A message in a tree, for all to see...peace on earth, goodwill to all, everywhere.

In the middle of the Gabriolan woods...a message, in a tree.

We were running on a quiet trail through the magical and mysterious woods of Gabriola Island today. You can imagine our surprise and delight, when we came upon this magnificent...Christmas tree. Lush, vibrant and richly green salal was growing out of an old growth tree stump - a picture of new life and future possibilities. Some wonderfully imaginative and thoughtful person had added bright red Christmas bows and decorations and symbols of peace, joy, hope, and love. It more than made you smile.

Whatever faith tradition we follow, or have chosen not to follow, we all surely aspire to a world at peace and to lives and relationships that reflect joy, hope, and love. There would be no finer gift to our children and our children's children than a better and fairer world for all people...everywhere. I cannot imagine ever giving up on that possibility.

A simple message.

To this end, may we come to understand ourselves as sisters and brothers, inter-connected and inter-dependent, all sharing together this fragile, island planet that whirls through infinite space and time. We are, after all, a family...a community.

You are all so very special. From our small corner of the world, we wish you health and happiness, and warmest blessings this Christmas and in the New Year to come.

Paddle, run..."be", peacefully.

Duncan and Joan.