Life is Good (even under 2 feet of snow)

What a Difference a day can make

Late yesterday afternoon I was outside playing with Meg and it was mild enough that I had on my capris. I could see grass in some spots and I thought maybe spring was in the air.

I was wrong!

Late this afternoon I was outside playing with the girls and it’s a whole different story....no capris today! L

I’m really hoping this is Mother Nature’s last kick at the winter can!

Just for Fun

Jon and I went to a grocery store we don’t normally go to today and I actually had fun grocery shopping for the first time in – well probably in ever!

The first thing that caught my eye: Octopus...YUCK!!

I can't imagine eating this! 

The second thing to catch my eye: Cow Chips...WTF?

Chocolate covered potato chips, who eats these?

And the last thing to catch my eye: Yummy... J

Now this I could eat!

AAHHH...Flowers

I asked myself on Tuesday in February Blahs if buying myself a bouquet was enough to get me out of my funk.

It wasn’t...but it helped.

I spent ages looking over the flowers at the grocery store trying to decide which flowers I liked the best. Jon was with me and I tested his patience with the amount of analyzing I did trying to find just the right bouquet. I usually prefer soft colours like white, pinks, lavender but Tuesday I decided bold was better.

I picked a vibrant fuchsia posy of dyed carnations. They’re stunning.

I’m not sure if the flowers helped perk me up or if it was just the time I spent photographing them that helped by taking my mind off things for a bit. Honestly, I don’t care which it was – I have beautiful flowers that make me feel good and some great shots too.

February Blahs

February, when the days of winter seem endless and no amount of wistful recollecting can bring back any air of summer.  

-  Shirley Jackson

It’s been a long winter and I’m past ready for spring. Usually I spend February planning the gardens and looking forward to flowers. This year I’m overwhelmed by the snow and the cold in a way that I’ve never been before.

I can’t even find the motivation to look through the seed catalogues that have arrived in the mail. 

Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of my brother’s suicide which probably has something to do with my funk, but still it’s always flowers that get me through.

Maybe I just need to go and buy myself a bouquet – could it be that simple?

I don’t know...I’ll let you know tomorrow.

A Perfect Winter Day

Yesterday was the perfect winter day. It was bright and sunny and the snow was beautiful powder.

Jon, Meg, Astro and I went for snowshoe down to the creek beside our property. It was so much fun. The dogs ran around and chased each other, Jon meandered around and I took (a lot) of photos. It was the perfect way to spend a winter weekend morning.

I was both energized and relaxed when we finally made our way home. 

Here are a few of the shots I took.

I took this picture as I was falling into the creek!!  Whoops J

If you’d like to see a few more there are some of the creek here.

The Day After

Yesterday was a hell of a day here. It was so snowy at times we couldn’t see out the lane.

Today dawned bright and sunny and perfectly wintery so the girls and I had some winter fun.

Astro trying to figure out what's up...

Meg looking very serious for the camera (and me too)

Some fun in the snow.

Is is spring yet??

Me :-)

Eye Candy

By February I’m usually looking forward to spring, but this year I think I started looking forward to spring about November. Needless to say it’s been a long winter so far.

Up until this year I’ve never really understood ‘snow birds’. I’ve always said (and meant it) that I love winter and that I couldn’t/wouldn’t want to miss it. Suddenly I get it.

Come on spring!!

Let’s dream of the eventual warmer weather together shall we?

Photo Challenge

I haven’t been overly inspired to use my camera these last couple of months. I took a few shots over Christmas but that’s pretty much it.  It’s been bothering me because there is nothing I (usually) enjoy more than seeing the world through the lens of my camera.

I needed a little push...and I got the nicest one from my friend Joni. She invited me to participate in a Facebook photo challenge. A picture a day with specific challenges each day and an overall theme of gratitude for the month of February.

In all honesty I’ve only had my “real” camera out once but I’ve still been taking shots and enjoying ones I’ve taken in the past. I’m really enjoying the point and shoot my mother gave me for my birthday – it’s so easy to grab quickly and get shots that I’d miss if I went hunting for my DSLR.

It feels great to be back at it. I’ve missed my camera and photography in general. Now if only I had some flowers around...come on spring!!

Here are the shots I’ve posted for the photo challenge so far:

Feb 1, Food 

Feb 2, Beauty

Feb 3, Happiness

Feb 4, Music

Feb 5, Morning sky