People do stuff on their path to Valhalla. Some reach for un-obtainable goals, some obtain un-obtainable goals. Some people feel trapped in a life of mediocrity. Some watch time go by and feel their demise prickling at their necks. Some people are just happy to have a good job and a good game on a big TV. Other’s just hope to be able to feed their children on this day. Tomorrow only exists for the rich after all. Some say you should not eat cake if others have no bread. Others put out their recycling on their way to the restaurant to eat fish on Friday. Some people think the world is against them. Other’s feel even worse because they feel the world is ignoring them. They scream out each day “What about me? What about me?”. Some leave everything solid and secure behind to redefine their lives with new shores, and new partners. Sometimes a moment of insanity is the best thing for your sanity. Some people never forgive. Some people just sit in their little spot on earth and hurl stones at others. Some make decrees from faded 47 year old living room chairs. Some people feel faith is good enough. . . and sadly, reason enough. Some people take harmful actions all the while blaming their victims for the assault. Some people are so beautiful there are no words. Some people are just crazy.

This weekend has been a “people” weekend. I am often not a people person. I often keep to myself. I tire quickly of the battle and strife that often seem nothing more than the ghostly exhaust of combustible egos. It wears me down. I’m often told I’m a good mediator and negotiator. Yet truth be told seeking a solution for others is often the only way to acquire peace for yourself. In the end I fear even good will is often self motivated. None of us are angels. Luckily few of us are devils.

In amongst the swirling winds and blowing snow of issues and strife I found a moment to browse the Canoecopia Gazette. In those pages were pictures of friends. The lines of their faces I’ve come to recognize in color or black and white, at a distance and in poor light. I could frame their photos with the flesh of my hands and draw memories of them that made me smile. Re-energized, I could again stand to do battle with the wind and deflect the frozen leaves that come from nowhere to slap me in the face.

It’s Monday again. The air is still, the temperature is somewhere well below zero. I’d fear the dawning of a new ice age. . . if not for the sun that cheerfully blasts through my window.