Moody Newfoundland

I’m not sure if my mood is reflecting the weather or the weather my mood today. Just minutes ago, at 10:30 in the morning, the sky turned nearly completely black and then dumped a whole lot of water on us. After less than 5 minutes, it was over.  Impressive. I’m glad it’s another home day of painting and writing for me here in this dry and wonderful house that doesn’t sway in high winds like the 200-year old complex I lived in before (although water swishing in the toilet on its own made for a great blog post at the time).

I wonder if this is still the leftovers of hurricane Gonzalo or simply normal Newfoundland weather.  Yesterday, after a night of high winds and rain, the sun came out and it felt like summer, so Eva, Orinda, and I headed to Beachy Cove.  I was due for a break from painting and sun was calling. Eva, an avid swimmer, wanted to get into the ocean one last time before winter.  By the time we got there, the sun had disappeared and so had Bell Island across from Beachy Cove.  The ocean was quite dramatic too, but Eva felt it was safe in this protected cove. At one point, the drizzle was blowing sideways and we got quite chilly standing on the shore. That didn’t stop Eva, however.  She felt invigorated by her short swim.  As she said, the air is really warm once you get out of the cold Atlantic ocean. We made our way back up to the car while she enjoyed her cup of hot water.  That’s when the sun came back with full force and so did Bell Island.

We then drove a bit further to see Saint-Phillips- Portugal Cove, where Orinda grew up before returning home.

I love this island, with all its moods.  This morning, while putting the finishing touches on a painting,  I’m watching a 3-part mini series on Newfoundland called “Vanished in the Mist” that I borrowed from the library. It’s really well done if you’re interested in the rich and rocky history of this island. It’s reminding me of the 53 historical novels I read in 2011-12 that helped me bond with and understand this land and its people in a very deep and special way.

As for my moodiness, don’t you worry.  I’m very aware that I am the sky and my moods are simply like dark clouds moving through.  They’re already on their way out.