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Two weekends ago I was having a rough day. I was not in the “flow”. Our usual Sunday together was disturbed and I found myself alone and needing some nurturing.
I turned to nature.
I got in my car and drove to Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver(only 10 minutes away). I got myself into the woods and went for a hike.
I passed others hiking in small groups, family outings, but eventually found myself solo surrounded by gigantic mothering trees. My brain slowed down, and the wooded energy started to envelop me. One tree seem to beckon me closer so I could admire the strength in its thick beautiful bark. The tree transformed into a being, reaching out for my arms.
“Oh great. I’m going to hug a tree.” I glanced around, and promptly scolded myself for worrying what others might think. “Who freakin’ cares!” I surrendered to the tree, wrapped my arms as far as I could. I admit, the contact felt strong and reassuring.
I continued on, slightly slower, my gaze absorbing more.
That’s when I saw the fallen tree. Then another one, And, another one. Nothing dramatic, just down. These trees were parts, dead parts, fallen from some reason – wind, disease, or even a strategic chopping to keep the path cleared.
Nurse Log in Lighthouse Park
But, you would not realize they were dead. There was too much life happening in and around them. New life had enveloped them, bringing a lower level beauty to the forest that couldn’t have occurred otherwise.
Nurse logs. Yes, they are officially known as “nurse logs“. Fallen spirits, no longer existing with their own food sources, they become rich grounds for the young. For a long time.
Yes, there is a log underneath the flora!
I stared at log after log of this incredible nurturing. The metaphor provided solace. Even the dead provide a fertile, happy place for fresh new green life.
A new nurse…
I entered the woods with a busy, confused brain.
The forest nursed me with calm observations.
I left, altered, thinking of the nurturing grounds of those close who have passed on. Kind of comforting, don’t you think?
Today March 27 World Theatre Day celebrates it’s 50th anniversary with a succinct & pertinent speech by John Malkovich. Fifty years….. It’s amazing that fifty years later there are so many people who still aren’t aware of this celebration.
I took it on as a mission today to make sure that a whole bunch of people would become enlightened by a simple gesture. I made my sign. Put on my runners and a smile. Then hit the streets with no fanfare.
Me and my World Theatre Day message
It worked! One person CAN make a difference.
I had conversations about theatre, plays, musicals, husbands who won’t go, time that doesn’t allow, people who loved theatre in Europe, good memories, the politics (especially recently) and I even made some play suggestions that were received positively. I We all laughed. I felt happy as I brought smiles to people….(isn’t that sort of live theatre?) Some cars honked and the drivers gave me the thumbs up.
Now, back at home I feel good that I stirred up a little bit in my quiet community. The dry cleaning man said, “Why isn’t there a parade?” Well… maybe next year, I’ll instigate a parade!
You in?
Here are some people I met who didn’t know about WTD (except one…guess who?)
The local librarian at the West Vancouver Library
Ginnie & Doris who love theatre! (gave good life tips too!)
At our local cafe "Cafe Trafiq"
Our favourite local Iranian store
Our Friday night sushi place
This guy wants a World Theatre Day parade!
Love the small hardware stores!
These gals were such fun. It's the middle one's birthday, too!
Happy West Van busdriver!
Family supporting the arts
World Theatre on the beach!
I dedicate this World Theatre Day to those who continue to make theatre despite the trials & tribulations, and this world of high technology. Vive Le Theatre… Nous allons continuer!
(did you guess the one person who knew about World Theatre Day?)
I love going to cafés and sipping on a plain ‘ole black coffee, or a soy latte, or, my latest discovery, a soy misto (similar to a latte with the strong Americano taste of coffee). These warm moments are superbly enhanced by good company, and engaging, stimulating conversation. A good book can be a lovely companion as well… or, even a pen and journal.
Cozy times in Dunderave
Environment is key, though, and some cafes have it, and some… don’t.
What makes a good “hang out”? Well… I guess it depends on your mood, but usually I love a place that offers comfy chairs, good intimate lighting, and some great art on the walls.
Ah… yes… great art. Again, some cafés have it, and some….don’t.
My favourite Sunday café, Cafe Dream (currently in the middle of a name change) in Dunderave, West Vancouver is home to all of the above.
Sean Choi, the owner, used to be a sushi chef and wondered how the role of barista could relate, but after too many Tim Horton coffees, he wanted to embrace the finer world of fresh organic coffee. He has done this well by exchanging his love of sushi details to the fine art of coffee.
And… he loves art, paintings.
Cafe Dream, in a prior life, launched the artistic career of a good friend of mine, Tom Carter, and soon it will be exposing another artist friend (details later). At present the walls are full with mature, beautiful works of an impressionistic style by Barbara Nirman.
Sean has created a warm atmosphere with classical music that supports both the art of coffee and the art of paintings. A complimentary mix!
Cafe Dream invites you...
If you would like to visit Cafe Dream, look for the sign that currently says Ariel’s Tea & Coffee, 2436 Marine Drive, Dunderave in West Vancouver. It is open Monday thru Friday 7am to 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 6pm
Cafe Dream is in the midst of becoming online friendly and will have a website soon. In the meantime, follow Cafe Dream on twitter:
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