up here for the long haul.

Another thing worth mentioning: is that taking daily vitamin D3 is a game-changer, especially when the sun’s playing hide-and-seek. It’s like a Swiss Army knife for your health<>sharpens the mind, beefs up your bones, and tells colds and flu’s to take a hike. And that’s just scratching the surface.

Now, here’s a tip<> to keep those doctor visits at bay (and we all know they love seeing us this time of year<>more patients means more cash flow!). Make it a habit to scrub your hands after you’ve been out and about<>whether it’s the grocery store, post office, or anywhere folks are crawling all over. And don’t forget your face<>give it a good wash, as it’s important too. The truth is, it’s the simple stuff, that keeps them germs at bay. Do that, my friends, and you’ll be dodging those waiting rooms like it should be. Especially this time of year!

With that, I’m off for some pancakes this morning that my lovely wife/artist is cooking up for me. They ought to keep me going, well, at least until noon. But you never know—I might just need a cookie or two with a cup of hot cocoa around 10:30 AM to keep me smiling!

Speaking of my wife being an artist, I want to take a moment here this morning to share something truly special about my wife. She’s been painting for over fifty years, and her talent is nothing short of extraordinary. Recently, she’s been transforming her former gift shop into a dedicated art studio where she can showcase her incredible work. This change is a big deal, because it allows her to display just how good she really is. What’s amazing is that she’s entirely self-taught. Her attention to detail is remarkable<>no smudge paintings here! Each piece tells a story, and her ability to capture the essence of her subjects, things, and places ares simply breathtaking. Her paintings have travelled all over the world, and it’s clear that people resonate with her unique style. Now, instead of focusing on custom requests, she’s shifting gears to create what truly inspires her. This brings a smile not just to her face, but to mine as well. It’s wonderful to see her embrace this artistic freedom. Her new studio will be a space filled with creativity and passion, showcasing her journey as an artist. I couldn’t be prouder of her, and can’t wait for everyone to experience the beauty and stories behind her paintings. If you get the chance, I highly encourage you to check out her work come spring<>you won’t be disappointed!

You all have a great day and as my wife would say: “Today is a fresh canvas<>don’t forget to add your own masterpiece to 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 North, Where Every Morning Asks Why On October 27/2024

Here is a picture, our small Tamarack

Click on image to enlarge!

Good Morning! You know over the years I have learned that: “The longer I live, the more I see life as one big experiment. Sometimes, it seems I get it right, while other times, I walk away knowing what not to do again.”

Looked outside this morning, everything’s white<>but it isn’t snow. Nope, it’s just a heavy frost covering things over. With temperatures hovering around freezing, though, I know it won’t be long before the real stuff shows up. That much is certain.

A few years ago, I planted a little Tamarack in the backyard. This morning, it caught my eye<>standing there, all golden, like it was saying, ‘Hey, look at me! The others dropped their leaves, but I’m still here, putting on a show. Soak it in while you can,’ it seemed to say, “because come winter, I’ll be gone till spring.” I think I’ll head out and snap a picture, just so you can see how beautiful it is. That little Tamarack’s putting on its best colors, and I’d hate for anyone to miss it before it disappears for the winter.

On another note, since the weather wasn’t great yesterday, I found myself at the computer, working on some new YouTube videos. I’ve got a couple ready to go, but I’m feeling the urge to try something totally different. So, here’s the thing: I’ve got over a thousand published stories, and folks have been asking where they can read or hear them. I’ve told them about my podcasts, but a lot of people say they’d love to see the face behind the stories, too.

That got me thinking<>and I’ll be putting a few together in the coming days. It takes a bit to get everything set up, but I’m figuring it out. If you’re one of those who enjoys my stories, keep an eye on my YouTube channel<>I think you’ll really enjoy what’s coming! Here is a link to it. https://www.youtube.com/@GeorgeSimplicityWisdom/about

Other than a bunch of hunters roaming around our woods these days, not too much happening around our small town.

With that I am off for my breakfast that my little woman is making for me and will then see what the day has in store.

Have a great day folks and remember: “Every sunrise is a new beginning<>make sure you chase after what matters.” 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]