Non-Fiction Nature Writing

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Non-Fiction Nature Writing

Dee Walmsley

Semiahmoo Sunset

Dee Walmsley - Chunky middle-aged broad who wants to leave her mark as a writer. Wife to a grumpy husband, Mother of two grown children, and two male cats.

Dee has written and produced a number of videos for cablevision TV on nature. She's working on a children's picture book and collaborating with an artist on a book of animal cartoons with a message. In fact most of her nature writing has a message.

She fell in love with raccoons while fostering orphaned kits and is writing a novel of those experiences. In her spare time she adds another chapter to a fiction novel, "The Hunter and the Rehabber" a Golden Pond type saga.

She has been a member of WVU for 3 years, and a contributor to Writers in Nature and the Environment, an online list for nature writers. Her work may be read at The Inditer, and Writer's Choice In house Newsletter, and a couple of other e-zines. She also writes a monthly nature column for The Inditer and a local newsletter.

The one thing she doesn't like to write about, is herself!

Semiahmoo Sunset

Tonight as I sit looking out to sea, the sky reminds me of cotton candy. Pink pollution comes to my mind as I gaze in awe at the scene before me. A massive fireball descends into the ocean, lighting up the sky, mountains and water. Giant rays shoot out from this orb reminiscent of a Japanese flag, and for the first time I understand their symbol.

We are experiencing a heat wave, a rather uncommon event here in BC. This has caused an inversion. While it may be harmful to one's health, the setting sun's rays piercing through the mist are breathtaking. Pink and blue clouds etched in gold greet the sun on her journey home. Coastal mountains offer their protection to the Sun Goddess, jagged peaks penetrate the haze waiting to encompass her light.

The dead calm water mirrors the glowing sky while absorbing its mixture of pinks and blues. A small boat passes sending the colors rippling towards shore. A curious seal pokes its domed head through the surface into the seaweed-scented air; its bright eyes look at me, looking at it. I smile, send it silent thanks for sharing its presence, and it descends into the deep and is gone. The waves beat a steady rhythm. They are the heartbeat of the sea.

A man walks by, pebbles crunching under his sandaled feet. The spell is broken. I leave, knowing that tomorrow another masterpiece will greet me in my canvas in the sky.