Symphony in the forest
I can’t believe that in all the years I’ve lived in Vancouver I’ve never been to Pacific Spirit Regional Park. Last night was my first visit, and now that I know how beautiful it is, I’ll be back soon. I love how the sounds of the city fall away so completely there.
We were drawn to Pacific Spirit by Forest Symphony, an evening event hosted by Metro Vancouver. Singers, guitarists, violinists and harpists were tucked into clearings along the park’s paths, filling the forest with music. Gorgeous.
One of the many wonderful ways that having a child has changed me is introducing a wider range of experience into my life. Before Cassandra, our Vancouver outings fell mostly into four categories: dinner, movies, shopping, visiting friends.
Now that Cass is in our lives, we get outside a lot more. I search out new parks to visit and free events to attend. Since we moved back to Vancouver in December, I’ve had so many city firsts: taking the Aquabus, visiting the Bloedel Conservatory, riding the Stanley Park Train, communing with bunnies at Jericho Beach, jumping in the fountain at Queen Elizabeth Park, and now, walking trails at Pacific Spirit Park.
All these moments were designed to add variety, richness and beauty to my daughter’s life. I never anticipated the joy they would bring to my own.
It’s a beautiful evening in Vancouver. We had our first meal on the patio tonight, and in about ten minutes I’ll be back out there with another glass of wine and a book. Happy May Day!
I’m taking a photography class, something I’ve wanted to do ever since Shane gave me a Canon Eos Rebel XTi two Christmases ago. It’s a fantastic camera, and I’ve not been using it to its fullest potential. To be honest, until two weeks ago I’d never taken it off the automatic setting. I was just pointing and shooting — taking snapshots.
Weeks like this are a challenge: warm weather, cloudless skies, cherry trees in bloom and my city alive with wild Olympic energy. It’s extremely hard to remain disciplined, stay indoors and work. The only way I can manage it is by bribing myself with a tea latte at the Corner Cup Cafe and the promise of an afternoon walk on the beach with Cassandra.
The 2010 Winter Olympics begin in two days in Vancouver. It’s impossible to ignore them if you live here. See, for example, the enormous beacon of light over our downtown skyline. No, we’re not trying to call Batman (and yes, I’ve heard that joke from every person who’s seen this photo). That’s 
One of the things I knew I’d miss most about PEI was walking on long, empty stretches of beach. So I was incredibly grateful yesterday morning to find myself alone on a beach in the middle of Vancouver. I know once spring arrives this will never, ever happen, so I’ll be taking advantage of winter to enjoy many solitary early morning walks.