Home > Author > Arlene Stafford-Wilson
21 " Autumn in the country advances in a predictable path, taking its place among the unyielding rhythms of the passing seasons. It follows the summer harvest, ushering in cooler nights, and shorter days, enveloping all of Lanark County in a spectacular riot of colour. Brilliant hues of yellow, orange and red exclaim, in no uncertain terms, that these are the trees where maple syrup legends are born. "
― Arlene Stafford-Wilson
22 " Unable to record their stories, they told tales of bravery and battles, around blazing fires, and sang songs about bountiful harvests and village heroes as they went about their daily work. These stories and songs were passed down from generation to generation, preserving their history, keeping memories alive. "
― Arlene Stafford-Wilson , Lanark County Calling: All Roads Lead Home
23 " Over the years, the Ompah Stomp developed a reputation of being a wild party. Maybe it was the setting, in a remote rural area, that led people to believe that it was a bit like a country music Woodstock, brimming with sex and drugs. "
24 " She has stood the test of time, and served her community well and faithfully, a place to gather, a shelter from life's storms, and a sanctuary of peace, tranquility, and love. "
― Arlene Stafford-Wilson , Lanark County Comfort
25 " When autumn gusts blew in from the Rideau Lakes, parched brown leaves swirled and scattered around the sides of the neglected building, forming mounds like grave-markers, for ghosts of the past, who lingered on the dust-covered dance floor. "
― Arlene Stafford-Wilson , Lanark County Connections - Memories Among the Maples
26 " The plants and animals all around us were waking from a long sleep, and our yard was slowly transformed into a carpet of soft green, and the skies above our house were filled with choruses of birdsong once again. "
― Arlene Stafford-Wilson , Recipes and Recollections: Treats and Tales from Our Mother's Kitchen
27 " It was a place to have a young mind challenged, to dream about the future, time to grow, explore, and discover one's place in the world. "
― Arlene Stafford-Wilson , Lanark County Collection: Winding Our Way Down Memory Lane
28 " Some of these tales were about the ‘land beneath the waves’. This Irish fable tells of an enchanted world, under the water, and mortals may visit there at dusk, between the rising and the setting of the moon, when the water is still, and reflects like a mirror. They used to call it the ‘gates of glass’. "
29 " Thousands of soldiers came home to their family farms, but some never returned, lost on battlefields, far from the tranquil pastures and winding rivers of their youth. "
30 " Music went far beyond being a meaningful influence during those teenage years. It provided a forum for a young person to express themselves through their choice of artists and the messages and narratives presented in those songs. Music was a way to connect with other teens, a universal key to unlock the doors of friendship. "
31 " We had some memorable times, on those long, hot summer nights, along the shores of the mighty Rideau; but we were by no means the first to do so. "
― Arlene Stafford-Wilson , Lanark County Chronicle
32 " Looking around, from near the top of Foley Mountain, it was easy to imagine why the early settlers decided to make their home in Westport. "
33 " Anyone who encountered her over the years would come to admire the bright light inside of her, almost impossible to extinguish; an inner strength that carried her through those dark days. "
34 " My generation heard stories of WWII. These were first-hand accounts of the tragedies, the victories, the incredible losses, and of liberty won. We in turn, pass down these stories, reminding the youth of today that democracy is a privilege, and the price for our freedom came at a terrible cost. "
35 " Some say that youthful enthusiasm is an admirable quality to possess, however, others might caution that in matters of business its often the slow and steady who win the race. "
36 " I will always remember that year in Almonte, and how their sun seemed to shine a little brighter, and the Mississippi seemed to rush along a little quicker through their town. "
37 " Take it from this Lanark County kid - you won't find any better, more flavourful syrup, than from the Maple Syrup Capital of Ontario "
38 " Hershey was a source of pride for the townspeople of Smiths Falls, and was the instrument that put food on many tables. "