rub a dub dub

Nothing like a cool bath after a long day in the sun.

Amidst all the summertime play, my mind often wanders to the coming months and all of the necessary preparations that need taking care of before our cold, long winter.

Especially with the rising price of gas, it is now more important than ever for us to severe our dependence on commoditized foods and start growing our own.
This year has been my first attempt at gardening, and I must say, I love it! It is so much work, and the bugs are relentless, but so very rewarding.  Henry has been helping with the strawberry picking, the jam making, the basil picking, the pesto making, the weeding, the getting dirty, and everything in between.
It is really important for us to introduce Mother Earth to Henry at an early age, and avoid nature deficiency disorder at all costs. And I am so happy that he seems to absolutely thrive outdoors. As far as I am concerned, his love for sand, grass and dirt will forever be nurtured.

summer lovin

Summer time in Quebec is so wonderful, and so fleeting. The seasons are so drastic and change so fast, that we are trying to really enjoy ourselves and spending as much time as we can outside, appreciating Mother Natures gifts. Henry and I have been heading to the beach most days. Frolicking around in the waves, making sand castles, and fully enjoying the precious moments of warm weather and sunshine.

spring is here!

Well, I think spring is approaching and I couldn't be more pleased! Here are some photographs of our weekend! We spent some much-needed time outdoors, snowshoeing and exploring.

Henry had such a great time in the backpack. He was laughing his head off all afternoon!
 
What a babe!

Being with my two loves, the simple beauty around us, and the fresh air made this day so very special!

Oh! And here are some more delicious photos in the tub!

Could this munchkin get any sweeter? No, I think not.

Rio's Quilt

As some of you may know, I have a major crush on handmade goods. In particular, handmade quilts. When I was a child, I had a quilt hanging from my bedroom wall, and I can still remember how special and beautiful it was. But it has only been in the last few years, as I have collected a few for myself, that I have truly come to appreciate the real beauty of a quilt.
Old quilts, to me, are especially magical. The more worn and frayed, the more, I am sure, it was loved. Every time I come home from the thrift store with a vintage quilt, I find myself thinking about the women who made it. Who was the quilt for? How much love and time was put into the project? Where was the fabric from? Who did it keep warm? And how did it come to be alone and separated from its original family? Oh, I could marvel for hours over a beautiful, beat up, old quilt!
When Pete's sister and brother-in-law announced they were pregnant, I knew right away that I wanted to make them a baby quilt. I decided Amy Carol's quilt pattern was simple and lovely, and perfect for my first project.
And finally, after three months, I am finished. It is my hope that my niece Rio, loves her quilt, as it is, a gift from the heart.

bonne fete.

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about celebration and traditions, and how exactly I want to incorporate them into our lives. Pete and I are both turned off by many of our major holidays for the simple reason that in so many respects, we have deviated from the original spirit and meaning of the events we are meant to be celebrating. So many of our traditions have been corrupted by money and consumer impulse. That being said, I think that we can make the decision to celebrate in a deliberate and unselfish way that honours our traditions and our modern views and ways of living. And besides, I love a reason to cook. Any chance to prepare a slow cooked meal, made with love, care and patience is brilliant and in itself something worth celebrating.  I also believe that in all of our celebrations we should take time to venture outside and connect with Mother Nature. After all, without our natural environment there's no ground or possibility for celebration what so ever.
Birthdays have never been terribly important to me, until I gave birth. Now, I know that the day we entered into this world is worth celebrating.
So, today is Pete's birthday! Pete is such a dream come true and my soul mate who helps me to be the best that I can be. He has such integrity and conviction and always supports me in following my dreams. He is a wonderful father and for all of these reasons, I wanted today to be extra special. So, I made him something from my heart (shown below), and for the rest of the day, we are going to walk the mountain, hit up the flea market, and make a yummy dinner and cozy up on the couch!
Wishing you all a wonderful, relaxing weekend!

Haven't got much to say these days (weird, I know) so I'll just leave you with a few photographs...


Look at those delicious feet!

My baby is growing up!