Happy to be Canadian

Susanne Spence Wilkins
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ARTS

Each week I share a short original story about life in rural Canada. There are moments of nostalgia and other times when you will be wondering what will happen next. Some episodes are poignant, some are funny, others are insightful. All are short.  With episodes under 10 minutes, you have just enough time to finish your coffee or tea while you enjoy a memorable story. 

  1. MAR 27

    Cycling the Ports of Elgin County - Episode 47

    Send us Fan Mail Susanne faces the challenge of bicycling over 100 km from her home along the north shore of Lake Erie to visit all four ports in Elgin County. It's a test of will and a little tailwind wouldn't hurt. Find out where Manfred will be waiting for her.  If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here.  Follow me on Facebook and Instagram My website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

    7 min

  2. MAR 20

    The Porch Chair Quandary

    Send us Fan Mail When some porch chairs with creative innovations are separated in the spring weather, Susanne and Manfred have to figure out where like sitting best, or do they.  If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here.  Follow me on Facebook and Instagram My website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

    7 min

  3. MAR 13

    How an Ugly Barn Changed Everything - Episode 45

    Send a text When Donna Sue Grove's mother bought a farm with a run down barn in Ohio at the turn of the 21st century neither she or her daughter had any idea how they were about to changed to rural landscape across North America.  In this week's episode Susanne recounts the unlikely barn quilt movement and reveals her favourite pattern.  (Don't tell anybody, the other patterns will be jealous.)  If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram My website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

    9 min

  4. MAR 6

    Revelling in Irish Movies

    Send us Fan Mail The week before St. Patrick's Day has Susanne yearning to know about Ireland.  Join her as she captures the mythology and heart-breaking realities and stereotypes of Ireland through sunshine and in shadow.   If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here.  Follow me on Facebook and Instagram My website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

    8 min

  5. FEB 27

    Learning Gaelic - Episode 43

    Send us Fan Mail Susanne's Scottish ancestors may or may not have spoken Gaelic when they landed in the colony of Canada in 1854.  Somehow she's drawn to the language either by blood memory or wishful thinking. Join her as she attends an introductory Gaelic lessons and finds out how much she is missing.  If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here.  Follow me on Facebook and Instagram My website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

    9 min

  6. FEB 20

    A Surprise Trip to the Bottom - Episode 42

    Send us Fan Mail From snow storms to once in a lifetime opportunities, travel with Susanne and her daughter Kate as they take on one of the seven wonders of the world. If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here.  Follow me on Facebook and Instagram My website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

    10 min

  7. FEB 12

    A Maple Syrup Day in the 1970's - Episode 41

    Send us Fan Mail Maple Syrup making has changed significantly over the centuries, but a day in the forest in the 1970's is vivid for Susanne.   Join her this week as she recounts this truly Canadian experience.  If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here.  Follow me on Facebook and Instagram My website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

    6 min

  8. FEB 6

    Going to the Moon, Again

    Send us Fan Mail More than 50 years after the first efforts to orbit and land on the moon, there is another NASA-led enterprise to circle the moon.  And this time, a Canadian is scheduled to be on board.  Susanne remembers the success of the Apollo missions and recounts what heroes look like in this episode.  If you would like to receive my weekly Saturday morning email that contains my original stories, Canadian book recommendation, new barn quilt design and a recipe or cycling route (depending on the season), sign up here.  Follow me on Facebook and Instagram My website to join in our barn quilt painting experiences is www.crazy8barn.com

    8 min
See All (47)

About

Each week I share a short original story about life in rural Canada. There are moments of nostalgia and other times when you will be wondering what will happen next. Some episodes are poignant, some are funny, others are insightful. All are short.  With episodes under 10 minutes, you have just enough time to finish your coffee or tea while you enjoy a memorable story. 

Information

  • Creator
    Susanne Spence Wilkins
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Happy to be Canadian
  • Show Website
    Happy to be Canadian

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