Clouds (And Yes .. Hiking!)

Today's post was going to be about hiking, but the cloud formation I witnessed today was just incredible, I had to make them the central subject of the post.  The hike was overshadowed - pardon the pun - by the clouds!

I noticed the clouds before even getting onto the highway.  A blanket of clouds hovering low over the earth, coloured in alternating blue-grey and white, and with seemingly set channels or ridges on an east-west pattern.  It was mesmerizing, almost to the point of eery.

Along the highway I was captivated by the juxtaposition of colours: greens, yellows, blues, various shades of grey, and white.

Once I arrived at the Wascana trails, the sky opened up somewhat.  In the picture below, there's clear sky to the south (right side of the picture), and a blanket of thick clouds that resemble a big wave crashing on the beach on the north-east.

I didn't know what to expect in terms of hiking, but was pleasantly surprised not only by these trails, but also by the surrounding landscapes.  The trails, about 15 kms worth, criss-cross a valley that at this time of the year is lush with hundreds of shades of green.  A river traverses the bottom of the valley, with one bridge providing the crossing point between the two sides.

 The view, standing atop the valley.

Lunch, riverside.

For the next few weeks there are no hikes for me, but two weekends from now I'm going to Grasslands National Park.  That should be amazing.

Snowbirds

Over the past few days - probably because of the festivities surrounding Canada Day - the Snowbirds have been flying over our city late in the afternoon.  On my way home from work I was able to take a picture of them flying right over me.

Back At Home

 It sounds strange calling the prairies home.  Maybe one day it'll feel like home...

 

Around 10am Eric dropped by my parents' place this morning, and after a brief check-in with them, Eric and I got into his classic BMW car, and off to Milestones for brunch we went.

It was good to reconnect with him after a few months.  He has had his share of struggle too, on a number of fronts...

In the afternoon Ralph came over to mom and dad's, so we hung out a bit before they dropped me off at the airport.

My flight back to the prairies was quiet and smooth.  I arrived at home close to midnight.  Good thing I don't start work until 11am on Tuesdays...

Oh yeah: Happy Canada Day!

Fútbol and Family

After a dreadful end last night to what was otherwise a good day, I thought I wasn't going to get a good sleep, but as has so often been the case this past year, even after a horrible day, I am able to close my eyes at night and somehow, mysteriously, my troubles disappear for the duration of the sleep.

Miraculously, the following morning I wake up rejuvenated, refreshed, renewed, and revitalized.   That was the case again today.  It didn't last long - about 2 hours - but it's true, I did wake up reinvigorated this morning.

Marty woke up around the same time I did, close to 9am and promptly continued exercising his selfless hospitality towards me.  Coffee.  Bagels.  Roasted vegetables.  Fruit salad.  Juice.  So humbling...

We began watching the Uruguay-Italia game.  Halfway through the game Ruth woke up too - definitely not an early riser - and joined our soccer-centric conversation.  I was cheering for Uruguay.  They lost.

I then said goodbye to them both, but not before sharing with them a little bit of my relational journey this past year.  More empathy.  More compassion.

I then made my way to Abbotsford.  Heavy-hearted.  Burdened.

Upon arrival at home I began watching the Brasil-España game.  To my dismay, Brazil won.  Most of my family was cheering for Brazil.  I wasn't.  Some accused me of being biased because of my recent positive experience on the Camino in Spain.  Yes, true, and?  I wish they would also accuse me of liking Spain because of the beautiful fútbol they play!

In fairness though, Brazil played an amazing game.  My friend Tati from Aracaju - though she dislikes soccer - should be proud of her nation's performance: if Brazil play like this in the World Cup next year, they will be a hard team to beat.  It was a beautiful fútbol symphony...

From the game to the table.  Lunch time.  What would our family do without mom and dad's never-ending expressions of hospitality and love?  I don't know.  Things quite possibly would just fall apart.

Another feast.  Sopa paraguaya.  Bbq'd ribs and chicken.  Scalloped potatoes.  Wackelpeter.  The list is endless.  Thank you for family, Lord.

Tomorrow I am meeting Eric for brunch.  He's driving out to Abbotsford.  Then, at 5pm, I return to Regina.

Highs And Lows

I woke up this morning with great enthusiasm: on the agenda was nothing less than heading towards Whistler and hike to Garibaldi Lake.  Five us - Sanjit, Alfonso, his girlfriend Marilu, Shane, and I - met at my place at 8am, we piled into my dad's SUV, and away we went. We arrived at the trail head around 10am, and began hiking shortly thereafter.

