I took a little trek up Mt Work awhile ago on a Sunday for some exercise, to see if it was was still the same as I recalled it and to experience and enjoy the beauty and magnificence that is there.  I had been there once before. On another website I read that the elevation is 2238 feet or 682 metres. For sure there are quite a few steps to the Summit.

Location: Mount Work Park, Saanich, Victoria, Vancouver Island BC  A 536-hectare Mount Work Regional Park bordering on Gowlland Tod Provincial Park, situated in the Highlands area of the Saanich Peninsula.

Along the way I met several groups of people including some young bucks huffing, puffing and sweating the climb up. Although I would describe myself in better condition this time than I was when I climbed it before, it surely did not feel like it! It is quite a steady climb up and up.  A few spots level off and you go down a bit and that makes you think you have already reached the top but keep on going as that is just to fool you into thinking you have made it there.   I managed to get off the beaten track for awhile and that was interesting and a bit exhausting as I worked myself back to the path.  As if the climb itself was not enough.

Here is a clue to let you know you have finally reached the summit.  It even comes with it’s own naked tree.  I figure that is appropriate to keep it company way up there.

Near the summit are many naked trees, aka Arbutus trees. I call them naked trees because most of them are as they lose their bark and underneath.  They are so soft and smooth to the touch.  From Wikipedia:

Arbutus is a genus of at least 14 species of flowering plants in the family Ericaceae, native to warm temperate regions of the Mediterranean, western Europe, and North America.

These trees meander all over the place and are quite exotic and some even erotic.  Well hey, naked limbs all over the place.  This reminds me of one of my poems entitled My Friend. Similarities exist between the two but this was written from a different place and time quite a few years ago.

The view from way up near the summit is truly spectacular. It is well worth the trek up the mountain. You feel (the) spirit in all things and being part of it all and all there is.

Yes, the scenery around here is majestic, spectacular and varied from mountains, rain forest, mild climate and the sea. Is there any wonder I feel blessed to live in such a wonderful place!  That really is not a question at all.

May you be so blessed today and everyday.

Eugene

I had this prepared earlier today and it all disappeared.  It seems that using Windows Live Writer wreaks havoc on my computer and does strange things to it.  Words disappear, the mouse acts strange, highlighting, copy and paste do not work properly.  I am not 100% sure if this is what causes it but it certainly does seem to be the case.   Well no matter, I will plug along here anyway.

I had an interesting note from The Universe today.  You can get them also for free by going here to Tut. This is the message for today:

Time for a little refresher on manifesting change, parking spots, and a new vibrant,loving, peaceful,healthy body. Eugene:

1. Think about it as if it were already done. (Note “already done” part.)
2. Keep showing up, doing all you can, every day, in every way, until already done. (Note “keep” part.)

For complicated cases, like when dealing with invisible, limiting beliefs, negative friends, or staring down adversity: same-same.

You’ve got it made,
The Universe

That is a good reminder for me.  Things I want to work on.

A few days ago I captured a picture of a wee flower on a rose bush around here.  Rosie is a delight, no doubt.

From the same bush:

I like the contrasting colour and the water on the leaves. Ah the program is telling me that colour is not spelled correctly.  Yes it is! Get a Canadian dictionary will you please.  That is Microsoft for you.  Wake up Bill Gates.

I traversed into the woods again the other day, up Mt Doug and found this flower.  Small flower compared to the leaves.  I was reading the paper the other day and noticed it is called a trillium wildflower.

Another wild one, not sure what it is called.  It has very yellow flowers on this bush.  Not so mellow yellow.

Works for me.  It sure adds colour along the journey. Well I had to redo the post again!  The date showed up as June 15, 2009.  Hmm.  I must have gone back in time.  I am not sure what the date will be when this gets posted.

I will post it and find out soon enough.  I think I will do that now and see what happens.

Wishing you much love and peace.

Eugene

I must say when I came across this scene in the woods up Mt Doug way, the naked tree looked like it was dead and was going to become part of the forest floor once again.  It was lying down almost on the ground, curving and twisting its way around the bend, turning left then turning right.

