La la la Lake

I spent the weekend at the lake with Brydon's family... all 35 of them. The weather was smokin hot, so it was the perfect place to be. We spent Saturday afternoon at Jennifer's camping shower sipping wine spritzers, lemonade and nibbling on gooey rice crispy squares along with other yummy sweets and treats.

Morgan motored around in the grass and soaked in the sun. She also agreed to keep her bonnet on for the first time too, which made mommy very happy. We also celebrated Auntie Karen's 60th birthday. I've gotten used to the heaps of people around and find it quite relaxing now. Brydon loves it so much, that I can't help but see the best in it too.

She doesn't leave the house these days without her favourite rose quartz and amazonite necklace on. The stones are known to attract love and serenity. The girl knows a good thing. Click the pic to make larger, the stones are even prettier up close.

Watch out ladybugs, she's on the move!

Tired and hungry monkeypants.

Admiring Nana's pretty earrings.

She is so into jewelry already.

I'm training her well.

Not too sure about the frog pool yet,

but maybe a nap first would be nice mom.

Ribbit.

This was the best part of the whole weekend. I was so excited to share this with you. During a long walk at dusk, Brydon and I stumbled upon a lovely Robin's nest, perched on top of old sheets of plywood at the side of our shed. When we leaned in to get a closer look, we were delighted to spot two gorgeous turquoise eggs inside. I snuck a quick shot before mama bird (who I referred to as Ruthie darling) could swoop in and peck my eye out.

Here they are- snug as a bug. Aren't they beautiful? I'm naming them Bobby-Jo and Lila Jean, two little country bumpkins. 'Keep warm and and well little ones. I look forward to hearing you sing, sing, sing.'

The Rabbit Hole

I think about the times in my life when I have been most present, and I can truly say they were the happiest times of my life. Since I am such a planner at heart, I tend to fantasize about the future... a lot. I know, I know, 'live in the now'. But I see, smell and feel the future so well. I'm a futuristic gal. There's a fine balance between going with flow and making life happen. Its always a lovely day to shape your dreams.

I'm a nut for visualizing how my life will unfold, which has served me well since much of it has manifested before my eyes, but its not always the ticket for just enjoying the moment. I'm thankful for EVERYTHING, but sometimes my restless heart just can't help but hurl itself down the rabbit hole. Want to come with me for a sec?

This sign is a real beauty. And a great reminder to just stop and enjoy each passing second. The making it beautiful part, I think I've got that part down to a science!

Photo Credit: Ritzy Bee

Speaking of making things beautiful, check out this gorgeous, sentimental table runner. The musicians in the background are a perfect compliment to its feel good chicness. I dig those chocolate plank floor boards too. Ooooh, and the stacked suitcases home to a mini garden. Who thinks of this shit? This world is bursting with heaps creative people. I can't help but find inspiration in every corner.

Can anyone build me this book shelf, please? I love it! Why are the UK peeps so much cooler than we are? Love the subway white brick in the background too. Those damn Brits always got it going on for effortless style.

As much as the present moment is all we really have, I gotta admit, I'm pretty happy dreamin too. I can have my cake and eat it too, right!

Life in Pictures

I discovered Bentley Waters, a photographer whose style I just adore...

This shot is brilliant.

May have to do something similar with my cute neighbour boys.

Here is some inspiration for the mommies to be, and just pure eye candy for the rest of us...

Love this nursery for a little boy. Its modernly traditional, if that makes sense. I love the contrast of the dark and light furniture, mahogany floor boards, plush rug, old-school slanted walls and giant giraffe. It's comfy but still whispers lovely style. Click on the image to make it larger. The details are uber cute.

This is little Devon who was the lucky bub to win a interior design prize of having her nursery decorated by New York IT Firm, Lavender and Plum. She and her room are precious. Reminds of pink lemonade. Isn't she sweet?

Those curtains rock. Love the camel pic too.

The pink and yellow combination is totally delicious.

Love this angle and those baby legs.

I love the striped rug, yellow lucite chair, vintage heater, and big comfy rocker. The room also boosts good bones which always helps to enhance its fabulousness. It doesn't get any more fresh or pretty than this. Enjoy sweet Devon. Lucky girl! Check out Bentleys other work at www.bentleywaters.com, it's perfection.

Little Dream

So, I kind of have this little dream....

Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of a cottage in the woods next to a little creek. Kind of like the one Sleepy Beauty gets taken to by the three good fairies. There, I would mix my healing potions and live amongst the birds, berries and bunnies. Fantasy? Maybe, but funny how its kind of coming true. Well except the little creek part, we may have to build that pretty baby ourselves.

