Becoming-Human

Home for the Holidays

2011-12-24T17:42:00.000-08:00

Home for the holidays means camp fires by the river, day-long brunches, and tea laced with Grand Marnier. It's good to be here.

I'll Be Home for Christmas

city mouse, country mouse

2011-12-12T18:58:00.000-08:00

I feel deep and abiding peace when in the country. When in the city, there's energy and new experiences everywhere. But which one am I?

one for every body

2011-12-11T19:15:00.001-08:00

Lunenburg County is the Balsam Fir Christmas tree capital of the world. Around every bend someone is selling wreaths and Christmas trees - including at the headstone monument lot, in front yards, and at the recycling centre. Some days I wonder if there are more Christmas trees than people here. At the very least, there's one for each of us.

I'm getting closer

2011-12-09T16:21:00.000-08:00

A bright moon lights my path home late at night. Then, as I get closer, I hear the wind chimes on the porch singing. Finally, as I step onto the lawn, there's the laughter of my house-mate who's sitting on the steps.

what it's all about

2011-12-05T18:27:00.003-08:00

“In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy.” – David Steindl-Rast

when one bowl is not enough

2011-12-04T19:19:00.001-08:00

Tonight was the annual All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Chowder Supper at the Riverport Fire Hall; I'm assured by everyone that it's "the best you'll ever have". Our bowls arrive steaming and full to the brim with seafood. Soon we're exclaiming that it is indeed the best we've ever tasted.

Photo: T.S.

the enchanted cottage

2011-12-01T17:24:00.001-08:00

Along Cornwallis Street sits a small cottage. The Christmas candles in the window bath the row of glass bottles on the sill and the small room inside with enchantment.

wake up call

2011-11-30T18:34:00.000-08:00

With the autumn time change has come the luck of waking up to the sunrise. Flick back the curtain and the pinks and golds of morning are there to great me.

first day out

2011-11-29T17:30:00.001-08:00

It's the first day of lobster season on the South Shore. At the stroke of 7 o'clock, the harbour pulses with excitement as the boats race each other out, each vying to lay their traps in the best grounds.

oh christmas tree

2011-11-28T16:14:00.000-08:00

Lunenburg's county-grown Christmas tree fills the town bandstand. Around it, smaller trees burn red, blue, green, and yellow. For one moment our voices lower and we stop, remembering what it felt like to be a child under the Christmas tree.

hanging in there

2011-11-27T18:27:00.001-08:00

Amongst the snow covered trees, a row of apples clings to their branch, refusing to let go of the last trace of fall.

on display

2011-11-16T17:15:00.000-08:00

The colourful swim caps of my team mates make a bright display as they bob up and down in the water.

the perfect question

2011-11-14T17:42:00.000-08:00

"Would you like to come sailing?'

laundry line culture

2011-11-13T17:32:00.000-08:00

A chance comment from a coworker has me comparing how clothes are hung on the line. In my co-worker's community, everyone sorts by colour. In another friend's home town, they hung items by size. From what I've seen so far, people around here sort by type of item. It feels like an unspoken piece of culture - that whatever way Saturday washing is hung up to dry, it's not random.

take no notice of the rain

2011-11-11T18:11:00.001-08:00

The wind sends shudders throughout the house while the rain washes over the windows. Out of doors is anything but calm. Taking no notice, two gulls come swooping in over the harbour, floating serenely amongst the storm.

there's no accounting for taste

2011-11-07T18:49:00.000-08:00

To eat orange marmalade after a gap of about 20 years and find that I now like it very much.

the reset button

2011-11-02T18:44:00.000-07:00

A somewhat frustrating conversation leaves me sighing over my desk. In comes my colleague with a choice of daily inspirations. I choose one on gratitude and restart my day.

cooking up trouble

2011-11-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

We've both moved to opposite ends of country in the past year and haven't actually worked together in two. But when we decide we want to create a project together, the miles disappear and we're back to making magic. Can't wait, L.K!

