have yourself a merry little christmas...

well look at that.
i'm done shopping and wrapping.
everything has been checked off the list.

for some reason that i can't explain
this christmas has been a bit different.

it's certainly been wintery enough.
soooo much snow....
and chilliness too.
perfect christmas weather!

it just felt like this year it
needed to be a little less busy.

i tried to avoid getting stressed out

because that is not what it should be about.

it's a nice time of the year to just slow down,
be grateful and enjoy what's important.

it's been a wonderful year for my little family.
we are a very fortunate bunch.

we really don't need a thing.
being together will be enough.

sending love and best wishes to you all.
hope this season finds you healthy and happy
and with people you love.
xox

i promise...

i promise
that this blog
won't become
my instagram blog.

and while we're talking about it...
don't you love instagram?
:)

i was in my little village of baysville...
two cameras in hand!

everything was so pretty
with just a bit of snow.

this is the sweetest place.

not a cottager in sight
and most everything was closed.
i felt like it was all mine...
for just a while.
*love*

please let me explain...

the real reason
that i hardly ever post
my blog...
instagram.
i love it.
i snap photos all day long
with my phone.
then like magic
they turn into fun!
i take too many photos.
i am an instagram addict.

i take way too many "selfies".
oliver hates my phone now...
he knows.

i feel bad for not keeping
my blog up to date...
but not THAT bad.

oh dear...yep i do that too.

i love the filters.
you know how i love to snap photos.

i capture little moments still.
i'm just not in the habit of posting them here.
but i should.

winter has arrived,
work has slowed down
so i will be here more often.
i promise.

it's that time of year again
and i need to get busy.
lights and trees and sparkle!
two cameras in hand...here i come.
xox

autumn...from muskoka with love xo

not a lot of words needed here...
just enjoy.
:)

xox

my thrifty finds lately...

a sweet little e-mail started my day off in the right direction.
among other things, Lisa asked if I had
been thrifting lately...
and it reminded me of my last finds.
for some reason I have become attracted to
vintage sheets.

their beautiful floral patterns,
bright cheerful colours
and crazy low prices
keep me going back for more.
you can't buy stuff like this new.
the cotton is so soft...but heavy.
i now have a rather impressive stack.
(not like yours of course Beata! )

can't forget to include my new scottie.
he's painted pressed glass...
so there you go, all caught up.
thanks for the note friend,
i needed a kick start today.
xoxo

summer's end...

The girls and I managed another few nights
at the lake.
The water had dropped a couple degrees,
but we had some lovely sunshine during our stay.

oliver is the happiest dog in the world
when he hangs out around the cottage..
the little king.

This is the best sunset viewing spot I know...

like always, i wait for it....
and then i holler
sunset!! grab your camera...let's go!!

so this is the part where i get in big trouble...

mom, are you serious?...look at us...

what? i think you both look beautiful!

i kept snapping and they kept laughing.
i love these sisters...
they are so good at it.

so we've gotten back into the routine of september...
emma is a city girl now.
i'm ok.
xox

i love

well i still haven't figured out
how to slow down the days...
but i did manage
a walk to the dock,
some berry hunting
and a visit with the best kind of friend.

greeted with the warmest hug
 and laughter at my sentimental tears.
she knows me so well
and loves me anyway.

my garden has been neglected
and yet it still has managed to bloom.
they just do their best...and carry on.
flowers surrounded by weeds....
but i like them too.
i'm not really a gardener i guess.
more a fan of nature.

i'm thinking september will be a month
to tidy things up and finally
take care of some "me" stuff.
i have a rotator cuff injury...
physiotherapy will hopefully fix me.

by then my little friends will be on their way south...
this fall i'm going to try to start something up
with the bluejays.
sassy birds, but i like their spunky attitudes.

oh my...tonight's full moon.


i love you moon
i love you birds
i love you flowers
i love you friends
i love you berries
i love you summer
xoxo
i love