I was captivated by the crescent moon rising over the Port of Vancouver, with the shades of sunset still limning the mountain skyline, and lights sparkling bright as the moon. I was so lucky to enjoy this view for five years. At this point in time, July 2014, I was three months away from my first visit to New York. I don’t think I even knew I was taking the trip yet. This moment in time was a peak moment and culmination of my life BNY.
I could have stayed here, enjoying this wonder and beauty, and the life full of warmth, family, and friendship. (With very low monthly expenses and little need to work.) But it felt too soon to simply retire and enjoy this which I had wrought in perpetuity. New adventures were beckoning, just around the corner.
In addition to writing, I am fascinated with light and colour. Shadows have really been catching my eye lately. Here is the result of a photography experiment I conducted yesterday. In this series of 14 photos, the shifting colour tones and emphases on different elements of the image evoke different moods, from somber to playful to compelling. [Check out post about the exhibit of this series at Havana Art Gallery.]
L’Ouevre was the title of the 14th novel in Émile Zola’sRougon-Macquart series, first published in serial form in 1885. I once wrote a biography about Zola for a writing class. Interesting how this word popped into my head two decades later as I was thinking of names for these images!
As I prepare to pass Monkey Valley into the safekeeping of new owners, I would like to celebrate and appreciate the many people, events, and moments of the past 13 years at Monkey Valley. This page shows some of my favourite photos from this time, taken by many friends and family members, and some by me. My apologies if I don’t remember and credit the right people on every photo. Let me know!
Click any photo to see a bigger version. Click the Back button on your browser, or press Ctrl-Left Arrow, to return to this page.
My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who helped in my mission to live in the wilderness. I wish I had pictures of you all to put on this page. Thank you for all you’ve done. And much gratitude to all the visitors who came to enjoy this special place with me, both human and wild (and maybe a few wild humans).
Me in 2001, near the southwest corner post. Hugh McMillan
Hugh, the amazing one who saw the potential and supported my dream, working with me tirelessly for two years to get Monkey Valley up and running, 2000
Guess who owns Boardwalk & Park Place! And all the railroads!
Bullet hole in lock – the lock reigned indestructible, but the chain did not.
This is one of my all-time favourite pictures. I know, I’m a nut. First, for putting the chair on the roof to begin with, and second, for taking a picture of it!Me and Angela planning the ChiRunning and Yoga retreat. One of us is goofing around!
Me and Ange. Joe Charron
Donald guarding the ChiRunners
Mealtime after a hard day of play
The yoga part of the retreat. Everyone is clearly exhausted from all that ChiRunning!
The house in the woods. Angela James
Winding creek flowing down the valley. Joe CharronNootka rose. Joe CharronBefore I put the siding on the house, 2001
Snowy meeting room (back in the days when I had to go out onto the roof to get cell phone reception), 2008Adah & me & Indian icecream, 2008. Kim Ashley
The soap berries we made it from. Kim Ashley
Fence in creek. Joe Charron
6 fabulous runners after swimming in Missezula Lake and then running home. Joe Charron
Tent city. Joe CharronTwo fab dishwashers – Joe and Darch
Butterfly, 2009. Munro Sickafoose
Dandelion beauty. Munro SickafooseParhelic circle. Munro SickafooseTwo grouse, 2009A moose in the upper meadow, 2008
I love this one of Monkey and the totally ridiculous mouse trap I made, 2001Angelic bull, 2009No trespassing, 2012Cloud shadow on house, 2009
Creek at sunset, 2000
The corner of Dillard and Loon Lake, 2008
Hypnotic fire, 2011
Monkey Valley moon, 2008Winter sky, 2006Setting intentions at the Medicine Wheel retreat, 2005
Snowy tracks, 2007
Wildflowers, 2003
Inquiry group (Marvin, Keith, and me), 2004. Dorrie BrannockMy dearest friend Dorrie, eating lunch at a picnic table in Merritt after a “Nature and the Four Directions” retreat at Monkey Valley, 2006. May her spirit be at peace.
Dean’s egg salad sandwiches – a realtor picnic, 2012
I added a new entry of photos from the past 12 years at Monkey Valley. Check it out!
As I offer this property for sale, I would like to celebrate and appreciate the many people, events, and moments of the past 12 years at Monkey Valley. This page shows some of my favourite pictures from this time, taken by many friends and family members, and some by me.
