14 Comments
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Nancy P Lanphear's avatar

Beautifully written Bruce. And, as a recent visitor in your home, I found it to be a magical place; a place to know your neighbors, the feel of the Natural World around you, and a lovely place for you and Nancy to grow old together.

Sent with love ❤️ ❤️

Mom

Bruce Lanphear's avatar

Thank you Mom! I love the idea of growing old together.

Dr. Carole Rollins's avatar

Welcome to a non-stop daily dose of nature in an urban environment, right outside your window.

Ken Fisher's avatar

"We decided it was time to begin contributing, in some modest way, to First Nations communities whose lands were never ceded ..."

Ro Hetherington's avatar

What an unusual balance — all the creature comforts of home, right alongside forests, water, birds, and sky. It looks like you’ve found the perfect nest.

I can only imagine what it feels like when a heron or eagle glides past!

Bruce Lanphear's avatar

Ro: I’m still a bit distracted. I’ve caught myself blurting things out during Zoom calls when a heron suddenly glides past my window.

Ro Hetherington's avatar

As you should! There's something important in letting a heron interrupt you — a small act of resistance against the daily illusion that the world is just backdrop.

"The world is not scenery. It is a vast, breathing intelligence."

I wonder how you might share even a glimpse of it with the people on the other side of those calls? Even briefly turning the camera around — though if they're anything like me, they'll want to look for longer!

Bruce Lanphear's avatar

Ro: I have shown off my view more than a few times.

Doreen Tetz's avatar

What a beautiful place to settle....and I thought, enviously,...no more ferries.

Bruce Lanphear's avatar

Thank you, Doreen. We’re also part of a cohousing community on Bowen Island, so we still get to enjoy the ferry. But now we’re about 15 minutes closer to the terminal.

Thomas Beller's avatar

"not out of guilt alone, but out of gratitude"

Nash's avatar

Hi. What a delight to read this, sent by a friend. I’m a close neighbour of yours and enjoy a very similar view. I’ve lived in Laguna Vista for 23 years and am ceaselessly grateful. I call my balcony my Perch on the Edge of Paradise. I’ve just now watched an eagle soar above the lagoon with just 2 crows suggesting it return to the other side. I guess there aren’t quite yet chicks in the nests, otherwise there would be more crows making much more of a fuss. I often feel I’m living in a nature show. Welcome to the hood!

Bruce Lanphear's avatar

Thank you Nash!

Chris Neurath's avatar

The view from your window says it all (along with the context of your words).