Let’s Chat: Linda’s list update – Part 1

By Linda Tooth on June 4, 2025.

As we are almost halfway through the year, I wanted to check in to see how I was doing on my list of things to do in 2025.

First on the list was to read more books. Among the books I have read include We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Japanese author Syou Ishida.

As a devoted feline enthusiast, I can tell you this is a must read. The story centres on a clinic in Kyoto and how they help patients deal with life’s struggles by prescribing them a cat. A must read for anyone thinking of adopting a cat, or maybe you have a cat and want to understand their healing powers.

Another book I have read is A Turn in the Road by American author Debbie Macomber. Three women at different points in their lives decide to drive from Seattle to Florida so that Ruth, the senior of the travelling trio, can attend her 50-year high school reunion.

I was intrigued when I read the back cover as I love a story about women who are faced with challenges and how they navigate them. I did not realize it was book No. 8 in a series by Macomber.

I like to start at the beginning of a series so I can understand the characters and the places they come from. I have now purchased each book in the series for a dollar at the Y Thrift store.

Currently, I am reading the third book in the Armand Gamache series titled The Cruellest Month, by Canadian author Louise Penny.

Set in the fictional village of Three Pines in Quebec, Gamache is a chief inspector with the Surete du Quebec, called upon to solve murder cases involving its residents. Penny is an amazing writer who captures the spirit of the characters who are a mix of English and Quebecois.

Second on my list was working more to help vulnerable people and animals.

During the summer of 2024, I had the unique opportunity to do a ride along with MHPS. My job at the time did not allow me to talk about it publicly but as I no longer work there, I can talk about it now.

This was my introduction to the unhoused population. Accompanied by officers I met individuals and listened to snippets of their lives and what brought them to the streets of Medicine Hat. I am now a little bit wiser.

To try to help as many people as possible, I have taken two part-time jobs with a local non-profit. One role is in fund-raising. This allows me to connect with the community and secure funds so programming for all age groups can continue.

The other role is as a youth support worker. This role has me working with young people who are struggling in school and in life. I am very excited to connect with this population.

As for animals, I am still part of the feral/community cat feeders. I am also taking an animal from the Medicine Hat SPCA to a local radio station each Friday morning to showcase them on air and hopefully bring light to animals who are looking for a new fur-ever home.

Stay tuned for more updates in my article next week.

Have a Meowtastic Day and keep reading!

Linda Tooth is a part-time communications instructor at Medicine Hat College

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