January 1st
Waking up in your own bed after returning from a wonderful holiday in Europe, mon amour taking care of everything else so I can work on my special project, calling family and friends to wish them a happy new year, feeling nervous but pushing the button anyway to launch my blog, celebrating with a glass of wine...I love Sundays
January 8th
Waking from a deep sleep, washing in cold water, coffee with pen in hand, fresh pineapple, mon amour braving trials of technology to set up my scanner, water heater repairman working on a Sunday, long chat with a good friend, feeling inspired and encouraged, fridge full of delicious leftovers, candlelight, wine and beautiful music, struggling with blog format, a helping hand from a friend, remembering this is a learning experience, luxury of a day filled with quiet contemplation...I love Sundays
January 15th
Rising early with a head full of ideas, curling up to write, gazing at beautiful flowers, embracing my "orchidness", organizing thoughts and papers, instantly loving my son's new song, bundling up for a winter walk, looking back and looking forward, being blessed with wonderful friendships - old and new, laughing until I'm crying, coming in from the cold and seeing the glow of my face...I love Sundays
January 22nd
Sitting on the warm hearth watching the forest wake as night turns to day, wrapping a gift for my daughter, dear friend coming by for coffee, seeing mon amour's smile on skype (next best thing to being there), a surprise evening planned by the kids, favorite burger and fries, joining the crowd to see my nephew #20 in his WHL game, stopping at the drive thru for a strawberry cheesecake blizzard on the way home...I love Sundays
January 29th
Waking from a deep sleep, washing in cold water, coffee with pen in hand, fresh pineapple, mon amour braving trials of technology to set up my scanner, water heater repairman working on a Sunday, long chat with a good friend, feeling inspired and encouraged, fridge full of delicious leftovers, candlelight, wine and beautiful music, struggling with blog format, a helping hand from a friend, remembering this is a learning experience, luxury of a day filled with quiet contemplation...I love Sundays
February 5th
Receiving the wonderful news that after seven long weeks the little one has now come home with his mom and dad, curling up on the couch to write, organizing files, preparing tandoori prawns with mango salad and butter chicken with saffron rice, gathering with friends around the special little table, heading off to the theatre to enjoy a film, walking home on a clear, cold, winter night...I love Sundays
February 12th
Early morning quiet contemplation, morning smiles of notre famille, hanging out in pjs sharing photos and stories, ciel bleu et soleil walk to the National Gallery, waiting for the perfect moment to enter Rideau Chapel for the virtual choir, staying to hear it twice, stopping at our favorite bistro for burgers and beer, saying goodbye after a weekend of celebration, afternoon bath followed by a nap, sipping hot chocolate with baileys and rum while watching the grammy awards ...I love Sundays
February 19th
Rolling over and falling back to sleep, yoga k style, coffee and morning pages, brunch at Chez Eric, a walk along the river in the bright sun and bracing cold, late afternoon beer by the fire at Le Moulin, opening night at the Wakefield International Film Festival, back home in our pjs drinking chocolat chaud with rum and baileys...I love Sundays and mon amour
February 26th
Rising very early to begin our road trip, goodbye hugs from notre famille, Adam Cohen on the stereo while watching the sunrise, being welcomed by friends for a lovely lunch, feeling the warmth of a loving family, the crunch of snowshoes on winter trails, warming up with hot chocolate and creative conversations, heartfelt encouragement and support, soup and toast in our pj's with the academy awards...I love Sundays
March 4th
Waking from dream filled sleep, coffee and decorating magazines, slicing a perfect orange, walking for hours in the bright sun, church bells, peering into cafe windows, warm woodfired bagels, buying sandals and summer clothes for our vacation, afternoon hazelnut lattes, prepping for the workweek ahead, soaking my sore body in a hot lavender bath...I love Sundays
