My Word is LIVE!

My stories create life within themselves and attach to the inner core of who I am…slowly in arduous labour; they birth themselves from a place…only I can see ~ TL Alton 

As 2017 wraps around me like a Pashmina scarf shawl in greeting the New Year, I am comforted by one of the things which offer reassurance…my words.

My lips are treated to the bubbles dancing off the glass of my Baby Canadian sparkling wine, while Xavier Rudd drums out the beats of Waving Flag. My Sitka tree candle emits a glow upon my new 365 page journal, where A.W. Tozer and I shall share personal reflections, throughout the year. 

Toasting my reading material for the New Year!

Journal, two books & a candle I bought with the Gift Card from TJ & Dean

There is a playful grin upon my face, as I think about what transpired this New Years Eve. 

 I began the day with my traditional messages, sent to all of those who firmly stood by me through what was a past year of chaotic times. With every text sent or phone call made, I made sure to let those who reached out when I needed it the most know how they all connected me to Hope…in some beautiful way!

Sadly, this did not include everyone and if anything I’ve learned in losing someone you love…sometimes good-byes are final, while others have the door swing back open. That does not mean you are supposed to walk back through. I believe it’s a reminder that I have a past full of colourful pages, where sometimes the lines are blurred.

Recently, I was inspired by a dear friend to contemplate what my word for 2017 is. This evening, I stood with my eyes affixed to the heavens, while the pops of colour bursting across the skyline entertained the throngs of people, my word came to me…LIVE! Just as the explosion of fireworks seemed to split open, my thoughts began to connect what the word means.

For me, it is to Live Faithfully, to Live in Love and to Live Freely.

I know in the crevices of my heart that 2017 will reveal exactly what that all entails.

Once downtown, I was treated to a banquet of illumination; with both The Empress and The Legislative Building showcasing a lights how projected, upon the building. It made this girl go…Oooh la la! 

I took out a small champagne bottle of bubbles and watched the happiness it brought to others! I had an older lady, dressed up to the nines; follow me as I released the tiny spheres into the cold air. She took her fancy scarf and was popping them in glee, as her husband looked on in amusement. 

Couple in costume, having fun!

The tips of this ladies gloves blinked like Christmas lights!

The main stage had a Welcome blessing, along with the Lekwungen Dancers, Esquimalt Singers and Dancers. O Canada was sung by a group of young students from École Campus View Elementary School. The inner harbour was alight with the Harbour Ferry boats performing a water ballet. Later, Jeremie & the Delicious hounds brought more people together through their music, which eased in Alex Cuba warming people up with his bands musical beats. Closing the stage was Dear Rouge, who had everyone rocking the streets, before the fireworks began. 

There were an array of Food Trucks that had line-ups; especially the one serving hot cocoa and maple bourbon bacon doughnut holes. Those that know me would have guessed I would be in this line. 

In another corner, performing in the cold was a group of men braving the murky night, to show off their skills with their lit-up bikes. 

My camera was in constant snapshot mode as the city was full of luminosity. 

Waiting for the show over the sea to begin, I was introduced to a young couple from Washington, who met while holidaying in Maui. This June, they will return to the Hawaiian Island, to get married. In speaking with them, they gave me a piece of living in love.

On my way back to where I am house-sitting, it occurred to me how ‘safe’ the night had been without any incidences. I thought ‘Hmmm…this is good.’ Once back at the residence, I made sure to shut all the lights off in my car and lock up. I casually walked to the front door, all set to crack into my bubbly and write my first blog post of the New year. 

Reaching for my keys, I searched every pocket. I began to dump out my pockets and then the sinking feeling crept in…with quick strides, I headed back to my vehicle and turned on the flashlight of my cell. There dangling from the ignition were my keys! Not just my car keys, but also the house keys! I burst into laughter…simply because tears on New years no longer follow me around. 

I breathed in the crisp air and leaned against my Oldsmobile. Thoughts raced through me as I tried to figure my next step. I recalled others having a spare key, but it would require me to phone the lady I am house sitting for at 2am her time! I decided to dial a towing company first, as I do have coverage thru ICBC. However, one has to pay up front and then wait to get reimbursed. The cost would be $65 to unlock the car. I was a bit upset that my spare keys had been left in the house. As I did not want to carry around a whole bunch of things with me at the festivities in Victoria, I opted to leave the extra keys behind. I finally decided to call the owner of the house and her daughter assured me her aunt, who lives only 10 minutes away, had a spare key. Here was another issue…I had no pen and paper to write down the number she was about to give me. Suddenly, I noticed my car was iced over on the trunk, so I took my finger and wrote the number on the back of my beloved car, Sheba. Next, I called and was overjoyed when I was told they would come right over and open the house for me, so I could grab my spare keys. So much for a night without adventures!

I decided to wait under the streetlight by the house, where upon I moved around in circles to keep warm. 

Across the street were two gentlemen, sharing in a conversation. I did not know the young man who lived at the house was keeping an eye on me, as my actions at this time of night, shuffling under a streetlight appeared odd and he thought he may have to go get a bat to deal with some drunken fool in his neighbourhood! Finally, he made contact with me and I went over to introduce myself. I shared my predicament and they were put at ease to find out I was not lurking around, in search of trouble. Nick and Jason began chatting with me and soon, Nick offered to make a cup of tea and bring it out! When Nick went inside, Jason and I shared about serving the city through our community involvement. I spoke of my writing and gave each of them a business card, as they were interested. It suddenly occurred to me how I had no keys, no pen…but a whack of cards to promote my writing… this made me smile.

As the people drove up to open the door to the house, Nick came back out as promised, with a delicious steaming cup of herbal tea. I shook hands with both men and wished them a Happy New Year! 

Once inside, I was able to retrieve my spare keys and get into my locked car. I patted my vehicle, as I plucked out of the ignition, the lanyard holding access to everything.

My evening had its first adventure unfurl, under a constellation of stardust.

With only minutes to spare…I quickly changed into warmer clothing, grabbed a glass for my wine and toasted in 2017, with the sounds of people letting off fireworks in the distance. 

I want to extend my gratitude to all of you, who have invited me into your part of the world, by reading my blogs and the posts I write.

Wishing you the Best NEW YEAR in 2017!

By TL Alton