
Heather Down
Bio
I am an observer of life through the lens of middle age. Owner of an independent publishing house and a published author, I spend my time obsessing about all things communication. Follow me at Wintertickle Press.
Stories (51/0)
Love Letters from Heather
Dearest Natalie! Why has it taken me so long to write this letter? When this project was only a spark in my mind, you were one of the initial people on my list whom I wanted to write to! But I kept putting it off. If there is something the last four weeks of my life has taught me—never put anything off. I haven’t completed this correspondence yet because I didn’t have a clue where to start. Entire worlds of mountains and valleys were traversed in the few short years we have known each other. I am left baffled by where to begin, so I guess I will simply start with how—or where—we met (where all good things incept), Starbucks.
By Heather Down10 months ago in Humans
Love Letters from Heather
To my friend, Zoe, It was just a few short years ago when I accompanied my friend Natalie Harris to Orillia High School, where she was sharing her story with a couple of classes. In some ways, it feels like yesterday, but in terms of life changes, pandemics, and the journey of life, it feels like eons ago.
By Heather Downabout a year ago in Humans
Love Letters from Heather
To my grandson, Jaymison. Both your mom and dad were over the moon about your eventual arrival. Experiencing a couple of previous early losses, they crossed every finger and toe. I could see the happiness in your dad (my son) and revelled in watching your parents choose the nursery theme—baby elephants.
By Heather Downabout a year ago in Families
Love Letters from Heather
Dear Steve, I was 11 years into my career when I put in for a transfer from a tiny rural school just outside Alliston to join forces at the brand-new educational establishment in Alcona. The idea of being part of something fresh and exciting piqued my interest.
By Heather Downabout a year ago in Humans
Love Letters from Heather
To my grade 9 and 10 English teacher, Mrs. Cheeseman. You are small in stature but large on impact. I can still hear the commanding click of your high heels as your tiny frame scurried about the classroom with short, quick steps turning over: clack, clack, clack in rapid succession. You were originally from Hawaii, I believe. Japanese descent.
By Heather Downabout a year ago in Education
Love Letters from Heather
Dear Dad, I gained a much fuller appreciation of you in 2018 when I asked point blank questions about your upbringing in order to glean a story for the anthology Brainstorm Revolution Wintertickle Press was publishing. You were 88 years old at the time and still chopping trees, cutting grass, shovelling driveways, checking Facebook—all things you might consider mundane, but things I think impressive!
By Heather Downabout a year ago in Families