It's A New Year!

         The first day of 2014- what will you do? I like to start the New Year off in the manner with which it will continue- so we will be heading outside to enjoy some fresh air by the ocean. Maybe a small hike- because it feels like it's been ages since I moved my body- in reality it's only been a couple of days. Our dream trip to California is over and we are home- trying to decompress and successfully ignoring the piles of laundry and broken suitcases that are piled up in our hall way. Over the next few days I will share pieces of our adventure here- it's tough to sort it all out - it feel a bit unreal.

       Our family is so looking forward to this next year- I think instead of making any dramatic New Years resolution we have declared that we are staying the course- improving on a few things but for the most part just maintaining momentum- we love where we are at in our lives right this second. What we do every New Years day as a family is grab a fresh sheet of paper and make a list of all the things we want to do this year- places we want to go, things we want to see and learn- nothing big- more of a manifesto than a resolution. Plus it's really fun to dream!

      Personally I am searching for my word of the year- my guiding word that will help me stay the course- help me focus. I had toyed around with "Grace" as I often struggle to find grace in my daily life- but I think the more obvious word for me will be "SIMPLE". Inspired by a friend's resolution to "keep things simple" I have decided this is a good guiding word for 2014- we have already simplified much of our life but I feel with in all aspects of my life -studio practice, commitments, family- it's a key word to remember and apply. I need to keep things tight and not get too scattered this year!

       So right now I am going to go cuddle up with one more latte while my gang of hooligans puts the finishing touches of their Lego masterpieces then we are going to bundle up in our rain gear (sigh did I mention I miss California?) and head out for our first family hike of the year! Happy 2014 Friends!

PS- the photo above is from just outside Bakersfield- coming down out of the hills and into the valley was seriously like falling into a John Steinbeck novel- it was awe inspiring and humbling at the same moment

Finding Our Way Home

      We are home- in our own home that is, by the sea, with a coffee shop downstairs, bathed in the soft neon lights of the city- constant buzz of traffic. Despite the lousy end to our vacation we had a fantastic week with the Littles getting to spend some very special one on one time with both sets of grandparents- that's what happens when everyone in the family gets sick- kids get passed around to who ever is well! I know that The Boy enjoyed his trip to Dairy Queen with his Opa and Miss Lo thoroughly enjoyed time spent outside with Poppa.

      This week was a much needed break for me- time off to recharge my batteries, gather some new inspiration. I love that there are so many creative souls in my family to connect with- my parents each have something to offer in the form of their thoughts and opinions and both my nieces are very creative in their own way- yes baking your heart out is not only appreciated by, others it's also a fantastic creative outlet.  I will hold onto these connections and let them marinade for a bit, letting them seep into my work over the next few weeks.

      Yesterday was such a long and exhausting day- travelling usually is-  coming out of the town of Hope and rounding the corner to Chilliwack we were greeted by the most glorious sunset- we knew we were home! I was so happy to walk into a mostly tidy home and flop into my own bed last night- I slept for 13 hours. Today we are laying low- snuggling in our jammies again- eating left over snacks and treats packed up by our moms. I feel like today is sort of a do- over from yesterday as this is how we usually spend New Years day!

      I would like to say thank you to our family and friends for giving us a most magical week- my mom for well being my mom and everything she always does for us- even though she was sick too, my dad for the nature walks, bon fires and fun cooking times, my sister for listening to my hypochondriac worrying and my brother in law Kyle for making fun of everything! My sister in law Pia for an amazing Christmas Eve, our niece Kayla for making that night magical for our Littles, our niece Tanya for her yummy cupcakes, our brother in law for his creative tobogganing solutions. Thank you to my In Laws for taking care of our Littles when we were down with the flu- I know they had a great time with you! A big thank you to our friends- we miss you guys and I know we don't get a chance to see you often- the time spent with each of you over the holidays was really special! A very special thank you goes out to the Universe for cutting us some slack and giving us such a beautiful day with safe roads to travel!

   Tomorrow we are back to our regular routine- I have so much to share- loads of inspiration and goodies! My hands are itching to get into my studio- but first I have a mountain of clean laundry to get put away- clean being the operative word there! See you tomorrow friends!

Going Forward

       Our week that started off so great has ground to a screeching halt- One by one this delightful flu that is making the rounds has struck members of our family down. This means New Year's Eve- the biggest party of the year- will be spent in a much more quiet manner. Gone are the plans for the ski hill celebration- enter in sitting around in our P.J's and sipping ice water through straws. My Mr. and Miss Lo are laying low today while The Boy is recovering after a trip to the ER yesterday- he is fine just some respiratory problems- I would just like to sleep for a few days straight!

      I think I am pretty good with this change of plans- we had such a great week- playing in the snow, eating non- stop and snuggled up to bon fires. Our last day in Peachland we stopped by the lake and snapped these shots at our favourite summer swimming spot- significantly more chilly at this time of year but non the less beautiful. It was so perfect- the roads had barely been driven on and the clouds were down low to the lake- big fluffy snow flakes falling and all was quite.

        This week has been a week of big ups and downs for us- I am ready to go home- move forward and start thinking about what I want from 2013. I think I can say with out a shadow of a doubt 2013 will see some big changes in our life- lots to be excited about!

    Friends- I hope weather your New Years finds you totally glammed up at some swanky party, out on a ski hill or snuggled up in your jammies- that you are right where you want to be. That you are surrounded by love and regardless of attire that when the clock strikes midnight you are happy- what more could one ask at the end of a year?