by Barbara Shave
Local magazine contributor, Barbara Shave, and acclaimed First Nation's artist, Lee Clarmont, have collaborated to produce a book called RAVEN TRICKS: It's All WRONG, Yet It's All RIGHT! The title refers to those twists of fate that ultimately govern our lives. As John Lennon said, "Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans." However, this collection of lively essays counters personal haplessness with twists of fancy by which purpose, wonder, or merely a sense of the ridiculous helped the writer to cope with the Raven Tricks in her own life. Together these stand-alone essays make an easy, entertaining read, like an outing with a feisty old friend. Lee Claremont contributed her "Raven Wears Red Robe With Iroquois Border Pattern" to create spectacular cover art.