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.

Are We Unknowingly Consuming More Than We Bargained For?

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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.

I often wonder if the food we rely on, is truly what it seems. Companies present us with convenient options, neatly packaged and backed by reassuring claims. But behind those labels, can we be sure, we’re getting what we think we are? It’s difficult to say. Then there are those disclaimers, urging us to check every detail, are they protecting us, or—just covering their backs?

Another thing is, what if the products in our diets have changed in ways we haven’t noticed? A recipe tweaked here, an extra preservative there. It might seem harmless, but who’s keeping tabs on these changes? Could these subtle shifts be impacting our health without our awareness? And what gets me, is why don’t we ask this more often?

Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve trusted what’s on the shelf without a second thought. It’s not something we’re conditioned to question, is it? Yet perhaps we should. In our focus on convenience, have we overlooked the reality of what we’re consuming?

Today, manufacturers seem to bank on our assumption that familiar foods are still safe. But is that true? When I pick up a can of salmon, is it just salmon, or am I overlooking preservatives or hidden sodium waiting to surprise me?

I kind of think that what they say is harmless may be masking crucial details.

The thing is, one also has to remember that it isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about trust. Are we handing over control of our health to corporations that prioritize profit over our well-being? At what point did we trade nourishment for convenience, and are we even aware of the risks?

Maybe the real question is: have we stopped paying attention? Or have we become so comfortable that we’ve forgotten the true cost? If we don’t start questioning, who will? You know, I kind of think that protecting our health might just begin with asking—what are we really feeding ourselves? 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]

Waking Early, Thinking Deep: Another Day in the North on October 18/2024

Good Morning! I’ve spent a lot of years wondering about life, and I’m still no closer to knowing it all. But- – – that’s the fun part, right?

Looking outside across the lakes, streams, and rivers where my wife and I live, the morning is a bit misty. But with the mist rising against the fall colours, and the sun shining just right, it’s truly a sight to behold. It makes a feller feel mighty lucky to be able to take it all in. It makes me wonder, though, how often do we take a moment to appreciate the beauty around us? Perhaps it’s in these quiet times that we uncover answers to questions we didn’t even know we were asking.

These days, Highway 522 is still pretty quiet, with mostly townsfolk out and about, looking for things to do and see. It’s just part of the small-town vibe, where life moves a little slower, and every day brings its own little adventures.

On another note, I got a lot done outside yesterday. And I have to say that It feels good when things go according to plan. I moved most of my firewood closer to the woodworking shop and even found time to tidy it up a bit. Then, I took a moment to enjoy a cup or two of coffee with my lovely wife, soaking up the much-needed sunshine.

With that once again I am off for my breakfast that my little woman has prepared for me, and will then head on outdoors.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this, that was told to me many years ago. “Every choice we make shapes our journey. Choose wisely and enjoy the ride.” 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]

The Role of Masks in Our Health

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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.

With mask mandates coming back for some health care workers, I find myself wondering: could these masks be just as important in stopping viruses like COVID-19/Flu’s and Colds as Vaccines? Could it be possible that we are overlooking their simple power to protect ourselves and others?

Personally, I think that masks are more than just cloth; as they show our care for one another. But why do we sometimes forget how vital they are? Did the noise of confusion drown out their message?

Now, some may think I’ve turned my back on natural medicine for modern treatments, but that’s not true. I believe both have their place in our health journey. After all, Mother Nature has been here much longer than we have, and she knows a thing or two about healing.

So, what if the best way forward is to blend the wisdom of nature with the advances of science? When we wear a mask, are we not honouring that ancient knowledge? The thing is, every little action can add up to a bigger change.

Maybe the real question isn’t whether masks or vaccines are better, but how we can work together with both. In a world that often feels divided, can we find a way to unite these approaches?

