7 Wonders has been a favourite board game amongst the grown-ups for years. What a delight to pass down some of that experience to a new protege this weekend!
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Monday, November 13, 2017
#IAmGrateful 12
Experience
7 Wonders has been a favourite board game amongst the grown-ups for years. What a delight to pass down some of that experience to a new protege this weekend!
7 Wonders has been a favourite board game amongst the grown-ups for years. What a delight to pass down some of that experience to a new protege this weekend!
Sunday, November 5, 2017
#IAmGrateful 5
Excitement
Excitement is...
Visiting friends you haven’t seen in a while.
Receiving an unexpected gift.
Buying that book you've been wanting.
Flying anywhere on an airplane.
Things that come in the colour red.
Celebrating a friend’s accomplishments.
Celebrating your own accomplishments.
Going to a concert.
A road trip.
A camping trip.
A vacation.
Attending a wedding.
Your friend’s baby being born.
Birthday parties.
The first day of summer.
And on and on. The memories that come up as I type these make my heart swell; residual excitement, lol! ...Mind you, I would not actually want to feel excitement all the time. It's kind of a big feeling! Moments of it are great, even a day or two of running on excited energy isn't so bad--but I'm pretty sure chronic excitement would likely start to feel as overwhelming and exhausting as other big feelings.
But don't hear me wrong--I am grateful that excitement is among the palate of feelings we experience. Goodness knows there is enough heartache and pain and stress in the world—it would be a dark place indeed without feelings like joy, hope, and excitement.
Excitement experienced alone gives us a story to tell; excitement shared invites celebration. And both foster connection; which is really what it's all about in the end, isn't it?
Excitement is...
Visiting friends you haven’t seen in a while.Receiving an unexpected gift.
Buying that book you've been wanting.
Flying anywhere on an airplane.
Things that come in the colour red.
Celebrating a friend’s accomplishments.
Celebrating your own accomplishments.
Going to a concert.
A road trip.
A camping trip.
A vacation.
Attending a wedding.
Your friend’s baby being born.
Birthday parties.
The first day of summer.
And on and on. The memories that come up as I type these make my heart swell; residual excitement, lol! ...Mind you, I would not actually want to feel excitement all the time. It's kind of a big feeling! Moments of it are great, even a day or two of running on excited energy isn't so bad--but I'm pretty sure chronic excitement would likely start to feel as overwhelming and exhausting as other big feelings.
But don't hear me wrong--I am grateful that excitement is among the palate of feelings we experience. Goodness knows there is enough heartache and pain and stress in the world—it would be a dark place indeed without feelings like joy, hope, and excitement.
Excitement experienced alone gives us a story to tell; excitement shared invites celebration. And both foster connection; which is really what it's all about in the end, isn't it?
Saturday, November 4, 2017
#IAmGrateful 4
Friendship
Studies show that we each need at least one friendship like this (not including a romantic partner*)--and that if we have more than two, we should consider ourselves blessed.** Well, then. I am very blessed indeed. And most certainly, I am grateful.
*I read about this study in a book by Shasta Nelson--while not stated in the abstract, she noted in her book that spouses did not have an effect on perceived steepness of the hill.
**Brene Brown uses the word "lucky"--either way...
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| Captured from the book Cold Tangerines, by Shauna Niequist |
Studies show that we each need at least one friendship like this (not including a romantic partner*)--and that if we have more than two, we should consider ourselves blessed.** Well, then. I am very blessed indeed. And most certainly, I am grateful.
*I read about this study in a book by Shasta Nelson--while not stated in the abstract, she noted in her book that spouses did not have an effect on perceived steepness of the hill.
**Brene Brown uses the word "lucky"--either way...
Saturday, June 1, 2013
New Journeys and Fond Memories
"Ok. Stopping. Damsel officially in distress."
This was the text I sent out, from the side of the highway in rush-hour traffic, the day that Aubergine finally died. She had leaked a lot of coolant, and my mechanic friend and I thought I could make it to his place so he could look at her.
She didn't make it.
My friends came and rescued me, we picked up a trailer, and towed Aubergine back to their place. After a quick look under her hood, I was given my options: I could repair/replace the leak and engine--which would cost more than she was worth--or consider getting a new car a few months earlier than planned.
