well now...that was a very long time...

I've always been myself here.
No reason to pretend to be someone else now.
The people who know me and love me anyway...
they read this blog.
They know what's been going on.

To be perfectly honest,
I have to tell you that my Nikon and I
have been taking a bit of a break from each other.
I still love her very much, but I've been
spending waayyyy too much time with my phone.
I'm just keeping it real with you all...
hope you don't mind that I will share a few
instagrams from over the last few months.

Our little family took off on a road trip to PEI.
I fell in love.
Must have been the salty air...
or the lobster rolls
or the red sand
or the rolling pastures.
I LOVE PEI
xox

Emma returned back to York for her second year.
I made a trip down to the city and the two of us
took in a night with Jann.
I'm only good in the city for about 21 hours
then I have to get the heck out of there.
I'm always thankful to come home.

After having one of the weirdest summers ever,
Oliver and I are trying to keep our chins up.
We really didn't get the required dose of sunshine.
It's been called the summer that never came.
We might have to get good at quick daily winter walks.

I'm also going to schedule more friend time.
It's nice to have a reason to put pants on you know?
Meeting up at little coffee shops...chatting over scones.
I need that.
Call me?

I am starting a master list.
Things that must get done around here.
Might even crack open a paint can.
We've been here 8 years...and it is starting to show.

Oliver will be my steady mate...
along with my phone of course.
I would like to blog more, honestly I would.
Let me know if you're on instagram.
I'm there everyday!
xox

longest. winter. ever.

i'm still here.
surviving this darn nasty winter so far.

every march i get a bit of hope
that spring is on it's way.

this year the weather man is
telling us to be prepared
for more snow.
ugh.

so i'll just keep buying
pretty flowers until the ones
in the garden start popping up.

this winter, for the first time,
i put seed out for the birds...
and their friend.

they've appreciated the food
and i've loved the company.

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