Leaders of Today

2011-10-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

An amazing weekend at Leaders of Today - seeing hope for the future in action.

one more smile

2011-10-24T17:51:00.000-07:00

We've immunized what feels like half the town tonight. The line-ups have been long and we've been hours without a break. But each time I look up at a new face, there's a smile waiting there for me.

when we can't do it alone

2011-10-19T19:10:00.001-07:00

When family and friends' visits coincide with life events, little or big, everything seems easier. This time it's mice in the attic. Thank you, Chris. I wouldn't want to do this one alone!

gifts

2011-10-17T18:14:00.001-07:00

He has the gifts of patience, teaching, generosity, and time. But my kayak building mentor's greatest gift is his enthusiasm for seeing me at the workbench, creating something new.

it's community here

2011-10-16T18:41:00.000-07:00

There is a long, high bulletin board along one wall in the building in which I work. Each Monday it's cleared of its notices and posters. By Wednesday, it's full again with invitations to firehall breakfasts, dances, music jams, and ham and baked bean suppers. This is community and it is alive and well.

too much information?

2011-10-13T18:06:00.000-07:00

Just like all teenagers, my nephew is not always the most forthcoming in his conversations. But today his email was full of details about his new girlfriend - and their favourite kissing spot.

settling in

2011-10-04T18:14:00.000-07:00

Autumn rains have settled in for a while; I settle in too.

the start of something good

2011-09-25T18:38:00.000-07:00

It's my first kayak building night. The gentle fragrance of shavings rewards first my painstaking cuts into the wood.

it's beginning to feel like home around here

2011-09-18T18:05:00.000-07:00

Mom and dad are here for a visit. We sit on the couch and drink tea, cook together, redecorate, and talk about my impending car purchase. It all feels great.

echos

2011-09-15T17:33:00.000-07:00

The laughter and conversation of BC visitors still echos throughout my house. I treasure the little glimpses of them that I still find, like a towel hanging on the door or the maps scattered on the living room table.

wish granted!

2011-09-05T05:18:00.001-07:00

A comment on how much I would love my own kayak leads to an invitation for help to build my own.

good morning, sunshine!

2011-09-02T19:01:00.001-07:00

She used to greet me every morning with a cheery, "Good morning, Sunshine!" I wrote the same message for her on our office white board when I left. Now one of the best parts of my day is getting her same message when I look through my morning emails.

always there

2011-08-31T17:20:00.001-07:00

I'm glad I called my sister. She always knows just what to say.

lullaby

2011-08-30T17:11:00.000-07:00

The crickets' gentle chirps float through the open window and lull me to sleep.

sleepers, awake!

2011-08-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

The morning gets off to a slow start and I feel a bit sluggish. Around noon I finally get around to making coffee. My vision clears, my task list seems manageable, and I'm ready to go. Oh why did I wait so long?!

Sleepers, Awake! (J.S.Bach)

a glance back

2011-08-27T19:45:00.000-07:00

A year's worth of photographs tell tales of amazing friends and co-workers, laughter, adventures, and general mischief.

soul food

2011-08-23T18:51:00.000-07:00

Six of us sat in the sun filled living room. Our conversation sparkled with ideas, hope, and belief in the communities around us.

what does summer look like?

2011-08-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

Tonight summer looked like a paddle in the ocean, a jump off the dock, a beer on the ocean, burgers on the BBQ, and freshly made blueberry grunt.

in the summer

2011-08-16T17:02:00.000-07:00

In the summer you can have ice cream for dinner.

hello? hello!

2011-08-15T18:22:00.002-07:00

The sound of my friend's voice sweeps away the little troubles of everyday life.

like never before

2011-08-14T16:04:00.000-07:00

We strain every muscle as we try to make the dory slice through the water just a little bit faster. Every thought is about reaching the finish line. We cross and the rush of joy that I feel after working so hard seems stronger than any emotion ever felt before.

a wee gem

2011-08-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

To find a quote that represents what I'm feeling before I could even put it into words myself.

enough said

2011-07-27T15:55:00.000-07:00

all it takes

2011-07-26T13:32:00.000-07:00

Sometimes all it takes to make the day better is a glass of milk and a chocolate chip cookie.

miracles needed and found

2011-07-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

There's not enough of the rhubarb lemonade that I made for the Festival tomorrow. I'll need it to expand miraculously overnight. But I have found a room full of welcoming people who cheerfully squeeze lemons for me and introduce me to the local delicacy of hodge podge.

