Life's a Beach

Exploring the water

Toes in the Sand

It's more friendly to travel with a friend

Today we spent a lovely day at the Beach.  The weather was heavenly, warm, sunny, with just the right amount of breeze.  The faces were friendly, the kiddies full of delight, the food warm and yummy.  The girls loved building sandcastles (complete with a moat), splashing in the water (the perfect temperature), and collecting rocks as mementos of the day.

There is something so soothing and mindful about placing your feet in the sand and staring out into the blue water.  Something that says stop!  you don't need to do anything, just enjoy and be.  There is something about the stillness that is rejuvenating and calm.  It is also easy within this environment to ignore and let go of all that might be weighing on you.  The water felt so inviting, so soothing.  I really needed that.

We celebrated a family members 1st birthday - what joy!  Good friends and great times.  Life really can be a beach!  

Special Guest Blogger - Darlings!!!

Today I have two special guest bloggers...the little spirits for which I am most grateful and for which bring me much joy (and at times challenge!), my two darling daughters. 

Here is what the littlest one typed and wanted to share today...

hjgitiyuy (It says I love you Grandpa). 
 tgiyhiyolfiyioptgikhoijuhuiyitgokto0rojifruroiqu2qtwhyurvfghhh  (I want you to come a play tomorrow Grandpa)

Here is what the oldest one typed and wanted to share today...

i love you grandpa  i have a  sister

 i love you mommy '

Ahh the darlings, the eptimoe of beauty and love.  I hope your day is filled with sharing, expressions of love and joyous experiences.

Beauty in all its forms

Beauty after the storm

Nature's Beauty

Artistic Beauty

I have been thinking about beauty lately.  A word I enjoy and love, and creates a sense of calm and hope for me.  I will sometimes say this word to myself if I am having a hard time and it can help to ground me and remind me of the moment and the fleeting nature of negative thoughts.  I also like the word grace, with sets a different experience in my heart, and yet creates a sense of calm nonetheless. 

 I have been enjoying watching and noticing the beauty that is around me lately.  Nature's beauty - in the form of sprouting greenery and blooming flowers.  We have also been experiencing several loud and unpredictable rainstorms here and I have been enjoying the calm after the storm and the renewing of things after rain has swept through. 

I have also been enjoying and yearning to create more artistic beauty and self-expression.  The girls and I have been transforming our writing and craft space to meet our ever changing needs.  We have also been painting outside (not necessarily on canvas - but bricks, rocks and chairs!).  The need to let it all out and release is there.

I have also been enjoying the beauty of Art made by others and have recently discovered the British singer Adele (okay I know I have maybe been slow to discover her!).  The authenticity in her voice, the genuineness in who she is, her music stirs feelings and a sense of connectedness which is rare.  I love her voice and how it mesmerizes and evokes.  Check her out if you have not already - it is a treat.

Here is to a day of gratitude for all things beautiful.  Enjoy.

Breathe Deeply...The Sun is Here

Lilacs from our garden - picked with love!

 

 

 

More Garden Beauties!

Art - made with Pride - and hung on the fireplace mantle!

Today is the day we have all been waiting for (okay begging for!), the sun has finally arrived in this part of the world!  Today is the day we woke to warmth, humidity, sun and most awesome of all...blue skies...ahhh...breathe deeply...exhale if it feels right...summer weather has arrived.  I am thankful today, for the sun shining in through the windows bringing warmth and beauty inside my home.  I am thankful, to look outside and see blue, white and clear skies.  I am thankful, to hear the birds singing, playing and romping about.  It feels wonderful and gracious and like - love.

I am taking some time today to listen, to listen to myself, my heart and my head, and the world around me.  Each day is a good day, each day brings new gifts, each day is to be cherished.  It is good to know that things can and do change (often too quickly, often without us being ready).  Enjoy what today is, hopefully for you, it is the gift of an ordinary day, spent with those who you love and who love you.  Today I am grateful -  just for the day.

Enjoy!

School Days

Exploring School

School Art Farm Style

Here, we have been exploring school, kindergarten really, as my littlest one gets ready to go to school at the start of next academic year.  She seems mostly ready, taking it all in, looking intently at the other students, studying her surroundings.  Of course, big sister is happy to show her around, tell her what to do, and offer her hand to lead her along the way. 

Mommy is not so ready . . . she is my littlest one, my baby, I am feeling as if I want to hold her close and not let her out into the world  - just yet.  It feels like she is too little, even though she has a really well developed sense of self expression!  Big sister will be watching over, but that means two away from mama!

Here is to school days...or in my mind...summer vacation!  Enjoy each moment, as the world does not pause. 

It's a wonderful day in the neighbourhood...

As the old Mr. Rogers song goes . . . . it is a wonderful day in the neighbourhood!  The sun is shining, the sky is blue, the birds are chirping and the kiddies are smiling.  The sun shining has been quite an accomplishment in this part of the world as we have experienced more than our share of grey skies and rain.

The garden is calling, the trees are swaying, the neighbours are out tending to the grass and saying hello, kids are riding their bikes and the vibe is one of optimism and possibility.  We have spent as much time as the sun would allow outside soaking up every sun rich wonderful moment.  Okay there was ice cream too!

Today we will see some friends, be part of some celebrations and generally just be.  Just Be.  Enjoy today, the sun is shining just for you!

It's been awhile

Where have I been...it is such a metaphorical question filled with all sorts of layers - and potential responses.  It seems time has passed by very quickly and while I have thought many many times of getting to the blog - it just did not materialize.  I think this is indicatative of how easy it is to let time pass without noticing, in a fully realized way, all the beauty and grace in life and in each day. 

Truthfully, my focus still appears to be much more on what goes wrong, what could be different, what is stressing me out, what I wished would go away.....(insert your own one here).  So while it is true time passess quickly, I think I was also struggling with finding the space to allow myself to focus on the positive.  To turn my energy towards joy rather than letting the stress suck my energy and my joy away.  Sometimes I spend time thinking about how to solve what I don't like, instead of just addressing the stress.  Mostly my stress comes from things, situations or people I really can't (and don't want to) control.  Ahhh, learning....

So, here is to getting back to focus and living in the beauty, enjoy today!