Machine Without Horses

“One of the best—and most wonderfully experimental—historical fiction titles of the year. . . . Truly spectacular.” —Toronto Star What is an ordinary life worth? A seasoned writer stumbles across an obituary and imagination is sparked. The brief words of memoriam describe a woman who was both extraordinary—eccentric, revered in her field, a renowned expert—but also utterly ordinary. How does a writer, intrigued by all that isn’t said, create a story, or capture an unknowable woman and all the secret passions, choices and compromises that make up a life? In Machine Without Horses, Helen Humphreys explores the real life and the imagined internal life of the famous and famously private salmon-fly dresser Megan Boyd, a craftswoman who worked for sixty years out of a bare-bones cottage in a small village in the north of Scotland. Humphreys, both present in the story and its architect, reveals with her inimitable style the complicated emotional landscape that can exist under even the most constant surface.

A lonely boy in a prairie town befriends a local outsider in 1947 and then witnesses a shocking murder. Based on a true story. Canwood, Saskatchewan, 1947. Leonard Flint, a lonely boy in a small farming town befriends the local outsider, a man known as Rabbit Foot Bill. Bill doesn’t talk much, but he allows Leonard to accompany him as he sets rabbit snares and to visit his small, secluded dwelling. Being with Bill is everything to young Leonard—an escape from school, bullies and a hard father. So his shock is absolute when he witnesses Bill commit a sudden violent act and loses him to prison. Fifteen years on, as a newly graduated doctor of psychiatry, Leonard arrives at the Weyburn Mental Hospital, both excited and intimidated by the massive institution known for its experimental LSD trials. To Leonard’s great surprise, at the Weyburn he is reunited with Bill and soon becomes fixated on discovering what happened on that fateful day in 1947. Based on a true story, this page-turning novel from a master stylist examines the frailty and resilience of the human mind.

The only comprehensive Scottish Reeling eBook. This book covers all eleven of the popular reels: Dashing White Sergeant Duke & Duchess of Edinburgh Duke of Perth Eightsome Reel Foursome Reel Hamilton House Inverness Country Dance Machine Without Horses Mairi’s Wedding Postie’s Jig Reel of the 51st Division The free sample offers a good sense of what you'll find inside. Uniquely, three original elements are provided for every dance, simply referenced to each other: A crib, similar to a teacher's instructions; A traditional Scottish dancing style diagram specifically designed for this eBook including things like helicopters, claps, and stamping of feet; and A page of invaluable tips I've gathered dancing and teaching reels for over a decade. There's additional help for those with a Scottish country dancing background who want to learn how reeling differs and a full glossary of terms you may encounter. Original colour figures illustrate: 4 and 6 Set Progressions Corners Reels of 3 (Figures of Eight) Reels of 4 Rights and Lefts There's no single way to learn or teach (or even dance) reels. I reference other resources, like videos, which this book can supplement. My primary focus is helping anyone new to reeling, but experienced dancers may benefit too. I cover how supporting couples can help those dancing. Throughout, I emphasise the fun and social side of reeling, and scarcely mention footwork at all! I first discovered Scottish dancing at primary school. Next were ceilidhs at Edinburgh University, then London evening classes, where I was introduced to reeling. A former London Reels committee member, I've taught there and at other places. Related links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottishreeling/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_ON4DjKsCI Please also join https://www.facebook.com/groups/reeling a community group for reelers everywhere which includes useful guides and a reeling map https://bit.ly/reelingmap Other Languages While some types of Scottish dancing are enjoyed worldwide, reeling is concentrated in Scotland and England. To help broaden reeling's appeal, I am currently translating this eBook into various languages. Please see my author page for the French and German versions. These include a free copy of the English version. I'm working on an Italian translation and would also love to do a Japanese version amongst others. If you are interested or could help with this please contact me. David Yarwood dyarwood@zohomail.com https://linktr.ee/dyarwood