fintry etc.

Spent a long weekend away at Fintry Provincial Park, just north of Kelowna.  One of the most randomly planned camping trips I've had haha - we stayed in a yurt, with our site just along Lake Okanagan :)  It was wonderful to get away with close friends - a trip of new camping experiences, "quick walks" before lunch, floating in the lake, good food, & lots of laughter :)

Been spending time this long weekend also with lovely with friends & family, whilst tearing apart my apartment.  Summer has been so busy, so I haven't had much "catch-up" time to take care of my own personal projects.  Cleaning/purging/organizing helps me feel much more in control of my life for some reason, so it feels good to take this weekend to chill & get these things taken care of before the school year gets going again.

This summer has been so good to me - more moments I'll remember.

squamish valley.

Spent the last few days at my first music festival, the Squamish Valley Music Festival.  Got to see many artists I love, including Dominique Fricot, Band of Horses, Yukon Blonde, Young the Giant, Said the Whale, Vampire Weekend, Fits & the Tantrums, & Macklemore, just to name a few!  There were a few bands I enjoyed watching, who I didn't previously know, so that's always nice too.

Was awesome to just spend time chilling with friends and listening to music. 

garibaldi.

Spent Saturday enjoying more of the absolutely beautiful summer we've been having, and knocked off another hike from my "to-do" list: Garibaldi Lake.

It was great to go early and beat some of the crowds - got to have a relaxing lunch & spend time just enjoying the environment & view.  And we actually pushed ourselves to not only swim in the lake, but swim to a mini-rock island haha.

Another great day spent with excellent company, enjoying beautiful British Columbia :)

chilliwack lake.

Natural cooler :)

Spent last weekend at Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park with my sister.  We were lucky enough to get one of the last 10 spots, with beautiful tree cover & beside some pretty chill fishermen.  It'd been too long since we'd gone camping together - it was a perfect way to re-centre before a busy 2 months.

Family, campfire, forest, lake, sand, beer, stars.  Bliss.

lovely weekend.

What an absolutely lovely weekend.

A wonderful day full of love & laughter celebrating the wedding of one of my best friends, for whom I truly couldn't be happier :)  Followed up with a chill & sunny Sunday.  Then an exploratory Canada Day, with Canadian Eh? pizza, berry picking, and BBQ battles with some of my favourite people.  And now we have a new indie band name - these are the moments I'll remember :)

stompin' tom.

"Hello friends, I want all my fans, past, present, or future, to know that without you, there would have not been any Stompin' Tom.

It was a long hard bumpy road, but this great country kept me inspired with it's beauty, character, and spirit, driving me to keep marching on and devoted to sing about its people and places that make Canada the greatest country in the world.

I must now pass the torch, to all of you, to help keep the Maple Leaf flying high, and be the Patriot Canada needs now and in the future.

I humbly thank you all, one last time, for allowing me in your homes, I hope I continue to bring a little bit of cheer into your lives from the work I have done.

Sincerely,
Your Friend always,
Stompin' Tom Connors"
February 9, 1936 – March 6, 2013

A classic.

cypress.

Photo: Mary C.

An absolutely gorgeous day on the mountain.  After being away for over 2 years, it felt good to be back on my board - it was also a pleasant surprise to find out that I hadn't drastically lost all my skills haha.

Looking forward to being surrounded by people I love this weekend.  Almost through February.

snow.

First snowfall of the season...

the chief.

Went away to Squamish for a night, and spent a whole day hiking all 3 peaks of The Chief with some of my favourite people.  Although I've been born & raised in B.C., sometimes it's beauty never fails to amaze me.

Exercise is great treatment - physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

rossland.

Returned from an extra-long weekend to Rossland.  Mixed emotions, as it had been 9 years since we had last visited as a family, and the first time without my father.  My aunt & uncle were wonderful hosts, and it was a very enjoyable weekend. 

At the same time, it brings up emotions that I'd rather not deal with, but that's all the more reason to face forward.

foray 2012.

People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy the whole time to have the things about us.

-Iris Murdoch

canada day.

Spent Canada Day at my sister's with my Mum.  Sorted through travel photos, chatted, & made lots of food.  Artichoke dip, deviled eggs (my first time!), and then garlic bread, mushrooms, bell peppers, corn, & bacon-wrapped filets on the BBQ.  Most while drinking mojitos using the mint we bought at the garden centre a few months back.

Nice relaxing day, with a lot of great quality time & food.  Yummm :)

guelph.

Dundas Valley Conservation Area

Had a great long weekend visiting Karen out in Guelph.  I am so grateful to my Mum for allowing me use her Air Miles to make this trip affordable!  A much needed break from the city, it was wonderful to spend time just relaxing, walking, hiking, and just catching up.

Long overdue and much needed.

a letter.

"My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.

All my very best,
Jack Layton"

He lead his party to a historic electoral night for our country.  I may not have agreed with all his party's policies and ideas, but you could tell the man actually cared and believed in what he was doing.  We need more politicians like him.

Sad to hear of his passing.

Worth the read.