Today the temperature reached 18degrees Celsius. A beautiful day so I went for a walk along the sea wall. If you start at English Bay Beach and walk towards Stanley Park you get to Second Beach. Right there is a huge freshwater pool that accomodates 3000 people. There were some people in it today. And I heard the delighted shrieks of children in the water of English Bay. I stopped to watch a great blue heron walking slowly, gracefully, his long neck stretched out sideways to spot some morsel in the shallows. I sat there, watched the heron and allowed myself to be hypnotized by the play of sunlight on the water, a million slivers of light dancing on the Bay. I find it calming.
But what I really want to write about today is my favourite place in all of Vancouver - the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Gardens. It is a classical garden created to resemble a scholar's residence of the Ming dynasty. It is advertised as "Refreshment for the heart." And that it is. It has buildings, water, rocks and plants. The courtyards are composed of mosaics of river pebbles and convey elements of the Daoist philosophy that teaches balance through contrasts such as: soft and hard (plants and rocks), flowing and static, light and dark, and large and small.
The rooms are full of rare woods and antiques. The trees have been pruned so that when you look at them, you can see things beyond them. There are these unique windows in the whitewashed walls called "leak windows" that frame beautiful views like pictures.
It is enjoyable to take a tour through the garden where the guide explains many aspects of the classical Chinese culture typified by the garden. There is a pond where the green clay on the bottom was chosen so that it would reflect the trees and plants all around. The plants were all chosen so that in every season there are different colours.
Sometimes I take a tour, but I also love to sit and write in my journal. The garden seems to shut out the hustle and bustle of the city and create a space for reflection. And of course that was exactly its purpose in the life of a scholar/official in 14th to 16th century China. Here is a link to the garden: http://www.vancouverchinesegarden.com/ I recommend this garden to anyone coming to Vancouver for a visit.
I see by Gary's blog that he is almost ready to bring mother to BC. So sorry to hear of Aunt Merle's recent illness. She was always a very lovely person. Hugs and kisses to Carolyn and Lewis and Betty.
So great to read the new blog entry by Charlene. I'm hoping to watch a new Big Brother series soon. Tonight is also the start of New episodes of "So You Think You Can Dance," another of my favourites. I spent yesterday with my daughter and had a simply marvelous day eating, drinking, shopping and watching improv. Great for Mother-Daughter bonding. Thanks, Darling.
Only in quiet waters do thing mirror themselves undistorted. Only in a quiet mind is adequate perception of the world. ~Hans Margolius
