Winter’s Light

“ The world is full of poetry. The air is living with its spirit; and the waves dance to the music of its melodies, and sparkle in its brightness.” – James Gates Percival

Fortified with a late cup of fragrant black tea, I headed out for an unexpected sunny walk – lately, an atmospheric river of tropical moisture hailing from the beautiful islands of Hawaii has been falling non-stop. The golden sun pierced through a bank of cumulus clouds revealing a turquoise sky and the air around me felt summer warm upon my face.

It takes more effort now to head outside, there are boots to put on, extra layers to wrap oneself in and an umbrella to carry, protection from the weeping sky. As fall slowly gives way to winter, a mantra begins to thrum through my veins, whispering words of reminder to seize every moment, rain or shine – just like the older gentleman I came across on a day the sun forgot to shine – heeding the rain, he still walks barefoot no matter the weather, a wild heart adding joy to a grey day.

Despite the imminent arrival of winter’s light after the earth’s long journey around the blazing sun, there are still lingering sepia-toned days to remind one of the darker days of autumn still unfolding. Before the light reaches its zenith, there is sparkle and glitter to behold as the city starts to put on its winter finery heralding the holiday season. This was in resplendent evidence one clear and cold night marred only by a few wispy clouds and periodic light rain. I found myself crossing off a December wish list activity as I met up with my Aussie friend at the entrance to the Vancouver Christmas Market down by the sea at Coal Harbour (located near the 2010 Olympic Cauldron at Jack Poole Plaza). I had been to the previous location when it was held downtown but was hoping to check out the new venue this year, with over 75 huts to explore, we could hardly wait to wander! With lovely live music playing on the new Flying Stage we leisurely wound our way through the various vendor’s huts marveling at all the beautiful decorations and gifts for sale and as I looked up into the night sky, I noticed that even the moon came out to play among her celestial neighbours casting her own bright light upon the colourful lights all around. With the smell of good German cooking scenting the air, we even took time to buy a hot meal to eat in the heated Alpine Haus at communal tables overlooking the North Shore – Amanda chose a beef goulash bread bowl and I chose a vegan potato bread bowl, they were delicious and warmed us right up! Afterwards we checked out the 30 foot tall Walk-In Christmas Tree and found ourselves dazzled by the bright twinkling lights, it was blinding and other-worldly all at once. The evening ended with a walk upon the lighted pier at Canada Place, a free exhibit of icy whiteness drawing one towards a bonsai garden draped in twinkling ropes of light with a giant light sculpture of a moose to greet us at the end of our walk through a winter wonderland so beautiful, it filled my heart with winter’s light dispelling any darkness left by autumn’s dying days.

More West Coast weather, this time it’s fog as seen from our apartment overlooking Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park (Vancouver, B.C.)!

Waiting for the sun to break through the fog at the Rowing Club located in Coal Harbour near Stanley Park (Vancouver, B.C.).

Hallelujah! After not seeing the sun for days, this shot of Vancouver’s city skyline says it all (Vancouver, B.C.)!