Beyond the Bad and Ugly, There is Still a Wonderful World Out There

“I see trees of green
Red roses too
I see them bloom
For me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world.”

• Lyrics from It’s A Wonderful World, a song made immortal by the late jazz legend, Louis Armstrong

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted June 6^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

A swan family enjoyed by many this spring in the waters off Mel Swart Lake Gibson Conservation Park where they are nesting. photo by Doug Draper

We all know that there is a tsunami of bad and ugly news raining down on us these days – so much so that I have heard many friends and acquaintances say it is making them feel so depressed that they can hardly stand to follow the news  any longer.

It seems like every few days I can open a newspaper or turn on a cable news program and find another story about how all of the stories about war, racial hatred, economic hardship and, last but not least, Donald Trump, is taking  serious toll on mental health.

As someone who has to try to keep up with the news to keep this Niagara At Large news and commentary site going, these days I often find myself on the very of cracking up too.

The swan family at sunset. photo by Doug Draper

That’s when I take a break from the news and go out for a walk in one of the great nature areas we have in this region like Thorold’s Mel Swart Lake Gibson Conservation Park.

For the past month or so, I’ve been going out to that park where, just a few meters away from a boardwalk along the lake, a pair of swans have been caring for their nest of eggs.

During a another walk in that park this past week, I discovered that the eggs had hatched and there were six baby swans paddling out on the lake with their parents. It was a wonderful sight and it did wonders for my mind and soul and for the mind and soul of others who looked on.

Swan family coming to shore for the night. photo by Doug Draper

That same Tuesday evening, in the same Mel Swart park, a gathering of Indigenous people were in a circle, singing traditional songs to the soft beat of drums. That was a wonderful sight too that everyone who visits the park can now enjoy every Tuesday evening through the spring and summer starting at 5:30 .p.m. and running to about 7 p.m.

A gathering of Indigenous people in Mel Swart Lake Gibson Conservation Park for an evening of traditional songs. photo by Doug Draper

If and when the troubles of the world are getting to feel too much for you, find a nice place to walk, with the the sights and sounds of nature around you, where you can find some peace of mind.

It also serves as a reminder of why we have to work together to protect and preserve our natural places for present and future generations.

• I Wish All Of You Some Peace, Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

To hear the song It’s A Wonderful World, accompanied by a video, click on the screen immediately below –

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“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders