Mid Winter

           We are approaching the half way mark of the school year- yesterday marked Imbolic- or St Brigid's Day- harbinger of Spring- light and new beginnings. In Vancouver the mist hung heavily- occasionally turning to rain- a softer- less harsh rain that even a few weeks ago. I feel a sigh of relief these mornings when I open the window to a warmer breeze- my heart keeps as I spot the early cherry blossoms and crocuses- Spring is surely on it's way.

      For our family it is the beginning of Birthday month- so many February babies- a family of Aquarians- full of creativity and chaos! There are secrets lingering in every corner of our apartment- drawings and cards are being made- surprises and gifts are being squirrelled away. Birthday month- coming so quickly on the heals of Christmas- is a much more frivolous- a celebration of each individual- handmade- thoughtful and- although increasingly more difficult- we try to keep things simple.

          For me Mid Winter is a time of planning- a time to lie quiet and connect with friends and myself- which is just what I did yesterday. Plans were laid with dear friends to meet at one of our favourite cafes- Le Marche St. George- children were dropped off at school- walking shoes laced up. I have been drinking mostly tea for the past month and so I celebrated with a large latte- I think my relationship with coffee has found a goodly balance. Sitting down with that big bowl of frothy milk and espresso was practically a religious experience for me- I enjoyed every second- second only to my almond croissant!

         Once all the coffee and rests were long gone- the conversation still tumbling about we buttoned up and headed out to brave the elements- a wander down Main Street is a must- stopping at all of our favourite shops. Yarn was purchased for small gifts- dried herbs and florals were acquired for a bath preparation- small succulents were selected and tucked into our shopping totes. There really is nothing quite like a completely ordinary day made extraordinary by the company of good company- and a huge latte! February started out pretty spectacularly- heres hoping the rest of Birthday Month follows suit!

* Also thank you to friend Erin Fowler for the first picture at the start of the post- Le Marche in all it's misty glory!