Awestruck by Icebergs

Off on an iceberg quest on the Iceberg Quest boat. Toast with partridge berry and rhubarb jam set us up before the voyage. And what a trip it was. With two Twillingate locals at the helm and just 2 other paying guests, off we went to circle two icebergs just offshore. The one fellow who still fishes told us that nothing is more satisfying than coming in from a few days out at sea with a full load of fish. He reminisced about the past and how excited the girls were on the shore waiting for the "longliners" to come in. The icebergs. To see them up close is quite magical. Sun sparkling on the melting white faces, turquoise blue from where I don't know and aquamarine just under the surface. 

St. John's to Twillingate

Off on an iceberg quest! Good to get away from the urban vibe of St. John's to rediscover the endless trees, rocks and seascapes  of  Newfoundland. The salt box house in Merritt's Harbour looking out onto lobster traps and a meadow leading to the rocky shore is a quiet retreat. A small community filled with the memories  of the past way of life on this island. Caught sight of two icebergs that definitely need a closer look. Sea urchin shells and the succulent plants that hug the rocks are lovely discoveries along the way. 

Birds, birds, birds

A trip to the Cape St Mary's Ecological Reserve where there is a huge colony of different varieties  of seabirds, gannets in particular. Very fascinating to see them up close and in nature. Also admired the sheep who frolicked on the windswept barrens of the reserve. After a long drive, I was very grateful for the Iceberg beer and cod and chips at a popular St. John's spot that started serving customers the year I was born! The fish was caught today of course! The clouds had blown away from Signal Hill by the end of the day, and it was a great spot to gaze out to sea as so many have done for centuries. 

More than a day away

It always amazes me how 24 hours on a vacation can feel so different than in one's daily routine. Today brought beautiful views from Signal Hill and Cape Spears (the most eastern point in North America) near St. John's, Newfoundland. Steeped in the history of the settlement of Canada and the importance of good harbours in military history. 

Summer is truly here

Brilliant yarrow signals to me that summer is really upon us. The fushia hue of this  flower reminds me of the tropics. And the bees love the fresh coreopsis.  The other sign is the general excitment at the office as one hears the phrase, "Have a good holiday" as folks embark on the vacations they have been anticipating. Different for the office workers than the farmers whose hard work will not let up until the last pumpkin is out of the field. 

Third day of summer 2015

My work has taken me out of the concrete of Toronto to some hidden gems in the countryside on the shores of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.  The stressful hours on the highway getting in and out of the city are worth the peace I experience as I see the green fields stretching around me. I admire the lighthouses at Port Dover and Port Dalhousie  and think about them standing tall through all the seasons with rain, snow, sun and wind. 

Second Day of Summer 2015

It amazes me how quickly the Ontario world can change in 8 short weeks. April 22 brought a few green shoots and the hint of glory to come. June 22 and the world is full of green leaves on the ginko tree and flowers and the spinach already bolting in it's urgency to produce seeds. The evening primrose and the turnips, peas and chinese kale have caught my attention today. 

First Day of Summer 2015

Our moments of inspiration are not lost though we have no particular poem to show for them; for those experiences have left an indelible impression, and we are ever and anon reminded of them." Henry David Thoreau.  

I am a woman in her 60's who wants to enjoy every moment ! I am inspired by so many people and things around me and love the excitement and concentration of the creative process, the flow. This is what I share with you.

The summer solstice feels like the perfect time to begin this new endeavour. Since April, I wake up every day and rush (well maybe saunter) out to the garden with wonder to see what new bloom has emerged.  It is like a symphony, starting slowly and now rising to the crescendo which will peak in a couple of weeks.