Intentional living
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Fresh tracks in the snow
If you are a skier and hear someone say “fresh tracks” you likely visualize tracks in an attractive curvy pattern down a white ski slope. Perhaps you like to stop part way down the hill to look up and admire your tracks in the pristine snow. This really is one of life’s greatest joys. So you likely have a smile on your face now. You are welcome. I have hung up my skis (for now). Fresh tracks may have a different meaning, but they still bring joy. Early this morning, the snow was pristine when I walked my dog Caramel. We were lucky to make fresh tracks in the snow.…
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A rosy point of view at Back 10 Cellars
Sometimes it’s nice to look at the world through rose coloured glasses. If you need a little help to get into your positive POV (point of view) then I suggest the Rose Coloured Glasses Rosé from Back 10 Cellars. The intense shade of pink veers towards fushia. The deep shade is perfectly matched to the carefully designed label reflecting a “city folk living on a vineyard” vibe. When I visited the winery this fall, I learned the owner, Christina Brooks, intentionally matched the font colour with the first vintage of this beautiful rosé, a mix of Pinot Noir and Gamay. Ever since, the matching has been reversed, letting the grape…
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The Art of Making Memories
He had me at Hygge. Then there was Lykke.* And now happy memories. * These Danish words have become quite popular, but as a quick refresher: Hygge (hoo-gaa) is a cosy feeling of contentment and Lykke (luuh- kah) is happiness. Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, has made a trilogy. Cue Star Wars music. 🎵 Duuh Duuh da da da Duuh Duuh… 🎵 A trilogy of insights, advice and tips on happiness research. The Art of Making Memories: How to create and remember happy moments is his latest book from the Copenhagen institute spreading happiness and joy. Clearly, I am a fan of nostalgia. I devote a whole…
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A hyggelig time
There is a warm glow from the fireplace. The air smells of tangy Balsam fir. The soft lights on the Christmas tree twinkle. The dog is curled up on the sheepskin rug basking in the heat of the fire. On the mantle are homemade clay pots from our wedding filled with cedar clippings from the garden, and three little reindeers from my childhood. It’s cold outside. I am cozy in my wool socks, under a soft blanket on my couch, sipping warm cinnamon tea and eating a gingerbread cookie. My husband and daughter are sitting nearby quietly reading. Hygge (pronounced hoogaa). I have used the word hygge so many times…
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Stopping to smell the leaves, hear the birds
The birds were chirping non-stop this spring. Chirp, chirp, tweet, tweet. Looking out my window, the birds were fluttering around like crazy. Playful black-capped chickadees, bright red cardinals, tiny sparrows, red crested robins, orange tanagers, swooping orioles. Back yard or front yard, it was the same. Where did they all come from? I asked a neighbour if there were more birds this year than normal. A sensed pity in her eyes when she responded. “They have always been there, Andrea. You have simply stopped to notice.” Duh. I had been rushing around, commuting, cleaning, packing lunch, organizing stuff, you get the idea. This spring was the first time I was…
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Why did I start this blog?
I love to walk and explore new places, at home and abroad. That’s the short answer. Peripatetic me likes to walk about. But I need to carve out space in my life to make this happen: to explore local destinations and to meet some larger travel goals. When I read this article 8 ways to reclaim your life, I was hooked. A nice tidy list! For someone like me who likes structure, it is so appealing. In fact, I am already trying to work on many of the items, to varying degrees of success. What is this master list, you ask? It’s a nice quick read, I urge you to…
