Letter-Writing

Canada Post is back in business.
Oh, how I missed these last few weeks:
-going to the mailbox
-receiving amazon packages
-getting my numerous magazines and free catalogues
-letters
I love mail. I always have. I've always enjoyed letter-writing, which I seriously began when I met Trish at summer camp 18 years ago. We kept in touch for all those years, through our numerous moves and journeys. Our correspondence is now is a bit slower (every few months), due to life circumstances, but still active.
I also use to correspondent a lot with Bex. All those multiple-pages letters and a few tapes... Now we email on a weekly basis, have phone chats monthly, and send packages to one another.
Sitting with pen in hand on a rainy afternoon or on a bright sunny weekend morning was something I used to do pre-Margot and pre-Simon. Now, I don't have that luxury to write for an hour.
I enjoy sending cards (b-day/thank you/congrats/good luck), which is a quicker way to communicate with someone, sending them my love and hugs.
I think there's something so soulful, personal and thoughtful about putting pen on paper. It's a connection. I am now more grateful than ever whenever I receive a card or letter from a sweet sweet friend. It does take effort and care in this fast-techno-savvy world of ours. Nothing beats the sensation of seeing my name and address carefully written on an envelope. A breath of fresh air! It really does add sparkles to my day!
So, thank you for those who write, even if it's just a short note. Let's keep it alive!
Special Thank yous (because I think you read this blog): Sabrina, Sarra, Vicky. xox

Dancing Girl

"Get up and Dance!" is how I named one of my playlists on my new iPod Nano (my 2008 iPod Classic recently joined the land of "where technology equipment goes when it doesn't work anymore"). One little girl knows exactly what to do:

A Yogini's Journey - Part 1

I went to a yoga class this morning at 7:45 a.m. It was perfect! Even though I practice yoga on a (almost) daily basis, I don't regularly attend a class at a studio. Reasons why: time, time, time. Ok, I know "time" is a lame excuse, but when you count the getting there/getting ready/ getting out of class/ driving home, a yoga class can become a two-hour + ordeal. I'm at a point in my life when time is a luxury. It's so much more convenient to practice at home with Yoga Today. For those who don't know Yoga Today, you have to check them out! I have been practicing yoga with Neesha, Adi and Sarah for a few years now. Depending on my mood, I can choose an Ashtanga class with Adi, an Anusara with Neesha, a Kundalini with Sarah, and so much more!
Another reason why I haven't committed to a weekly studio yoga practice is because I haven't found a teacher that really speaks to me. That I can connect to. I'm quite particular when it comes to teachers. A mediocre/average teacher just won't do it for me. I need someone who is inspiring, knowledgeable, and humble. Furthermore, the qualities of compassion, care and wisdom are necessary. I also need a teacher who does hands-on adjustments, creates interesting sequences, and who brings out the spiritual aspect of yoga (meditation, pranayama, mantra, "om").
Another consideration is the studio. I like an easy-in, easy-out studio. Easy parking; easy signing up; not too crowded change-rooms and welcoming area; polite staff. Ottawa is bombarded with yoga studios of all sizes. I have tried many. But I haven't found my perfect spot yet...

Paris 2008 - YogaWorks Teacher Training. (i'm second to the right, wearing a green tank top and a brown headband)

Paris 2008- the Anjaliom Yoga Studio is on the top floor. (notice the purple sign at the door) and no, that isn't my red scooter ;)

San Fran 2009 - dancer's pose in Golden Gate Park. Drop my bag, strike a pose!

As you noticed, I added Part 1 to this post, meaning that I have a lot more to say about the matter!

Il pleut à torrents

"it's raining in lashes"
Il pleut des cordes = "it's raining ropes" (!)
Il tombe des clous = "it's falling nails" (ouch!)
Il pleut à sceaux = "it's raining buckets"
Il pleut à boire debout = "it's raining to drink standing up" (bad translation on my part)

All those French expressions describing today's weather.
Even though June isn't over yet, it was still a stunning month weather-wise. I guess the plants need a little lovin' ;)

On the first day of summer, in the afternoon, Margot went strawberry picking to Le Potager Eardley . We went with Noa (her cousin),  oncle Jason and grand-maman. It was not a rainy day. She knew what to do: one in the basket, one in her mouth. Come to think of it, I don't remember seeing her putting a strawberry in the basket. Most of them ended up in her mouth (often more than one at a time! Petite fraisinette!).

