Family

With 2015 fast coming to a close this evening, I find myself with a few luxurious moments completely alone.  Taking a break from preparations for a night of festivities ahead, this rare quiet time has given me a moment to reflect on the year that's passed..and as my mind races with flash-card images of the last 364 days, one theme is a steady constant throughout it all..

family.

It's been a whirlwind year of toddler milestones, overseas adventures and countless days at Five Maples.  Through all the small details of the when and where's of everyday living, I'm incredibly fortunate to be able to say that I have been blessed to have fallen asleep every night in the arms of the man I adore, kissed my son's sweaty forehead as I tucked him in for the night and been lulled to sleep by the comforting snoring of my furry soulmate.  

Our house is not overly large or spacious but there's never a lack of space for more love..every single nook and cranny is filled with the love we all share here.  

The friends and family gatherings we've hosted throughout the years, 

the tears and laughter these walls have witnessed.  

This is what makes my world go around. 

As I ring in the new year later tonight, I'll be thinking of my family and friends in B.C.  

I'll also be thinking of all of you..and wishing each and every single one of you a peaceful closure to 2015 with no regrets.  

May 2016 be your best year yet.  

May you live the life you love..and love the life you live.

Thank you for such an incredible year!  

xo Tina

Blue Gnome

All the good in this world

We almost saw the new year together, two of us sick with a cold, the wee bean getting over a flu and the fuzzy girl, just content that all her people-folk were with her, despite the coughing, sneezing and nose-blowing that periodically disrupted the otherwise peaceful evening indoors.  

We had grand plans of spending the night away, celebrating with friends with promises of expensive bubbly and a gorgeous feast but in the end we were all exhausted from the holiday visitings, social obligations and wanted to focus on a speedy recovery back to the land of the healthy.  Being away would've also meant sending our canine family member to a friends home as our would-be-hosts are lovers of the feline variety and interspecies peace and quiet would've been a challenge.  

Our disappointment about missing the party turned into quite a lovely night of monster trucking over furniture (a gift from Santa!) watching Wallace and Gromit shows and impromptu dance parties in our pajamas.  Fast asleep by the time our neighbors were yelling "Happy New Year!" with cheers and whooping, we were dreaming of clear nasal passageways and a night without a hacking cough.  

And while the rest of the city might've been waking up on the first day of 2015 slightly groggy and thirsting for a tall glass of water, we were up and on our way to Five Maples early on new year's day for a day of wood stove warmth, leftover Xmas treats with hot tea and following animal tracks around our property.

I hope your holidays were filled with good eats, great friends and amazing conversation.  

A time to truly reflect on and appreciate all the good in this world - a time to pry yourself away from and let go of the bad.  When every gesture should begin with love, today and everyday for the next year.

Happy 2015 to all of you - it's going to be an amazing year for you!  

xo Tina

Blue Gnome