Today I’m excited to welcome friend, blogger, writer and photographer, Erica Henault. From my first visit to her blog, not only did I fall in love with her writing voice, but also her amazing photography. If you haven’t paid her a visit, please do. You’ll come away feeling as though you’ve taken a mini vacation. Thanks so much for playing along, Erica!
Thank you, Jill, for featuring me on your fun and thought-provoking “Would You Rather” series. I always enjoy reading everyone’s answers. These questions are more challenging than I anticipated. The unexpected surprise is how much I learned about myself.
Would you rather be stranded in the Jungle or in the Desert?
I would rather be stranded in the Jungle. I have more options for staying alive. After all, I watched all of the Tarzan shows as a child.
I can find shelter and build a tree house. I can make friends with the animals. I can stay healthy eating fruit, nuts and of course, bananas. I know I should drink water upstream from the herd. This important survival information came from the Spaghetti Western movies I watched in the 1970’s.
I always carry a small first aid kit with me. We often go on hikes. We often commute over the Malahat, an area similar to the Jungle. It is not uncommon to be stranded on this mountain road only a few kilometres from the city of Victoria.
Would you rather be able to freeze time or travel in time?
My first response was, “of course, travel in time.” Then I gave this question more thought.
When I travel in time, I don’t think I could be selective choosing only the positive, happy moments of the past and the future. I would have to take the bad with the good. I do not want to witness heart-wrenching sorrow, illness, pain and death.
In my life I have had numerous moments where I have told myself, “this is the best day ever” or “I wish I could make this moment last forever.”
Do I already freeze time when I take photos, capturing special moments in my life?
I found this question very challenging. I am actually surprised at my answer.
I would rather freeze time.
Especially if I could keep moments close to my heart and fresh in my memory.
Especially if I could cherish an infinite embrace from the people I love.
Would you rather live in the middle of nowhere, with no people or stores within a 10 mile radius, or live in a busy city?
I learned many years ago to access a Happy Place in my mind for when I need a mental breather or to help with challenging times in my life.
In my twenties and thirties I would visualize a peaceful, very beautiful small lake about 100 km from Prince George. My husband and I with our two very young daughters would camp there. We were often all by ourselves. We would play in the water and spend all day drifting around in a little boat. A Happy Place.
Then in my forties, my husband and I canoed on the Bowron Lakes, a circuit of lakes in the Interior of British Columbia. The only form of transportation in this area is by foot and with a canoe or a kayak. I still recall one beautiful, sunny morning sitting all by myself on the side of a tranquil lake. Moose were swimming only a few meters from me. An overwhelming feeling of happiness and contentment washed over me. I knew I belonged here in the beauty, balance and harmony of nature.
My answer: In the middle of nowhere. My Happy Place.
Would you rather have someone clean for you or have someone cook for you?
Do not tell my husband. I have been trying to keep it a secret.
I do not mind cleaning or cooking.
To pick just one: My husband is an amazing cook and he has more energy than I do at the end of the day. I tell him what I want, usually some form of vegetables and seafood. He will conjure up an amazing meal. Voila!
Yes, I am a lucky woman!
Would you rather be able to breathe underwater or fly?
I would want to be able to fly. At times, I know I can fly.
Most of us have had the flying dreams, even when we were very young children.
During anxious dreams, I recall soaring over cars and rooftops trying to save myself and my family from danger.
I also recall dreams where I feel wonderful. I am flying just for the sheer joy of feeling free and unencumbered. I see our world from far above.
Is my knowing spirit giving me a glimpse of life before I was born?
Is my soul sharing a brief insight to my future?
Erica has been living on Vancouver Island with her husband for the past 28 years. She is grateful their two daughters and families live close by.
Her career was in health care as a Dental Hygienist for over 25 years.
She still considers herself relatively new to blogging although she has been writing all of her life. A common thread running through her stories is continual learning, evolving, mindfulness, inspiration and gratitude. She pays attention and looks for the lessons. Read more about Erica https://behindthesceneryphoto.com/about-me/
Erica loves interacting with fellow bloggers and she is inspired every day reading their stories.
Connect with Erica/Erika:
Blog: https://behindthesceneryphoto.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericafhenault/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.nz/behindthesceneryphoto/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/erica_eh
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/misty.hen
Yesterday, Erica brightened my day when she emailed this gorgeous photo she captured on her deck. Thank you, Erica! ❤ ❤