In response to my recent post about creating good habits, I am waking up here at my favourite time of day and writing. It’s dark, sunrise in a couple of hours. Four a.m. – witching hour. Embracing circadian rhythm rather than fighting it. Recognizing absolute joy in silence and darkness. Eerie creative sliver of time.
Enter stage right – A memory of my final departure from a career I had loved. Closing the door on the calamity that we call education. the proverbially classroom of my dreams, now well in the rear view mirror. My friend Joan, astute and paying attention telling me: “You need to get away on the first day of school Kathryn!” Killbear Provincial Park is where you need to be. I have a great memory of that day:
Joan knew my tale of woe. We camped on their sight, in her tent. Don got all the camp chairs ready for the beach. Joan made her chili with salsa, put a heater in our tent. We ate hot dogs on a stick and experienced Killbear Camping for the first time. On the “first day of school” I took my guitar down to the beach.
We sat together on our lawn chairs and after about an hour we waded into the water. We didn’t say much and after a bit Joan walked back to our campsite to get us another coffee. I looked out at Kilcoursie Bay, breathed deeply and was thankful in that moment.
Georgian Bay is a magical place. Especially in the off season.
Since then there has been a gradual shifting of emotional awareness and a real metamorphosis of my soul. I sat on the beach that week and played every day. I wrote lyrics, sang John Prine songs and made a commitment to my own peace of mind. A new habit had formed. Sometimes I encourage that state of mind with a wee puff of the magic stuff and a beer. Either way, it’s a habit I won’t be giving up any time soon.
Kathryn Kastner 