Ultimately, it raises a question: what truly is the right path to take? Is it about choosing one method over the other, or—is it possible that the answer lies somewhere in between? What do you think? 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]

Morning Light, Another Chance to Ask Why Here in Northern Ontario On October 17/2024

Good Morning! You know, to me life’s like the universe, expanding every day, full of things we don’t quite get, which in turn—keeps things interesting.

Waking up here in Cottage Country, I couldn’t help but notice the first real frost had painted the grass white. It’s a sure sign we’re stepping into that time of year when these frosty mornings will become a regular companion. Funny thing, though—the forecasts says we’re in for almost a week of summer-like weather. Makes you stop and think, doesn’t it? That maybe something else might be working away quietly behind the scenes.

Like the sun throwing off those solar flares lately, which makes me wonder if they’re nudging things along more than we realize. Could it be that these old cosmic forces are playing a bigger part in our shifting seasons than we give them credit for? At any rate, maybe one day we’ll figure it out, or maybe we’re already seeing the signs, but time always has a way of revealing the truth—whether we’re ready to see it or not.

On another note, I spent yesterday outside, getting everything closed up for winter. I winterized the cottage and took care of the shower house. I even packed away the pump I had running the fishpond. I also added a new section to my lean-to for the firewood, making it easier to grab the softwood I had stored in another spot. It feels good to get everything ready, knowing winter is just around the corner. You know, there’s a simple satisfaction in preparing for the cold months ahead, a bit like preparing for life’s changes. Each piece of firewood stacked, and every task ticked off, feels like a small win.

Today, I’ll be waking up my old mower and tackling the task of moving firewood from point A to point B. Should make for an interesting day—though I suppose it’s all in how I look at it. Even a simple chore can hold its own rewards. It’s a good reminder that sometimes, the little things we do can lead to something bigger down the road. Here’s to making the most of it, one piece of firewood at a time!

With that I am off once again for my breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me, and will then head on outdoors.

You all have a great day and remember: “Each moment is an opportunity, so grab your cocoa/coffee and enjoy the journey ahead!” 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]

Mornings Come Easy Here in Northern Ontario on October 16/2024

Good Morning! You know, when it comes to life, I kinda figure I’m on the scenic route now—lots to see, not much to worry about.

To kick things off, I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! My wife and I had a nice one, especially with our boys and grandson dropping by for a visit. We had some good conversations, and they even helped me sort out a few tech problems, it’s always a bonus when you’ve got tech-savvy kids! We also enjoyed a turkey dinner with a couple of homemade pies to top it off. All in all, it was a weekend to remember. Actually, even the weather played along, giving us a chance to sit outside and soak up some much-needed sunshine—something we’re definitely short on up here in the north.

Highway 522 quieted down a bit over the holiday, but it’ll be bustling again soon, with hunting season’s coming up fast. I used to be out there every year, rain/snow or shine, but these days I leave it to the younger folks. From now till Christmas, though, it’s not the best time to be wandering the bush unless you’re dressed head-to-toe in neon. Trust me, I’ve seen a few too many close calls to take any chances.

Truth told, I’m more about hunting down a good nap these days!.

Today, I’m planning to get a bit more outdoor work done, with winter fast approaching. I still need to close up the cottage and the shower house, rototill the vegetable gardens, and plant a row of garlic for next year. On top of that, I’ve got to move some softwood from the bush closer to my shop so it’s easier to grab once the snow starts flying. Better to get it done now while it’s easy. So, plenty of tasks left for this old-timer and his lovely wife!

And hey, once I have finished maybe my lovely wife and I can reward ourselves with a little downtime by the fire, as after all, even a couple of old-timers deserves a break now and then!

So with that I am off for my morning breakfast that my little woman has prepared for me and will then head on outdoors, after I finish my hot cup of cocoa of course!

You all have a great day!! And as my old Dad used to say, “George, keep in mind that life’s like a field—sometimes you’ve got to plow through the weeds to find the good stuff!” And, here in Canada, there are a lot of weeds these days. 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]