It was like it was trying to figure out where to go and perhaps why. But the tree knows only one thing, to survive as best it can under harsh conditions.  I could not get the all of the tree in the same picture with its twists and meanderings.  Ah yes, well it is not completely naked, it has a touch of modesty gracing its body in the form of green moss carpet running across its trunk. Still it is exposed and scantily clad.

So around the bend it goes just feet off the bottom floor of the forest becoming more exposed the trunk displays more of its naked beauty.  The tree does not blush, nor fret, it is not at all concerned with its nakedness.  It embraces it.  It is all natural, au naturale and further up the trunk it lets the sunshine warm its trunk discouraging the moss to places below.

Then the naked tree shows its determination and shoots up towards the sky again releasing its leaves to bask in the warmth of the rays of sunshine that break though in glorious wonder, as only the sun can do.

Further down near the floor of the forest another life form displays its beauty for all to see, for all who take the time to see and discover, that is.  There is so much beauty all around. Here is another example of the beauty within.

Well that was a little bit of the wonder of the forest, once again.  I must say there are many of these little gems all around and new ones appearing all the time in this fair land.

I hope you are well, thanks for dropping by.

Cheers,

Eugene

I have been quite lax in posting here although I do have some things to say and some photos to come.

A few things came to me today that are excellent reminders that giving thanks is something to do on a daily basis.  Take the time if you will to view a couple of short videos. It is well worth the time.

What is Important To You?

This is a short video that I feel is important enough to share. It really brings home what is truly important in your life. Here is a great example of Expressing Appreciation for what we have.

What’s For Dinner?

Needing a short reminder just how good we have it?

This will give anyone pause to give thanks I imagine.
Plate of fried chicken — the Berlin Film Festival first place video.

Lydia is back posting on her Serenity Blog and posted about Thanksgiving.  Good stuff.

These videos and such are good reminders about just how precious life is and that can be taken away from us in an instant in a physical sense and of course there is the time factor that just seems to fly by and more so as we get older.

About a month ago I went to the store and the Olympic torch came running by so I stopped to take a few picture. The torch is travelling across Canada on its way to the 2010 Vancouver and Whistler Olympic Games right here in beautiful British Columbia.

Ok, will see if I can be back sooner to post something else.

Cheers,

Gene

Just about 80 Kilometers, 50 miles from Victoria BC is the town of Chemainus, population approximately 5000.  Chemainus is a seaside town founded in 1858 as a logging community.  This small town is famous for 39 outdoor murals painted on their buildings.

During a visit by my son to Victoria, we decided to take a trip and check out the murals.  To get there we crossed the Malahat mountain past Goldstream Provincial Park which houses some 600 year old Douglas fir trees, western red cedars  and arbutus trees.  The arbutus is Canada’s only broad leaf evergreen tree which is found in Canada only on Vancouver Island and the southwest coast of Canada.

Hey this is one sexy tree folks.  It is naked.  The bark of this tree peels off and reveals a very soft smooth surface that feels good to touch.  If you are touchy-feely you cannot resist this. This also reminds me of my friend, standing naked.

Just looked outside and there is a little “Bambi” in my yard looking kind of lost.  I see them all the time around here. I hope “Momma” is nearby and safe.

Ok, back to the trip.  On top of the Malahat is an awesome view.  Then comes the town of Duncan that has the world’s largest hockey stick and puck, 205 feet and 61,000 pounds stuck, or should I say slapped on the side of the Cowichan Community Centre. I do have a picture of that as well.

Driving into Chemainus, you can tour the town quite quickly in a vehicle but it is much better to get out and walk around to view the murals on the buildings.  Some are quite stunning.  Here is a collage of some of them, check out the palm tree in the center of the collage.  Yes we do have them here on the Island, some would not believe that, palm trees in the Great “White” North!

There is an interesting story about The Hermit:

Walking around the downtown streets is a good way to experience and see lots of small interesting establishments. Lots of character there, also some good hand made chocolates which were delicious.

One more picture that I like, and there are others I like as well, this one is quite simple and who does not like an old steam train!

I have quite a few more to remind me of the trip to Chemainus. It was well worth the trip.  There are so many places to see and explore on this island.

Cheers,

Eugene

…..