March 18th
A cheery taxi driver at 5:30 am, traveling with only a small pack, having three great flights, arriving a little early, bare feet and cervezas in the sun, taking in the scenery of roadside stands on the drive into San Miguel de Allendes, a warm buenas noche, a lovely room off a beautiful courtyard, the serenade of crickets to fall asleep by...I love Sundays
March 25th
April 1st
Sun bathing the vibrant colored houses on the Guanajuato hillside, breakfast at a sidewalk cafe, disapointing coffee but a great view of the fruit vendor peeling mangoes, bumping along cobblestone streets in the taxi, the warning of a very turbulent flight not coming true, fragile pieces from artisans making it home safely in our backpacks, finding a surprise birthday cake waiting on the counter, Apsara purring and happy to see us, brushing teeth with clean tap water...I love Sundays
April 8th
Singing along with the radio enroute to Montreal, croissant crumbs on our laps, the voices of the choir filling the church, wishing family and friends joyeuses paques, sipping cappuccino and writing my blog, apportez notre vin sign in our chosen restaurant, deciding to stay the night, mon amour running out to buy another bottle, stopping for chocolate to savour with the last of our wine...I love Sundays
April 15th
April 22nd
Waking to a dusting of snow, bols de cafe au lait, brunch, and nurturing conversations with family, streets filled with wrought iron stairways, visiting dear friends, listening to my first album - a gift from my grandparents when I was 9, bistro dinner and enjoying the energy of a young friend, missing the kids - beaucoup, music and conversation with mon amour on the long drive home...I love Sundays
April 29th
May 6th
Rising early with my thoughts, snuggling back in for a little more rest, fuzzy socks, coffee and papers, strolling in the sun to the market for wild BC salmon, stopping at the lemonade stand run by the neighbour children, preparing dinner for friends, wrapping little gifts, a call from a dear friend, sharing stories and laughter with food and wine, puppy on my lap, goodbye hugs...I love Sundays
May 13th
Opening the perfect card from my daughter, coffee and Oprah magazine, rebounder and free weights, beautiful messages from my wonderful kids around the world, catching a spider to take him outside, leaving the too quiet apartment for a walk in the sun, wishing I was with my loved ones, knowing that we'll all be together next weekend, happy news from a dear friend, preparing a welcome home dinner for mon amour, steak au poivre,roquefort salad and wine,hearing all about his weekend...I love Sundays
May 20th
Woken by alarm, realizing it was on eastern time, laughing and going back to bed, celebration weekend with my daughter and son in law, packing a picnic, driving thru the valley to Harrison Hot Springs, hot pools and massages, sparkling wine and picnic on our deck overlooking the lake, Sarah's witty humour, dinner and dancing, late night dip in the pool...I love Sundays
May 26th
Blue sky, sunshine, and a big breakfast served on the terrace, spending the day with a room full of some of the worlds best people, 60 goodbye hugs, road trip through beautiful BC, stopping to nap on a picnic table, wishing I didn't have to take mon amour to the airport, reminding myself to be grateful for all that we have...I love Sundays
June 3rd
Rising early to watch the sun reach the trees, counting the days, strong coffee, purring cat, and a good book, picking flowers for my desk and then sitting down to work, mowing the lawn, cleaning the BBQ, unpacking boxes, organizing shelves and wondering where it will all fit, grilling the perfect steak, dinner with the kids, hot tub and sauna, crawling into bed with a good book, the feeling of being home...I love Sundays
June 10th
Waking from a deep sleep, hot tub and swimming, lounging by the pool, brunch on a terrace, gondola ride to top of Mont Tremblant, being found irresistable to the mouche noir, blueberry ice cream cones, goodbye hugs for chere famille, listening to our wedding cd on the drive back, maximizing allowable luggage for the plane to Vancouver...I love Sundays
