Meandering holiday celebrations

Another weekend.  Another chance to relax and recollect.  

Another chance to satisfy a writing obsession. 

This past Canada Day was a quiet, creative one for me and my family. That seems to be the way I like my holidays lately.  

We spent most of the late morning and early afternoon indulging on a tasty brunch fare while watching the downtown Ottawa celebrations on CBC Television.   

#AsCanadianAs watching Canada Day celebrations on CBC Television from the comfort of my quiet home with my kids and cats. #HappyCanadaDay!
— Florence T Lyon (@FloTLyon) July 1, 2013

Later that afternoon, my daughter convinced me to go to Dow's Lake, to see if there was a carnival a-happening.  It turned out that the city buses were few and far in-between.  We gave up waiting at the bus stop and began walking.  To avoid the noisy traffic, we detoured through the Experimental Farm.  

It was much quieter and cooler.  We walked and talked.  We got caught up on what was new or interesting in each other's lives.  We greeted and smiled at other people walking or cycling past us.  We even saw and smelled some huge, fly-swatting cows.

I had my camera with me so of course I took some photographs.  Below are the ones that were most picturesque or relevant to this meandering blog post. 

We came upon a field of colourful wild flowers and plants.

Something caught my eye.  We went in for closer scrutiny. 

As we zoomed in on the little darling, a gentleman cyclist stopped to watch us and inquired what we were looking at.  

"Shhh," I responded, "We've spotted a ladybug." (I don't think it would have mattered to the ladybug whether I was whispering or not.)

His reaction was one of amazement, in that we could see a small insect so many feet from the walking path.  

I was thinking about my fondness for such a helpful, cute and insignificant creature.  I thought about another ladybug encounter on a hot summer day in 1969.  

The gentleman continued chatting and successfully lured me into a debate about varieties of milkweed.  

During our tedious conversation, my argument was that I recalled milkweed plants looking much different, as known from living beside patches of them during my childhood.  My recollection was of the green pods of puff on plants where the Monarch butterflies lived.

Mr. Chattypants ended his contribution with a promise that upon his return home, he would check his plant manuals to confirm.  We pleasantly agreed that we would see in a month or two if these were milkweed plants and if pods of fluff would soon appear. 

(With a bit of research online, I have determined that this was indeed some kind of milkweed.  I still want to go back in a month's time to confirm pods of fluff!) 

Moving along the path, my daughter and I continued to the Rideau Canal.  Everything seemed to be enveloped by a dreamy haze.  We would later learn that this was due to smoke wafting into the valley from forest fires in Quebec.

We came upon a lovely willow-like tree.  It provided a convenient canopy, an awning of sorts to protect one from the hot sun or drizzly rain.  

The next tree that caught my attention was a tall one with a large knot hole about 15 feet up the trunk.  It seemed like an oh-oh-shaped mouth or the eye of Sauron.  Silly me.  It couldn't be the eye of Sauron since it was on a tree.  Perhaps the eye of Treebeard? 

(Even after scouring pages of my copy of "For the Love of Trees - a Guide to the Trees of Ottawa's Central Experimental Farm Arboretum", I cannot identify this fella. I'll have to go back and look for signage.)

As we rounded one of the shady curves of the pathway, we came upon a duck family.  Mother was keeping watch while her fuzzy offspring napped on a rock just a few feet from shore of the Rideau Canal.

It was difficult to determine if there were two or three of the fuzzy little ducklings.

  
It was a beautiful scene of peaceful fauna, of birth, parental love and growth. 

By this time, my daughter was becoming impatient with my distractions.  

Next we came upon another flora scene: one of growth, decay and rebirth.  

A few more yards ahead, I noticed something odd. 

It was a tree whose trunk almost looked like its roots were showing. 

I am intrigued by this structure and am assuming it is intentionally designed that way.  

We were getting closer to Dow's Lake.  Things were still quiet.  There was no audible or visual evidence of a carnival.

