On the Seventh Day of Christmas ~ Capricious

There is a whimsical side of me that delves into the world of impulsiveness. I have woken up at 5 am craving Krispy Kreme Donuts, embarked on a road trip from Kelowna to Delta for the sweet treats and have the t-shirt to prove it. Then there was the time I drove 12 hours straight through British Columbia to Alberta in a white-out to go see my best friend Leeann. 

As Shayla grew into a teenager, she became my side-kick for random excursions. One morning before school, I wondered if she wanted to go to the United States to shop. She assumed I meant a ‘planned trip’ in the future. No, I smiled…I mean right now.

She and I took part in an abundance of adventures, with those images now gracing the many pages I have scrap booked. 

One of the more planned trips with her was a visit to Vancouver Island. It was with her father and sister that all of us came for a holiday to Victoria. The one place Shayla and I could get lost in forever was the Royal BC Museum. My daughter loved to ham it up for photos and every snapshot depicts some silly grin, funny face or the absurd. During the vacation, we both had filled the rafters of the IMAX with our bursts of laughter and moments of glee, when our senses experienced the visuals of The POLAR EXPRESS in 2D. 

This year, on the seventh day of Christmas, I decided to return down memory lane, by visiting the museum. 

Shayla adored Charlie Chaplin

For Shayla's father, Dave

It was important for me to bring along my Babygirl bear. As I walked around places Shayla had once stood, I took photographs replicating the past with the stuffed animal. To my surprise, there were no odd stares when I went from one area to another and captured pictures with the furry toy- whose smile seemed to change with each snapshot taken. 

Later, I stood in line at Old Town with a dozen of over-tired, hyped children mostly enthused to have their picture captured with Father Christmas. The event cost is a donation, while admission is included when you pay for entry into the Royal BC Museum. When it came time for my turn, I could tell the helper was looking for my child(ren). I simply smiled and remarked that Shayla could not be here with me, so I brought the bear instead. As I was wearing a pin with my daughter’s photo, ol’ Father Christmas clued in and wrapped his arm around me, giving a squeeze of reassurance to a bereaved mother. The moment is something I cherish, knowing my sweet angel would have loved what I did for her. 

Thank you to Royal BC Museum for this fabulous memory!

Back amongst the historical artifacts of the Haida, my interest was piqued by the first nations who I write about in my novel, “Under the Sitka Tree.” 

Forever connected to her Aboriginal roots

On another level of the museum, I gazed upon the brilliance celebrating 50 years of images, Wildlife Photographer of the Year. 

With every exhibit, I recalled a time when Shayla and I had shared in most of it, together. Though the ever-changing displays in the museum offers a refreshing glimpse into all things, there remain some of the same visuals we saw back then. The mammoth which stands solo, once had my daughter leaning into it. The horse also saw Shayla standing before it, wearing her baby blue jacket and a huge smile upon her face. 

Where once Shayla stood

At one point during the day, I needed to return to Magnolia Hotel & Spa for a generous gift to me by a dear friend of mine who paid for spa services. 

The Magnolia flower is associated with nobility, perseverance, dignity and a love of nature.

The elements that influence my life: water and pebbles

While in the lounge area waiting, I spoke with a young woman who was travelling to New York to spend the holidays. I explained about the movement and gave a link to the cause. I asked if she wouldn’t mind to place a pebble somewhere in NY City for Shayla, who had always wanted to travel there. The young girl agreed and if she reads this, I want her to know how much I was grateful for her compassion. 

My services included a manicure, pedicure and brow wax. Additionally, I was treated to a hand and foot massage in which I proceeded to fall asleep on the table. What woke me up was my snoring! I was completing exhausted given how busy I have been, in addition to all of the emotions I am dealing with. Keisha was attentive and professional. As she listened to me speak of Shayla, Keisha could see how much I miss my daughter when on a day back in 2011, we were suppose to share a mother/daughter spa package. 

 

A plate of treats in my room of Magnolia. Since an apple a day keeps the Doctor away, I opted for the chocolates instead.

After my pampering, I returned back to the museum. There was one area I wanted to find and soon I was standing amongst the grove of Sitka spruce trees. 

Can you spot the photo-"bum" ?

At the same time, I was surrounded by an array of animals from deer to seals, a bear and sandpipers. 

This is one of my beloved exhibits to visit as it feels like home to me. What I had not anticipated was the lost time wouldn't allow me to go any further, as the museum was closing. I heard the announcement through the speakers that everyone was to leave, but I had a few more snapshots, before I departed. Without much thought, I ducked in near the Sitka’s, repeating to myself…”Be the Tree…just be the Tree.” I did not have any flash on my camera, so I was able to zoom in around me and take a few more pictures, before I heard the familiar jangle of a security guard. I had been ‘discovered’ and luckily he was in a jolly mood. I inquired about participating in a night at the museum and how cool it would be! He smiled and remarked, “They do have a program…mostly for kids though.” I was deflated by the notion that just because my human body had grown up, the little kid inside of me still remaining, was ignored. It did not help that movies centered on the entire fun one can have after the museum closes, exuded my passion for play. Looking back, I am sure the visual of me as an adult, carrying a fluffy ballerina bear, did not help my cause…he kindly escorted me to the door and commented I could return again the next day. 

Babygirl amongst a display of pebbles

I completed my evening by attending a local Christmas party. It was put on by friends Henry and Yvonne who hosted a wonderful gathering at their beautifully decorated home. It was nice to sit amongst people who shared in gift-giving, delicious food and much laughter.

What I treasured most was my capricious ways enabled me to shake off the reality that I am by myself. Regardless of this, I am able to look back and embrace the memories I amassed throughout the years with my daughter… who will always remain within the shape of my healing heart. 

By T.L. Alton