Wildflowers

 in the fields, she stopped and took a deep breath of the flower-scented air. it was dearer to her than her kin, better than a lover, wiser than a book. and for a moment she rediscovered the purpose of her life. she was here on earth to absorb its wild enchantment. ~ boris pasternak 

painting doesn't always come easy for me. in fact, this painting took a lot of effort and toil to push past the doubts and dislikes in my mind. but sometimes, in those rare moments, once you reach the top of mountain, all it takes is a little push over the top and something beautiful starts to form, quickly and suddenly. this is what came of my afternoon the other day and i ended up working an hour later than I was supposed to just to reach the finish line. i have to say, i am quite pleased. though, i have yet to decide what to use it for. ideas are gratefully accepted.

Life Lately: Iona Beach

I had meant to post this days ago. But somehow summer gets in the way, or at least, trying to enjoy the last days of it. I'm not looking forward to summer leaving- I feel like I haven't even begun to enjoy it! On the few days that M and I were able to get out together, we made sure to make the most of every moment. Last weekend, we took a small trip to Iona Beach. It felt like a small getaway or escape. This summer has honestly been a test of patience for us. M is a teacher and because of the strike, we have no idea when he'll be going back to work. Also because of that, we've been forced to stay home...no vacations in the budget for us. It becomes taxing emotionally, especially in a city that doesn't take time to slow down. Fortunately, there are many little escapes nearby and Iona Beach is one of those. We spent the evening wandering the shores, collecting driftwood, and staring out into the vast, endless ocean. Somehow, whenever we go to the beach, I'm transported back to the prairies, where I can see for miles and my heart becomes content (even if just for a moment). I long for peaceful days of wandering and I love that I receive that when going to the ocean. Here's to more peaceful days for September! (If this strike ever ends).

Life Lately: Saskatchewan Edition

I had the chance to travel back to the prairies over the past nine days and it was so very needed. I'm a major homebody and often find it very difficult to be away from Saskatchewan for long periods of time. This year has been the longest I've ever been away and it felt like a marathon...but I made it! And I found my time at home to be refreshing, reviving, and all things delightful. I celebrated my youngest sister's high school graduation, caught up with old friends, enjoyed spending time with family and generally just soaking up the land that I feel so connected to. My only complaint was that M couldn't make it this time around so he was very much missed by everyone. I made him feel better by bringing back a long link of farmer sausage! I didn't take too many pictures this trip, but just enough to capture a few of my favourite moments.

From the top // 1. This little face came to visit, too! I can't get enough of him. // 2. My absolute favourite thing to do around town. Her name is Liza and we go on prairie adventures together. // 3. A very delightful evening celebrating Canada's birthday and graduation with my family. The night, of course, ended off with fireworks (and mosquito bites). // 4. My sister and I ride our treasured bikes together. This place holds memories my wedding so we stopped to enjoy it for a few seconds...before getting eaten alive again by those pesky bugs. // 5. This is what life is about. This is where I find joy. // 6. Because this is the last high five I'll ever get to give my beloved old dog. 

The Start of Something New

I'm inspired today by the smells of spring blooms, poems by A.A. Milne, and the sounds of Chopin dancing through the apartment. My Red Velvet tea from David's isn't so bad either. And so begins a work in progress. A ship headed for unknown places where land meets sky and slow waves thunder. Maybe I'm losing myself in the image, longing to travel to vast and wild spaces... sometimes it's easier to lose yourself in a picture than face the urban world surrounding. This is what dreamers do I suppose. And maybe once this painting's done, you'll lose yourself in it, too. 

A Walk in the Backyard Park

I live on an average street in Vancouver. It's a busy street filled with apartment buildings of working professionals and students. There are the constant sounds of ambulance sirens (it's driving by as I type this) as the street is on route to the hospital/ 3 hospitals within walking distance. Our street does not have trendy shops or too much to look at. We love our character apartment, but we definitely didn't move here for the street we live on. 

My front yard is a busy mess of noise and rush of traffic. But my backyard is something else. It's a magical wonderland of beauty, history, and mystery (This is the one time I will use rhyming words. Don't expect it again). A few steps out our back door will take you to a park, an oval shaped park surrounded by massive historical estates. Each time I walk past these, I can't help but wonder at the stories behind them. Each one has a gate, a blockade to the world outside. This only adds to the mystery. I've rarely seen people enter in or out of the homes. There is an air of haunting loneliness about them, but it entices me. 

At about this point in my photo journey, a police car started circling the park. My heart skipped a beat and I proceeded stop taking pictures of the gated private properties and focus my attention on the park itself. I mean, I'm positive I look like a reporter or private investigator, so I was worried the police officer might think the same ;)

But I did come across some fascinating art installations of sorts. Hidden within this mystical glen, in the roots of trees were placed photos, encircled with leaves and branches. It was as if little elves had been working their magic to create a small bit of life within this eternally winter park. 

Although there are often things that are hard about living here, the backyard park continues to make me wonder and imagine. It inspires me to share this secret and curious beauty that hides within the invisible walls of the city. 

The Life Aquatic

I just have to post some pictures of our free date the other day! The Gentleman and I went to the Vancouver Aquarium the other day on a whim. We had free tickets that were soon to expire and he had the afternoon off, so we thought "why not?" Turns out, we maybe should have asked, "why??" when the incredible amounts of tourists and children and noise drove us out quicker than we expected! But we still had a fantastic time looking at the different marine life- I could not get over how beautiful the different varieties of jellyfish were. 

Now in this first montage, look closely for a hidden surprise lurking amongst the dancing creatures...

That seal was howling like he was trying to find his long lost love...or perhaps it was just his lunch. Either way he did not wake up on the right side of the pond. Below are some more of my favourite shots of the jellies. Magical creatures they are.

An Afternoon Stroll

I tend to worry about things. And I can easily focus on my worries until it becomes a huge stress point for me. This month it has been money. This next year will be extremely tight on the budgeting side of things and it causes me more than slight anxiety... The other day when I was feeling particularly over the top in worrying woes, I wandered over to the university farm. Somehow this space always tends to calm me down. It's a little country haven in the midst of a busy, overactive city. And the animals are just so darn cute. Especially in Spring, when the little bambinos come strolling along. 

By the Seaside

On my last day in the West Coast before summer, I was taken to Crescent Beach by the Gentleman. It is such a lovely little place- it feels like an island beach community, but it's actually just a drive away from Surrey. The water was incredibly calm and although it was cloudy out, the weather was just about perfect. 

We ended our time making coffee on the beach- I couldn't ask for a better last day to remember the west by. Although it was a bittersweet goodbye, I know I'll be coming back in the fall which makes it easier- and I have an exciting summer to look forward with (hopefully) many new opportunities!