10 Reasons Why You Should NOT Live On “The Island”

1. You will waste your precious time spending hours walking on beaches and checking out tidal pools.

2. You will have to put up with fresh, clean air and a constant breeze.

3. People are very neighbourly and approachable here. Expect a friendly wave with the obligatory friendly wave in return. You will have to constantly say “hi,” a tiresome custom.

4. You will have to tolerate views of lakes and the ocean as far as the eye can see.

5. Camping outdoors on “The Island” will mean almost no bugs. You will not have the pleasure of swatting, swelling, investing in bug repellent and Afterbite.

Gordon Bay, Cowichan Lake

6. You will have to get accustomed to the colour green. Moss, ferns and diverse, spectacular trees are found in our forests.

Harris Creek Sitka Spruce

7. You will take too many photos and have the challenge of selecting only a few favourite ones. One of the pictures below is an often photographed little bonsai conifer growing out of an old mossy stump.

This Fairy Lake tree became famous when Adam Gibb’s photo was selected as one of the 100 winning images from 48,000 global submissions for Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2012. Adam Gibb’s photo

Fairy Lake Tree

8. Hiking with friends will consume a great deal of your time. You will never run out of places to explore. Decisions. Decisions.

9. You will want to avoid the Malahat at the end of a long weekend in the Summer. Taking the Pacific Marine Circle Route home will add stress to your day.

You will have to drive an extra hour through a beautiful rain forest, gaze at stunning scenery and endure minimal traffic.

The extra one hour drive may turn into four hours because you will want to stop and explore the beautiful sites along this route. You may possibly include a leisurely lunch in the picturesque town of Port Renfrew.

An entirely wasted day! (in Paradise)

10. And most importantly, why you should NOT live on “The Island?”

Will you be able to keep “Vancouver Island” our little secret?

I think not. Especially when you call it “home.”

Dedicated to: All the visitors that come to “The Island” each year. The people that make “The Island” their home. And to Deb, Widow Badass Blog who has discovered “our little secret.”

Do You Believe A Person’s Energy Can Be Attached To An Object?

A friend shows me her Grandmother’s ring on her finger. She is emotional and very moved telling me how much this ring means to her, how much her Grandmother meant to her.

Another friend shows me the ceramic bowls she created in her first few pottery classes. She describes preparing and centering the clay. She explains how this challenging process requires stillness, concentration, calm perseverance and becoming one with the clay.

Our three year old granddaughter brings me artwork she has created along with an elaborate description of the shapes and colours. Her unfiltered pride is evident in her smile when I display her painting on the refrigerator.

Are objects simply inanimate materials?

Is an heirloom handed down from past generations only symbolic of a special relationship?

Does artwork merely showcase the craftsman’s talent and skills?

Or is there an essence, an energy present that animates these physical materials?

Maori Art

I had not really thought about these concepts until I began to learn more about the Maori culture.

We were surrounded by many art forms visiting New Zealand this year. The Maori believe art is an expression of the life force, the energy within you.

They believe that a physical object, a Mauri, contains a vitality, an essence.

Maori art conveys spiritual information, ancestry and culturally important topics.

The Maori believe that the gods create and communicate through the master craftsmen.

We had the opportunity to visit Te Puia in Rotorua this year. Te Puia is home to the “New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.”

Today artists learn through classes and much practise. The styles vary from region to region.

Traditional Maori art was created using the materials available at the time, such as wood, bone, pounamu (jade or greenstone), paua (abalone) shell, flax, and feathers. Many artists continue to use these natural, organic materials today.

What do I think? Do I believe a person’s energy can be attached to an object?

Entire fields of science and pseudoscience are dedicated to the concept of objects and energy. I went down the “crystals” rabbit hole when reading about this subject. Possibly a future story.

I had not given this topic much thought until we were exploring New Zealand and learning about the Maori culture. I respect the Wisdom of the Ages. I try to keep my mind open to new ideas and possibilities.

I find I appreciate art more when I learn about the history and cultural significance of an item.

The Maori traditions have helped me recognize the spiritual connections we have with our environment and the emotional connections we have with our ancestors.

The effort and meticulous care taken during the creative process is an expression of our inner selves, our essence.

Are materials infused with love and energy during the creative process?

Is this life force passed on to the artifact?

I do believe it is. When I learn about the traditions, the history and the spiritual significance

The artwork takes on a life of its own.

What do you believe?

Weblinks: Mauri New Zealand Art Maori Arts and Crafts

Maori Tradition Maori Culture

How do you teach children about death?

Part one – January 23, 2018

Coincidence?

This afternoon, sad, teary-eyed Sadie shared with me that her fish had died. She had this fish since she was born.

Children often bring up topics when you are unprepared and you least expect it. I looked at it as an opportunity to discuss death with a four year old.

