Everything Worked Even When it Didn’t
Tout Fini
It is a wonderful gift to go on a long road trip and arrive safely home as planned. This is not always the case. I saw at least one accident everyday and if you read Canadian news you know there was a weather catastrophe on Cape Breton Island. I was fortunate to leave the Cabot Trail two days before the weather made a number of roads I had just traveled on, impassable. I don’t take this for granted as it could have been otherwise.
Yes, there were minor complications but they all got rectified and I experienced so many delightful moments that are still vivid in my memory bank.
Kamouraska
The last 1100 km back to Ottawa were amazing. To start with I had a family member accompanying me, which made a big difference. We split the drive in two and spent one night in the most charming, picturesque and historic village on the St Lawrence River estuary. Let me be clear that this is the only village I have visited on the south shore of the St Lawrence and I want to return. It was settled around 1692 and the ancestral homes are all unique, and captivating with their vibrant colours. I am showing you one sweet home just to have a peak. It isn’t the most elegant but I loved it.
The population is less than 700, yet they have several fine restaurants, one of which is a three star Michelin. People are friendly, the walks are lovely and there was something new every few metres to capture my attention. Along with the countryside, fields of gold and green, and the blue of the St Lawrence and Charlevoix mountains in the backdrop, I could not help exclaiming every two minutes.
Let’s say it was a beautiful ending to an already wonderful road trip, which means I drove in beauty and peace for most of two weeks, and got to spend time with loving family and friends along the way. What could be better!
Yesterday, I conked out by 8:30 PM; hence the reason you didn’t receive my blog. I was pretty sure you would not mind. All of this and still a few days to my actual birthday. I am really making the most of this year. :-))
I do hope this note finds you well and enjoying the autumn weather. I will get down to business next week but for now I am joyfully exploiting my upcoming 80th. And I hope all of you do the same – not just your 80th, but every birthday. It is a privilege, a gift, a lucky break to still keep having a birthday. I don’t take it for granted. And I want to thank all of you for contributing so very much to my joy in waking up each morning. With endless appreciation, and love, Trudy
PS The banner photo is from a small and charming Village in NB called St Martin’s. These typical old maritime boats with their familiarity, always capture my attention. Thank you Sonya.
PPS my poet friend wrote a poem for my birthday and I will share it here. I love it.
Endless Summers
Even now, long after childhood,
summer days can return to me
to that sense of endless time,
long days of blistering sun burning
my Coppertoned skin, no thought
to the future, cooling relief of running
through sprinklers casting rainbows,
picnics of peanut butter sandwiches and
Oreos, bicycle trips to the corner store
for penny candy earned collecting empties,
noisy lawnmowers spewing that heady
scent of just-cut grass. I lived those days
in my body, moment to moment, and when
the night sky darkened, there were constellations
of fireflies and stars, silken air on bath-fresh skin,
listening as cicadas and crickets lulled me
into the guileless wonder of a child’s sleep.
to awaken next morning and begin it all again.
by Janice Falls
Love the boat pictures – the Bay of Fundy, correct? And that charming house. So glad that you made it safe and sound, and had a wonderful rest of your journey. In case I forget, happy birthday!! that poem is a precious gift. Enjoy your day, week, month,! A big hug, Mary
Thank you Mary. I am even slower than usual answering these precious comments. I appreciate you taking the time to write and your kind words. Grateful, Trudy
Glad you are home safely and that you had so many beautiful experiences. In case my world goes topsy turvy will be sending you a huge birthday hug on September 13th dear friend. I remember celebrating mine during Covid and showing my special birthday mask and sharing a piece of cake on our Friday get together.
Thank you dear Jean. You are my hero. Im had a great birthday. Gratefully, Trudy
Congratulations on completing your trip and safe return. What an inspiration you are!
Love, xoxo Yoshie
Thank you dear Yoshie. It is lovely to receive these message. Grateful, Trudy
So happy to hear some highlights of your trip, welcome back dear Trudy. I am honoured you have chosen to share my poem, thank you. Look forward to seeing you soon. xoxoxo
Oh Janice, many thanks.I LOVE your poem. Maybe Saturday morning? Grateful, Trudy
Glad you’re safely home, Trudy, and what a lovely adventure! Is south of the St. Lawrence in the US? How sad I am about the conflict between our two beloved countries.
The poem is delightful. May your actual birthday Sunday be a holy celebration of a wonderful women’s life! Happy birthday, good lady and friend.
Thank you dear Carol.We were on the south side of the St, Lawrence which is still in Quebec but not that far from the US border. Maybe three hours. I had a wonderful birthday and thank you for your good wishes. With gratitude, Trudy
Happy 80th tomorrow Trudy! 🎉🤸🏾♂️ So glad I got to see you, if even briefly, before your journey to NS. Glad you are safe home – as am I.
Georgie
Dear Georgie: Thank you for your greetings. I hope you had a good trip and glad you are safely home again. Gratefully, Trudy
One day late – but I am sure, you, dear Trudy, will take my heartfelt “Happy Birthday” as if I said it yesterday;-)
Have many more summers and keep your good spirit (I am positive, you will).
Hope to see you again one day:-)
Big hug
Sabine
Dear Sabine: Thank you dear friend. I look forward to many more summers and in the meantime we enjoy each day as it appears. “Each day is the first day.” With gratitude, Trudy