Ketchikan came and went, and we are on our final day at sea. We are presently riding alongside the tip of Vancouver Island, my new home since April. Don is there waiting, as is my garden and my Moondog, sitting on her disco doggie bed that Don has placed on top of my chair that looks out toward the road so she guard for all things intrusive and protects those she loves with her avid barking.

Yesterday, in Ketchikan, the Wi-Fi was out across town. I had been looking forward to getting in contact with my family, catching up on news, making sure that the world had not gone to hell in a hand basket during my absence.

When we found this out, we were in a small bar offering Wi-Fi, the only reason we were there, and the bartender kindly lent us her hotspot. Messages from my beloveds poured in along with an important message to get in contact with Patience from Comox School District as soon as possible. So, in a tiny bar in Ketchikan, Alaska, on my second try after getting disconnected, on a Friday afternoon just before closing for the day, a cider in hand, a relieved and delighted Patience took my call and laughed along with me as we discussed the possibilities of doing some substitute teaching in the district. Assuming all goes well, I may be teaching by the time you read this.

Let’s see. I don’t profess to know what’s next for me, even when it is sitting at my doorstep and knocking. Make plans and God laughs. This I have learned. Still, it is welcome news that I shall have a reliable and well-paid source of income, if I want it, and it will be flexible.

I just now looked up from my seat on the balcony and saw two dolphins at play, frolicking, leaping: as joyful a scene as one might see at sea. I shall write with eyes averted from the screen now to take in any other magic that chooses to manifest. I also choose to call it my Emily magic, though it may be, for others, a gift from someone else. Most certainly, it is from the Creator or Mother Nature or whomever we want to name this mysterious force that permeates all things when we choose to let our senses of this world and those that are beyond take rein.

Today it is unseasonably warm. I sit outside with no jacket. There is blue sky, and there are clouds, and we just passed a wee light house and cabin, both with red roofs. Small islands dot the landscape, in front of the larger, which I assume is Vancouver Island, though it may yet be Haida Gwai, once known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, though now has rightfully taken on its indigenous name. Without internet I have no idea where I am, quite honestly. I do, know, however that by approximately 10 pm this evening, we shall be harbouring alongside Emily’s beach for a chunk of the night because I have seen many cruise ships do this over the spring and summer season on my nightly walks. How perfect to look in on my Singing Sands neighbourhood, and Emily’s Beach, the place where we spread ashes short weeks ago, and where now, I shall have a place to create a small garden in her honour. This shall be top of my list when I return. Meantime, I will gaze toward home tonight, not with longing, but with anticipation and gratitude for what is to come.