OH! To have had an audio tape! I used to make my own tapes. I read aloud late at night, staying slightly ahead of the students. Dandelion Wine is my favourite book. Take a listen, if you have 9 hours to spend, just sitting still, or while you’re working in your studio, just listen. You will learn to take pause, if you let this book’s lessons sink through the tough shell that has become your busy life and settle on your heart.
This post is about Chapter 21 and Douglas’s loss of his dear friend, John Huff. I guess if you are the daughter of a military man, this might even mean more.
Taking your time and noticing is what this post is all about. As one pours on the years, one realizes that in order to slow things down, one needs to start noticing.
I was hot and sweaty and cleaning out the paint buckets that I had used with grade ones, painting that day, when I heard my cell phone ding.
My friend, Michael, had sent a text that he’d like to drop by. I thought immediately that we might go to the pond, with Max, and enjoy what was left of the beautiful day. I rushed, swirling the pink water out of brushes and buckets, returned my tools to the storage closet and was out and on my way.
Mike was sitting on the steps when I arrived and Max’s nose was lifted, sniffing against the window.
A quick change into play clothes and we were off to the pond! Michael patiently observed the life and light of the water, the clouds and the life surrounding this special place. It was so nice to have a witness to Frank’s Flats and the place that I know so well.
Michael is always taking amazing photographs, but rarely appears in any of them. I like that he looks out at the world! No selfies for this guy! So, on this outing, I would be witness to his life!
We enjoyed the explorations of baby coots. I took my photo of the bush. And then we were on our way for the next adventure. Some time ago, I had seen one remarkable photograph on Michael’s social media archive. He told me that it was taken at McKinnon’s Flats. I asked if ever he went back, would I be able to join him? This was the day. Here’s the photograph that inspired the request!
Photo Credit: Michael Colette
I didn’t stay left on 22X and so we ended up going north on Stoney Trail. That was okay! Meant to be! We began our slow enjoyable zig zag across the rural landscape, making our way, with ease, back south to McKinnon’s Flats. I saw a bird I had never seen! And the light and wonder of it all was very enjoyable.
The sandpiper…
Michael’s photograph….from this location…truly captured the magic!
Photo Credit: Michael Collette
The panorama view that opened up as we began our descent into the valley, at river’s edge, was spectacular. Next time, I will document that. It took my breath away.
Once at the river’s edge, Michael pulled out our picnic food. A refreshing potato salad filled with the flavours of fresh veg and lovely dressing…and an icy cold hibiscus drink, so refreshing! Max observed, but was hungry to be free of his leash and to explore the water’s edge. It wasn’t long until I did just that.
The stretch of walk we took, saw zillions of little moths lighting up the already-electric air. We chatted about photography and light and the sky the entire way. Out of nowhere about 75 striking white pelicans, hung on the air just above our heads. I grabbed my camera and snapped this wee instant as a documentation of the memory, that in no way, captures the intensity of the moment. We decided, standing still above the river, that this moment was meant just for the two of us…two good friends enjoying evening light.
In order to really gather up my life, I need to do this. Slow down. Watch light. Treasure friendship, my children, my family. Listen to music. Make art. Write.
I am grateful for the inspired invitation to go for a Sunday drive on Friday. Everything that I had planned for the evening, went out the window. And it was exactly as it should be. My life is a blessed life.
