My All-New Heaven On Earth
User Story
By Jennifer Bataga-Salvador
I arrived in Canada from the Philippines a few months ago, to a beautiful county called Leduc – now a city with a population of about 20, 500.
In the first few months that I’ve been here, I’ve already ventured out by myself - to the public library, the bank, the church and all of downtown. Leduc does not have a transit system, but a convenient walkway all around and it works just fine. Leduc Common is a 10-minute walk from our house, though after a while I grew tired with window shopping at Wal-Mart, Staples, Canadian Tire, the Shoe Store, etc., etc.
And then, there’s the Leduc Reservoir multiway loop. I didn’t realize it instantly; not until after so many walkathons which always ended up in this loop, and, not until the assignment from the Writers Bureau asking for a write up about a favourite place, did the whole thing sink in. Indeed, it is by the charming reservoir that I find peace, solace, serenity and a multitude of calmness – a total bliss.
What with the cracklers and honkers; the seagulls, chickeedees, sparrows, robins and crows that are constantly and steadily swarming the place; seagulls circling up in mid-air; ducks in an elegant parade through the center of this body of water; robins and chickeedees playfully swaying through the bushes and grass by the edge of the lake; and crows usually nestled on top of the tallest trees, literally crowing endlessly, perhaps to say, “I’m a crowwwwwwwwwwwwwww....” especially to me, then being unfamiliar with them.
The clear lake water which has a marvellous reflection of the rich trees, the birds, the blue skies and the clouds, is but another magnificent sight for me. I can’t say I am a nature lover for certain because that would imply so much depth and would be a tall claim, but the reservoir truly gives me an extraordinary feeling of sensitivity. To say that is my favourite place would be an understatement. This is more likely an abode, a home, a place where I can relax and feel all my senses at work – my eyes feast over the cool hues of greens and blues; my skin romances the breeze over a beaming sunshine; the smell of fresh air, so sweet, I can almost taste it; and the glorious choir of birds singing. Here is where I can burn hours just watching this meagre-sized piece of wonder with God’s hands at work, unfolding right before my very eyes. Robins hopping from one grass stalk to another, and to another, which would unfortunately turn out to be an unstable and wobbly stalk, sending the poor bird into a shriek, flapping those tiny wings trying to regain its balance. Oh, I end up giggling and laughing all by myself. And then there’s this greedy big-sized seagull trying to trick the others of its kind so he can steal the biggest portion of food, only to be assaulted by a pack of smaller-sized ones, outnumbered and all, ends up with nothing but regretful thoughts and an empty belly, I’m sure – not so much different from us humans, I realize.
A comfortable wooden bench adds a perfect touch to the scene. There are joggers with their pet dogs, cyclists and families on a walk – myself, on a not-so-far-away meadowland, clasping a book, a digital camera and a mobile phone. It is here where I met some people, friendly ones who initiated a chat, from which I would learn a thing or two more about Canada and Canadians. I consider them special, benevolent like angels, kind enough to talk to and listen to just anyone, myself included.
I always feel lighthearted in this place; the vast, amorous greens around, daffodils, dandelions and irises confer a comforting embrace. The nature’s embrace that clears my mind; renews my senses – it revives my whole being.
