Canadian friends from our Mexican days are back in Mexico as snowbirds and spending some time in La Peñita on the Pacific where we RV’d for some time in 2004 and wrote about in our newly published book, Mexican Follies. Here’s our recent message exchange and the accompanying photo they sent. What a nice gift!
“Hola Gayle, We are enjoying the wonderful weather in La Penita and meeting some of the many Canadians wintering here. I saved your book to read while I was here, so this is my view while reading on the beach. I like your writing and can relate to many of our shared experiences.”
Here’s Gayle’s reply to her:
“Reading about our adventures in La Peñita while in La Peñita must be quite unique! Thanks for sharing this and for the photo. Would love a review of the book on Amazon if you feel so inclined. I’m into the writing of my own memoir right now that I’m calling “My Life With Gus: Memoir of a Marriage.” Much work and much fun. Hugs to you two. Hope you are keeping well. Enjoy Mexico for me!
Shown below is a slide show of some photos we took during our weeks spent in our motorhome at the large La Penita campsite described in our book as “an absolutely beautiful trailer park on the edge of the town of La Peñita, built on several levels going down to a Pacific Ocean beach.”
This post is long overdue, but Gayle is in the process of updating this website and realized that this “blast from the past” hadn’t been documented for Moomor Publishing yet. Thus, here it is – an interview of author Ian Moore-Morrans from the publishers at Writers Exchange EPublishing (WEE), an Australian book publishing company who published Ian’s first book Metal Machining Made Easy, first in 2002 and then a release in 2018. The book is still available to purchase, from either WEE or on all Amazon links.
To celebrate the re-release of Metal Machining Made Easy, Writers Exchange interviewed author Ian Moore-Morrans in January, 2020.
The full interview — which can be read here on the Writers Exchange website — celebrates more than just the re-release; it features Ian giving an overview of his writing career and the paths he’s been on. He also discusses his influences for writing, his process, and the grand age-old question of why he was compelled to write.
As of October 23, 2024, MEXICAN FOLLIES, Moomor Publishing’s sixth book, is now available for purchase worldwide on all amazon sites. Just go to your local amazon site and search for “Mexican Follies” and the book’s details should come up on your screen.
As of November 12, 2024, an eBook version is also available on Amazon sites. For Winnipeg readers who might like to buy paperback copies directly from me (Gayle Moore-Morrans, the author/editor), a book launch was held on Saturday, November 9 at Fred Douglas Place in downtown Winnipeg. Those who were not able to attend and want to obtain a copy should email me at: gayleian@gmail.com to make arrangements.
Here is the back cover blurb describing the book: A dual memoir and travelogue, Mexican Follies follows the adventures and misadventures of Ian, 72 years young, and Gayle, 61 years young, as they embark in October 2004 on a tour of discovery from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to Mexico. Married just a year, Ian and Gayle sell their Winnipeg house and celebrate her retirement by fixing up a used 35-foot motorhome and heading for southern climes. Their goal is to escape the northern winters and maybe find a permanently warm and peaceful place to settle down and enjoy togetherness and independence, now that Gayle’s young adult children are finally off on their own. Readers of Ian’s two previous memoirs, From Poverty To Poverty: A Scotsman Encounters Canada and Came To Canada, Eh? Adventures of a Scottish Nomad, will have become familiar with his musical talents as a Scottish entertainer and his penchant for moving (from Scotland to England to Wales to Egypt, back to Scotland and then, with a young wife and two children, on to Canada). There he moved back and forth over a period of almost four decades within multiple provinces, but often managed to wind up in Winnipeg where he was eventually widowed. Ian soon met Gayle, also widowed, who had immigrated to Winnipeg from the USA after spending 18 years in Germany. By then Ian had retired from his machining career and had begun to write stories while continuing with his avocation of making music. Shortly after meeting, writer Ian and writer/editor Gayle began to plan a life of producing books and making music together in what they hoped would be their own little corner of paradise. They initially loved living in Mexico and eventually bought a house in the world’s largest English-speaking expatriate community in the mountainous region of Central Mexico along the shores of Lake Chapala, started singing together as Scottish entertainers and joined a writers’ group. But read along as their excitement and Follies-like experiences turn into Folly after Folly, including house break-ins/robberies, the murder of friends, partial wreckage of their motorhome and many other disappointments. Ian and Gayle finally conclude that, after all, returning to Canada is the best way for them to fulfill their dreams. Were the Follies worth the many types of Folly they encountered? You decide.
