Christmas wonders

I hope that you know what Christmas is really about. With all the talk I hear of Santa and elves, of shopping, and family, of gifts and food, and all the trappings, I have noticed that it is sometimes difficult to remember exactly or really know why we celebrate Christmas.

Don't get me wrong, I have some fairly vivid memories of Santa showing up at my house Christmas eve, encouraging me and my siblings to get to bed early, since he wouldn't be leaving any presents while we were awake. Hastily, almost rudely we said goodnight to the stranger in the suit and to our parents as we hurried up to bed.

And I love the food and the family and the traditions that make Christmas feel like Christmas. For us it's family time. Going out to cut down the tree together, decorating the tree together, baking and eating the cookies together (some of us do more of the eating than the baking). Then a candlelight Christmas eve service at our church, complete with the singing of the traditional Christmas hymns, and hearing the Christmas story read out loud. Getting our jammies on and hanging up our stockings on the railing before going to bed. Waking up too early to creep down the stairs and check that someone has filled the stockings. Opening presents one at a time to make sure that each gift is acknowledged and aaahhhed over appropriately. Homemade cinnamon buns and tea and clementines from our stockings. Testing out new toys, trying on new clothes, having wrapping paper fights. Thanks given for the day and the people and the ultimate gift. Turkey dinners with all the family. The collective sigh as everyone sits by the fire, rehashing the day and enjoying each other's company. The things are often things I feel that I need for Christmas to feel like Christmas.

But as it turns out, Christmas is not about feelings, or mood, or cheer. It's not about the gifts that we so carefully buy, and wrap. And as the Grinch so aptly pointed out, Christmas doesn't come from a store and does, in fact, mean a little bit more.

Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Christ, is another reminder that God keeps His promises, that His timing is perfect, that even though things may seem wildly unfair and out of control that He has not forgotten us. That He is still faithful, that He is with us and has overcome all obstacles to reunite us with Himself. All that is left is for us to humble ourselves and accept not only that we need Him but that we love Him for what He has done and is yet to do. Our God is good.

So, while the list of things that I love about Christmas is extensive, I can tell you that it is not those things that bring meaning to my Christmas. My Christmas is because Jesus Christ, the begotten Son of God, came to earth as a baby and grew up to manhood without breaking any of Gods' laws, to do not His own will, but the will of His Father.

I pray that your Christmas was good. But more than that, that it was and will ever more be meaningful.

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased." Luke 2:14

unpacking and wrapping

Today as I was cleaning my room I found my mothers' Christmas gift.
'Funny' I thought to myself 'I was sure that I had already wrapped this...'
I wandered down to the tree and sure enough under the heavily laden boughs was a box of roughly the same shape and size as the one I had found. As unobtrusively as possible I picked up the mystery parcel and tiptoed past my sewing mother who of course noticed what I was doing and said:
"What have I done?! Don't I get a Christmas gift this year?"
I mumbled something about coal and hurried upstairs, shutting myself in with the box.
Hastily I unwrapped it and fought my way in, letting out a startled chuckle at the contents. This was one of the last boxes that I had packed in Stettler, an assortment of odds and ends. A jug, a piece of fabric, two pillow cases, a mask, a pair of socks (most likely already belonging to my mother, liberated to grace my feet), some old books and my phone. I laughed to myself at how it would have actually been quite funny if she had opened it on Christmas morning while wrapping her actual gift. She would have been especially outraged at my giving her own socks back to her. Very funny indeed!

what I learned from Labyrinth...

If you've seen the labyrinth you're probably aware of the scene where Jareth asks Sarah: "what do you think of my labyrinth?" and she replies: "piece of cake" and then she and hoggle have to run for their lives from the cleaners. More or less.

So, the other day when someone asked me something about my upcoming flight back to Ottawa from Sydney, I should not have responded: "easy peasy".

At the airport in Sydney there was a storm, which held us tarmac locked until it passed. A flight that was supposed to leave at 12:15 left almost two hours later at 2pm. Don't get me wrong, I'd much rather be grounded than struck lightning but it did turn 14 hours into 16 hours.

A late arrival in Vancouver meant a missed connection and a reroute, through Toronto.

As we were landing in Toronto, the plane lost radio contact with the air traffic control tower and had to pull up and circle the airport until communication was re-established. Which made us late arriving and resulted in another missed connection. Again, glad to not be crash landing.

The flight from Toronto to Ottawa seemed to be taking awhile to take off, we sat at the gate for awhile waiting for... wait for it... yes, the pilot. The flight deck crew apparently missing. Somewhere in the airport. Then the ground crew get relocated to another plane.

But really, even with all of that, it was only 25 hours of traveling. It would be much much worse on a boat.

And my mom and dad were there to greet me, with Christmas cookies!

It's good to be home.

I enjoy parentheses

Introduction:
How hard can it be to write a song? Really? All you need is some good subject matter, and let me tell you there is plenty of worthy fodder for those who are willing to wax lyrical regarding the mundane and the matter of living. And so, a collection of short songs, for your enjoyment. My apologies to anyone who isn't Nat.

Acknowledgements:
Thanks to nat and jason and owen Ray, my best sources of inspiration for this album and, Australia for it's slightly ridiculous always amusing street names. I'm no Joey Deschanel and I can't sing any better than Scuttle but I think they have potential... with a little work maybe.

mannequins
browsing, for treasures
antique shops are troves
but lurking and watching
are dummies in droves

so silently stalking
as carelessly you shop
peripherally visioned
your guard you can't drop

a strange childish game
of red light, green light
the mannequins play
with the holes in your sight

was that there before?
aloud you may say
creeped out and hungry
you wave it away

saucy fellow
standing on the street
there's a saucy fellow
he might be a creep
but probably he's mellow
what's it really mean?
are we being shallow
should we get a treat
probably marshmallow

Parramatta rd. traffic song
sitting in traffic, go
stop, like an old printer,
short bursts of forward movement, stop,
go, can't go over it
wait there
can't go around it
not fair
the school end crawl
in slow motion
got to wade through it
wait now
wish I had...
dilithium crystals
so sad
stop. go. sigh.

the answer to all questions
(save one) (co-written by Jason Ray)
what would you like for dinner?
your face
what can I get you?
your face
you know what I like?
your face
did you hear about sparkly vampire babies?
your face
would you like fries with that?
your face
did you know they operate on lions?
your face
did you eat your pickles?
your face
what game would you like to play?
your face
could I have a hand?
your face
guess what?
chicken butt!
(your face)

pumpkin face
pumpkin face
you've got the cutest little
pumpkin face
just the orangest little
supper trace
no one could call you
a disgrace
cause you're the cutest little
pumpkin face

I enjoy parentheses
hello my friend,
there are so many reasons
I love you.
When I talk mock
sparkly vampire babies
and such,
and am a silly billy
you laugh with me.
(and love me stilly)
I love that you make
time for me coma
and call me names
that show I'm dear
to you.
When you dictate texts coma
you include punctuation ellipses

but I don't mind.
because I enjoy parentheses.

