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Waking Up In My Own Backyard: Explorations in Southwest Nova Scotia
Join Sandra Phinney as she embarks on 31-day summer odyssey that takes place within a 100 kilometre radius from her home in rural Nova Scotia. This memoir is a journey of self-discovery wherein the author experiences the adventure of a lifetime in her own backyard. Two powerful themes flow throughout the the importance of friendships and the richness of rural living. It's all about getting up close and personal with people and places in her own "backyard"--Southwest Nova Scotia. Included are stories inspired by her years of living and writing about people and communities in this region in and around Yarmouth. The characters are rich and varied. Collectively, they provide a unique collage of all the people and communities contained in this engaging volume. Despite her considerable knowledge about Maritime attractions, people, and places, Phinney needed "The July Project" to discover the "heavenly invisibles" that are ever-present but tantalizingly illusive in this jewel-like part of the province. Readers are invited to come along on Phinney's romp and learn about Southwest Nova Scotia with its rich history, fascinating culture, and deep-rooted traditions. You won't find what's included in Waking Up In My Own Backyard in a typical visitor's guide, but it will undoubtedly become an indispensable guide for locals and travellers alike. Phinney is an extraordinary tour guide. You will want to follow in her footsteps.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
222 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 19, 2024
Waking Up In My Own Backyard: Explorations in Southwest Nova Scotia by Sandra Phinney was gifted to me by a “Secret Reader”.
I was happy to join Sandra Phinney as she embarks on a 31-day summer odyssey that takes place within a 100-kilometre radius from her home in Southwest Nova Scotia. This intense yet enlightening romp around the region uncovers gems rarely found in a visitor’s guide. Waking Up In My Own Backyard is a memoir that digs deep into the meaning of people and place.
I have visited some of the places mentioned in this book, and plan to check out several more. There are even a couple recipes I want to try. 4 stars
I was happy to join Sandra Phinney as she embarks on a 31-day summer odyssey that takes place within a 100-kilometre radius from her home in Southwest Nova Scotia. This intense yet enlightening romp around the region uncovers gems rarely found in a visitor’s guide. Waking Up In My Own Backyard is a memoir that digs deep into the meaning of people and place.
I have visited some of the places mentioned in this book, and plan to check out several more. There are even a couple recipes I want to try. 4 stars
April 2, 2018
An amazing (but exhausting!) book, it's chock full of fun trips, explorations and interesting little stories. Thanks to Katie Ingram for suggesting I review this book about "psychogeography" explorations in SW NovaScotia.
May 18, 2018
Author and journalist Sandra Phinney’s new book, Waking Up in My Own Backyard, is a delightful romp of travelogue, history, characters and cooking that slowly reveals details about southwestern Nova Scotia, Canada and the people who both live there and have lived there. It is a journal of exploration extending from the 1st through the 31st of one July as she discovers herself and the places around her with friends and new acquaintances. She calls it TJP, The July Project.
The book tells of the loyalists who came up from the United States after the revolutionary war, the French Acadians whose roots go back to the 1600s and the Mi’ Kmaq, the local indigenous people whose ancestors have lived in the area continually for thousands of years. Their stories weave together through the present and the past.
I have lived in Nova Scotia for nearly 20 years and Waking Up in My Own Backyard continually surprised me. The book combines several aspects of its stories. For instance, the importance of Rappie pie in Acadian culture (a potato delicacy), describing its origins and providing a recipe. There are also excellent tips on canoeing and finding secluded beaches.
She visits historical sites; cemeteries, bee keepers, artists, musicians, farmers, towns, secluded get aways, statues, bridges and churches. Along the way, she tells the story of the people and the places. She also comes to realizations about herself and her life. While camping with her two granddaughters, she writes, “I remembered when Luke and Heather lived outside of Halifax, how I saw the grandkids more often as I frequently went to the city for business reasons. For a moment I felt cheated, somehow, that they had moved to Hampton. Then I berated myself for being juvenile. New Brunswick is not that far in the grand scheme of things. I’d just have to make more of an effort to visit them there.”
The stories meander from one to another as the move in a free style dance. They never break continuity and the book moves along briskly. The writing is top notch and enjoyable. Good directions are supplied for every adventure with advice on sites, restaurants, shops and events. I was particularly amused by the trips to Frenchie’s, a used and overstock clothing store that offers brand names at true bargain prices. It’s a local tradition. Waking Up in My Own Backyard is filled with them.
The book tells of the loyalists who came up from the United States after the revolutionary war, the French Acadians whose roots go back to the 1600s and the Mi’ Kmaq, the local indigenous people whose ancestors have lived in the area continually for thousands of years. Their stories weave together through the present and the past.
I have lived in Nova Scotia for nearly 20 years and Waking Up in My Own Backyard continually surprised me. The book combines several aspects of its stories. For instance, the importance of Rappie pie in Acadian culture (a potato delicacy), describing its origins and providing a recipe. There are also excellent tips on canoeing and finding secluded beaches.
She visits historical sites; cemeteries, bee keepers, artists, musicians, farmers, towns, secluded get aways, statues, bridges and churches. Along the way, she tells the story of the people and the places. She also comes to realizations about herself and her life. While camping with her two granddaughters, she writes, “I remembered when Luke and Heather lived outside of Halifax, how I saw the grandkids more often as I frequently went to the city for business reasons. For a moment I felt cheated, somehow, that they had moved to Hampton. Then I berated myself for being juvenile. New Brunswick is not that far in the grand scheme of things. I’d just have to make more of an effort to visit them there.”
