Beautiful Place

It is pretty safe to say that we live in a beautiful place.


Now, with snow on the ground, it seems to be especially gorgeous. Last night, the moon was full and reflecting its light off the snow on the mountains and hillsides. Pure magic.


There is so much to love about this place - the people in particular - but the winter landscape holds a special place in my heart. I feel like I know it deep in my bones.


Sad to say, some might not appreciate what an amazing gift this place is to those of us lucky enough to spend time here. There is a proposal on the table to burn used tires as a way of fueling the Kruger Pulp and Paper Mill in the city of Corner Brook (about a 1/2 hr. drive from us). If this seems like some insane throw-back to the pre-environmental movement 1970s, then you would be correct. It is insane! Here is a link to an article with some information about the proposal.

There is a new Environment Minister in the province who will be deciding the fate of this program. Please consider emailing him with your thoughts about this proposal - rosswiseman@gov.nl.ca. I think it would fine if he heard from people outside the province, particularly because this idea has been proven in other locations to be a toxic and terrible way to "eliminate" used tires.

ETA - A dear friend sent me this in response. I want to share it here for all:


Enlightenment is like the moon reflected on the water. The moon does not get wet, nor is the water broken.
Although its light is wide and great, the moon is reflected even in a puddle an inch wide. The whole moon
and the entire sky are reflected in dewdrops on the grass, or even in one drop of water.

- Dogen (1200-1253)