Sunday, June 08, 2008

Northern Composure

Ah, Yes, The Moose Is Back

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON


In September 2005, I was in Port Carling, in northern Ontario. I spent three days there and the place made such a huge impression on me that it figures very prominently in the opening and closing chapters of my next novel, "Muskoka Maharani" which will soon be released by Penguin Books India.

Everything I describe in the novel that is set in Port Carling is accurate statement of fact. The things I put on the pages are many of the things I saw and experienced on that trip. I make no secret of the fact that the place captivated me - fair dinkum, how many novelists do you know who choose a locale based on real-life experiences that span only three days?

One of the places I browsed through in Port Carling was a shop just across the street from the post office. Christmas was still more than three months away, but they had a huge selection of beautiful hand-made ornaments. I asked permission to use my camera in the store and the lady in charge smiled and told me to go right ahead.

I shot about a dozen frames and was about to put my camera away when I saw this sight, tucked away near the back window of the store. I'd never seen a Christmas moose before - and try as I might, I knew I would not be able to fit this display in my suitcase.

But trust me, I'll buy the moose on my next trip. I know I'll go back to Port Carling. One day....

Check out the rules at Camera Critters or go to Misty Dawn.

39 comments:

Jo Beaufoix said...

Hee hee, a Christmas Moose. That's like us having a Christmas cow or something. mad.

Maggie May said...

That was mighty interesting! Have only come across Christmas Reindeer befor! Not moose!.
I intend to get your new book and am not quite finished reading Vegemite Vindaloo, which I had for my Birthday recently! It is really good & I will email you, David when I am finished!

Tess Kincaid said...

Yes, you moost buy one on your next trip!

Mom Knows Everything said...

As soon as I saw that moose I knew it had to be something from Canada. What can I say, we like mooses. LOL

Woman in a Window said...

Like moose? It's a love/hate relaionship. Just lost a co-worker and friend to a moose a couple months ago. And I work in one of those stores in Northern Ontario, David, that sell things like Christmas moose etc. (A few hours north from where you were.) Hate to ruin anyone's fun though, mostly us Northerners sell this stuff to people who aren't from here. I don't have one Canadian friend who has a moose in their house. However, I have sold countless moosey things to foreigners. You silly foreigners... Must find your first book!

Susan Demeter said...

I live fairly close to Port Carling, and I agree with you that it is a terrific place. You've never seen an X-Mas moose before?? :)

My entry is posted here:

My Life In The Urban Zoo

Stop by if you have a moment, and have a great week ahead!

virtualjourney said...

Er, merry Christmoose???

Cape Cod Washashore said...

Well that's a sight for these sore eyes! It's so humid here today that a Christmas moose makes me think of snow! I've only seen a moose once (three moose actually) when I was in northern Maine (just a few miles south of the Canadian border in New Brunswick). At dinner that evening, we were chatting with the locals who asked if we'd seen a moose yet. I replied, "Yes! We saw a mother and her two babies" (which I did). They thought I was fibbing; I was told it is very rare for a moose to have more than one offspring at a time.

Thank you for your comment on my blog today. I'm not actually leaving, just posting less (MUCH less). I hope to post once a week with something Cape Coddish, and I'll also do SkyWatch as time permits. =)

i beati said...

Love moose. I want to meet one face to face sandy

Misty DawnS said...

I always have high expectations when I come to visit your blog, and I have yet to be disappointed, my friend!

Hmmmmm Maggie May has given me an idea - my birthday is in a few short weeks - I think I should put Vegemite Vindaloo on my birthday list!!!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

David: The only thing that could have been better was a chocolate moose.

bcmomtoo said...

Those moose look really neat. Do you know what they were made of?

Somehow decorating with moose in Australia seems odd, but when you finally get your Christmas moose, I'm sure it will be just fine.

Rhea said...

Love the hand-carved Christmas moose! I want one!! How awesome.

Indrani said...

Another of your unique shots for CC. I liked the Moose, they are made of wood I guess.
Mine are butterflies again.;)

Jillie Bean (AKA Bubba's Sis) said...

Very nice - but I prefer chocolate mousse!

Sam Fox said...

David - where's your sense of DIY? It's not too early to get the whole family making Christmas Roos! Santa & Skippy... I can see it now.

Juliana said...

nice pic

Please visit mine also Thanks

Anonymous said...

I don't know the place that you talk about. But maybe someday i will go there also :D

My CC in here Thanks

Carletta said...

I saw your comment you left at Misty's on Mr. Linky and I had a feeling!

The humorous Mr. Mcmahon - love it!

Lana Gramlich said...

Those are really cool! Have you ever eaten moose? If not, I highly recommend it! Mmmmmmmm.

Sharon said...

Love it! My sister and I have a soft spot for moose in our hearts as we lived in alaska several years growing up. She collects moose figures 7 pictures. We both have moose Christmas ornaments.

I'll have to look for this book.

Jules said...

Port Carling is a lovely place, isn't it? Small yet it has everything you could ask for. We usually go only in the summer, though. It's cottage country up there.

Jennifer S said...

You're not alone--I chose a novel setting in one day. But my choice was based on a house and the location, more than from experiences. I hope you make it back there one day.

AppleDebbie said...

Merry Christmoose David! Love the photo. :)

Hilary said...

It seems you might have a few new Canadians to come visit when you do return for that moose, which by the way, is situated right by the mooseletoe. ;)

Great shot!

Jane Hards Photography said...

I love the title for starters, and what a fun image.

Right, I need to get your books now. Your writing style is right up my street.

Akelamalu said...

Oh you must get a Christmas Moose - start a trend!

Cath said...

Wow David that is some critter! What is it made of? It looks woven or similar. A beautiful display and very wise to photograph what you can't take with you. That's why I photographed the Eiffel Tower. ;0)

Come and look at my critter if you have time - I am very proud of this week's! It's a corker (for me.) Thanks.

Cath said...

Here's the link to mine (forgot it in the previous comment like I always do...)

Michele said...

Ah, the beloved moose... the elusive similar Christmas moose only comes out here in our little gift stores when snow falls (which is basically 10 out of 12 months around here)... sigh.
But nonetheless, 'tis a nice piece and hopefully you will be able to purchase it one day.
I appreciate your kind comment on my Loon and I never given thought to your suggestion before as I never looked at my photos that way. Something to ponder, I suppose. Much obliged.
Rocky Mountain Retreat

Sandi McBride said...

Now I love those moose...mooses? Meece? I love Meeces to pieces!
Sandi

Daryl said...

And I bet that moose will still be there!

:-Daryl

Kim said...

The first time I saw a moose I was shocked at how giant they are. What amazing creatures they are. :)

Anita said...

Love the Christmas Moose... When my sister lived in Alaska, she and her dog accidentally got between a mother moose and her baby... My sister said that's as scared as she's ever been...

I always love your words as much as your photos!

Mine's up at Praiie Visions if you get the time!

Anonymous said...

I've never seen a Christmas Moose either... hmmm. Great story, it's always the coolest thing to visit a place for the first time and feel instantly connected to it. You definitely need to book a return trip.

imac said...

Ah, Moose on the loose eh David.lol.

pop and see my CC at Beamish Musium.

Anonymous said...

It was my pleasure to introduce you to Muskoka! We really 'moost' do it again soon...

You know the day that you do make it back you have a built-in personal guide, David.

Lavinia said...

David, the summer of '92, I was in Port Carling several times over the course of the summer. A charming place.....

Muskoka Maharani? Very intriguing title...I hope this book gets a lot of publicity in Canada.

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