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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

That's the spirit

I love the city, but this riverbank forest is where Dudley and I recharge our batteries

By: Cindy Dyson

Posted: 06/3/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

Cindy Dyson and Dudley enjoy Seine River Greenway. (BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS ) Photo Store

I am fascinated with buildings and cities. That's what I paint. So you may be surprised to hear of my favourite place in Winnipeg.

Bois-des-Esprits is part of the Seine River Greenway. It is the largest remaining riverbank forest in Winnipeg. The city and the busy-ness of life as an artist, mom and wife with all its to-do lists and hustle and bustle is rewarding yet requires a great deal of effort and energy. The forest is where I recharge my batteries, breathe deeply and enjoy the view.

In spring, as the ground thawed and the scent of old rotted leaves gave way to the fresh new spring growth, Dudley (my dog) and I delighted in the cycle of nature. Each day I noticed that the choir of birdsong became louder and more diverse. The geese and ducks arrived in a great big noisy family group and then split up and became quiet and angry while establishing their brood -- once again to become more sociable as their charges grew larger.

To my dog's dismay, the garter snakes were back on the warm mud path. He is terrified of these creatures that can move in any direction no matter where their head is pointing. He keeps his feet lifted and one eye averted.

The beavers are back at work. I still don't understand why they choose the biggest trees when the little ones would be so much less effort.

The ancient-looking turtles will soon be looking around for a place to lay their eggs. With their algae-covered backs they seem to have come from a very deep, faraway world and have knowledge that I cannot access.

The woodpeckers are at it again, ensuring that everyone hears them knocking their noggins against the trees.

I have no doubt that I soon will be running to the local vet buying up their supply of skunk shampoo because Dudley never learns -- he just can't resist his curiosity no matter how often he gets a noseful of skunk spray.

Dudley's nemesis is back -- a squirrel that teases and taunts him. Dudley dutifully accepts his role in this game as he runs at the squirrel and barks futilely up the tree as the squirrel chatters back at him.

I smile and delight in these animals and the personalities I attach to them. And then Dudley and I turn back home -- renewed and relaxed.

Cindy Dyson is a local artist. Her acrylic palette knife paintings are available at the Pulse Gallery at The Forks Johnston Terminal and Birchwood Art Gallery and can also be viewed in window displays on Waterfront Drive.

You can also see her blog at www.cindydyson.blogspot.com.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 3, 2012 A8

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