Having hiked a few times in the prairies, I must say that I really enjoy the deep forests and lush greens of BC hikes.  I also like foot paths that indicate the direction one is to go, and finally, I do like the elevation changes.  Today's hike, for example, had more or less a 1km elevation change on the 9km hike up.

Hiking the prairies has a different feel to it, with vast open skies and flat lands all around and with less up and downs.  The panorama is always vast, immense.    In a sense it also has a more "wild" aspect to it, in that trails are not set.  The ranger at Nicolle Flats told us "Go where you want to go", so in other words, there's no set trail, you can make your own trail.  That aspect has its own appeal, I imagine, but at this point, I prefer walking paths.  There's something deeply satisfying in knowing where one is to go, it gives me a clear sense of direction.  There's something very comforting in following the footsteps of others...

At places such as Garibaldi I'm always struck by the delicate interaction and balance of creation.  In the picture below, there's a tremendous amount of trust the bird places on Marilu.  As she extended her hand with a morsel of bread, the bird came and landed right on it.  He didn't stay there for long, flying off just as soon as he'd grabbed a hold of the tiny piece of bread.  And I'm sure this bird's experienced similar hospitality from other hikers and that's why he took the risk and sat on her hand, but still, witnessing these moments is awe-inspiring and beautiful.

We arrived at the top around 1pm, ate our lunch, and then around 2pm we began our descent.  We hiked 18kms in total, arriving back at the parking lot around 5:30.  Tired.  The downhill portion was especially exhausting on my legs.

While the hike was good, I admit that overall, I was a little disappointed.  The water levels were much lower than I expected, meaning that we didn't see lots of waterfalls trickling throughout the hike; in particular, the big waterfall that I saw last year just upon arrival at the lake, was non-existent.  Furthermore, the colour of the water wasn't that rich teal either (I know, could it be any worse!?).  And overall, the hike just didn't have the same feeling of fulfillment as last year's did.  Not sure why.

In the evening Alfonso and Marilu extended great hospitality to us and invited us over for dinner.  Shane didn't come, but Sanjit and I went over and we had a nice evening of food and wine.

I managed to mess up what was otherwise a decent day, by visiting Jennifer at the end of the evening.  My intentions were good: I went in peace.  But I got derailed, badly.  Accusations.  Bitterness.  Anger.  Even judgment.  All towards her.  And as so often happens when you judge another person, you feel judged yourself.  Scales are lifted from your eyes and you're given a taste of your own hypocrisy; your own self-deception and self-righteousness is revealed to you. Self-accusations and self-hatred follow shortly afterwards.  Judging another person never accomplishes what we think it will.  It always leaves us feeling alienated: from the person, from ourselves, and from God.

So, what I accomplished this evening was alienation.  I felt low.  And I think I will feel low for a few days.   

Mi tristeza no tiene fin.

Days Are Too Short

God should've made days longer, perhaps 26 or 27 hours, or who knows, maybe even 30!  That's how I feel at the end of today, given all the things I "accomplished".

MEC - I went shopping for some outdoor gear, for my upcoming hiking days in the prairies; a swiss-made water bottle, a tent, and a cooking stove for my hiking friend John in Regina.

Al Watan - on the way out from the MEC store I met up with Benja, who's also in town from Toronto.  I was on the way to eat lunch with James and Scott, and since our stay in town is short, Benja came along.  It was so good to eat a good meal with 3 great friends!  As usual, Khalid was a stellar host, and the food was second to none.

Jennifer - I did what in the back of my mind I thought wouldn't be a good idea: visit her.  I dropped in to see her at work, because that way I knew it would be a short visit.  Inclusive, I brought her some lamb biryani from Al Watan and some homemade strawberry jam.  I went there in peace - so it was a positive visit.  But I'm really not sure what our friendship will look like in the future.

Claudia and Hugh - I met up with these two great friends and ate dinner at a new Italian pizzeria called Via Tevere.  The food was pricy and probably tastes good if you order the right thing, but I didn't.  I had the prosciutto e rucola pizza, and the bitterness of the arugula overpowered the rest of the food combinations.  During our meal I shared with both Hugh and Clau how difficult the last few months have been with me.  They listened intently and compassionately.  What would I do if I didn't have friends in faith to confide in and be encouraged by.

