Holidays require travel for us as for most of you. As I watched the news from across North America and Europe I was grateful that our comings and goings involved only a car and not an airplane. Between storm delays and added security, the allure of air travel has long since dissipated. Of course there was the small issue of freezing rain, and one 6 km stretch of country road that really was more of a skating rink. Ten white knuckles later, I celebrated the sight of clear pavement and began to breathe again. I am forever grateful for Jim’s ability to navigate these treacherous roads.
As we made our way to my brother’s place in Perth, ON yesterday, the Dixie Chicks causing our feet to tap and heads to nod with the rhythm this group is known for, I found myself noticing SIGNS I had not seen before, specifically street SIGNS and I began to wonder what’s in a name, does the name of the street you live one affect your life in any way. We, for example, live on Beauchamp Drive, the english translation, Beautiful Field. Now I think this is an excellent name. I once saw a street named Little Hope Street. This was a truly curious name – did it mean that the street was short, or that the residents had little hope?
My favorite yesterday was Diversion Rd. just east of Maxville. Does this road divert traffic around the community or if you live on this road, is life one great diversion? Could it be the road less travelled?
Then there was Precision Drive in Kemptville. I don’t think I’d like to live on this street, although I suspect it would be a good location for those who work in Finance or IT.
I kept thinking that I had seen a Transgression Avenue but I can’t decipher is this is my imagination or reality. Imagine the sinners that would live there?
Of course there are always those streets that bear a family name, inherited from those who originally settled in the area or because you were once the mayor or a famous athlete. And when all else fails there are the number systems. We once lives at 8711 19th Ave. in Edmonton, which meant we lived on 19th between 87th and 88th Street. The entire city was like this – a giant grid. It eliminated a lot of confusion but lacked imagination.
I look forward to more travels, more street signs and more ruminations. If nothing else it is entertaining and keeps my mind off the slippery roads.
I hope all of you experienced safe travels through the holidays and that you continue to as we approach New Year’s Eve. Here at Tigh Shee we have snuggled in with the Feline Clan, planning to entertain guests here.
As 2010 approaches, a new year, a new decade, place imagination in your grasp and begin to dream of what it is you want to manifest. Time to have a vision!
Until next time…
Betty