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Summers gift

May. 18th 2013 Written in:Gourmet Cycling Travel/Journal/Travel

Feeling giddy with excitement the way I do every year around this time…
summer is almost here and with it our Gourmet Cycling travel tours in France.
I’m dripping with gratitude to once again experience a new perspective of some places I love dearly.
an amazing opportunity to savor the beauty and the flavors of France.
to cast my gaze to ancient horizons
of sleepy hillside villages
and endless fields of lavender.
To breath in the spirit of the historic countryside
and bask in the energy of the Alps.
and finally to head to the city of lights
the place where part of my heart resides.
feeling immensely sublimely grateful!

 

 

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Gerri - Oh, sweet glee!!

Turning 8.

May. 4th 2013 Written in:Family/Journal

 

My sweet beautiful girl you turned eight last month. Where has the time gone? You are such a blessing and a joy to have in our lives and I love everything about you.

Your quirky, animated and elaborate stories.
and your spot on imitations.

I love how you always see the humor in things, your contagious giggle, and the freckles on your little nose.

I love how you never complain and always go with the flow, adaptable and accommodating to change… just like your dad.

I love how you are wise beyond your years and your sweet and gentle spirit.
and how most of your tales start with, “mommy, guess what…?”

I love your big green eyes gleaming with curiosity and intrigue
and I adore the little love notes you write me and leave hidden around the house. These I will cherish till the end of my days.

My dreamer child, I love how your imagination knows no limits.

Thank you for teaching me to be a better person and mom

because for you I want to be the very best.

Never forget how very loved you are.

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Gerri - Happy birthday to your girl!

Blueberry Picking

Apr. 22nd 2013 Written in:Family/Journal

This weekend we headed to a sweet little organic blueberry farm. With buckets in hand we made our way through the trees enjoying the gentle breeze and shade provided by the overcast skies… picking only the bluest of berries and of course doing some sampling  as we worked. To be honest quite a bit of sampling took place!  We couldn’t resist the succulent little gems bursting with ripeness. Hinting at summer just around the corner. Before long our buckets were full and we headed home satisfied with some quality time spent in nature and our bucket full of goodness.

 

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Gerri - Blueberries are my favorite. Such beautiful photos of your loves…

Unplugging…

Apr. 9th 2013 Written in:Inspiration/Journal

I’ve been unplugging lately… spending time away from the computer, cell phone, social media and TV.  I’ve needed a break from all the “noise” and chatter that fills our daily lives. Noise that in essence adds nothing to my life and my desire to live creatively. The noise that pulls me away from the peace inside and drains me of vital energy like disturbing news headlines and social media overload. I have started paying more attention to how I am spending my moments. The precious nuggets of time I have been granted. I really don’t know when they will run out so it’s time to start making the absolute most of my time and cut out the things that bring nothing enriching to my life. I’ve resolved to spend my time learning new things,  going back to basics and in the process I’ve discovered some cool new hobbies. I’ve started making artisan bread from scratch and I’m so happy with how the loaves have been turning out. Added bonus: Our house has been smelling like a bakery for the last week or two with the comforting scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. I’m also pretty excited that I’ve discovered a way to make gluten-free bread that tastes even better than its gluten containing counterpart. Here is the recipe if you are interested! I have more on my list of new things I want to try, and I encourage you to start your own list. Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn or do… get off FB and get cracking! Let me know how it goes!

Tips to nurture your creative spirit:
try until it works - THEY did!
take lessons from a child
unplug
Start with what inspires you
read books
surround yourself with positivity
stay away from energy vampires
Pinterest for inspiration
don’t compare yourself to others
journal your thoughts
feel intensely grateful
start where you are
don’t limit yourself
explore new places
try new things
awaken your senses
travel
random acts of kindness
be open to learn
break old routines
de -clutter your mind and your life
be true to yourself
hang out with creative people
make the most of your time
laugh often
give back

 

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Stephanie - I’ve got to try that gluten-free bread!

Gerri - Unplugging sounds refreshing.

KtMac - I love this. Such a great view on what really matters in life.

justine - oh I am so with you! I so need to try new things instead of wasting time on rubbish! love your shots and love your blog!

Katherine - Oh, love this Vanessa! I totally feel everything you’ve said and have totally stepped back from FB and most social media. And I’m reading more books and loving the time, it’s been like a gift!