Games - in the evening a few of us gathered to play some more board games.  This time we went straight to Rook.  I faired a bit better, but Benja smoked us all.  I'll have to try it again in August when I return.

Soccer And Food Feasts

After a great evening playing some of my favourite board games, I spent the night at Ruth and Marty's place.  It was strange, sleeping as a guest in the living room of my old place.  A very strange feeling...

We got up around 9am, and almost immediately prepared for a soccer feast to come on tv: Spain vs. Italy, the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup in Brasil.

While watching the game, however, Marty put on a feast of a different kind: food!  Fruits and yogurt, toasted veggie bagels, coffee, and juice.  Marty is so gifted.  A philosopher, a photographer, a writer, in the process of becoming a self-taught wood craftsman, and a cook extraordinaire.  On top of that, a loyal, kind-hearted friend.  May God bless his soul!

Spain won the game, in penalty shots, 7-6, after a 0-0 draw in regular and added extra time.  It looks like the final of the Cup will be Spain against Brasil.  I hope Spain wins.  This may ruffle some feathers with friends or family who cheer for Brasil, but I find it hard to cheer against a team that plays such poetic fútbol as does España.  Add to this the arrogance of the South Americans, I choose Spain, hands down.  And, how ironic is this: to speak of Spain - not Brasil - playing beautiful fútbol!

The rest of the day was busy, too busy.

I went to Commercial Drive and bought a few slabs of focaccia bread.  Once my garden vegetables in Moose Jaw are harvested, I'm going to eat some mighty fine sandwiches!

Visiting the Drive brought back some very good memories: Abruzzo, Santa Barbara, Don's Market, Grandview, Marcello's, Joe's, all of these places bring memories of a good place back to me.

In the evening I went home to Abbotsford for dinner.  Family is so important.  And my family, in particular, holds such an important place in my life.  As I mentioned not too long ago, it's my family who's been most supportive the past 6 months.  

As good as my friends are - see yesterday's post on how much they mean to me - family is irreplaceable.  Some of my closest friends, and one in particular, has been furthest away from me in terms of support.  She has, for all intents and purposes, abandoned me.  That's how I feel, at least.

What I Miss Most About Vancouver

It probably sounds funny, but what I miss most about Vancouver is not the mountains, or the sea, or the moderate climate, or colourful Commercial Drive, or MEC, or the Whitecaps ... should I go on? .. or the Regent bookstore, or the VSO, or Milano Cafe, or the 99B Line, or the skytrain; what I miss most about Vancouver is not even Al Watan or Katzenjammer or Grouse Mountain or family!!

What I miss most about Vancouver is Wednesday night board games.  Food.  Music.  Wine.  Laughter.  Friendly bantering.  Exchange of ideas.  Friendship.  Community.  Belonging.  This is the stuff of life; and in my humble estimation, a small yet significant picture into the life of the Kingdom that is yet to come.

Tonight was games night, and it was therefore with great anticipation that I arrived at Ruth and Marty's place, the hosts for the evening.  And a good number of the wonderful souls that I know in this city came also.

We spent the first two hours basically catching up, eating dinner (thank you Ruth!), updating one another on the latest developments in our lives.  Then, around around 9pm, we got out the games and played; first, the "bean game" (Bean Trader), and then, just as on previous occasions, the plato fuerte of our games nights, Rook. 

The evening ended around midnight.  I said goodbye to some of my friends, as I may not see them again on this trip.  But a few of them I will see again in the coming days, either over a meal, or on a hike that I'm planning for Saturday, to Garibaldi Lake.

For the record, the evening was not without its challenges, particularly, spiritual challenges!  My humility levels were challenged, for one.  I didn't win either of the games we played.  Worse yet, we played Rook in a team format, and after amassing an enormous lead, our team imploded and lost badly.  I blame my teammates' inexperience....

Furthermore, my patience levels were tested too, not only in being gracious with my teammates, but also, by playing the bean game.  I'd much rather have played TTR or Settlers.  I'm better at those games, and my chances of winning would've drastically improved!  

Like I said earlier though, this night represents in a small way the stuff of life: learning to love God and neighbour in the presence of wonderful people.

I'm very fortunate to have such amazing friends.

 

 

In Vancouver For 5 Days

I arrived in Abbotsford a few minutes ago.  Mom and dad picked me up.

