CONTRASTS

I am slowly emerging from a fog that has persisted for the last 6 months. Trying and difficult times have this sort of impact.

It has taken all my energy to simply "get by" since September in the wake of cancer in my family. Thankfully, it seems that things are heading in a positive direction now. SJ is doing well and we are all slowly emerging from the dark.

It is timely that this coincides with the reality out my window; vibrant cherry blossoms are beginning to emerge in stark contrast to the grey backdrop of the sky above. Vancouver is very dramatic this way - dark menacing clouds can persist low to the ground, giving way to piercing and brilliant sunshine for half and hour, only to return to grey again just as quickly.

Extremes happen within a short time span. There are numerous micro-climates, and as you travel the evolving atmosphere can alter your perception in mere moments.

Perhaps this is a good metaphor for the unexpected trials and joys in life. The notion that things stay the course, that life can be predictable is a comforting illusion, and the constant motion and messiness of life seems well beyond our control. Yet there is something dynamic and life affirming among all the unpredictability.

Dark times are hard indeed, and they leave their indelible scars, though they are part of the landscape. They make the light that much brighter.

It's getting brighter friends.

(Note: the above picture was taken near the downtown eastside of Vancouver in 2006 - for a few fleeting weeks the city explodes with brilliant pink, making it essential to take it all in)