I think I am a bit nature obsessed sometimes. Which actually puts me in my ‘happy place’. I would definitely consider myself an extrovert, although I didn’t always feel that way. My memories of my ‘youngen years’ is that when my parents took us to visit friends, I always preferred to hang out with the adults. I don’t know if I was dreaming about what it would be like to one day be one… or if I was just unimpressed uncomfortable getting to know their friend’s kids. I preferred sometimes to just observe; and sometimes I was just bored out of my mind, but none-the-less, when I think back to those moments in time I remember feeling like the ‘odd man out’ many times. So, it could be that I ‘matured’ into an extrovert or became conditioned into one, or innately maybe I always was one. I look back on all of the networking events I have gone to throughout my career, and I am usually quite ecstatic to just delve in there head on, make some connections, chat with people and find a common ground, but mostly, I just plain – find people fascinating. I love hearing their tales. I love learning about their lives; where they come from, where they’re going and what makes them tick. Typically an extrovert will become energized being around people… which makes perfect sense, because I do have difficulty winding down after a social event. But I have always craved the quiet contemplation that nature offers me. I love being surrounded by trees, the rhythmic rustling of their leaves, and listening to the water rush over the rocks; what an interesting dance it does over time as its gentle strength smooths away the rock’s hard rough edges. I love the peaceful tranquility my soul feels when the sun warms my face, and how the moon embraces me in the dark of night. That is powerful. I think what I have realized about myself is that a group dynamic gives me a temporary rush of adrenaline, which can be exhilarating (kind of like being on stage, which I enjoyed immensely before adulthood kicked in), but my mind and soul can only feel truly nourished and rejuvenated by nature. 
Photo Challenge Number 17, taken along the bike path on the Ottawa Rideau Canal in Ottawa.
April 2016
Tag Archives: nature
Shadow of a Doubt
The past few weeks, we’ve been teased and taunted. Ottawa winters can be a challenge as we balance the frigid wind, heavy snow and grey days with the moments of sunshine that grace us on any given day. But even on the darkest of days, we know, without a shadow of a doubt that when the sun peaks out between the clouds, spring is near.
Photo Challenge # 10 was taken along the Rideau Canal foot/bike path on Queen Elizabeth Drive near Patterson Creek. (And I actually think spring may have finally arrived!)
Winter Thaw
I stumbled upon this outstanding tree;
Tall and regal; branches stretched upwardly to the sky.
Partially diseased, yet so beautiful in is simplicity.
Holes bored into its trunk, with purpose and ambition.
Crevices dancing in contrasts of darkness and light.
Segments of bark gently flaking, silently falling to their death below;
Magnificent colours and textures splendidly revealed in the spring thaw.
Photo Challenge Number 8
"smackiland" & beyond 