I've come here for a few reasons.

One, to take a few days from work.  Work is good, but it is stressful.  The "honeymoon" period seems to be coming to an end.  Over the next few days I want to indulge in the familiar: friends, family, mountains, and lakes.

Two, I decided to hand-deliver my first finished painting to my dad, as a (belated) present for Father's Day.

Third, I need to continue dealing with the Jennifer factor.  I need to visit this city and start putting my beautiful memories to rest.  I need to find a way to turn the page and start anew.  Excruciatingly painful and difficult.  Lord have Mercy!

I will spend more or less half my time with family, and the rest with friends.  Tomorrow night I'm going to attend games night at Ruth and Marty's.  I can't wait....

Below, waiting for my flight at Calgary Int'l Airport.

Nicolle Flats Hike

Two weeks ago I went hiking for the first time with a recently formed local hiking group.  Today we went hiking again, and this time, to the Nicolle Flats a short 30-minute drive northwest of Moose Jaw.

My experience today was thoroughly enjoyable.  Great people.  Good weather.  A pleasant and challenging walk.  We hiked nearly 16kms, going around the Nicolle marshlands, as well as along some of the coast of neighbouring Buffalo Pound Lake.

Below is a picture of the road to the Flats.  Very interesting clouds: thick dark cotton balls in the background, easy-breezy blanket sheets in the front (I should be a meteorolgist):

We met around 9:30 in the morning, and began hiking shortly afterwards.  There were six of us.  As is often the case, we started off fast, probably covering 12kms in 3 hours, and then slowing down to 4 kms covered in the last 2 hours.  By the end of the day, we were all hot, tired, and at least in my case, dehydrated.  I  didn't prepare properly.  I didn't bring enough water.  Shame on me.

Near the beginning of the hike, we were surrounded by ominously dark clouds.  This meant that there wasn't much sun, and the hiking was quite pleasant.  The skies did open up for about 15 minutes.  I enjoyed walking in the rain.

Having passed the marsh, we walked up a gravel road, along a meadow overlooking the lake, and then down through a mucky wooded area, before stopping for a quick lunch, lakeside.  I had a fruit salad and a focaccia bread sandwich, with provolone cheese and prosciutto.  Mmmmmm.

 

After lunch the sun came out with a vengeance.  Within 15 minutes, I was hot and sweaty.  I think I prefer clouds while hiking.

We finished the hike shortly before 4, and after saying good-bye to everyone I made my way home, westward, while the rest drove east.

I arrived at home exhausted, and after a nice cool shower took it easy for the rest of the evening. 

If I am going to thrive living in this new city, I am going to have to have more experiences such as the one I had today.

Thank you Lord for your faithfulness.

They're Up!

Three weeks after I planted my vegetable seeds, the plants have found their way up, the've broken ground!

Here's what they look like.  Potatoes:

Watermelons:

Peas:

Corn:

Here's what my plot, "N2", looks like.  Note my workplace in the background, immediately in front of the highrise in the centre of the picture:

The tomato and carrot seeds have not yet sprouted.  I hope they're coming up soon!

Hiking The Flats

I joined a hiking club in Regina, and today was my first hike with the group.

We walked about 8K around some cross-country ski trails 15 minutes east of Regina.  It rained overnight so the weather was cool, the ground was wet, and since the trail hasn't been mowed in a while, the grass was waist-high in some spots, and wet. Not ideal.

Still, it was nice not only to get outdoors and walk (the terrain was as flat as a board, so I'm going to have to adjust my definition of the word hike), and much more so with people.  There were 8 of us in total, from a variety of backgrounds.

After the hike I went to an outdoor sports store to pick up some bug lotion; there were many mosquitoes on the trail.  I also met up with two other hikers for lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant.

Next weekend I can't go hiking as I have a spiritual direction appointment and I'm also getting a car tune up, but I hope that the following week I will be able to join the gang again for another outing.

This is good.  The badlands 3 weeks ago, and the ski trails this week.  Hopefully there are some hills - not mountains, even just a few hills - in the area that I can go to and "hike".

A good day.

PS - funny anecdote: halfway through the hike there was a warning sign that read: "Warning.  Steep hill ahead."  As I approached the hill, it turned out to be an "incline" of about 10 steps.  The incline was grade of maybe 10%, maximum.  Good thing there was a warning sign.  Pheeeeeeew!  - this was added on Friday, July 19, 2013.

