About the Book
East City Girl is the story of a young girl growing up in a small Ontario town influenced by her parents’ Roman Catholic religion and Dutch heritage.
It’s a recollection filled with prose, poetry, and pictures from birth to Grade 8 in the 1970s and early 80s.
The story unfolds in a “scrapbook” format with diary entries, school projects, and report cards that draw you in from the start and transport you back in time with nostalgic memories.
Book Excerpt
My childhood bedroom had enough room for a single bed, a 6-drawer white dresser with a gold-trimmed mirror, and a small table tucked in the corner. The wallpaper displayed patterns of blooming pink and purple flowers. Holly Hobbie danced on my bedspread.
Although it was the smallest bedroom in the house I was happy it was all mine and I didn’t have to share space as my brothers did.
I kept it neat and tidy without Mom having to remind me. I also kept my bed made. It was easy since I went to sleep lying on my back (with my stuffed dog, Fonzi, under my arm) and awoke in the same position.
Mom cleaned the sheets on my bed regularly. She’d hang them outside to dry, even in the dead of winter. Then she’d iron them before putting them back on the bed.
I savoured the crisp, line-dried smell of the sheets.
At night, Mom would come into my room and tuck the sheets around my body. Snug in my warm bed, I’d close my eyes.
Sometimes she would tell me a made-up story. I treasured her stories.
She’d always say, “Don’t forget your prayers” after kissing me and leaving to turn off the bedroom lights.
And I never did.
I prayed, “In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Oh, Lord our God thy children say, grant us thy peace and bless us all. Lord, I pray for the poor, the sick, the needy, the crippled, the paralyzed, the lame, and all those who need help.”
I usually had no trouble falling asleep, but on those nights when I was still awake after saying the short prayer above, I’d start reciting the “Our Father”.
My mother created an atmosphere of security and affection with this simple bedtime routine. A routine of prayer I continue to this day.
About the Author
Kimberley is an award-winning author. Her writing relates raising a family, pursuing a healthy lifestyle, and everyday experiences to building a relationship with God. She also combines her teaching experience and love of writing to create educational materials for children about family, fitness, science, and faith.
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