I captured a delicate looking water flower in the stillness of the lake shore.

Oh, good grief.  I still cannot identify this plant.  I'm assuming it's some kind of water lily?

As we strolled closer to the Pavilion area, we were greeted by a small wooden throne and trees lounging near the shoreline.

I think one of these is about to become a new, favourite tree.

I was not disappointed that there was no carnival.  We saw a  few people strolling about the grounds and a crowd enjoying the outdoor restaurant patios on the upper pavilion.  I accepted my daughter's invitation, her treat to dinner inside of one of the eateries overlooking the water.  

While dining, we observed black-winged Loons flying by,  landing, diving and disappearing.  I didn't have the energy or time to pull out the camera for that nor to capture a large Heron suddenly taking off from God knows where below us.  It was an entertaining and delicious dinner in the company of my daughter.   

Although we could have used the exercise, we did not attempt to walk back home after dinner.  I gladly paid for a taxi.

The remainder of the evening was spent celebrating Canada's 146th birthday from the comfort and quiet of le petit apartement.  That was until we heard the sounds of firecrackers and fireworks within our neighbourhood and in the hazy distance.  

I'm not a fan of fireworks and loud, explosive sounds.

Other than zombie deterrent, fireworks are just "a waste of gunpowder and sky" as @aimeemann wisely sang.
— A.j. Michel (Synd-e) (@syndprod) July 4, 2013

I suppose I could put up with the celebratory noise of expensive, colourful explosions once a year.  It's a small price to pay for living in a clean, safe city and a stable, democratic country.   

- - - - 

Thanks for dropping by - and reading this far.  I am flattered.  I hope you enjoyed the photographs.  Did you find this blog entry funny, interesting or inspiring? (See the reaction check boxes below).  You can also subscribe to / follow this blog via email notification.  See the little sign-up box on the right hand side of this page. 

If you can identify some of the trees and flowers, please submit a comment.  Thanks! 

If you enjoy my writing style, you may enjoy The Year of the Rabbit, a novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness.  It contains mention of milkweeds and trees.  The main characters are a Catholic priest, a little girl and a retired exotic dancer.

T

Revival

Spring is here and it snowed in the Ottawa Valley - on April Fool's Day. 

That's okay, it already melted and is providing water for the grass, flowers and trees. I hope we get more rain.  Yep, this is one of my favourite seasons - except for the muck and smell of dog pooh around our neighbourhood.  

In case you weren't aware, the Christian holiday of Easter occurs during spring.  Since I'm a lapsed Catholic, I shouldn't attempt to provide any insights.  I just like the timing of this meaningful religious holiday with the pagan celebrations.  I respect the theme of revival and renewal. 


I cherish the bursting greens and pretty blossoms, cool days and nights before the sticky, humid days of summer.

I also like the opportunities for consuming delicious chocolate.  As for the little chicks and bunnies that have wiggled their way into this holiday, please resist the urge to give a bunny rabbit as an Easter gift.  

What you could do is give yourself a copy of The Year of the Rabbit ebook.  One of the main characters is a priest.  Another is his daughter. 

Curious? Thought so. Write to Florence T. Lyon before April 30th and she'll send you the secret code to obtain a free copy from Smashwords. 

Have a wonderful Easter week and enjoy what time you can get with your family.  

T

Tis the Season

Yes, giftmas is upon us.  


Family and friends gather to share in good cheer, attempting to brighten up the long, dark winter days.  Some exchange gifts during their visits.  I think wine and chocolate are the safest and most-popular.  


People are scrambling for deals in the retail stores or online.  Good-hearted individuals and groups are making efforts to ensure the less-fortunate will have a good Christmas.  I am sure that we all feel for the children and adults who are struggling financially and emotionally this time of year - and beyond.  


As a single parent, I agree.  


