Lilac Window

I finally have another painting to post. In the past week I’ve started another painting frenzy.

This one is called “House in the Forest.” (yeah, I’m not so original with titles.) Watercolour on paper, 20cm x 30cm.

I started the whole tree thing while out on the coast. If you remember the paintings I did last winter, they were mostly orange and brown and had a definite “Prairie” feel. There is something profoundly different about being surrounded by trees, than out on an open field. Trees become a filter for light, they hide stories, and mysteries. Forests were enchanted, or haunted in fairy tales, and I can see why. When you are in a forest it is easy to get lost, to feel disoriented, to be followed. I am sure there were times when to be in a forest was even dangerous. Now though, to be surrounded by trees, for me, is an amazing feeling. Having grown up in Rain Forest environment – Vancouver Island and New Zealand, I feel comfortable in wet, moist, light-filtered, green, and mossy forests. There are days that I yearn for them.

I am happy that this painting seems to keep all these stories, the magic and the beauty of the forest within it.

these last days of summer are so bitter sweet. We have been getting used to the whole driving and picking up from school scene. Its been an adjustment, a welcome routine, but at times so restrictive. I find the days now fly by, whereas before I would be restless trying to find things to do. Afternoons at home have yet to find a quiet pace, as I still spend those 2.5 hours in a panic to get everything done. But then, so much is getting done that wasn’t before, and I can breathe a little slower each day.

We have been playing with the hose, late evening walks around the complex, hot afternoon popsicles, lots of playing in the dirt and multiple changes of clothes. The tomatoes have been harvested, but I dont really know how to prepare the soil for the winter – guess I should get on that. Our little piece of dirt produces abundant tomatoe harvest every year, and I want to give it some extra love this winter, as I want to make a real vegetable garden next summer. But it also means, the dirt is freed up for kids digging, and making mud pies. gotta love that.

we have a book about bees that I read to Marcel at night. It is really fascinating. They dance to tell were flowers are, they make honey, the drones have such a specific and almost comical role, each one has a special task. Marcel is interested in it all, but the Queen is is favorite. I think that has something to do with why, when he is playing with his friends, he always insists on being the “Queen”. He’s almost violent about it, screaming at the top of his lungs, with some sort of home-made crown on his head… “I AM THE QUEEN!!!” Maybe not so cool in a few years, but its pretty cute. Especially now I know why.

I dont know where these tiny purple flowers came from. I think they are mint. They better be mint, as I just ate a couple minty- tasting leaves…and Im not feeling poisoned yet. I don’t remember planting it, but it is huge, and lovely and it is always covered in BEES!!! Im so happy about that, although, I am not sure my neighbors understand the importance of growing flowers for bees.  Those bees are having a tough time these days.

As am I. Yesterday we had a rough time just surviving. People can make simple comments that really hurt. I have to get a thicker skin. I actually have a thicker skin, but somehow, this one hit home. Then Marcel fell and hit his head, and well, we’re pretty tired and sad about it all. I’m remembering the bees. It helps…grin.

I love this photo. I loved the washed out quality, the light, the prairie. I may not be a prairie girl at heart, but this photo sure does it for me. The distant houses, the trees and farm buildings. Now, I want to figure out how to paint that feeling.

I woke up feeling pretty darn ill today. Lets just say we’re going to take it easy.

Here in Tofino I feel intimidated by the art of it. Its a complex feeling, but so intense its hard to ignore.

I wonder how others feel when presented with profound natural beauty. Awestruck? Mystified? Emotional? I feel all these things, as well as a surging impulse to take it in, to process it and to create. I want to stay, meditate on the lessons to learn, and to make things that describe my response. I want to think about all I know, and my way of being, and see how this incredible gift of beauty informs it, changes it, and sheds new light.

We have been witness to such incredible landscapes on this trip, and yet I have so little time to ponder and reflect. I want to record it all, and yet I know that as soon as I move on, or go home, the intensity of it fades.

Part of me wishes I could forget obligations, and find a cabin on some rocky shore, and hibernate for a winter, writing, painting and creating… don’t you? You might. 

I believe making things is a magical expression of human nature, which is to know and worship the Creator of all things. 

We visited Roy Vicker’s art gallery today, and some others. I cant also help but feel saddened and intimidated by the fact that I will never get close to describing the mystical or divine, or even get close to some of the achievements of other artists. I know that self-consciousness kills creativity, and the spirit, yet it seeps in. I am so fundamentally aware of the inadequacy of my attempts. Its a sad and beautiful road, to create. Sometimes I almost don’t want to be inspired, because then I know I will feel disappointment in not realizing that dream. But angst and despair are not for me.

Let us celebrate in the glory and immensity of all we cannot achieve. Its a lover’s pain, and a seeker’s steed. Unity comes after knowledge, and contentment is before nothingness*. 

Let’s be artists…I need to make time to get mystical.

(*I’m referring to Baha’u’llah’s Seven Valleys. A mystical sacred text which references Sufi mysticism.)

so, its been a while.

