Shelley Buffitt, a recipient of the Governor General's Exemplary Service award for nearly a quarter century as a paramedic, and of several musical awards as a singer/songwriter, has now added a book of "lyrical prose" to her accomplishments.

Shelley, who's been at the top of the European, Indie and CanCountry Music charts, is scheduled to perform the National Anthem at the inaugural meeting of county council at 9 a.m. Dec. 14.

Her self-published collection of poetry and lyrics, This Red Book, is largely expressions of real life's experiences and observations, in many cases reflecting the compassionate nature of the woman herself, for which she also holds an international Oddfellows, Rebekah Assemblies humanitarian award.

Some of that nature shines through in such poems as "Excuse Me Mister," a description of a kid who has been driven from his home, is out in the rain and cold, "begging for money, for something to eat," and looking for shelter...hiding in shadows to keep from harm."

That poem ends as account of a street kid who died overnight, when "he wanted only a dime, and a safe place to stay."

It is not surprising that Shelley would take that view of a situation, given not only the nature of her paramedical career but also the fact that she dedicated a part of proceeds at the launch of her third CD to Choices Youth Shelter a year of so ago, and is going to make the same dedication to Choices from the sale of This Red Book.

But she takes a different view of another "street" situation in Shaky Lady, based on a media expose of a Hamilton-area woman who begged on the streets of Toronto daily, and then drove in her luxury car to her luxurious condo.

"Sally Ann designs the clothes that she models on the concrete, moving backwards down a one-way street." But, "Home Sweet Home is where she counts your money in her penthouse suite."

Those are only two examples are of profound thoughts, of things deserving more than a simple reading amongst the collection. There are also ample examples of a light-hearted view of everyday things.

It is interesting, entertaining, and thought-compelling.