Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Victoria Update

An Eagle parent giving life lessons to his youngster in another Tree


Any one reading this blog must have wondered if I had fallen off the face of the Earth.

It felt like I did...the move precipitated a complete upside down turn around in my life.

One of the reasons may be the amount of solitary, quiet moments I was accustomed to in the Cariboo has been curtailed, here on this busy corner. I love the busyness; I have not yet tired of the constant slice of vibrant life which occurs on this three-way corner of road. It completely obscures quiet meditative walks and thoughts with honking horns and screeching tires. But, oh! how very entertaining it is!

I have seen Dogs completely outfitted in motorcycle gear, riding on the back of the motorbike with all the ease in the World. I have watched a Rolls Royce go by with a very straight-laced Dog in the passenger seat. A black standard Poodle, that Dog could give lessons on good posture.

There is a Woman who wanders down the street singing at the top of her lungs an operatic piece, with the most perfect pitch. When Lucky and I go for walks, quite often we will hear piano music floating through the Tree tops...it seems many people practice their piano lessons during our walking times. 

It is completely magical. And so different from my last home. 
Beacon Hill Park in Victoria


I have had to come to grips with renting...I find I have a completely different mindset towards our home. I no longer have the ability to do what I want with regards to the home and garden...it's taken me aback.

At first, I thought that would be a good thing...I was tired from the move and the renovations we had done on our previous home. But as time goes on, I find I like having projects and moving plants and building garden beds.

And so, we have decided to buy a home on the Saanich Peninsula. The reasons why are varied and we may move again, in retirement, but right now, our life is here. It makes sense to put money into a home, rather than waving
Magical afternoon in the Park...
goodbye to the rental monies.


I wrote many posts during my time away, chronicling some of the stranger events  here which occurred, but when it came time to actually publishing them, events happened, over and over, in this strange place we call our World which effectively made my words seem insignificant.

I find it has become much more difficult for me to focus on my own little World, when so much is happening in the outer. And most of that is very unsettling...waking up is hard to do. I use discernment, but most of the garbage which is coming to the forefront, even in MSM, is disgusting.
Charming, flowery hillock in Beacon Hill Park


And what is even more disconcerting, to me, is the length of time humanity has allowed itself to be duped. I am having trouble accepting this ability of keeping eyes closed, thereby retaining the status quo, no matter how bad it may be. I am as guilty as anyone...

I'm trying to change that. I want to be a part of change for the betterment of all, as limited as my participation may be. 

For the second time in my life, I've become involved in the problems of the day. The first time was way back in the movement of the sixties.

Our resident Lady Hummingbird
I find my new change in direction hampers the time I have to blog. As all things cycle, this will turn back, as well, in time.

Wonderful time is spent exploring the Saanich Peninsula. I am eternally grateful we ended up here; it is possible to source all foods required for daily sustenance right here, within a few miles. From Seafood and Meat to Vegetables and Fruit, right down to the Wine...every possible food is available. It is a food-lover's dream!

There are stories to tell about the Wind Storm that took out part of the courtyard fence. Another wild Wind drove a branch through the window of my car, making it look very much like it had been stabbed through the Heart...
tiny hummingbird eggs staying warm


Then, too, there are the Animal stories. There is one about a patriarch Eagle trying to teach his youngster how to fly...and how not to be frightened to the point of complete immobility at the sight of Crows.

We have a Hummingbird nest in the Butterfly bush, right at eye level. There are two tiny Eggs within...I will follow this story as it develops. Lady Hummingbird has lined the nest with Lucky's hair...those two little Eggs look very cozy!

Stories upon stories...all very pleasurable and truly joyful. They keep me going, my Animal friends. And the Tree collective...their voices are growing ever louder, and I feel very strongly their stories are clamouring to be told.

Spring has arrived in my own little park...
For my birthday, I received the most brilliant camera ever...it zooms out so far I get quite unsteady. I have spent much time practicing with it, and have only scratched the surface of the things this amazing camera can do.

So. As life develops for me, here in Victoria on the Saanich Peninsula, I realize there was much more going on in the real World when compared to the quiet life I led further North. So many shocks and upheavals made me seek answers. I haven't found many, but I believe I have found a measure of balance to see me through these trying, difficult times. 

It is a tentative balance, to be sure. Any news story giving
Iris blooms wildly on the street corner.
updates on disastrous weather or human induced catastrophes wavers that balance. I find talking to and touching the many Trees surrounding the property
helps enormously...the old Maples and Cedars and Firs here have seen many crises.

And they have never given in to fear.

We have great landlords. They understand my need to dig, to feel the black, crumbly Soil dribble between my fingers. Real dirt, not just potting Soil. And so, they have suggested I pick out the new Shrubs which will be planted in the front of our home. And I even get to plant them!! I am so grateful for kind and understanding gardeners who are also landlords...

Rhodies in full bloom everywhere in the garden
That's where I'll be, for the next while. Hugging Trees, walking the Beach, visiting nurseries and digging holes, watching Hummingbirds and Eagles, visiting family...and taking loads of photos!

And one thing I know for sure...I may be distracted for awhile, I may go off on tangents and not be seen on the blogs for months on
Awesome blooms!
end...but I will always be back.


