Time to reflect

I had the chance to spend a week on island at the beginning of February. It was cold. It was windy. It was snowy. It was stormy.

But most of all it was FRIENDLY.

While the wind howled and glazed our dirt roads with ice, islanders gathered together. Birthday party, whiskey night, dinner gatherings, saunas, dog walks and even a cross country ski session…. I was reminded of the amazing peeps that form our community.

We are a group of strong-minded folks that don’t always agree. It can create stressful situations. It can spoil the serenity the island is meant to provide. It can divide us…

Dogs live simple lives and enjoy every day as if it is the best one ever. Humans could learn a lesson or two from them. I recently found out that my pup Henry, the inspiration for my book project, has thyroid cancer. We don’t know what tomorrow might bring. Shouldn’t we, as dogs do, live in the present and choose harmony over anger and bitterness?

This book project has become a form of therapy. The excitement of islanders when talking about it is inspiring. Folks are asking about the progress, when and how they can get a copy or offer ideas for the story, It is something fun, reminding us all of a great Sidney Island tale (with a twist) that unites rather than divide us. It is a celebration of our island.

Moving forward, I hope that we, as a community, can look beyond our personal views and ideas and find a way to heal and come back together stronger. It will take time, but I believe it is possible.