Day One Hundred and One

I've lived in small towns before, but Vanderhoof is a town unlike any other. For one thing, it has the most churches per capita in all of Canada. Also, it has a store where you can get gel nails and body piercings and hair cuts. Just the oddities you can find along the few streets, make living here interesting and dull at the same time. But that's not what I'm writing about today.

Last night, I was out for a walk with Kurtis and Bruce when a dog, just taller than knee high to me, came bounding up to us. He was uncollared, unmarked, and one of the most freindly beasts I have ever met. He was just eager for attention. Being who I am with my soft spot for any animal (except leeches. Those do not deserve life.), had to stop to pet him. He had ice all through his coat and his paws were red and raw from the ice, salt and sand on the streets. The dog was black and white with black speckles covering his legs and white patches. The whole walk home, he followed us, running back and forth, wanting to play. The three of us fell in love with the little scamp, gave him some food and water and named him Rascal. He made me realize how much I missed feeling a dog's fur and enjoying their company. Even though we only saw the stray dog we named Rascal for a bit, he already decided that Kurtis was the Alpha male, and I was the Alpha female. Kurtis would give him some food, and Rascal would curl up on my feet. He was the most loving dog I have met in a long time. It made me sad that I was able to go inside to the warm, carpetted house, while Rascal had to sleep outside.

Today, I accompanied my boss, Reg, to the local College, CNC, for an anti-racism seminar. Reg led it and told all about racism in Canada, the idea of a Melting Pot, his own experiances and what Vanderhoof is doing about the problems here in town. It was very informative and moving. To hear him talk about it, the conviction he feels, makes you want to do somethign and make a change in your life, and hopefully, in the lives of those around us.

I am learning a lot about a lot of things here. Actually, I'm learning a lot more than I thought I would in a town of 4000. I've learned about myself, and what is important to me. I know now that performance, and music is way more important than I thought. I know that I need my time alone just as much as I need it with people.f I know that, in the grand scheme of things, I have it really good in the life I have been dealt. I see kids everyday that are fatherless, nearly homeless, abused, abusive or any combination. They aren't bad kids, they are just kids that have been dealt a bad hand. Kids only know what they learn at home, from parents, or with their friends. Think of that the next time you think "They are just a bad person", chances there is a reason behind it all.

Learn to love
Love to laugh
Laugh to learn
Take it in turn
Take it in stride
Take it all in
           ~Anonymous

Everyday is a new adventure, so No Worries