Some time ago, I posted 10 Minutes To Creating Whatever You Want In Life. That is a simple step by step way to do it and I had success with doing this daily.  It really works.

Some will say that it is too simple. Well simplicity is the key as is repetition, over and over again along with a desire to do so.  I imagine you have heard about The Secret and the Law of Attraction.  All of this is part of an overall philosophy.  You can adapt any of this to use to create what you want in life.  Or do nothing.  YOU and only you, DECIDE.

I believe there are no gurus and you are the one to take the initiative to create the life you want. That includes no sitting on the mountain top.  Sure you can meditate and become involved in a spiritual journey.  Ultimately it is you who decides what that journey will be, and even if you listen to someone else, they cannot live it.  They may come along for the ride but it is your journey.

Along the same philosophy is something called Mind Movies.  Mind Movies can be made to assist you in creating what you want.   I was introduced to this sometime last year.  It is an interesting concept.  Check out the movie and get 6 Free Mind Movies now.  Use them daily for at least 30 days and longer is what I suggest you do.  Hey, it is FREE, what have you got to lose?  Sometimes the best things in life are free.  You can easily fit 5 or 10 minutes into your day.  Just decide to do so.

I mentioned that for the Canada Day celebrations in Victoria, BC one of the performing groups was Pacifika, Pacifikamusic and they were really good and well received by the large crowd on hand.  I did a pictorial video of them, the crowd and some scenes.  Here is the result.  I hope you like it:

This is the first, my first, YouTube – ing creation so it is a bit rusty and I could not quite manage to get the shot I wanted above. I showed this to one of my daughters and she said “Those are great shots! I like the music- it’s so relaxing ”  And my granddaughter said “Cool”.  My other daughter said “I got the pictorial vids.. they looked great. Nice to see Victoria through your eyes.”

A little bit of fireworks at the end.  I did another pictorial video on the fireworks but have not uploaded it, not sure I will.  Here is one photo of the fireworks:

Some of the pictures came out quite psychedelic, purely by accident of course.

Back to Pacifika, a lot of fireworks there!. The lead singer is Silvana Kane, originally from Peru who landed in Quebec and did not know the language and is now living in Vancouver.  Awesome, sexy,vibrant,sensual and a definite crowd pleasing performance.  Oops losing my train of thought again.  I cannot figure out why.

One last picture and has become a favorite of mine, not quite sure why.

Anyway, it was a great day celebrating Canada Day here in Victoria, BC.  Got to love this place, everyday I am grateful for just being, and being here.

Cheers,

Eugene

aka Gene

It is a beautiful day here in Victoria, BC Canada.  Canada is officially 142 years young today.

Lots of celebrations going on all across the nation.  Wishing all the Canucks a Happy Canada Day.

Celebration brings up the subject of music for me. Music transcends the mundane and uplifts us.   Canada has a history of producing some great musicians, poets, writers, performers etc.  I will post a few later on.  Just a sampling as there are too many to list.

In our capital city of Ottawa, Sarah McLachlan is performing today.  Here in Victoria one of the performers is Pacifika from Vancouver featuring a Peruvian born singer I first heard on CBCradio2.

It is impossible to  pick and choose the best one with such a rich list of artists with the likes of Neil Young, Anne Murray, Leonard Cohen, Burton Cummings, Randy Bachman, Céline Dion, Shania Twain and so on.  There are many newer artists up and coming and who have arrived on the scene. Some move on to the USA and other countries and many choose to remain “Canadian” maintaining their connection with the country of Canada.

As a nation we are generally tolerant and takes things in stride and rarely shout about this great land of ours.  It is a natural beauty.

I like to view the natural settings we have, when I take time to do so, such as a recent photo I took.

I will leave you with one of Canada’s finest, Gordon Lightfoot singing about one of the greatest historical achievements in Canada. It is hard to imagine the difficulty in building the railroad across the varied and rough terrain.  I am sure many died along the way so people could travel across the country coast to coast.

Enjoy your day, wherever you may be.