I sing a lot, not well, and still
you're attuned to my heart,
your hands lift my prayers
even though I move coma
and your cooking is gourmet.
You introduce me as
your best friend
from Canada, I like that
a lot. It makes me feel special.
And I like that we
have inside jokes
a repertoire really coma
that strangely aren't really jokes ellipses

but I don't mind.
Because I enjoy parentheses.

I'm pretty sure
that if I still had a fridge
it'd have a jar of pickles
contained within it
that would make me smile.
Being with you
makes my heart glad,
that my load is
covered coma
otherwise I'd get a fine
but that's ok ellipses

because I enjoy parentheses
and I know you do as well.

Gray Stains
take a moment to think the better
the seconds count for this gray sweater
once was dry but now is wetter
favorite things don't last forever

Grace Danes, she wore it out now has
grease stains french fries and mayo make
street names misunderstood for the
gray stains where shall we go?
where shall we go?

felt a chill cause of the weather
damp and gray not wearing leather
waterlogged light as a feather
think myself still rather clever

Grace Danes, she wore it out now has

grease stains french fries and mayo make

street names misunderstood for the

gray stains where shall we go?

where shall we go?

Alright... so I'll probably never be a famous lyricist. That is ok. I miss the people that make Sydney worth visiting. Very. Feel better.

godmother status: active

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

There is a very important new man in my life! His name is Owen Ray (formerly known as Hoo Ray) and I am very happy to announce that he has convinced me to officially change my name to (drum roll please...) Auntie Dori.

Auntie Dori, Owen and Nat

Thank you for your attention.

tassie

Tasmania! Unexpectedly wonderful! I went for the purpose of seeing a dear friend that I knew in high school, but was pleasantly surprised to find that the Island is in itself a lovely holiday destination.

Nov 16

After another boring flight (in terms of danger and seat mates) I was standing at the baggage carousel waiting unsuspectingly for my bag when I was bear hug attacked from behind. This very warm welcome from Leannie was a great start to this excellent leg in my journey.

Leanne and I met Leo (her charming husband) for hot chocolate affogatos. Affogato is traditionally a scoop of icecream in a glass which comes with a shot of espresso which you pour over the icecream for a delightful mix of hot and cold goodness. Substitute hot chocolate for the espresso and you have my new favorite dessert beverage.

Dinner was a fancy affair put on by Leo, which was followed by homemade chocolate macaroons.

Nov 17

While Leannie was working I took the opportunity to explore downtown Hobart. Hobart is small and built on a hill. It's a great workout to explore it. I had a nice coffee at Retro, then took the ferry over to MONA the museum of old and new art. The ferry ride was lovely. The museum which had been highly recommended, I found to be dark (both in mood and lighting as there was no natural light) and depraved. Much of it was semi-pornographic as it showcased many items through many mediums of nudity and mutilation, often in combination. I left shortly after arriving.

I spent the rest of the afternoon exploring downtown, shopping on Elizabeth st., and eating gelato. This decadent day was followed by a most enjoyable dinner out at a small, family owned Italian restaurant called Solo. Make a reservation, we were very lucky to get a table.

Later, Leanne and Leo took me to their dance class. Ceroc dancing is somewhat like swing dancing, but no rock step. I'm not so good at it because the rock step has become automatic, and I like to bounce. 

Nov 18

A rainy morning curbed my more adventurous enthusiasm, so I looked around at some shops on the harbour front. I ducked into an antique shop to see if I could find some treasures, and was indeed lucky though not in an expected way. The shop keeper exclaimed as I entered that I must know him, otherwise why would I be smiling so at seeing him. He invited me in and bade me sit at his desk while he grilled me on North American trivia. I found that he had recently been to Ireland, and that he was quite a keen story teller. He instructed me in the art of joke telling, "the secret" he said "is writing down the punch line" and so handed me a card and thence began regaling me with Irish and Australian humour.

Seriously, ask me for a joke, I've written down the punch lines for just such an occasion. A diverting 45 minutes were spent in his company. I have no idea how he sells anything, I didn't even get a chance to look at the antiques.

While I was in the area, I thought that I might as well check out the displays in the local art school. I was not disappointed. I had been so uninspired by the previous days' "art" that I found I was not in a humour to tolerate that which did not please me. However, happy was I to wander and wonder at the skill, effort and artistry in what had been displayed.

That evening Leanne, Leo and I packed a picnic dinner and headed to the beach in Kingston. Despite being a chilly evening, it was beautiful to eat out of doors with the waves crashing on the beach and the sun setting in the foreground.

Nov 19

Funny, since it doesn't feel like it, but it is indeed time for such secular events as the santa clause parade. Leanne and Leo dance with Le Bop dance troupe, and they danced in intersections for the crowds waiting to see the parade. It was hot and sunny, and I had to be fully saturated with SPF 30. I did not envy the guy in the big red suit.

After the parade we rehydrated and revived ourselves with water and lunch, and then hit the Salamanca markets. There was a terrible terrible band playing the only three songs I presume they knew. I'm not sure if there was rotten fruit involved, but I do know that they didn't last more than three repetitions. Exploring the markets took the better part of the afternoon, so many treasures and trinkets!

This followed by a well deserved quiet evening, and the rare privilege of an encounter with the six fingered sword.

Nov 20

Since being in Australia, I had not had the opportunity to go to church, so I was so delighted to accompany Leanne and Leo to their church this lovely sunny Sunday morning. The speaker spoke of true humility and trusting in God rather than any earthly thing or human trait or ability. It was refreshing to my soul to be among my church family and worship with them.

After a quick bite to eat from a local bakery, we headed off to Port Arthur which we explored as throughly as we could between violent downpours. Despite its' sad and unquestionably terrible history, Port Arthur is a beautiful place which feels both peaceful and restful. Ruins of the prison, the barracks, the infirmery sit on lush green hills surrounded by trees and fronted by a small port bay.

Nov 21

I'm only slightly embarrassed to say that I spent much of today in pajamas.

