Out into the woods

Lyn and Kohl the dog in the
community garden High Park
black marker on bond paper
6 x 9 inches
Barbara Muir © 2010

Today I painted outside, had appointments
and visited our largest Toronto park, High Park
with my friend Lyn.

Lyn is involved in organizing a community
garden. We had planned to walk our dogs together
so I covered my clean back seat with a sheet,
and drove Zoey over to Lyn's a long way at rush hour.
Even though I teased Zoey about travelling like a
bride (when I got married my mother put a white
sheet over the car seat and floor so my dress would
stay clean), Zoey whined along the entire route.

I arrived hot, from putting the windows down
to try and distract her, and tired, and not ready
for the planned walk. But Lyn patiently waited and
then we were off. I was not great company --
complaining about the heat, not wanting to be in
the sun -- let's face it I was tired and grumpy.

Zoey on the dog path in High Park

And then we were in another world -- the park.
the dog walk (mostly in the shade) as Lyn promised
is long and wild, but fenced on the hill side, so
your dog can't run off, get lost, or into traffic.
My mood (I don't usually even get in a mood,
but Momma it was hot) lifted and I felt so happy.
We walked over streams and along the most beautiful
paths to the community garden Lyn helps run.
I feel like I could learn so much from my friend,
if I wasn't so busy. She is an excellent gardener
and filled a bag with fresh lettuce, chives, garlic
chives, herbs I don't even remember the names of.

We had most of the fresh greens she gave me in
the veggies, fish and salad Steven made for dinner.
I drew this little drawing of Lyn and her dog Kohl
to honour the walk. Thanks Lyn for a delightful
break.

Have an escaping-into-nature-in-the-city day.