Day 2-111 -- Strong sense of place and self

The last of the final exams I will grade for this term was written this morning. The end is almost in sight -- just a short stack away <smile>.  The sun shone today but strong winds and clouds rolled in by mid-afternoon. Sporadic rain began shortly after that. Total accumulations are expected to be about an inch or so here and over two inches elsewhere. Much snow is still on the ground, which may compound the current flood watch and voluntary evacuations in some areas west of here. We will likely see some minor flooding locally, as well.

People from flood prone areas often tend to renovate and rebuild to stay near 'home.' This is not unusual. Feeling spiritually linked to the land has been discussed by societies for millennia. We witness this after any act of nature or man that destroys a community. Perhaps this speaks to the strength of the individuals who choose to live where risk of such disasters is unusually high. Others may think this refusal to leave is a fear of the unknown; yet, I see it as a pioneering spirit that recognizes this one space in the world somewhere deep within. This same ethos characterizes a courage and determination that should carry one through the challenges that life presents.

If interested in reading on the spiritual connection with a space of land, I'd recommend the writings of two wonderful Canadian female writers -- Sharon Butala's 'The Perfection of the Morning" and Candace Savage's "A Geography of Blood." Each speaks to a part of Saskatchewan that I carry with me every day -- the southwest corner (Palliser's Triangle) -- an area that was home to dinosaurs and later to many aboriginal nations (see Savage on Nikineet band) and more recently to intrepid ranchers (who still gather and move herds by horseback with actual cowboys). Ruggedly beautiful, this land is filled with the spirits of many beings -- I've felt it as I've walked through the hills. I've experienced a similar sense of history in London and New Orleans -- both places that have survived through many negative events and rose again.

The song for today was recently written and featured in the television series 'Treme.' This series centred on the rebirth of New Orleans after Katrina and Rita. The lyrics embody the sense of place and strength that I've been pondering today. Enjoy!

This City (won't ever drown) -- Steve Earl