Talks, a poetry reading, a writers' group, coffee conversations and discussion groups provided the intellectual component.
We participated in a most interesting conversation group at the James Bay Coffee Company, at a regular weekly group associated with the Unitarian church that meets at New Horizons Centre in James Bay. This group discusses random topics which are selected at the time; there is a bit of loose format which helps the discussion not get bogged down.This time the topic was truth and knowledge, suggested by someone who has been reading the book Post-Truth. I enjoyed the thoughtfulness of the participants, and the breadth of points raised. It was a good example of "group mind" in action.
Post-Truth was released last year, and traces the development of the conditions in our democracy leading to the situation that we have now, where the phrase "alternative facts" is an acceptable one, and where leaders lie.
The discussion was so stimulating that right afterwards we walked downtown to the library and found a copy of the book, which we borrowed using our BC One Card. (This is a wonderful service whereby users of one library system like the Okanagan Regional Library can register for another library system and have access to their materials.)
I am now part-way through the book. The last chapter is titled "Fighting Post-Truth". I will report on the author's ideas after I have read it.
We have walked many kilometres in the James Bay, Inner Harbour and downtown areas. Walks on the streets and in the park provided fresh air (sometimes, REALLY fresh when the wind was howling!) and visual stimulus and beauty.
On Valentine's Day I came across this on a park bench. Yes, it is all about "Love, love, love." If we acted out of love, instead of fear, how much different our world would be. It is a constant meditation for me, letting go of fear and embracing love.
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| A message for every day, all year -- love |
A few of the snow-bound scenes I encountered in my wanderings:
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| Beacon Hill Park |
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| Arbutus, the only broadleaf evergreen in Canada, usually growing within 1 1/2 km of the ocean |
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| Along Dallas Road |
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| Pond at Beacon Hill Park |
Here is a house with an amazing stained glass door, located on Government Street.
And, some different types of "public art".
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| Terry Fox Memorial at Mile 0, where he started his Marathon of Hope |
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| Lots of snowmen around town! |
Finally, I love this piece of public art in Beacon Hill Park. She has a quiet peacefulness to her ... earth goddess, spirit of the forest.
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| Sleeping Moss Lady |
Peace be with you all.
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