Extra Measure of Care

Is there something in the stars, or just poor judgement? Within the past few days, I have witnessed several, serious incidents of driver inattention, all occurring within a short radius of my home. Somewhat unnerving, to say the least. Thankfully, none resulted in fatalities.  

Last Saturday, while walking on the sidewalk near a busy intersection, I watched a car blow right through a red light. Luckily, no one was hit. Moments later, at the very same light, a vehicle pulled out to make a right turn on a red, without any regard for the traffic proceeding through on the green. Numerous drivers were forced to slam on their brakes in order to avoid an accident. Fortunately, the pedestrians had already crossed.  

On Tuesday, while driving along an on-ramp to the highway, heading to the library with my granddaughter, I saw a car spinning out two lanes over, then hitting the median, before it eventually stopped. When I glanced ahead, I realized that the driver was reacting to the pickup truck that had just come to a halt, a short distance ahead in that same lane, facing the wrong way.  (Coincidentally, a couple of weeks earlier, within spitting distance of this spot, I came upon a three-car accident that had just occurred, due to a drunk driver travelling the wrong way.) 

Then today, my older daughter, with baby in tow, was driving down a main thoroughfare when a car pulled out from an alley, hitting my daughter's vehicle. No one was hurt, thank heaven.  

Please let us all take an extra measure of care when driving.  We all want our loved ones to arrive home safely.  Believe me, no one wants to experience the alternative.

11/10

Yesterday certainly started this week-long cabin vacation off with a bang.  The day consisted of one magical moment after another, much of it due to the generosity of others.  There was a long meditative swim followed by lunch on the dock in the shade of the willow.  Later, after a scenic drive along Okanagan Lake, my husband and I stopped in at a restaurant patio with a view where we enjoyed a bite, courtesy of a gift certificate from a friend.  Next, up to a hilltop winery for the much anticipated Pink Martini concert.  While waiting for it to begin, we gratefully accepted an impromptu invitation to the exclusive pre-show wine and appy event, extended to us by a senior staff member who happened to be an acquaintance from long ago.  Shortly before dusk, in this breathtaking setting, we took our seats in the comfortable custom chairs set out on the grassy slope of the amphitheatre where we were entertained by eleven extremely talented musicians.  Magnificent!  Upon our return to the cabin, the two of us capped off the day with a brief swim under the stars.  To the numerous elements (people, weather, geography, talent, food and drink) that came together in order to create this outstanding 11/10 day, I say thank you, thank you, thank you.  It was a day I will not soon forget.

Fun in the Sun

Off to enjoy the sun and sand.  Time for some long overdue fun.  A good friend generously loaning us the use of her oceanfront condo.  Looking forward to experiencing the physical representation of the vision shown in that meditation last spring.  Walking the beach.   Swimming with the turtles.  Contemplating that link between the stars above and those below.  Feeling infinitely connected.

Perspective

Stars are always there, 24/7. Sometimes we are not able to see them due to clouds, sunshine, and moonshine but that does not change the fact that they are there. It is only our perspective that tricks us into thinking they "come out".