James Bay

Contentment may be the most elusive state for us to achieve. Rarely are the stars aligned in the crazy cosmos of human existence — a quality that is already so fragile and tenuous — that contentment is even possible, let alone, given our propensity to always insist on struggle, probable. But contentment can be had in portions or segments of one’s life, like career or friendships or health or, even, surroundings.

I think I’ve found contentment on this last front by moving to James Bay.

James Bay is my new neighborhood, and that ain’t half bad. Yesterday I finished my move and the sun came out. Five minutes from the apartment is Beacon Hill Park and open water. You look across at the Olympic Peninsula and its snow-capped peaks. Will have to take the ferry across and hike around in there when the weather gets better. Although it isn’t all that bad…On a little hillside just above the rocks and the sea, with the sun warming my face, watching the sailboats and seabirds. I come back home only to turn around and ride out to the same point on my bike, just to confirm it’s so readily in reach.

Though there was a light misting of rain this morning (Sunday), again the sun came out by noonish and I suddenly realized why this could be, quite possibly, the neatest little spot in the country. Scorning the indoors we went up to Goldstream Provincial Park today and hiked around a little. The salmon were spawning and lots of people were there, but quiet spots could be found. Moss-covered trees and a lovely waterfall splashing off the side of a rock. Was rich and wet and strangely cozy. Like a fairy forest should be. Walked back through the dusk to Betty in relative solitude, and felt so alive from a contentment with place.

Will be fun to explore this new community…Quiet, charming, magical.

Now if only contentment can come in a couple of other domains. Or at least some satisfaction. In time. In any event, living in a sleepy little beach community right at the edge of the country is going to make the wait just fine…

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