Section Five

Visiting the park was a wonderful experience for me. When I left my house to do the project I was fed up with the snow because it interfered with my training. I hadn’t actually stopped and enjoyed the beauty of nature for at least a week. All day I had been trapped inside doing homework, emailing, and indoor training. So when I remembered I had to do my project for English I will admit that I wasn’t too excited to face the cold. At first I stomped up the Boulevard with my big fuzzy snow boots looking down at the ground. I didn’t look up because I didn’t want to trip. Then once I got more comfortable with the snow I took a look around me and was awed with how beautiful my surroundings were. The trees were blanketed with white powder, and there was something ruggedly beautiful about the churned ice and soil. The nip of the cold was surprising, and yet refreshing. My miserable walk turned into an enjoyable stroll!

When I reached my bench I was excited to start writing. It was such a unique bench, which helped me be creative. I stopped and looked at the bench for a moment, jotting down a few notes, and I was genuinely impressed with the small details painted onto the wood. Each house was adorable, with its own little colour scheme and trim. I thought about how much work the artist must have put into creating it, and from that, how much pleasure it has given the public. As I sat on the bench looking around and writing, there were a few walkers who passed by even though it was beginning to get dark. Often couples walked together, bundled up for the chilly weather with big grins on their faces. A few smiled at me, but for the most part they enjoyed talking with their partner, and enjoying the outdoors. One old couple even talked to me for a few minutes, and mentioned how much they love the bench I was doing my project on. They pass it almost every day on their walks together. I thought that this was very sweet.

As I sat there the temperature began to decline, and walkers came and went less frequently. When it started to get darker (and everything took on a bluish glow) I closed my eyes and enjoyed being totally by myself. My house can be noisy at times, and so it was nice just having a moment to myself. Even though my hands were freezing from writing (I couldn’t wear gloves and hold a pencil at the same time), I was quite content. After a few more minutes of taking in the scenery and packing up my pencils I headed home.

I really enjoyed doing this assignment because I got to take a nice break in my day for homework. Writing didn’t feel like a “project”, it was just fun and relaxing. I liked talking and waving at people walking by, but I also enjoyed having some time to myself to think and get fresh air. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy doing this project but in the end it was actually really nice!