June 17th
June 24th
July 1st
Listening to one of the world's best drummers (my son) and his band mates in a club, falling into bed at 2, fresh baked orange muffins delivered by a friend, preparing a special bath for my wonderful daughter, simmering a pot of pea soup, fish and chips on a sunny bench at the beach, looking for the perfect camper van, heart to heart with dear friends, sitting by the fire with a glass of brandy and turning up the stereo with mon amour...I love Sundays
July 8th
Morning coffee and radio espace on the patio, making plans for camper van we bought yesterday, puttering around Spring Cottage, mise en place for supper, sipping sangria with dear friends, fresh figs with blue cheese, showing my goddaughters how to make paella, toasting the joyous arrival of our newest family member and Apeksha's birthday, hot chocolate, donuts, and stories at the dining room table...I love Sundays
July 15th
Waking up "snug as a bug" in our little home on wheels, saying good morning to the ocean, putting on the coffee and frying up some bacon, wandering through the village, toasting Deb at Molly's Reach, chatting with the locals, meeting an artist whose work I adore, mojitos on the dock, catching the last ferry so we can wring every moment out of this wonderful weekend...I love Sundays
July 22nd
Waking to rain gently falling, jumping up to close the rooftop vent, coffee with my nose in a book, reading aloud until I realize he's gone back to sleep, strolling through Whistler Village, cabbage rolls, crepes, and blackberry apricot pie...
at the Farmer's Market, driving through the mountains and along the ocean, buying cushions to feather our nest on wheels, appreciating our caring family who are always there when needed, new bar of dove and a hot shower, gratitude for mon amours love of spontaneity, not being able to keep my eyes open for another moment...I love Sundays
July 29th
Coffee on the beach, taking the meandering ocean route, bedside visit with grandad, buying a huge basil plant for our campsite, afternoon pastis, dear friends bringing kayaks and smiles, cooking greek food for all over the campfire, sharing stories while sipping wine and watching the tide...I love Sundays
August 5th
Rising early to be the "dish fairy", coffee and reading on the sunny beach, enjoying pancakes and bacon while watching eagles, gathering beloved family and friends for a bbq, kayaking at sunset, campfire and s'mores...I love Sundays
August 12th
Putting it off as long as possible, making the trip to the outhouse, mon amour's haiku, the smell of coffee percolating in our camper van, breathing in the last moments of our beautiful campsite, arriving just in time to drive straight on to the ferry, munching a tuna sandwich with the wind in my hair cruising through the islands, caesars on the patio with the kids, washing the wood smoke out of my hair, climbing between fresh sheets, feeling grateful for two weeks of blue skies and sunshine for our holidays...I love Sundays
August 19th
Wonderful neighbour and dear friend turning on both of our sprinklers at 5 am, following drs orders, morning coffee listening to the water and gazing at the magnificent trees, catching up on a little work, baking a carrot coconut cake, quiet reflection with afternoon tea, being moved to tears by Jeff Buckley singing Hallelujah, saying a prayer, mon amour walking in the door with boxes of blueberries and peaches and his beautiful, big smile, cool sushi and warm sake with the kids...I love Sundays
August 26th
Cafe avec le merveilleuse famille, being shown Barbie's playhouse, brunch, les histoires, et beaucoup de rire avec les amis - wishing my french was better, so I could have understood more, un petit visite jusqu' a la prochaine, smiles and waves as we head off - coming right back because we forgot something - smiles and waves encore, focusing on the way forward - figuratively and literally, a quiet dinner for two, walking back to the hotel in the warm evening air, kissing on the sidewalk, Stubbe chocolates and welcome card on the bedside table...I love Sundays
