This past Christmas Season, I've had a blast playing Santa for different organizations. I made eight Youtube videos (4 in French & 4 in English) with Canada Post. They are easily accessible by going to their website and entering "Santa videos" in their 'search window'. Once again, I was the official Santa at the Rideau Centre (Canada) for six consecutive weekends. I also played Santa at different home-based Christmas Parties, the Caring & Sharing Exchange Program of Ottawa, and at the Shepherds of Good Hope. All in all, I had a lot of fun and I'm always fascinated with how the young & older children still respond with so much joy and happiness when they meet the "Real Santa".

I'm pleased to announce that my new collection of poems, «The Howl of a Métis - Traditions of a Métis Family --- Le Cri d'un Métis - Traditions d'une famille Métisse» is now available from me (wei-min@sympatico.ca) for the modest price of $20 plus $5 to cover shipping/mailing charges if applicable. This historical collection contains over 100 anecdotal poems about my upbringing in a Métis family and some highlights of my Métis adult life. Some of the poems are written in English while others are in French. I've also included some poems written in French and English combined to reflect how so many Métis families still speak to this day.

Santa Claus is now resting

Throughout November and December 2011, I was extremely busy playing Santa at the Rideau Centre and at various other places including the Shepherds of Good Hope and the Good Day Workshop located at the Bronson Community Centre on Bronson St. in Ottawa. I've also had the distinct pleasure of doing ten Santa YouTube videos for Canada Post (five in French and five in English). These are easily accessible by going to the home page for Postes Canada Post and by searching for Santa Claus answering letters received from children. Even though Santa is now resting,he, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph and the other reindeer, and each one of his hard-working elves are already making plans for this coming Christmas Season. Happy New Year everyone.

Reading at the Ottawa Main Public Library

At 7:00pm on Thursday, May 5th, I will be pleased to read the first chapter, 'Life's a Duck', of my novel, "Riding the Tides of Life", (2010) at the Main Public Library, 120 Metcalf St., Ottawa. During this Arts Extravaganza,individuals who have experience with mental health will be sharing some their poems,fictional works, and art & photo exhibits. This event is co-sponsored by the Ottawa Public Library and the Ottawa Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association in celebration of Canadian Mental Health Week (May 1 - 7, 2011). I strongly encourage everyone to attend this very special evening.

Raymond on Video

In addition to being a poet and a novelist, I continue to work at the Shepherds of Good Hope where I started to volunteer in May 1999. I was recently invited to do the following video related to my work at the Shepherds and it is my pleasure to encourage you to view it.

We Salute You - Vol. IV - Nous Vous Saluons

I'm pleased to announce that I've recently self-published a collection of ninety-two poems, "We Salute You - Vol. IV - Nous Vous Saluons", a pictorial and poetic tribute to those individuals and groups who volunteer at the Shepherds of Good Hope, an organization serving the poor and the homeless in Ottawa. Copies of this book may be purchased directly from me by calling 613-746-9926 or by sending me an e-mail: the book is sold for $20 a copy and a share of the profits will be donated to the Shepherds of Good Hope. In my opinion, volunteers are the "backbone, heart and soul" of the Shepherds of Good Hope. Without their continued support, the Shepherds would not be able to provide the wide range of high quality services it currently provides to its clientele.

Letter of Recommendation from Dr. Pierre Zundel

"Mr. Raymond D. Tremblay, author and social worker based in Ottawa, has made a number of presentations to our students, faculty and staff about his experiences with mental health issues. He provided a fascinating view into the mental health system and created an opening for conversation about the subject for a number of our community members. His presentation was very professionaal and he provided a clear personal perspective without drifting into amateur psychology or psychiatry. The presentation was very well received by the two audiences to whom he presented at our University. He demonstrated excellent command of both French and English during his presentations, making him a versatile speaker for audiences in both languages. I strongly recommend him for presentations on this topic."
Dr. Pierre Zundel, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sudbury (December 21, 2010).

Brief book review from Annette Cope, school teacher from Australia

Thank you very much for the copy of your book, Riding the Tides of
Life. I have finished reading it and found it excellent. I have worked
with a colleague who suffered a severe bipolar disorder requiring
hospitalization and can really identify with your description of
Greta's actions and reactions. In the time we were in Canada we became
very impressed with the pride First Nation people have for their
heritage and the real effort being made to pass on stories and
traditions to the younger generations. It was therefore most
interesting to read how you told the story in such a way as to really
portray the effect that Greta being a citizen of the Metis Nation of
Ontario had on her beliefs, interests and relationships. I found the
story really interesting and am keen to encourage others to also read
it. Annette Cope, school teacher from Australia

Testimonial from Jean Warren, Executive Director, Porcupine United Way/Centraide

Raymond,it has truly been a joy to have met you this past year, and to have you share your story with us. Your kindness and generosity are appreciated. We were thankful to have you as part of our Annual General Meeting {of September 23rd as our Guest Speaker}, and we hope that your openness inspires others to take whatever steps are necessary to enjoy and appreciate all that life has to offer. Take care, be strong, and never stop being yourself.

