My Little Taro Beans

He looks kind of disapproving, doesn't he? But really, he's just as fuzzy on the inside as he is on the outside. Ummm... sort of.

Except when he's mad at me. He lets me know with a swift thump to the floor with his back foot. Any number of things could cause him to do this. If he gets under my bed, for instance. He's not allowed in that room, and he knows it, so if opportunity knocks and he does make a run for it, he will hide under the bed and thump and thump as though he is telling me haha, you were too slow to catch me...now back off, lady!

He will also thump at me if I pick him up to give him a kiss on the cheek. I do this a lot... I can't resist. He hates being picked up, which is only natural...in the wild he would be a prey animal, so confinement of any kind is not comfy for him. So he tolerates me, but soon after I put him down, I get thumped.

But, if all four feet are on the floor he's a cuddly as can be. He loves to be rubbed under the chin and around the ears and will push his nose into my hand in demand ... but he rewards me by licking my hands or my forehead if I snuggle up to him on the floor.

Despite his little grudges, I love him. I adore him. I could gobble him right up I love him so much.

I am a Storm Chaser at Heart

Winter finally arrived. It was like a thick and pillowy duvet blew off the clothesline and settled right over the island. But it only lasted 2 days before torrential rains washed away any evidence of white and left everything green again. Which is just about perfect. I love being snow stranded... it provides automatic permission to do nothing but cozy up with a blanket, hot tea and a good read. I love those kinds of days. And because they come so rarely in this little part of the world, it makes them even more delicious.

And just when we thought everything was returning to normal, the winds came today. Powerful 110 km/hr gusts that knocked down trees (I grieve for those that fall) and power lines (including mine) and made the ocean roar with rage. It was quite spectacular. In the eleven years I have lived here, I don't think I have ever seen winds that strong.

So I am wondering... what is coming next? Some pretty lightning? That would be nice. We don't get nearly enough thunder and lightning here.

I LOVE storms. It doesn't matter what kind. I love them even better than sun-in-your-eyes days. Better than hazy blue skies. Better than unrippled waters and swayless trees. They shake up the ordinary. They make our eyes grow wide and our hearts beat stronger. They wake up the spirit and make us feel oh so very small.

I will be scanning the skies for the next thrill ride.

What Holds the Light

The sunlight is painfully shy these days... hiding behind Old Man Winter's knees, sneaking a peak every now and then... not wanting to be forgotten.

But if you are patient, she can be coaxed. You might find her wrapped snug around twigs and branches like a spool of golden thread. She may be filtering herself through the papery shell of a hydrangea, offering it one last day of grace. Or perhaps you will find her sweet talking the baby buds, making them appear to glow from the inside. Perhaps that is what they need... a little bit of a pep talk to encourage them to open when the air is still bitter cold. Poor things. I hope they know it is much too early to wake up. I want to whisper to them... go ahead. sleep in. take your time.

That timid sun. I know she has her days, whole seasons even, when she's bold and demanding of attention. But not now. The heavy clouds are intimidating, threatening snowfall, pushing her aside as they steal center stage. No doubt, the tiny snowflake is deserving of love and attention too. As much as we love the sunshine, who doesn't love a good snow day?

White Out

I think I am detoxing. I am coloured out.

I love the clean slate feel of January. As wonderful as the holiday season is, when it is over, I am ready for it to be over. Funny.... that happens at the end of each season, too. So here I am, beginning again ... resurfacing after a long blogging slumber. Hoping to be more present with you this year. But I am not going to make it a resolution. Because, you know what happens to most resolutions.

No, I am thinking in terms of intention. To find more beauty... to share it with you ... to get more of that goosebumpy feeling when I see the beauty that you create in whatever form it is that stirs your soul.

I wasn't around a whole lot last year. I think I found it all too overwhelming. I found myself feeling very guilty much of the time because I wasn't keeping up with the goings on in the blogging world. It's a busy place, this beautiful universe we have all created with our art, and words, and pictures. And I am so happy that I found a little place within it. But, I'd like to try a different approach... little bite size pieces at a time, and less marathoning when it comes to trying to keep up with my favourite blogs. Do you know what I mean?

And yes... I also intend to take breaks when I need them. Long ones if I need them. I think I am getting better at honouring my own needs without judging myself for them. Makes me a happier being.

I am actually smiling right now. :)

Starry Nights and Feeling the Love

Where did the last three weeks go? Looking back, I can't remember the details, the millions of little things that had to get done... but sprinkled here and there were wonderful gatherings with friends that are so near and dear to me.

One sweet friend has this Love mug. Every time I go to her house for a cup of chai, I ask for the Love mug. I think it makes the tea taste better. I think it makes me feel better. I think that even if it is all in my imagination, I still get all the benefits.

Last night I spent the evening with three of my favourite people. We went to a Christmas magical wonderland of gardens and lights in the theme of the Twelve Days of Christmas. We rode the carousel and went ice skating under the stars while soft celtic Christmas carols played in the background. A sparkly silver ball hovered above us, sending swirling twirling globes of light all over the ice rink. It couldn't have been a more perfect night.

And now I can take a deep deep breath, and I can drop my shoulders and relax, knowing that the busy part is over. And as I make my way to my family tomorrow, everything is going to slow down... and get quiet. I look forward to doing a whole lot of nothing over the next two weeks.

Wishing all of you a most beautiful Christmas. I love you all, and I will come around to visit and send you a warm holiday hug. xoxoxo