Moment with Margot: A Glimpse of Myself Through the Eyes of my Child

Here's Margot pretending to be me:

"Je suis maman!"

Note: I don't wear that hat nor write with the Sunflower pen.
However, those are my socks, my dress, and my blue scarf. Yes, I sometimes take notes in books (but in pencil!)  and it is my current book she is holding. I assume that the pad of paper is to take further notes...

Thoughts: 38 on a Thursday

It feels strange not to post anything about my birthday. I am, after all, a year older. April 16th rolled by last Thursday. On that sunny day, I taught diligently and my students were kind enough (!) to hand in their essays on time - so now I have a nice fresh pile to mark (which, I've been avoiding). In the evening, Simon and I went out to dinner at a South American restaurant and shared delicious small plates (a.k.a tapas). It was a lovely Thursday!

Overall, 37 was a pretty happy and satisfying year. Looking back at my April 15 2014 journal entry: "My word for my upcoming year: Flow. I wish to be more relaxed, more go with the flow". Have I done that during my 37th year? Yep, I think so. (Note: for the "relaxed" bit, I must have no doubt  written that in a stressful time of year and wished for things to slow down).

I want 38 to be exciting! My word for this year: Delight*

Since we didn't take pictures on my b-day, here's one of me looking ferocious: ;)

*this word makes me smile and pause. It's a friendly, playful, light word.  Even saying it forces one to turn the upper corners of their lips into a smile!

Simple Pleasure: Chou-fleur

Roasted cauliflower in olive oil:

So simple.
So delicious.
Eaten with fresh pita bread - nothing beats really fresh pita bread! (I grew up with pita bread which was only bought at specialty Middle Eastern bakeries, so I can tell the difference just by holding and sniffling the bag! ) -  scooping the flowerets and savouring all the amazing flavours.

A perfect afternoon snack!
(although Margot was content just eating the cauliflower with her fingers, without the bread)

Fun: Sunshine!

I love this weather! The sun is warm, the breeze is gentle, the air is fresh.
The insects aren't out… yet. The birds are chirping like madness.
I love leaving the door open and allowing Luna to explore the backyard.

I love sitting on the back deck, sipping tea and reading. Exhaling to the simpleness of this Spring day...

Moment with Margot: A Dancer in our House

Margot has been selected, along with three other children in her ballet class (primary level) at Dance Educators, to participate in the Society of Russian Ballet examination on April 15th. I asked how the children were selected and the teacher explained to me that the children need to i) understand and follow instructions (i.e. no running around the studio like monkeys), ii) have some kind of musicality (i.e. if the music is slow, dance slowly; if it's quick, dance faster), and iii) show some kind of talent.

Margot loves dancing and I believe (or I'd like to) that she has a natural awareness in movement and musicality.

This is a typical pre-bedtime evening routine at our house:
(Need I mention that she picks her costume?)

I have a secret wish: I want Margot to gravitate towards the arts: dance, music, theatre, writing, visual arts. Any of those would do just fine!
I think that having a creative outlet allows people to be in touch with their emotions and authenticity It also allows them to belong to a "group", surrounded by like-minded people. Furthermore, it offers them a chance to create and to find their place in this world, which is sometimes so overwhelming.
I'm fast-forwarding to the future tween and teen years and deeply wish for Margot to have a passion in which she feels she belongs and can devote her energy and time to her art (instead of going shopping and playing video games). I want her to be excited about something! I want her to care.

I believe that, as a parent, you expose your child to the activities that you value and cherish. Margot is still young, but I'll do my best to encourage that the arts (in all its shapes and forms) are present in our lives. It shouldn't be too challenging ;)

To Inspire: Pebbles

"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives".

                                                                                             -Annie Dillard (American author)

This quote speaks to me. 

I personally adhere to that thought (or try to in my best - or worst - of days)

It makes one aware of how crucial the present is and how every day is a pebble that you add to your non-linear path.

Fun: Easter In the Country

We spent the Easter Weekend in Prince Edward County. Known for its art galleries and numerous wineries, PEC is a summer destination par excellence known for its proximity to Sandbanks Beach. On this early April weekend, it felt a bit haunting and wild (in a good kind of way). The fresh country air was invigorating!

We rented a 200-year old farmhouse located on the property of By Chadsey's Cairns Winery and Vineyard.

The house

Exploring the backyard

Chatting in the parlour. Every decent house needs a parlour.

Befriending the resident outdoor cat

On this breezy April weekend, we explored a nearby rock beach:

We also visited Presqu'ile Provincial Park and went on a morning Bog Marsh Adventure:

The Easter Bunny also hopped by for a visit. Margot was confident that he came in a really fast car or a helicopter car. hum… ;)