Soon I will have to venture out into the malls to pick up a few items requested by my offspring.  One has a birthday just after Christmas and convinced me that only one present will bring happiness although it happens to be one of those expensive electronic distractions.  Since this child is working on a masters degree (insert gush of pride here), I will bite my tongue and strive to accommodate that request.  


We tried the pared-down gifting approach a couple of years ago.  I don't think it went over well. Now that we are in smaller living quarters, they are not impressed that we do not have room for our artificial tree. We'll work something out to decorate this petit apartment with festive colour and cheer.  It will be the first Christmas here and hard to measure up to our previous, spacious abode.  Even the cats  >^..^<  agree that there isn't as much room here to roam, lurk and express their own creativity. 


And lets not forget the significance of this time of celebration.  The gifting represents the gifts of the Magi who were delayed in arriving at the stable.  Their only GPS reference was the bright, guiding star.  They also didn't stop to ask for directions.  (pause for feminist quips)


The birth of the child represents hope for a troubled empire.  If one were to wax poetic and philosophical, the birth can represent a rebirth within ourselves to see our world again as one full of hope and joy, putting aside resentments and conflicts.  This is why we make those silly New Year's resolutions. Kudos to those who want to quit smoking and other vices.  Respects to those who want to conquer harmful habits and thoughts. 


We are an interesting mix of individuals but with some effort and collaboration, we can be unified in our goal to cure humanity of its ailments.  Two of the worst are fear and greed.  Hopefully the occupy movement and efforts by a few super-rich individuals helped give some consciences a stir.  Although some people can be shamed into change by positive peer pressure, I think the actions have to be fully their own choice.  Else, there will be a lingering resentment.  


It puzzles my pretty blonde head how people who have so much don't want to part with just a bit that would improve the lives of many others.  I challenge fortune and welcome the opportunity to be put in that position :o)  


In my novel, The Year of the Rabbit, the birth of a child also represented hope and joy.  Although baby Harry was the product of a shameful teen pregnancy, his arrival brought joy into many people's lives - especially that of lonely, young Sera.  


Coming full circle with the gifting theme, I will end this post with a discount offer for those who wish to purchase the Ebook version of The Year of the Rabbit, A Novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness.  If you ventured out or online to purchase an EReader for a loved one, why not add this bittersweet tale to the list of books too? It's available in many supported formats. While considering, scroll down my Smashwords ebook page to watch a funny video of Geneva Tabby cat, my meuws, inspiration and distraction.  


If you have gathered any wisdom from this pensive post, it's that the world needs more love, compassion and... funny cat videos.  If you are not YET convinced about the novel, check out the comments from readers of the first print edition.   


Thanks for dropping by.  Next time, bring wine or chocolate :o) 


T








  

Frog Princes and Ancient Wisdom

On a typical Saturday morning, I'd be in my pajamas until noon, sipping coffee, writing, tapping on the keyboard or puttering around our tiny abode.  Yesterday was an exception.  On one of the coldest, breeziest autumn mornings in the Ottawa Valley, I took two buses downtown to attend an event at City Hall.  Did I mention this was on a Saturday morning? What in the world would make me sacrifice my cherished "me" time to venture out in this weather and subject myself to the eclectic crowds of weekend public transit?

Yesterday was 2011 Friends for Peace Day, at Jean Pigott Place. The 9th annual Celebrate Friends for Peace Day is on the first Saturday of October. Friends for Peace is a nonprofit organization and works for peace, planetary care and social justice. One of the organizers is a member of my writing group.  He's also a wonderful man, surrounded and supported by wonderful, committed people. 

I was hoping to meet a friend there as well.  Due to our loosely made plans and my forgetfulness to confirm, she was waiting at home for my call.  I have since apologized with intentions that we get together for lunch this coming week.  In a way though, it's a good thing I forgot.  If I were to apply the belief in fate or divine intervention, I could offer that something made me forget... for a reason. 

Don't run away!  Please continue reading about my solitary journey. You may find it interesting.  That's right, take your hand off the mouse or touch pad thingie and just scroll down.  Go with the flow...

