Whispers of the Wilderness

The fog here is thick this morning, enveloping all in its path and leaving trees, shrubs and anything standing in a magical landscape only nature can create. It is spectacular when the sun hits it and the snow crystals shine for all to enjoy.

Nature has so much to offer if we take the time to ponder its beauty and spectacle left for us to enjoy. There has never been or ever will be an artist who can capture the ultimate painters talent. Such a blessing to see.

Welcome as always to the Fireside, gather around and please take up a space and get comfortable as we come together. May you always know that you are dearly loved in this a place of peace and hopefully refreshing. We all need to rest and I am happy you have found your way here today. Feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts.

This is but a block or so from my home, a favourite of many wedding parties and family photo events. Often as I walk through the area I willingly step aside and watch from a distance the photographer capture those times which are important.

Come fall or this time of the year these Cottonwood Trees are a maze of magical colours. Sometime they stay for several weeks other times the wind will carry all the beauty away in a few short days.

This year I think we are in for a rude awakening as the true meaning of cold, much snow and high winds. We had it far to easy last winter. Last year I thought I would escape it all and move to the West Coast, a place called Vancouver Island. Much to my surprise they had a better winter here than I did on the Island. The first week was beautiful, after it turned very cold, wet and only a few days where I actually saw the sun. Here it was mild, dry and unusually seasonable.

I live in south central Alberta Canada. No matter where I have ever lived I find the countryside to as being so very diverse in its offerings. The area of this picture is commonly known as the badlands, these valleys have been dated as far back as 70 million years ago. They are also known for being the final resting place of many dinosaurs. There are many active digs and unearthing of these amazing creatures.

Today they serve as grazing land for cattle and supply the hiker with so much to enjoy. One is wise to wear high topped hiking shoes as the area is populated with some nasty cactus. Through it flows a river called the Red Deer river and it offers a great deal in recreational canoeing and boating. There are several species of fish which populate the river. Most are great for a shore lunch. I do appreciate the area as it offers so much.

Just a few hours away I can be in this setting, well known for its beauty offering a playground for any adventurous soul. Mountain climbing, scrambling, hiking in remote places, photography and excellent fishing opportunities. I will call it my playground as I so love it and the diversity.

It is easy to tell we are in for an early winter as we can watch the snow capped mountains become covered with the white stuff and it slowly creeps down almost daily. The nip in the morning and evening air is becoming more noticeable. Like anyone I could head south to warmer climates but after so many years of having four climates I choose to live here.

As we move through life we encounter so many different paths and roadways to follow. They can offer so much if we are willing to follow. Maybe there are times we step from the path and venture into the unknown. We are afforded the opportunity to become one with the area and or the people or we can move on.

Can these paths we choose lead us to regrets and suffering or much happiness. I think that is left totally to each individual. Can we blame others for the downfall? The answer is yes. Then what is the way to finding happiness, peace and joy? Certainly there are times when someone or something has led us astray from joy.

When we accept our mistakes, when we choose to stop blaming others it is then we find the root cause. Accepting our own wrong choices, stop blaming the world we will find a part of ourselves we have lost along the way. Forgiveness of others is so very important, forgiveness of self is even greater which will lead you back to joy and peace.

This rose is from my garden. As I was out watering the other day I got to thinking of its purpose in life? It is there to display its beauty to all the world. Can it change its true calling? No it was always meant to be a rose.

What about ourselves? Can we change who we are supposed to be, caring and loving to all things including each other? Yes we certainly can change, we change through how we react to life and situations. As I look at the world today as a whole I can see so many misdirected people attempting to force their morals and values on others. Fail to agree and in some cultures it qualifies us for instant death if we are targeted. What ever happened to the fact we are called to love one another. Can I love the person and hate the sin? Yes I can. Is it hard to accept and generalize their belief system? Certainly when I think of the thousands of lives that have been affected by their actions. Using violence as a means of power over others is not the way to have your voice heard.

I suppose I could write a book on the loss of life caused by strapping a bomb onto your person to make a statement. All done for the reason of your own ideology and not willing to accept I have the right to life the same as those who chose to take life. I will avoid the subject and just say we are called to live as we choose, but in essence the choice to force others to live in fear is not the proper way to live.

This picture is the path I chose for us all to meander along as we look at how we live. It should be a path we all can take if we are willing. We are a diverse group of people, no one can force you to follow. At the end of the day you and you alone can make the decision.

As we progress through life our personal freedoms are slowly being eroded. Governments pass laws each day that will change the way we live. Our employers will force us to change the way we do our work. people around us will attempt to influence the way we think. Is it right and just to allow others to make the choice for us or do we simply change back to what we want to be?

The choice is ours to make my friends. Allowing others to choose for us is the simple route, making that choice is the most difficult. I chose to make those decisions myself. To live under submission to others is to live unhealthy. In the end the choice is ours... how do you choose? Please know that you are loved at the Fireside and I will never force what I believe onto you, it is a place where I can express only my opinions....

© Rolly A. Chabot