Today's Forecast - November!

 This day, that happens to be November 11th (Remembrance Day) could be said to be framed by a weather forecast, that has remained fixed for a number of days, but has not presented in the relentless fashion as described. On the roster, was to be a series of storms, bringing "heavy rainfall" and high winds. To be sure, some of those elements have been present, while duration (gracefully) has been intermittent. Admittedly, I may have tuned in, to said maelstrom last night, my new home (in a manufactured home park) is in a somewhat wooded area and I have noticed, since moving in, that out front, the road slopes in an unfavourable way, which results in a accumulation, of water, during heavy rainfall. Said water recedes quickly, when the rain subsides. Though I am increasingly relaxing into my new environment,  I spent the last 18 yrs. in a second floor condo, largely untouched by such weather systems. Being "strata" maintenance etc. was overseen by the strata council/property managers, I only needed to focus on interior concerns. 

 I love all the trees in our park! The condo I just mentioned, was located on a major east/west urban thoroughfare, l had to walk 20 minutes minimally, to reach some green space, in that neighbourhood. Of course, the trade off, for now having this wooded space to call home, there is both debris from said trees, from the winds and I suppose, the possibility of damage done by a falling branch (or tree). I'm told the onsite property manager, is very vigilant regarding the assessment of the resident trees. I've seen him since being here, he is a going concern, always seems to be doing something around the park. So that then leaves me, the prospect of letting go and to engage trust and faith.

All this to say, I woke this morning initially tempted to go back to sleep (after getting up briefly shortly before 7a.m.) Instead, I walked the length of my home, from bedroom to front room window and established, the rain had let up (it had been raining heavily at times through the night... maybe all night, I was able to hear it and go back to sleep) the pooling out front had receded, all was well.

I had a shower hoping the warm water would ease some stiffness in my low back. I'm now three or so weeks into my new gym membership and have been making good use of it. I also restarted a long stagnant Qi gong practice two days ago.

Once showering had been completed, I began a tug'o'war with myself, breakfast versus, Qi Gong then breakfast. 

Qi Gong eventually won out. What a dance I put myself through at times. Ironically, over, doing something that has proven to be good for me. I felt amazing after doing the practice, had I succumbed to bailing on the practice, in favour of "resting," due to the stiffness, potentially the sitting around might have compounded the low back stiffness. 

As it turned out, my back was much improved and released during and after, the practice.

I mentioned the concept of letting go earlier. I have been called upon innumerable times since early this year, when we began travelling back and forth from Victoria, which subsequently spawned the vision, that I was going to move here to Parksville.

I am absolutely amazed, at how various things have resolvedz, with very little influence from me. In some cases just allowing what is, to be, and doing what is in front of me (that may or may not be related to that which I was previously puzzling/grappling over).

I held on to the Qi Gong box set of training dvd's and manuals. I "still" want to avail myself to the entire package and integrate it into my life. Previously, I have only worked with a couple of the dvd's. I had my Mac laptop and a external disc drive I was set. Before even becoming the "successful" buyer of the place I now own (initially I thought it was beautiful...... but....... priced out of my reach)...... while on the way back to the house I was staying at, I saw an small entertainment cabinet and flatscreen monitor on the roadside. I'm guessing it's maybe 24 or 30ish  inches. I haven't had "T.V." for years but I thought I could use the screen, in conjunction with my laptop, for viewing dvd's, instead of just the small computer screen. I scooped the two items up and they remained stored in the garage of the house, eventually becoming part of the monumental job, of moving house from Victoria to Parksville.

One thing led to another and the "out of reach" home became reachable (made possible by my agent "Grace" coaching me to determine my walk-away bottom line offering price).... let me tell you, the prospect of that challenged me some.... as much as I tried to not be "invested" in outcome... I found myself leaning toward "wanting" that home.... the idea of "walking away," I found unappealing. Still I turned it over, employed the idea that this place or something better, came up with my price, made my "final offer" and shortly thereafter I was informed, it had been accepted!

