Starting Early
Let’s Meet at Sunrise
We have a birthday tradition on the west coast -we get up early enough to enjoy the pre-dawn light and watch the sunrise. Last week on the 13th was my son Rob’s birthday, so we all woke with the birds and headed for the beach with mugs of hot coffee.
There is something special about this ritual. Yet, we don’t do it here in Ottawa. I think it has to do with the easy access to nature – no cars are required. We step outside and are immersed in the beauty of the sky, ocean, forest, eagles, coastal mountains and the air. Beauty all around. Noone complains about the early hour because we are all bursting with awe and wonder no matter where we look.
Rituals
We make birthday toasts and splurge with our words, offering wishes galore. And then, as the sun rises on the horizon, we grow quiet. (for a bit) This exact same place is where we celebrated my Mother when she died three years ago, and we continue to do so. A mysterious thing happens when we have a ritual: a place- a few words- a particular time of day… something coalesces, and we come together meaningfully.
Yet, when we get together for a week, it is actually exhausting, and it takes another week to recover—especially getting from Vancouver to two islands with two sets of ferries in the summertime and back again. And especially for the ones hosting us. They are left with laundry, beds to be taken down, dishes and pots and other “lost” items to be found again, and their orderly lives askew.
Still, there is nothing quite like coming together in person. There is never enough time, and it is always worth the effort.
Memories
When I look back on these ten days, what stands out the most are the people – Rob’s Birthday; the walks in the city; water taxies; the sea air everywhere; strolling to the point to watch the sunsets; walking the labyrinth; sunrise on the 13th; Rowan’s delight with the west coast; the Tea House; the ability to do my Wellspring webinar without bringing my computer; my friend ironing my clothes; the vegetables; watching a most beautiful film with friends at 8:00 AM on Saturday morning…so many small joys and moments when I noticed and felt the caring we all had for each other.
The Rudbeckia and the Bee
And here is a little something I can share with you. This was captured by Gottfried a few days after we left the Island:
VIDEO-2023-07-19-15-55-33 less than one minute (The cones they harvest – right now for themselves- are full when they start. The bee works in perfect circles, and later you can see their legs filled with them, like big sacks.)
NOTES
1:) What summertime rituals or traditions do you have that create memories and meaning?
2:) A bittersweet aspect of my trip to the west coast was not having enough time to see special friends as much as I longed to. And the joy of waking up in the morning beside the sea with those loved ones who were there.
3:) I learned this morning that my friend’s former son-in-law died quickly of a heart attack while hiking. He turned 54 on July 3rd. (My son turned 54 on July 13th) It reminds us that we don’t want to take anything for granted. Each moment is a treasure.
4:) May you find what you love and do it—summertime fun. See you next week, and thank you for taking the time to read my posts. Warmest wishes, Trudy
What a beautiful way to start the day —- reading your post in the wee hours of the morning. Thank you Trudy!
Yeah Margaret. I know you are familiar with the San Juan Islands so you can have a sense of what our Gulf Islands are like. Thank you. Trudy
I loved this post, Trudy. I can totally picture so much of what you described on Gabe. I spent my honeymoon there in 1967 in an old log cabin that David’s father built. That marriage didn’t survive but my love for the island is still strong.
Thank you Terri. What a lovely note. It is special that you know I’m not exaggerating when I write about Gabriola. Lots of good wishes. Trudy
What a magical time you had Trudy, full of enthusiasm as only you can express! So happy for you and I want to hear more details so let’s go walking soon 🙂 xoxox
Yes. A walk is in order. Maybe on this weekend. Big hugs, Trudy
We loved having Trudy and family with us for a week. Their enthusiasm for everything was infectious.
However Trudy’s grandson stole our hearts…he can cook, fix computers, play the piano, loves rowing… he taught Jim how to make macaroons and is only 13 years old! We can’t wait for them to come back.
WOW! What a loving and kind note to receive! Thank you Sheila and Jim. We all deeply appreciate you and you definitely enhanced Rowan’s westcoast trip. We can’t wait to get back. Love, Trudy
Trudy,
Thanks for sharing 19 seconds of wonder.
Wendy
Wasn’t it wonderful. Expect another one as the cycle progresses. Thanks Wendy. Warmly, trudy
Thank you for sharing you holiday and family time.
You are a true islander.
Thank you dear Karen. I confess I miss the sea breeze, the arbutus and the wonderful people.gentle hugs, Trudy
BEAUTIFUL blog. What a wonderful ritual in which you have awesome moment! When we go mountains we check the time and the direction of sunrise for the next morning.
Thank you dear Yoshie. I learn alot from my Japanese friends about ritual. You are kind to go to the trouble of communicating in English. Sumimasen.
What an Amazing trip we had! Never enough time, and always worth the effort 🙂
Thank you dear Meghan. Sorry I am so late replying. 🥲 As I was for a few people this week. I am useless in the heat.
Thank you for sharing Trudy. You’re fortunate to have a loving and suportive family. Happy for you
Dear Kathryn: you are so right about my family and I am forever grateful and never take them for granted, even when we are sometimes “ridiculous.”😊