Mr. Michael J Mathison

Michael Mathison, was born the last of 8 children in Calgary Alberta. He grew up in a welfare home, and attended Junior High and High School in the NW quadrant of the city.

According to his mother, he was reading cereal boxes at the age of 3. He loved reading fiction and comic books, taking adventures to imaginary lands. His love for reading evolved into a love for writing.

When he was 10 years old a relative requested he write a short poem to be a display for pickled eggs at a local drive-in.

When he was 15 his writing exploded as he attempted to make sense of the world around him, and his relationship to it, and others. He wrote poems when he encountered beauty or sadness. He wrote prose when he desired to understand motive or situation.

In high school, he joined the Drama club and took drama as one of his classes. As he told others, "I took Drama because I wanted to understand psychology, but did not want to learn the technical terms."

He would sit in the drama room, sharing his writing with those in attendance. His friends provided feedback, suggestions, and encouragement.

Michael participated in the school production of Our Town as part of the sound effects team. There he received the nickname 'Cricket'.

With the help of his teachers he attempted to have his writings published, but the financial strain proved insurmountable. He resigned himself to only being able to share his writings with his immediate circle.

Michael entered his poems for consideration in each year's yearbook. In 1978 his poem, Keep the Rumour Goin' was published.

In 1982 Michael attended the University of Calgary. Graduating in 1988 with a BFA in Drama.

During his time at University, Michael finished his last Mitchell J. Moritz story and continued his free-form style of writing. Ending with the poem, What is it, Really?

Michael moved to Oregon to live in the high desert with his new wife. 6 � years later, divorced, he returned home to Calgary.

His desire to finally publish his poems and short stories came from the grandchildren of his 2nd wife. Michael brought his poems out from storage for them to read. He discovered his words still spoke to him, and his grandchildren.

Michael now lives with his wife of 9 years, who runs her own clowning business called Cookie's Crazy Clowns.

He specializes in glitter tattoos, magic shows, and portraying Santa for children. His wife is an accomplished face painter.