Once in the house the "entertainment" cabinet became a stand for a "bookshelf" stereo and the storage houses my growing cd collection. The flatscreen found a perch on top of a book shelf in my spare room, not immediately being put to use.

Not too long after getting in and closer to, "settled," my laptop crashed, and I was informed that it was not repairable. Well then, so much for watching the Qi Gong dvd's. Or having the use of a laptop. I decided to replace the laptop with a PC (refurbished at that) - no longer willing to pay the price to count myself a "Mac" user. I still had the external disc drive (which was an Apple product) I began to investigate whether it could be used with the PC, answer - yes, but download this, and configure that and must have such and such video card... Bah Hum Bug!!

I then made some inquiries about PC compatible external drives, learning yes, they were still available and not particularly expensive. I was prepared to drive into town and get one, when I decided to check the flat screen, to see what sort of cable I would need, to connect laptop to screen... One side revealed all the manual buttons. The other side, I was surprised to learn, had a built in DVD player! I had no idea when I rescued it from the roadside, that feature was even part of it.

I plugged it in and it came to life! After some fiddling around, the disc drive began making hopeful whirring sounds and the imaging on the screen indicated it was capable of playing the contents of the DVD.

So day one, Qi Gong successfully completed. Yesterday, breakfast first, won out, and Qi Gong was not to occur at all. Today is now, in the record books as another successful completion, 2 days out of 3 so far. I can live with that!

As there was an extended reprieve this a.m. from another predicted round of November weather, I decided to begin the days allotment of walking, sooner than later, so that if it really gets socked in, I won't be tempted to bail entirely. It was invigorating, the walk on the beach! Enough beach to walk on, the wind whipping waves and trees a like. I tell you, one cannot get that energy enhancing experience sitting on the couch. I also fully admit I am not always able to break the gravitational pull of said couch. And, I'm not always quick, to embrace the romantic notion, of walking (never mind, "singing in the rain!"

I was fascinated observing one lone 'diving duck' - when I first saw it, it was very near the shoreline (closest I've seen on so far) they are usually swimming further out. It began swimming out away from the beach, meeting each swell head on and then pushing on through the smoother water between. I wondered if it was trying to rejoin the others that were further away, or perhaps attempting to get to better ground for foraging. After watching for a while, I observed that the bird stopped swimming and just rode the waves right back into the beach. The final wave that deposited them on the beach was a little abrupt as was the suction of the receding wave that momentarily sucked them back out. In the interlude between waves, unfettered by what had just occurred they just waddled their way further up the shoreline out of reach of the continuing surf.

I admired the little guy's determination and concluded, it would appear that "exercise" was for no other purpose than a jolly good time! Of course they do say, a ship's captain cannot earn their stripes staying safely tied in the harbour....

Knowing The Start, Doesn't Assure a Known Finish....

 The blank page beckons or it intimidates, perhaps taunting, daring the writer to proceed. Truth? Fiction? Metaphor perhaps? I'm inclined to lean toward, projection of the mind (whatever that is...).. It is after all quite literally, a blank page, in a journal, on a computer screen, on a note pad etc. Completely and utterly harmless (unless you count paper-cuts..) What possible harm could it bring? I suppose, if one has a "dead-line," then a continued blank page, eventually leads to some form of consequence. If I pre-suppose that I must replace the open possibility of the blank page, with some sort of "meaningful" discourse, that must amuse, or inform, maybe inspire or enlighten; well perhaps this begins to point to  some idea, of how the page, could be held "responsible," for my expectation of myself, leading to the generation, of some form of internal "pressure," maybe even fear, that exposing myself through writing, could lead to of rejection, or humiliation.