Beauty And The Incarnation

I've always been attracted to the arts, music and photography in particular, but painting also.  Visiting the Louvre in Paris and the Museo del Prado in Madrid in 1998, as well as the Uffizi in Florence in 2006 and the Vatican in 2010, gave me a good introduction and appreciation for great art.  But I don't think I needed to visit any of these great centres of art for me to appreciate it.  I've always appreciated good art.

Perhaps part of the reason I like good art is because, like C. S. Lewis and Roger Scruton argue, I believe that beauty is objective (this is why Lewis states, for example, that people go for vacations near beaches with beautiful white sand and crystal clear water, rather than an industrial scrapyard) and worthy of our pursuit.

But more than that, I think that being drawn to beauty is just part and parcel of being human: being made by, for, and in the image of a Creator who made the universe a beautiful place, because He himself is all that can be described as Beautiful.  So being attracted to beauty is normal: to be human is to be drawn to beauty.

Where am I going with this?  Oh right, my painting experience.

I've had two lessons in painting, and have really enjoyed both.  I felt renewed, refreshed, and re-energized afterwards.  Something spiritual happens inside of me when I express myself on canvas.  I don't understand it, but I believe it.  

I wonder if it has to do with the Incarntation: God created matter.  Matter was created good and after the Fall, it was redeemed by God in Christ through the incarnation.  Matter is the means for an encounter with God (thus, the sacraments of the church).

Anyways, here is my very small contribution thus far towards appreciating God's beautiful world.  Here is my contribution towards beautifying it.  Here's my expression of soul-healing and intimacy with God.

Learning To Paint

Today was my first painting class.  I loved it.  My instructors, Lloyd and Judy, like me, are from BC.

I didn't really have any expectations in terms of teaching styles from them, but for whatever reason, I was a little surprised by their "hands off" approach.  It certainly wasn't a free-for-all, but there was little explained or explicit structure or logic in the way of instruction, and that threw me off a little. Come to think of it, the teaching style is probably called the "adult education" method: self-guided, no set agenda, ask questions when you have them.  At times I was frustrated.  I'm used to and like structure.

Having said that, they have a gentleness of being that was pleasant to be around.  They modeled technique well, and provided feedback frequently.  And when I made mistakes, they always offered a "better way" rather than criticism.  Most importantly, they were affirming.  They constantly encouraged me, and that was very good for my spirit.

My first "work of art" is a prairie scene.  Father's day is coming up next month, and according to Lloyd, it's realistic to complete my first painting by then.  I intend to give my first painting away as a present.

Below is, what I accomplished today: one-third earth, two-thirds sky, divided by a straight line. :)

Spring In The Prairies

Below is a letter that I wrote yesterday and sent to my dear friends on the west coast.  I think it captures my state of mind very well, so I'm posting it.

________________

To my dear friends: Greetings from sunny, warm, and dusty Moose Jaw. 

Spring arrived here 3 weeks ago, when within the span of a week, temperatures went from a snowy -15 to a sunny +15.  Since then we've hit temperatures of 28C on a few occasions, causing the landscape to transform from a grey and white mix to a multi-shaded green.   The snow has melted, the river swells are subsiding, and farmers have begun hauling out their massive machinery and preparing the fields for seeding and planting.  There's lots of dust everywhere, not only leftovers from the dirty snow, but also from the surrounding farmlands.  (Apparently early springs and late falls are dusty, caused by dust swirled up during planting/harvesting.  The in-between time is clean and clear).  We apparently had a longer than usual winter, and they're predicting a hotter (too bad not longer) summer as a result.  I'm sitting in a coffee shop, as I usually do on Sunday mornings after church.  I come here to reflect and to write, and of course, to drink good coffee.  As I look out the window, I see that the streets are bustling with people, cars, and motorbikes.  There's life.  This is a scene that I did not see until the weather warmed up.

Adjustment to life in Saskatchewan has been varied.

In terms of work, I could not be happier.  I feel valued, appreciated, affirmed, and of course, challenged.  I have the privilege of journeying with (mostly) elderly men and women who are nearing the last days of their lives.  There are some younger people at our facility too, as young as in their mid-30s, who through various reasons need care 24/7.  Visiting with the younger folk presents a different challenge altogether: whereas elderly folks often times have dementia and are blissfully happy, younger people are in a full-fledged existential crisis, coming to terms with the reality that they will live in our facility for the rest of their lives.

