re-start

Struggling to re-frame a day that started too early, I think about the idea of starting again - and was reminded of this blog; my way of recording the beautiful things of every day life.  It's been awhile! The beautiful things of life remain so it's time to hit the re-start button and start blogging again! 

cheap thrills

To see a friend pass by on the road and frantically wave as our cars swoosh by each other.

good news

For a moment, my friend's good news reminds me of what I don't have.  I breath deep and fill my soul with gratitude for what I do have, what I hope for, and what I trust will come to my life. 

laugh!

Our quiet office is transformed by our new colleague; her laughter resonates throughout the hallways.

teach me

I've decided to learn to knit. From all corners in my life come offers to help me learn.  Patient teachers fix my mistakes, answer questions, and keep me going.

pancakes!

It's Shrove Tuesday, which means pancakes for everyone in Lunenburg County, no matter if you're a church goer or not.  Whether it was at the firehall, church basement, school, or community hall, chances are you had syrup with supper tonight.

have you heard?

"Have you heard the robins?" My neighbour tells me that the songbirds are singing again.  The next morning I take time to listen for their greeting.

in the pasture

On the first day of snow, when the white curtain of winter began to stream down, 

the house where i lived grew distant

and at first it seemed imperative to hurry home.

But later, not much later, I began to see

that soft snowbound house as i would always remember it, 

and i would linger a long time in the pasture, 

turning in circles, staring

at all the crisp, exciting, snow filled roads

that led away.

- Mary Oliver

quintessential

Kids are playing hockey out on the frozen lake. It's a quintessential Canadian moment and the first time I've ever seen it for myself.

bowling . . . and not alone

As the book  Bowling Alone (about the change in how people in America interact and engage in society) was partially responsible for my current career path, it's somewhat ironic that I now bowl with a local league. As I look around the alley, there are familiar faces, smiles of recognition, and warm welcomes.  It's the Friday night league in Lunenburg and I feel like I belong.

inside, outside

Outside, today was cold and grey.  Inside, it was filled with naps, tea with a new friend, help with a project, and a package in the post.

winter's walk

The woods envelop us and we enter, silenced and awed by a world of glistening white. Branches heavy with snow tempt us to try a taste.

maybe

I'm reflecting on the changes that have (and haven't) happened in my life since moving to Nova Scotia from BC one year ago today.  Have I made the right choices this year?  Are the decisions that I've made (including to stay here and buy a house) wise or foolish?  The answer? Maybe. 


Maybe

Once upon a time there was an old farmer who had worked his crops for many years. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit. “Such bad luck,” they said sympathetically.

“Maybe,” the farmer replied.

The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. “How wonderful,” the neighbors exclaimed.

“Maybe,” replied the old man.

The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune.

“Maybe,” answered the farmer.

The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son’s leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out.

“Maybe,” said the farmer.

-A Zen Buddhist Fable

(Thanks, Dee )

Home for the Holidays

Home for the holidays means camp fires by the river, day-long brunches, and tea laced with Grand Marnier. It's good to be here.

I'll Be Home for Christmas

city mouse, country mouse

I feel deep and abiding peace when in the country.  When in the city, there's energy and new experiences everywhere.  But which one am I?

one for every body

Lunenburg County is the Balsam Fir Christmas tree capital of the world.  Around every bend someone is selling wreaths and Christmas trees - including at the headstone monument lot, in front yards, and at the recycling centre.  Some days I wonder if there are more Christmas trees than people here. At the very least, there's one for each of us.

I'm getting closer

A bright moon lights my path home late at night. Then, as I get closer, I hear the wind chimes on the porch singing. Finally, as I step onto the lawn,  there's the laughter of my house-mate who's sitting on the steps.

what it's all about

“In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy.” – David Steindl-Rast

when one bowl is not enough

Tonight was the annual All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Chowder Supper at the Riverport Fire Hall; I'm assured by everyone that it's "the best you'll ever have".  Our bowls arrive steaming and full to the brim with seafood. Soon we're exclaiming that it is indeed the best we've ever tasted.

Photo: T.S. 

the enchanted cottage

Along Cornwallis Street sits a small cottage. The Christmas candles in the window bath the row of glass bottles on the sill and the small room inside with enchantment.