I signed a DNR on Aubergine. Filled the online donation form for the Kidney Foundation. And prepared my bank account to go car shopping.
The whole experience was a mixed bag of feelings.
Is it weird to say that I grieved my car? Maybe not so much the physical car as much as all the memories and experiences associated within. ...Okay, maybe also the physical car.
I was aiming for September. That would be when I would get a new car. I had anticipated one last summer with Aubergine. A few more months of driving home from work with the windows down and the radio up. Iced coffee in the cup holder instead of hot. A child in the back a couple times a week, excited to go to the best spray park in the city. One more road trip to Saskatchewan. And in a single, overheated engine moment, all those visions became a grey cloud of unknown.
Over the course of the next seven days, I drove seven different vehicles. I borrowed two friend's vehicles to get to work, to the dealership, and run errands. I test drove two different cars. I was pleasantly surprised with the Dodge Dart, so I bought one. In red, even. But soon after driving it off the lot, I realized it was missing features that I was promised it had. Non-negotiable features. I was allowed to drive this car for the next few days while the dealership fixed their mistake, but it was clear that this car would not be a keeper.
The keeper turned out to be grey. And used.* But it had a ton of extra features that I would be getting at no extra cost. And as this was now day seven of not having a car I could call my own, I decided to cut my losses on the colour, and finalize the sale of the grey one. Driving him off the lot, I was admittedly a bit neutral towards him. He still smelled like the previous owner. He shifted a little differently than his red cousin. He was charcoal grey. It was a quiet ride home.
Truth be told, I wasn't all that fond of Aubergine when I first got her. I had spent the previous several years driving around in shiny, red cars, and the car my ex and I had had before her was quite a bit more luxurious (a luxurious lemon, but nevertheless...). Aubergine had a few nice features, but it took me a while to get over the loss of heated seats, a sunroof... and she was eggplant purple with a tan interior. Let's just say, it took some getting used to.
Clearly, Aubergine grew on me.
Early on, I remember the ball head on her gear shift was a little bit loose. Bored at red lights, I would often twist the ball head left and right--just something to keep my fingers busy. At some point, she had been in my mechanic friend's care for the day (tire rotation? Mysterious noise? I don't even remember). When I was driving her home, I came to a red light, and out of habit, gave a little twist. No give! My friend had obviously noticed it when he was driving, and tightened it for me. While I attempted to twist the ball head a few more times, the habit was quickly dropped, and I never really thought about it again for the next five years.
The Dart and I are slowly getting to know each other. He's not a bad little car. He still smells like someone else. And I don't know his name yet. But he likes the same music I do, willingly brings sunshine and fresh air in through his sunroof, and has already proved himself in the bags and boxes I've had to transport over the last few days.
Driving him home the other evening... I'm not even sure what made me do it, but I was waiting at a red light. My hand was tapping gently on the ball head to the beat of the song in my speakers. In the midst of that, my fingers grasped the ball head, and gave it a twist.
It's a little bit loose.
Yup, I think this car might grow on me.
* Considering the Dodge Dart didn't exist before this year**, 'used' is a relative term. It's still a 2013 car, just with a few extra kilometres on it.
** A footnote of my footnote. Can I do that!? I just learned that the Dodge Dart actually DID exist before this year. WAY before this year. My mom informed me, "I believe a Dart was one of your dad's first cars." ...Apples clearly still falling from trees, even when I didn't know the apple was growing.
This was the text I sent out, from the side of the highway in rush-hour traffic, the day that Aubergine finally died. She had leaked a lot of coolant, and my mechanic friend and I thought I could make it to his place so he could look at her.
She didn't make it.
My friends came and rescued me, we picked up a trailer, and towed Aubergine back to their place. After a quick look under her hood, I was given my options: I could repair/replace the leak and engine--which would cost more than she was worth--or consider getting a new car a few months earlier than planned.
I signed a DNR on Aubergine. Filled the online donation form for the Kidney Foundation. And prepared my bank account to go car shopping.
The whole experience was a mixed bag of feelings.
