I was asked a few times today how things have been so far. The question of course had to do with the events of the New Year.
I did answer the days have been just fine for me with bumps that have been smoothed over. Too much snow, kind of cold for my outside critters.
I burned my bra. Not in the political sense — nor was I in the thing at the time. I hang my clothes on an old unused exercise bike. I was putting wood in the stove, caught the bra and there ends the story.
Some of the snow has been relocated with help from a friend. A few nights of getting up helped the old dogs survive the cold. I did have friends from long ago and far away asking me why I still live up here, suggesting in some cases that I could relocate to another place. A friend from Port Alberni tells me they are building lots of condos for older people. They even have a nice balcony. Isn’t that special? Mind you I was told no dogs or cats allowed. End of that story.
An ex-husband (which was mine) suggested I could move to Whitehorse, get an apartment. Someone might bring my meals. I think I would have a balcony but, you guessed it, no dogs or cats. End of another story.
So, why do I stay up here? Let me count the ways.
It’s the people who still maintain unique ways of living and looking at the world. A few like me live off the grid and in turn enjoy the challenges of a different kind of life.
Musical talent is something worth noting. Just think of all you have heard about those who add music to our lives. Check out Mountain Eagle Books. You might be surprised. Writers of fiction and historical works. Those who make interesting things or carve the wood that grows here. A friend in his 90’s can look back at all he has done that includes writing a book and building his own plane.
Now we come to the day when a large group of birders came by to count my feathered friends. I was handed a copy of a grand book put together by the Bulkley Valley Naturalists. It is called a Nature Diary. This publication is filled with wonderful illustrations and information about certain events in nature happening each month. Just grand I say.
Now, if you would like to be perked up in this new year I have just the event for you. A great art show will take place at the Smithers Art Gallery Jan. 23 - Jan. 26. This event takes place from noon to 4. On Friday, Jan. 26 there will be a reception at 7. The original paintings will be sold by silent auction with 50 per cent of the money going to the gallery. Of course you will be able to buy the Nature Diary as well. So if you are out and about pop by the gallery.
I have many other reasons why I will stay in the North but I will try not to go on and on about it. I am sure I will give you snippets of good things as time goes on.
Hope you can say “so far, so good” as far as the new year is concerned.
You can call 250-846-5095 or just email to mallory@bulkley.net.