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ANNE M. SMITH-NOCHASAK
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    Anne M. Smith-Nochasak:
    I am a retired teacher who worked mainly in northern and isolated settings in Canada. I have returned to rural Nova Scotia to be near my family and to pursue fiction writing, canoeing/kayaking,  and long walks with my dogs. These blog posts will reflect my interest in education, theology, and outdoor living. They will be based on themes from my writing, but will not be specific to the novel.

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Song of Joy

3/13/2023

 
Today, I want to step aside and celebrate the approach of spring. Today the light is dazzling on the snow, and there has never been a greater day in the history of the earth. Tomorrow, there will be ice pellets and high winds, power failures and darkness, but today, my friends, my heart is full because the sun caresses my face, and I am alive in it.

I take my cues from Shay, The Happiest Dog. Shay was born outdoors at -26 C. Shay managed to eat rock salt when she was ten weeks old, and she nearly died. She has been treated for innumerable ear infections, is allergic to bee stings, and develops kennel cough despite her vaccinations. Her life has not been easy, but she ever presents that eager face, brimming with hope and love, to light up the world.  Her pedigree name, spelt somewhat phonetically, is: Ae-Mah-Koo-Shay-Key-She-Kow, for she was born at Christmas, the time of feasting and celebration, her two favourite things. Shay lives to share her joy in life. (The dog Joy in my novel is modeled on Shay.)

I also take my cues from one who may soon be passing from our midst. No matter what the day brings, no matter how hard the news that comes to them this day, they find joy. To honour them, I must rejoice in the day, in the light, in the presence of true heroes. 

Therefore, I am joyful this day. Tomorrow, I might be shattered, but I have the teachings of today to sustain me even then. Deep in my heart, this moment will shine forever, to bring light into darkness.

Perhaps a blog should be more reflective, less personal, more syntactically under control.  

This might be simply a scattering of ideas, but I offer it anyway. Blessings, my friends, on the journey.
2 Comments
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Jill E MacLean link
3/14/2023 10:56:24 am

I'm glad Shay found a good home with you, Anne.
And yes, we have much to be grateful for in our lives and syntax does not always have to be top of the list!
I'm also glad you and I will meet in April - I too love to canoe (only one week a year, but still...), and have an interest in theology.

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Anne Smith-Nochasak
3/15/2023 08:03:52 pm

Thank you, Jill. We are fortunate to have Shay. The canoers I have met tend to have a natural spirituality and appreciation of life, and I look forward to meeting you.

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