Is it weird to say that I grieved my car? Maybe not so much the physical car as much as all the memories and experiences associated within. ...Okay, maybe also the physical car.
I was aiming for September. That would be when I would get a new car. I had anticipated one last summer with Aubergine. A few more months of driving home from work with the windows down and the radio up. Iced coffee in the cup holder instead of hot. A child in the back a couple times a week, excited to go to the best spray park in the city. One more road trip to Saskatchewan. And in a single, overheated engine moment, all those visions became a grey cloud of unknown.
Over the course of the next seven days, I drove seven different vehicles. I borrowed two friend's vehicles to get to work, to the dealership, and run errands. I test drove two different cars. I was pleasantly surprised with the Dodge Dart, so I bought one. In red, even. But soon after driving it off the lot, I realized it was missing features that I was promised it had. Non-negotiable features. I was allowed to drive this car for the next few days while the dealership fixed their mistake, but it was clear that this car would not be a keeper.
The keeper turned out to be grey. And used.* But it had a ton of extra features that I would be getting at no extra cost. And as this was now day seven of not having a car I could call my own, I decided to cut my losses on the colour, and finalize the sale of the grey one. Driving him off the lot, I was admittedly a bit neutral towards him. He still smelled like the previous owner. He shifted a little differently than his red cousin. He was charcoal grey. It was a quiet ride home.
Truth be told, I wasn't all that fond of Aubergine when I first got her. I had spent the previous several years driving around in shiny, red cars, and the car my ex and I had had before her was quite a bit more luxurious (a luxurious lemon, but nevertheless...). Aubergine had a few nice features, but it took me a while to get over the loss of heated seats, a sunroof... and she was eggplant purple with a tan interior. Let's just say, it took some getting used to.
Clearly, Aubergine grew on me.
Early on, I remember the ball head on her gear shift was a little bit loose. Bored at red lights, I would often twist the ball head left and right--just something to keep my fingers busy. At some point, she had been in my mechanic friend's care for the day (tire rotation? Mysterious noise? I don't even remember). When I was driving her home, I came to a red light, and out of habit, gave a little twist. No give! My friend had obviously noticed it when he was driving, and tightened it for me. While I attempted to twist the ball head a few more times, the habit was quickly dropped, and I never really thought about it again for the next five years.
The Dart and I are slowly getting to know each other. He's not a bad little car. He still smells like someone else. And I don't know his name yet. But he likes the same music I do, willingly brings sunshine and fresh air in through his sunroof, and has already proved himself in the bags and boxes I've had to transport over the last few days.
Driving him home the other evening... I'm not even sure what made me do it, but I was waiting at a red light. My hand was tapping gently on the ball head to the beat of the song in my speakers. In the midst of that, my fingers grasped the ball head, and gave it a twist.
It's a little bit loose.
Yup, I think this car might grow on me.
* Considering the Dodge Dart didn't exist before this year**, 'used' is a relative term. It's still a 2013 car, just with a few extra kilometres on it.
** A footnote of my footnote. Can I do that!? I just learned that the Dodge Dart actually DID exist before this year. WAY before this year. My mom informed me, "I believe a Dart was one of your dad's first cars." ...Apples clearly still falling from trees, even when I didn't know the apple was growing.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
A Project Complete OR 365/365
Wow! A whole year has come and gone; my 365 photography project is complete! The original goal of this project was simply to give myself a reasonable challenge doing something I enjoy; and enhance my overall skills as a result. Of course, I have learned so much more than what I originally set out to achieve—and I don’t just mean in photography skills. I have learned new technical skills, for sure, but I've also learned a lot about how I feel towards certain processes in photography. And I have also learned quite a bit about myself.
For example, I quickly learned that I do NOT like taking my photo in the first hour between when I wake up and when I leave the house in
the morning. I’m just NOT a morning person, and it shows. There were a couple
exceptions to this—they usually involved pictures of me in bed, and thus my eyes were closed or I had slept in and didn’t look like I’d just been
jarred into consciousness for the day.