On a personal level things have been very different.  Extremely difficult.  Moving here has, for various reasons, marked a massive low-point in my life.  Only once previously in my life have I experienced such dark, intense, and excruciating loneliness and desolation.  In that sense, the bitter cold temperatures outside mirrored the landscape of my heart.  However, I'm thankful, because Wings of Love carried me to this point and place, and these same Wings will always be Present and carry me forward.  Spring is here.  Hope is ever-present.

I joined an outdoor co-ed soccer team.  Our team's not very good: we lost the first game 9-2, and our second one 6-3.  If this trend continues, we should be able to tie a game by game 4, and by game 5 we might win a game.  Problem is, there are only 4 teams in the league, so we play the same opponents over and over again all summer long.  Playing on the team is fun, even though my lungs have reminded me that it has been a while since hiking the Grouse Grind.  Most of my teammates are university-aged students, with two-tracked minds: drinking excessively and love conquests.  They talk about these topics with great enthusiasm, even a sense of accomplishment.

I also joined a community garden club.  There have been sufficient warm temperature days now (combined with freeze-free nights) to warrant planting.  The ground is dark, rich, warm and fertile.  Tomorrow (holiday) I plan to plant potatoes, onions, zucchini, peas, beans, and tomatoes.  I see some great focaccia bread sandwiches coming my way later in the summer.  Problem is, I have yet to find a place that sells focaccia bread here.  I live in a white-bread-only city...  I will also plant watermelons.  They should be ripe by the end of summer, in case any of you would like to drop in for a late summer watermelon feast.

Finally, I also joined a painting class: oil, on canvas.  My first painting will be a prairie scene, a present for my dad on father's day.  My second painting will be a path, surrounded by a forest.  I'd like to say that there is a deep meaning for the second painting, but the simple truth is that I like paths, I like walking/hiking, and trees are easy to paint. :)

A few weeks ago I met some guys who love board games.  Two of them love Settlers, one loves Ticket to Ride (he has 200+ board games in his home!), and one loves Carcassone.  Sadly, none of them know Rook.  I foresee some board game nights in the future, accompanied by wine and heavy theological discussions (a perfect mix).

I go to Regina about once a week, which, compared to Moose Jaw, is certainly a large city.  I go there mainly to eat good restaurant food and to buy things I can't buy here.   The German Club there serves schnitzel that is as good as the schnitzel at Katzenjammer on West 10th.  The Indian food there's good, too, but let's not kid ourselves, it's no match for Al Watan.  Sadly, there is no Spanish or Mexican restaurant nearby.

Yesterday I went on a day trip to the Badlands (south-central Saskatchewan), a 2 hour drive.  There are some very beautiful rock formations there that are remnants of the last ice age.  It was a great trip that included a 7-km walk on a lovely warm day.  After returning home I worked on my 1000-piece puzzle, an activity I'm discovering is as therapeutic as ironing clothes or washing dishes.

I hope you're all doing well.  I carry you all in my heart.  Grace and Peace to all, always.
Edgar

A Daytrip To The Badlands

Watching the snow melt has been very good for my soul.  I knew it would be.

This morning, in celebration of Spring's arrival, I packed my backpack full of hiking gear, prepared a  sandwich, some fruits, and a litre of water, and got in my lovely Jetta, headed for Castle Butte, a clay "castle" in south-central Saskatchewan.

The drive was pleasant: 2 hours, mostly rolling hills, past Coronach, and to the area known as the Badlands.  The scenery is not sexy like the coast mountains, forests, or ocean, but it's beautiful and attractive in its own subtle way.  Beauty perhaps not expressed in terms of power and strength, but rather, gentleness and serenity.  Lovely hills and valleys.  Lakes.  Clouds with personality and character unseen and unknown in coastal places.

And upon arrival at the Badlands, again, another form of beauty.  Vast.  Immense.  Present.

Once near the Butte, I parked my car, and went for a hike, first to the Butte, then on along the dirt road.  I noticed that unlike in BC where tourism is everywhere - it's part and parcel of daily life in many places - today I felt that perhaps it was a novelty, for people to see someone walking around with a pack on his back.

The prime example of this was when, while walking, the owner of the property (Castle Butte is located on private property, another thing which baffles me) stopped her truck and asked me what I was doing.  Ummmm .. hiking?

