The Flip Side: 100WCGU

100 Word Challenge for Grown Ups – Week #31

The Flip Side:

Pulling into the driveway, she wiped at her tears and slumped forward. “Laid off.” The words echoed in her mind.  The tears flowed. “Now what?” her thoughts were spinning.  How could she get another job in this economy?  How would she survive with no money? She sat alone in the car as the evening turned into night.  Relaxing her grip on the wheel triggered a release. She realized that there was a flip side to this crisis. She has been given a chance for a fresh start, a chance to accept her father’s gift of tuition and finish her education.

I visited Julia’s Place.    I was thrilled to find she has a weekly writing challenge called  the “100 Word Challenge for Grown Ups.” http://jfb57.wordpress.com/2012/02/20/100-word-for-grown-ups-week31/  This is a weekly challenge for those who are over 16 and enjoy challenging themselves with writing. Each week you are given a prompt. It may be a few connected words, a selection of individual words or a picture. The challenge is to write exactly 100 words on the weekly topic or suggestion.

I have decided to give it a go.

This week the challenge is “The Flip Side”

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Sunday Post: Colorful

Actually the proper spelling is Colourful. That aside, I will post my entry for the Sunday Challenge. Four of my grandchildren came for a visit this afternoon. Nearby, we have a lovely little park, so we bundled up and went for a bit of play. The park has very colourful equipment and I enjoyed taking photos there this afternoon.

Animal Attack

Sarah playing on the ramp

Emily looks through the giant circles

Snow Alligator

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Down

I love to go barefoot. The feel of the sand between my toes as I walk along a beach, always gives me a sense of freedom. I enjoy being barefoot so much, I took a few pictures looking DOWN at the beach last summer.

I was in Northern Ontario, walking along a beach in Pukaskwa National Park on Lake Superior. Just thinking about it brings a smile to my face and eases my stress.

Remembering the sand between my toes.

 I remember with delight the feel of the waves swirling around my bare feet. You do too.. and you love it too… don’t you?

the refreshing waves swirling across my toes.

I even still picture myself walking at the shore.

Looking down at my shadow.

The rocks at the waters edge are worn smooth by the pounding of the waves.

 Today, I took another picture looking down.

Is that salt? Are those Bubbles? Is she crazy?

 

I went outside in the snow, BAREFOOT !! It is invigorating.. and very cold. Not quite as relaxing as walking in the sand. Not as relaxing as letting the warm water of summer trickle between my toes.

Even Sidney came to check out why I was walking in the snow without my boots.

What are you doing?

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Surprised by a Crystal Forest

It snowed. The kind of snow that drifts and swirls. Tiny flakes soon accumulated making a blanket of white several inches deep. I took a few photos with my macro lens. Looking over the shots, I found I had taken photos of a minature forest. Some of the crystals twinkled like stars in a soft mist that almost hid the trees.

The Crystal Forest

I really enjoy viewing the miniature world.

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Regret

I have given a lot of thought to this weeks challenge. Asking myself the question: what do I regret? There are a lot of things that have happened to me that I regret, but I did not have any control so I am not responsible.  I wanted to think of a choice I made. The biggest regret I have is the choice to smoke. I was only 18. Not an excuse, just a fact. In those days, it was the non-smokers that were the minority. stupidly, I wanted to fit in. I soon became addicted and smoked for too many years. I quit about 15 years ago, but not soon enough. My lungs have been permanently damaged. I have to live with COPD. I must take an inhaler every day or I struggle to breathe. I still live life to the fullest, I exercise daily, love hiking, canoeing and am training to run a 5km race. Yet I do regret smoking and damaging my lungs. When I get a cold, it often leads to further complications like pneumonia and that is not fun.

This is not a pretty picture but I think It looks like a picture of me with my head hanging down in regret

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Music in Mistaya Canyon

As we drove toward Banff along the Icefield Highway, we discovered a short hike to a canyon. The hike through the forest did not prepare us for the amazing sight of the Mistaya Canyon.

The slot canyon, narrow and deep is carved through limestone.

