It’s been a weird and wonderful summer. We enjoyed another amazing vacation, spending the first half visiting our daughter in Sechelt, on B.C.’s gorgeous Sunshine Coast. The remainder was invested in rest and relaxation on the shore of Salt Spring Island, once again pitching our tent on the very edge of Ruckle Park, amidst the sounds of the waves, passing ships, and the birds. Except for some like-minded neighbours, there was little else to disturb our reverie.

Relatively Speaking
Although, I must admit my obnoxious cousins, the crows, did their best to test us. Apparently, the tree we selected to shade our little nest of a tent had already been claimed as their piece of real estate. And when one parks one’s tent in crow territory, especially beneath their nest, well, one gets what one deserves! More than once we pressed a bucket of soapy water into service to scrub the crows’ unscrupulous warning signs from the walls of our tent. During our attempts to erase their crappy graffiti, the vandals enjoyed a good chortle, safely hidden in the branches above. I suppose he who laughs last, laughs best, but we stood our ground, and held to our squatter’s rights beneath the tree. In the end, a good time was had by all.

I had made a pact with myself to diminish the stack of unread books in my possession, and this I managed to do with a reasonable amount of success. After all, I’ve hiked most of Ruckle’s trails already, and I’ve explored it’s shoreline with great attentiveness on previous occasions, so this time I limited those activities to mere strolls. Instead, I mostly parked my butt and picked up a book. It may not have done wonders for the shape of my butt, but I did manage to strike a couple of books off my ‘must read’ list.

Mythological Proportions
Thanks to my lethargy I do have a couple of books to recommend. Both Blair and I have thoroughly enjoyed, and had our minds opened by Dan Millman’s offerings, “ Way of the Peaceful Warrior” and “Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior”. These tales can best be described as autobiographical novels. Dan has woven his life experiences skillfully into entertaining stories with profoundly inspiring revelations. Our next adventure with Dan will be during the viewing of the movie with the same title as the first-mentioned book. We’re impatiently waiting for it to be released on video, as it finished it’s run in an Edmonton theater during our absence.

So, what of the weirdness of the summer? It’s not only the crows that have been up to mischief in Corbinland this summer. It seems there are a lot of disgruntled people passing through our neighbourhood recently. Since late spring we’ve experienced at least five episodes of human inspired vandalism against our vehicles. Keep in mind we’ve lived in the same house for almost 27 years, and in all that time previously suffered maybe 3 or 4 acts of destruction against our property.

Re-Tired
This last incident caused quite a stir in the neighbourhood, as we weren’t the only target. Dozens of people, rushing off to work first thing in the morning were stopped in their tracks when they discovered flat tires on their cars. Blair observed the fiasco with some celebrity, as he found himself in front of the camera that broke the story on the noon T.V. news. Sometime during the wee hours some sorry soul managed to slash the tires on 3 of our family’s vehicles, and continued down the street to wreak havoc on about 30 more!

So, who’s the real victim here? I guess it depends who you talk to. My family members, who incurred inconvenience and expense are likely to have a different take on this issue. I, however, having been spared the wrath of the mad slasher, am going to suggest that he/she’s the real victim here. Big of me, isn’t it? My point is that only a sorry soul would do such a dastardly deed, and who wants to be in their position?

Cosmic Traveler
When it comes to things like this, at times like this, it’s best to trust karmic principles. Realize that everything happens for a reason, and the reason will always serve our greater good. The fact that we’re not likely to see it in that light at the time of occurrence hardly matters. There are greater forces at work here, and each of us is only a cog in the machinery of the universe.

Rules of Engagement
I suppose you expect me to speculate on how this incident could possibly serve anyone’s best interests. What’s the point? Really, it’s neither here nor there. Each and every one affected by the experience will have their own story to tell - if not now, then eventually. Of course, many may never realize the effect this has on the rest of their lives, but it will be there just the same. I’m of the opinion that there are no accidents in the universe. Call it fate, coincidence, or a miracle. But it’s not always necessary to consciously recognize the benefit a particular happening brings to our experience. Console yourself with the knowledge that, in the end, a benefit does exist - every cloud has a silver, better yet, a diamond lining.

Am I really the eternal optimist I appear to be in print? I assure you, I’m quite flawed. Those who know me best, and have to put up with me at times, might suggest I’m more flawed than most! Well, in my defense, I’m learning to transcend my weaknesses. I said learning; it’s part of the human journey. Will I ever make it? I guess it depends on where I’m headed! Whatever, I do find it helps to consider the value of the seemingly negative aspects of my life experience, and allow them to point me in the right direction.

GPS
While you’re journeying toward business success, take time to contact Corbins. We’d like to help you navigate. We can’t promise to make it easier for you - easy isn’t always the best way to learn, but we can help you to turn your experience into a benefit. Give us a call, we promise to do our best to steer you in the right direction.

From our heart to your business,

Team Corbin
 

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