Yesterday it was like pulling teeth to get the guys out the door for an afternoon bike ride. It was bright and fairly warm, but no - they wanted to keep playing Legos and making miniature Indiana Jones movies with our video camera.
Thankfully, after two threats and a bribe, they left the shelter of our cozy, small home and ventured out into the Alberta tundra like regular old fashioned little boys.
We found some branches that had been blown off the trees behind the church and started building a tree fort. At first I took some photos, then I pitched in too.
It did my heart good to see the boys running and creating with rosy cheeks. I love it when they play outside. I'm not sure how many more days will be warm enough to stay out longer than 20 minutes.
First I went to the labyrinth and "talked" to my friend Lloyd who died, then we set to sword play and fort building with sticks.
The little rust barn seemed so out of place back there. It's like out of the pages of a Lee Valley catalogue. Winston Sproule made it and that explains the meticulous care and design. I wish it was used a bit more.
Can you find the ladybug on the tree trunk?
We also took Weston's magnifying glass.
The twigs off the fallen branches could snap off easily like they were made of cork.
I'm still sad that the leaves didn't have a chance to turn a beautiful golden like they did last year. Now they're still brown on the trees. Must have been the cold snap. Sigh.
Anyway, brown leaves didn't dampen the creative spirits of my young ones when it came to imagining an ambush of bad guys. Thank goodness they could retreat to their fort if necessary. I'd still rather have them build an outside retreat than stay inside all day and feel safe but stuck.
Donovan even took my picture by the little barn. I like how it is crooked. He told me to straighten it, but it seems right just the way it is.
...Last night we all attended a short orchestra concert in our own community hall. From the first note I was totally sucked in. We were in the front row and the sound was so present. I loved the dynamics. I loved the melodies. I loved the heightened sense of ensemble and focus. It made me cry. It was so palpable and important somehow. It touched me to the quick and I didn't know how to hide my face so as not to distract the rest of the audience. But I did sneak a peak at David when I heard him sniff. He was crying too! I was so relieved to not feel so alone. He was picking up on the same power and beauty I was. I was glad. It didn't matter that they were in a little hall under flourescent lights. It was music working. A great call to the heart.
A call to the heart not unlike the urge to run outdoors before it becomes too cold. Everything feels urgent right now. Grab life and shake it so you know what you have... and don't ever forget to be grateful!
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