I also learned that the iPhone begets laziness! I only acquired my iPhone in April--I was already 244 days into the project. That being said, the ratio of mobile phone images to camera images is much higher in the days after acquiring my iPhone than in the 244 days preceding it. In many instances, the iPhone takes fairly good photos. Pair that with not wanting to pack a camera around some days, or the ease of file transfer via iCloud, and you've got a simple way out of having to set up a dSLR shot. Oh, technology!
I also learned that the iPhone begets laziness! I only acquired my iPhone in April--I was already 244 days into the project. That being said, the ratio of mobile phone images to camera images is much higher in the days after acquiring my iPhone than in the 244 days preceding it. In many instances, the iPhone takes fairly good photos. Pair that with not wanting to pack a camera around some days, or the ease of file transfer via iCloud, and you've got a simple way out of having to set up a dSLR shot. Oh, technology!
In 365 days, I only missed taking my picture three times (oops, oops, and huh?).
Nevertheless, between a leap year bonus day, and a perfect summer Saturday where I posted two
extra pictures, I’ve still ended up with the original goal of 365. I have to tell you, though, some days, this project was really quite challenging! It is easy to take
photos of special events, or regular events in special places.
But slogging through the fall and winter often left me sighing in apathy or exasperation at the end of the day, wondering what on earth was exciting enough
to warrant a photograph.
75% of my photos were self-taken (i.e. I hand-held the
camera myself, or put it onto a tripod and used a timer/remote). And I have to
tell ya, it takes a lot of UN-natural to get natural-looking poses. I took
anywhere from 2-20 shots each day. Occasionally even more. Sometimes, it was just because I needed to position myself slightly differently in front of the camera. I often
tweaked my original vision. Occasionally, I changed my vision entirely. (On the
plus side, I found myself Photoshopping less.) Only very occasionally did I get
the shot in just one take.
Thankfully, 22% of my photos were taken by friends and
acquaintances, which provided some images that were a little more true-to-the-moment. My
friends are so gracious. I cannot even count the number of times I would get
together with friends for the evening, and announce, “at some point, I need
someone to take my picture.” Only one or two of my friends were comfortable enough with my camera to 'fire at will', so to speak. Often times, if I
was handing my camera to a friend, I got the sense that they wanted to take two
or three shots, and give the scary black box back to me as quickly as possible.
I learned over time that people were more willing to take the picture when they could use cameras they were familiar and comfortable with (I know, it seems obvious, doesn't it).
And yes, several photos were taken by complete strangers.
They generally didn’t turn out to be the greatest composition, but hey, they’re
authentic!
Most (93%) of my photos were taken using my own cameras.
This included my dSLR, my compact digital camera, my Polaroid, my mobile phone cameras, and Macbook webcam. Oh, and my scanner. The remaining 7% were obviously
taken using other people’s cameras—the office camera or those of friends. …Or
the studio at Victoria's Secret.
71% of my photos were taken indoors, and 28% outdoors. This
is about in line with the percentage of the year we spend in winter vs. summer.
Hmm…
Only a mere 15% of my photos purposely included other
people. I really am an introvert.
These stats are interesting.
And yet, despite taking 365 different
photos, I sill notice patterns throughout, clearly indicative of my
particular ‘style’ (whatever that is). For example, I really like to focus
right in on my main subject, using a shallow depth-of-field to blur out the
rest of the image. I love that effect. Also, if only a part of me was in the
photo, it tended to be my hands more often than any other part. Finally, I really
just don’t care to get overly artistic with my photos. I had fun with a few
different camera techniques or Photoshop tricks, but outside of those, I really just like
to capture life as it is. I always knew this--that I tend to keep my photography pretty realistic--but I think I’ve come to know it
even more through this project. For example, I tried to put together one very conceptual shot, and I have
to admit, I don’t really like it. I’m just not that right-brained enough to do
a good job of it. Which I’ve come to accept is okay—I don’t need to be that
photographer. There are plenty of those individuals out there already. I need
to be me, and take the photos my brain was designed to take.
I have had a lot of fun with this project--even on those dreary winter days! Aside from being yet another way to visually chronicle daily events over time, it has made for great conversation, worthwhile skill enhancement, and inspiration for future photography projects (oh yes, there will be more!).
