The Path Taken...

...to the beach.

I got my act together this morning and went down to the lake; it is something I have neglected to do for a while and each time I go, I regret not going more often! 

A warm sunny day with only a light breeze, and only a few people wandering along the shore? Perfect. There was not much bird action though - three swans, a few geese, and lots of redwing blackbirds, but by the sounds of it, lots of frogs! 

You run into the nicest people along that beach - people who are also there to watch and photograph birds or to just get away from it all and enjoy the peace and solitude. 

This time I met two very interesting but different people - first a middle-aged single mom and then along came a retired police officer who joined us for what turned out to be a very lengthy conversation - a conversation that took some really interesting turns...from stem cell surgeries to mental illness in the family. I came away inspired by the challenges both were facing and by the positive attitude that is carrying them through those tough times. 

It was a totally unexpected bonus of my little  trip to the beach, a reminder that whatever challenges we are hit with, a positive outlook along with the determination to do all we can to recover is the key to success. 

Lesson learned: I need to work more on my positive outlook! Oh yes, and go to the beach more often! 

PS: Election Day in Canada - oh the stress of waiting for results!