(posted on former website 12.29.2015)
I've been on the 'down-low' due to cancer treatment recovery, but was reminded of the joy of skating outside when, on Christmas Day, I could see the neighbourhood outdoor rink full of swirling skating bodies. I was not on the ice this Christmas, but with my Doctor's 'okay,' I intend to purchase some skates (and equipment) and play on the ice again.
All of this wonderfully coincides with the NHL's Winter Classic on New Year's Day. So in honour of the Winter Classic and to how it began for me, and so many others, here is the ArtWork & Words of The Joy of It.
The Joy of It
I started skating when I was two years old. In the back lot, between the rows of houses, there was a dug out piece of earth that would be filled with water every October. The Winnipeg Winter would arrive and the frozen water would become my rink.
The rink was only a hundred feet from my home. The number of shovels left behind with my last name on it, and the fact that my brother and I were always on the ice, it was known, in the neighborhood, as the “Burns’ Rink.” It also happened to be named that because my home was the place for the neighborhood kids to layer their clothes, warm up, tend to injuries and put on, and take off, their bladed shoes. My mom would position a kitchen chair, in the small back entrance, so one could tie up their skates (but it also created a protective barrier to the waxed kitchen floor). Often there was an overflow of friends, wanting to play on the ice, and they would sit on the stairs, heading down to our rec room, to tie their skates.
The winters were cold and the ice was hard. My eyelashes were hanging posts for icicles and my nose, ears, hands and feet were numb. And despite the freezing temperatures and clouded breath, my spirit ran fully on the ice (as well as my nose).
On the ice, time stood still and I would find myself in another world. And yet, the whoops of joy and sounds of competition were heard throughout the neighborhood as everyone battled for the imaginary prize. And if you were closer, you could hear the cut of an edge and the spray of shaved ice.
There were times when others had to go home (because it was dinner time or it was too cold outside), and I was alone on the ice. The rink was a place where I lost time, all my senses seemed alive and every emotion was fully felt. My actions were ruled by my intuition and not by rules. Every time on the ice, I challenged my skills and asked “what if…?” And it seemed like there were no boundaries, but only possibilities.
My body has changed as I have a growth on my spine. I miss the ice. I miss the ice a great deal. With all the emotions I experienced on the ice, one emotion tied this entire experience of time, space and sensation together, and it was joy. The lessons I learned on the ice, still carry me today. I know that I need to nurture whatever activity or pursuit that encourages me to feel at home, and that cheers me on to reach for my best. I truly believe we can change the world when we are, at home, in the joy of it.
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If you are interested in this ArtWork & Words, by me, or any other works, please feel free to contact me! Enjoy the game!
Former Comments:
from Obat: Nice work thanks for sharing this post
from Custom: Judging from the way you narrate your skating experience, I can truly feel that you love what you do. It's nice to know that you keep those memories treasured in your heart forever. Each time we embrace a happy memory, we meet again with those we love, because the heart never forgets. I hope that the way the crowd cheer and every glide you've made when you're skating will remind you how to be strong and hold on. Don't forget that you are not alone in this battle.
from Bess: I am so sorry to hear about your cancer! It's really frustrating how you'll never know you have cancer until it is already too late. I hope there is a way for us to find out sooner so that we can prevent it from spreading in our body and further making us sick. Cancer is one of the reasons why I am striving hard to finish my doctorate degree. I know that it's a long shot, but I want to be able to finally find a cure for cancer so that no family will ever have to suffer the pain of losing one of their family members because of cancer.
from Writ: Winter classic and the joy are always there for all the community members. I know it’s the part of their life to enjoy in the winter and play the different games in the winter. I wish I am also do the same things that they are doing in their life.
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