Without consciously seeking it, joy so often surprises me, blossoming into my life in unanticipated places and at the most unexpected moments. Yesterday was a dull, damp, humid day yet I stumbled across some wonderfully unforeseen joys which made it an utterly delightful day.
Another rural ramble armed with my Joyspotters Guide. Last time y’all had tons of questions about my route so, if you’re interested again this time, it’s at the bottom of this post.
#1 Look Up
It’s October, yet much of the tree canopy here in Northumberland County remains green.
#2 Look Down
#3 Keep An Eye Out For Colour
#4 Follow The Curve
#5 Go Where The Wild Things Are
Lovely surprise for me! Drifting across Richardson Pond were these two beauties. ‘Though they’re listed as being in danger, there are quite a few mating pairs here in Northumberland County.
#6 Seek Out Symmetry
The simplistic architectural beauty of this Pioneer Church is truly lovely. And, obvously, enduring!
#7 Search For Signs of Abundance
#8 Watch For Weirdness
A massive field (100 acres or so) of Canola.1
In bloom! In October!!! What???
#9 Zoom In
#10 Notice The Invisible
‘Though I never once caught sight of one, throughout the day I heard the unmistakable song of Pine Warblers. Lovely!
#11 Take The Scenic Route
#12 Use All Your Senses
On such a warm humid day, walking the forest trails with the yet verdant canopy above my head, it was at times hard to believe it was an autumn day. Even in that moment, though, the unmistakable aroma of autumnal rot and decay was obvious and inescapable.
Whilst wandering in nature, there’s no need to make room for joy in one’s life — it envelops us, demanding our acceptance and appreciation, usually with surprising power and magnitude. Such was my day yesterday and I hope yours was every bit as wonderful!
’Til next time, y’all…
1Not my first flora weirdness this week. On Wednesday, on the east side of Atkins Lane in Presqu’ile Park, I spotted a Lilac bush in bloom, with clusters of buds yet to open and both new shoots and leaves. What is going on???
If you’d like to begin Joyspotting, click here to get your copy of the guide: Joyspotters Guide
7th October 2021 – my route:
Ontario to Dale, to Racetrack, to Crossen, to Beavermeadow, to Bowmanton, to Beagle Club, to the 9. Cowling to 1st Line, to Brook, to CR18, to Sandercock, to CR45, to 8th Line, to Richardson, back to the 8th, to Godolphin, to Percy, to Old Hastings, to CR29, to Cr25, to Morganston, to Jakobi, to Centreton, to Stewart, to Community Centre, to CR45, to Danforth, to Ontario.
Summer At the Shores, a Presqu'ile Experience 