There are no fences holding back visitors from enjoying the beautiful sight. The wet rocks are dangerous, so I was cautious as I walked along the ridge. I felt drawn to the edge.

standing on the edge

I peered over the cliff to see the water far below. The water churned and crashed through the canyon. There were many potholes formed in the rocks over time, formed by smaller rocks caught in the swirling waters.

Large potholes carved in the rock

The water far below came in waves and sometimes splashed high up the canyon walls.

Far below the water is churning

the churning water splashes high once in a while

 

 

I sat amazed at the height the water splashed.

There were no other people around. I sat on the edge and listened. The music of the canyon filled my soul. It was the same song that has been heard by the trees for thousands and thousands of years. It is a song of power and might. A song that tells of the strength of the water, strength so mighty, the rock must give way.

Listen to the music of the ages.

I can feel the presence of God in the canyon. He speaks to me through the music of the canyon and I am blessed.

The music echoes from the walls of Mistaya Canyon

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Why do burrs stick to fur?

Walking with the dog today, we were in the fields at Sibbald Point Park. Sidney found some burrs. After pulling them off her coat, I had a chance to take a few photos with my Macro lens.

Can a burr look soft?

I love the little hooks on the spikes

Using a macro lens, gives me a closer look at why a burr sticks to everything.

I was careful so nothing stuck to me.

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Ready

I am always ready to try new things, ready for an adventure. While in Skagway Alaska, Sarah and I decided to go rock-climbing. I had tried it once indoors. Let me just say that the indoor climbing walls are a lot different to the real thing.

We travelled to the climbing site and I got my harness on. 

I have my harness on and I am READY

 The company gave us a powder blue helmet to put on. I couldn’t help but feel relief, knowing that when I fall from the top of the cliff, my helmet will save me.

A few last-minute adjustments while I looked up… waaaay up.The first step.

Surveying the cliff

 

As I placed my fingers on the cold hard rock, I wondered how I will be able to cling to the rock. the ledges were so tiny.

The first step.

I soon got the hang of it and climbing happened.

a view from below. can you see that tiny person way up there?

I am very proud that I made it to the top, not once but twice, in two different sections. Climbing is hard work. It takes a lot of leg strength to push up each step of the way.

a cropped photo of me at the top.the second climb is higher still.

 Repelling back down is the most fun because it takes no strength.

Just lean back and jump your way down.

 I am ready to give it another go. Anyone want to come with me? This is something I want to continue as part of my healthy new lifestyle.

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Weekly Photo Challenge: random

No photo challenge? I will not be stopped. I have decided to call it “Random” and post anyway. I hope you enjoy.

Last summer, we travelled along the “Top of The World” highway between Alaska and the Yukon. Near the border, is the small settlement of boundary Alaska. Population 3.

The welcome sign is painted on the big old oil drum.

 Near the road is an old log building. It was the store in the years when Boundary was a thriving mining community. We met the entire “village” and they allowed us to explore and photograph the store.

The log store.We went inside to find there were a lot of artifacts.

 

An old cash register. A little worse for wear.

 

The piano longs to be played once more. I love the three legged stool.

 

This looks like the stove I learnt to cook on, back in the day. No wonder I have never liked to cook.

 

The back door. You can see the dirt road (the highway) in the background.

 

 

Nearby, is a small cafe. We enjoyed a coffee and muffin served by Adam.

Open for business.

The inside was small, a table for four and a counter. 

Waiting for the coffee to brew. The walls are covered with business cards and an assortment of "treasures" of all kinds.

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This is not a Ground Hog

Here comes February and the famous ground-hog is the focus everywhere. Eyes are on this weird little critter and we count on his skill as a weatherman. I have found the ground-hog is not as reliable as he used to be. There are many in service as “weather-hogs” across the world, none more famous than Phil. Perhaps they are tired, perhaps they needs some further training., upgrading to keep up with the times. Maybe they need to retire.

I present to you a new option: the ground squirrel.  Similar, but fresh. An eager learner. Willing to work hard.

Cute and curious

Great communications skills... "Spring has sprung"

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