Driving up here I had so many memories, of the ocean. Spending time with my friends family in Sointula, Port Mc Neil, At Ferries, Camping in Tofino, The islands, New Zealand, yeah, so many memories, and Ive been aching to spend time by the ocean recently.

And now. Here I am.

We spent a couple hours with the kids today looking for crabs under rocks, making new memories, dragging kelp up the beach, eating packed sandwiches, talking to the locals.

Is this ocean craving thing just me? Sometimes I feel a little over-the-top sea-crazy… is anyone else out there like this? Did you grow up on an island too? Are you now living, land-locked in the prairies? If so, I can relate. Let me tell you…I truly can relate!

Anyways, enough of all that. We are half way through our trip. A few more glorious days in the north part of the island and then back tot he Cowichan valley before heading to Tofino.  Marcel got a bit too much sun today, due to a strange turn of events that lead to a miss communication where three adults thought that the other two put sun block on him. That sucked. Thankfully, he has his father’s skin and not mine – or else he’d be toast.

Im thinking a lot about my art school when I get back, and day dreaming about light clay buildings. I tell you, light clay is something you have to experience to understand. I want everything made out of it. It defies your whole idea of comfort in a space. And, as far as I can tell, it has yet to be really explored as a design medium. 

OK, heres the deal. I need a piece of land – with lots of trees, water running though it – preferably some ocean. Then I need some clay, some willing helpers, a little extra cash for things like roofs, and cement mixers… and then – oh – lets say 5 to 10 summers. We’ll have buildings and designs and ideas that make earth feel like heaven… I’ll make a house for you then too.

so it is our last night at Rivendell.

As you can tell, it has been transforming being here. The river, the people, the amazing lush forest, the gardens, the plants, the buildings, the lifestyle has all embraced us. For me, this place is regenerating. I could stay forever.

I have to say, that the Cowichan river is amazing to swim in. I didnt remember it as warm, but after swimming in Lake Newal, Shuswap Lake and Cultas Lake, this feels bath-like. The clear, rushing water is refreshing in a way that is hard to replicate in a lake and so different from the ocean. The sound of the water, the deep forest, the warm sun, all recharge the soul.

I was lucky enough to participate in a yoga class in the yurt this morning and one more blissful day here. I am not sure I am ready to go…

a big trip day 1

i feel like such a nerd. I have my mac out, and Im surrounded by wilderness. I tell you, I may never come home. Mark is making a fire, both boys are asleep, the sound of crackling wood, birds chirping and people relaxing. It was a very long day, too long in the car, But we are here and I am so happy. 

Yeah, we’ve been packing for like, 6 months now. And its all paying off. It all, actually FIT IN THE CAR!!! 

Our first stop is Shuswap Lake Provincial Campsite. I thought it would be a 6 hour drive from Calgary. I thought that was reasonable. We left this morning at 9am, and arrived at 6:30pm. yeah. it was a long day. The boys were truly amazing. Emery had a few moments where we were sure he would just loose it. But we rolled in by the skin of our teeth. I couldnt believe how well Marcel dealt with the ride. He read his books, listened to the audio recordings we made, and looked out the window. I dont know how it took so long, we stopped a couple times, but REALLY – 9 hours!?!!?

After a day like that, we wanted to enjoy it here. And it really is idyllic. The trees are thick and lush, we’ve already had a swim in the lake, the air is warm and fresh, and hardly any bugs! The showers are warm (and free…)… But a couple words of warning, you need bikes to get around this place (if you dont want to be in your car to get to beach) and its a little off the beaten track. There were no signs on highway 1, and we were sure we’d gone the wrong way…until we asked someone, and found we were two minutes away. 

what a treasure! Now, I need a hot dog, marshmallow, and a really, really, good sleep.

This may not be a very poetic post. Nor may it be inspiring, but to those list lovers of the world, I present you my humble master camping list. So that you may take it, work with it, change it, let it guide you, so that you may never forget an important item (or even slightly-unimportant-but oh-so-special item) while sojourning in the wilderness again.

We have small car. We have two kids, one of them is a baby. Needless to say we have a lot of stuff to bring. (even without counting the bikes and bike trailer – which fit on the outside and roof.) We have found our stuff fits into the car just so. We have found containers that fit into our car and what fits in them is what we can bring. So I have organized my list as such. (In retrospect I cant believe we bring all this!!) Please get the list as a PDF here:
Camping List

Our recent camping trip to Little Elbow Campsite in Kananaskis was simply beautiful. We are starting to refine the whole packing process, and the camping with kids scene. The baby still eats all the rocks, so the babyhawk mei tai gets a lot of use out there. Nonetheless, there are moments, like the one in the picture above, where the baby and I can sit, smell mountain air, and enjoy being together. Then, its worth it.

We needed a beach fix. It needed to have sand, water and a little sun. It needed to smell like campfire, to have a little shade from trees and a place for our tent. And it needed to be within a couple hours drive from Calgary.

