Love of the eastern Canadian islands, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island, where I have lived my life fills my spirit. The elements, the weather and the tides, feature strongly in that life. So too do the elements of land and sea, waves, beaches and cliffs. I am drawn to the sea, from a land rich in minerals and forests as in Newfoundland, and fields of rich red soil as in Prince Edward Island.
There is a freedom on these islands which we sometimes take for granted. I wouldn’t hesitate to take a walk alone at any time, or speak to a stranger. There is a sense that “strangers” are people like ourselves, friends we haven’t met yet.
It is peaceful here too, people commonly talk about the weather as the biggest news of the day. While social issues including drugs are an issue as they are in many places today, many of us go about our lives unaffected by them. We enjoy nature, physical activity and each other.
Many people on these islands don’t have family nearby, as young people, for generations, had to leave their island homes to acquire employment. Those of us fortunate enough to have family here, especially grandchildren, are fortunate beyond measure.
As we walk the trails and beaches these days, I leave modern devices, except the camera, behind. I appreciate what is here and keep a visual record of it. The sounds of a river or stream, the birds, the waves breaking on the shore all give me great joy. The vistas before me revive me in spite of the news of a modern world, out there, beyond these islands.
When the modern world does intrude, as it did with the pandemic, we hunkered down and looked after ourselves and each other as best we could. As a result, we fared well compared to other areas.
Our population is increasing now, as immigration has opened our borders to people from around the world. In addition, people are moving to the island from across the country as workers are needed in every industry. We welcome everyone who comes to live here, like our ancestors from around the world came centuries ago. And like us, moving from one province to another, we hope everyone enjoys life on this gentle island as much as we do.
Island life is for me!
Give me an island in the blue sea.
The wind and the waves, let them carry me,
Where the rhythm of life mirrors the tide.
There I will settle, just let me bide…
Give me an island in the blue sea
Where beaches and cliffs punctuate scenery.
With sand by the plenty and driftwood galore
I’ll put down my roots and enjoy what’s in store.
Give me an island in the blue sea
Where the voices of gulls soaring high speak to me.
Where eagles keep watch over water and sky
And fly above all as they soar going by.
Give me an island in the blue sea
With Marram on dunes and the wind blowing free.
The trails and the beaches, they speak to me
And life is as simple as living can be.
Amen