What If…

Mabel Murple had a Book Shoppe - tucked away in River John.

Could I really go and visit - and play upon her lawn?

And What If…

Sheree Fitch really lived there - beside Mabel Murple too

With her Burns-ey dog and hobby farm - called Happy Doodle Do?

(Why did the chickens cross the road? -

To get to Mabel Murple’s, of course!)

And If…

There’s such a Dreamery - would Sheree sign my book

And write, “I’m glad you came today - to play and have a look?”

Now…

My mom is super smart - checked the web and sent an email.

Sheree answered “It’s all true - we’re on The Sunrise Trail." (In Nova Scotia, of course)

Mom said, “If this Book Shoppe has a name - whatever could it be?”

“Mom, please don’t forget… MABEL MURPLE’S BOOK SHOPPE & DREAMERY!”

(And she remembered)

When we first arrived - I squealed “Let’s sneak a peek just over there

At Mabel Murple’s purple house - to see her poodle named Pierre.”

(And he was sitting on a chair)

Then I stepped into the Book Shoppe - and saw treasures of all kinds

All my favourite things together - “Does Sheree read kids’ minds?’

It’s whimsical and magical - and colourful, it’s true!

There’s something here for everyone - for Kids like me and Kids at heart like you.

Pretty mermaids, treasure chests - and Sleeping Dragons All Around

Silly tutu-wearing Mabel - (Oh My! She’s upside-down.)

Painted desks with secret messages - and story characters galore

Sparkles hidden here and hidden there - some even embedded in the floor

(The checkout counter has even more)

Oodles of books by Atlantic authors - a young reader’s bonanza treat

But my heart was set on Sheree’s - Everybody’s Different on Everybody Street

Then all at once I saw HER - Sheree - dressed in purple, her golden hair all curled

She smiled a smile and asked of me, “What do you think of Mabel Murple’s World?”

I couldn’t speak, I was so enthralled - but Sheree - she’s so wise.

She whispered, “It’s okay, I can see it in your eyes.”

“Enjoy yourself, I’m glad you came - on this lovely summer day.

It brings me joy, it fills me up - to see children laugh and play.”

“Look underneath my Tree of Life - for a secret fairy place.

Please stay as long as you may wish - there is even picnic space.”

“And if you need a pick me up ~-like many often do.

I have a special labyrinth - just beyond your view.”

(And she pointed over the bridge)

“I go there twice a day, myself - It’s my quiet thinking zone.“

I understood, ‘cuz sometimes - I just want to be alone.

I walked the circles, then settled down - to read books signed for me.

I understand, though different - we’re all the same, I see.

I gathered up my newest friends and clambered to my feet.

“Thank you, Sheree, for showing me - EveryONE IS EveryONE and AnyONE you meet.”

Seafoam Lavender Farm

While embarking on your Mabel Murple purplest dream trip to River John NS, meander over to nearby Seafoam Lavender Farm. I am sure Mabel & Sheree approve. I have even read hints like ‘an uncommonly lovely lucky lilac-lavender breeze… blooooow-ing over meandering meadows’ (in River John) in Polly MacCauley’s Finest Divinest Woolliest Gift of All. I am certain Sheree is referring to Seafoam Lavender Farm because the wonderful scent that drifts your way while on this family-friendly farm made me personally feel like I was floating on a lavender cloud.

Lavender Products

Seafoam Lavender Company & Gardens is a small, family owned and operated agricultural business, dedicated to producing superior quality, direct-from-the-farm lavender products.

Lavender Ice Cream

These charming gardens, that you are free to wander, are delightful as is the sweetest smelling gift shop you ever will find. It is full of lavender goodness in way of aromatherapy, bath products, skin care, soaps, culinary products, as well as home & garden products and extra special gift cards. I was lucky enough to meet the owner Suzy Belt and get a sweet taste of some freshly made lavender ice cream too! Mmm mmm mmm!

Lismore Sheep Farm

Did you know that Sheree’s book Polly MacCauley’s Finest Divinest Woolliest Gift of All was inspired by the Lismore Sheep Farm in River John? Well, it was! This makes going to see Lismore’s Farm extra special and if you haven’t read this book yet - you definitely should.

Polly MacCauley’s Finest Divinest Woolliest Gift of All is a tale of a community that pulls together when it counts the most and the joyfulness of creating something beautiful and useful with your own hands to help others in need. Its rhythmic, lyrical tapestry of wonderful characters and interwoven themes are magically spun into the yarn with such care in Sheree’s wordsmith-ery style that it will leave you thinking about it long after you read the last word.

I know every family member will be spellbound, giggling, and routing for the community as you turn page after page to see what will happen next. It certainly would make a wonderful keepsake gift for anyone who visits all these special places I have mentioned in River John. I came home with my very own signed copy & recently read it aloud to my cat Bella (and she just purred happily).

I met Gillian Crawford - the owner of Lismore’s, in her incredible shop of all things woolly. I also met all the new spring lambs in the barn and yes Gillian, they really do steal the show! They are so friendly and love all the attention. You will marvel at the beautiful things that have been made from Lismore’s wool back in Gillian’s wool shop aided by the talented knitters (that have been knitting), the felters (that have been felting) and the weavers (that have been weaving). You will find there are some finest divinest wooly gifts for everyone here. Don’t take my word for it, drop by to see it yourself. Tell Gillian, the Maritimes Maven sent you.

The Sunrise Trail and the Northumberland Shore of Nova Scotia

I hope this has inspired you to visit the sweet places that I fell in love with in River John. This is only a sampling of what is waiting for you on the Sunrise Trail and the Northumberland Shore of Nova Scotia. There is so much to see and do that I am planning on returning again soon

Sheree Fitch

In 1999, my daughter was just 5 years old (and Sheree’s biggest fan) nervously awaiting a very special thrill getting her ‘Mabel Murple’ book signed by her favourite author. She still is a big fan today, as am I.

Thank you Sheree for what you do for the love of literacy and for what you do to inspire children to read and to also support mental health awareness with books like EveryBody’s Different on EveryBody Street and You Won’t Always Be This Sad.

2024 Update: Discover more about Sheree Fitch, her Book Shoppe and Happy Doodle Do Farm in River John at Mabel Murple’s Dreamery .

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