Dancing by the Light of the Moon

One old camper van + us = summer fun

We had decided on adding a camper van to our life and the search began.  Craigslist and Kijiji became part of our daily rounds.  We drove long distances and visited a few, but nothing felt quite right.   One day my father called to say that he had seen an ad and it was in our own community.  We jumped in the car.  As we pulled up I just knew.  I couldn't stop smiling as we shook hands with the owner.  The side door swung open and we stepped in.  Yes, this was the one.  We would climb into those seats and drive along side by side, we would brew our coffee and sit at the little table reading and talking, we would make up our cozy bed and curl up together at the end of each day.  It was meant to be ours. 

And so now it is.  Our little place on wheels is as much home to me as anything has ever been. 

Such delight to feather this nest - throw pillows, napkin holder, a percolater.  Finding places to store our books and bags.  Filling the cupboard. Stocking the wine cellar - alright a box.  Wrapping ourselves in the fleecy blankets maman made us.  We love it all. 

And like any of my homes it has begun to be filled with the bits and pieces that find their way into my pockets.  A shell from a beach walks, a wishing rock from a rocky shore, a small pinecone. 

We carefully log all the places where we have layed our heads - the pages filling with memories of the Sunshine Coast, Whistler, Vancouver Island, Washington and Oregon coasts. 

Oh, and, being me, of course a quote.  On our dashboard we have a lovely tile which reads "And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand, they danced by the light of the moon."

And we do. 

"When using a public campground, a tuba placed on your picnic table will keep the campsites on either side vacant." ~Author Unknown

All good things, k

Happy Birthday Julia

Time for a slice of cake, or better yet, bake one and share it with friends.

Today is Julia Child's 100th birthday.  And while she left us eight years ago, in many ways she never will. 

Many years ago, on the event of a special award being bestowed, I wrote to Julia.  A long overdue message of gratitude for having taught me how to cook and, even more importantly, for having shared her special joie de vie.  Gathering family and friends together to enjoy food, wine, and each other, is one of my greatest pleasures.  Imagine my delight when shortly thereafter a note arrived from Julia thanking me and sending wishes for many more happy hours in the kitchen.  It ended, of course, with her signature "Bon Appetit". 

I've always been glad that I took a few moments to reach out to her and she to me. 

Who might you want to give thanks to.

"If you're afraid of butter, use cream."  Julia Child

All good things, k

Remembering

I lost a friend today.  No matter that you know it is coming, there is no preparation for the finality of hearing the words.  It was a life dedicated to United Way and serving the community.  So many will miss her presence.   She was feisty, passionate, bold, caring, and had the most wicked sense of humour. 

I call those who knew her well to share the news and the stories begin.  We cry, we laugh, and we remember. 

A few years ago, she shared that one of her dreams was to visit my home, see the West Coast, and travel to Gibsons, where the Beachcomber series had been filmed.  So we did just that.  She flew out and spent a few days with my family and friends.  The weather was glorious and we enjoyed long meals on the deck.  My son helped her buy an ipod and they talked music together.  We drove to vantage points and took in the views.  We visited an abbey and sat listening to the beautiful chanting of the benedictine monks.  And, on one fine day, we took the ferry over to the Sunshine Coast and visited Gibsons.  We ate lunch at Molly's Reach and then found someone who would take the two of us in his small motor boat for an idyllic hour cruising along the coastline.

Believing that there are no coincidences, it made me smile through my tears this morning when I realized that my husband and I have a reservation for the ferry to the Sunshine Coast on Friday evening.  So, I will stop in Gibsons, look out at the ocean, and drink a toast to my friend. 

"You don't have an enormous talent like that without having integrity nailed to your soul and humanity along with it."   Robert Clouthier, "Beachcombers" co-star about Bruno Gerussi

All good things, k

You Had To Be There

Together again.

Last evening we helped a long time friend celebrate his 65^th birthday. Invited for “burgers and beer”, about 120 of us gathered together in the backyard of the lovely home of he and his wife, to enjoy the sunshine, garden, and each other. 

Such happiness to be surrounded by family and friends from throughout your life.  A life that has so many facets.  A life that has always reached out and extended itself to make communities better for all.  That was how we had met, when he became a cherished volunteer of my own organization.

