2020: Love, Hope and Joy

It has been a good start to the new year. I have been reading books more consistently, made up a tote bag for our niece who turned 13 on the 13th, knit up a toy cow as a gift for a wee mite, as well as visited with Mom and my twin sister. Over the past year I have been trying to incorporate into gifts, the embroidery samplers Scott's paternal grandmother created while she was alive. By making several throw pillows, a quilt back and this tote, then gifting them to family who have appreciated them immensely. It warms my heart being able to breathe new life into a craft that was created by a talented and well loved family member.
A daily mantra I have been repeating: I am healthy, joyful, grateful and resilient.
Be well and take care of each other.
Enjoy the journey. ox

Bees and blooms - March 2010

An overwhelming natural disaster and words seem insufficient.

Our thoughts remain with all those in Japan.

Difficult Times

Our hearts break for Haiti and its population. There are many inspiring efforts being made by so many to help with relief efforts, to me these individuals are the embodiment of what true heroes are. At times like these, we give what we can, are grateful for all that we have (running water, food, shelter...), and hold ever closer our loved ones.

Inspiration

I wanted to thank each of you for all the comments and continued support. Words seem to be elusive these days, there are plenty of thoughts swirling around in my mind, lists of things I need to accomplish, doodles in my sketch book and project journal. Lately I feel immobilized by all the things that I need to attend to. Skirting the things that need my attention, I find other things to do. Often I troll the web for inspiration and it delivers, more often than not. I thought I would share a bit of the loveliness I have come across.

What fills you with awe?
A talented friend's work with porcelain.
A friend's gifted works in the medium of pen and ink.
The latest image by a favourite flickr contact.
The view of a volcanic eruption from the International Space Station, wow!

What has been inspiring you lately? Wasn't the full moon on Tuesday a spectacular sight!?! Enjoy the journey.

A favourite photograph

The beauty of light - Bratislava, Slovakia - 10 January 2007

The image above has preserved one of those gorgeous moments when you happen upon something breathtaking. I was ascending a flight of stairs while out exploring a residential area of the city and spied this glorious scene, I was transfixed. To this day it remains a particular favourite of mine. The way the light is captured holds a certain kind of magic for me. I just love how photographs have the ability to transport me back through time; where in an instant, moments and memories are brought to mind so vividly.
Our jasmine plant is in full bloom, the beautiful fragrance highlights each visit to the balcony. The wildflowers are in their glory now, some blooms are waning but there are ever so many to take their place. The spring season is at her height of perfection and we love every glorious moment.
Enjoy the journey!!!

Thoughts

Hints of Spring III - Austin, Texas - 3 March 2008 The month of March heralds Dad's birthday, as well as Mom & Dad's wedding anniversary. This time of year tends to bring to mind thoughts and memories of Dad more readily, more so this year, with April 12th being five years since Dad's death. Some days it seems as though it were only yesterday, while others, it is as though time has lost all meaning. Funny how our minds can seemingly play tricks on us. At times memories appear to be stored away at random, since there are moments when something out of the blue can bring about an entire cascade of stored thoughts and images from the past. I suppose if I were to consider it more closely, there must be a connection between the trigger and the memory, but it really shouldn't matter where, or why or how. I am simply grateful that I have the capacity to retain so many cherished memories. They are a true gift. Here is to remembering...

away

The next couple of weeks will be spent travelling, I will be visiting with loved ones in Canada. Regular posting will resume the second week of December, to celebrate the first anniversary of our blog (11 December). The start of things with this blog correspond with our time in Europe, since it was our desire to share our experiences while in Slovakia, that formed the basis of what this blog would become. One year ago today we were anxiously preparing for our flight to Europe, which we boarded one year ago tomorrow. Amazing that an entire year has already passed, it was a soul enhancing experience, residing and travelling in parts of Europe for three months. Then adjusting to being back in North America and everything that happened this summer, it has been an incredible year. If interested you can revisit our time spent overseas by reading through the older blog entries posted between December 2006 and March 2007. Wishing our American friends and family a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday next week!!!
Enjoy the journey!!!!

the steady fall of the rain

Taken this Summer - Austin, Texas

A day that encourages one to slow down, to take stock and enjoy all that has been so generously given. Inspired by the following posts, Simple Me and Posh Yarn. This photo is a beauty and thought provoking as well! Children and parents, what a mix, check out this photo-blog post.

I am in the midst of preparing for a trip to visit a friend in Virginia. Looking forward to spending some time with Lisa, hard to believe it has been two years since we last saw each other. So many things swirling about in my mind, I keep adding to lists, but I can not seem to focus the energy the way I would like. A nice walk will help.

Good day to each of you!!!

A few words

You will find new photos in our flickr account. Had a lovely lunch with a friend yesterday, thanks Lola! Wishing Marnie, Tom & Thomas safe travels across the pond. Love this photograph, as well as this one, and this too!

Received an email message from a dear friend and her words have encouraged me and helped to reinforce the reasons for maintaining a blog. To share our thoughts and inspirations, in hopes of bringing our worlds a little closer, at least for a moment. Thanks Erin!!!

Here's to a wonder-filled weekend!!!

Time to Think

Do you ever feel as though you have so many thoughts swirling around in your mind that you are not quite certain where to begin? I am slowly working on a couple of knitting projects and I have three books on the go at the moment. Most nights before bed I work on Sudoku puzzles, I find them so calming. I am enjoying food again, trying new recipes and loving the new season of fresh produce! Our container garden is coming along, the Cilantro and Bachelor Buttons we started from seed are doing marvelously well. I just picked up a small locally grown Julep Mint plant that should be larger than ever in no time. Our Jasmine has just finished blooming, the heavenly scent from its fragrant blossoms would greet you whenever the patio door was opened. There are two small succulents that are beginning to branch out and should be quite well established by the end of the summer. Much to think about and in time I may be able to formulate these many thoughts into coherent sentences.
Enjoy the journey!