The view from there

This is the view I woke up to this past weekend. I was struck at how simple it is. I mean, not simple in the sense that it has taken years and years and years to form geographically. I mean simple in the sense that looking out the window at the surroundings brought such a feeling of contentment and reassurance to me. There were no distractions to get bogged down in. While it may seem to me that living among those there hills will never happen, maybe it just means that the time is not right now. Maybe I need to learn something about patience and appreciation for the things that are my reality right now. Maybe I need to remember that the Gatineau Hills weren't built in a day...

Speaking of days, I hope yours is going along nicely.
Karen

Slow down or you'll miss it

I was reminded (yet again) that I really must heed the above-mentioned advice. As I secretly watched for a few seconds, my biggest girl was hard at work at her first "on the payroll" kind of job. It was one of those moments where I was torn between tears and smiles and ended up doing both. On the one hand I am so proud of her for being brave and confident in taking that step. On the other, it is another step in her journey to independence. While standing there thinking about her life and our lives, the reality of that last fact hit me like a tonne of bricks...she is well and truly on her way, and I don't think I could feel more proud or excited for her. The next time I start to feel a bit like a cab driver I hope I can remember that.

Karen

One small change

I usually re-read my posts a day or two later to make sure that they sound right. This morning I looked over my post from yesterday entitled "Springing". Other than the fact that I took artistic liberty with the word "spring", I realized that the last sentence makes it sound like I am looking forward to the end of winter. I would like to adjust it to say something like;

"I am trying my best to live in the moment, to not wish the time to pass any faster than it already is, to enjoy every moment be it easy or hard, to remember that all the nose wiping, snack making, diaper changing and teenage strides towards independence will be missed one day."

In my post of yesterday, I was merely trying to point out the obvious (that spring IS coming) to myself. I am not, I repeat, NOT wishing winter away.

Life is good. We spent more time outside today than we have for awhile. The swings are usable once again. The carrots we left for the rabbits are gone (admittedly some taken by the non-native black squirrels). A wee snowman now hangs out in our front yard.
Good indeed.

And it is almost the weekend. Happy Friday everyone.
Karen

Springing

The cardinals are singing away in the mornings now. They haven't been heard in months.
The pileated woodpecker is making a mess of the trees in the park. It's like mulch has been spread early this year.
Slowly but surely the birds are returning. I know the American Robin is the true harbinger of spring, but if you take a closer look, there are other signs....
Happy thoughts to happy times ahead. Times with no snowsuits, boots or mittens.
Hopefully your week is going well.

Goin' up the country

We are so lucky here in Ottawa. It takes all of about 15 minutes to get out of the city and into to the hills. And such beautiful hills they are. It doesn't matter what season it is. Lucky indeed.
Today was spent exploring possibilities, renewing old ties and restoring ones faith in the world...all thanks to a short drive in the car. Reminding me that one day....

On the mend

Things seem to be righting themselves. Today we went on a bear hunt (based on the book "We're Going on a Bear Hunt"by Michael Rosen). We also found ourselves on a boat ride where we had to be careful on account of the alligators in the water.
Questions like "mama, why are ladybugs called that...are they all ladies" were being sprung on me.
Valentines cards and chocolates came in the mail.
All the laundry has been folded. Tonite we catch up on some sleep. Ahhhhh.

Keeping it light

I am trying to remain positive. Trying to keep in mind that it will all pass.
You see, there have been different "somethings" going through the house for no less than 3 weeks. It begins to weigh. Sleep deprivation...laundry overload...
It is not for lack of sun. This winter has been nothing short of spectacular as far as weather goes. Mother Nature has been kind.
So, to keep my thoughts in a positive light I have decided to implement with all the authority in me the following rules to live by:

1. all remaining winter projects are banished. No more hats or neckwarmers in dark winter-like colors (sorry babe, next year I promise!) I have started knitting Hazel a lovely and bright spring hat in an amazing Merino wool from Mirasol Peru.

2. remember that fabric has been ordered...enough for many, many spring and summer dresses and skirts...some of which is hanging on the line (yes, outside) as I write this.

3. soup intake is hereby reduced to a mere once a week from now until spring.

What gets you through?

Karen

It's the little things.

For example,

* putting the long johns away for the day
* bright, sunshiney days
* a cooler full of fresh veggies from an organic, local farm delivered once a week
* the anticipation of a fun-filled day of sledding and visiting with friends

Hooray, bring on the weekend.
Hope you all have a good one.

Karen

Day 1....with any luck

February. Otherwise known as the longest shortest month.
But....the days are getting longer. The sun is getting warmer.
And I am here. After much hmmm and haaa, I have made the leap.