September 2nd
Waking to find that I was feeling a little better, miles of white sand beach to ourselves, coffee and magazines in our lawn chairs, driving along the coast, fried oysters with a squeeze of lemon, afternoon nap on the beach, getting the best campsite in the park, afternoon nap on the beach, watching the sunset with the waves rolling in, grilling steaks over the fire, reminiscing about our favorite times together, a sky filled with stars...I love Sundays
September 9th
Coffee and life goals conversation while curled up in bed, meeting up with dear friends for three days of fun in Portland, doing our laundry so we don't smell like a campfire, reading and loving Anne Lamott's writing while the dryer spins, finding that our hotel room has a beautiful tree to look out on, getting dressed up for the evening, scoring a window seat at the 30th floor piano lounge for happy hour and staying all evening, receiving some sad news and wishing I was there to help, soothing words to dry my tears, a warm evening walk back to the hotel...I love Sundays
September 16th
Turning the bed into the dinette for the last time on our road trip, making our way home slowly, perusing a great book store, wanting to buy an armload but choosing just one, sending a sick friend healing wishes, having a picnic on the beach and giving mon amour the book as a gift, stocking up at the duty free for Christmas, finding no wait at the border, arriving at Spring Cottage and loving all the fresh paint, new gutters, walkway, garden, and kitchen cupboards, thanking the kids for all their help to make it happen, toasting them with beer and sushi, giving in to ice cream cravings, a hot fragrant bath, climbing in to our big bed...I love Sundays
September 23rd
A big goodbye hug from my beautiful daughter, coffee and paper in the Maple Leaf lounge, being told I have a great smile, a smooth flight, knowing we'll all gather for Thanksgiving, crisp white sheets, looking forward to tomorrow, mon amour calling to say je t'aime et bonne nuit...I love Sundays
September 30th
Waking early and snuggling back in, finding a big box to fill for the plane, mon amour saying he'll come to an event with me, goodbye kisses, reaching out to encourage a friend, tea and magazines, remembering it is two sleeps, getting my work finished and then diving into a new book, being greeted by my beautiful daughter after a long flight, settling in for a heart to heart talk, candlelight bath, climbing in to my own bed after a week away...I love Sundays
October 7th
Early morning coffee and conversation by the fire, the happiness of having the kids here for the weekend, opening the first holiday magazine, donning my apron, the magic of flour, yeast, brown sugar, butter, raisins, and pecans becoming cinnamon buns, sunshine glistening on English Bay, impromptu picnic on the beach, imagining an oceanfront city life, sunset and turkey dinner on Granville Island, ending the day quietly by the fire just as we began it...I love Sundays
October 14th
Waking to the sound of rain falling, spending the whole day in our pajamas, steel cut oats with apple and cinnamon, reflecting on yesterday's Seed Event, an afternoon nap on the couch, spicy homemade soup, listening to great music, pizza and wine, a call bringing some happy news, fair trade dark chocolate with the last glass of wine, wishing we could do this day again and not change a thing...I love Sundays and mon amour
October 21st
Waking happy and relaxed on day two of a surprise spa weekend, the sound of silence as we stand on the balcony in our cozy white robes and watch the gently falling snow, stepping into the scandinavian hot pool, feeling cares drift away in eucalyptus steam, talking myself into a breathtaking plunge in the cold pool and then loving it so much I did it again, a perfect massage, agreeing that "experience gifts" are the very best, driving home along the ocean and snowcapped mountains, feeling the love from birthday calls and messages, reading an inspirational story aloud to mon amour, sushi and wine by the fire...I love Sundays, surprises, and my wonderful family and friends.
