mindful.

campfire smoke

2011-08-01T18:14:00.000-07:00

I wish I could bottle the scent of a campfire and keep it with me for dreary winter days.

Huckleberry juice.

raindrops on clovers.

2011-06-30T21:07:00.000-07:00

Hawaiian palms.

2011-05-31T00:17:00.000-07:00

We are back from holiday. What felt like a world away from chilly Vancouver, we landed in the middle of the night to warmth, humidity and a light breeze rustling the palm trees above. Throughout the following days, the sun shone bright. The night was welcomed with wide open windows and the smell of the ocean. Oh, the ocean. Bright, bright blue with light waves. Dinner by them. Walks beside them. Leisurely swims through them. And lining the shore were palm trees; tall, symbolic, beautiful.

fading blossoms.

2011-04-28T07:44:00.000-07:00

Growing up, a large cherry tree was perched in my front yard. Springtime meant that the buds would burst open, in fireworks of cotton candy pink. I longed for that day, when coming home meant walking under showers of blossoms.

Now, the trees are being reclaimed by Summer's greenery. Another rite of passage.

hot cross buns.

2011-04-25T16:23:00.000-07:00

A long weekend, visiting friends and family.

a new path.

2011-04-23T12:27:00.000-07:00

A walk through the newly greened forest, buds bursting open with life. A new chapter for myself, school has finished. I walk, a new teacher, navigating this path. Alongside, a return to contemplation and photography.

Commercial Drive

2011-03-15T15:05:00.000-07:00

For a dear friend, I captured her neighbourhood. For the first time, I didn't hope on the connecting bus, I stopped, I looked, I explored. Such a vibrant neighbourhood, I will be back.

windowsill herb garden.

2011-03-08T13:05:00.000-08:00

As I changed addresses, I knew I would miss my backyard herb garden. Tomato sauces, soups and spreads could be quickly embellished with a quick wander outdoors. As I did my grocery shopping last night, I noticed a display of potted herbs. Excitedly, I knew what I could do. Perched on my kitchen window ledge, I now have parsley, basil and cilantro. The scent? Heavenly.

sights of spring.

2011-02-20T07:12:00.000-08:00

Here on the West Coast, the sun is shining a little brighter, a little warmer. A brave few shed jackets, enjoying the brisk air. At our feet lies new life, waiting. Waiting to burst into bloom.

"among the things you only hoped for"

2011-02-01T08:51:00.000-08:00

Today the world is full of sunshine. A new day, new possibilities, I continue to reflect on a quote that has hit me quite hard. Frankly, I needed it.

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” - Epicurus

Despite current setbacks and future worries, my life is filled with so many things that once longed for. A home with my love. A creative pursuit that pays the grocery bills. Freedom. I must remind myself to relish the wonderful things above all else. Life may be temporary, but it is lived in the small moments.

I must go, I have a bus to catch.. have a lovely morning! (And Happy Birthday dear Katie!)

change.

2011-01-26T14:14:00.000-08:00

New changes are coming. A new home.

A chance find, cheaper, bigger, more central.

Surrounded in evergreens. We're in love.

morning frost.

2011-01-19T11:35:00.000-08:00

The sun shone low on the horizon. The grass sparkled with frost, a thick coating. Sun drenched leaves were damp, but in the shadows the world seems dusted in confectionery sprinkles. Such beauty.

time to rest.

2011-01-15T13:11:00.000-08:00

Rest. Relax. Rejuvenate. Monday comes soon enough, but now I need to savour the late mornings, long breakfasts and time to do not much of anything at all.

january blooms.

2011-01-12T14:33:00.000-08:00

Slush. Ice. A frozen landscape surrounds. Cold noes and toes, I search for a glimpse of spring amongst the cold.

fresh dough.

2011-01-09T12:41:00.000-08:00

For me, a day off is best spent in the kitchen. Making delicious recipes that only require time, something in short supply the rest of the busy week. This weekend meant a batch of fresh pasta dough.

4 eggs, 2 cups of flour. Simple, humble ingredients. Mixed, kneaded, rolled, pressed, separated. A vegetarian lasagna for movie night with close friends. A ricotta-based linguine sauce for a night alone, just us two. Completely homemade meals.

raindrops.

2011-01-06T10:51:00.000-08:00

I awake to the sound of rain, the natural light obscured by dark, deep clouds.Umbrella? Check. Boots? Of course. When the sky opens up, the puddles seem to go on forever. Secretly? I love the rain. The fresh smell, the cozy feeling as you reenter warmth and dry spaces. The way the droplets cling to everything, catching the little light that surrounds.

a little makeover.

2011-01-05T08:48:00.000-08:00

A change of heart. I decided that instead of a new blog, new space I would just revamp the space I own. Thoughts? A new year, I wanted a fresh start. A new focus. Pared down, photography based. Mindful.

first day.

2011-01-04T18:11:00.000-08:00

Back at campus. First day, well, my last first day. My last semester began with an overcast sky and early snowflakes. With brisk temperatures and bright blue mountains. With people from every corner of the world walking to class, holding warm drinks and oversized scarfs close to them. 15 minutes early (a nice start), I turned a sharp right towards the ocean, camera in hand. Passerbys offered smiles, acknowledging my moment to capture the beauty around.

dinner with friends.

2011-01-04T13:50:00.000-08:00

Sharing a homecooked meal with friends has to be one of my favorite things. The warmth of home is never quite replicated in a restaurant setting. It gives a chance to share new finds, books and joys. Last night we went to visit the home of my past roommate and her sweet boyfriend. Light and fresh, we shared a spinach salad with walnuts and mandarins. Accompanied with homemade chicken meatballs and roasted vegetables, it was the perfect post-holiday meal.

shortbread rounds.

2011-01-03T17:33:00.000-08:00

Three simple ingredients. Butter, sugar and flour. Mixed, rolled, baked and cooled. Melts in your mouth. The real question is why have I never made shortbread before?

morning light.

2011-01-02T13:08:00.000-08:00

Early hours. Low on the horizon, the sun illuminates the world. Glittering snow. Frost lingers in the shade for a few moments longer.

I hurry to the bus. A quick glance down. I notice a patch of dead grass, partially covered in snow. The light catches the blades just right. Glowing, I had to pause. I could walk instead.

crisp air.

2011-01-01T17:20:00.000-08:00

The sunlight started to fade as it slipped behind the highest rooftops. I hurried, wanting to catch the last rays on this first day. Camera in hand, I searched. January is its own. Barren. Crisp. The frozen ground crunched beneath my boots.

Self portrait: 1.1.11.

mindful.

2011-01-01T13:19:00.000-08:00

With a fresh decade comes a different kind of resolution. In past years, I was preoccupied with weight, time and material goals. While such things always remain, this decade I want to begin with a simpler goal. Not an end point, but a means of travel.

I want to make time to just be. To appreciate. To take a deep breath and take it all in. Admist the ups and downs, the joys and heartache that accompany this life, I want to make a point of active reflection. What is light without acknowledgement of the darkness that precedes?

That, my dear readers, is my resolution. To be present, mindful, reflective. I wonder what we will find...

winter's first glimpse

2010-11-20T18:19:00.000-08:00

Winter has come to Vancouver. Friday's light snowfall proved to be simply a preview as the city woke up to a blanket of snow Saturday morning. My backyard lay untouched. As the sun arose, the landscape glittered. A warm breakfast later, we bundled up. We walked in the chilly air towards to forest. Towards more untouched snow.

author's note: I'm back everyone! At least, I will be back come December. My 13 week practicum in Kindergarten is almost finished and I'm very close to having my life back! It's been an incredible experience. I am, however, looking forward to being able to reguarily photograph, cook, explore, write and blog again.

wedding decor perfection.

2010-10-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's Wedding:

crystal + black and white + soft pink roses + candlelight = perfection