August

It's a long weekend here in Canada. Perhaps an awkward one as it is more a second "July long" than the "August long" it is dubbed. I can't remember the last time it was dated the same as this where the new month starts on the bonus day-off. It certainly doesn't feel like the middle of summer already.
I am eager for the end of the work day and excited to go home and sip on a rich glass of red. With a little bit of luck the next few days will grace me with some water to splash in, some sun to soak up and a whole boat load of memories to take away.
Do raise a glass in a toast with me, to you, to today, to tomorrow, to always.

Blurred beauty.

She's 11 and a half but has no fear of the things that make my stomach turn. This may have been her first time on or her fifth. I lost count or perhaps lost my balance (thankfully, not my cookies) watching as the ride lifted her up, feet dangling, then flipped and spun and flipped some more to finally spin out and return her feet to solid ground.
In these moments when everything in me wanted to tell her no but that glimmer in her eyes said "Please, I know I can," I remember my days of adventure. The ones were height, speed and danger made the challenge that much more attractive. If there was any chance it might make my mom's knees shake or my daddy cheer, I was sure to be first in line to give it a go. The days before I, myself, was a mom and frighteningly naive to fear. Like a locked memory box, those days are filled with secret treasures I keep tucked away.
So, up and around she goes. I reminisce with a glossy gaze, hidden behind the lens, catching the blur.

Today.

Today//I feel stuck at the top of this grand ferris wheel facing my height anxieties and lack of control.
Today//I am rocking just a bit more than what is comfortable atop this crazy ride which has likely gone round one too many times.
Today//I wait, aware that I have done what I can and am at the mercy of the mark now.

Tell me about your today.

On my mind.

There are no facts, only interpretations.
~Friedrich Nietzsche
You must do the things you think you cannot do.
~Eleanor Roosevelt
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
~C.S. Lewis

Swallow and shake.

Swallowed by a suffocating humid heat.
Grey paints the sky over.
Black clouds roll in with empty promises of thundershowers.
No lightning today.
Barely a few drops of rain.
Waiting still for the thunder to shake my soul.

On my mind.

Don't let life discourage you; everyone who got where he is had to being where he was.
~Richard L. Evans

Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another.
~Walter Elliot

In order to get from what was to what will be, you must go through what is.
~Anonymous

What summers are made for.

Remembering today.

Today I want to remember the way you woke.
The way you rolled over and nestled your pretty face into the space between the pillows hoping for just another moment of sleep. The sun sending susurrations along the rays streaming in through the long drapes trying to coax you up. Even the dog wanted to stay stretched out upon her marshmallow pillow of comfort.
You fluttered your bold brown eyes open in a way much like a butterfly does its wings having just emerged from a cocoon. They glittered with the excitement that only childhood innocence can. You were having none of the potty business that is part of the mundane tasks of morning. Rather than argue, I took it in stride. Sometimes that’s ok, too. I helped you slip on your faded blue top with the embroidered white heart and lemon yellow capri pants. Your teensy toes wiggled in excitement knowing that your pink flower sandals were next.
It was just a moment, same as any other. It was just another morning filled with wishes and dreams for a full day. It was just the same ordinary way we move but today, I want to remember.

Full.

Dearest Readers, I haven't vanished.
I run circles in the daylight absorbing sunshine and dance to the whispers of the moon. My lens has become the eye through which I view the world. I can't wait to unload my camera card and share with you what I've seen. Each click has within it a story I am furiously starting to write. My story. Each day a new wonder, a new joy, another adventure reveals itself and I accept as one who is called to does.
I am desperate for a little bit more time - another minute, hour, day, week. Anything more. Full is a word that has been lingering in the air I breathe. Full of life, family, love. Full is exactly the way this moment was meant to be.
Tell me, what has you full?
Warm wishes of adventure for your weekend! Mine will have a story to tell for next week.

Recap: Mission - June

Mondays are made for getting back on track. So, let's roll out today with a recap of June Missions.

1.Study up! T minus 10 days to a final exam. I can do this. I will do this. Has it been so long already since I finished that course? I find out at the end of this month how I did and I'm eager with anticipation.
2.Rock out first 5 modules of new reading and assignments. Today starts my next course. I couldn't avoid the double up so starting June 11, I'm going to be running to catch up. First 5 modules didn't happen. I took a few weeks off and am now getting back on track. Equally as important as giving everything is knowing when to reel in and rest for a while.
3.Find green. I most certainly have. It's all around. Rather than hole up in the house, it's been lawn chairs and backyards or front steps and sunshine for me.
4.Stack it up. It's time to pack away winter and welcome summertime sunshine. Do you hear me Mother Nature? I'm going to tuck away the cold clothes. I plan on turning off the heat this weekend (for the second time this year). I'd like to know I can leave the windows open without freezing. This was an awesome part of the month. Summer clothes are being worn, winter ones are gone.
5.Boxes, get outta my house! Some have left, some are still stuck behind.
6.Take back the basement. Not quite there yet but definitely in progress. It amazes me how a house with only four exterior walls still finds so many interior corners to hide things in.
7.Furniture overload. It's time to thin out the insanity. The two tiny desks are first on the hit list. While both seemed practical, the reality is neither is big enough to accomplish much more than being in the way. What about the China Cabinet? Can anyone lobby an opinion in on this? I have a large rectangle living room/dining room that does not have a nook to tuck the China Cabinet into. It is taking up wall space and is full of pictures and clutter but very few dishes. It does hold sentimental value, though. What's a girl to do? Flunk. None of this happened. Both tiny desks are still taking up space in places where neither belongs. I dare say one is quite possibly broken and should just be disassembled and discarded. The China Cabinet needs thinning but let's go at this one step at a time.

About all I can comment is that June is much more done than any of the intended tasks within the month were. It's summer time now and that opens the windows and doors for huge potential.
A tad late but thank you, June. You were fun in your own way.