Lazing at Little Sliammon Lake...

Took a hike out to Little Sliammon Lake with a friend yesterday. She sent me these pictures with a note that Louie sure is photogenic...Hmmm, I had to wonder what implications that had for me, and maybe I shouldn't include this other photo featuring me about to dip my feet in and fish for tadpoles...
This lake has seen some dandy improvements since I was last here with my camera. The logging in the area opened up road access which in turn made it easier to bring in a few tools so the local B.O.M.B. Squad (a group of volunteers that keeps our trails operational) came out and erected a great plank picnic table with sheltering roof, a cute biffy with cedar shakes from nearby trees and a beautiful oak toilet seat, and best of all, a little dock that lets you get out of the froggy muck at lake's edge and dangle your feet in the calm warm water and feel the sun on your back.... One day I'll come out for a swim--when I'm sure the tadpoles have graduated to froghood. Which reminds me, have you seen the whopping big tadpoles we have here? Their bellies are the size of a walnut and they're on average at least 4 inches long. They're huge. One can only hope they don't eat toes!

But here I am sitting at the computer when I could be out feeling that sun on my face and having another lazy summer day. Must run!

-Lin

Rottweiler Tales--the sequel

It has been almost 5 weeks since the dog attack and life is returning to a new sort of normal, one not quite so at ease when I'm out and about, but HURRAH! I am able to walk, cycle, and hike trails again and gradually peace of mind is returning as well. Thank-you for your prayers!

I've learned a lot about myself, about what it feels like to be a 'victim' and how easy it is to stay there becoming more and more self-centered... I have had to tangle with irrational fear and learn to speak "Peace" to my own mind despite the flow of adrenalin triggered by every little thing...And on the fun side, I have learned that I love to watercolor! and to use sign language to accompany worship songs...

This has been quite a learning process and has given me a new empathy for people who have faced really great trauma. I can appreciate now in a tiny way how very difficult it must be to return to 'normal' afterward.

I wouldn't have asked for this experience and yet God has used it for good in my life. I am not the same person I was 6 weeks ago. You have been part of my story. Thank-you. One of the big perks of a crisis is realizing you are loved and cared for, by God and His people.

--LS
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