I Love Solstice

Since I've lived in a small village by the sea, I am far more aware of the circles, and circles and circles of life. Today is a day to celebrate the sun, the longest day of the year, the beginning of Summer and in my case the happy birthday of my little friend Jack and my friends across the province, who celebrate their wedding anniversary today. A neighbour has just died.

There is something painful in the day. Just as the day of light reaches an apex, the lighted hours will begin to diminish, until the Winter Solstice, when we will again celebrate the light.

My friend, up the hill, is a lifetime friend. We may have met first in the nursery at Toronto General Hospital, when we newly entered the world. We met for sure in archaic First Form at a one of a kind school. We have been friends ever since. By an odd set of circumstances, North Toronto matrons in waiting, became neighbours in this tiny, glorious spot.

My friend's mother, not unlike her daughter, was a one of a kind human being. When I was young, she made a point of asking me to always remind her when it was the longest day of the year, so she could fully appreciate it. I did my best, but without fail I always think of her on this day.

There is a difference between acknowledging a day and celebrating it. I live in a place where days are celebrated. As I attend a little boys birthday, some friends and neighbours will be gathering on the stony shore, where Canada Creek runs into the Bay. Food a plenty will emerge from various containers, to be shared. There will be a glass of wine or two. Year after year, one family brings a large iced cake decorated with fresh edible flowers. This year, in celebration of their retirement, they are cycling across Canada, from west to east. Wherever they are in this great expanse of country, they no doubt will be toasting the sun and thinking of us without their flowered cake.

As the sun begins to set a dance gets danced. Each participant greets each participant with open arms in a moving circle. Uncomfortable with such things, I stand outside the circle ostensibly to take pictures. As the sun dips into the ocean someone begins to sing "This Friendly Planet" and will be joined by most others. The Solstice Sun sets for another year. The world hushes. Everyone returns to the warmth of the big, bon fire for some more merriment.