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.

Waking to Rain on the Roof Here in The North on Sept 25/2024

Good Morning! You know— when people say George, “you can’t change the world, I tell them, maybe not, but I sure can change my corner of it.”

Well, it looks like we’re in for a bit more rain this morning. Sure can’t do much about it, so I reckon I’ll just let it be. It’s been steady, and by the looks of things, it won’t ease up till the afternoon. After that though, they say the sun’ll be poking through, and we’re supposed to have six days of decent weather ahead. I’ll believe it when I see it, as this time of year, anything can change at the drop of a hat. It seems like every season’s got its own tricks, and you learn to roll with it, living out here as long as I have.

I remember my old Dad saying once, “George, when you live here on the farm, you learn to take things as they come. No use fussing over the weather like they do in the city. We live day to day, one moment it’s warm as toast, and the next, there’s frost on the pumpkins. Keeps a man humble, knowing he’s not in charge— the thing is, nature’s running the show, and we’re just here for the ride.”

Highway 522 has slowed down some traffic wise with mostly locals roaming around. Which is normal for our neck of the woods, especially this time of year.

On another note, with the rain keeping me indoors yesterday, I spent the day tinkering away on the computer. Turned out to be a productive one. Felt pretty good to sit a spell and let the old bones take a break. They’re starting to feel a bit more like their usual self, which is a good thing because there’s still plenty of work waiting outside. Winter’s got a way of sneaking up on you around here, and if you don’t get ahead of it while the weather holds, well… you might just find yourself in for a rough go.

Today however being still raining off and on I am thinking I will spend another day writing up some stories, or I might just edit up another YouTube Video I made awhile back. I have to admit I enjoy doing those things, that is when it isn’t nice outside, as I hate being inside on beautiful days.

With that I am off once again for my breakfast that my lovely wife has prepared for me, and will then see what the rest of the day has to offer.

You never know what the day might bring; often, it’s the simplest moments that turn out to be the sweetest. Living out here where we do, away from the cities, I’ve come to understand that life isn’t just about the chores that need doing. Not by a long shot. It’s also about savoring those little things—the warmth of a good meal, the gentle patter of rain on the roof, and— the comfort of having a loved one like my little woman by my side.

You all have a great day and remember: “Every day’s a gift—just don’t forget to open it slow-like.” 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]

Keeping a Watchful Eye on the United Nations’ “Pact for the Future”

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.

In my many years of writing and watching the world go by, I’ve learned that not everything that glitters is gold. Taking a look at the recent “Pact for the Future” from the United Nations, sounds impressive, with its talk of tackling climate change and social issues. But to me, something about it feels off.

When they say, “our work begins at home,” it makes sense that countries should prioritize their own needs. But it also suggests, that the UN might want to dictate how we tackle our issues. That’s a bit of a slippery slope if you ask me.

And seeing so many nations back the pact, while rejecting changes, raises eyebrows. Truth told, it feels like a show of strength that could push aside those who don’t agree. And the language they use—terms like “global transformation” and “catastrophic risks” with me means—stirring up fear. So—while it’s smart to address pressing issues, I can’t help but wonder if there’s more going on beneath the surface.

So as we look at this “Pact for the Future,” I personally think, we need to stay sharp and cautious. Yes, we need to work together, but we also must be careful not to hand over the reins to anyone. After all, the last thing we need is for someone else to decide what’s best for us. Trust me, I’ve seen enough of that in my day to know— it rarely turns out well!

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]

Rain on the Pines: A Dismal Morning, but It’s Still Country on Sept 23/2024

Took this picture yesterday: Just For You!

Click on image to enlarge!

Good Morning! Thinking back, my old teacher in the one room school house one time said; “George, if you look close enough, the answers are always there—are you askin’ the right questions?”

It’s a rainy morning here in the north, but I can’t say it’s unwelcome as truth told we’ve needed this rain, especially with how dry it’s been over the past couple of weeks. The trees and plants are soaking it up, and it’ll do them good as they get ready for their dormant stage over the winter. On the bright side of things, my instincts were right on the money once again, as I managed to get all our firewood in for winter, take care of the gardens, and cover the decks with wood preservative, among a ton of other tasks—all done just in time before the rainy, cooler weather set in.

I’ve trusted my instincts for most of my life, and they’ve served me well. It’s funny, really—everyone has the ability to trust their intuitions, but you know, not many seem to use it. Most don’t even realize they have it. But I’ve always found that when you listen, it usually steers you in the right direction.

Highway 522 was pretty quiet yesterday, but despite that, we had a steady stream of folks dropping by our gift shop again. It’s always nice to see new faces, and even better to hear them say how much they appreciate the one-of-a-kind items we make. Things you just can’t find anywhere else.