Cheers,

Gene

Here are a few of the performing artists, mostly singers from Canada, you may have heard of one or two of them:

Bryan Adams
Paul Anka
Randy Bachman  The Guess Who
Paul Brandt
Michael Bublé
Tommy Chong
Tom Cochrane
Bruce Cockburn
Leonard Cohen
Bare Naked Ladies  group
Burton Cummings
Céline Dion
Leslie Feist
David Foster  composer
Sarah Harmer
Jeff Healey
Diana Krall
K.D. Lang
Daniel Lanois
Avril Lavigne
Gordon Lightfoot
Ashley MacIsaac
Natalie MacMaster
Sarah McLachlan
Alanis Morissette
Anne Murray
Nelly Furtado
Brad Roberts – singer for Crash Test Dummies
Sam Roberts
Serena Ryder
Hank Snow
Shania Twain
Ian Tyson
Sylvia Tyson
Chad VanGaalen
Gino Vannelli
Martha Wainwright
Neil Young

Apologies to the many others not mentioned.  Feel free to make a comment and add your favorites, if you wish.

Well I suppose it is time to go green and provide a bit scenery from the other half of the excursion I made to Cordova Bay then hiking up the back side of Mt Douglas aka Mt Doug.

First though I am going to give an award to a fellow friend and blogger who writes very well and is a treasure.  Her name is Lydia and she has a blog entitled Serenity Talk for which you will find the link to on the right hand side.

The flower is not from Mt Doug, it is one I found in my yard.  Very pretty and appropriate I think.

Ok, so back to the trek up the mountain.  It is quite a climb but well worth the effort.  Here is what I found along the way. You must let your imagination run wild using the right side of your brain which is the most important one you know, for creativity.

Well, the first one is a beaver eating a dog , a croc, or something.  Surely this is a Canadian beaver.

For sure this is a beaver.  It is really clear.  You can see the foot or hand at the bottom.  I go with foot. But who’s foot is it?  Is partially consumed and being sucked in? That is one huge foot, magpie.

There is definitely a monster up this tree.  Look carefully at the menacing eyes and snout.  Looks like a werewolf from hell.  Or is it from Transylvania? Do not mess with this sucker if you want to get out of the forest alive.  I had to run like a bugger to escape, believe you me.  It is clearly excreting something below.  Well see more on that down aways.

This one has one eye or two with one covered with the focalized brains exposed.  They are not going to get my brains out of my head like that. I am out of here, quick!

I am afraid to even guess what is in here.  This tree is possessed.  Yikes!  NO NO do not stick your fingers in the crack.  It is a trap and you will be pulled in and devoured and become part of this scene in no time.

Thank God I got out of there before they got me!  But I think I have to go back, I forgot something there. Well that is part of the trip.   You should see the obstacle course I had to cover.  That will have to wait.

Cheers,

genes creative waves and ways

What lies beneath the surface can be quite interesting.  On the recent trek to Cordova Bay I happened to see a small stream rushing towards the ocean. So I decided to take a few pictures and see how they would turn out.

I was not sure how the photos would turn out since the water was rushing quite rapidly over the surface. Now these are not waves but some interesting ripples were in abundance and did create an interesting view and scene.  Nature sure does have some awesome treasures.  Treasure of the land and sea.

These can provide some balance for the other things that are all around the sea shore some nasty some nice but all are as they are or as they be.

I have a few more to share when I have a moment.

cheers,

genes creative waves

My trip to the sea was very interesting. So peaceful, calm, spiritual and so serene.  Yet lurking beneath, as there is in most things including people, a whole other world emerges waiting to be discovered and uncovered. Yes you must pull back the covers sometimes to see what is hiding under them. Or you can close your eyes, take a deep breath, then jump in and take your chances!

On the flip side, the sea and surrounding terrain can hold some interesting and sometimes disgusting matter.  Or is it anti-matter.

For instance, we have some of this, which is fairly normal and almost camouflaged with the coloration displayed by Miss Crabby as she attempts to become one with the sand.

Further along this becomes a bit murkier as other life forms appear such as these.

Ok, that is likely enough slime for one day/night.  I have much more inside my cave of treasure. I am getting ready to unleash more upon you soon.  There is indeed, plenty of protein in the sea and surrounding waters and sand.

Anyone hungry yet?  As I always say, love me, love my crab.  Well I don’t really say that.

Cheers,

genes creative waves

PS. Hi Honey, Din Din is almost ready to be served!