We found our solution at Kinbrook Island Provincial Park. We spent three days at this park, which is just south of Brooks. The drive is about 2 and a half hours east from Calgary. Yeah, its a little far, but we’d drive to the ends of the earth for a little sand. (In retrospect, Sylvan Lake may be the same distance, and there may be other beached campsites around here… we’ll have to check those out too.) It is located on Lake Newell, a man-made reservoir that has become a home for wildlife and a place for people to cool off.

Having lived in Calgary for a while, we all know that the mountains are a wonderful place to spend time, but what is in the other direction? (the other direction you say – there is another direction??) I don’t know of too many places around here that you can dig your toes in warm sand, go windsurfing, sailing, motor boating, or simply build castles by the water. But you can do all of the above at Kinbrook Island.

Also there is a really pretty bird sanctuary, where you can see pelicans, all sorts of blackbirds and wildlife. The yellow-headed blackbird is everywhere. The hike goes right around an estuary, which is a perfect distance for a short family bike ride.

Now, before this starts sounding like a paid advertisement for the place I have to let you know there are a few things we had to overlook to have a great time. Firstly, the showers require loonies, and they don’t always work (or they are ice cold, and then you may just prefer to bathe the lake…) The park is entirely drive – in, so if you are using an RV, this may be a good thing. For us wilderness-loving-tenters – it was a little too, ummm, ‘civilized’ for our liking. We just had a hard time creating our wilderness get-away, when our camping neighbours had generators, cruised by in slick hummers, and displayed lawn ornaments. Just sayin’. Some more points to consider before you go dreaming of an idilic sunbathing experience: there are a ton of sand flies on the beach, and the water is ICY. I do have bragging rights though, of being the only person in our group to fully submerge. But then I’m tough. And it was hot. And I like bragging rights.

All this said, it was enough for us to come home feeling rested, sandy and happy. This little park is hidden away and would be lovely if not too crowded. Go on a weekday or not a long weekend and I’m sure you will be blessed with a lovely time. I would recommend staying near the day-use area, and the beach. Although these sites book quickly – so book ahead.

So that’s my review of Kinbrook Island Provincial Campsite. Stay tuned for more reviews and camping tips to follow. (Or fill out the email subscription form on my main page, that I just put in, and that took my all morning to do, and caused more grey hairs than I care to admit…)

Last weekend we did our first camping trip since having kids…

let me repeat that.

Last weekend we did our first camping trip since having kids!

Yeah. I am excited about it.

We are planning on camping pretty much all of July. (I will save you the repetition… but that statement could use some emphasis as well.) I am really excited about that too.

I have a vision of myself that I use in times of stress. It helps me feel grounded and capable. I am standing, in bare feet on hard wood floors, with a bathing suit on. The suit is just damp enough to keep me cool in hot summer air. The door is open. I am at the counter in a kitchen that I feel at home in (somewhere we will visit this summer… you’ll see what I mean…) I am making a sandwich that has avocado and pesto in it. Shoulders broad, feet planted, in this space I can do anything and nothing, and I am comfortable with either.

The husband and I were discussing how strange it is that I love camping so much. I hate being cold, and am one of those people with a sweater on in the middle of summer. I hate dirt in my nails, bug bites, and feeling physically uncomfortable. I am not sporty or athletic and have an aversion to things where I have to risk my personal safety – like mountain climbing, or skiing. But, like a junkie I cant get enough of being outdoors. I think I must have had some sort of mind-blowingly amazing experience camping as a kid that I am desperate to replicate. The smell of campfire, fresh air at night, bare feet, cold water to swim in on hot days, deep conversations with friends, watching bugs with the kids for hours, the sun on my face…yeah, its intoxicating.

So we plan on doing more trips this summer. I plan on sharing the how, the where, the what and the why with you all, to inspire you and give you some tips on getting out yourself. I feel this type of post is in line with the objectives of my blog. The foundations of creative sustainable neighbourhoods are found in the bits of knowledge we gain from nature. We could all use a little more of that drug.

I’ve been looking forward to this trip for a long time. All winter in fact. If you read my previous blog, you will know that we were actually gathering gear in February, (at 20 below.)

The bustle of home renovations, classes, new blogs, ideas,  and businesses, was due for a rest. Post-trip I feel calmer; physically tired, but more quiet. Its like every hour I am outside, the voices of my mind fall away, one by one. In the spaces that open up between, I search for some little secrets of reality. I search for some little truths to share with you all. And let those truths mold my life and guide me when I am back, and the noise is too great to remember.

So.

What do I have to share with you? Another list of things not to forget on your trip? A description of a new place to go? Problems with babies and too much sun? How to relax while getting prepared? The cultural implications of camping and RV’s? Where are all the African campers from Brooks? Campfire recipes? Sustainable, creative Camping ideas? 

Yes, yes, the lists go on. I am not sure as these are all things I thought about, and wanted to share. But right now, I have the urge to simply remind myself of the quiet I almost attained and the simple joy I now feel.