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Woodland Holiday
July 01st, 2021
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After 5 days in the remote woods I feel renewed. It was time spent reading,
writing, reflecting, whittling wood, fishing for supper, taking in the forests,
listening to brooks bubbling and birds singing, and mosquitos buzzing.

Butterflies and bees were abundant, so were fireflies at night. Mother grouse
with their flocks of fledgelings were common sights. A baby black bear came by
to say hello before running off again. Momma bear was not too far off.

In a time of mourning and bereavement, that we are currently experiencing in
Canada, this time was to let the native land in, to reflect on being part of it
-- we belong to the land, more than the land belongs to us.

I want to carry this with me always. The world goes in directions I cannot
follow. Living with freedom means living with the choice to not be forced to
follow when one cannot.

When the forest and the land is decimated and sick, I am decimated and sick.
When the forest and the land is vibrant and alive, I am vibrant and alive.
I come from it, I grew in it, and one day I will go back to it.
I hope to have the courage to speak up for it and protect it.