Tea with Town Criers

2011-07-21T18:45:00.001-07:00

I couldn't have anticipated it, but today I had the most wonderful visit in the home of the Town's official Crier. He's eager to make the 'Cry' sound just right. And of course he'll bring his bell to the parade.

we got it!

2011-07-19T17:39:00.000-07:00

Something happened last Thursday morning. Was it a different rhythm or a better flick of the wrist? We don't know, but our dory is just flying down the harbour now!

the story teller

2011-07-15T18:46:00.000-07:00

We sit spellbound as he tells us about people and communities in other places. I can feel my heart pounding as he weaves a tale about the police station, a missing man, and a guardian angel. He's taken us on a journey and I come back full of ideas, energy, and hope.

everything I need

2011-07-13T19:17:00.003-07:00

My mind and my camera are full with good memories of the past two weeks with family. But the most beautiful thing of all was opening the front door and knowing instantly that this space is exactly where I am supposed to be right now.

contagious

2011-06-28T18:21:00.001-07:00

To hear passion in someone's voice as they talk and to feel myself starting to share their excitement.

planting outside the lines

2011-06-27T18:33:00.001-07:00

Truth be told, I've been a little uncomfortable with the vegetables coming up any which way, without clear row markers to tell me where to weed and where to hoe. Then tonight we explore the garden together at sunset and uncover the unexpected, like sunflowers with the garlic and chard with the peas. There's a strange beauty that comes with weeds and crooked patterns. So much for rows!

please pass the butter

2011-06-26T18:27:00.001-07:00

The air is bright with conversation and laughter as we come through the doors. Seats are pulled out for us and there are nods of recognition. Within seconds, volunteers serve the meal while firefighters pour coffee with a joke and a smile. Supper at the firehall gives another glimpse of community in Nova Scotia.

then and now

2011-06-24T17:46:00.000-07:00

Three months ago we ran in wind, fog, and rain. Last night the sun gently flooded the track with light and warmth.

knock knock

2011-06-17T17:14:00.001-07:00

Is someone there? I race down the stairs to find Liane has come to check on me. The evening goes from humdrum to delightful. There never was a sound so lovely as a (friendly) knock on the door.

oh the places she'll go

2011-06-14T19:25:00.001-07:00

We hang up from our call and I know things are shifting once again; she'll be across an ocean now. Even though we've been provinces apart for almost two years, it's hard to say goodbye. Then thoughts of future intercontinental shenanigans come to mind. I smile. What's an ocean to these two squirrels?

cheering section

2011-06-12T12:03:00.002-07:00

They're waiting for me as I round the first corner and struggle through the last one. Thanks for the cheering section, MacDonald's!

you look fabulous, darling

2011-06-11T17:03:00.001-07:00

To look in the mirror and see that the new hair cut looks wonderful. Thanks, Bryan!

new magic

2011-06-10T17:51:00.000-07:00

The first of this season's tall ships comes gliding into the harbour. Later, we row by in our dory and wave at the tired looking crew relaxing on deck.

things will get better

2011-06-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

Hot on the heels of my great day yesterday, today felt a bit grey. Looking for perspective, I trolled through my music library and found my answer: Things Will Get Better

full to the brim

2011-06-05T13:34:00.002-07:00

Some days feel like gifts from morning to end, and the sunshine that greeted me this morning was the first sign that today was going to be special. An early morning swim, an incredible bike ride by the ocean, time in the community garden, friends over for dinner, and a concert at the fire hall . . . what a day!

a small reminder

2011-06-03T19:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a little, pleasurable habit gets laid aside and forgotten for awhile. Then when it's rediscovered, I wonder how it ever slipped away. This happens often with avocados. But tonight I remembered how wonderful it is to have a glass of wine with dinner.

losing track

2011-06-02T17:59:00.000-07:00

Two hours fly by as our oars dip and splash in the water. Dory practice with my new partner is amazing, topped off with laughter and a promise to be back in the boat tomorrow.

just right

2011-06-01T17:35:00.000-07:00

Purple lilacs against a yellow house, sailboats in the harbour, the wind whisking clouds against the blue sky, and ice cream in the freezer.