The morning attendance was a little sparse.  Not many audience members were willing to take part in the dancing and vocalizing activities that encouraged participation on the stage.  To less open-minded folk, it may have seemed a little "airy fairy" and would require some "herbal inhalation" prior to engagement ;o^ 

With catlike elusiveness, I retreated to the back of the room where I chatted with acquaintances, toured around the silent auction tables and wrote down my bids on various items.  Aside from books and practical items, an adorable ceramic frog candle holder tickled my fancy.  He was the cutest frog prince I had seen in a long time.  Jaded, with a touch of bitterness and a sprinkle of dark humour, I figured he would be a crowning consolation for the number of toads I've had to kiss in my life time.  I chortled as I out-bidded a gentleman in line ahead of me.

The afternoon activities were well-attended, especially the Orkidstra performances and the awards ceremony with special guest, Mayor Jim Watson.  Ode to Joy, Lean on Me and other songs lifted our spirits and sealed the bond of peace and connectedness.  Peace and love were in the air :o)

During a lull, I toured around the exhibitors and made another round of the silent auction tables.  What's this?  That guy was outbidding me on the frog candle holder!  A strange, competitive force came over me.  I was determined to win that frog so I upped the offer once again before I turned to explore the exhibitor booths.

Carol's Jewelry Box booth appealed to my love for The Tree of Life, as relates to the Egyptian print still in storage since our move in May and... to the beloved cherry tree in my novel.  Carol's table was adorned with gem stone pendants in different colours and sizes.  I decided that a Tree of Life pendant would make a lovely souvenir - something to wear as a talisman while I write poetry, purple prose and inspirational blog posts ;o)  I'm wearing it now. 

While I was strolling around and smiling at folks, one of the exhibitors from the east coast engaged me in conversation about his involvement in Aboriginal initiatives.  He mentioned several services he provided and responded politely when I questioned if some of them were perhaps in the category of "new age" medicine.  We shared an interest in ancient wisdom by indigenous peoples around the world.  I expressed my interest in aboriginal mythology - especially the trickster rabbit (and took advantage of the opportunity to mention the novel as I handed him one of my business cards).  In response to the "Fate, Family and Foregiveness" description, he stated "Things happen for a reason" and suggested that I try his Australian Wildlife Wisdom cards.

"What? Are they like Tarot cards?" I asked, resisting the usual rolling of the eyes.

"No," he replied as he dug into his bag of tricks and pulled out a small flat box covered with what I could describe as a psychedelic pattern.  Inside was a deck of cards, each with an animal character on one side.  The box also contained a book with descriptions of each animal and what they could represent to the card holder.  He suggested that I find a quiet place to sit, shuffle the cards then pull one out and read about it. 

What's the harm?  I was tired from walking around and being surrounded by the noisy crowd.  Even for a peace festival, I was feeling a little overwhelmed.  I found a bench in the relatively quiet foyer of a side entrance.  I shuffled the deck.  I shuffled and shuffled then pulled out a card. 

It was the Rabbit. 

I laughed nervously then braced my cynicism as I opened the little guide book.  Without giving away details of my current life journey, one of the key things I took away from the description was the risk of having too many ideas or offspring (i.e. initiatives and creations).  I knew this.  I have felt this for months.  My pretty blonde head gets full of ideas and I've been juggling creative initiatives for a while.  I had wondered if or when one of the balls would have to drop or become placed in a back pocket for a while.

As my new-found guide was preparing to serve a client, I returned the box and thanked him for the opportunity.  He shared a smile as I revealed that I had pulled the rabbit card.  In the midst of the noisy crowd, what I could discern from his advice was to take away the positive message from the card. 

