A distracting driveCOFFEE WITH WARREN, with Warren Harbeck |
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Autumn leaves along Hwy 22 are a beautiful distraction from cares of the world. Photos by Warren Harbeck Cares of life weighing you down? Finances? Politics? World affairs? Well, I encountered something the other day that offers a beautiful distraction from those cares. And I was surprised to see there was even a sign posted along the road promoting that distraction. To take a break from all those cares: Go for a drive. At least, that’s what I understood the sign was all about when I saw it in the refreshing new light of Autumn’s golden glow. I was heading south from Cochrane along Highway 22. Just beyond the Bow River, as I started up the hill, I came across that familiar sign, “DISTRACTED DRIVING LAW IN EFFECT.” Now, I’d thought that sign was a warning against using handheld devices, such as cell phones and cameras, while driving. Using such devices, as we are all too tragically aware, can distract one’s attention from the road long enough to cause serious accidents – and fines. But that sign seemed to be saying something more this time. I was already aware how Autumn’s colours along the road were distracting my thoughts from the cares of this world and replacing them with feelings of wonder and gratitude. Just a little further up the road I came across a tree leaning toward the road, rich in its own Autumn foliage. I knew I just had to pull over to the safety of the shoulder, park, get out of the car, and take a photo. Then, at the top of the hill as I approached the turnoff for Fireside, I came across an equally distracting scene. It was of a pond on the west side of the road, reflecting the glorious gold beyond. How could I not pull onto the shoulder here, too, and take a photo? What an amazing way to be distracted from life’s cares! Thank you, Sister Autumn, for your own take on distracted driving.
© 2022 Warren Harbeck |