A hearty thanks to those who participated in and supported my project by taking pictures, being in pictures, or simply by following along on the blog. It has made the whole process that much more fun and memorable.
Harvest to Harvest; done and done!
I have had a lot of fun with this project--even on those dreary winter days! Aside from being yet another way to visually chronicle daily events over time, it has made for great conversation, worthwhile skill enhancement, and inspiration for future photography projects (oh yes, there will be more!).
A hearty thanks to those who participated in and supported my project by taking pictures, being in pictures, or simply by following along on the blog. It has made the whole process that much more fun and memorable.
Harvest to Harvest; done and done!
Sunday, May 27, 2012
300/365
I am selective about the causes I choose to support. Not because I don't care about the array of issues affecting people in this world, or believe in the good that so many people are trying to do; but because, if I got on board with every single one of them, I would be exhausted and broke. So I choose the issues close to home. Issues, injustices, or maladies that have either affected my life personally, and/or that affect the life of someone close to me.
This morning, I walked for 10km, raising funds and awareness for MS. I have some knowledge of MS, based on the facts and experiences my friend affected by the disease has shared. Today I learned some new facts about MS that I hadn't known before:
These facts were all posted on little signs along the walking trail. After reading them, I found myself--as a young Canadian female--extra grateful for my health. It also reminded of what a rock star my friend really is.
As with the other passions close to my heart, it excites me that the possibility of researchers and experts finding a cure could be just on the cusp of the future. Forget walking--there will be happy dances all around.
This morning, I walked for 10km, raising funds and awareness for MS. I have some knowledge of MS, based on the facts and experiences my friend affected by the disease has shared. Today I learned some new facts about MS that I hadn't known before:
- Canadians have one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world.
- MS is the most common neurological disease affecting young adults in Canada.
- Every day, three more people in Canada are diagnosed with MS.
- Women are more than three times as likely to develop MS as men.
- MS can cause loss of balance, impaired speech, extreme fatigue, double vision and paralysis.
- MS was first identified and described by a French neurologist, Dr. Jean-Martin Charcot, in 1868.
- The cause of MS is unknown, but researchers are closer to finding the answer.
These facts were all posted on little signs along the walking trail. After reading them, I found myself--as a young Canadian female--extra grateful for my health. It also reminded of what a rock star my friend really is.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
285/365
Oh, perfect Saturdays. I have spoken of you many a time on my blog. You are the perfect mix of introverted self time and activity with friends. You are usually sunny and warm, and you never start before 10am.* You are wonderful, and I love it when I am blessed with you.
Today was a perfect Saturday. And I don't think I've really had a perfect Saturday in the course of this photography project. There have been a few really great Saturdays (and even a couple of lazy Saturdays), but there's a subtle qualitative difference between a great Saturday and a perfect Saturday.
I thought my photo for today was going to be easy. The garden went in today: green beans, yellow beans, carrots, dill, lettuce, spinach, snap peas, pumpkin, and zucchini. I've already taken pictures of the seeds and the sprouts, and now they're going into the ground. How could that not be my blog photo for today?
But then, after the garden was done, CR and JM came over and we celebrated the warm sunshine with a bike ride through the River Valley. I didn't bring my camera, but CR did. And she took some lovely photos. My first bike ride of the season! How could that not be my blog photo for today?
And THEN, just when I think I've already got a tough decision to make, I find myself in my hammock. I've been in there a few times after work this week, but always for under ten minutes--just long enough to scrape up some of the last bit of sunshine that I missed while sitting in my office all day long. Today I spent over 45 minutes in the thing, reading a good book, and watching my cat try to navigate this new piece of furniture. My first real back yard hammock experience. How could that not be my blog photo for today?
So... I'm cheating (hey, it's my project, I can do that). Today, I have three photos. In their own way, they each represent life, blessing, relationship, warmth, happiness, goodness, peace, and love.
Yes, a perfect Saturday indeed.
Today was a perfect Saturday. And I don't think I've really had a perfect Saturday in the course of this photography project. There have been a few really great Saturdays (and even a couple of lazy Saturdays), but there's a subtle qualitative difference between a great Saturday and a perfect Saturday.