The stories meander from one to another as the move in a free style dance. They never break continuity and the book moves along briskly. The writing is top notch and enjoyable. Good directions are supplied for every adventure with advice on sites, restaurants, shops and events. I was particularly amused by the trips to Frenchie’s, a used and overstock clothing store that offers brand names at true bargain prices. It’s a local tradition. Waking Up in My Own Backyard is filled with them.
April 16, 2024
I first became aware of Sandra Phinney’s adventure memoir “Waking Up In My Own Backyard: Explorations in Southwest Nova Scotia” last year when it was presented at our book club and for some reason, at the time, it didn’t grab my attention. I saw it again at a thrift shop last week and flipped through it. Inside there was a loose slip of paper detailing ‘How to create your own “backyard” travel project’ with 10 suggestions. This attracted my interest and I then read the book blurb which appealed to my inner adventurer. I immediately handed over the money and tucked it safely into my travel tote.
As Sandra’s mom would say I found this book to be tasty; both pleasant and pleasing. The idea of the July Project, or the 10 Km Challenge of exploring one’s own backyard that Sandra embarked on sounded not just fun, but inspiring and it got me into thinking about what places I could be checking out near where I live. I loved that she included some new-to-me background on the origins of Frenchy’s, and details about her visits to Maud Lewis’ when she was young.
When I think of adventures or side trips I would never have thought of going to a tea as one, but it was a great addition. The idea of wearing a hat and dressing up to attend a tea is something that I have just started doing this past year. Before that, I could count on one hand the number of times I have dressed up since high school graduation 35 years ago and that included my wedding. If I were Sandra, I may have skipped the library visit; specifically to a library that I had not returned my books to after I borrowed them many, many years ago in fear of having to pay the fines. Although I do not have a month to devote to meeting this type of challenge, I will certainly be investigating and adding backyard adventures to my weekends off
As Sandra’s mom would say I found this book to be tasty; both pleasant and pleasing. The idea of the July Project, or the 10 Km Challenge of exploring one’s own backyard that Sandra embarked on sounded not just fun, but inspiring and it got me into thinking about what places I could be checking out near where I live. I loved that she included some new-to-me background on the origins of Frenchy’s, and details about her visits to Maud Lewis’ when she was young.
When I think of adventures or side trips I would never have thought of going to a tea as one, but it was a great addition. The idea of wearing a hat and dressing up to attend a tea is something that I have just started doing this past year. Before that, I could count on one hand the number of times I have dressed up since high school graduation 35 years ago and that included my wedding. If I were Sandra, I may have skipped the library visit; specifically to a library that I had not returned my books to after I borrowed them many, many years ago in fear of having to pay the fines. Although I do not have a month to devote to meeting this type of challenge, I will certainly be investigating and adding backyard adventures to my weekends off
April 18, 2021
A lovely and spirited memoir and travel guide to Southwestern Nova Scotia - there's even recipes. Sandra Phinney is the 2021 ArtScape Artist-in-Residence at the Joggins Fossil Institute - where I work, and I'm looking forward to introducing her to the area - and reading the stories she creates from here.
December 30, 2021
Received this book as a Christmas gift from my parents. I learned a lot and enjoyed a few trips down memory lane. I used to babysit Sandra’s kids and attended some fun apple cider festivals at her farm. I also have fond memories of the first farmers market, the Yarmouth library, and many other things mentioned in the book. This book really highlights hidden gems the area has to offer.
July 2, 2018
Thank you Sandra Phinney for taking me on a trip along the shores of my Southwest Nova Scotia home! Your ability to find just the right words to take me back to places I grew up visiting and to inspire me to visit places I've never visited was exactly what I needed as I face a summer without a trip back "home."
"The July Project" you embarked on is one I hope to someday make. You've inspired me to get out there and explore this Alberta province I now live in. There is so much exploring to do in our own backyards, if only we take the time to realize it.
Strongly recommend this book to friends and family living in Southwest Nova Scotia and to anyone who is entertaining the thought of visiting Nova Scotia.
"The July Project" you embarked on is one I hope to someday make. You've inspired me to get out there and explore this Alberta province I now live in. There is so much exploring to do in our own backyards, if only we take the time to realize it.
Strongly recommend this book to friends and family living in Southwest Nova Scotia and to anyone who is entertaining the thought of visiting Nova Scotia.
November 12, 2018
Reading Sandra Phinney's account of playing tourist within a limited area around her home felt like reading newsy letters from a friend, full of tidbits, observations, and anecdotes. An enjoyable book that challenges readers to pay attention to what's available in our own backyards.
June 28, 2022
A great read not only for the highlights of various places, people, thing of interest in south west Nova Scotia BUT for the very real, and I suspect much needed reminder, to live in the moment.
https://sandraphinney.com/ has much of her current writings, musings, photos
Wish there'd be an update to the book....
https://sandraphinney.com/ has much of her current writings, musings, photos
Wish there'd be an update to the book....
February 9, 2022
Interesting and informative.
This book makes me want to spend time in the Yarmouth area.
This book makes me want to spend time in the Yarmouth area.
December 29, 2018
Sandra Phinney spent one month exploring within a 100 kilometer radius of her home in southwestern Nova Scotia. She identified some places and things that I’d like to check out myself, like the annual Wild Game Dinner in Quinan. This book will be of interest mainly to people living in the Yarmouth area.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews