Went/Saw/Did

This weekend was good. I mean good. In the way that you know it’s good as it’s happening and it makes you smile just because it’s happening and it’s happening to you and you can’t think of anywhere else you’d rather be in that moment. How the lights seem to be extra bright or lines not too long or the swarm of people not too pressing even though you know, normally, you’d probably be freaking out, just a little. 

The Bullfight

So while I was in Deba, I got to be there during the festival of San Roke, which meant everyone dressed up in white and red and there was a mini carnival and music and everyone drank all night and slept all morning and hit repeat for four days.  During the festival, there also ended up being bull fighting, which is tradition to have at any of the festivals. If you’ve ever talked to a Spaniard about bullfighting, you’ll know that it’s an either or situation. For them,  there’s no middle ground, you either agree with it or else you don’t.  

Annecy: Re-Visited

This week has been wonderful. I don’t think I’ve ever really gotten to say that lately, so let me repeat: this week has been wonderful. It’s been sunny and we’ve been outside a lot. Impromptu picnics and then yesterday I spent the day in Annecy. 

Hello Annecy

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.)

Confetti & Animal Masks

 

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!