I did however also climb the historic shot tower. This is a tower that was built specifically for the purpose of making shots (the lead balls used in very old firearms). "How is this done?" you may wonder out loud. By melting lead at the top of the tower, and spooning it into a seive with holes the size of the desired shot and letting the lead cool and harden as it plummets the height of the tower to plop unceremoniously into a barrel of water at the base of the tower, perfectly formed and ready to fire.

Nov 22

You may say that making up for lost time precipitated the speed warning I was given this morning in my small rented car. Today was a day of fervent prayer, as I drove on the left and faked my way around traffic circles, making my way from Hobart up towards Freycinet National Park. A scant hour from Hobart I was booked by a friendly copper who started our exchange with:
"I noticed that this is a hired car"
(abashed affirmation)
"I take it you're not from Tassie"
(no sir)
"Do you know what the speed limit signs look like?"
(red circles around black numbers on a white sign)
"Look, I'm not going to book you this time, but next time you speed you're going to get booked. Please keep an eye on the speedo"
(thank you sir)

Right, so back on track. I am happy to tell you that I was diligent in the extreme regarding speed for the remainder of the trip.

Freycinet National Park is beautiful. Many lovely bushwalks, gorgeous views (a lot of postcards originated here), and ideal looking beaches with aquamarine waters and fine white sand. It was a grand adventure.

On the drive home "Sheila" my GPS unit provided me with the "shortest route" home. While the distance was shortest, the road was a "c" grade road. Highways are grade "a", main roads are grade "b", dirt track narrow farm roads are grade "c". Like I said, a day of fervent prayer. Breathtaking, not just beautiful.

Nov 23

Leanne and I drove to the top of Mount Wellington, where it was cold enough to host a bit of leftover winter snow in the crevices between rocks. On a clear day Mount Wellington is well worth ascending for the yodellers eye view of Hobart and surrounds. It was freezing up there, despite our beanies (toques), so after snapping as many pictures as we could before our fingers were no longer functional, we redescended.

A tasty lunch at Golden Tulip energized us for our following expedition. South down the coast to Hastings Caves and "tepid" springs. The caves we extraordinary! And very fun for echoes. There was some singing involved.

Nov 24

Leo took the day off, and all three of us took the ferry to Bruny Island. Cheese, wine, olives, fresh bread, fresh berries, all eaten from various excellent picnic spots, followed by homemade surf n' turf of perfectly cooked steak and fresh garlic butter scallops. Need I say more? A delectable day!

Nov 25
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. And after a somewhat salty farewell and so long, I flew to Sydney...

melben

So, "Melben" (Melbourne) was lovely!  Day by day might be a bit of a dreary recount so I'll give you the highlights. I stayed with an aunt and uncle on the Mornington Peninsula and had a very relaxing and enjoyable visit consisting of many of excellent coffees, lots of fabulous food, and a spectacular view of the ocean. It was a pleasant twenty minute walk down to the beach; very near where Harold Holt, a former prime minister of Australia, disappeared into the ocean. Not the most hospitable spot for swimming. I did not risk entering the fierce surf crashing endlessly into the shore.

For those of you who don't know, my aunt and uncle love golf. And while I love my aunt and uncle I can only take golf in smallish doses. So, while they went off to worship on the greens, I had a little adventure of my own. Stand up paddle boarding lessons!

A long, fairly stable board, and a paddle were the means to carry me on my perilous sea voyage. I was pleasantly surprised at how stable the board was on the very calm bay of Dromana, and how relatively easy it was to stand up. Lynda, my instructor, gave me the basics; how to paddle, what to do if there is an emergency (ie if I happen to be drowning, attacked by a shark, etc.) how to get from kneeling to standing, how to turn the board, and how to stay on in small waves.

I had a wet suit on ( I love wet suits!!! I know they don't look cool, but I feel invincible in a wetsuit... despite my resemblance to a seal whilst sheathed in foam neoprene) which kept me warm on and in the water. I did manage to stay dry for most of the lesson, believe it or not. It was only when Lynda called out "look how far you've come!" that I turned and toppled into the water, losing my sunglasses in the process. Fortunately there was a very helpful gentleman with a mask and snorkel who discovered them without too much difficulty.

Among the culinary delights were wine tasting Mornington peninsula, hot chocolate affogatos at koko black, cheese from a local cheese factory, and fresh cherries and strawberries which are in season here.

The best times though were sitting on the beach, watching the waves crash, and talking to my God.  He who holds the oceans in His hand, who can calm the sea with an authoritative "peace be still", and who satisfies my soul with good things.

Almost caught up

Right, so, just quickly now, to get you caught up;

Nov 8
day at the beach in Glenelg, great place!
Trammed to Adelaide lugging my pack
Caught a night bus to Melbourne

Nov 9
Met uncle Hugh at the bus station
Had breakfast with him
Tooddled around Melbourne
Had dinner with Hugh and Joanne

Nov 10
Explored st. Andrews beach
Went out for dinner

Nov 11
went out for coffee
Sat in the sun
Mailed some post cards
Blogged.

~3800km's later...

Guess what. Australia is a big country. True story!

Oct 30
Early morning start to meet the bus between 6:45 and 7am in Perth. With backpack on and fully loaded I head to the train station where a fellow who has clearly been out all night asks;

"are you a backpacker?"

We'll... Yes, I guess I am.

Meet the bus: Craig the driver, Aussie through and through, Paul a Dutchman, Marcus from Switzerland, Chris from Sweden, Megan, Chris and Steve from the UK, and me, the sole and most gullible Canadian. (Later we picked up Mads the Viking ie Danish)

The bus is an 18 seater, fairly comfortable, towing a trailer full of the essentials. Being early yet, you an imagine that the bus was a bit quiet to start with. Getting to know people can sometimes be bit awkward, as you know. I think its a fairly reasonable practice to start by talking to people and if you're going to be strategic, you want to make friends with the person who is responsible for your food, transport and safety...ie the tour guide.

That is how the following conversation came about:
Craig: "I hate cyclists! I have three dents on my bus; one from a kangaroo, one from a cyclist and one from a giraffe."
Kirsten: "giraffe?"
Craig: "more concerned about the Australian giraffe than the Australian cyclist are we?"

Kirsten wishes that she'd said something clever after this but instead and henceforth became giraffe girl... She was wearing a shirt with a giraffe on it.

First cool stop was at Hyden, Wave Rock is a 15m high rock formation. You'll never guess what it looks like!  It was great to walk around and explore the area, but the flies were thick and persistent, and we retreated to the bus after only about an hour.