Oh my goodness, what a lot of head games, that can come into play, before one indulges the want/enjoyment of writing! I think it better to, just write. I can be rejected any number of times, any day of the week, depending on how many authentic interactions I engage in. It is then, not necessary to frame my dalliances with writing, as such a serious matter, there's nothing at stake here (as far as I know) I have absolutely nothing to lose.

Really it could be looked upon, as an adventure of sorts. Sometimes I might have an intended focus or direction. Other times, just a vague wisp of an idea, with which to make a start, it is right there, that I would say, one could throw caution, (notions of certainty) to the wind and just begin and see where that thread leads.

Today was a living example of such an undertaking (not specifically related to writing, but then again, whose to say, what experience goes on to feed or inspire)? The day started relatively early. I knew I was picking up Max (my Dachshund X sidekick) later in the morning. I had also planned to go to the gym (intending then, to forego breakfast until later.... and just bring along a smoothie). I loosely knew, I was meant to pick him up, before my partner left for an 11a.m. appointment. I wanted to complete my workout, then get Max so he wouldn't be sitting in the car in the November wind/rain offering. Before leaving my place, I had coffee while doing some a.m. inspirational reading/writing. All that was laid on for the morning was good life-affirming stuff, however I didn't really consider the time, each of these activities would take, and subsequently impact commitments to follow.

I wasn't long into my workout, when I realized, there's not much time before I'm suppose to be picking up Max. Rather than let this reality become cause to bail on the workout, deciding, there's just not enough time, "to do this right." I just created intensity within the time I had to work with. There was virtually nobody else in the gym. Thereforec, I could go from upper body exercise to lower body allowing the previous muscle group to "rest" while moving directly to the next exercise. I had a great workout and still got to my next destination on time.

Afterward I quickly did some grocery shopping, early enough that store wasn't busy, further allowing me to add some items to my pantry, while they were on sale. Max and I then drove back to my place. Neither of us had had, much of a walk so far. The rain continued along with gusts of "high" wind. Max is not a walk in the rain enthusiast, so I decided it was then breakfast time.

We hung out for a while and though the wind persisted the rain let up, so off we ventured. Five minutes down the hill from my place is beach access to stretch of shoreline known as Craig Bay. The tide was still out enough, that we had ample beach to walk on. We set out in the a direction we had both done before. At various places in that direction, one can leave the beach and loop back through a meadow-like green space. Curiosity fueled my want to keep going further down the beach and see where that lead. I reasoned there would either be additional access/exit trails, or we would just double back when we were finished.

When we got down to the "end" of the beach, there was a (to me), unknown estuary! Now this is what I'm talking about, adventure, exploration framed in the beauty of nature. We followed a pathway along the shoreline of the estuary. There were places where the trail we were walking, disappeared under water. I suppose either due to the rainfall and/or tide coming back in. We found footing on higher ground to continue. Next a fork in the trail, one appeared to loop back, the other led to a bridge across the estuary. Obviously the bridge was the clear-cut option! We followed that trail until it came out to a trail head bedside a local road. I didn't really want to walk back on the road, so we turned around. A sign board informed us we were at Craig Creek estuary (part of a local ecological-reserve) - cool! Another trail would have had us following a dirt road, that I'm pretty sure was the means, for all those residing in those beachfront houses to get to their homes. I didn't care to walk that route either. So, we doubled back the way we came in, following the course of the estuary embankment, while noticing even more of the trail was under water in different spots. A good time to decide to make our about face. The beach was noticeably narrower but still room to navigate. Eventually we took one of the trails up into the meadow and looped back home to my place.

All in all, we walked 12,737 steps, a distance of 9km! Info provided by the handy-dandy "Fit-bit" I was gifted for my last birthday. Now I can say, I am definitely a wellness/fitness etc. enthusiast. Just the same, to have compiled that many steps or traversed that distance, I would have been challenged to just go out the door with the predetermined intention to walk 9kms. I can hear it now (the less helpful facet of my mind.....) wah.... wah.... wah..... blah... blah.... blah..!!!

But, add a little mystery, adventure, exploration and natural beauty and time, distance, even effort (to a large extent), even less than idyllic weather conditions, all give way - to the adventure itself.

Is this then a cohesive piece, an anecdote that follows congruently and logically to a conclusion, predetermined by where it began?  I don't know, I'd have to read it and see, which I will likely do, but I won't change a thing. A token "proof-read" is the only reason I see fit to revisit this journey.

As I complete, I'm aware that the wind has once again picked up... I'm thinking it might be worth fishing a lantern out of the back of my vehicle, the lights have flickered a few times. Soon then, I will determine, whether the batteries in said lantern, are still viable, if not, maybe I will spend the evening reading by candlelight. 

The adventure continues!

What You'll Get Is What You See

 Frequently, though, as I'm just getting back, to the practice of writing, what was, may not be entirely true now. What I was going to say is that often, a "writing prompt," would occur to me from within (at least that's where I would experience it). Today, I'm going to go with a question, that is one of many, from a source, that was put togethe,r to seed discussion in a group setting. I trust it will serve equally well, to get the windmills of whatever it is, that activates within me, to begin churning out some form of content.

The question: "If I change the way I look at the world, does the world I look at change?"

I believe that theme has been attributed to the idea that, One doesn't see the world as it is, but rather sees the world as they are." It is suggested that ones inner state of being, will shape the way they then, view the world around them. I have seen this quote/claim as being attributed to the Buddha. I have no idea whether he actually said it, or if he is the only one that said it. Much that is said, is repeated verbatim or paraphrased over and over again. I believe also he said, of his teachings/tenets, that don't believe it just because he said so, go out in the world and test if for yourself. 

Anyway, what of this idea? I have discovered (so to speak), that one can go a considerable distance, down the proverbial rabbit hole, with the idea around beliefs, inner states of being and to what degree they in turn, shape one's world view. I don't personally know where the bottom of the hole is, and what truth it holds, overall I have more experience with digging myself deeper and deeper, not always does it serve my best interest.

For example where I am (the region I am now living) it's raining. Now if I get it in my head, that the entire day is now going to "suck," because of the rain, well, what hope is there, for a day, that presents as anything, but what I have "decided" it will be.

Was it Gene Kelly that was "Singing in the Rain?" The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band crooned, "If You're Ever Going to See a Rainbow, You Gotta Stand a Little Rain." Another song lyric suggests, the singer's eyes will not be turning red, due to the Raindrops that persist falling on his head. And finally who could forget "Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens?"

Reviewing these perspectives, one can see a rainy day, isn't necessarily cause to declare the day a right-off!

What of war, poverty, pestilence etc.? They most certainly will persist, but in what way, does dwelling upon any or all of these things, serve to lessen or eliminate them? I would assert that the more I hold in mind, a certain viewpoint,  the more "evidence," I will find to uphold those views. I can definitely say, that never, has my continuing to point out the presence of darkness, ever, brought more light.

I don't know where depression and attitude intersect or if they do. I can say, there are countless examples in my life where a change of attitude (mine) had a profound and rather immediate effect on my life.  A change in attitude can not only change an isolated interaction, it can change the trajectory of ones whole life. So then, does my attitude shape the world or does the world shape my attitude?

I remember many years ago now, I had begun working as what was called a Nurse's Aide/Orderly. My first job was in an Extended Care facility. The unit I worked on was unique in as much as all the residents were not seniors. However on one occasionc, I was interacting with one of the seniors. I don't know how close the world was to "Nuclear War," at that time (or if it even was) but there was plenty of suggestion, that the threat was ever present and of course, there were those, most likely to bring it about and those that were the self-proclaimed saviours. I would say of my life back then, in hindsigh,t (I embodied a lot of fear) so the prospect of Nuclear annihilation, became imminent, in my mind. During the conversation I was having with this guy, I bemoaned the "state of the world," and invoked that, as justification, to throw my arms in the air and declare: "what's the use...." it's soon to be all over....

This guy wasted no time in taking my argument to task. He said, "Look there has been the threat of attack, invasion, war etc. constantly, some materialize, many don't ...... if you spend what's left of your life, in fear of what might happen.... you will have wasted your life..... what are you going to do with your life? Put your attention on that!

That was about 45 years ago... yes the world has seen many wars, "acts of aggression," etc. Has my life been rendered free of fear? No! Has there been, all along the way, up to and including now, reason to feel fear, Yes.... Do I always need to allow that fear to immobilize me and colour my viewpoint, perspective and behaviour? Once again, No!

To quote one last song - Michael Jackson sang: "If you want make the world a better place, took a look at yourself and make a change.." Not unlike what Gandhi said about "being the change you wish to see in the world..." Maybe, just maybe, if I busy myself, growing myself to be a better human being, I won't l have so much time, to find fault with "the world."

I will quote now the words that I find always inspiring, albeit at times daunting....

God, make me an instrument of your Peace

Where there is hatred, let me sow love

Where there is injury, pardon

Where there is doubt, faith

Where there is despair, hope

Where there is sadness, joy

Oh Divine Creator

Grant that I not so much seek

To be Understood, as to understand

To be Consoled as to console 

To be loved as to love

For it is in giving that we, receive

It is in pardoning, we are pardoned

It is in dying that we awaken to eternal life.

On that note - peace out!

Can One Day be, Like No Other?

" Another day, another opportunity....." Opportunity for what? Will what you envision materialize... upon said other day or anytime at all? Well, increasingly, I entertain that it is possible that what was doesn't absolutely hold true for today. Though some "realities" take hold and are not subject to change for a very long time. How much, can any individual effect change, on those deeply entrenched life occurrences? 

For example, though I have moved (from one city to a much smaller one) I still reside on Vancouver island, which is part of the Province of British Columbia (one of the geographical sub-divisions of "Canada." I personally don't wave a flag to identify with any of that, but perhaps it offers the reader some context. There was just a "provincial election," which resulted in a vastly different representation, whenever the Legislature reconvenes, than what existed previously.

The New Democratic Party lost, resulting in a significant majority, being made possible for the BC Conservative Party. How different will this make life in British Columbia? Time will tell ..... 
Urban myth would have one believe, that NDP is all about the people and looking after "workers...." they would have one believe, that they and for the most part, only they, are champions of the oppressed. Are they? Well they say yes, as do the media pundits, that spin their narrative. But there is much to suggest that if they ever did occupy anything a kin to center/left, they have drifted farther and farther to the left. At this time, to disagree with their policies, to speak out won't land you in exile, but for sure your career might well abruptly end, while your reputation is destroyed, you may roam "free" but for all intents and purposes, you will exist in social/economic/professional exile.

The NDP that were handed their butts, had a majority (albeit razor thin) still had two years left in their current mandate when their "leader," a self-proclaimed "Socialist..." decided to call a snap election, on top of an already scheduled Municipal election. Why? (only he knows for sure what his motives were...) however, he began his campaign, down the path of blaming the all Canadian scapegoat Trump..... no doubt there are some realities in Canada and else where, in the world that Trump, is only making worse. However, there are far more problems in this country, that pre-existed him even getting back in office. Politicians at all levels of government have been exploiting the long standing (insecurity driven) Canadian past time, of dissing Americans, whipping it into a frenzy and directing all that rage at Trump (an all to convenient and long-standing distraction from what is actually going on here at home. The now ex-Premier tried to about face on his campaign multiple times, desperately trying to justify the millions of dollars that would be spent on this unnecessary election.

The NDP are all about growing the size of government (not unlike the federal "Liberals,") both levels of government are constantly crowing about job creation, but upon closer examination, the jobs are for the most part, public sector government jobs (paid for by taxpayers)... in sectors where failure results in "government subsidies...." more tax dollars...... Private investment and large companies are getting out of Dodge. While these charlatans virtue signal their way into manufacturing what exactly?? Inflation is out of control (government printing money) crime - steadily rising, homelessness (increasing) food bank patronage (off the charts)... 

So then, will the newly appointed to office, BC Conservatives "save the day...?" Honestly, I don't know. In a world where those claim to be the champions "for the people" (communists and fascists along with their watered down comrades... the "socialists...." always began their scourge, by creating the crisis and then convincing the people, they would save them from their imminent demise), once the bait was taken the trap snapped shut quickly and mercilessly. There is no more "black and white" in political arenas than any other facet of life, it is still after all, comprised of human beings along with the human condition. 

Apparently BC hasn't had a Conservative government for a very long time. The vast majority of those that bothered to vote, convinced that they were holier than thou, by electing and re-electing those that were "for the people.." everyone else, were only there to do the bidding of the corporations.... Those on the left label anyone that disagrees with them, an "right wing extremist....." if you so much as ask a question, cast doubt on a popularly held notion..... dare to voice another viewpoint ... boom!!! You're relegated to the right wing and to the extreme at that...... All the while, those that claim to be all about inclusion, and equality, protection from hate crimes, racism, bullying, violence...... go at anyone that disagrees with their viewpoint.... screaming, red-faced, eyes-bugged out, spewing language that is anything but, tolerant, respectful, compassionate, empathetic - it is nothing more than rage/violence..

So then, if one faction can present so completely and absolutely, as those that represent all that is good and yet turn a blind eye; to social decay, growing poverty, increased crime etc. What's to say, that those wrapped in a different veneer, go on to come off, far from what they sold themselves as.

Here's what I know, the analogy used, to discredit government's, that run massive deficits (printing money that has no under-pinning.... driving the Province or Country, further and further into debt) as being flawed, based on the premise that, if you ran your personal finances that way, spending money you don't have, borrowing money beyond your ability to service the debt.... then borrowing more money make the payments on the previously borrowed money..... eventually, leads to a shattering crash!!!! 

How do I know, because I've lived it! If financial planners used visual aid, citing the habits and financial practices of two types of people .... I would be the poster boy for "don't do this......!!!!!!"

The federal Liberals and the now out-going NDP handle the money they've been entrusted to oversee, like drunk sailors on shore leave. Run out, print more, raise taxes ... rinse repeat... Those that support them are too busy consuming the myriad of distractions to really scrutinize those that are stealing them blind.

For the life of me I don't know how the idea of Conservativism can have been twisted to represent nothing but evil.

Conservative.... "Easy Does It..." "Don't count your chickens before they hatch" Don't put all your eggs in one basket..." Save for a Rainy Day.... These are what I think of when considering what it is to "conserve..." Long did I ignore such wisdom.... and now I pay the price (pun intended...)

I know that there are those that hide within a "Conservative" representation, that harbour ideas that are not all squeeky and wholesome..... This is absolutely true of those that come on stage and instead of Blue, they are wrapped in Orange, or Red or Green...... whatever it takes to convince enough people to vote for and uphold, their passage to office .... then the most egregious practices, are sold through the smoke and mirrors, wrapped in your favorite colour, and proclaimed to be for the common good of all that is good and of course each in their chosen group, are the embodiment of just that, the rest must perish as that is their lot!! 

So then, where lies the "opportunity..." I'm thinking more and more for myself .... (that could be the answer right there).... I believe there is not much to be gained by continuing to bear witness to the political stage and that it hopes to purvey and convey....

Moment to moment day by day, search your heart, if something seems off, wrong, out of alignment ... good chance it is.... Then the clear (not easy) choice is to say NO!

From Eternity to Here

 I reckon I should begin this missive, with some account, regarding time spent absent, from this platform. Can I do so without telling a story, possibly, but it's not about to happen. So now having given fair warning, if you don't feel inclined to "engage" the story, perhaps you're in a hurry, maybe you have developed an appetite for 30 sec (or less) sound bytes or "the elevator presentation," you are free to be on your way: Vaya Con Dios!

Interestingly, I'm not even sure how long it has been, even if I were to track time through looking at the last post (date) .... I'm not entirely sure I could account, for every drop of water, under the bridge from then until now.

In general terms, I think I lost my inspiration to write, during the "world event" (2020 - 2024) or there abouts. Previous to that, the content was something of stew, framed within, my personal "spiritual" journey/exploration, stream of consciousness, musing (sometimes bordering on "opinion" ... some might have said "over-opinionated." observations, contemplation, quest for the truth.... I believe I continued, at the onset of said world event, but the longer it continued, the more despondent I became. There would be nuanced facets, to what was going on for me within myself, however, I could exercise some brevity here, and acknowledge that my mindset at the time, spiraled into that which could be expressed thus: FUCK IT!!

I began to doubt that I had anything further to say, and it seemed to me in a rather dumbfounding and inexplicable way, many were satisfied to be spoon-fed - what to believe, whom to hold in contempt and how they could best define themselves, through a "virtuous lens." from the likes of the CBC. What can be said about a "news" outlet, that owes its very existence, to on operating budget that is 75% taxpayer funded, yet they turn off the comment section on their feeds, so that no one can interact with their claims and proclamations. I believe, I just said all that needs to be said.

All this time later, I sit in front of a new (refurbished) laptop - my previous computer retired itself a few weeks ago (was it backed up.... ya at some but effectively NO!) So much for me has been about an ability and willingness to let go. The old laptop could be seen like those sand mandelas the monks make it was, it served and it is finished. I attempted to access this blog platform and could see things I had written in the past, but was unable to gain access to the compositional section of the platform,  that made possible, writing. 

Following various threads of fragmented, woefully inadequate tech knowledge, some google searches, multiple verification codes, invitations to provide a recovery email, and finally a list of different email addresses that were familiar enough once I saw them, but that were inaccessible to my mind, when presented with the notion that the blog platform would be associated with a particular address. Well that narrows it right down then!! Bloody Hell! One of them contained, a surname I no longer use (yes legally) along with a email provider's name that has been "inactive" for many a day.

Some combination of all of that has resulted in my ability to actively engage this blog platform once again, for how long? Who knows!!

I know longer live, in the city of my birth (Victoria) I have taken up residence in a small town 2 hrs. north from the province's capital. Most of this past year, has been spent traveling back and forth from Victoria to Parksville, where more recently, time here, was spent house hunting, as I had managed to sell my condo in Victoria. I now have a "manufactured home" within a manufactured home park - in the lingo of some (if your following along) that could in effect, make me "trailer trash..." It is a lovely home, the park is on a dead-end road, that takes me from my front door, 5 min. down the hill to beach access, where I can walk, as far as I care to, in either direction along the shoreline. No longer am I awakened at all hours by sirens and emergency vehicles, subject to the growing, sprawling density, and insufferable "woke" politics.

I opened the door to significant change and a shit-ton of work, all of which is now demonstrating itself to have been a divine gift to my nervous system. I can attest newly, to the adage, "to make an omlette one must break a few eggs.

That it not be entirely self-indulgent, I hope my continued (revisited) want to write, will reach and resonate with others. I would still need to clarify, I will write because it feeds something in me, in addition to that,  the last number of years, has removed for me, any last threads of a willingness, to massage my content, to appease the sentiments of anyone else.

This seems a good a place as any to wrap this session (or cease this wrap). I just received a call that my vehicle is ready to pick up (I brought it to a local dealer) in response to some "recall" issues that needed addressing. The journey with this vehicle might well feature in a story of its own, contingent on my "recalling" to spin that yarn.

Peace Out!