101 ways to . . .

. . . get your Christmas tree home. I have enjoyed watching people lug and tug their Christmas trees home over the past few days. Trees strapped securely to cars and trucks with ropes, sticking precariously out of trunks, and even smooshed inside. My favourite sight was watching a girl with a red toque and black rubber boots taking her tree home on her bicycle.

on my way, supper, and four on a couch

I make my way to a friend's house after a long first day at my new job. I'm tired and I don't feel like cooking. I suggest going out to find something to eat and he says, "Take a seat, I'll make you dinner." We end up having an impromptu party with two other friends, a bar of dark chocolate, and some coffee. It's the perfect ending to a tiring and somewhat overwhelming day.

no, i didn't fall off the end of the earth . . .

. . . don't really know where I've been, but here I am! I love my new apartment and my new surroundings. I'm close to friends and things that are important to me - I finally feel like I'm living where my life is, if that makes any sense. Tomorrow I start a new job and a whole new chapter in my life. Here I go!

1. October: Coming in my apartment door and seeing the red-gold glow of the autumn leaves brushing against my window

2. November: Getting new glimpses of mountains and city skyline as the leaves fall from the trees and the bare branches provide new vistas

3. December: Watching the raindrops as they are illuminated by the streetlight outside my window. The light makes them flash and sparkle like tiny fireworks

views, visits, and vicissitudes

1. A deep orange crescent of moon hangs above the city's skyline
2. Anticipating a friend's visit
3. Looking back and seeing the rhythm, pattern, and meaning to life's changes

profiles, perfect timing, and can't wait

1. A row of chimneys outlined against the dusk sky
2. Going in to work when it's raining and coming out when it's sunny
3. Friday night plans to anticipate and savour

Ramblings, twinkle, and bliss

1. An alone but not lonely late night walk
2. A gentle breeze makes the fairy lights on a neighbours' tree twinkle and wink
3. Back at the cabin, everyone else has gone to bed. I light the candles and pour myself a hot bath.

trek, taking time, and three part harmony

1. The feeling of accomplishment when we arrive at the glacier lakes and alpine meadows
2. Stopping to pick the blackberries I had to rush by in the morning
3. My friend stops me and tells me to listen. From one side I hear trickling from a small waterfall. Below me I hear a gurgle as the creek runs downhill. Far away I hear a roar as the larger river thunders by.