First night set up; green lumps are swags, red box in distance is the Tardis.

Our first night in the swag was at Hopetoun North, where a lovely little lady named Mary welcomed us to her lovely little restaurant and fed us a fabulous meal on a cozy little veranda. We slept under the stars in her back paddock next to a field of kangaroos. The outhouse was a red box that she called "the Tardis". Unfortunately, to get to the Tardis there was a gate, and the gate had a chain, and the chain was a pain!

I was cold that first night, and being cold and awake I had to visit the Tardis on several occasions. The gate was the home of a spider... I have no idea if it was dangerous or not, but every time I had to undo and redo the chain at the gate that spider bullied me, taunting me;
"I might be lethal, but I might not- how badly do you need the Tardis?"
Serious business! I may also have been a little on edge because of all of the initial warnings; "watch out for spiders, snakes, drop bears, etc." (please note, no such thing as drop bears, or hoop snakes, or various other creatures which seems a bit too fantastic to be true)

In any case, I slept poorly that first night and retreated to sleep on the bus, mostly because it was cold.

Oct 31
Up early enough to see the sunrise, which if you will remember was still fairly early in Western Australia. So I watched the kangaroos and was thankful for a long night over and sunshine to finally warm me.

At Esperance we picked up Mads, and headed to Cape Le Grand... Quite possibly, my favorite spot of the whole trip. We hiked from Rossiter Bay to Lucky Bay along some rocky paths that led to some great views. The beach at Lucky Bay is white, more silica than sand, and the water is such a gorgeous array of blues. There were kangaroos lolling around on the beach with their joeys, not really bothered by us at all. It was a nice enough day that I was able to go in for a swim, and I got to try out my chawel(towel that doubles as a change room), it worked great!

Lucky Bay

Mid hike: Chris, Paul, Megan, Steve, Chris, Mads, and Marcus

Having been ridiculously cold the night before, I opted for a tent. I am only slightly smug in informing you that my tent was set up for me. I am really not all that helpless but once and a while surely it is ok to let fellows be gentlemen?

After an excellent stir fry supper and an evening of banter we settled in, to what was for me a very satisfactory sleep.

Nov 1
Ever the early riser, I was able to walk on the beach with the kangaroos, before any of the others were up. It was a bit of a cloudy morning, but warm.

Up the Esperance highway, to Norseman a gold rush town, all the way to the Caiguna blowhole (via the Eyre highway) where we camped in the middle of the "bush" (which was actually a lot more open than I expected bush camping to be).

Today was mostly a lot of driving. But I'm happy to report that though I had been dreading it, I mastered the bush toilet.

Nov 2
Rabbits are not beloved in Australia having been imported for sport and thriving wildly in the Australian terrain, they caused some pretty major havoc. What damage can a rabbit do? Oho! Quite a nasty bit! Prime example: Eucla. Happy little telegraph town, holding its own. In sweep the rabbits like a plague. Bunnies gotta eat, and they do it pretty well, so poof! Vegetation gone! (amazing what rabbits pull out of their hats!) No vegetation to hold the sand dunes, therefore sand dunes shift and devour the town of Eucla. It's a ruin now.

Eucla telegraph station

After lots more road we come to Koonalda Homestead, which got left behind like the town in Cars when the new highway was built. It had tons of old cars that were more expensive to tow than to buy new, so they just got left there. It is a bit like the set of a horror movie, and there were mice running everywhere, but it was a pretty cool place, with a beautiful sunset, and I slept in my swag under the stars after a tasty curry dinner.

Nov 3
Highlights of today: Bunda cliffs, quintessential Aussie road sign, getting to bottle feed a baby kangaroo at a wildlife rescue centre, seeing a rare white wombat and having a shower!

Stayed at a farm called Coodlie Park.

Nov 4
Ok, so today was pretty cool! First off, away we go to Baird Bay for swimming with dolphins. I had never snorkelled before, so that was an adventure, as you can imagine. The dolphins were wild, not trained, so we weren't to touch them. They swim right up to you and play turning themselves in the ocean around you. We also got to swim with sealions, but as it is mating season they were rather less interested in us.

In the afternoon we did a walk around Venus Bay which was lovely, and since it was so hot, we followed it up with a swim, and an ice cream.

Then we went to Talia caves and did some exploring. The sea was very calm so we were able to see more of the caves that are inaccessible when the surf is too rough. All this and THEN we went sandboarding! Which is basically tobogganing on sand dunes. I was worried, the dunes were steep and it looked like it could be awfully painfully to wipe out. However, really really fun. And climbing up a sand dune is as much work as climbing a snow covered hill... In case you we're wondering.

After that full day, we still had a nocturnal tour of Australian wildlife, and got to see still more kangaroos, wombats, and emus. Followed by tea by the campfire, it was a good stay at Coodlie park again.

Nov 5
Sadly, no waves=no surfing at Sceale Bay. So we drive and stop at lookouts, Locks Well Beach, have a very windy lunch at Coffin Bay, and rock up to Mikkira Station near Port Lincoln to set up camp for the night. Mikkira Station has lots and lots of koalas, so we check them out and explore the area.

We lost Paul at Coodlie Park- exchanged him really, for a mother son combo Josee and Dominic. Dominic is almost seven, and he is a bright kid! Also, they are Canadian too, so they correct me when I get my geography wrong. Somehow I forgot Saskatchewan...

It is a rainy sort of day, but luckily there is a shelter that we're able to roll out our swags under. I try to convince the crew that some swing dancing would be fun, but I get mostly mutters about there not being enough space, and how dusty it would get, blah blah blah.

Nov 6

As Megan and Chris go out to sea to do a shark dive, the rest of us do a tour of Whalers Way Conservation park, doing some walks along the coast line and seeing some Australian wildlife. We then head out to Glen Forest Wildlife park and hand feed kangaroos, camels, birds, and all manner of creatures.

Next order of business; tuna! From Port Lincoln marina we head on out to a tuna farm, to swim with and feed tuna. I didn't realize that tuna were such big suckers! Really! I hope you won't think less of me when I tell you that I chickened out. I did throw sardines and pilchers at the tuna, which sent them into a crazy feeding frenzy while other people were swimming around in there... But somehow the description "it's like swimming with lightning" just didn't really appeal.

Once fed, the tuna were more or less unexciting, so we had coffees and waited, waited, waited for the shark divers to return. This waiting was more disappointing for them than for us, as they never did see any sharks. It did mean a late night as we had to drive a ways to get to our camp, and then when we got there, we set up and went straight to bed.

