Victory in Victoria (misleading title)

I have a special story that happened in beautiful Victoria shortly after my arrival yesterday. I want to tell you about it, but I need some time to get it right, so tonight isn’t the night. Instead, I will share a prose poem that reflects my lifelong love of books, poems, and essays — all things word-related.

Just before I came out west, I received a word gift from a special friend. As some of you know, I often refer to my favourite authors as my good friends, whom I haven’t met.  What I mean is that I resonate with the words they string together so powerfully in books. Their words have helped me, inspired me and changed me. The author feels like a best friend.

And now I have a few lines of prose from a book of essays titled Upstream, by Mary Oliver that perfectly explain my sentiments.

“Wherever I’ve lived my room and soon the entire house is filled with books; poems, stories, histories, prayers of all kinds stand up gracefully or are heaped on shelves, on the floor, on the bed. Strangers old and new offering their words bountifully and thoughtfully, lifting my heart.

But, wait! I’ve made a mistake! how could these makers of so many books that have given so much to my life—how could they possibly be strangers? M.O.”

This explains my response to me –

How could these makers of so many books that have given so much to my life—how could they possibly be strangers?”

This love of books has been with me since early childhood. When I had a house fire a few decades ago, and I was being pushed to replace things, I started with books. And the books that influence me, well, I feel a kinship with the authors. Thank you, Mary and Emma, along with all the authors who have impacted my life.

This afternoon, I was invited to visit Butchart Gardens –

“a 121-year-old world-famous 55-acre display garden located in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia. Created by Jennie Butchart, and still privately owned and operated by the family, The Gardens was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2004 for its one hundredth birthday.” It has been over fifteen years since I have been back to these gardens, and it was sheer pleasure. Beauty everywhere, and a stillness that felt harmonious, even with all the visitors.

I am here now for 35 hours and and each of those hours, I have been thoroughly spoiled with good food, good company, good conversation, good sleep and the sheer beauty of trees, flowers and sea air. Is this not happiness! Thank you, Helga and friends.

Still, I am not completely on PT. It is 10:10 PM here, which means it is 1:10 AM Ottawa time. I guess this explains my overwhelming desire to close my eyes, so I will bid you good night.

Notes

1:) All photos are from Butchart this week. 

2:) May you persevere in all that needs doing, and consider a non-judgemental attitude towards yourself as you put one foot in front of the other, day by day.

3:) A big thank you for reading this blog. And I will tell you my story next week.  For those of you who are at the end of your rope, may I recommend advice from my mother: “Tie a knot and hang on. There may be good news just around the corner.” All my best wishes for our new month of August. Warmly, Trudy