Brydon and I just bought a little bunkhouse from his Aunt and Uncle at the lake. It needs some work to say the last, but once its done it'll be cute as a button. No, this isn't it (I wish) but I'm using it for inspiration. I'll post pics when it gets attacked by my faboo wand.

Morgan would hammersmash this in a second,

and then it would hammersmash her!

Maybe a project for retirement?

I love these floating slate steps. The greenery is to die for too. Looks very BC to me. Oh BC, you are so freakin lush and beautiful. Oh prairie Alberta, you are so dry and crusty. (Sigh)

Charming lanterns are a must in my garden oasis. Love these ones made out of old mason jars. I see these accompanied with balmy lingering evenings with close friends, yummy food flavoured with spices from the garden, spiked lemonade, and warm vanilla cake topped with fresh berries and a drizzle of the finest maple syrup. Who's in?

May Long 2010

Plenty of food, fresh air and love, love, love...

Something about barbwire fencing and grass.

So pretty. So summertime.

Brydon's mom, Cathy and Auntie Karen hosted Lindsay's bridal shower at the lake's clubhouse. The spread was abundant and delicious as usual, and the room was filled generations of strong women, witnessing and celebrating another about take the scared plunge.

Morgan and Ava happily played in the window.

Ava couldn't stop giving Morgan hugs and pats on the back.

All smiles on the kitchen floor, nap deprived and all.

The bride showing of her shower bling.

The next morning, my chipper hubby got up bright and early to start breakfast on the fire grill. After tasting its yumminess, I don't think I can ever have a kitchen breakfast again. It was amazing!

The non-cookers enjoyed the sunshine and steamy mugs of Baileys

and coffee, the Johnson's classic lake morning treat.

I love this pic of Morgan and her Uncle Jarod.

Nanabelle with her girl.

Mrs. Spidey's comfy abode.

Beautiful Samson, the lake's 'white wolf'.

A gentle giant fur-ball of a pup.

Mommy sneaking a morning kiss.

She doesn't look too impressed, does she!

Pretty old tap.

"It so good Nana, I gotta hang on!"

Jeff and Christy's doggy, Pheonix.

Phoenix tried to sneak a kiss too!

Oooooh yeah.

I loved driving home and admiring all the baby calves. Its that time of year. They are so adorable, I almost loaded this one in the back of my car and took it home with me. I'm sure Morgan wouldn't mind sharing her crib with this cutie-pie.

On the zoom home, I turned into a sleepy little town called New Norway. It consisted of one street really. I tried to imagine what it would be like to live there...sleepy. Maybe I'd get into making honey or something. That would be cool. Oh, and I'd definitely have a kick ass garden. I can see my kiddies spending hours in the raspberry patch, all stained up and red tongued. Oh, and I'd do a lot of pickling and jam making too. Yessssss, I can see it now. I also managed to snap these sweet pics while still in the driver's seat.

I got stopped by three trains on the way home, but I didn't mind at all. Their bright colours flew past me, as if to say, 'catch ya later Albertagator'. It was quite spectacular, and I'm kind of a sucker for cabooses. They're so charming and represent the end of something so rich with storybook history. Can't get enough really.

What a lovely weekend spent with family. I feel so thankful. I had some good 'me time' too. Morgan's coming home later with daddy. The drive home was peaceful and not rushed.

Butterfly Flap Your Wings

Love is like a butterfly, it goes where it pleases and it pleases wherever it goes...

It was Morgan's official 1st birthday today, May 18th. It was so hot out so my girlfriend and I took the b-day girl and Suz's little one, Nathan, for a swim, walk in the river valley and then spent some time at the park. We nibbled on cold watermelon and our favourite Cosmic Cookies from Organic Roots, then for the first time I put Morgan in a big girl swing.

Nothing would have felt better than that cool breeze whipping through her little bit of hair. She smiled with bliss as she flew through the warm air like a little butterfly zooming to and fro in the sun.

Flap your wings wee ones.

I have always loved butterflies. They are a fluttering glimpse of earthbound heaven. Growing up, my family used to spend many summers relaxing on the beach while visiting my Uncle Barry in Penticton. I'll never forget when a Monarch butterfly gracefully landed on my flowered one-peice swimsuit. It was a magical moment for me.

Butterflies (great word, by the way) are so delicate and perfect in every way. It's funny how you can never catch them when you're actually chasing them, but in their own delight they'll come and perch on your shoulder when you least expect it.

.

Although Morgan just had her 1st birthday today, I think I already know the theme for her 2nd. Can you guess? BUTTERFLIES. Check out these lovely pics from Martha Stewart for some inspiration.

I can't wait.

"How does one become a butterfly?" she asked. "You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar." -Anonymous