The long view

It was a picture-perfect evening for a walk. A stiff breeze blew through the trees, clouds billowed like heavenly cotton candy at the foot of the mountains to the west. Ellie and I walked in the sunshine, our gait sure as we travelled the path we travel every day. East along the ridge of the reservoir and then west, back towards the parking lot where we began.

Being with Ellie on any path, reminds me always to see the world through fresh eyes. She is eager to begin. Always excited by every step. She doesn’t care that we’ve walked this path hundreds of times. She only cares that she is outside, exploring the big wide world, experiencing life beyond the confines of our home. She sniffs and investigates as if she’s never been or seen this place before. Each blade of grass calls her anew, each fresh scent beckons with tantalizing aromas she must explore. Ellie does not know the word, ‘bored’.

Ellie’s Friends

Last night as we walked, we rounded a corner and came upon a group of artists painting the view from the top. They are part of the Friends of the Weaselhead, preparing canvases for a showing in the spring. Each had their own take on the view, their own style, their own interpretation. Realism. Cubism. Abstract, they each interpreted what they saw through their own unique style.

Les Artistes

Like each of us. Seeing the world through our own unique perspective, filtering life through our own experiences, ideas, values and beliefs. Where one sees darkness, the other sees the light. Where one sees the shadows, the other sees the angles where the sun hits.

Ellie and I had a delightful walk last night. The sun cast shadows upon the path. Summer was in full bloom along the trail. Sailboats scuttled across the water, looking for the perfect gust of wind to carry it further and faster. Families gathered around picnic tables sharing food and laughter. Bicyclists sped by. Two stopped, called out our names and Ellie, her whole body writhing with joy, bounded over to say hello. It was her favourite friend, Dejana and her boyfriend Mike. When C.C. and I were in San Francisco, Dejana, a long-time friend of my daughters who is currently writing her Masters thesis, came and stayed at the house. Ellie was in heaven. All day company. Many walks. Tons of affection, and buckets of treats. Seeing Dejana made the walk extra perfect in Ellie’s mind. She got hugs and pets and lots of attention. what could be better than that?

Catching the wind

It was a perfect evening for a walk last night and as Ellie and I meandering along the path I said a prayer of gratitude for the beauty of the evening, the wonder of the world and the joy within my heart.

Ellie the Wonder Pooch

Seeing the world through fresh eyes every day makes a difference.
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Today’s Peace Poem is The Way.