The City of Lights

Happy Summer!
The longest day of the year. Bask in the sunshine a bit longer this evening.
                                                                         

On Sunday evening, Simon and I went to the ByTowne Cinema to see Midnight in Paris, a Woody Allen film starring Owen Wilson. It was an entertaining, romantic and light-hearted movie. A great summer flick with soul.

However, beneath the light-heartedness of the movie, there was an underlining weightiness to it. Actually, two: the dream of living in a different epoch; and the dream of  living abroad. The one that struck me the most was the latter. Did I want to live in Paris indefinitely after watching the movie? Yes! And my mind was moving at a million miles an hour with flashes of pains aux chocolats every morning (and every afternoon), writing letters in parks, strolling down the street with a weaved basket and buying flowers and cheese... And then, down-to-earth Simon reminded me that I did live in Paris for most of the 2008 summer. Oh, how true. And it was a great experience of quartier (I was in the 19eme arrondissement) , renting a tiny tiny apartment (barely fitting 2 people), but with a great view of Sacré-Coeur. Ah...back into memories... And I remember feeling that after 6 weeks, I was longing for some quiet and space...

Monet's Waterlilies at the Orangerie.

A view from the Centre Pompidou

"You, who have ever been to Paris, know;
You who have not been to Paris - go!"     -John Ruskin
(quote for June 20th on my page a day calendar, with a picture of Sacré Coeur)

The perpetual interest in living abroad is so innate in me. I'm very happy living where I live, working where I work. I love being close to family and friends. But there's a part of me that just wants to pack my bags (with Simon and Little Munchkin) and live "abroad" (anywhere in Europe and San Francisco) for a few months. Just for a change of environment. I also believe that sometimes you need a change to really appreciate "home".

Morning Stroll

In the mornings, between Margot's breakfast and her nap (so roughly from 8:30-9:30 a.m.)  I go for my daily stroll with Margot. I have a few route options, which is really lovely. I like having choices when walking. It's all about making decisions. I remember a friend once sharing with me that when arriving to a fork on a woodsy path, she always chose the one that seemed the less traveled.
I have always enjoyed walking and  it's actually my favourite mode of transport. But with my sweet Margot, my walks are limited. She can only stand so much being strapped in her stroller. So, they average 45 minutes.  Without fail, she always gets restless. (with exasperation) Oh Margot!

Margot not looking too impressed. What a life!

Reading. Or rather, flipping pages. Margot's favourite pastime in the stroller.

A little snack. I never leave the house without a few slices of whole wheat bread.

Knit & Purl

My 2011 New Year's project was to explore a new hobby. I chose knitting for the following reasons:

-My sweet belle-soeur, Nathalie, knits beautifully and has given me over the years, for b-days and xmas, a few knitted items. The scarf that she made me has been a staple of my winter wardrobe since March 2008 and I wear it everyday in the wintertime (and in the fall and spring!) . I always receive so many compliments! I absolutely adore that scarf.

-I love wool. In general, I tend to gravitate towards knitting clothes.
-I like the idea of creating something with my hands. From the first stitch to the last one.
-I find a meditative quality to knitting. A slowing down. An opportunity to be in the present, one stitch at a time.

This weekend, I had a Knitting Club meeting. I always learn so much and feel so inspired afterward, wanting to knit more projects! I really do need guidance and encouragement as this field is very new to me, and I'm very grateful for the help I am getting. I also signed up on ww.ravelry.com, an online knitting community where one can cehck out patterns, read reviews, post current and past projects,etc. It's opened up a whole new world to me!

Here are my 4 creations:

Rikke Hat - my latest project. A floppy, super comfy passe-partout hat for spring and fall weather.

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Bec's Baby Blessing Shawl. Made with Love.

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Neige Hat for those cold winter days. Super cozy and warm.

WhamBamThankYouLamb! neck warmer - my first project. Super easy to make.