Book Signing Event of Dec. 10th postponed to Dec. 17th

Due to uncontrollable circumstances, the Book Signing Event scheduled for December 10th at the Tea Store, 53 York St, in the By Ward Market has been postponed to December 17th. Come and have a cup of tea of your choice and your picture taken with Santa. Proceeds to be shared between the Shepherds of Good Hope and the Ottawa Food Bank.

Book Signing Event at the the Tea Store, 53 York St., Ottawa

From 4:00 - 8:00 pm on Friday, December 10th, I will be playing Santa at the Tea Store located at 53 York St. in the By Ward Market. I will also be selling my new novel, "Riding the Tides of Life", at this event. Come and have a cup of tea while you have your picture taken with Santa by a professional photographer. All proceeds will be donated to the Christmas Exchange Program of Ottawa. Cheers!!!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Presentation at the University of Sudbury

I am pleased to report that my presentation, "Breaking Silence with Creative Writings", which I gave at the University of Sudbury's Department of Native Studies on November 18th was well attended and well received. Mrs. France Picotte, Chair of the Métis Nation of Ontario, Dr. Chris Paci, MNO's Manager of Education and Training, Dr. Pierre Zundel, President of the University of Sudbury, faculty members, students and community representatives were in attendance. The presentation lasted about forty minutes followed by a question & answer period which lasted some forty-five minutes. My goal is to repeat this presentation in other university settings and various community groups since this would be a golden opportunity of further educating the public regarding the special challenges faced by those who experience a mental illness problem, how they may recover from their illness and continue to heal.

TESTIMONIAL FROM LINDA HARTLING Ph. D.

Dearest Raymond, Your book, "Riding the Tides of Life", arrived a few days ago and I finished reading it! THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your contribution to the HumanDHS Library! Let me CONGRATULATE YOU on being a compassionate, clear, and insightful voice for those who have suffered mental illness and homelessness! I very much appreciated reading your book!

I have the deepest admiration for what you are doing in your life, dear
Raymond! As you say in your letter, "I believe that "Breaking My Silence"
is the least I can do to help reduce the stigma and discrimination faced
by individuals who have experienced or are struggling with a mental
illness." Evelin and I CELEBRATE people like you who truly "walk the
talk" of their work!

Thank you, too, for sending the draft of your WONDERFUL presentation
(Breaking Silence with Creative Writings)!!! This is CRUCIAL work!!! You
are my role model of turning ideas into action to promote human
dignity!

Linda M. Hartling, Ph.D.
Director of Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies
Lake Oswego, OR. U.S.A.

Book Signing Event at the University of Sudbury

On November 18th, I will be giving a presentation titled "Breaking Silence with Creative Writings" to the general public of Sudbury and the students of the University of Sudbury's Department of Native Studies. The presentation will be given at the University from 7:00 - 9:00pm, and refreshments will be served. I will also be selling my book, "Riding the Tides of Life" at this event.

Book Signing Events at the Rideau Centre

As of November 13th, I will be playing Santa Claus at the Rideau Center for six consecutive weekends between the hours of 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, and from 2:00 pm and 4 pm. At the same time, I will be selling my new novel, "Riding the Tides of Life". Bring your children along for a visit with Santa. I'm sure they would love to have their picture taken with Santa, the writer and the poet.

Santa's Book Signing Event

From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, October 9th, 2010, at the Billings Bridge Shopping Centre,I will be playing Santa at Ottawa's Biggest Bake Sale being hosted by the Christmas Exchange Program of Ottawa. At the same time, I will be selling my book, "Riding the Tides of Life", and I will donate $5 of every book sold to the Christmas Exchange Program.

Fund-Raising for the Victims of the Flood in Pakistan

On September 30th, 2010, I will be joining a collective of poets, MC's and visual artists who are collaborating to raise funds for the victims of the flood in Pakistan. A silent art auction by a variety of Ottawa's finest visual artists will also be held. Come out and help us turn tragedy into triumph.

Guest Speaker at AGM

I have been invited to be the Guest Speaker at the Annual General Meeting of the Porcupine United Way/Centraide to be held in Timmins, ON on September 23rd, 2010. I've entitled my presentation, "Breaking Silence in a United Way", to emphasize our civic responsibility to help those individuals who experience mental health problems by attentively listening to them and by providing them with the appropriate treatment and support services they require. This will also provide me with an opportunity of promoting the sale of my novel, "Riding the Tides of Life", which directly addresses these issues.

