I like to set small goals to build my writing practice and build up a body of work. Maybe other writers can just plow through, but I often find myself stuck. When I need to puzzle out a problem or refresh my brain, I go to the water. A long walk alongside a river or lake grounds me and brings clarity and focus. I seek out water wherever I go. It feels like my life flows between and along the rivers. Lately, I’ve been visiting my favourite places: the trails at Selkirk College in Castlegar, our place at Arrow Lake, and Mission Creek in Kelowna.

“Water does not resist. Water flows. When you plunge your hand into it, all you feel is a caress. Water is not a solid wall, it will not stop you. But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it. Water is patient. Dripping water wears away a stone. Remember that, my child. Remember you are half water. If you can’t go through an obstacle, go around it. Water does.”

Margaret Atwood, The Penelopiad

The Columbia River is exceptionally low downstream of the Hugh Keenleyside Dam this week. Parts of shoreline that aren’t normally visible are dry, like this eddy along the Selkirk College trails.

Walking is part of my writing practice in other ways, as well. It makes space to take care of myself and think. Walking and hiking are my favourite ways to stay healthy, and I’ve set goals to build up my endurance again for long hikes. Last weekend, I met one of those goals by completing the 10 km walk in the Hypothermic Half Marathon in Kelowna. This race is a must-do, because it’s so well-organized, and the route is beautiful. It follows the Mission Creek greenway park out and back on the wide, flat and well-maintained gravel path. I chose walking instead of run-walk because I wanted to enjoy it more, and not just focus on the finish line. Along the way, I saw a Pileated Woodpecker, mallard ducks, wood ducks (I think!), and many small birds.

This weekend, my husband and I are at our cabin at Arrow Lake. Over the winter, the water is shut off, and we have to haul water in big jugs from home. The wood stove provides heat.

We’ve been working on our place over the years, turning it into our refuge and happy place. My husband has done so much work over the years to landscape it and maintain it. He even saws his own wood, right from falling the tree to milling posts and boards, and then builds whatever shelters or outbuildings we need. It’s a blessing to have this special hideaway for family times and quiet times, parties and fishing derby days. I love to come here to write – but it’s hard to find quiet moments on summer weekends. I need to choose my writing times carefully and be patient. I keep a notebook to scribble ideas in, so I can come back to them later.

Another goal I’ve set this month is to continue structuring my writing practice around group work. I joined one of the winter writing circles with the Federation of BC Writers, a life-writing class led by John Cortens. We had our first session on Valentine’s Day evening, and it was great. I felt inspired and ready to dig in.

All of these things make me slow down, be observant, and be in the moment. It makes for slow progress sometimes in my writing projects, but, I’ve learned I can’t rush it. Slowing down helps me savour the moments and develop a deep patience and willingness to forgo instant gratification.

If you are ever looking for me, I’ll be down by the water.