Techie Dreams

The house is quiet, even Quigley has made her nest for the night. Me well just another of those nights when one gets somewhat inspired. You know what they are like. Welcome to the Fireside and please make yourself at home. No matter what time you arrive know that you are welcome here.

It has been a day filled with writing. I have been editing my last book in the series Checkers Corner. It is nearly complete and it will be nice to move it out of the way. It is a three book series and they are all over the 60 K word count. The story has come together nicely.

I have a very good start on the next called "The Fallen Barn". It has been unfolding as I type. I guess that is one of the beauties about writing fiction. It can go any direction at any time. I have the perfect picture I took several years ago of a rather famous landmark here in Alberta Canada that I will be using to design the cover.

The next while will be in search of a temporary place to live for the winter months or at least that is the plan. Time to start looking at getting away from the snow and cold. At one time I used to enjoy the change of season, now well I suppose you could say I have gotten soft and almost to a point of great distain for the white stuff.

Gather around and get comfortable. Help yourselves to the treats and hot drinks and be blessed.

First several have asked about the cabin I spend time at and I thought I would slip this picture in. It is very rustic, without power and water or washroom. All it has is an outhouse and a wood stove. It suits me just fine, brings out some old memories of years gone past while I lived in the Yukon.

Things have changed a little though I must admit as I take all the Techie Toys with me now. The basics such as water and food need to be brought in. Techie, well I suppose a small generator, Mac Book Pro, a converter so I can recharge with either 12 volt or 110 volt. As well the cabin is right on the very fringe of the Internet and I can run online off my portable Internet USB device. Hard life you know. The cell phone is questionable unless I stand in the right place.

The interior is wonderful and very comfortable once a fire is started and the place is heated. I have included a picture for you as well. There that should be the show and tell for the day. So this is roughing it Rolly style... smiles. A far cry from the old days.

Years past would have seen me carry in every book I ever wanted to read with good intentions but today with the two Kindles I have well I can slip it into my pocket and have them all at hand. They are telling me I can put as many as 3500 books on each one. They both come with Internet capabilities anywhere in the world.

I often look at Technology and wonder what on earth we did without it. It is amazing the rate we have moved forward at. My cell phone is a great example with such a vast amount of storage space for pictures and data. Far larger than some of the first computers I owned. I will carbon date myself and share with you I cut my teeth on an old Commodore 64 and I thought that was something. The iMac I have runs a full tera bit of space and the Mac Book Pro I will never fill. Incredible when you think of it.

Life certainly has taken a change from the days of my childhood. If you are anything like me you do need to stay up to speed on this stuff if not you will fall far behind in no time.

No matter what the technology nothing can outdo what God has created for us to enjoy. I look at old tree growth such as this and wonder what kind of stories it could tell. All that it has seen over the years and it managed to stand tall through it all. I have estimated this one to be in the 100-120 year range according to an old trick I was taught years ago by measuring the girth of the base and doing some calculations. All I know is it is special and deserves to stand tall.

I have learned many things of nature as it can and will teach us if we are willing to take the time to stop and study what it is telling us. Nature is fragile, just as fragile as we are in many ways. Take something as simple as a leaf on a tree. Stop and study it closely and you will see an entire world hidden within. It like us becomes fragile with age. When the tree is finished with it it falls to the ground and eventually becomes nutrient for new growth.

The wilderness has so much to offer. She is a teacher of all class sizes from one to several hundred. She is soft spoken and yet can be fierce and cruel at times. She is one to be respected as once we are out in the elements we are at her mercy. It is always advisable to keep your wits about you. Yet she is gentle to the smallest of small creatures she keeps. Each has a function and a purpose hidden deep within.

We are much the same and we all find ourselves in a wilderness setting whether it be in a major city, urban sprawl or hidden far back as is where this cabin is. Life can be cruel at times. The words we hear. The words we speak. The actions we take or the ones that are taken against us. It is hard to find peace these days. I encourage all to take a few minutes and allow nature to speak to you. If left alone nature will continue on without the help of man. It is our desire to rob, steal and destroy that has changed the environment in so many ways. We call it progress and yet looking at the damage we have done is a sobering thought.

An old native taught me something years ago that works so well in the summer when you are tired. Rest your back against a tree of size and it will recharge your energy. Close your eyes and focus on being a part of the tree. I have for years and it is amazing the effect it can have on your body and mind. Try it and you will see. Nature provides many natural cures to common health issues. They are there all we need to do is explore them. Juniper berries can cure a headache, an upset stomach. Moss such as the moss in the next picture has some of the most powerful healing powers if applied to an infected wound. Even the common dandelion has something special. You can make coffee with the roots. Once pulled, washed and dried then crushed it will give you a coffee that in my books rakes up with the best you are paying 2-3 dollars per cup for. Yet another thing for you to try.

When I see this picture it reminds me of the day I found myself here. A hot day in July, I had stopped for a drink of water at a mountain fed stream close by. I lay down in the moss and slept for three hours. It is times like these I strive to find where I find peace. It is places like this the Father above speaks to me of His love and tenderness He has for His children.

Take the time today to find your peace. Set aside all the Techie stuff and just rest. Even if it is in your mind to a place as inviting as this. It is what we are called to do. Set aside sometime for yourself today and above all know that you are loved.

© Rolly A. Chabot

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