Nov 7
Last day dawned a bit unexpectedly. A big day of driving since the shark divers came in late, we stopped only once to see the Wadlata cultural centre at Port Augusta, and then to have lunch. It was HOT, 39 Degrees, which meant no bush walk in Flinders ranges. So when we got to Adelaide and the trip was over... It just ended.

Some of us did get together for dinner that night, and then went out to a little local pub for some live music also by the locals, but it's funny how close you can feel when you need to, and how different that dynamic can be once the trip is over and you're fending for yourself again... not to say it wasn't a good group, or that we didn't have a lot of fun. Just that, it was fun and that was it.

Leaving the bus I thought, ya, I'm going to miss these guys. Leaving the pub at the end of the night, I was more or less ready to be done.

So I left the crew, caught my tram, and had an excellent nights sleep in a backpackers hostel in Glenelg.

it's a long way!

Oct 26th to Oct 28th
I will spare you the long and boring details of the process of getting to Australia. It takes a long time and involves lots of sitting and waiting in airports or sitting and waiting on planes. I'm sorry to report that I don't even remember any of my seat mates, which is a bit uninspiring.

Oct 28th
Arrive in Perth, get dropped off at the YMCA hostel around 7 pm, stay up for a bit, figure it's late enough, sleep a solid 8 hours until 4am.

Oct 29th

Perth, from what I could get to of Kings' Park.

Give up on sleep, western Australia doesn't do daylight savings so the sun is up early! Stroll through the quiet morning streets, awash with security for CHOGM and the Queens visit. Discover that the ferries are not running, but that the trains are all free (thank you, your Majesty!) and head to Fremantle for a great little breakfast in a small cafe, the Saturday markets and some general sightseeing. Back to Perth to visit Kings Park, an unsatisfactory visit due to my lack of direction and the thwarting of my plans by more CHOGM security. Therefore, the only sensible thing to do; find a grocery store, and create an affordable evening meal.

Lest we forget

Remember the cost of freedom. What is our role in maintaining that freedom? Let us be wise even in our small decisions, not blind to the effects of our attitudes and actions. Let us prevent, as much as we are able, the need for war. Let us also be ready to stand if needed, for the protection of what is right, and for those who cannot defend themselves. Remember. We cannot afford to forget.

The "tell-tale" heart

I'm off on an adventure in just a few short hours, and I cannot sleep, because my heart beat is keeping me awake! Of all the things to keep me awake; something as steady and usually unnoticed as the lub-Dub of my heart. I'm really enjoying the circulatory system at the moment. Valves. I'm hearing valves within me shutting! It gives new meaning to "as one door closes another one opens". To think that such a truth is within us, and that our own moving forward requires this opening and closing of doors!

I have a grand adventure planned! And I'm trusting God with my plans and even with how He may tweak them. "Rejoice, young (wo)man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young (wo)manhood. And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. Yet know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things. So, remove grief and anger from your heart and put away pain from your body, because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting.
...fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. " Ecc. 11:9-10, 12, 13

God is good my friends! I am going out in faith, knowing that He is faithful and He is trustworthy. He will keep me safe, and lead the way, and He always blesses abundantly. Just think of all the heartbeats He has already given!

discovery

I am reclaiming my room. I think it is an universal truth that when you leave, your room becomes something else. A guest room, a storage space, a catch all... in some cases all three. So as I go through throwing out all manner of things and wondering what it is that makes us save useless stuff, I found some of my old notes, which in which I just happened to have been brainstorming on paper the pros and cons of whether or not to go to Stettler. It's neat to look at the concerns I had then and how God provided for those concerns over and above what I would have expected... God is good!
The things on my list are somewhat silly and I'm slightly embarrassed to share, but I will anyway.

Feb 2009
Why do I want to make this move?
-for the change
-to be independent
-to have an adventure
-to meet new people
-to not be pining
-to get experience
-to make money
-to live in a small community
-to become a good generalist
-to see Western Canada
-to learn how to curl
-to take better care of my health
-to get away from media (watch less tv)
-to possibly meet a man (as in, my man)
-to grow in my faith
-to learn how to be still
-to accumulate stories
-because it's not the easy thing
-because I want to leave

Of the things on this list, I think the most important were accomplished. Isn't that funny? I didn't, of course, meet my husband but who knows where my next adventures will take me? I did learn how to curl though, and I can assure you that it was a short lived endeavor. I do not like curling.

So then, what's next? Time for a new plan, a new list of goals. Hope for tomorrow.

shopping!

Yesterday I found out that the moving truck may or may not arrive with all my stuff. I'll admit that it was most definitely poor planning not to put the things I intended to take with me to Australia in a suitcase in the car with me. Hindsight, they say, is 20-20.
Speaking of 20-20, that's what my eyesight will be with my new sunglasses! Yes that's right. In the face of potential stress, I went shopping. And I bought a hat too! At least my bag will not exceed the weight limit.

thanksgiving

Yesterday was thanksgiving, and the house was full of family and friends and good food, and it was lovely. And as we were sitting around the table we started talking about earthquakes, and one that happened here recently. One of my uncles described the fear that resulted from hearing the concrete groan as is absorbed the impact of the building following a lurch of the ground. The orderly, but fear gripped exodus from that building. And then how the authorities assured them the the building standards are such that they can withstand a much greater earthquake and that there was no need to evacuate. However, in my opinion, responding to danger, taking action when we get the warning signs, that is the right response.

"You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs." Matthew 24:6-8

'And He was also saying to the crowds,
"When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming,' and so it turns out. And when you see a south wind blowing, you say, 'It will be a hot day,' and it turns out that way. You hypocrites! You know how to analyze the appearance of the sky, but why do you not analyze this present time?"' Luke 12:54-56

There has been a lot going on in this world and it does seem to be getting worse and worse... If this is only the beginning of birth pains, I had better be ready. Because what comes next is pretty scary:

"Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved." Matthew 24:9-13

This is Christians He's talking about! Lord, let my love not grow cold! Keep me in Your word that I will not be led astray. Help me and all those that follow You, stand firm in You. Let us be ready!

"Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door." Matthew 24: 32-33

And so I am reminded, just days after getting home, of why I came home. Of how necessary it is for me to be a faithful steward and an intercessory prayer here for those whose hearts do not yet trust in You Lord, and for those whose love is growing cold.

