oh those lights!

Last week we went to see the Legislature Building grounds all lit up - it was magical!  I loved walking in the crisp cold air, taking in the sparkling fairy lights.  And the moon was almost full... which lent an ethereal feel to the night.  Definitely starting to feel like the holidays!

The first cold spell...

A cold spell is upon us. This morning is -23 celcius with the wind chill. In this weather I feel anxious about going out of doors with the boys. I fear they will feel cold or become frost bitten. Nevertheless, we bundled up and braved the cold to walk the older beastie to his morning at daycare (a whole three blocks away). And it wasn't as scary as I had imagined. There was the work of getting each little boy into his layers upon layers and finally into a snowsuit, which neither was happy about.  But in the end, the air was refreshing and I was glad to have got out of the house, even briefly. 

Now the wee-est one is napping, and I've made myself a lovely strong cup of coffe with piles of foam on top. I have thick socks and my moccasin slippers on. I have a sweater wrapped around me and I am curled up on the couch. 

I love this season. The days shortening, the weather growing colder. The slowing down. This season of bundling up and keeping cozy. Of slow cooked stews and rich red wine. Of heavy blankets and soft pillows. Of introversion and introspection. Of frosty windows and crunchy snow. Of seeing my breath when I step outside, and nestling deeper into my wooden scarf. Of evenings spent knitting and mending. Of afternoon naps in messy beds. Of taking time, conserving energy. Of hot water bottles and hot cups of Love tea. Of writing letters and reading books. Of vinyl records scratching away into the night. And of resting in front of my sister's fire place, the heat on my face and the scent of burning wood on the air. 

This morning

A collection of photos captured this morning. The light was so pretty. And the day has turned into a scortcher. Humid, muggy, mutted.  

Today began quietly at home with gentle morning light... Quietly, except for a rambunctious three year old!  Then a walk to the coffee shop in the early morning humidity.  Coffee was a necessary indulgence after a restless and interrupted sleep last night. 

Drawing, flowers, and stamps arrived by post. Now some quiet time while the wee ones nap. 

It will be early to bed tonight.  Bed by nine to read in a nest of pillows and blankets. With a hot cup of tea by my side. 

This weekend

My folks were in town this weekend. We sent the past few days:

wandering the boutiques of Whyte Avenue, hot dog stands for lunch, Farmer's Market, "the bug museum", home cooked meals, bacon & egg fry-ups for breakfast, soccer on the grass outside the patio (with a particular little boy), art supply shops (and new pencil crayons!), flowers picked and bought, cups of tea, and copious amounts of jelly bears!  

I am enjoying living in a new city. When my parents come to visit, our time spent together feels like a vacation for me, too. Living away from family causes me to appreciate them so much more. Visits become special and adventurous. Magical, even. 

Making home

Settling into our new - temporary - abode. Finally out of hotels and into a space we can call our own. For me, creating home includes familiar objects, photos, and art. I brought things with me to make this new space more cozy and personal. 

Moving to a new city has been challenging but ultimately do-able. It feels good to know I can handle this transition with two small children. To make the home. To create rhythm, routine, stability.  

Now I look forward to a week of exploration, adventure, and discovery: Organic food markets, farmer's markets, parks, conservatory visit (under pyramids - how cool is that?!), and the eclectic shops of Whyte Ave.  Oh, and possibly registering for yoga... Fingers crossed. This body needs to move, stretch, strengthen - it is time!

xx

Recently

New baby, new city, new reads. 

like another planet

 

Arches National Park was breathtaking.  It is impossible to capture the power and awe of these massive red rock structures with a photograph.  They just aren't done justice.  It is not just the scale and look that can't be captured, but the feeling that is invoked by seeing, sitting, touching, and breathing amongst, these mammoth structures. 

Canyonlands was like a world unto itself.  We only saw a portion of the park (Island in the Sky), and we only stood on the edges of the canyons, looking down: awestruck, gobsmacked.  I felt like I was seeing an alien planet.  Or perhaps I truly felt that I am on a planet.  That our planet is not just cities and shops, internet and television.  It is something much more archaic; much less human.  It has been formed by forces far beyond our control.  I felt reminded that my life is only a miniscule presence in an infinite, whirling universe full of planets, stars, and space.
 I felt humbled.  I felt awed.