A Tonic For the Blues

Jan Morrison from labanan.blogspot.com issued a challenge to think of some small things that color your world a little bit brighter on a cold, rainy, summer will never get here, spring day. My very first thoughts were of my sweet friends, Sage and Malach. Admittedly they are of utmost importance, but still a visit with them can bring me out of the worst moods the moment I walk through the door. Over the winter we sang 'Kungfu Fighting' almost everyday, today Malach was singing it word for word on his own, well he is only four ya know.

My buddy, Hobbes, has been with me for twelve years. He is a lover really, he likes to cuddle and ride on my shoulder. He would sleep on my head if I let him, but I don't let him.

Our Annie is a princess, delicate and beautiful. She follows me all over the house and wants to be on my lap whenever I am at the computer. She especially enjoys yoga and music.

Pepper you have met a few times, she is just too cute for words and we are so happy she came to love us.

Sometimes to my delight, Roxie, our neighborhood Newfoundland dog, will be on my back doorstep for a visit. Often she will stay for the day. She rocks!

And then of course there is the wildness of my beach. Each day there is something to delight me and lift my mood.

Now I understand why Jan specified a 'small thing', as I sit here thinking of all the things that help brighten my days, a new follower on my blog, a message from an old friend always brings a smile, making a new friend, joining FB and all of a sudden realizing how very connected I am to the outside world, George having a surprise day off, my orchids sending up new shoots, seeing a whale in our bay... well you start to get the picture. And so do I, how blessed am I.

Happy Mother's Day

To my mother and to

all of the loving and nurturing women out there, Happy Mother's Day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MALACH!!!!!

Today Malach turned four! We have had a great winter together. My days with him are numbered as his mom's work is seasonal, but we had some wonderful times! As you can see he is into dragons, just one of many interests. Actually Sage, Malach and I had a hand in making these awesome dragon puppets.

Like a silent prayer

This has been a difficult winter emotionally. There has been unspeakable sadness within my family, my closest cousin and best friend lost her youngest daughter. In my circle of friends, teenage daughters lose their mother, in my little town a mother loses her nine year old daughter, and then there is Japan and all that sorrow too. My emotions have been close to the surface and I have been quietly waiting for my equilibrium to return. I have found solace in the beauty and love that surround me. And though it is officially spring, here in Newfoundland there is still snow on the ground. Before I say good-bye to winter I want to share some of my favorite winter images with you.

Unexpected Surprises!

Don't you just love waking up to a Snow Day? All the schools and government offices in the area were closed, as was Marble Mountain, so that meant I too had an unexpected day off! Luckily for me because just look at what floated in on the ice this morning. This little beauty has been napping in our little bay all day while the snowstorm just seemed to vanish.
What a beautiful day this has been!

Paper is the preferred medium

I spend the best part of most days with Sage and Malach. They are the beautiful children of the even more beautiful Niki of Knix Hand Knit (I should be able to set up a link but I can't seem to get it to work), and her husband, Bill. I was honored with the request to take care of the children while Niki works at Marble Mountain as the Director of the Ski Patrol. It is a short gig really, and one that I am pleased to do for this little family. Sage and Malach love making crafts. Here are some photos of their best efforts so far.

Be careful what you wish for!

Before January 15th we did not have any snow. The grass was green and it looked like we were going to miss winter completely. It wasn't even cold enough for Marble Mountain Ski Resort to make snow; so they staged a snow dance to the gods and it started snowing that very afternoon. We have had snow 22 out of 23 days! It is enough to make one superstitious. It is all good though, we love SNOW!