"So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you." Revelation 3:3

Let those of us who believe stand firm. Let our hearts ever be opened and receptive to the Lord our God. And let us pray, because there is great power in prayer.

"... I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Jesus Christ, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time."
1 Timothy 2:1-6

Thank You Lord that You have made a way for us to reconciled to You, and that You have given us time to tell those we love about You.

Thoughts from a cross country drive

So much time for thinking has left me with some discombobulated thoughts. They are not entirely random, each of them stemmed from something I saw or thought I saw, nor are they particularly cohesive... but they were things that I wished I had someone to share them with, and if you're reading this, then you my friend, are that person.

As I was driving I was noticing that rivers tended to wind rather than follow a straight path. I think that our lives are somewhat similar in the course that they follow. The most direct route (I had been going to say directest but clearly that is not correct) is not necessarily the best one.

Age is merely a page marker in the adventure you are living. It does not determine where you will go or what course your life will take. It does not limit your hopes, your dreams, your plans. Regardless of the story line, or the length of the narrative, live well.

Less than a week ago I tried to do something without following all the steps. I took a short cut, because it was going to take time to do it the long way. But guess what. It was more complicated and time consuming than if I had just done it properly from the get go. In the process, something broke and I caught it as it was falling, but it cut my hand in several places. My hand is now completely healed, and save for a small gouge in the wall there's no real evidence that I took that "short cut" except for maybe I'm little bit wiser.

You should not speed in a construction zone when there is a police car directly behind you. You should also not answer a cell phone in the same situation.

Driving the speed limit is a bit like watching everyone get married before you. Frustrating.

There are a lot of annoying voices on the radio.

Gas prices go up and speed limits go down as you travel east across the country, is there a correlation?

signs on the road:

Moose on the loose

Daze Doze Dead

Ontario is very serious about speeding. Speed fines are posted often.

I'm really glad that I'm not walking.

on the road again

I am driving home; from Stettler, AB where I have lived and worked for 2 years, to Kanata, ON where my family is. It was somewhat difficult to leave, as I have been so blessed there. To go in faith that there is a reason to move on even though it is painful to go. I have been glad of the drive, it has been beautiful, every day. A chance to slowly watch the landscape change, rather than leave it abruptly. The sun has shone brightly on the fields mostly harvested and then on the leaves as they turn umber, and golden; celebrating the end of a season with me.

 Ontario

Foliage in Rouyn Noranda, QC

It is a beautiful Wednesday morning and I am lying in a lovely little B&B in Rouyn Noranda, Québec. Lying because my ichiums are still a tad tender from the thirteen hours of driving it took me to get here.
I am visiting with a dear friend from school, and we are speaking French and enjoying the subtle differences between Québec and Ontario.

Only 546 km, or approximately six more hours of driving separate me from family and home as I knew it and will know it once again. I am enjoying the reprieve from driving and the luxury of not needing to get anywhere.

more than time

A day like this spans more than 24 hours. Today seems to have taken so much more than time. This day began early, and had its' share of frustration and heartache. But it was also a day filled with sweetness. The sweetness of friendships and moments well spent, of service that I know came not from boredom or necessity but of love. A day of jokes and laughter, tears and hugs, of promises and future plans.

I have been so blessed!  Though today stretches past mere time spanning the end of how things were and the beginning of where tomorrow will take me; it is a journey well worth taking into hopes, plans, and a faithful leap toward the unknown. It has been a long and lovely day.

Today I left chunks of my heart in central Alberta. Community and friendships that I never expected, springing seemingly from nowhere and bringing joy and sustenance to my heart. Love is tricky, because it opens you up to hurt, pain, and sorrow. However even the hurt of leaving is worthwhile for the joy of loving and being loved.

Leaving is difficult, because once again things have changed and they can never be the same again. But I have gained so much more than I have lost.

Thank you to each of you who made the decision to change course so difficult. The difficulty lies not in what lies ahead, but in what must be left behind to go forward. I look forward to the day we meet again, especially the day that holds no more goodbyes.

can't sleep in

It's Saturday. Why am I awake now? There are butterflies in my midsection and a constant whirring happening between my ears. Such that I cannot even fall back to sleep. I am nervous and excited and sad but hopeful all at the same time. One week from today life changes again. It keeps changing. And that is a good thing. But I can't sleep.

icy fruit

This morning I awoke with a start and slid to my knees.

I had a dream. One that started rather pleasantly actually...

I was sitting at a picnic table with my brother and my sister, and we were eating some sort of fabulous and novel fruity ice dessert. It was sweet but not too, and cold, but not painfully or sharply cold, tender but with a bit of crispness... actually, it was completely indescribable, but very good. It's a bit weird that we were eating these cold desserts because it was wintery. Very wintery. Snow and ice all around. And I wasn't sharing my dessert. In fact there was more fruit on the table and I was hoarding it. Snow kept falling on it and I was getting mad and trying to shield it, polish off this fruit (which actually looked a bit like tomatoes, but it didn't taste tomato-y). I got mad enough that I stood up to shield the fruit with my body, and then the snowy ice beneath us shook and cracked open and my brother was swallowed and I couldn't do anything to help him. I couldn't save him. I couldn't even see him.

That was my dream. But it made me think about what has been going on in my life. About how these last few weeks I have been so self centered, thinking about moving and traveling and what should I be doing and what do I want.

My purpose here is not my job, as much as I love my job. And my purpose here is not to have fun or adventures although that does happen to be a bonus that comes with a life of following God.

My purpose is to tell the truth, to tell people about the wonderful love of the good God who made a way for us to have relationship with Him. And my desire is to see those that don't know Christ, especially those I love most, come to Christ, trust in Him, and know peace and hope and love.

So what have been the "fruit" in my life? My own interests. When I take my eyes off Him, to look for the other things, the good things that He brings into my life, that is when I forget my real purpose. When I forget that there is more going on than meets the eye. And that I need to be sharing the love of my perfect Redeemer.

Do you know? Do you know that God is real? That heaven and hell are real? Do you know that you have a choice? To live for Him or to live for yourself.

Today I choose again to live for Him.

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

tin cans and old boots

Let me tell you about a guy. He's a good guy. He's a fisherman. A bit rough around the edges, but with a willing heart. He's had a rough couple of days, his good friend, a guy he really looked up to, admired and loved has been tried and executed for crimes he was innocent of.

So, this fellow, this fisherman, goes back to what he knows. Fishing. He and some buddies get out on the water, they lower their nets, they wait. And they wait. All night. And... Nothing.