On another note, yesterday my body needed a rest, so I spent the day working at my computer on some YouTube videos, editing and getting things just right. I really do enjoy making these videos when I have the time, but there’s a lot of work that goes into it. Setting up cameras and ensuring the lighting is just right takes a lot of effort. It requires persistence, too; and not everything goes smoothly all the time, but when you finally get it right, the reward is well worth it.

The whole idea of my channel, “Reviving the Simple Life,” is to capture those everyday moments that many folks might not have seen before. After I finished a couple of videos, I added them to my collection, which I’ll be making public throughout the winter months, sharing my daily routine as an old feller going about life.

With that, I’m off for breakfast once again, courtesy of my lovely wife. After that, I’ll get back to work on those videos, making sure to keep the simple life alive and well. Here’s to another day of small joys and quiet moments!

You all have a great day, and I hope it’s as bright as a sunlit morning and—as sweet as my wife’s homemade brownies.

The image below might not give you a taste, I’ll do that for ya, but sure to get your mouth to watering. 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]

Fog So Thick This Morning, Can’t See Past the Pines on Sept 22/2024

Good Morning! Ever wonder if we’re chasing time, or if time’s just watching us run?

Weather wise here in Port Loring: It looks like we’ll stay in this pleasant phase for a bit longer. The cooler air will likely start creeping in slowly as the month goes by, but nothing dramatic just yet. It’s towards the end of October that things might get a little more unpredictable, especially if any cold air meets up with whatever is happening over the Atlantic.

For now, though, we’re in the clear. No rush into winter—just a steady ease into the cooler days ahead. Keep enjoying this early autumn while it lasts.

But in saying all that, after today, it looks as if we will be getting some rain for the next few days.

Highway 522 is slow this morning, but that’s no surprise, it being Sunday and all. Most folks around here take the day off, enjoying the break. As for my wife and me, well, every day’s the same. We see each one as carrying its own weight, no more or less than the next. You could say that—life just flows better when you walk to the beat of your own drum.

On another note, yesterday my body decided it needed a rest, so I gave in and took it easy for a change. I spent the day tinkering away here at my computer, putting together a couple of stories for my columns. And you know what? It turned out to be a great day for it. You know, some days, the words just fall into place like they’ve been waiting for you all along. Other days? Well—it’s like they’ve up and vanished, leaving me sitting here, scratching my head and wondering where they’ve run off to.

Today, I’m thinking of doing much the same, but I’ll be putting the writing on the back burner. Instead, I’ll get into editing some YouTube videos I’ve been piecing together throughout the summer. It’s funny how quickly you can lose touch with modern technology; if you don’t stay on top of it, you might forget the ropes entirely. So, I figure it’s best to get to it now and refresh my skills before they slip away. And just a heads-up: be sure to keep an eye on my YouTube channel for some exciting new videos rolling out this winter. You won’t want to miss what’s coming next! Check it out at George Simplicity Wisdom.

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me and will then settle into my lazy boy chair with a cup of hot cocoa.

You all have a great day and remember: life is like a country road—sometimes bumpy, but it’s all about enjoying the ride. So buckle up and enjoy the view! 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 Political Circus: Same Old Show, Different Day

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.

Personally, I’ve had enough of this government. It feels like the same old faces are sticking around, while others are cozying up to them, to push their own agendas. Honestly, it doesn’t sit well with me, it’s like watching the town’s biggest gossip join forces with the nosiest neighbour, meaning, that nothing good can come from it.

I really don’t think it should be so easy for parties to team up just to hold onto power. It’s like handing the keys to the tractor to a sneaky family member, sure, they’ll get it running, but before long, they’ll have it stuck in the mud. The truth of the matter is, we need a change, but with this political mess, it feels almost impossible to get rid of a group that’s not doing right by us.

Every time you think they’re on the ropes, someone throws them a lifeline, and just like that, they’re back in charge, chuckling all the way to their next meeting. It’s a bit like that persistent raccoon you can’t seem to shake out of the barn; no matter how many times you chase it off, it keeps coming back.

And the others who hop on board just to get what they want? Well— it’s like they’re piling into a clown car, waving and smiling like they’re doing something grand, while the rest of us are left wondering how we got stuck in this mess.

I believe we deserve better. It’s high time for some straightforward talk and a dose of common sense–things that seem to be in short supply these days. If things keep going like this, we’re going to need a miracle to make a real change.

But for now! I guess I’ll keep enjoying my coffee and waiting for the day someone with real backbone steps up and takes charge. Here’s hoping that day comes sooner rather than later, as we sure could use a breath of fresh air.

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]