treasure hunting

2011-05-30T17:55:00.001-07:00

Twice a year, folks in Lunenburg County are allowed to put whatever they like by the side of the road for garbage/recycling. This wonderful treasure trove can be picked over and wondered at; if you're lucky, you find something to fill your own nest. Which is exactly how I have a bookcase, an end table, and as many planters as I could ever want.

the evidence

2011-05-29T16:26:00.000-07:00

Two empty tea cups and three left over Oreo cookies are this morning's evidence of last night's lovely evening with a new friend.

just one ring

2011-05-28T06:22:00.000-07:00

With just one phone call, my evening plans have gone from 'quiet evening at home' to 'BBQ and good times with friends'.

dark to light

2011-05-26T17:33:00.000-07:00

Lunenburg has been encased in fog for what seems like months; things are feeling a little grey. Twenty minutes inland, the sun is shining and it looks like summer. I know where I'm spending my evening.

inspired

2011-05-21T08:34:00.000-07:00

Wonderful people with creative minds and hands have come into my life since moving to Nova Scotia. A corner of the blanket covering my own artistic dreams is being lifted up and it's time to explore what's underneath.

converge

2011-05-20T20:22:00.001-07:00

We've just left a meeting and randomly see each other again outside the pharmacy. A woman who I just met yesterday walks up and joins us. She's meeting with my colleague tomorrow. We start talking about another event we're all attending next week. Suddenly we stop talking and start laughing. Life in a small town!

the story teller

2011-05-18T16:19:00.000-07:00

He starts chatting to me while I'm taking a rest at the end of the swim lane. He has a story about everything in this town, including about the man who built the house I now live in. "A.B. Cook, now there was a man. Ate his puddin' with his fingers, he did. My mother didn't like that."

just like you

2011-05-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

Mom and daughter slosh down the street in matching rubber boots. The little girl's face shines with pride as she gazes down and compares their feet.

things that make me go zoom

2011-05-06T18:24:00.002-07:00

My new running shoes look somewhat like a fire engine from outer space. The salesperson promises that the red will make me go faster.

a different sort of splash

2011-05-05T17:12:00.000-07:00

Grey skies make a great background for the splashes of bright yellow forsythia that appear around each corner.

one more thread

2011-05-04T18:11:00.001-07:00

Like our coach tells us to, we make a right turn and then a quick left. I soon realize that not only is this road familiar, I know someone living along it. I feel one more thread of connection to this new life.

just in time

2011-05-03T16:41:00.001-07:00

L. has brought over goodies for my birthday. Now there are little bites of chocolate and lemon right here when I need them, which seems to be surprisingly often.

a statement

2011-05-02T16:48:00.000-07:00

Usually my observations on the beautiful things of everyday life‎ focus on the small and seemingly insignificant. But sometimes a beautiful thing reaches out across the world; across political, cultural, and religious divides. Here is one, a statement for today, 2 May 2011:

"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that" — Martin Luther King Jr.

(thanks Travis)

checking out

2011-05-02T15:24:00.000-07:00

Responsibilities and duties have been given the night off. Tonight is all about a book and a cup of tea.

familiar

2011-04-28T17:31:00.001-07:00

On my first night back after holiday, I wake up to the sounds of fog horns and a ship coming into harbour. I listen for a moment and then fall easily back to sleep. This place and these sounds are familiar now.

when in Rome

2011-04-20T15:48:00.000-07:00

My heart starts beating faster as I hear the club president talk about the upcoming season. I've joined the Lunenburg Dory Racing Club!

I dream of ice cream

2011-04-19T18:01:00.000-07:00

"If you come outside around 10am in the summertime, you can smell the cones baking. You should be able to smell it from your place." Apparently the ice cream store a few blocks down the street is legendary.

crave

2011-04-17T05:14:00.000-07:00

This morning my first waking thought was about breakfast. French toast to be exact. My second thought was, "Do I have the ingredients?" Yes I do. The day is starting beautifully.