Then the next morning they're heading in, and some dude on the beach hollers out to them:

"Catch anything?"

An emphatic

"no"

Is thrown back at him.

Dude on the beach says :

"throw your net over on the right side (or starboard)"

And despite the fact that the boys are tired, and discouraged, they do. And they fill their nets to capacity.

So our fisherman, Simon Peter (you may have heard of him), realizes that dude on the beach is really Jesus (also fairly well known) come back to life. Peter flings himself out of the boat and swims to see his friend and teacher. The boys drag in their haul, and everybody has breakfast on the beach. John 21:1-14

I don't always remember this story. But I like it. Especially because I was recently talking about a form of fishing with a girlfriend. About how sometimes we, as single girls, fish for attention from any man.

Peter used to be a fisherman, but Jesus gave him the new job of fishing for men. When Jesus died, Peter went back to what he had done before, it was a regress of sorts... I get that.

Even back at his old job, he's not doing so hot, not even one fish to show for his troubles... I get that.

And then Jesus comes back into the picture, and suddenly what Peter had gone back for was there in abundance, fish galore! But what he really needed, really wanted; to be with his Lord and friend, to have purpose and meaning and direction that was there as well and it was infinitely better.

Sometimes as a single girl, I get thinking about how I'm not married, and how I'd like to be married. How life hasn't gone exactly as I planned and things that I had hoped would happen haven't happened. And then I get side tracked and forget what I'm supposed to be doing.

I go back to fishing, fishing for a man, so to speak. And coming up with tin cans and old boots.

Until I get reminded that when I listen for my Jesus and trust Him with a willing heart, that not only will He provide the desires of my heart, but He comes along side me and gives me what is better. A relationship with Him, which lasts for eternity and is far better than even the prize winning fish.

ode to moments

time to rock

4 o'clock

car fully loaded

destination noted

fuel excepting

trip to begin

three hills met

course was set

accomplice acquired

navigator fired

calgary attained

friend gained

swingers swung

sweat was wrung

found accommodation

lost the trepidation

super-fantastic breakfast

by ophthalmic technologist

bakery temptations

grocery inflations

are we there yets posed?

more than natures crows

park pass not needed

Alberta receeded

in Revelstoke we camp

and up a path do tramp

bears avoid

stove destroyed

eat what's cold

truth be told

can you work that?

hot then cold bath

star starers

lifted prayers

morning yoghurt

lost in lumber

Barb the baptist

leaving quite blessed

with a new stove

to a tree grove

zip lines and ladders

ropes and carabiners

ferry men want beer

lets get out of here

Nakusp Hot Springs

pruned digits for rings

resisting rushing

enforcing brushing

unexpected meet

sometimes stinky feet

italian at kaslo

hey is that my uncle?

mirror lake campsite

solitude is alright

Caves at Ainsworth

giving pairs a wide berth

mysterious and wonderful

and a freezing waterfall

rainfall false alarms

fooling bears with linked arms

canoeing rhythms

duck schisms

reflected pinnacles

lost and found spectacles

ferry cross the kootenay

contemplate the need to wait

crawford bay artisans

icecream, gelato and fruit stands

traffic to a halt

logging truck at fault

plan to trail tp

girls from the city

just our luck

rumbling trucks

pass our meal

road reveal

so exhausted

find a clean bed

woke by train

gray and rain

best market fresh

baked goods, delish!

don't look down code

up the gravel road

lussier hot springs

natural wonder brings

slimy algae

sulfur smelly

brisk numbing river

cause to shiver

skills of redress

while we regress

onto radium

thence to Banff yum

mountains behind

poem to remind

glad to adventure 

with my dear sister

what we can't possess

I went on a lovely adventure not too long ago. An adventure through a part of BC that I had not yet experienced. The landscape and view were breathtakingly big. And though not really a little person, I did in fact notice that by comparison, I am quite small for a tall girl.

It is a difficult notion to grasp that through faith the size of a mustard seed not only am I able to move mountains, but in fact nothing is impossible for me.  (Matt 17:20) I know that in my own strength and power I am possibly able to move a tree on a mountain. With some equipment I may be able to move several trees at once, even fell them. But through the power of the Holy Spirit I am able to move not just the trees but the mountain beneath both figuratively and literally.

Have you seen mountains? Canadian mountains? They are quite ... well, large really.

Being in the presence of such enormity inspires wonder and awe regardless of ones belief system. At such times I wish I could capture and hold that feeling of wonder, that moment of time, that impressive and supernatural beauty. Not just of pictures but the more that we can't quite get a handle on.

Sometimes I am wildly taking pictures trying to seize and keep what I see, distracting myself from the fact that I cannot. That it is more than what I see, more than what I feel, but a longing which cannot, I think, truly be satisfied in this place or this time. I agree with CS Lewis who wrote in Mere Christianity "If we discover a desire within us that nothing in this world can satisfy, ... we should begin to wonder if perhaps we were created for another world."

courtesy of Allison, whose hand eye coordination is excellent especially when it comes to capturing moments

and mountains

The sweetest things in life I think are those which we cannot possess. Friendship and love, time and beauty, tastes, sounds, experiences, dreams. That which can be owned is soon less valuable, forgotten, broken, replaced. And the very fact that we are always wanting even when we have received so much of what we desired, is a sure sign that there is something appealing to us in the hoping for or expecting of, which is lost when what was sought is held. Sadly, forgive this thought, it just came to me, we are like dogs chasing squirrels, not knowing what to do with what we catch.

Funny, I had intended to tell you all about my trip in the mountains. I suppose the next holiday, the next road trip, the next plan seems much more exciting than that which has happened. I rarely tire of discussing my plans before they happen, but unless a story is really good, there is a limit to wanting to tell it. And strangely it is mostly the moments we wouldn't want to relive that make the best stories. Wish I had taken a picture of my friend Allison and I making KD mac and cheese on the side of the road, in the dark, with big trucks relentlessly passing a bit too near and a bit too fast for comfort.

Thank God for the value in the moments and experiences that we cannot possess.

eat your pickles

Sometimes, we needlessly get into pickles.

For instance, rushing about so that I could get out the door quicker I left my wallet behind. Realizing that I had forgotten my wallet, I ran back inside, decided to change my pants, grabbed my wallet, slammed the door and off I ran to the car. The clever little red car waiting with it's driver door open. I sit in my seat, buckle myself in, reach for the keys in the ignition... Oh that's right I had to unlock the door.

Realization hits like a brick.