Anyways, I did in the end hike about 7kms.  It felt so good.  Refreshing.  Invigorating.  I ate my lunch on top of a hill, overlooking the endless valley.  I prayed and read my Bible. 

Thick, dark clouds eventually rolled in and threatened to open up their vast water vaults, so I got up and began my journey back to the car.  It did rain on my way back, but only for a very short period of time, probably not even 10 minutes.  Luckily for me, the vaults of heaven did not open fully.  The clouds rolled on, saving their liquid blessings for some other place.

On my way back home I stopped at a few places to take more pictures.  More lakes.  More valleys.  More green.  I don't seem to get tired of taking pictures.

I got home near 7pm.  It was still warm and sunny outside.  Spring is definitely here.  I can't wait for summer.

Getting Out

It's been a cold winter not only in terms of the weather outside, but the climate in my heart, too, has been ice cold.

But in the past few weeks the weather warmed up quite a bit - from -10 to +20! - so much so that the snow is mostly melted!  It's amazing.

I've been waiting for this melt to happen, determined to get out there and experience the prairies in spring and summer.  And of course, I've also been hoping that the warming up outside would lead, or contribute to, an interior warming up.

Here are the projects I've proposed to myself.  I trust that they will help open my heart again towards fellowship and community with God, others, and myself.

Gardening: I've always liked "living things".  Creatures that grow.  Plants that respond to water and light.  We used to have dogs in our family: Struppi and Yanqui being the two most obvious examples.  I remember when Struppi died after being hit by a car, I was in tears for weeks.  And as silly as it may seem, giving 20 of my plants away when I moved here, was very hard for me.

Growing vegetables, in a community of gardeners, will be a new experience for me.  I plan on growing corn, carrots, onions, and potatoes.  Other possibilities are peas, beans, and zucchini.  Space permitting - my plot is only 10ft x 10ft - I will throw in a watermelon or two. :)

Fútbol: I mentioned previously that I was interested in joining a recreation soccer league.  Done!  I signed up, and tonight was our second game.  We lost both games, badly.  But even though we got our a$$es kicked, both games were invigorating.  Our team is mostly made up of young and enthusiastic players, many of them much fitter than I am, but I'm hoping that my past experience and skills will prove helpful.

Painting: I've always admired good art, and I've always lamented the fact that my best attempts at painting amount to little more than drawing stickmen.  Well, now's the chance to see if I can prove the theory that "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" wrong.  I've signed up for painting lessons.  My first one is next Saturday, May 25th.

Here's to Spring: new warmth, new light, new growth, new life.

Weekend in Calgary

I came back from Calgary today, after spending the last 4 days there at a conference.  Actually, the conference was 3 only days long, but I spent an extra day there to site-see.  It was a blessing to be there, not only for vocational reasons, but personal too.

The theme of the conference was healthcare, under the paradigm of the Good Samaritan.  I attended workshops on a range of topics, including the need for meditation in our lives (how refreshing: when's the last time you've heard a talk on meditation at a conference?!?), the future of Catholic healthcare in Canada, the importance of narrative (story-telling) in spiritual care, and the need to focus on the vulnerable in our society.  Wonderful.

Below is a picture of me after the session on Wednesday night.  I walked through downtown and was quite impressed.  I've been to Calgary a few times but don't remember it being as cosmopolitan as it seems now.

On Thursday night there was a special dinner.  Lizzy Hoyt was the special guest, and she and her band played beautifully.  I bought her cd afterwards.

The conference ended on Friday, so I spent Saturday checking out the city.  I took the LRT to a mall, bought some shoes, ate lunch at a Brazilian restaurant (I drank guarana, I ate feijoada!) .. mmmm!, and late afternoon went on a lengthy walk through a downtown park and up a hill from where I had a nice view of the city.

In the evening I went to a movie.

I returned to my hotel room late on Saturday night, tired.  And while I'd have enjoyed some company, I nevertheless felt blessed for having had the opportunity to be here.

Tomorrow it's back to work.  I'm still in a honeymoon stage, I wake up each morning - even Mondays! - looking forward to what's ahead on that day.  Weekends are usually harder, because I don't feel engaged, connected.  On Saturdays I sometimes even catch myself wishing that it was Sunday and that the next day is a work day.  

This whole experience - preferring Mondays to Fridays - is completely new for me.