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| ...to soil! |
And THEN, just when I think I've already got a tough decision to make, I find myself in my hammock. I've been in there a few times after work this week, but always for under ten minutes--just long enough to scrape up some of the last bit of sunshine that I missed while sitting in my office all day long. Today I spent over 45 minutes in the thing, reading a good book, and watching my cat try to navigate this new piece of furniture. My first real back yard hammock experience. How could that not be my blog photo for today?
So... I'm cheating (hey, it's my project, I can do that). Today, I have three photos. In their own way, they each represent life, blessing, relationship, warmth, happiness, goodness, peace, and love.
Yes, a perfect Saturday indeed.
* Okay, just once, but it was worth it.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Lovely Weather for a Snowshoe AND 229/365
We were spoiled this winter. Temperatures sat around -5C most days, and very little snow. While farmers are already complaining, my snow shovel certainly was not. Still, without any snow, Edmonton lacked any sort of winter aesthetic quality that it could have had. Also, there was no snowshoeing.
Snowshoeing is generally a weekly excursion in the winter--a chance to catch up with friends and be physically active at the same time. Not so much this year. I snowshoed in Edmonton four times. I gained eight pounds.
So, when it was suggested that we go snowshoeing in the mountains, there was actually a fair bit of excitement about the idea. Factor in a great deal on Expedia, and you've got the makings of a good girls' weekend. It seemed like it had been forever since I'd had a girls' weekend. Really, it was only last summer, but we only ventured about an hour and a half from home on that trip, so I guess it didn't really feel like we "got away." A five hour drive to the mountains (complete with awesome 90's music and a Gasoline Alley pit stop)--now that feels more like a getaway!
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We opted to trek along the Chester Lake trail near Canmore. I was actually worried there wouldn't be enough snow--how easily I doubt! We were quite thankful that we didn't have to break trail. There was plenty of the fluffy stuff--everywhere.
Conversation on the trail happened in small doses, in between the uphill climbs requiring a larger lung capacity. I always have the convenient excuse of stopping to take a photograph whenever I want a break. As such, I generally 'bring up the rear', and this hike was no different.
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Up the hill, through the meadow, and down the trail a bit more to reach Chester Lake. ....We didn't actually see the lake, but we're presuming that it's there, under all the snow! We stopped and ate there, regardless. The lunch break was shorter than it would be in the summer. Snow pants are no substitute for the warmth of the sun on bare legs. We all started cooling off fairly quickly, and pretty much started heading back down the mountain after the last bite of sandwich had been swallowed.
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Often throughout the year, but especially when I travel to the mountains, I remember how blessed I am to live in this province. Alberta is so rich in scenery, and the mountains sure hold the upper hand in that respect. I have to admit, the only thing more perfect would have been to see it against the backdrop of a blue sky, but the contrast of green conifers covered in lumps of snow against the white sky was eye-catching, too. Especially the vastness of it all. And the way the mountains seemed to almost hide in the snowy background--not prominent, and yet definitely present. There was a soft, muted quality to the wintry surroundings, and yet, a fresh fragrance akin to the one I breathe deeply each summer.
By the time we reached the bottom, my thighs hurt with every step, and the snow was falling thicker and faster. It was definitely time to head back to the hotel's hot tub. We threw the car into reverse, and it satisfyingly cut through the snow drifts of the parking lot like butter. Considering we had just covered an advertised 4-hour snowshoe hike in roughly 3-hours, I was feeling a similar satisfaction myself.
Snowshoeing is generally a weekly excursion in the winter--a chance to catch up with friends and be physically active at the same time. Not so much this year. I snowshoed in Edmonton four times. I gained eight pounds.
So, when it was suggested that we go snowshoeing in the mountains, there was actually a fair bit of excitement about the idea. Factor in a great deal on Expedia, and you've got the makings of a good girls' weekend. It seemed like it had been forever since I'd had a girls' weekend. Really, it was only last summer, but we only ventured about an hour and a half from home on that trip, so I guess it didn't really feel like we "got away." A five hour drive to the mountains (complete with awesome 90's music and a Gasoline Alley pit stop)--now that feels more like a getaway!