Yes, I did just lock my house and car keys in the house. Now that is a pickle.

What are my options?
Sonic screw driver? Who but the doctor has one of those?
Neighbours? Not home.
Windows? oh bother.

So with little skill but much determination I find a partly opened window. Destroy the screen trying to remove it. Dive head first through with my red shoe clad feet kicking wildly out the window simultaneously trying to maintain balance and ease myself forward so as not to break my neck or any other part of me.

Sometimes I do wish I had the skills of a cat burglar. But then of course I picture myself being a little less awkward, and obviously clothed all in black, sliding in and rolling into a sommersault before soundlessly springing to my feet again. And while I did not in fact break any part of me, my entrance was neither sleek nor graceful. But I got the keys and carried on my merry way.

To further illustrate the point that rushing for the most part saves you no time, and can end up slowing down the rest of the world, let me tell you about a recent holiday experience. A friend and I had taken some time off to celebrate the last of summer and were touring the hot springs circle route in BC.

We were on the fourth day of a five day trip. The trip up to this point had been both exhillerating and relaxing. We took our time, had some adventures, and did our fair share of soaking. But it was day four, I was (I hate to admit) a bit cranky, and a bit frustrated that we were not as far along as I had intended. But, we had had fun up until this point, we had done the things we wanted to do and seen the things we wanted to see, and I had to let it go. So I did. I let my friend drive for a bit, and tried to snooze it off. Then I realized we were coming to a stop.

Had I slept the remainder of the trip away? What luck! Oh, no...

please note the line of cars ahead and behind

There was a huge, huge line up of cars ahed of us. And those that were passing in the other direction were wildly signaling us with gestures that indicated length. Not really understanding, we accepted our fate, turned off the vehicle and waited. We only had to turn on the car to creep forward every 20 minutes or so. For an hour we did this. And then another. Both of us were badly needing to pee by the end of the second hour and seizing an opportunity we left the line to use an obliging neighbours' toilet. I freely admit that I am a city girl when it comes to squating. Especially with the potential for so many onlookers. No thank you.

It's also there that we found out what was happening. A careening logging truck had overturned, and while the road crews were doing the clean up they were allowing only one direction of traffic to pass at a time. The driver was injured and had to be taken to hospital in an ambulance. Our host assured us that we were coming to the end of the line soon. We thanked her, and got back into line.

It's true, we were near the end of the line. Unfortunately because we had gotten out of line to go the toilet, we were now close enough to see the scene, but stuck there as they closed both lanes of traffic to finish the log removal with greater safety as darkness descended.

When we did finally get through the 48km stretch 3 and bit hours later it was dark. We had had time to set up our camping stove and make KD on the side of the road. And tea. Albeit, it was a bit awkward when the traffic started moving again and we were camped on the side of the highway. But we had at least eaten.

From thence we drove to the nearest town and got a hotel room instead of putting up the tent. And do you know what? It was the best sleep I had had all week. Sometimes, actually often, things don't go the way we plan, and they bring unexpected obstacles into our paths. And it can turn out ok. So eat your pickles and don't get into them.

mosquito moments

The other night, after hours of tv, I had just read a little and prayed a little, turned out my lights and snuggled in for the night.
Lying still, anticipating sleep, I was dive bombed by a mosquito! It's little drone approaching my ear canal at top speed and pulling up just short of a crash landing, I'm certain. I flail about whacking myself, my pillow, and my blankets frantically, hoping that I'll get lucky and knock the enemy from the sky.
Then, of course, lying still...
Maybe if I ignore it, it will go away.

After all, mosquito bites aren't that bad.


The drone starts again.
I try to ignore it, be still, ignore it, be still, ignore it, it's getting close; I flail.
The droning has stopped.


Maybe I got it?


Did I get it?


Is that it?


Can I hear it?


Lie still, concentrate; can I hear it?

This is the most still I have been all day.

Is this the kind of still that I am supposed to be when I'm being still and knowing that God is God?

GAH! I hear it again!
I tear off the covers, stomp (unsuccessfully because of the carpet of clothing on my floor) to the light, flick it on. Search the skies (my ceiling) with an intensely hostile glare for my nemesis. Locate him high in a corner, follow his flight with unrelenting focus, and kill him with no regrets whatsoever.

Ok, not so biblical, but really, how often am I still? Really still? And listening for my God as intensely as I listened for that mosquito?

Ps 46:10

blessings from the raspberry bush

Raspberry picking is my new favorite sport, as it provides ample time for introspection and excellent fruits for my labour. Sure you come out of it a little scratched, a little stained, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

So, not long ago, there I was, all ready to pick some berries. Wearing the proper gear; a bucket attached to a belt around my waist for hands free picking, and of course a cowboy hat to shield my head from the sun, I enter "the zone", and focus on my objective - berries.

Picture, if you can, a beautiful blue skied, sun filled afternoon, with just enough breeze to ruffle your hair and make the temperature comfortable. There, just ahead, stands this beautiful green bush laden with perfect award winning just ripe for the picking red gems. Gorgeous juicy pre smoothie material, and cereal topping beauties, and raspberry pie filling not from a can... it's almost enough to make me lose my focus, a bounty so plentiful!

Now what you should know about raspberry picking is that; if you only pick from one angle you miss out on a lot. So if you're standing there, looking down and becoming frustrated because you know from standing at a distance that there are more berries, take a deep breath and remember, those berries aren't going to come to you. I move in slowly, stealthily, and it begins.

Raspberry picking is actually a lovely metaphor for life when you think about it. Once you're standing in the midst of the bush, you only see the most obvious blessings, you somehow forget that there are many more blessings that you must look for to find. While some take some getting to, some only require the lifting of a few leaves, or changing your perspective.

When frustrated by the little you have compared to what you know is around you (still while picking the berries) it is our tendency to rush down the line to where the berries are easier to get to, larger, juicier, definitely better...

Instead of searching earnestly where you are at and taking advantage of what is before you.

It may come as a shock or a disappointment to realize that the berries are different, but not necessarily bigger, nor better, nor more and surprisingly still require as much work. The added insult is the sad fact that since you have rushed, you've missed out on what was there where you were, and suddenly you're a little more scratched and stained than previously.

It is a lesson better learned in the raspberry bush that life's blessings, are for the moment you're currently in, do require some effort but are worthy of being enjoyed while you're there. And so, my juicy delicious red muse leads me here... to where I am thankful to the God who "gives rain in its' season, so that the land will yield its produce and the trees of the field will bear their fruit. "(Lev 26:4)