Friends: people who know you well, but like you anyway

2011-04-16T03:48:00.001-07:00

Today is the Bridgewater Triathlon Club's spring training day (yikes!). Two months ago I didn't know a single person in this group. This morning I'm getting ready to spend the day with friends.

update: I'm there behind the gentleman in blue :)

a little thing

2011-04-06T18:33:00.001-07:00

Even though it has been in dire need of replacement for over a year, its been one of those purchases that has proven difficult. Today, my new raspberry pink wallet brings a smile every time I get a glimpse of it.

awakenings

2011-04-03T07:22:00.000-07:00

The shop windows are lit; hand painted signs announce opening hours and upcoming events. Lunenburg is slowly waking up from its winter slumber.

sing in the spring

2011-03-29T17:31:00.000-07:00

It's a blue eyed day here in Lunenburg and there's a new warmth in the air. A woman stands singing in front of her second storey window; I can't help but think she's singing in the Spring.

the best part of my day

2011-03-28T07:36:00.001-07:00

Ian Sherwood and Coco Love Alcorn have teamed up to bring an amazing night of music to another house concert on the South Shore. The is room full of serious looking faces that light up when the music starts. Beside me, a particularly solemn couple sit in silence throughout the first set. Then Coco sings her new song, "Best Part of My Day" and I see their hands intertwine.

winter wash out

2011-03-25T13:53:00.000-07:00

A winter's worth of toques, scarves, and mittens are hanging from my neighbour's clothesline. I imagine them packed away clean and fresh smelling for next season.

finding stars

2011-03-22T17:11:00.000-07:00

"When you set out on a journey and night covers the road, that’s when you discover the stars." - Nancy Willard

Today's stars appear in the form of a shared joke with my brother and a quick note from a friend saying she's hanging in there too.

brunswick brunchers

2011-03-21T16:37:00.000-07:00

I spend a lazy afternoon chatting and nibbling on Sunday brunch. Around me is a group of people whom I know will become good friends.

up close

2011-03-20T16:43:00.000-07:00

Meaghan Smith enchants the group gathered in the living room. My first Maritime house concert is magical.

first scents

2011-03-17T18:42:00.002-07:00

Encouraged to experience the South Shore beaches, this past Sunday I went to Hirtles Beach. The shoreline was beautiful, but my prevailing memory will be the sweet scent of heather winding its way amongst the headland's rocks and moors.

stretch

2011-03-16T15:52:00.001-07:00

Admittedly, this move has been harder than I expected. I'm struggling a bit to find my way and I feel stretched in many respects. Then came tonight's swim practice, a stretching experience to say the least. I completed it, despite many moments of doubt. If can do the swim, maybe I can make this east coast life work too. I'll take it as a sign.

a bed!

2011-03-10T18:14:00.000-08:00

A new bed is sitting my bedroom. It's soft and warm and is inviting me to come in for a snuggle. It's going to be a good sleep tonight.

out with the old, in the new

2011-03-04T17:55:00.000-08:00

I reply to an online ad for a mattress and end up spending the evening with the lovely Norm and Rose. They are moving out of their summer home and are delighted to open each cupboard with, "Well, you must need one of these." Of course I do.

on the shelf

2011-03-03T16:55:00.000-08:00

Growing up, the wine glasses were always on the top shelf, just out of reach for easy use and definitely not practical for every day. Unthinkingly, I've carried on the tradition until today. In this house, open the cupboard and the wine glasses are the first thing you see.

here I am

2011-03-02T16:50:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the help of new friends, I am settled in my new place. A feeling of complete relief washes over me. I've made it.

domesticity

2011-02-27T18:40:00.001-08:00

A happy scene greats me as I look up from making bacon jam: Doug's putting up shelves in the bedroom and Jasmine's creating music with itunes. It feels like a bit of family.

graciously grateful

2011-02-24T17:49:00.000-08:00

The woman at the table next to me is graciously grateful. She tells her host, "The meal was wonderful and the company even better."

as good as they said

2011-02-21T19:30:00.000-08:00

Friends who have lived in and visited Lunenburg before me have been full of praise for The Knot - our local pub - and its famous Caesar salad. I wander down to give it a try - and it's every good as they promised.

yin yang

2011-02-19T17:52:00.000-08:00

All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another. Anatole France

chasing sunrise

2011-02-18T16:21:00.000-08:00

Vibrant splashes of orange, pink, and yellow greeted me as I left for work this morning. Instead of turning right at the stop sign, I turned left and chased the sunrise to the shore.

being brave

2011-02-17T19:17:00.001-08:00

Last night's conversation with Grace touched on being brave. "But I don't feel brave." "You don't always have to feel brave to be brave" was her answer.