Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom (And Whimsy)

Posted on September 18, 2024 under Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom with one comment

Take a walk on the wild side.

 

I’m in love.

I first encountered romance as a child. Most of us had a crush on someone “special” in grade 3. My first time away from home, passion hit me hard in Victoria, B.C. in the summer of 1972. On a trip through California in 2015, I was bowled over and speechless. Those of you who know me well might find that unbelievable. I found love once again in Spain in 2019 and 2023. And most recently, I fell hard again, in the playground of a school. Of all places.

Speaking of falling hard, if you think that this is a typical human love story, you are sadly mistaken.

You see, I have always been in love with trees.

“I think that I shall never see,

 A poem lovely as a tree.

Trees – Joyce Kilmer

I often refer to myself as a hopeless romantic. The key word here is hopeless. I tend to see the world through rose colored glasses. One might even suggest that I am afflicted with the Pollyanna syndrome. For the uninitiated, Pollyanna is a novel that was written in 1913 by Eleanor Porter. Someone labelled as a Pollyanna is one who is excessively positive and blind towards the negative or real. I have to admit that I just can’t watch the news anymore. There is so much negativity in the world.

My one place of solace is in the woods.

The other day, I took “the road less travelled” and went through a path on the campus of St.F.X. University that I hadn’t trod on in eons. This trail meandered through the woods not far from where I grew up. Memories washed over me.

Growing up (did that actually happen?!), I lived on a dead-end street. At the end of that street, there was an endless forest. As children, we spent countless hours in those woods making forts, exploring, eating spruce gum and climbing trees. You see, you had to perch high in the trees so that you could spot invading armies. We encountered snakes and all matter of insects. When we got tired, a bed of moss gave us a place of respite. We even made small fires and roasted marshmallows. The word, idyllic comes to mind.

Do you remember the first time you left home? In the summer of 1972, after completing my 3rd year of university, I went to Victoria, B.C. It was one of the most exciting times of my life. I came to understand why this city was so popular with young people and retirees, or as they say in Victoria, “newlyweds and nearly deads”! The city and environs are an outdoors paradise. Once you’re outside the city, there are countless places for hikes and long walks in the forest. There are also some gems within the city limits. There is a wonderful walking path on the campus of the University of Victoria. The chip trail meanders throughout this beautiful campus. One of the most unique features is Mystic Vale. This is a forested ravine. It is a Douglas Fir ecosystem, home to more than 75 native plant and wildlife species. When you walk down into the ravine, you enter a truly mystical world surrounded by massive Douglas Fir trees.

I travelled across the United States in 2015 with my son, Peter. We saw a lot of the country but we both agreed that California, with its unbelievable diversity, was near the top of both of our lists of favourite states. In Northern California, we went to Redwood National Park. Standing amidst the giant redwoods was both awe inspiring and humbling. Words can’t describe it.

I walked across Spain twice, once in 2019 and again in 2023. I particularly enjoyed my early morning (5:30 a.m.) walks through the many forests along the Camino. I strapped on my headlamp and wandered alone through the woods. The sense of tranquilty and serenity was almost overwhelming. Gradually, I would hear one bird and then another, often followed by a cacophony, as nature came alive. Quiet walks in the woods are good for the body, the soul and the mind.

And now, I have come full circle. Recently I was substitute teaching at a small, rural elementary school, a throwback to a simpler time. Despite a recent wholesale cell phone ban in schools in this region, there’s no need to worry at this school as internet and cell service are spotty at best. The playground covers several acres and surrounding it on three sides is a forest. This was my first time at this school. I saw children wandering into the woods at recess, unsupervised. I was a bit alarmed until another teacher told me that there was an elaborate trail system and that children were allowed to go there without teachers hovering. I was shocked and thrilled. Imagine, allowing children to discover nature on their own terms.

I didn’t hover but I was quite curious to see the trails. I took a few steps into the woods and found three small children on their haunches, examining a centipede. For a brief moment, I felt that there was still a chance for civilization.

Very often, we can’t see the forest for the trees because we are so wrapped up in our own little worlds.

Grab a pair of boots and go for a walk in the woods.

You’ll be glad you did.

Pick a little spruce gum while you’re at it.

Have a great weekend.

P.S. I will be performing a one man show of music and storytelling on Wednesday, October 16th at 7:00 p.m. at the Antigonish Heritage Museum.

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