“Everyone and every living thing dies. It is normal to feel sad. Love for each other never dies. Memories live on. It is good to share your feelings.” The usual things we say.

Questions from Sadie included: “Was her fish in outer space? Was my Dad in outer space?” She was aware that my Dad had died many years ago.

I told Sadie that I really wasn’t sure where her fish is and where my Dad is. We talked about heaven.

Sadie wanted to see pictures of my Dad. I opened up the file on my computer from my last visit with my Dad. My Dad was very compromised, elderly and in ill health.

Sadie noticed the Christmas decorations in the background. She asked whether he had died at Christmas. I told her, no. Some time in January.

The hair rose on my arms.

I hunted down his memorial script. May 4, 1929 – January 23, 2007.

A sob escapes my throat.

Coincidence?

Part two – May 4, 2019

Sadie is now five years old. One year older and one year wiser.

After a long, fun-filled day, we were waiting for Sadie’s Mom to arrive to take her home.

This time I received an extra long hug. She wouldn’t let go.

Then she said “I don’t want to forget you.” I looked at her and she had tears in her eyes.

I paused. Where did this come from? Does she know something I don’t know?

I was taken aback. I didn’t have time to prepare an answer. I said what I think are appropriate things to say to a five year old. “You won’t forget me. I will never forget you. You will always be in my heart.” I was a little emotional, too, although I tried my best to hide these feelings.

I get it. I also don’t want to forget.

Memories surface around special holidays. This year my Dad would have turned 90 years old on his birthday.

A few of my memories:

I remember how birthdays were always a big deal in our house. We always celebrated with a Black Forest Cake.

I remember how my Dad valued an education. On a very limited income, he purchased the entire Encyclopedia Brittanica. We would actually read these books on a daily basis.

I remember how he was a gadget person. The latest knives, blenders, recording devices, projectors, movie cameras. We also had the first black and white tv on the block.

I still get misty-eyed when I hear a song from the Sound of Music, the first movie I saw with my Dad.

Most of all I remember the family values my Dad instilled in all of his children. To him, love was a verb. He showed us every day how much he cared about us. He loved children and unfortunately he did not have a chance to meet his amazing great grandchildren.

Memories can fade. We will forget details about our loved ones, especially grandparents that may have left us many years ago. We may have only a hazy recollection of events.

Sadie had questions about death and about my Dad in Part 1 of this story.

How do we teach children about death?

When we have the privilege of spending time with children, we quickly realize that we will learn far more from children than they will learn from us.

Sadie taught me that it is okay to ask the hard questions. It is okay to love someone and be afraid of losing them. It is okay to have tears in your eyes.

Sadie taught me that sometimes the only answer you really want is a very long hug and not let go.

Epilogue

A few weeks ago I was making some notes outside the yoga studio, waiting for my class to begin. I was debating on whether I would write and share this story. I walked into the studio and I met a friend who was telling me about her upcoming birthday plans. I asked her what day is her birthday? She said, May 4th.

Today would have been my Dad’s 90th birthday, May 4th.

Coincidence?

The Secret to Danish Happiness? I want that Pyt button!

When a word continues to appear on my radar, I need to pay attention.

I first heard about Pyt last year. The Danish Library Association chose Pyt as the nation’s favourite word. I was immediately intrigued. The Danes are known as the happiest people on Earth. I want to know their secret.

This is the same culture that coined a favourite word, hygge, a few years ago. I easily adopted hygge as a way to relax and destress. Reading, cocooning, snuggling, a feeling of contentment. A favourite way to spend my time.

Long Beach, Vancouver Island

Now the word Pyt has surfaced. I have read a variety of translations describing the meaning of this word, how to pronounce it and when to use it. I understand how a cultural word may not be easily translated into the English language. I speak German, and we have words that do not directly translate into an English word.

Pyt (‘pid’) is used for minor frustrations and annoyances. Pyt is used to express ‘don’t worry’, ‘accept it’, ‘move on.’ weblink link

When I read further about Pyt, I found out that the Danes had even created a button with Pyt on it. When you press this button you will hear the Pyt word. A reminder to pause, gain perspective and let it go.

photo credit: Karen Rossinger

I could see how a physical symbol would help the expression Pyt seep into a culture’s language and values. I had a Happy Face button. The Happy Face emoji is still a part of popular communication. 😊

The underlying message that continues to surface for me is “acceptance.” This concept is emphasized in one of my favourite books, “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz. In 2017 my one word intention was “acceptance.”

I still need to be reminded to accept the things I cannot change.

I am usually a glass-half-full kind of person. Yet, we all have stresses in our life, even the Danes. Many of us use strategies to gain perspective, like walking in nature, meditation and creative outlets. The Danes also use words to help prompt a more peaceful, happy life.