Encouraging Review of My Novel, Riding the Tides of Life

I'm pleased to inform my readers that Chris Paci PhD., Manager of Education and Training with the Métis Nation of Ontario has published a positive review of my new novel which appears on page 17 of the 2010 summer issue of The Métis Voyageur. The link to the Book Review is here.

Successful Northeastern Ontario Trip

My Book Launching of "Riding the Tides of Life", hosted by the Porcupine United Way/Centraide in Timmins on June 2nd was very successful. Discussions were held with representatives of this organization and the Timmins Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) to return to Timmins in September to do various presentations on "Mental Illness, Recovery and Homelessness from a Metis perspective". I've also met with representatives of the University of Sudbury and of the CMHA in North Bay to do similar presentations, combined with a "Book Launching", in those respective communities in October...sounds very promising. Special thanks to all, including representatives of the Metis Nation of Ontario, who are helping me in this very challenging process.

TOURING IN NORTHEASTERN ONTARIO

On May 31, 2010, I will be meeting with Mr. Georges Kristolaitis, Executive Director of the Nipissing Regional Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association and other members of his senior staff to introduce my new novel, Riding the Tides of Life, to them. On Wednesday, June 2nd, I will be participating at two "Book Signing Events" hosted by the Porcupine United Way in my home town, Timmins. And on Thursday, June 3rd, I will be meeting with Dr. Pierre Zundel, President and Vice-Chancellor and other representatives of the University of Sudbury to discuss the possible applications of my new novel from an educational perspective.

First Book Signing Event

Even though I didn't sell too many copies of my novel, "Riding the Tides of Life" at my first "Book Signing Event" on May 15, I met some very interesting people who greatly encouraged me to continue writing. I'd also like to thank Books on Beechwood bookstore for hosting this event...they were very supportive. I'm now looking forward to my two "Book Signing Events" to be held in Timmins on June 2nd.

BOOK SIGNING EVENT - MAY 15

Everyone is invited to attend the "Book Signing Event" of my new novel, "Riding the Tides of Life", to be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 15th at the Books on Beechwood bookstore located at 35 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa. Refreshments will be served.

My novel now being sold at an additional book store

As of today, my novel, "Riding the Tides of Life", is also being sold at Sunnyside Bookshop, 113 Murray St, Ottawa.

Book Signing Event - May 15th

I will be holding a "Book Signing Event" at the Books on Beechwood bookstore, 35 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa on Saturday, May 15th between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Please visit their website for additional information: www.booksonbeechwood.ca.

Leichman Book Store

I'm pleased to announce that my novel, "Riding the Tides of Life", is now also being sold at Leishman Bookstore, at the Westgate Mall, 1309 Carling Ave., Ottawa.

Sales of "Riding the Tides of Life" on the increase

I'm pleased to report that the sales of "Riding the Tides of Life" have exceeded expectations. I'm currently exploring the possibility of a "Book Signing Event" in Timmins, Ontario and the possibility of entering into a partnership with Gabriel Dumont Institute Publishing in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and with GoodMinds.com on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory in Brantford, Ontario.

Successful Book Launch

The launching ceremony of my new novel, "Riding the Tides of Life", held at Ottawa City Hall on April 8th was a resounding success. The comments received from those in attendance were positive and encouraging. See the posting below for specifics on where interested parties can purchase my novel. Thanks for your support.

Availability of Riding the Tides of Life

My new novel, Riding the Tides of Life, is now on sale at the Teastore, 53 York, in Ottawa's ByWard Market, at Books on Beechwood, 35 Beechwood Ave. and at Yao's Art Gallery, 55 ByWard St., Ottawa for $24 a book. You can also contact me directly at my e-mail address wei-min@sympatico.ca.

This is a story of fiction partially based on facts: Greta Ludwig, a 29-year-old Franco-Ontarien and Métis widow and successful entrepreneur, who due to many stressors experiences a mental breakdown and requires psychiatric hospitalization. After discharge, she is introduced to a psychiatrist who begins to play a significant role in her life. To help with her recovery, she becomes a volunteer at the Shepherds of Good Hope, an organization serving the homeless in Ottawa. Once she regains her self-confidence, she becomes a frontline worker in the men's shelter. Unfortunately, she is physically assaulted to the point where she fears that she may once again become mentally ill. Will support received from her loved ones, her friends and her faith in her Creator and in Mother Earth be enough for her to regain her strength to cope with future life challenges.

My New Novel: RIDING THE TIDES OF LIFE

The launching of my new novel, "Riding the Tides of Life", will be held at a private gathering celebrating the Shepherds of Good Hope Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner to be held on April 8th, 2010 at Ottawa City Hall. If you require additional information about my novel, please contact me at wei-min@sympatico.ca.

Message to Erin

Are you looking forward to your trip overseas? Here's a picture of us to remember us by. Just  remember to send us some pictures okay. Love you.