It Feels Like Home
Do you have places that feel like “home?”
It may not be the place where you currently live. There are several places I know I could live – but the one where I consistently feel most at home in Canada is Vancouver and Vancouver Island.
Saturday morning my granddaughter and I woke up in Vancouver. We left -35 Celsius and stepped out into +6 Celsius. Now I know that for those of you living in places where the sun actually works, plus 6 C is nothing to brag about. But for us, we were over the moon with no snow, no boots, no sheepskin mittens plus signs of spring.
Signs of Spring
As we walked down the hill towards Olympic Village and Burrard Inlet we spotted snowdrops in bloom, daffodils and tulip shoots; buds on a magnolia tree…even a pansy. I could feel spring fever sneaking up on me and brightening my spirit. The air was amazing, the coastal mountains were glistening and I was sure I could walk all day long, so great was my delight.
Everywhere we looked we saw walkers, runners and cyclists of all ages.
It has been a decade at lease since I was here in January and I had convinced myself that grey and rainy days were all one could expect. Not true. Grey and overcast with fog in the morning followed by sunshine and blue skies in the afternoon. However, the forgotten memory was the ease in which we could step outside and go for a walk with the magnificent backdrop of coastal mountains. This is not to be taken for granted.
21 Days of Hopefulness
Sometimes in life we all need a lift. Returning to a place that feels like home, can work its magic. Naturally going to a brand new place is exhilerating but during these times it is easier to stay inside our own borders. And although familiar, we see it as if for the first time. Seeing new sights, hearing new sounds, doing different things, interacting with new people all inspire a fresh look at the world, and each day something to look forward too.
Travel
Travel is one of the recommendations for people struggling with cancer, in fact, most illness. It’s not always easy yet it is almost always rewarding. Our immune systems, as reflected in our spirits, get to light up and shake off the dust of inertia and weariness.
I love being with my granddaughter on this adventure and intentionally noticing the beautiful gifts of nature. We are creating memories that will be with us for our entire lives. It’s a bit like playing hookie or colouring outside the lines. And we get to do this with our wonderful extended family and friends who are all eager to play with us.
Making Memories
Sometimes life invites us to put aside the practical and to revel in the beauty, love, and fun that warms our hearts. Reminders of the wonders of life and why it is necessary to cast off, now and then. I have regrets in my life but this won’t be one of them.
Making memories with my beautiful granddaughter for 21 days is the reason I am here. Let’s not postpone important things.
“Time is not money. Time is life, Time is love.” Thich Nhat Hanh (October 11, 1926 – Jan 22, 2022)
Notes
1:) Photos – banner photo Sophie; yellow frog and Tree Top Walk Uncle Rob; Water taxi -me
2:) “People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don’t even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child—our own two eyes. All is a miracle.” ―
3:) Thank you for visiting my blog, week after week. With deep appreciation and all my best wishes for your health, restfulness and moments of joy. See you next week, Trudy