Giving Thanks

For a very unofficial Thanksgiving, I went with my loved ones to Kootenay Lake in mid October – continuing a simple but meaningful tradition that we’d started last year. There’s something magical about this lake, especially in autumn and winter. The cool colours of water, mountain, sand, and rock contrast with the warmth of turning aspen and cottonwood leaves, the trees bordering the water; far across the lake on the tall mountains, golden larches can be seen.

The lake was as stunning as always this trip, and I tried to capture its majesty in my lens. My boyfriend and I haphazardly and carefully made rock towers, my stepdad and mom and dear family friend threw a stick for our hyperactive dog, and we all enjoyed hot dogs and pumpkin pie (a very traditional Thanksgiving meal indeed) around a warm, crackling fire.

I’ve never been especially drawn to Thanksgiving as a holiday, but I do appreciate it as a reminder of the importance of gratitude. This year, with my loved ones around me and the beauty of Kootenay Lake surrounding us, I felt brimmingly full of appreciation. For the moment, and for those close to me.

Life is a journey, and if there’s anything I’ve learned from it, it’s that journeys are never easy. However, having people by one’s side as a source of love and support makes the journey a little less difficult and a lot more rewarding. Sometimes it’s necessary to face things alone; but sometimes it’s also necessary to face the dark with someone at one’s side, even if it’s just to shine a flashlight into the gloom.

As I pondered my time at the lake with my family later, I realized how immensely grateful I am to be a recipient of their love, and of the love from the rest of my large, multi-species actual and chosen family. I feel so fortunate to have been able to enjoy my time at the lake this year with those I love. To those I love that weren’t there, I send my appreciation to you as well <3

I hope that you enjoy this collection of lakeside landscapes.