By Lorrie Flemming AR:T ROUTE WRITER

Natural Storytellers 

Symbolic Art & Soul of the Road

             “My Heart wants Roots, but my Mind wants Wings…” an articulate phrase coined by popular Lyricist {E.Y. Harburg} that describes the wondering soul of many travelers, like myself, in a constant search for things that make us feel whole.  Commonly referred to as “wanderlust”, I describe the term as a trait characterized by a desire to keep learning via experiences drawn by a magnetic pull touching our inner selves, all while discovering new places!

             The majestic Sunflower is nature’s compass that stand stately as mileposts & guardians to navigate the vastness of our Province leading the way to wondrous time treasures & cultural vestiges.  Sunflowers characterised by their sunny disposition are sprouting in Gold Country as noble wayfinders.  “The Art of the Drive is Coming Alive” in the Village of Cache Creek, where sunflowers are painted on buildings and seedlings are popping up throughout the townsite generating a fresh new beginning for Rural BC.  A geotourism adventure program (aka the Modern-Day Treasure Hunt) is an integral component of the spirit of Cache Creek.  Located at the ‘Junction’ and aptly named, the local Coffee House perks the spirits of travelers by a freshly brewed beverage mixed with tantalizing conversation and a refreshed sense of discovery for the road ahead.  

            Mile ‘0’ through the Gold Country Region is a golden gateway and a pivotal junction where the Trans Canada Highway #1 meets Route 97, directing travelers to an extension of B.C.’s Golden Mother Road.  A Garden of Hope inspired by Internationally Renowned Artist, Michelle Loughery, and a recent meeting with Marcie Down (Executive Director of Explore Gold Country) mutually lifted our spirits into a “sunflower state of mind”.   Soon, bold yellow sunflowers will start to appear with seeds in motion induced by sunshine and orchestrated by the wisdom of horticulturist & Regional Director, Steve Rice, resident of Spences Bridge {an integral part of this “Golden Triangle”}. 

In closing, Articulate road wisdom educates us that no place you have been ever leaves you!  The Sunflower Project is a Milestone, not just a Moment in Time.  Travel is a dynamic teacher and the sunflower is a universal sundial that steers the soul of humanity into a rhythm of hope.  

   Living a nomadic lifestyle is a sacred survival mechanism and adept cultural practice used by indigenous peoples since ancient times.  This mobile skill set is a beneficial & sustainable livelihood set into motion for a multitude of purposes {agriculture, hunting, trading & commerce}.  One is not necessarily a Nomad to live a nomadic lifestyle.  Renown Educator, Author & Keynote Speaker (Stephen R. Covey) said it brilliantly… “Live your life by a compass, not a clock” … 

Yours from a Sunflower State of Mind,

Lorrie Fleming

A Mother of the Road…