This week I spent some time chasing the delicious light all over Hamilton to see some of my favourite spots. Some a bit rough, some outstandingly beautiful. It is clear though, I love this city!
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Avett Adventure!
Being open to adventure was definitely a good thing yesterday! My sweetie had arranged for us to have a night out, but refused to tell me any details. He even went to so far as to make me cancel a meeting I had planned so we could go out specifically last night AND I wasn’t allowed to bring my camera. I was pleasantly surprised when we arrived at Allen’s on the Danforth and got some delicious, grass-fed burgers and Guinness in their pub. I was in my happy place in an Irish pub, having meat and Guinness with my main squeeze – what could be better? Then, he covered my eyes and unveiled an envelope. Puzzled, I opened it and read a note asking if I was ready for a night out with The Avett’s. The word ‘excited’ cannot contain my unbounded joy at reading those words. What a fabulous surprise! We finished up our pints, walked a bit then headed to our nose-bleed seats at the music hall. They were amazing – not a bad seat in the house. The show rocked! Such passion in music, combined with powerful lyrics and the crowd’s energy made for an outstanding evening. About halfway through the set, we decided to risk it and make our way down to the stage based on a tip from a fellow concert goer. So glad that we did!! We ended up near the second row for an up-close and intimate experience with the brothers Avett. I am a lucky woman indeed. What an amazing adventure!
And because every post needs some pictures – the 2 views of the show as captured on my blurry cell phone. :)
Upcycling Edits. Accounting. Adventure.
Today is a day when I woke full of anticipation. A full day of edits, accounting and adventure is before me. Emphasis on the adventure part. I love when there is a day of discovery! After a fantastic photo shoot with Stephanie Jane’s gorgeous upcycled furniture yesterday, I’m stoked to edit and get at the photos. Here’s just a few so you can see her beautiful work! Then, onto learning some new accounting software. I know, I know. I am such a party. While it might not be the most fun, I hope to keep my inquisitive outlook while doing the necessary. To complete my day - a mysterious trip into Toronto where new experiences and delights await. I have no idea what to expect when we get there, but I think there is value in the practice of openness to Life’s adventure. I think Discovery is waiting all around us – even lurking in accounting software. I hope you have eyes to see it and embrace it today.
Posted in learning
Mother
This past weekend was all about the mothers for me. First, there was a walk in Dundas put on by the Save the Mother’s organization- a group dedicated to advocating for baby and maternal health. Then I was able to spend some time with my own mom on Sunday afternoon. Eating, talking and just generally being together was such a nice treat! We are planning a girls day with my sister that includes a little tea at Taylor’s Tea Room (I highly recommend their scones! ) so we can have more time just being together. Love that! We were also able to spend some time up north together recently… drinking coffee, reading and chatting. So blessed to have such a great mom!
Posted in family
Learning…
After spending a few weeks tied to the city desk working away at my business plan, a little wilderness photo excursion was in order. So loving all the learning I’ve been doing over the past few days as I get to know my new Canon 5d Mark iii. Love how bright the images are! In honour of my mother’s Plaster Rock, NB heritage – some fiddleheads!
New Gear…
…can really make a gal smile. But so can a day filled with family, my commons family and a little choir at the cathedral. Some random images from today’s first try with the new Mark iii. So far, I’ve got to say that it is amazing and I love how it handles in low light situations. Can’t wait to really take this baby for a spin!!
Posted in learning
Doors Open Hamilton
Today was Doors Open - the day when you get to peek inside of that building you were always curious about but wouldn’t normally go inside. Who knew there was such beauty hidden behind the doors of the Orthodox Serbian Church on Barton St E? The exterior is pretty non-desrcript, but once you enter their worship space – wow. Icons, murals and wood carvings adorn every space. The scent of incense was fragrant in the air and added to the sense of sacredness that permeated the sanctuary. It was amazing to see the two huge, beautiful chandeliers and hear the story of how the icons came to be painted on every square inch of wall in the space over 4 years. Whenever I travel, I always love to stop in at old churches to feel their history and sacred space-ness. But there are so many right here at home too! I love this city and all the hidden gems that are right in the heart of it. I can’t wait ’til next time Doors Open comes around to discover some more treasures of Hamilton.
Le canard et la lune…
Yesterday, May the fourth was strong with me. Yes, internet, I went there. I joined in with the crowd and went for the ever popular star wars reference. Yep, I’m that cool. It was a day of diligent work, dreaming, frustration, fear, tears, and smiles. An appropriate gamut of emotions given the full moon yesterday I suppose. After a delicious dinner at Boo’s of duck and lamb, we went for a walk along the harbour front to take in the night scenes under the almost super moon. You know, super moon. The day of the year when the full moon is closest to the earth and looks huge. There’s still time to catch it tonight. While walking, my brain was stuck trying to remember the french word for duck. It’s canard, in case you were wondering. The stars and the moon reflecting their light on the water reminded me of a quote I love.
They hang there, the stars, like notes on a page of music, free-form verse, silent mysteries swirling in the blue like jazz.
I hope tonight you get out there and enjoy their music.
Posted in nature
simply beautiful
Spring is so gorgeous! Luckily I know someone in the greenhouse industry who was able to take me on a little road trip to soak in all the riotous colour! Row upon row of blossoms and hope overflowing in baskets. Witzke’s was kind enough to let me snap a few pics away and even to take a few of the pretties home with me.
Posted in nature
Make hay while the sun shines…
…and Excel sheets when it’s snowy? “Oh the weather outside is weather…” Even with a sad return to winter today, I am determined to make the most of this Monday! Perhaps without the lure of sunshiney warmth beckoning me to come outside and play I can get the last sections of my business plan wrapped up. Gross days outside position me perfectly to cross off those pesky ‘to do’s’ off my list.
Random: I saw this on Jasmine Star’s blog the other day and my heart skipped a beat. It’s a to do list AND a sticky note. All in one. How BRILLIANT is this? They’re available at Poketo. (hint hint)
Squirreled up in my attic and powered by morning glory bars, baked by the fabulous Pete, I am going to power through today and get it done. And try not to think of my folks sunning it up on warm beach down south while winter finally shows itself up here. Good timing on their part!
Posted in learning
