The Kiss

Warning: this post doesn't really have much to do with anything. It's just an excuse to show you something cute. Namely, my roommate's puppy kissing my friend, Chuck.

That's all.

Cider Speakeasy

It's not often that I get to find the super secret drinking spots in the area, but sometimes you're with the right person with the intel. Unfortunately, no names or photos, since my big mouth and I don't want to be the ones to spoil it. But I still have to share in the excitement.

The evening started with dinner at Barley and Hops, where I enjoyed the lovely Le Merle, a Belgian style with tropical fruit notes. Not my usual pick, but I thought I'd go out of the box a bit from my favorite Death and Taxes, which will one day have a post all of its own.

Next was ice skating, and with no falls! I want to say I'm improving on my technique, but I still seem to prioritize going fast over looking graceful. Is it weird that I found satisfaction in skating faster than all the little kids there? Or just a sign that I'm ridiculously competitive?

On to the speakeasy. This secret spot is by invite only, and involves knowing the top secret code to a gated entry (which I hope I never learn because I would immediately shout it from the rooftops so all my friends could go). I was lucky enough to be in the company of one of the invited friends, so we rolled in for a pint as things were winding down.

The owner let us in, poured us some ciders and we chatted with his buddies beside a charming backdrop of fermenting tanks. Ever notice how the problems of the world manage to easily be solved over a few pints? We sat in a heated tent under the stars, debating if we should play Boggle, pool or backgammon. We chose stars.

Anyone who knows me knows I'm not fancy, and I'm the last person in the world to keep secrets. But for one night, it was nice to do both.

Some Lessons from Whitney

Love will save the day.

Say a prayer with every heartbeat.

Never walk in anyone's shadow.

Sometimes broken hearts can find their way home.

Don't change all your colors for another.

Be every woman.

Take a chance on loving, no matter the price.

Find hope in your heart, and know your own strength.

If that special place you've been dreaming of leads you to a lonely place, find your strength in love.

It's best to dance with somebody who loves you.

Look a little further, and there are even more ....

Leftovers from the Bday Weekend

The lovely weekend of celebrating continued with shopping at the local tourist traps and a party!

First, the shopping. Right after a stop for tea.

Striking a dorky pose in front of a hidden herb garden in Duncans Mills.

Hours later, I stare down this, with a candle celebrating each lovely Aquarian present. Yep, February's a busy, busy month.

One day I will have to make a princess cake on my own- I think we skipped that in pastry school.

This is my preferred way to sweeten my coffee. Judge all you want, but you can do what you like on your birthday.

I love gifts I can drink and smell. My wine cellar and windowsill garden continue to grow.

Getting the doe eyes from the puppy, Mazzy.

She must have wanted cake, too.

Address the Present Moment

My fabulous aunt introduced me to the blog by Flux Capacitor a couple months ago. I check in when I need sensitive insight and feel starved for rich writing. The other day I stumbled upon this beautiful post from her and I think you should, too.

Some things I learned from her words about the natural rhythm of sadness and how to deal:

-Find something small that is beautiful and carry it with you
-Remember to carry your sadness inside. Do not bury it. Carry it. Remember to let it go occasionally and watch it fall apart at your feet. Remember to dance on its grave.
-Remember to lift the corners of your mouth enough to prevent an entire day of What's wrong?
- Let is be made clear that giggling and ridiculousness are both highly desirable and should be sought after as much as possible.
-Consume as much happiness as possible and is available.
-Better to become a Sickeningly Positive Person than a FSFY (Feeling Sorry For Yourself).
-Help someone else, every day.


Reminders of those things that really matter, and those things that don't.

The Best Nightlight Ever

From the Ya-Ya dinner the night before, one of Fairy Godmother's birthday gifts was this original nightlight made by one of her best friends. Honestly, this artist leaves a trail of beauty wherever she goes, and one day I hope to share pictures of her garden with you.

Her latest creation is a nightlight transformed from a sardine tin and adorned with old jewelry, beads and a broken watch. 

Hank really liked it, too.

What's tricky about putting them together is all the drilling and wiring parts together. The gluing has to be minimal, since the lightbulb heats the piece up.

Alas, these are one of a kind treasures are only made on a case by case basis because of all the time they entail, but they're really something, aren't they?

Dinner with the Ya-Yas

I'm still full from an amazing birthday dinner last night for my Fairy Godmother. So nice to be included with all her friends! In my life, this is the busiest birthday season of the year, which means lots of parties, lots of delicious food, and lots of appreciation that my wonderful people were born.

The table was set with grandmother's china and silver, and we ate Fairy Godmother's favorite foods. After a little wine and lemon drops.

Butternut squash soup was first, garnished with pepitas.

 And then came roasted vegetables: shrimp, artichoke hearts, asparagus, and potatoes blanketed with meyer lemon aioli.

I don't typically eat as a vegetarian, but perhaps I should do it more often. It filled me to the brim, body and soul. I'm happy to be initiated as a junior Ya-Ya.