I too found myself with some dear friends and, as often happens, taking a trip down memory lane.  As past-colleagues we started reminiscing about our years together.  Formative years for me.  Creative and exciting, we worked hard, learned a lot, provided encouragement, supported each other, and enjoyed the feeling that comes from knowing we were making a difference.  I wouldn’t trade those experiences or the lasting friendships created from it for anything.

 
With the passage of time and the more distant view, these occasions don’t present themselves very often. 

We had a toast to being together again and brought out all the old memories.  The ones that make us laugh.  The ones that cause us to pause and reflect.  The “you had to be there” stories that only we could understand.  The ones that brought forward thoughts of those we’ve lost, but will never forget.. 

There is a distinct feeling of comfort and happiness in being with those with which you have shared special experiences. 

You had to be there. 

"It takes a long time to grow an old friend." John Leonard

All good things, k

Magical Moment

Do you say something.

The young woman came walking towards me.  Dressed in white, hair adorned, face glowing, I couldn't help but notice her radiance.  As she neared, I said "You look so beautiful."  She replied, "You don't know how much I needed to hear that at this moment.  In fact, I didn't even know how much I needed to hear that until this moment. Thank you." 

Following behind her were two other lovely young women.  Overhearing our exchange, they said "We thought the same thing, but wouldn't have reached out to express it.  It's hard to know whether you should."

I shared with them three questions, attributed to Socrates and Buddhist teachings.

Is it true?  Is it kind?  Is it is necessary?

Thus began a conversation - creating a circle of sharing that was instantly warm, intimate, and important.

As we parted with hugs, contact information was exchanged, and a photo taken to capture the special moment. 

To my delight I awoke the next morning to find the picture and a heartfelt message from my new radiant friend.  "Thanks to you all for making my year and for allowing me to memorialize that special moment when one woman decided to be gracious to another.  What powerful evidence of kindness in action!  Let's all remember to speak up when the inspiration strikes, always bearing in mind the guiding questions Kim iterated for us.  I am grateful for that magical moment that opened up and hugged me, when I didn't even realize I needed it.  You can bet that's going in my reserves for a rainy day." 

I do so love those times when a chance meeting seems serendipitous, but I know that in fact, there was a reason we all connected.  I also know that the outer beauty I saw, was a result of the inner beauty that was within. 

Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is? ~Frank Scully

All good things, k

Touchstones

We all have them.

Little touchstones that make us smile, evoke a memory, bring comfort, or simply make a space feel like "us". 

You can tell a lot about me by looking at my desk. 

You'll find a rock.  Not just any rock.  A rock from the beach at Rebecca Spit on Quadra Island, with a wide white stripe around it, thereby making it a "wishing rock".  There is also a flower, a beautiful cloth - a gift from my daugher and son-in-law when they were traveling in New Zealand, little notes from loved ones, and a small print with what I consider to be perhaps the most important question that can ever be asked "What does your heart say?"

A wicker basket holds a few books, my journals, and a box of pencil crayons - should a creative urge to color overtake me.  It sometimes does. 

There is also a card.  When I found it I bought many and sent them to dear ones - keeping one for myself.  It reads, "Always settle for more...more joy, more faith, more laughter, more grace.

I'll settle for that. 

"Dreams are the touchstones of our character." Henry David Thoreau

All good things, k

The Perfect Gift

You know it when you see it.


What a wonderful feeling to find the perfect little gift.  To anticipate that moment when they open it and nod.  Feeling it reaching out and saying "I know you and I love who you are".


Today I am wrapping and sending a couple just such gifts.  Neither are expensive.  Neither were purposefully sought out.  


For me there is no walking around malls, desperation creeping in, having to buy something...anything.  Rather I am always mindful as I go through my daily rounds.  Watching what draws my attention - what reminds me of a dear one.  When it appears, I don't hesitate.


Sometimes I will tuck it away for a special occasion.  Often the gift becomes the special "I thought of you" occasion.  


Even more often, gathering is my gift.  What could be more special than time together.  I love nothing more than time spent with family and friends, enjoying food, wine, and each other.  


I've been blessed with some of these "I know you" gifts too.  This past Christmas a friend gave me two little silver spreaders that were engraved "spread joy" and "spread love".  Every time I reach for them I smile.  Truly the perfect gift.

"Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give."  Eleanor Roosevelt


All good things, k