Check mark on my bucket list and dream come true

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/08/2020 (2026 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A few weeks ago I took my kids to the beach.

It was kind of cold and, if I’m speaking frankly, I didn’t really want to be there, because it didn’t seem like a beach day. But I promised my kids that we would go, and I always try to keep my promises to my kids. So we headed to Birds Hill on a cloudy July day with tiny raindrops spitting on us on and off and we turned the day into a beach day.

I gave it my all not to shiver violently in the water as the kids splashed around until their lips turned blue. It was uncomfortable, but they were making memories and having a good time. I kept bribing them with candy to get out and take a little break in our beach tent so we could all wrap ourselves in blankets and be warm.

They took me up on my offer about half the time.

An hour-and-a-half later my promise of a beach day was fulfilled and the kids were cold and suggested, unanimously, that we go home.

Done.

As we made out way back to the van, I checked my phone. I turned off notifications for social media a few months ago, so I never know when I am getting a message. There was a message in my Twitter inbox from Paul Samyn, the editor of the Winnipeg Free Press.

“Shelley: When you have a moment, I’d welcome the opportunity to speak with you about a chance to share your voice and writing with Free Press readers.

Thanks,

Paul.”

Um, what?

It was kind of funny, because in my head I was like, “Did he message the right person? This is going to be so awkward if he meant to message someone else.”

Then I wondered if I was being pranked or something, because people on the internet do that kind of thing. Was I being catfished by someone pretending to be the editor of the newspaper? So, before I responded, I clicked on the account that messaged me to verify that this wasn’t some kind of weird troll situation.

A click later, Paul Samyn’s blue checkmark was staring me in the face and curiosity was tugging at my soul.

OK, Paul Samyn. Let’s chat.

I responded, and a little while later he called me and we talked for a few minutes as I hushed my kids in the background. I can’t even remember what was said, but he offered me a chance that I’ve always wanted and never thought that I would have. This column.

So, here I am. Let me introduce myself to you.

I am a Red River College creative communications grad who majored in journalism back in 2010. I’ve worked in some newsrooms, including the Free Press newsroom in 2009 as the first ever recipient of the John W. Dafoe Free Press scholarship for aboriginal students. After graduation I didn’t stay in journalism. I work in social media, and to be fair, I kind of live there, too. I have a lot of random thoughts and things to say, and my best outlet has been social media.

Prior to college, I stumbled around university for a few years. Those were some of the best and most eye-opening years of my life. Before that, I was a high school dropout with a passion for writing. We can delve into that story another time, though. It’s a good one.

I am a mom and stepmom. I have an awesome blended family. My partner is either super-high strung or super-laid back, but either way he always tells me to “go for it” when I come at him with a crazy or out-there idea. I have three kids — one who I gave birth to and two others who I get to be a stepmom to. I love my stepkids’ mom and people are always marvelling at that. She’s a genuinely good person, and she makes me a better mom. I appreciate raising kids with her and our kids’ dad.

Speaking of my blended family, my middle kid thinks I’m famous since I told her that I’d be writing for the paper. Don’t tell her I’m not famous.

I live in St. James, though part of me still feels like I lived in the heart of Osborne Village just recently, even though it was more than 10, maybe 15 years ago. I’m probably having a mid-life crisis, except I can’t afford a new car or anything.

Most importantly though, if you’re reading this in the newspaper, then you should know that I’m that person who’s over 40 who has just had a dream come true. Better than that, you’re part of it. I never thought I’d be afforded an opportunity like this, especially at this stage of my life, but here I am! I’m a columnist! And you are reading my column.

Together we are making one of my bucket-list dreams come true, so thank you. I’m not sure how long this is going to last, but I’m gonna enjoy it while it does.

That’s me in a nutshell. I’m not an expert at anything, though I love to tell (and hear) a good story and I love to write. I make a lot of mistakes and I hate being wrong, which is tough because I’m often wrong, but that’s how we learn though, right?

I try to be a good person and I try to be a good mom, and I always try to keep my promises to my kids.

It’s nice to meet you all.

Shelka79@hotmail.com

@ShelleyACook