Fresh by Bhaktimarga Swami

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To me it was just a perfect morning around ten degrees Celsius.  No jacket required or chaudar (the Indian version), but for Samuel, who is slender, Marshall, too, and come to think of it, Nicholas, as well, bundling up was necessary.  Once we all ventured into a good clip walking the trails near the St. John River, over the well-known walking bridge, and into town, we all felt we could do without the extra hides.
 
Goodness, people are friendly.  It must be because everything is smaller and doable.  With a population of less than 60,000, it stands to reason that life in Fredericton is reminiscent of a more laid-back community, but not lazy.  Folks here also take advantage of the trails, including the one that circles around Lake Killarney.  https://www.instagram.com/p/B1qYZUmgd__/?igshid=r55hju5am1r7
 
Nicholas and I took to the lake's waters.  Next to walking, swimming is most compatible.  The last water I swam in was the Pacific, and it was nice, but I always favour the fresh water over the salty stuff.  Basically it's all good.  It's the motto I like to live by.  Count what you have, and not what is out of reach and out of reality.
 
At the lake's edge I came upon a Sikh family, or let's say a man, his wife and a young acquaintance, a student fresh from the Punjab.  The boy was brought by his relatives.  You could see he was shy and very new and having to deal, somewhat, with culture shock and being away from home for the first time, like so many Indian students in Canada.  I tried my best to make the turbaned boy feel at home and to join our local group of chanters if so inclined.  My message for him was, "God is with you!"
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