October 28th
Waking with a sore neck from keeping myself propped up, letting family and friends know that we are fine, reminding the kids of our family earthquake plan, being teased about reminding the kids about our family earthquake plan, thanking dear friends for last evenings wonderful birthday celebration, feeling the sun on my face as we walk together in English Bay, savouring eggs benedict while watching the street scene, laughing with someone I just met but instantly liked, finding the kids available for an impromptu dinner, receiving a beautiful message from a close friend, counting the hours until I am in the same room with Maya Angelou, being so tired I'm in bed by 8...I love Sundays
November 4th
Waking well rested from a long sleep, coffee and reading in bed, talking to our family here, there, and everywhere, cappucino and rhubarb cake in historic cafe, having the good fortune to sit next to Lena, hearing a little about her inspiring life, finding a new role model in her story of a 94 year old who rides her bicycle every morning and goes dancing in the evenings, walking in the rain, feeling the abundance of possibilities, snuggling in to enjoy leftovers, wine, and a good movie, the gift of an extra hour...I love Sundays
November 11th
Coffee brewing and Madeline Peyroux singing, creative ideas that make me smile, puttering around the house in a flannel nightgown, putting away the sundresses and pulling out sweaters, mon amour preparing our camper van for its long winter nap, popping next door for tea with friends, feeling very content with our decision, the delicious scent of indian food delivered to the door, red wine and chocolate, tumbling into bed very early with a good book...I love Sundays
November 18th
An hour of reflection before anyone rises, christmas magazines and coffee by the fire, film scores on radio espace, donning my apron, singing and prepping for the evening, writing menu on the chalkboard, the miracle of yeast and flour becoming a beautiful rosemary baguette, surprising our dear french friend with a special raclette dinner in her honour, happy faces of family and friends around our table, great conversation and lots of laughter...j'adore dimanches
November 25th
Beautiful messages to comfort us in our loss, baking lemon blueberry muffins and delivering to family and friends, trying to find the right words, getting out into the sunshine for a long walk, stopping for hot chocolate, delicious dinner prepared by the kids, BC Place lit up like the british flag, making a dream come true for my son, Paul giving us all a night to remember, sharing this special evening together...I love Sundays
December 2nd
Watching the sunrise, dear friends saying "yes"they'll spend Christmas at Spring Cottage, apron over my nightgown to prepare spinach feta quiche and hot italian sausages for brunch, singing Mull of Kintyre, the scent of carmelized sugar, nuts and chocolate becoming trays of almond roca, calling family and friends, cutting fragrant cedar boughs and holly for the entranceway, putting up lights and waiting for it to become dark to see them glow, cozy comfort food meatloaf dinner by the fire, looking at our wedding photos...I love Sundays and mon amour
December 9th
Waking with the realization that perhaps we enjoyed one or two glasses of wine too many, donning my apron and preparing early noel brunch for 20 members of la famille, cuddling babies, enjoying seeing everyone so happy together, trees dusted with snow, having a complete conversation au francais without any help, beautiful music for the long drive, hotel room with welcome wine and cheese waiting, falling into the king size bed with crisp linens...I love Sundays
December 16th
La famille gathering, room service cart rolling in with fruit platter and two big pots of coffee, blueberry pie and date squares for breakfast, receiving thoughtful gifts, hugs goodbye for tout le monde, climbing back into bed for the perfect nap, packing clothes, gifts, skis and snowshoes, working and reading in the Maple Leaf lounge, watching snow turn to freezing rain and wondering if we will fly, two hour delay but safely home, wonderful daughter picking us up with a big smile, tea and toast with peanut butter, believing with all my heart that guns do not belong in our homes, praying that others will share that belief...I love Sundays
December 23rd
Christmas carols and prepping deliciousness for three days of festivities, the heavenly smell of tourtieres baking, cranberry sauce cooling, dough rising, filling the second fridge with goodness, friends dropping by with wine and chocolate to share by the fire, getting into our pjs and snuggling in to watch Love Actually, loving that movie more every time we see it...I love Sundays
December 30th
Waking to the sound of waves crashing on the beach, walking through the arbutus trees, wishing someone a wonderful day and him replying "every day is wonderful", walking into the village, saying hello to everyone I meet, eggnog latte and gratitude for everyone who helped save Clayoquot Sound, Tofino pale ale and nachos at the waterfront pub, a late afternoon nap, wine and cheese by the fire, fireworks across the bay, music, port and chocolate...ending the year as wonderfully as we began it, wishing all good things for those we love in the new year...I love Sundays and mon amour
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