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Conversation on the trail happened in small doses, in between the uphill climbs requiring a larger lung capacity. I always have the convenient excuse of stopping to take a photograph whenever I want a break. As such, I generally 'bring up the rear', and this hike was no different.
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Often throughout the year, but especially when I travel to the mountains, I remember how blessed I am to live in this province. Alberta is so rich in scenery, and the mountains sure hold the upper hand in that respect. I have to admit, the only thing more perfect would have been to see it against the backdrop of a blue sky, but the contrast of green conifers covered in lumps of snow against the white sky was eye-catching, too. Especially the vastness of it all. And the way the mountains seemed to almost hide in the snowy background--not prominent, and yet definitely present. There was a soft, muted quality to the wintry surroundings, and yet, a fresh fragrance akin to the one I breathe deeply each summer. By the time we reached the bottom, my thighs hurt with every step, and the snow was falling thicker and faster. It was definitely time to head back to the hotel's hot tub. We threw the car into reverse, and it satisfyingly cut through the snow drifts of the parking lot like butter. Considering we had just covered an advertised 4-hour snowshoe hike in roughly 3-hours, I was feeling a similar satisfaction myself.
"Unusual travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God."
-- Kurt Vonnegut
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
195/365
A little bit of celebrating,
A little bit of adventure,
A lot of pizza.
A little bit of chocolate,
A little bit of cozy beverage,
A little bit of catching up.
A lot of yum.
A lot of fun.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
174/365
Birthday celebrations concluded last night with a gathering at my house. I always enjoy having company over. I love my space, and I love fellowship within it. Certainly not a wild or crazy evening, my party was nevertheless a lovely evening of laughter, food, and fun.
It was also one more thing that reminded me of how blessed I am in my friendships and community. As I mentioned previously, the birthday celebrations started two weeks ago. My family in SK took me out for a lovely brunch. My six-year-old niece, ever-purposeful in so much of what she does, wore an entirely-red outfit in my honour. This really touched me as a reminder of the intentionality with which I am considered by those close to me.
The following week--my actual birthday--I was spoiled again. I had suggested a simple Birthday-Grey's Night, but the girls took that idea and ran with it.
I sat in JP's kitchen, watching the three of them move animatedly around pots, cutting boards, and appliances, piecing together their fondue creation. I know that they were having fun creating simply because they were creating. But I also know that this idea had come about as they had considered me. Just me.
Last night, my friends continued to pour the light of celebration and love upon me. And all I really had to do was take it in. (That and the rum-chocolate mousse!)
(As a side note, I had ten people in my house for this event, and my anxiety-disordered cat remained upstairs for the entire evening. She also stayed in the living room, where everyone was gathered, for at least half of that. She enjoyed cuddles from more than one person, and did not hiss at anyone. This is a birthday miracle, if ever I saw one.)
It was also one more thing that reminded me of how blessed I am in my friendships and community. As I mentioned previously, the birthday celebrations started two weeks ago. My family in SK took me out for a lovely brunch. My six-year-old niece, ever-purposeful in so much of what she does, wore an entirely-red outfit in my honour. This really touched me as a reminder of the intentionality with which I am considered by those close to me.The following week--my actual birthday--I was spoiled again. I had suggested a simple Birthday-Grey's Night, but the girls took that idea and ran with it.
I sat in JP's kitchen, watching the three of them move animatedly around pots, cutting boards, and appliances, piecing together their fondue creation. I know that they were having fun creating simply because they were creating. But I also know that this idea had come about as they had considered me. Just me.
This--at this point, right here--was a wealth of blessing.
Last night, my friends continued to pour the light of celebration and love upon me. And all I really had to do was take it in. (That and the rum-chocolate mousse!)
Friday, January 6, 2012
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Monday, January 2, 2012
Thursday, December 22, 2011
144/365
Still not enough snow in Edmonton to break out the snowshoes, but a pre-Christmas walk through the festive lights is lovely, too!
Monday, November 7, 2011
98/365
I was invited spontaneously to hang out with some friends and watch a movie this evening.The spontaneity part was giving me a particularly hard time (and for no particularly good reason).
Solution: purchase comfort food for supper, (follow it up with wine), and enjoy the movie and the company.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
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