Cover photo: Gayle and Ian Moore-Morrans with their terripoo Peppy in the gardens of the Lake Chapala Society, Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico, November 2006. The background surround is from a colourful Mexican blanket they bought in an open-air market in Ajijic, woven by Huichol indigenous artisans who still inhabit the area and maintain their ancient Uto-Aztecan language along with their bright bead and textile arts.
“Contrasting the personalities of the writers in their letter writing and subsequent narratives was a very interesting concept and they certainly achieved what they were trying to convey to this reader. I especially enjoyed the many descripie passages. In “An April Swim in Paradise” I was along in that pool. I could really smell those flowers and feel that warm sun on my back. What a beautiful piece of writing!
“The writers’ changing perspecties on Mexico and Mexicans throughout the book was handled well. I really didn’t feel any resentment on their part until the last chapters. What happened to them both should colour someone’s ideas of a “Safe Mexico.” Their last comments in the Penticton Herld were certainly warranted and I hope they both were ale to finally get some satisfaction from them.
“I very much enjoyed the good read. I could really feel how much the writers enjoyed each other. Both of them had made many moves before they met, so I could see how they thought it would be easy to move to Mexico but !! Mexico???”
Five star review on Amazon.ca:
*****Engaging, Absorbing, Rewarding
Reviewed in Canada on October 28, 2024 by James Osborne
“This is a warm and engaging story with three compelling dimensions: It is a deeply sensitive love story, it is a delightfully entertaining tour-de-force of popular destinations in Mexico, and it is firmly rooted in the authors’ devout spirituality. A rewarding read for those with an affinity for one or more of those three dimensions.
The confluence of horrific news of a recent tractor/trailer and bus crash (on Canada One Highway in Manitoba and Highway 5 last week which caused 15 deaths and 10 serious injuries) with the annual Father’s Day observance on Sunday, June 18 (in which I celebrated my own father who tragically died 60 years ago in a car crash) has led me to reactivate this blog which has stood dormant for too long. I have been active on Facebook and email, however, and want to share some of my musings about this confluence as well as the wise words I received a few months ago in correspondence from an old friend from my elementary and high school years in New Rockford, North Dakota. What comfort and guidance I received from Phyllis–and what profound words to pass on to anyone who wants to comfort a hurting person – JUST BE THERE FOR THEM!
First of all, this was my Facebook post for Father’s Day:
On this 67th Father’s Day without my own father to honour, I’m thinking especially of George Wellington Moore and the 13 short years I had to enjoy being in his presence as his daughter. The loss of him in a car accident in September 1956 was the single-most tragic happening in my life. I’m grateful, though, for the many memories of the intensely loving, caring and uniquely present father he was. This newspaper clipping is the last photo my family has of him. I think he brought home at least one golf trophy a year, plus teaching my sisters and me and countless others to golf. I also cherish the two photos my mom took on New Year’s Day 1944 when Dad first introduced me to a golf course shortly after I had started walking. It was a rare snowless time in wintery Maddock, North Dakota and he just couldn’t resist hitting a few golf balls before the snow came. RIP Dad! I wonder if you’ve been golfing in heaven!
(Sorry about the lack of a copy editor for that article! The spelling makes me cringe!)
George Wellington Moore
The above two photographs my Mom took on New Year’s Day 1944 shortly after I had learned to walk, when Dad first introduced me to a golf course in Maddock, North Dakota.
My younger sister Doreen with Dad and me (circa 1954) when Dad had taken us along on a business trip from our home in New Rockford to his hometown and our birthplace, Maddock, North Dakota.
With news of the above-mentioned recent traffic accident in my mind, as well as thinking of and praying for the many families and friends of those killed and injured in that tragedy, I recalled my intense period of mourning 60 years ago after my father’s fatal car accident. As a young teenager, my biggest concern was that none of my friends were allowed by their parents to attend my dad’s funeral, which still is a big blur in my memory. However, a group of them had come over to our house after school the day after his accident and just “hung out” with me on our back steps. I don’t recall what any of them said, but I do remember the hugs, how comforting it felt to have them acknowledge my sadness and to have my peers there for me. Here is how my friend Phyllis recalled that moment in her email 60 years later:
“Your dad’s death in an auto accident was also a shock to the community. Some of us went over to your house and sat on the steps with you. No one could think of much to say but how sorry we were. Good thing we didn’t know any adult platitudes. You seemed to be pleased we were there. I think that was the first time I realized that just being present could be a comfort to a hurting person.”
Gayle poses during her book launch beside a photo of her late husband Ian Moore-Morrans who was the main author of the memoir, Came To Canada, Eh? Adventures of a Scottish Nomad.
FINALLY: A BOOK LAUNCH!!!! Co-Author/Editor Gayle Moore-Morrans celebrated as she launched Moomor Publishings’ latest book on the Amenities Floor at FRED DOUGLAS PLACE, her seniors’ residence in Winnipeg, on September 10, 2021, almost 11 months after the book had first been published. Due to the restrictions of the pandemic, it had not been possible to have an in-person launch for the book until then. There was a good turnout of residents eager to hear about Gayle’s insights (some of them had already purchased and read the book in months past), an interview of Gayle as co-author/editor, a book signing/sale and a chance to watch a video of Ian reading a story from the book, plus a number of videos of him singing as a Scottish entertainer in years past. More book readings are being planned: A zoom presentation across all five Canadian time zones, sponsored by the Facebook Group LUTHERAN WOMEN CONNECTING on November 6th at 3 p.m. Central Time (plans are to record the presentation for later sharing online) and a live presentation for members of the ROBERT BURNS CLUB OF WINNIPEG on November 20th.
Gayle introduces a video sampling of Ian singing in scenes related to stories in the book.
Reviews of Came To Canada, Eh? Adventures of a Scottish Nomad, by Ian Moore-Morrans with Gayle Moore-Morrans
From James Osborne, author of Amazon #1 bestseller, The Ultimate Threat:
“Came to Canada, Eh? is a brilliant and beautifully told story of the journey through life by a newcomer to Canada, at once both candidly disarming and brutally honest. This book is an important contribution to Canadian heritage.”
From Charles H. Cameron CD, Past President, Robert Burns Club of Winnipeg:
“Mr. Ian Moore-Morrans, in my humble opinion, reminds me so much of aPoet/Song writer in Scotland, each travelling the countryside in search of employment and happiness to better his life and that of his family. A paraphrase of Robert Burns’ poem, Rantin’, Rovin’ Robin could aptly describe Ian’s story: “Ian was a rovin’ boy, Rantin’, rovin’, rantin’, rovin’, Ian was a rovin’ boy, Rantin’, rovin’ Ian! He’ll hae misfortunes great an’ sma’, But ay a heart aboon them a’, He’ll be a credit till us a’ —We’ll a’ be proud o’ Ian.”
From Liz Olson, award-winning short story writer, occasional editor/copy editor and former editorial assistant for Canada Lutheran magazine: “Put down that celebrity bio and pick up Came to Canada, Eh? Ian is the real deal, the most relatable Everyman you will ever meet. Circumstances don’t allow for fame or fortune, despite his remarkable gifts, but nothing keeps this guy down for long. His indomitable spirit and quirky humour sustain him through a rollercoaster of adventures and tragedies, and the ride even leads him to a second chance at love at the end of the road. Don’t miss this!
From ARK on amazon.ca, 4 out of 5 stars:
“Never a Dull Moment. Ian’s experience as an immigrant to Canada with the attendant challenges of employment are possibly representative of the challenges faced by many immigrants now, and in times past. Ian’s experiences will likely resonate with immigrants especially, as well as with those who have felt like an ‘outsider’. Ian’s determination in the face of obstacles will be an inspiration to many readers. Very readable and enjoyable chronicle.”
By Amazon customer on amazon.ca: 4 out of 5 stars:
“Ian is a story teller. Reading the book I can hear Ian telling the stories and the book is full of his storied life. There is a chuckle on every page.”
From Pat, a Winnipeg reader and a fellow resident at author’s senior housing. “Dear Gayle, I did enjoy reading Ian’s book “Came To Canada, Eh?” It was a hoot! But I was again struck by his unskeptical and unsuspecting manner as I earlier evidenced in his first memoir “From Poverty to Poverty: A Scotsman Encounters Canada.” As I had indicated, an alternate title might have been – “Innocents Abroad.” However, when I read the Epilogue and noted that Ian had chosen ‘honesty’ as (what he thought) his most important characteristic, it somehow all fell into place! Because he was such a generous, trustworthy person, he trusted others to be as open and honest as himself. What a guy!”
From Editorial Evaluator at Friesen Press prior to publication:
“First off, I found Ian to be an incredibly strong storyteller, very direct, down-to-earth, and relatable. His writing style is straightforward and easy to read, even when “speaking” with the Scottish burr.
More importantly, he truly lived an extraordinary life. Although the individual moves and layoffs, for example, are fairly commonplace, when told en masse, in this sort of personal narrative, I found it incredibly impressive that he managed to maintain his hope and optimism. I can’t imagine that, in his shoes, I would have shown even a fraction of his determination.
Overall, he is a very sympathetic and likable character, even when occasionally coming across as a bit grouchy―and I like the fact that he actually acknowledges this likelihood.
In a personal memoir, unless one is famous, it is very important that the main “character” is compelling, likable, three-dimensional, and flawed. I never got the sense that he was painting himself as a victim or a hero. Instead, it seemed like a very honest retelling of the events that made up his Canadian experience.
I appreciated the way he retained his connection to his Scottish roots, and found it particularly interesting when he felt the need to defend England and Queen Elizabeth from his German colleagues. When combined with the various historical facts that are shared within the narrative, I found it very impressive that he was able to put his natural Scottish biases aside in order to speak to the larger picture.
The inclusion of his essay, “Destroy the Scots: A Brief History of the Peoples of the Highlands of Scotland and their Desperation in Trying to Exist,” really added a great deal of depth and gravitas to the narrative as a whole, and gave the reader a clearer insight into not only a historical period that most non-Scots are unaware of but into his character as well.
His deep roots were clearly a large part of the man he was, and influenced the way he interacted with the world around him, balking at injustice, appreciating practicality, and standing strong against anything that threatened to get in his way.
I very quickly felt like I knew him, and was enjoying following him on his various moves around the country. I also found it sort of refreshing, in an odd way, that he came across so many dishonest, unpleasant Canadians. As an editor, I have evaluated many of these sorts of stories, and in almost all of them, we Canadians are portrayed almost universally as polite, generous, kind, and so on. And on the whole, I think we are. But at times, one starts to wonder at the almost total absence of jerks. I have certainly come across plenty of those in my life, all of them born and raised in Canada. By including these negative representations, I found the story seemed somehow more real and relatable. His love of Canada, and its people are showcased as well, but in a seemingly more realistic way.
With so many changes of setting and scenery, the pace of the narrative was good, always moving forward. It also afforded him the chance to introduce many interesting people, and does an excellent job of keeping them recognizable and individual.
While his writing is generally very simple in style, he also showed a real knack for capturing a moment. For example (from his essay): “Even today, over 250 years later, one can feel an air of mourning that persists in Scotland’s Culloden Moor. No birds sing; no heather grows on the mounds of earth that cover the many mass graves.” One can almost feel the haunted stillness of the place. This is very good writing.
Lastly, the organization is very effective. Largely chronological, and interspersed with pictures, poems, song lyrics, articles, and so on, as well as the lovely eulogy and epilogue. I found the narrative flowed very organically and kept my attention right through to the end, with the elements written by you, Gayle, fitting seamlessly into the story, never detracting or distracting from the rest but actually adding greatly to it.”
The Editor’s Manuscript Evaluation written for Friesen Press before publication: “A sequel to From Poverty to Poverty: A Scotsman Encounters Canada, this story follows Ian Moore-Morrans’ continuing experiences in Canada, endeavouring to survive and thrive in his new country, while facing and overcoming recurring professional and financial setbacks, as various recessions lead to lay-offs and dozens of relocations around Canada―with his wife, children, and pets―in search of new opportunities. Through all the ups and down, he and his family manage to stay positive and hopeful, overcomingthe hardships, supporting each other, and always staying open to whatever life has to offer next. This story follows his personal and professional adventures through his retirement, the death of his first wife, and to his second marriage, during which he is finally able to focus his energies on singing, dancing, writing, and basically enjoying his life to its fullest until his passing in 2019.
MOOMOR PUBLISHING 