“…before this dreadful winter.”

By Tamara Lee

The last time I posted, I included a photo of Vancouver in what was its current state—a quaint by comparison photo, given the amount of snow that’s since fallen here in Canada’s Narnia.

For the past three years, I’ve been telecommuting as a freelance editor, so winter woes haven’t much disturbed my daily life. But tomorrow I’ll begin a contract position at The Capilano Review, whose office is situated at Capilano University (nee Capilano College), on the snow-riddled hills of North Vancouver. Tonight, as the snow falls for the 21st day, severe weather warnings are pronounced, road closures continue, and I regularly check the transit and University road conditions.

Meanwhile, fittingly, as this seemingly epic situation unfolds, I’m watching the film The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe on the CBC.

Although I’ve read the book a few times, as a child, then as a young adult, tonight all I seem fixated on is how that snow does eventually thaw, and cherry blossoms will again bloom.

So tomorrow, as I trek the treacherous sidewalks at 7 a.m. to ensure I won’t be late on my first day, and wait for what will likely be very long and cold periods for the buses that don’t come, I’ll recall those images of cherry blossoms and imminent spring. And be grateful for the Thermos full of hot tea I’ll be bringing.


(Title quote: Tumnus, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; Image credit: Jaki Good)