The laughter of pinecone fights, bear poop frisbee, yodelling on the lake, dune buggy adventures, magic school bus rides, and the quiet times learning and growing up together, combine to form a delightful collection of stories all ages will enjoy. They come from a time where imagination, freedom, security, love, and shenanigans reigned, centered around thirteen special years visiting Papa and Nan’s old, converted schoolhouse on a dusty old road somewhere between Tweed and Flinton in the back country of Eastern Ontario. This was the childhood paradise for seven lucky grandchildren – the Camelot where they had the freedom to just be kids. They might have only had 13 years in this beautiful spot, but it stayed with each one for life and made for some heartwarming, funny, and insightful stories.

 

We often consider that the land we purchase is a part of our story, as are the dwellings that sit on that land, but here we see that the reverse is true; we are a part of the land’s story. Such is the story of the old, converted schoolhouse. These stories bring us back to a time when we felt carefree and invincible and will be cherished for generations to come. May you each experience the joy that the dusty old road in the middle of nowhere brought those seven lucky children.

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Madawaska Highlander Connection

Shelley Holloway won first prize for non-fiction twice in The Madawaska Highlander Short Story Contest. Her two prize-winning stories are here in her first book and the first book published by Reel Impact Communications Inc., publishers of The Madawaska Highlander. We're so proud!

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Where to Buy and Support Local

Cloyne Pioneer Museum HWY. 41, Cloyne Ontario (across from Post Office) from July to August from 10 am to 4 pm or online any time through their bookstore.    

 

Kim Lepine, the artist who did the cover art for Dusty Old Road sells them at The Hair Port in Calabogie. Please call (613) 752-2555 or pick one up when you are there.