Friday 19 January 2024

the snow goose

"The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white. Neither do you need to do anything but be yourself. " Lao Tzu

I was so  happy to read these words that I sent a copy to both of my daughters.

That was before I pulled back with "yah, right!" 

Fine for the ancient Chinese philosopher and Taoist master to say, but for this Canadian woman, who's never totally sure if she is TOO much or NOT enough, it's a challenge.

A sidebar that has been appearing as I wander on Facebook has put a different kind challenge forward, showing drawings for a full month of chair yoga. 

The figure shown is usually male, young and probably 40 years younger than I am. 

I never click on these ads so I'm not sure what the promise is.

But I can guess.

Weight loss.  Firmer body.  More attractive.

It sounds like this goose is taking a bath!

                       

A poem I wrote several months ago seems to belong here:


   I had a stone tumbler
   once
   a long time ago
   when my daughters were young
   I put stones in 
   from "pebble beach" 
   on South Pender island 
   the rough edges 
   made smooth
   imperfections 
   rubbed clean.

                   I wouldn't do that now