I mulled that over as I departed on a quest for groceries.  After two bus rides in search of a particular store, I got off at the wrong stop.  I noticed a book shop.  Oooh.  What's the harm in taking shelter from the wind in here for a while?  Besides, I wanted to find a book on Jungian Archetypes so I could do some independent research.  As I browsed the crowded shelves, I felt at home.  CBC Radio 2 was playing in the background.  As I dug through the merged psychology and self help section, I pulled out a book with white and black covers titled "Second Time Around".  Author Anne Lovell provides advice to people on overcoming anxieties of failed relationships and how to build a strong, lasting and rewarding relationship for the future.  Ha! I scoffed bitterly. 

As I turned the book over, I half listened to the radio interview.  The interviewee said, "oh yeah... I also had a rabbit"  Hello?  What?  From what I could harvest from the conversation was that he had been or was a magician. 

Coincidence?  Perhaps.  I bought the book anyway :o\ and proceeded on my way to procure provisions for my family then return home.

Yesterday provided me with quite the little adventure blessed with encounters and opportunities.  After I ate dinner, I settled in to check email and perform some volunteer tasks.  One of the messages was from the silent auction organizers, informing me that my bid had won the coveted frog prince. I laughed out loud, nearly spraying Chai Tea on the Mac. 

Now... was that a lovely coincidence or the result of self-directed destiny?  

~ ~ ~

Thank you for reading this far.  If you like my writing style, you may enjoy reading The Year of the Rabbit, a novel about fate, family and forgiveness.  Sample some excerpts and enjoy feedback from people who read the earlier print version.  I'm pushing the Ebook version with a special discount until October 31, 2011.  No trees were harmed ;o)

T

Relief

After hearing about people displaced by forest fires in Northern Ontario, earthquakes, droughts, famine and violent acts occurring in other parts of our mixed-up world, I suppose I shouldn't complain about this past week's heat wave in the Ottawa Valley and most of Ontario.   These bigger events offer stark reminders as I reflect, offer thanks every day for what I have in food, safety and shelter. 

As for the weather, Environment Canada says we're supposed to see some relief soon. To aid in this transition, I invite followers, readers and lurkers to enjoy an excerpt from The Year of the Rabbit's Chapter 1.  This is where Father Gio meets Sera, his newly discovered biological daughter.  Well... imagine his surprise!  

Come experience the refreshing breeze from Georgian Bay and sit under the shade of the "famous" cherry tree. 

 

Now excuse me while I primp and prepare for a Summer Social with my writing group this evening.  Once again, I stepped up to the plate and volunteered to coordinate tasks.  At least this year, it won't be raining!  We will enjoy a meal near the water, get to know other members in a relaxed manner and perhaps take a walk through the Arboretum.  That will provide us the opportunity to "shake down" our dinner.  It will also give me a sense of relief and connectivity to like-minded humans and nature after feeling imprisoned in the concrete city all week.   I look forward to hear some light readings, appreciate the shade of trees while accompanied by a trusted guide book. 

Walking on the Farm

I took an early morning walk around the Central Experimental Farm.  It was wonderful to feel the earth, the grass and soil under my feet. It was a treat compared to the workweek concrete and asphalt of downtown Ottawa.

I found a large patch of trees in a central location.  I stood refreshed by the shade and breeze.  The sound of the rustling leaves blended well with the "swishing" of distant vehicles and at times, nearly drowned out motorized annoyances.  What a perfect spot for quiet reading, creative writing or sketching if you don't mind the occasional company of chattering birds. 

Did you know...?  There are approximately 280,000 farms in Canada today and only 3% of Canadians live on farms?

The location I visited is not as picturesque as the Arboretum yet the refreshing rustling of leaves and welcoming shade reminded me of trees I have known and trees about which I have written. 

Thanks for joining me on one of my short wanderings.  Perhaps you would like to read an excerpt from my novel - one about trees and the important role they played in The Year of the Rabbit. 


If you purchase a print on demand copy, you could bring it with you on one of your own nature walks or visits to the beach.  Soon you will be able to read an electronic version of the novel on one of them newfangled smart phones or eBook readers ;o^  

Thank you.  Come again.

T