In Our Words

Marching Forward

Aah, March... that special time of year when I get to feel spring in the air and snow in my boots at the same time. Admittedly not my preferred month, March is however an ideal time to cozy up with your favourite magazine—to do some armchair travelling, think back to days gone by or just contemplate life.

With that in mind, gear up for a trek through the Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia, with Geoff Allen of Calgary as your guide. Geoff recently realized a long-held dream to photograph grizzlies in their natural habitat, which he tells us all about in his photo essay, beginning on page 8.

And then there’s Wyman Atkinson of Cottam, Ont., whose The Way It Was submission on page 30 takes us back more than 100 years to the birth of his mother, Charlotte. Highlighting her resilience, determination and positive outlook, Wyman brings his mom’s remarkable story right up to the present day, where Charlotte continues to “get on with life.” She’s now 106!

For many, contemplating life and appreciating art go hand in hand. In Showcase, Holly Dyrland of Beaver County, Alta., draws upon her rural roots and natural affinity for landscapes in what might best be described as an ode to the Prairies (page 42). And in Kanata on page 24, Tim Mohan of Elliot Lake, Ont., shares a series of work inspired by an Indigenous oral history known as the “Seven Grandfather Teachings.” Tim has been instrumental in spreading the word about our new Kanata department, and often uses his art in support of worthwhile causes—our thanks go out to him.

On that note, let the march towards spring begin!