Spring Break

It's spring break and although I am not in college, I am definitely loving the spring break we've been experiencing the past few days. The temps have soared way above normal for this time of year, the sun has been shining in all its glory and the air is fresh with a hint of promise.

I meet more smiles on the street; people are walking with a spring in their step; and is seems as though the world has moved outdoors. Lovers walk hand in hand and nuzzle on park benches; dogs on leashes playfully go nose to nose; and sun lovers crowd sidewalk cafes.

It's dark when I leave for work in the morning but the hours of daylight that remain at the end of my day energize me -- and remind me most of what I love about our changing seasons. Spring has arrived early - an unexpected but welcomed guest. I only hope that Winter got the memo, and stays away!

Around Town

A full week into January and winter is still sidelined; although on a particular day you can feel a hint of frigid in the wind. But this morning the sun streaming in my window signaled another day of glorious weather and coaxed hubby and I down to the lake to enjoy the reprieve.

So Sunday was spent as it was meant to be .,. in the sun, walking about our picturesque little town. The oaks stand mighty; the heritage homes are reminiscent of English manors; the main street is thriving and alive, and the lake hugs the community with deep affection.

Today was as close to perfect as you could get. Soon my pictures will be of a snowy, frozen world but until then, I am grateful for the above freezing temps, sunshine and freshness that is our January - for now. Here are scenes from our day.

Hot tea in a starry mug

Sunshine, Spring and Smiles

The kitchen is blazing with sunshine. I'm inspired. These first few sprinkles of springtime are the most delectable, with promises of glory to come. I only got as far as the flowers on my kitchen table so far this morning, and I am heading out for a daughter day in the city so there will be more. Until then, thought I'd share a little sunlight with you - sure to make you smile - and wish you a great weekend.

Simply Wonderful

What a spectacular Sunday! Temperatures soared above 25 degrees Celsius and the sun deked the splattering of gray overcast. I worked at a charity walk today to raise awareness of the impact of workplace injuries and fatalities ... a bittersweet event ... hope and exuberance tempered by an underlying sadness. Fulfilling.

As I drove up my street the happy bubbles were floating all over the car ... the apple blossoms were in full bloom and the humid air was heavy with their scent. Vivid greens, golds and fuchsia dotted the drive. Don't you think the first flowers of springtime are the best? After the dull browns and gray of a few spartan months, it is revitalizing to witness the return to life; everything awash in technicolour.

The icing on the cake was the bleeding heart in our back yard that was laden with "hearts". A walk about the garden and the pond - turning a blind eye to the healthy crop of dandelions - yields an instance dose of peace; the kind of peace that gives a stillness in the deepest part of myself. Nature has a way of doing that.

All in all - a Sunday to be appreciated and filed under "simply wonderful".

Spring in my Walk

Spring is an early arrival -- about two weeks early I'd say. I walked slowly, strolled really, breathing deeply and enjoying the heat and sunshine on my face. And I wondered as I walked. Wondered and marvelled at everything around me. Deep breath. The air was heavy and sweet - and the trees in full blossom. A perfect day. A gift. I sung the soundtrack silently (thankfully for others) as I walked. You know what it was ... Sunshine on my shoulders (c'mon - sing along with me - you know you want to).

The lightness from my walk continued for the rest of the afternoon. I found reason after reason to burst into song - and my cubemate Susie was patient a saint. It was joy to overflowing bursting out. And it didn't stop ... not even when I got in my car to drive home at the end of the day. I started the car, opened the sun roof and flicked on the radio. And no lie -

You are the sunshine of my life
That's why I'll always be around,
You are the apple of my eye,
Forever you'll stay in my heart...

I sang happily as I drove along and suddenly  the words "forever you'll stay in my heart" choked in my throat - an emotional ambush! A surge of so many feellings at once ... happiness, bliss, sadness that she isn't here to share this. These uncontrolled emotional blips are like flash fires ... fast and furious, and often at the pinnacle of happy. Some minor leakage, a silent acknowledgement of I miss you Mom and then a big smile.

It's true what they say ... love never dies. And a day like today, rich in every way possible leaves my heart full of gratitude, for all that I have, and all that I have had. 

Happy springtime everyone.

Breathing Break

I went for a walk at lunch today. I left the office, car keys in hand, fully intending to hit the gym. That is until the sunshine hit my face. Game over. Cancel indoor running on a treadmill. I decided to get off the treadmill, pack in my keys and head out anywhere my heart would take me.

My sunglasses in place,  a few deep breaths and I was off to the races. My stride was long and brisk and every step burned off a little more office stuffiness and stress. I walked mindfully, fully present. I didn't want to miss a thing: the tiny front yard with the carpet of ground cover; the purple hyacinthes clustered against a fence; the cardinal perched on a naked branch; the abandoned (or not) shopping cart stuffed with well worn green garbage bags. Who did it belong to?

I meandered along, happy in my head. Thinking time. Humming time. Singing in my head time. Time that lead me to the German deli. Oops! No need to buy lunch ... a five minute walk-around to the sampling stations and all the food groups were covered - cheese, perogies, breads, strudel, ham, and veggies and dip. Sufficiently sufficed - I bought a few loaves of rye bread and a bottle of beets and headed back out into the afternoon.

I have a bad habit of losing track of time, and breaking my own rules for sitting too long. Today was a much needed reminder that a mid day stroll in the sunshine is a calming tonic that can make the second half of the day -  the best half.

And I'll sing in the sunshine ... and I'll laugh every day ...

Walking on Sunshine

Happy -- that's me! The sun has been shining brilliantly all week with record high temps. It's been warmer here than in Florida. What a gift! And even better, today is my day off. A whole day - hours and minutes that are I mine to spend however ...

Hubby and I took a stroll down the main street in our town the other night, as the sun was still high in the sky at dinnertime. Blooming pots of pastel tulips and spring flowers spilled onto the sidewalk heralding the arrival of springtme. Smiling faces, couples walking hand in hand, dog lovers strutting their beloved pups and the chatter and laughter of a joyful community basking in the renewal of nature - it seemed as though we had all received the same memo -- enjoy the moment. And we did.

That is the gift in our four distinct seasons .... appreciation for change and the possibilities and surprises each delivers. After living through our harsh Canadian winter, the most beautiful flowers are the first of the season. The tender green buds on a tree are the most precious - holding the promise of warmth and sunshine to come.

Springtime ... inhale deeply. Close you eyes and feel the peace as you slowly breath out. You can let it go, 'cause it looks as though Spring isn't going anywhere. And on that note, I am off for a walk in the sunshine.

Let the Sunshine In

The sun is shining high and brilliantly in the sky ... a sight that has escaped us for some time now. The muted hues of grey and blue have made way for glistening, brightening, sunshine and deep blue skies. A sunny Sunday! It's funny how this weather - even with the chill in the air - is a fast acting tonic for my spirit. Everyone seems to be happier -- the smiles at the market were a little wider; patrons a little kinder; and even Fritz seemed to prance a little higher when I took him for his walk. I confess I may have hummed a verse or two of Sunshine on My Shoulders ... but only in my head.

The sunshine has recharged my "optimism" and "cheerfullness" cells and I feel rejuvenated and ready to face my week. Once I make a Sunday dinner of comfort food and solve the missing socks mystery -- I'll be off to the races.

Wishing everyone a perfectly upbeat and happy week - make it happen!

Sunny Sunday

Today was an absolute gift! The sky was deep sea blue - perfectly clear and sunny and it was so warm that we didn't need a jacket. Fritz wanted to rack up steps on the pedometer so he convinced me to take him for an extra long walk. The neighbours were all outside raking their leaves and pushing them to the curb for pick up by the vaccuum trucks that drive by and suck them up with oversized hoses. Our town is very progressive on the environmental front with green bins, pesticide bans, and no bagging bylaws for grass and leaves. The result is huge mounds of dried leaves lining the streets.

It seemed everyone wanted to be in the warm autumn air; to take advantage of this brief reprieve from the onset of winter - possibly the last blast of warmth and sun. Fritz and I loved the sunny Sunday delivered to us. Like I said - it was a gift - one that was appreciated fully. Thank you!

Musings from a Sunshiny Day

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high

If I had a day that I could give you
I'd give to you a day just like today
If I had a song that I could sing for you
I'd sing a song to make you feel this way.

- John Denver

Today is not a sunny day - but yesterday was - the most perfect kind of summer's day. This of course called for the lyrics of my favourite John Denver tune. Hubby and I took our ritual walk by the waterfront where the relief of a cool breeze is guaranteed. It is amazing to me how an hour spent by the water with only the sound of chirping birds and the occasional power boat jetting by can calm and relax.

Kidlet is gone for a week with her dad to Costa Rica. Remnants of her packing efforts are littered all over the house. Stuff she was going to take, but decided not to; stuff she removed from her suitcase left over from her previous trip; laundry basket of miscellaneous books, CDs and other STUFF brought home on her last day of school that she intended to put away. Fritz knows something is amiss - her bedroom door is unacustomarily open to let air blow through.

For now the house is quiet and I know that when I clean - it will stay that way at least until her return. Which leaves me wondering ... in years to come will I be sitting in this same spot bemoaning the fact that my house is clean and eerily quiet - and wishing for anything but.

Fill Up My Senses

Sleepy, lazy morning - with the sun bursting through and flooding our kitchen with golden light. Finally - the most perfect of summer days. Double perfect - it is Sunday morning. I can't wait to bask in the day so I grab my coffee that hubby made me (he's adorable), slip my feet into his oversized running shoes and head outside to inspect the beauty and progress of our gardens.

The pond is alive and vibrant. The sage is bathed in purple blooms and the peonies have erupted into a fuchsia collage. I lean back in my chair, eyes closed, and breathe deeply. The sun warms my face. With every breath I take my senses are filled ... hey, just like the John Denver song ... you fill up my senses ... but I digress! I hear a bee buzzing close by. The little boy across the street is squealing as he plays with his brother. I can hear the dog across the ravine barking. A plane roars overhead - and I integrate the drone into the medley serenading me as I revel in the peace.

Sunday is one of my most favourite days, and morning - my favourite time of day. I am grateful for the moments to pause and if even for only a minute or two, fill my senses with all that surrounds me.

Now turn up the music will you ... it's my favourite John Denver tune.

Driving With the Windows Open

Scenes from my car, driving with the windows down:

Sun roof open, windows rolled down. Breeze brushing my face. Sun beating down on me. Tickling my nose. Glad I bought those sunglasses -even if they were only cheap.

7o's tunes playing -- being drowned out by the rap music thumping from the big black Dodge Ram pulled up beside me. I swear that truck is vibrating.

Shirtless boy, board shorts precariously slipping off his hips, baseball cap askew, skateboarding up the foot-wide slot between the cars and the curb. Sadly in need of sunscreen.

Bearded, gray haired man with a face of leather seated on the sidewalk, back against the storefront, soaking up rays, leisurely dragging on his cigarette, his empty Tim Horton's cup parked out front collecting coins.

Windows down and open every where. Sunglasses. Shorts. Tank tops. Smiling faces. And the biggest one of all was mine.

Today -- I think I'll keep it!