For me, I really would have to fall off the face of the Earth to stop writing...             

29 comments:

  1. Love your nature-focused posts!
    theamateurnaturalist.etsy.com

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  2. Nice to see this post, Marion! The camera sounds wonderful and so much fun to take along on your walks in your vibrant area. Also quite amazing that you can see inside a hummingbird nest. I imagine it is quite tiny but no match for your camera when newborns hopefully arrive. :)

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  3. Such beauty, Marion! I can totally understand why you've been out soaking up the world around you. Your little Hummingbird is gorgeous. I love your description of the quirky people in your area. How awesome to witness. Thanks for stopping in to share with us. I've been busy gardening (mostly tomatoes in pots, but a lot of them) and reading. Good luck in your move. xo

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  4. It is always so good to see a new entry from you come to the top of my blogroll! Thanks for not making us wait forEVER!! LOL

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  5. Well it's lovely to see you here again and to hear about your journey. I think the pull of the solitary world is so strong yet being involved in the world is also a strong pull - us human animals love company.

    We are all pulled in many directions these days but it's lovely to be able to reach out and touch friends via these blogs.

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  6. It looks a great area to be in Marion, . [Google maps are wonderful], and as you say lots going on. Which I would appreciate, not for me the loneliness of the wild. Whilst I appreciate and spend much time there, I like the comfort of convenience around me. I expect you will be very busy and have lots to do in your new house getting it and the garden the way you want it. Its always exciting but also tiring especially if like me you have a huge "hurry up" factor in wanting to get things done. The camera sounds like a wonderful present and just up your street, its worth taking the time to learn all the gadgets on just so you get full use of it. Lovely to hear from you and look forward to more posts and lots of pictures. Take care. Dave

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  7. Hello Marion! Welcome Back! You have been missed.. (but I do *see you* out on FB)!
    I love your photos - and your words...you capture how you are feeling so beautifully. Mim said it best...the pull of the very Magic *but solitary) Cariboo is strong, remains strong - and stays a big part of your heart forever.

    The photos are breathtaking! The Bald Eagle.....gasp...I've only seen one in the wild - and I will never forget it. The Hummingbird and it's tiny eggs.....oh sigh...I hope you will see the babies when they are born and share with us. (Last week, I was witness to three Cygnets being born...I captured their coming out of the eggs... a miracle of beauty..)

    Your new camera is wonderful!!! (Next post - a photo of Lucky please!)

    I am happy you are thriving and reveling in a glorious Spring!

    Love, always,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  8. I have read every word. Gosh I have missed you!

    I have so much to say about our inner and outer worlds, but today I will take my Mother to a nursing home where I hope she will live in peace /-(

    Been crazy good and crazy hard here but when I surface I will come a calling

    Love always
    kj

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  9. Ooooh it's good to see you back on here dear! And buying a place, I knew you'd do that soon and I'm glad to hear it. As you say, everything comes in cycles and your present one is a busy one! Mine is too, but in a different sense. I SHALL visit you in your new home Marion, your own place, of that I'm sure, and when I do we can smell the flowers together *smiles and hugs her. xxxxx

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  10. Marion, it's so good to hear from you and know you are well and enjoying your new surroundings. Your photos are lovely! Aren't you glad now that your old camera died (like mine did)? I love knowing that the hummingbird nest is lined with Lucky's hair. That sounds to me like good omen for the birds. Hope you'll show pics of the babies if you're able.

    Welcome back, my friend, even if it's for a short visit.

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  11. You seem to fit in where ever you are -- a true citizen of the world.

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  12. Looks like a magical place!
    Loved all the pictures!

    Take care, Marion :)

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  13. Hello! I am a first-time visitor to your blog, having found you via All Consuming. The first (and only) time I have ever seen eagles in the wild was in July 1984 at Freedom Pass when the missus and I were on a ferry from Tsawassen to Sidney on our way to Victoria for a few days. Victoria turned out to be one of the loveliest places I have ever seen. Your post certainly does justice to all the flora.

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  14. Hey, Marion,
    Just catching up on your news. I love your photos and description of your life. Having spent the last ten days on Vancouver Island, I have walked the beaches and watched hummingbirds through my sister's window. I walked beside the old old trees (800 years, some of them) of Cathedral Grove. I, like you, sense their deep wisdom and patience. Whales were another highlight of my visit to B.C. Sea lions, seals. . . I pray B.C. people will keep on fighting for their environment in the face of so much pressure.

    Be well,
    Julie

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  15. I feel otherworldly when I come across Spring scenes freshly posted, only that "freshly" was now months ago, and the world has since left it all behind as surely as if it were images from another universe. Then, there are the Australian blogs that proclaim that Spring is alive, fresh, and in full bloom on this very day in December, only everything I see from own my window is gray, barren, and cold.

    I would that your update might be updated, dear Marion.

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  16. Long time since you posted.
    Hope all is well, Marion

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  17. Anonymous3:23 p.m.

    It's been a long time since I have been in the "blogosphere" - Nice to see your posts are still as wonderful as I remember them

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  18. Hey, Marion, how much longer will you be on a sabbatical from your blog?

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  19. Congratulations on this amazing story and article.

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  20. Nope, nothing new, so I'll crawl back into my hole for another years.

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