Rest, a retreat, and rejuvenation

I'm going to Rivendell, a beautiful retreat centre on Bowen Island, for the next two weeks. I'm seeking rest for my mind and my body, and direction for my soul. Can't wait!

Did I mention . . .

. . . that I'm DONE ?!!

And the most beautiful thing of all . . .

I'M DONE !!!

Getting into the spirit of things, spring showers, and telephone wires

1. Every last inch of a house in my neighbourhood has been decorated for Easter . . . eggs hanging from trees, flowers in baskets, large bunnies strewn across the lawn . . . as I pass, I stop, amazed
2. As I leave for a run, a gentle rain starts up. Just as the wind starts blowing and the rain really starts pelting, I'm home
3. A row of blackbirds sitting on a telephone wire

sweet, square dancing, and smack

1. The air smells sweet when I go outside, especially when I walk under the flowering cherry trees
2. A group of white haired ladies stand around in their square dancing skirts, gossiping like they probably did when they were 16
3. The sound of a baseball smacking into a glove

crunch, thanks dad, and sisterhood

1. a cold, crunchy apple that squirts juice as I bite into it
2. my concerned dad ringing to let me know he hasn't quite been able to get all of my money back on my tax return - "your return is less $8, dear"
3. a friend proudly announces that her sister has started a blog displaying her beautiful handmade cards

flowers, invigoration, cuppas, and what did you say?

1. a vase of tulips sitting by my computer reminds me of the tulip fields near my childhood home
2. feeling like I really really want to get this paper done and deciding to sit down and do it
3. innumerable cups of steaming hot tea keep me encouraged

and . . .

my supervisor calls me into his office to tell me about a project he will be working on with my practicum supervisor from last summer and the head of a policy agency I have always wanted to work with. he tells me there is lots of funding available for students and suggest this would make a great PhD project

WHAT?!?!?! (I manage not to fall off my chair)