February 19, 2021

I stared out the window at the big fat fluffy flakes of snow falling from the sky. My buddy had a plan, he was taking his son out of school and headed for Big White. I had a different plan, one that didn’t involve skiing the fresh snow at the mountain. I wish my plan could be a daily intake of fun and frolic in the fresh powder of our mountain home. Wishing wouldn’t get my work done.

Sometimes the real world takes precedence.

Brad headed for the hills and I headed for the tallest peak in the city of Kelowna. One Water Street is a 36 story structure that has sprouted up on the edge of the Okanagan Lake in downtown Kelowna. I needed to go and help them finish building it. I supply the swing-stages for the guys hanging off the side.

I stood atop the huge structure and stared across the glassy surface of the lake. Snow-capped mountains reflected their glory and I breathed in the sight. My mind wandered to my friend who was lapping up more fresh powder in the mountains above. I felt like I was missing out, yet I knew that I needed to work in order to pay for those moments of joy.

Then he sent me the picture of the lift lines.

I thanked him for the update as I looked at the huge line he was in. A lot of people saw the snow report and decided to avoid work to take advantage of the fresh snow and sunshine that coated our local ski hill. One day I will be able to simply ski every time it snows and work will be a distant memory.

That time is not now.

Yet work pulls me away from my dream and my goals. Over thirty years ago I was going to become a writer and my work was only a means to an end. Once I made enough from my business I would quit and focus on writing. Thirty years, a blink of an eye in my memory, yet a lifetime of experiences.

Sadly, I am still not wealthy enough to stop working and simply write… and ski. Covid has pushed me down the path to being a writer. I have submitted my short story to a contest and plunged into my book. Still, I find myself distracted from my goal.

I returned to the reality of the moment and soaked in the view. Brad was at the mountain top searching for fresh tracks in powder snow. I stood on the building top finding peace in myself. I have a focus that will not waiver, I will follow my goal, no longer a dream.

In the days that come we will bloom from this viral foe that has changed us. When this is over I know the world will be a better place.

I know I am already in a better place…