Everyone – and particularly US citizens – should travel more.
Everyone because seeing yourself through new eyes is a useful exercise. Americans in particular because the US occupies so much space in the world that an examination of their own country and the influence of US culture on the planet may attenuate that influence to a small degree.
We all benefit when we all travel – even through the pages of a well written book.
Random Scene
This year we took a road trip through the east of Canada. We visited Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, Cape Breton and Maine. I recommend a road trip to anyone as a way to see Canada and spend some time with your family.
The key is patience, a big enough vehicle and not too much driving in one day.
At the Venerable Schwartz's Deli - Montreal
At the Montreal Waterfront
I have a pretty good job – variety, people oriented, creative and connected: that sums up a good day. A great day is usually a surprise because you never know when it happens or by what mechanism. Today is borderline great.
Be on time and be nice – someone cited this as a motto and is something I try and embrace when dispatched to photograph someone or another. A few years ago I had the grand fortune of meeting Ruth McLeese at her home near St. John, New Brunswick.
Ruth lived on a fairly large plot of land in a functional home with a few workshops and a large garden. She was one of the first women to graduate from McGill medical school and was a licensed pilot and the kind of sagacious doctor that everyone wants. Kindhearted, direct and deliberate – she kept up with the modern times and allowed the wisdom of age and experience to temper the rougher edges of life.
She was a great joy to be around and we had a very nice time – when I left she gave me some of her garlic. Garlic. I had no idea then of the esteem with which many people hold garlic. A couple of years later I was cooking dinner for Rod Bowers and his wife when he – being a chef of renown – commented on the garlic I was using. This garlic being a gift from another friend. Rod was impressed with the fullness of the clove and the earthiness of the aroma. Until then I had never given it much thought.
So, coming back to Ruth. A month ago I knew I would be heading to St. John so I called Ruth to say hello and inquire of her garlic. She said she was well and had been thinking of me as she had been working on her obituary. The obituary deserved a photo and she wondered if she might use one we had done on our original visit. I said sure and she promised me garlic when I dropped in on my impending St. John trip.
Things being what they are I never did ring her bell and never got my garlic. Until today – the door bell rang and the Purolator man was there and Ruth had sent a box of gorgeous earthy garlic by express messenger.
Thanks-you Ruth: Much appreciated.
Garlic with Accompanying Letter
Garlic
Doctor Ruth McLeese - I eschew using the professional honorific doctor when referring to people I meet outside of the context of doctoring: Ruth is an exception.
My dad served in WW2. He is now 89 and in a care home for veterans in Cape Breton. At first I was distressed at the thought because my dad was always quiet and not really much of a joiner so I feared that their would be some semi-forced group activities that he would not enjoy and feel somehow invaded.
I was wrong. He is getting excellent care and just the right amount of company – my mother visits all day every day and this is very good for both of them. They are married 45 years and able to continue their relationship. The staff at the home seem respectful of this notion and I appreciate their support.
Wednesday night was the Remembrance Day service at the home and all of the residents were dressed in their veteran uniform – truthfully I am not sure it is a uniform per se but it seems a uniform. Those that wished wore their medals and many veterans and community people from the area attended. I was glad to be there.
My Mother and Father
My Mother
Brother and SIster both reside at Taigh Na Mara
I am leaving in a few hours to drive to Cape Breton via Saint John, New Brunswick. An assignment takes me to Saint John and roots and family draw me the rest of the way – Cape Breton is lovely this time of year.
The trip is – for me – always exciting. I try and meet new people without trying too hard which is to say I keep myself open to the opportunity as it arises. New people and new images.
Grace and Walked Across the Bridge from Brooklyn to Manhattan in November 2001
The Great Northwest Peninsula of Newfoundland - the land and sea each go on forever
