Content... but not complacent

Every so often, life throws you an experience that creates the perfect perspective allowing you to appreciate where you are in life at that very moment. It's a juxtaposition of sorts, a comparison that what "could've been" is less than what you've become. In fact, who you are and what you have achieved is pretty damn good. It brings a feeling of contentment -- not complacency, but the realization that you are utterly and completely good and right with the world at this moment. It's these reality checks, these little moments of juxtaposition or comparisoin that make that appreciation for where you are -- and who you are -- go even deeper, with more richness, more meaning.

I had such an experience this weekend -- several, in fact. And they weren't earth-shattering, in-your-face or hit-over-the-head wake-up moments... just little sentences, actions... isolated incidents, really. But when they were added together, they came with the realization that life is good... very good. 

I say that sentence with the full knowledge it'll be three years ago this Friday when I lost my husband to cancer. That in itself was a life-altering time... not only the loss of my life-love, but the three preceding years we fought against the cancer, and the resulting turmoil instigated by others after his death.

But still, life is good. No one can diminish or erase the 19 years I shared with my husband, nor compromise who I am because of it. It's not about what people think of me, what I have or who I know... it is about who I am, what I believe in, and who my friends and family are. Those are the people who matter to me, who reflect my values and integrity, who share a common understanding, are there at the right time with the right word -- or no words at all...

I also believe it's about paying things forward.... making your own life experiences and learning from them... hopefully leaving the world (and the people in it) in a better place...or at least giving them cause to think about it. Life experiences -- as broad and varied as they may be -- are part of the buffet we step up to while on this earth.  Make the most of the menu!  Life is a buffet, and some people are starving.

Not a lot of knitting.... but a lot of fun!

So much for getting a lot done on the pairs of socks I have on my needles...

Instead I got distracted -- by great scenery, the company of good friends, great food, and fishing on Lake Nipissing (west of North Bay).

Northern Ontario offers something for everyone. Yes, there's the spectacular scenery -- the majestic trees, rocky shoreline and outcrops, and when you combine this with fresh air and sunshine, it made for the perfect way to celebrate Canada Day!

This is my third trip to the West Arm of the lake, thanks to the generous invitation from friends to join them on a fishing trip.  The cottages at the resort where we stay are comfortable and perfectly located on a rocky shoreline that affords a great view when we're not in the boat exploring bays and searching for fish.

And while I didn't knit a lot, I did knit a bit.  But this experience taught me more.... it afforded me the opportunity to learn other techniques -- like how to tie an official knot at the end of my fishing line (I had lots of practice with that after my line tangled repeatedly), the protocols when a colleague is hauling in a catch (his polite "Hello" to the fish is optional, however!); and how to effectively net a fish... head-first, in case you wanted to know!

So today is back to reality... and looking forward to the next opportunity to get away, relax, and maybe fish...maybe knit!