Back from the Woods

7/16/07

Sweden owns a culture which has developed itself based on the circumstances of the seasons. Summertime is so short here that every minute of it is savored. Many Swedes own a summer home which is always painted red and white, with a Swedish flag hanging in front. I have learned that the blue and yellow colors of the flag are representative of a sunny day, and for them – the most appropriate accessory to bring along to a celebratory occasion is their own flag.
I have had the pleasure to stay in a real summer home right next to a lake. We brought buckets of lake water up to the house to wash our hands and dishes with. And of course have a separate bucket in an outdoor room as a toilet. There is not a person in sight, and it was more peaceful than you can imagine taking a canoe out and being the only person on a vast lake surrounded by tall verdant trees whispering to your ears how you are not alone at all.

I had a thought that traveling across water is much like living life. You can point your boat in a certain direction with the intention of getting somewhere, although arriving at your destination is inevitable, sometimes it takes a little longer than anticipated because there are currents which you have no control over. If you fight the current, you will simply tire yourself. Sometimes it is just fun to see where the current takes you and remove the paddles from the water, but if you do this too long, you will surely end up where the rough brush is. It would be nice if the current could always take you right to your destination…but that wouldn’t exercise your arms now would it?