Is It Wrong to be Happy When I Should Be Sad?

The other morning as we were getting into the car, I heard the haunting sound of the loon as it flew over our house.

The loon, the beautiful black and white bird that graces the face of our loonie, a $1 coin, is a symbol of Canada’s north.


The loon is usually found in the lakes of Muskoka or Algonquin Park, three to eight hours away from our house.

For the last couple of years, I have heard the cry of the loon on Lake Simcoe and have been lucky enough to see it swim by us.

While the seeing – and hearing – the loon bring brings me joy and happiness, I am also sad. Why is the loon traveling so far south? Have we destroyed our majestic north and the birds now have come here? What can we do to ensure this wonderful creature thrives in this country?

And as I am so pathetic, I do not know how to get a YouTube video here. Instead, I am attaching a link that will direct you to a YouTube video so you can hear the sound of a loon yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ENNzjy8QjU

Ah! The Life of a Bug

I am not sure if it’s because we live across the street from Lake Simcoe or if we live in the country, but there are no shortage of bugs at our house – mosquitoes, shadflies in June, spiders and these little annoying, but non-biting bugs that fly into your mouth and nose as you walk or bike

And then there is another type of bug.

They are small and I believe their life cycle must be short because how else can you explain the piles of dead bugs that weren’t there at night, but cover every surface come morning.

I am sure there is a purpose to these bugs but I am not sure what it would be.

Photographic Opportunities

Before our son was born, I spent a great deal of time taking nature photos and having them developed.

Now I see a lot of photo opportunities, but don’t grab them. And why would I develop a picture of a flower when I can develop a picture of my adorable son?

But on our camping trip, my parents were quite happy to take the stroller reins so I was able to take a number of great pictures. And I thought I would share some of them with you.

For the Love of Water

Water, particularly bodies of it, has always been an important part of my life.
Growing up, my house backed onto the Credit River, and I spent many hours playing in and around it.

When I went to Humber College, I had the Humber Aboretum to go to if I needed a place to relax and unwind. From there, I moved to Kingston where Lake Ontario beckoned me. In times of trouble, I would bike along the paths that ran beside the lake before finding a secluded spot to think and write.

When Stouffville was my home, I would walk Tramp, my aunt’s dog, through the reservoir, where again my worries could be put aside.

While both Milton and Pickering offered bodies of water, it was more of a drive to get to them and I tended to think while on my inline skates or bike.

And now I am here with Lake Simcoe literally outside my door, offering instant peace.