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Phil Riggs,
Author.
Catalogue of Books
Synopsis: Phil Riggs felt the desire to create a book with as many random acts of kindness as he could find. Many studies have shown that performing random acts of kindness helps boost our physiological well-being, by activating the feel good neurotransmitters in the brain, often referred to as a ‘helpers high’. This is based on the theory that giving produces endorphins in the brain to mimic a ‘morphine high’. Riggs uses his wit, keen humour, and love of humanity to compose stories from the community: Our Random Acts of Kindness - everyday neighbours being good, decent people. Riggs tells of two paths a person can take as to whether he or she turns out to be a Scrooge or a more saintly member of society. It can affect your psyche in a positive or negative manner that can turn you into a marvelous person, like our dear Santa Danny Janes, or you may turn out to be a Charles Dicken’s Scrooge. There are stories of different kinds of Santa Clauses who perform such random acts out of the goodness of their hearts. Others perform these kindly deeds and don’t even realize they are doing them. It just needs the right person to record these deeds and share them others. From Paddy’s girls not realizing that every Christmas morning Santa used to leave their friends’ Christmas gifts under the tree in the Duke’s. Or Danny never once taking a cent for himself when he performed many evenings as Santa. Any money he received would quickly be given to the local Children’s Wish Foundation. To Kay who never feared having a stranger come into her house and spend the night there, a stranger who she soon discovered had delivered a life saving liver transplant for her daughter Donna back in Toronto. Even our beloved pets benefit from random acts of kindness, like Riggs' dog Tobin, who after she passed, still experienced kindness, consideration, and empathy when cousin Kirk and his stepson Lucas arrived at Phil's doorstep with a beautiful pine box for Tobin. Publisher: Kindle Direct Publishing
Synopsis: Now with larger photos & fresh cover & layout, 2nd Edition Perhaps Clarence has found the Hunza secret to longevity. Or his diet rich in salmon and wild game, has aided him in securing a place as one of ‘The Most Interesting People in Newfoundland’ (The Independent 2011). Originally from the Burin Peninsula, Clarence Riggs was born in 1915. The son of ship’s Mate Thomas Riggs, tragically lost at sea in the Mina Swim disaster in 1917. Clar, infant sister Olive, and their mother, Clara, managed to survive in the tiny community of Bull’s Cove for over five years. How she did it will never be known. “In those days down there, Newfoundlanders could do very well. Very little money. Every man had his own house; there was plenty of fish; plenty of meat, and most had enough ground; they grew their own vegetables. Plenty of berries to can and all that. You had very little in the way of money. But apart from that…if any man had any guts at all, he could do very well for himself.” -Clarence Riggs, (age 95) Grab your boots and head out to a favourite fishing hole, as we trek through 101 years in the life of Clarence Riggs. Our exemplary Newfoundlander lived life with zest. In the century he graced this land, he was a teacher, hunter, fisher, musician, family man, lay reader, Lion... As you turn the pages, you’ll wish to be serenaded by Clar at his Thanksgiving table. If he’d met you, I’m certain he’d have welcomed you! Publisher: Kindle Direct Publishing
Synopsis: Leafs Nation will love this book. What do you think would happen if the Leafs did not have a clean, clear, and safe sheet of ice to play on every night they play a game at the Scotiabank Arena? It could be very disastrous for them. If it's not cleaned properly, things like chips off a wooden stick, or transparent tape could go unnoticed by our Leafs players until it's too late. Skating on such small pieces of debris can be dangerous to them when they are getting ready to score. Who is the group of people that ensures the ice is cleaned correctly during each commercial break? It's the crew who consider themselves the most important people in the Scotiabank Arena when our beloved Maple Leafs play hockey there. They, of course, are the ice crew - cleaners who do such a great job of making sure the ice is clean, clear, and safe to skate on. Come along and join us, on a whimsical, unbelievable, and fictional account (that might come true!!) as we are swept up in the story of near disasters to total scoring successes of our favorite hockey team. For the long-suffering Leafs’ fans, could there be a silver lining at the end of the story in this book? Look for the names & numbers of the 1967 Stanley Cup winning Maple Leafs players hidden in the pictures! Publisher: Kindle Direct Publishing
Synopsis: Joel and his classmates are learning about protecting the environment from his teacher, Mrs. Stone. His aunt teaches him a valuable lesson about the importance of bees to vegetables and flowers. He loves to take walks with his grandfather. Unfortunately, they often encounter litter, everywhere they walk. Each time they see litter in the environment, a lively conversation takes place. Sometimes it’s anger about the kind of plastics they find. Often, it’s about how to stop the littering. Come along on their adventures as we see: a big blue garbage bag cutting off a town’s water supply; man’s best friend suffer when it swallows a pizza takeout bag; a magnificent eagle nearly perish when it gets plastic drink rings trapped around its beak; and a Minkie whale fears it may end up stranded on a beach when it gets tangled up in part of a fishing net. You can even learn how they helped the Puffin and Petrel Patrol rescue young puffin seabirds when they became lost around the town of Witless Bay. Includes activity pages for children, to express ways they can help improve our environment. Watch for the ladybugs hidden in the pictures! Publisher: Kindle Direct Publishing
Available: Hardcover - Boulder Books, Downhome, !ndigo Chapters, Amazon
Synopsis: Joel and his grandpa love spending time together. Then, the COVID-19 shutdown happened, so they had to stay apart. But now they are finally able to meet again and do many of the things they enjoy. While on their first walk in a long time, they talk about the shutdown. Who are the heroes who helped everybody during this difficult time? Joel and his grandpa enjoy a beautiful summer day and talk about how important doctors, nurses, grocery store workers, truck drivers, and many others in our communities are, to all of us. Includes activities pages for children to express their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Publisher: Boulder Books
The Little Angel's Joyous Song: A sort of Newfoundland and Labrador Version of the First Christmas by Phil Riggs
Available: Paperback - Amazon
Synopsis: The voice of an angel; it's heavenly and joyous to hear. But one little angel can't sing a single tune correctly. And to make matters worse for this little angel, it's the most important event in the world. Whenever she opens her mouth to sing and practice with the Heavenly Choir, the words come out as a dreadful sound. Everyone in the choir becomes unsettled when she tries to sing. Come along with her as she tries some amazing things to help soothe her voice and start singing with the voice of an angel for the big event! You will discover how her problem is solved, and how the sad little angel becomes so joyful on the Eve of the First Christmas. Publisher: Kindle Direct Publishing
Synopsis: My book is a collection of events that I experienced as I walked along the Camino trails. First of all, it's about the relationships that were developed along the trail and many of the personal experiences that people shared with me as we were strolling along together on the Camino. Secondly, I've included some of the legends and stories that have grown up around the different villages and areas over the many years of pilgrimage. Finally, I've written down some of my musings that came to mind in moments of solitary meditation after an encounter with some interesting fellow pilgrim or it may have been when I was just communing with Mother Nature,decked out in her finest array. As an extra, in the book, I have included our little adventures that my wife, Lyla, and I may have taken before we started hiking or at the end of each hiking journey.