Let it Shine

Tags

articles, france, links, misc., photography, random, recipes, travel

 

It’s amazing how time flies. Six weeks have come and gone and we’re once again in the midst of our two week school holidays. As with last time, we have grandparents visiting and the weather has been summer-like. Shorts and t-shirts, sunglasses and sandals and sunscreen. Days spent almost entirely outside, running in the backyard and playing in the park, eating meals at the big picnic table under the beach umbrella stuck through a hole in the middle.

Yesterday we headed up to Chamonix and meandered around, bought ice cream (lemon and of course: caramel beurre sallé) and I found a birthday present for my little brother who turns four at the beginning of May. Four! Time really does fly!

Also trying to finish planning my trip next week. I’ve got six days without children and close to the ocean and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it!

 

Things I’m Loving:

+ Talking about success – (what it looks like and people who failed before they succeeded)

+ Four pretty images – (just because)

+ Tis the season – (since I can’t have my Tim’s, I’ll have to do this)

+ 3 steps - (because putting yourself out there is hard, as is being a good employee to yourself)

+ the secret of travel blogging – (or lack thereof)

Hello Annecy

Tags

annecy, france, friends, local, photography, spring, travel

Last weekend I finally, finally got to make a trip to Annecy. I drove up and met my friend Chynna for lunch, which was absolutely delicious. Grilled bread with goat cheese and honey (her) and a mouthwatering sauce and salmon (me). Homemade fries and salad finished off the meal while we each had half a pint of beer and shared a pitcher of water between the two of us. It was warm out so we ate outside and did what I’ve come to really appreciate in France: ate slowly and talked lots. A two hour lunch and not once did I feel rushed or like we should leave. It was something I had to get used to when I got here and now that I have, I don’t want to let it go!

We walked around the vieille ville for the rest of the afternoon, looking at the swans on the river, the artist on the sidewalk (just photographs, no videos please),  the kids playing football in the park with their parents, riding rented bikes shaped liked racehorses up and down the footpath, eating ice cream from large waffle cones. I went ‘the usual’ for me and got mango and raspberry, a small sampling of cinnamon on top, while Chynna got the full scoop of cinnamon with butter caramel. (I will be going back next time because oh my it was delicious!)

As well next time, we’re planning on biking around the lake, which is a bit of a distance, is supposed to be quite easy as it’s all flat. I’ve also got four/five days off when the kids have their next school holiday, so I’m stalking flight prices and trying to decide which new place I should see next (Barcelona, Madrid and Nice are all within price range) and trying to plan a bit of a trip. Take a break from the mountains and children and revel in the feeling of a mini-vacation.

The sun has finally decided to shine and bring it’s friend warmth with it, so lots of picnicking and running around outside, I’ve been back to shooting hoops on the court next to the playground while the kids play. Yes: lots of things. I’m rather enjoying it.

Things I’m Loving:

+ This song – (I’m late, I know. But Nate Reuss’s voice makes me so happy.)

+ This & this – (They’re not helping me make up my about where I want to go because I want to go both places.)

+ These online magazines – (Because I don’t have enough to read.)

+ This spring outfit – (I would wear that dress every. single. day.)

A Plea for Sun

Tags

food, football, france, links, misc., photography, random, spring

I know there’s been a lot of talk about the weather, everyone’s just waiting for spring to hurry up and get here already, but I’d still like to join in that call for more sun and less clouds and more warmth and less rain. I know you can’t tell from these pictures but it’s been nothing but heavy clouds hanging down below the mountain tops and cold winds, rain that starts and stops at will. The new season started last month. If someone could forward that memo to the weather, I’d greatly appreciate it.

Things I’m Loving:

+ Giving yourself an assignment – (Something I’ve been trying (and trying and trying) to do.)

+ This has been making the rounds – (And making us PhotoJs laugh.)

+ Rules for dinner - (Of the cooking variety.)

+ Kitchen of my dreams - (Because: maps. Also because: purple table.)

Confetti & Animal Masks

Tags

diy, fashion, food, france, links, local, misc., photography, playlist, spring, summer

 

So. I’ve been gone. Not gone gone, just not here gone. And maybe Good Friday isn’t exactly the best day to be posting, carnival pictures or otherwise, but I’m doing it.

Not much has really happened to keep me away, just little things. Like snow and rain and the ache for spring to just finally get here. The way my camera no longer feels like it properly fits in my hands anymore and we’re trying to work past that, trying to reconcile our differences. How I’m trying to figure out what I’m doing this summer and how even though I have options (a few of them) it feels like there’s nothing, which doesn’t make sense, but I’ve learned some things just don’t. Things like not having a vehicle the last week or so and how that feels like just being plain stuck. On the side of the mountain, with the rain. Just a lot of stuck-ness. But spring is coming. You can feel it in how the rain is rain and not snow and there’s now puddles and mud on the ground. The way the days are longer and you don’t need a winter jacket to go outside.

So I’m now working on becoming un-stuck, which is turning out to be a long process with lots of set backs and maybe I won’t fully get there for awhile, but I’m willing and ready to try.

Things I’m Loving:

+ Mr. Rogers – Last week was his birthday and ten years since he’s passed away and I ended up saving some links and here are two that are my favourite:

- 5 Moments That Prove Mr. Rogers was the Greatest American 

- Won’t You Be My Neighbour? 

+ Camping – I miss going camping. It was something we’d do for a week or two every summer. That first picture brings it all back.

+ Around the World in 13 Songs – On repeat at the moment.

+ 15 Salads – My friends and I are bordering on obsessed with salads. For lunch, for dinner, if it’s cold, if it’s warm. These would be perfect for our next get together.

+ These sneakers – I want them. That is all.

+ Easter DIY Ideas – All lovely and quite simple and just in time!

Hanging On

Tags

fashion, france, friends, links, misc., photography, published!!, reading list

 

I’ve had left over photos hanging out on my desktop for the last couple of weeks. My birthday party, coffee with friends, hikes with the family, sun on the window sill.

In all honesty, I’m ready for school to start back up. We still have two more days this week, though at least Friday we’re planning on heading skating or swimming.

Two weeks is a long time. Not that you really run out of things to do, but after awhile, you do. Long walks and trips to the park, small errands and baking, they help. Nap time is the time of day I look forward to the most. When I can tidy up from breakfast and lunch and tidy the living room and get things organized and get….centered, for lack of a better word.

I’ve also been working on (or trying to. There’s been a couple of slips.) Second Touch. Which includes an article. By me. The first non-blog post I’ve written in so long it took me three days to write it. Don’t judge me. It’s really been a long time. A long time. But: I could be back. (I think I am, at least.)

Things I’m Loving:

+ This poem – (I’ve been reading a lot of poetry, lately.)

+ This t-shirt – (The cat pocket is adorable!)

+ About procrastination – (This hit the nail on the head, for me.)

+ This photography project – (Interesting and I love all the colours.)