Long Beach, Vancouver Island

We can learn from other cultures. We can share secrets. We, too, can be the happiest people on Earth.

postscript: amazon sells Pyt decals and wall stickers. I may have to create my own Pyt button, even if it is in my mind.

Contemplating a Tattoo in New Zealand

Tattoos are popular.

I have nothing against them.

Just not for me. Not right now.

We were watching the surf on the Coromandel Peninsula, on the North Island of New Zealand. The first thing that came to mind was my daughter’s tattoo. It’s funny how an image can evoke a memory.

The waves on this beach reminded me of the tattoo of a heartbeat.

Having raised teenage daughters, the concept of tattoos was brought up at a young age. I didn’t bring up the topic. They did.

The buzzword phrases were: pick my battles and allow them to make their own decisions.

I chose my words carefully.

My advice was “think about it for one year before you do anything. This is a permanent decision.”

Their first tattoos were initials of each other’s name.

Artwork was added.

About ten years later, my daughter was excited to show me her new tattoo. This tattoo was the image of the actual heartbeat of her little girl. This tattoo meant a lot to her. It was symbolic of the precious gift of her child.

My daughter now has two heartbeat tattoos.

The first thing I saw on that beach in New Zealand was an image of a heartbeat. The waves had created distinct peaks on the shoreline. Possibly the ocean’s heartbeat.

For me, it brought up the memory of my daughter’s tattoos. Symbolic of the priceless heartbeats of life.

I may get a charm, or a pendant as a special, meaningful keepsake.

I don’t think I will get a tattoo.

Not right now.

I may change my mind.

What does the word “Magical” mean to you?

The rain stops. The sky clears. The air is crisp and cold.

Just for one night, time stands still.

Version 2

Tens of thousands of twinkling lights.

Version 2

An illusion. A mystery.

Version 2

A feeling of enchantment.

Version 2

Children’s smiles.

Version 3

Removed from everyday life.

Version 2

Thankful for this moment in time.

Version 2

For we are all children, in awe of the Magic.

Version 2

I wish everyone a year filled with Magical Moments in 2019!

Version 2

What day will you remember from 2018?

Version 2

Do you remember the day your child was born?…. the birth of your grandchild?….your wedding day?.…the day a loved one dies?

The end of December is often a time of reflection, recalling many of the events from the last 12 months. 2018 was filled with many positive moments, some noteworthy and some long forgotten. I have to refer back to my photos and to my calendar to jog my memory.

The one day in 2018 I will never forget is the day my Grandson was born.

I remember the adrenaline cursing through my body when we received the phone call to rush to the hospital. I remember my daughter’s labour and how I wanted to alleviate her pain, yet how helpless I felt. I remember the love on my daughter’s face when she held her son for the first time.

I remember the joy I felt and how I was overcome with emotion hearing his newborn cries, seeing him for the first time, the miracle of life.

These memories are forever etched in my mind. I vividly remember the details of that day.

Version 2

Yet, I cannot immediately recall what I did a week ago.

There has been a great deal of research done investigating the relationship between emotion and memory. We create longer lasting memories in emotionally charged situations.

This is a complex subject with many individual variations.

Events surrounded by positive emotions are usually remembered better than events surrounded by negative emotions.

Different emotional states may impair memory. Strong emotional states can result in persistent vivid memories of stressful events (PTSD).

Gender differences influence memory. Men and women may remember events differently.

Our age affects the details we remember. As we get older, unpleasant memories fade faster and pleasant memories get stronger. learn more here and here

Version 2

I can look back on my own life and clearly recall details from emotional events that occurred many decades ago. I can also remember how I felt on that day and tears (of joy or sadness) can easily resurface.

the birth of my own children……. the timing of events on that day, the colour of the socks I was wearing, even what I had to eat that day…….my feelings of relief, euphoria and love

my Father’s funeral…….how my body would not stop shaking and my daughter held my hand to steady it, memories and photos shared that day, the blue sky…….an overwhelming feeling of sadness

my daughter and son-in-law’s wedding…….the beaming, genuine smiles on their faces, the look of love in their eyes, the ocean breeze…….my tears of love and joy

Version 2

I think most of us have vivid recollections of events when we were in a heightened state of emotion. We can recall details from that day and how we felt.

The end of the year is often a time we reminisce on the special moments of the last 12 months. 2018 was a good year for us, creating many memories with our loved ones. What events took place? What did I do? Where did I travel? What do I remember?

I do know that I will never forget the day in April that my Grandson was born, an emotional day filled with intense feelings of gratitude, joy, and love.

What day will you remember from 2018?

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Part one – January 23, 2018

Coincidence?

Coincidence?

Part two – May 4, 2019

Epilogue

Coincidence?

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Long Beach, Vancouver Island

photo credit: Karen Rossinger

Long Beach, Vancouver Island

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