Inspiration Woods

Nothing inspires me more than the great outdoors. Where I live, in British Columbia, we are lucky to have wilderness all around us. No matter where you are, peaceful moments in nature are not too far off.

Mother Nature has a way of making us feel both minute and empowered when we are basking in her glory. The energy that the mountains, sea and forests that we live amongst is powerful. You can feel it when you stand atop a great peak or walk under a lush canopy. Watch an avalanche slide down a mountain, lightening strike a tree top or waves crash up on the beach.

I often imagine the natural world unpopulated by humans. No cities, no pipelines, not even hunters, gatherers or fishermen altering the perfect equation. I imagine  equilibrium, symbiosis,  pure life, sustenance and protection of all systems.We humans have a way of tipping the scales.  We are parasites living off the earth, exploiting it, and forgetting that it is our host and our life source. Our attempts to mimic nature are comical, tampering with genetics of food, fauna and even ourselves. We will never replicate what is true and perfect.

I feel most at home when I am outside, yet I am constantly in awe of the natural world. The miracle of growth, the power of the storm, the beauty and expanse of untouched land inspire my life. I live to breath fresh air and play outside are daily appreciating the natural world as a paramount source of all happiness, health and creative energy in my life.

Time to go play outside!

a little piece of [ghetto] paradise

There’s nothing like diving into the deep blue sea to soothe the aches and pains that follow winter…

I’ve always dreamed of celebrating the change of seasons in a little cottage on the sea, waking up each morning to a warm breeze and waves lapping on the beach. This year I found my way to a tropical oasis,  located in Grand Turk one of the Turks and Caicos islands. Teetering on the edge of the North Atlantic and the Caribbean, Grand Turk is the biggest if the two Turks Islands, amassing to 18 square kilometers of  arid land decorated with rustic Caribbean charm enveloped by crystal blue waters and perfect beaches. It is remote and beautiful and unassuming, my kind of paradise.

I took the opportunity to face my fear of slimy sea creatures and get my scuba diving certification while I was there. Grand Turk is a renowned diving destination, with many dive sites only 5-15 minute boat ride from shore.  From the moorings just off shore, we were able to sink deep into the reef, through tunnels, over pinnacles and along the “Wall”. I was blown away by the magical world beneath the surface, vibrant corals, exotic fish and sea turtles galore.

The island is small and time seems to slip by without notice… We spent our days biking past wild horses and donkeys, through shanty’s and shacks, over the hill of half built mansions to various beaches, raking the sand for sea glass and shells and cooling off in the turquoise water.  Rum punches from the Sand Bar erased any hope of moving quickly…and before I knew it each day it was 4:30 and time to stop in at the fish market to check out the daily catch. Each day was started with fresh fruit hunted down from the various Dominican Supermarkets and finished off with a delicious meal accompanied by herbs from the garden and the sounds of the tide rolling in.

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Thanks to my hosts- the Garneaus for sharing their little piece of paradise!