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Turn down the volume before cranking it at Round Lake

Lorraine meditates on turning the volume knob in our day-to-day lives.
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Lorraine Doiron

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by noise? Sometimes I have to turn off the radio in order to breath.

I have often wondered why when people are talking on their cell phones, it seems like they must shout. Sometimes noises actually cause physical pain.

I became interested in an article from Reader’s Digest ‘The Quieter Life.’ A quote: practising 20 minutes of silent mindfulness exercises every day can improve your night’s rest. Other ideas: talk less, listen more; turn down the volume; meditate – even for five minutes; take a solo sojourn, which mentions a book by Ester Bucholz The Call of Solitude; find calm in the community; take a forest bath recognized for its therapeutic value in boosting the immune system (I think I mentioned this in a previous column); sign up for quiet yoga and, lastly, walk a labyrinth. All good ideas.

Starting after March 7 for three afternoons or evenings per week, beginner bridge lessons will be offered by Dennis Lee. This depends on interest. More information, call Jeannette at 250-846-9126.

Just received word that the library now has a fabulous collection of children’s French books. Time to have a look!

​Bulkley Valley Backpackers Society (BVBS) AGM, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27 at the Smithers Art Gallery, Central Park Building. Everyone welcome, learn about the activities of the BVBS, their weekly outings, trail clearing opportunities with power tools provided. Membership is not required to attend the AGM but is available at the door. There will be door prizes with all attendees eligible. Email info@bvbackpackers.ca, website bvbackpackers.ca.

March 3, 7:30 at the Coffee House at Round Lake Hall, they will feature Hank Sinatra & 1/2 Decent Act plus a short set by Roger and Jeannie. $5 at the door. Snacks to share are welcome plus a warm welcome to all. They ask for inside shoes please as it is a bit ugly outside right now.

Do you remember the Nova Scotia retiree Lorne Grabher who has been fighting to regain a personalized licence plate after it was deemed unacceptable? He has had his licence plate “GRABHER” (his last name) for 26 years and during a renewal, after an anonymous complainant reported that it was a “socially unacceptable slogan,” his licence plate was revoked. The whole issue is being fought in Nova Scotia Supreme Court. Mr. Grabber’s lawyer is with the Calgary-based Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms and argued that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms applies across the country and stated that Mr. Grabher’s son has a similar licence plate in Alberta,stressing that the fact that the plate is legal in Alberta is relevant to this case. The arguments continue, just would like to hear the final decision.

From a recent Chinese cookie: There is no ordinary moments.

Closing with: “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.” –Victor Hugo