We are home.

After a relatively uneventful day of travelling we are back on the other side of the country, nestled in our home city at the foot of the Rockies. As we drove in from the airport last night I commented on the most striking difference between Calgary and Ottawa — there are no trees. As we travelled down the Deerfoot Highway into city centre, no trees lined the freeway. No trees meandered up hillsides. No trees shed leaves.

It is a stark difference between Ottawa. There, as we drove into the city and connected to the airport freeway, trees lined the roadways, hillsides, everywhere. And all of them were changing colour — except for the conifers of course. They were still dark green and fully dressed for winter.

This is a prairie city. Though the Rockies are just a short 45 minute drive to the west, here, the plains spill out onto the wide open prairies where winds and time scour the landscape leaving few trees standing amidst a view that goes on into tomorrow.

It is a stunning juxtaposition. Verdant valleys and hillsides on one side of the country, sparse windswept prairies on the western slopes.

To get the long view erase the trees. To see into tomorrow, keep the landscape sparse.

Yesterday, before we left I walked down to the dock and soaked in the silence and beauty of the water. I wandered up the trail into the woods, stepped over twigs and rocks, meandered around fallen branches and stood beneath towering pines. It was misty. Cloudy. Magical. Chipmunks chattered. Birds flit amongst the leaves. Sweet song rising in the morning light.

My hostess and I took a jaunt over to an artist’s studio to pay tribute to his works — stunning icons Janusz Charczuk creates in the style of the old masters. I must use gold leaf, he told me, in order to be faithful to the tradition of the icon and to glorify God. His beautiful log cabin studio, tucked into the woods, is  a peaceful oasis that invites the soul to rest, to breathe deeply, to revel in the beauty of the world all around.

And then we were off. Bags full. Car packed. We hit the road and drove west to Ottawa.

And now we’re home.

and the highlight of the day…. as we flew westward the Northern Lights danced across the horizon to the north. As we drove home, sheets of green and yellow and white light shimmered in the night, lighting up the sky in a technicolor display of majesty.

It was stunning and a much appreciated welcome home!

I am tired this morning. Our flight was delayed an hour and a half out of Toronto. What should have been an 8:30 arrival into Calgary turned into 10pm. Baggage. Car. Drive home and it was after 11 when we got to bed.

And now, a busy day ahead. Much to do. Much to organize, create, experience.

As I downloaded my photos this morning from my iPhone I looked in awe of where I was yesterday to where I am today. There is beauty all around. Being home. Being in my own bed. Being greeted by Ellie (who is still sulking btw — the wonder pooch doesn’t like it when I go away). All of this makes for beauty of its own nature.

Yesterday, I walked in the trees and stood by the water and breathed into the silence of the world around me.

Today, I breathe into the quiet of this early morning hour letting the silence and familiar comfort of my home settle upon me like the morning mists upon the lake.

I have a busy day ahead.

It isn’t the places I go that make the difference. It’s the joy I breathe into where ever I am that creates the greatest joy in my life.

Yesterday I was immersed in autumn leaves falling. Today, I am immersed in my everyday life, my spirits lifted by my sojourn by the lake, my heart full with time spent laughing, sharing, being with people I love.

Life is good. And that makes all the difference in the world.