perform the stories through song and slideshow. A book release like no other!

We join Ewan and the Vets for another rollicking birthday party at the Colonel Belcher!

with readings, slideshows and songs at the Signal Hill Library -  at the base of the Stones of Signal Hill … where it all started…

 

  Monday, February 27, 2012 - 7:15 pm
Book Release and Show

At the beautiful Cardel Theatre, 180 Quarry Park Blvd., Calgary, AB
Admission - a non-perishable item for the Food Bank

In The Mood For Peace: The Story Of The Izzy Doll

In The Mood For Peace: The Story of the Izzy Doll is a book about how families of our fallen soldiers handled their loss and how their creativity was the seed for legacy projects that are changing the world for the better.

It is also a story about relationships and healing and how self-described ‘ordinary’ people did extraordinary things.  This book also delves into post-traumatic stress and the efforts of many to ban landmines worldwide. 

Senator Elizabeth Hubley, who is not only familiar with the Izzy Doll but who was also instrumental in the Landmine Ban movement read the manuscript and sent this quote for the back cover of the book.  Thank-you Senator.

“Phyllis Wheaton’s thoughtful and touching words not only tell the incredible story of the Izzy Doll, but like the dolls themselves, cannot help but inspire a sense of compassion and hope; a fitting tribute to the Isfeld family and all those who have dedicated their lives to the eradication of landmines.”

The Honourable Elizabeth Hubley, Senator

Reviews


"You'll never look at either a soldier or a doll in quite the same way after reading this book.

It's a memoir...and much more.  It's a plea for everyone not only to remember sacrifices, but to work toward a world where such sacrifices are unnecessary.  It's a profoundly disturbing book.  Through the eyes of soldiers, their families, their extended families and people they may only have touched briefly, it shines a light onto things we, the world, mostly don't want to see.  Once seen, we can never un-see again.

It's also a tremendously uplifting book.  We see through the eyes of those who have looked into the dark places, yet still can care deeply.  It shows how the smallest gesture -- knitting a doll -- can ultimately help change the world.

We meet soldiers and those left to grieve when those soldiers pay the ultimate price for their moral stand.  We see those grieving families turn that grief into actions that make the world a better place, one small step at a time.  We see those steps getting longer, reaching farther, momentum still building today. 

Well-written, well-researched, with a plethora of evocative photographs and poetry that will scorch your soul, Ms. Wheaton will change how the reader sees the world.  And that's a good thing."

"I had planned on reading half of it tonight and then the rest when I got back on the computer, but I just kept reading.  It's a remarkable story filled with insights from so many who have become involved in their own quest for peace.  It's sad, uplifting and so informative all at the same time."

Monika Goodwin, Markham, Ontario

"It is touching, moving and full of interesting information that the average person, not associated with the military, wouldn’t know.  It definitely shows what this family and others had to endure from their view with the military and how they brought people, despite their adversity, experiencing similar situations, together to help and get involved.  How their actions made change (the delivering of the medal for instance) and so many other issues.  The gift of a simple doll and the impact that it made."

Linda Boston, Sudbury, Ontario

"Wow, what a beautiful story and a remarkable family.  Am so impressed with your ability to capture the Isfeld family's honour, love, courage, dedication and strength; and how these attributes were so inspirational throughout the country and world.  Your book was a phenomenal read with great details and history filled with wisdom and terrific anecdotes.  There were parts when it seemed like I was in their home and accompanying the family on their journey.  You have written about some horrendous events with sensitivity and tactfulness, capturing highly emotional experiences for so many families impacted by the devastation of landmines and war.  And, you have poignantly captured Mark's compassion and his personal journey toward a world of peace.  His vision and action as aptly described by Mandela."

Carol Bryson, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario