A Room Of My Own

One evening last week my big black lab and I headed out for a hike at one of our favourite provincial parks. After an invigorating climb through trails up and down steep hills, poor Bailey was quite worn out. As he quickly approaches the 10 year mark in his life, we are seeing his age sneak up on him. He sleeps for much of the day, getting up after a long nap is quite laborious for him and his back legs are strained under all 120 lbs of him. After the trek in the woods, we headed down to the river for a dip to cool off. Although he is a gorgeous water dog, these days his uncertainty in his back legs prevents him from leaping into the water for that well deserved swim. I have to lead him into the water until it is deep enough and then swim with him. This was really therapeutic for both of us. I do adore him so. Following the swim I got out, dried off and grabbed my book. I settled in at the river’s edge for a good read, but what happened next took me from my reading. Bailey found friend...

Over the weekend, as I sat outside on the summer kitchen porch, I wrote. I had risen early that Saturday morning (unlike me), snuck about the house to make strong coffee and attempted to not wake anyone with my putterings. Let me be clear and honest, this was not out of respect to allow the family a sleep in, but rather selfishly to afford myself some quiet time. The strong coffee was grande in these early hours and I began my morning hiatus reading Nino Ricci’s The Origin of Species . I had waited in a rather long queue at the local library for this book, eagerly and excitedly signed it out when my turn came round, only to find a copy new-to-me for sale at the same library. Out of pure and raw need to possess (Buddha I continue to fail) I now have both copies in my possession. I don’t really understand my happiness at this. Anyways, I was reading away, and drinking my breakfast when I was inspired by the early morning air, the smell of basil nestled in the pots about me, the wind as i...

"We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection." (I'm with you by archlover via deviantArt) Early Saturday morning, as my girls and I were shuffling around the house readying ourselves for a day at the beach, I was presented with a hug from my teenage daughter. This moment of affection truly had a lasting impact on me, lifting my spirits for the rest of that busy day. I reflected on the significance of this simple gesture. I am not sure if she realized the effect it had on me, as it stayed with me. I have come to understand our desire to be loved and appreciated has derived from a fundamental human need. The need for human affection. Extending human affection to the people in our lives by way of a simple touch, a warm hug or a soft kiss has a positive impact on our relationships. This basic physical interaction enhances the health and well being of both the giver and the receiver. A true win win! By being open to affection you...

"From where I am," the sun said, "I can see the Soul of the World. It communicates with my soul, and together we cause the plants to grow and the sheep to seek out shade. From where I am – and I’m a long way from the earth- I learned how to love. I know that if I came even a little bit closer to the earth, everything there would die, and the Soul of the World would no longer exist. So we contemplate each other, and we want each other, and I give it life and warmth, and it gives me my reason for living.” “So you know about love,” the boy said. Photo courtesy of Claire McNeilly Lovingly, Janet

Last night after sending my best mate off for the last time, I turned the radio on for company on the ride home. I was not sad. Alex Cuba was playing a live concert somewhere in the world (somewhere in Canada which was why CBC was playing a live concert) and that made me happy. Although I do not know any of the words, I tried to sing along for my heart. I stopped at a red light. The lanky, downtown, messy haired man crossed the road. I have seen this man often downtown. At times I have been afraid of him. I have seen him walking about with a bloodied face. Most times I feel sorry for him. Tonight, I admired him. He walked in front of my car and the world slowed down. I watched. His hands were in the pockets of his too-big-for-him jeans. His long, messy hair was back in its signature pony tail – but it looked neater tonight. He was not smiling per say, but his face was. His walk was executed in long, slow steps. He was in no hurry, but his long stride would get him there on time. Maybe ...

Sometimes when I look in the mirror and my hair hangs curled under I look distinguished That is a nice way of saying older I like the look but I am not yet ready to see it It is at these moments when I wonder what my young lover sees Does his head cock to the side in question Doubts seeps in I mention the age gap to a friend She dismisses it with “who cares?” I am relieved but push on I suggest maybe I should give my young lover up let him mature for a few years, let him ‘sow some wild oats’ “Isn’t that what he is doing with you?” She apologizes A good truth told Janet Post poem; A mirror helps one reflect... Postscript; Thank you to all of my family, personal friends and blogger friends whom have read, supported and contributed to my blog. Thank you to Dave whom encouraged me to get started. I have enjoyed this experience and I look forward to exploring the myriad of blogs, bloggers and communities I have encountered with similar passions. With many emotions, my smile simply says ...

Our perfect August Our lambent time The hour, month, season Hast thou passed so Suddenly Nay, in time You have naught but slept Wake now thee love See how it has suffered Under your euphoric spell Comfort creates the nest Complacency settles in (…poem interrupted by life) With Love On Love Janet