It's been another bad news week, especially the last 24 hours. Seems like every time we turn around these days, there's more in the news to burden our hearts and harden our spirits. Most recently, the terrorist attack in Nice, France, where a man driving a lorry ploughed through a packed street of people celebrating Bastille Day, killing over 80 and injuring dozens more. And then the news that the little girl in Calgary who has been missing since Tuesday, has been found dead. I've seen the sweet photos of little Taliyah Marsman all week long in shared Amber Alert posts on Facebook and in the news, and prayed she would be found safe.
My heart is heavy. I'm weighed down by an overwhelming helplessness and sadness. A fear that this world is spiraling out of control.
But it is Friday, and I refuse to let these things that are so far out of my control ruin what is otherwise a beautiful day thus far, and a beautiful start to another summer weekend. I'm going to take a moment to focus on the happy.
The summer weekends have been so wonderful so far, and this one promises to follow suit. I'm looking forward to hanging out with my niece and nephew and having a little low-key movie night with them. Popcorn, cheesies, and some of their favourite DVD's, cuddled up on the couch, just relaxing and unwinding, sounds like the perfect way to spend a Friday evening to me!
Tomorrow I'm looking forward to chilling with friends poolside, enjoying the water, the food, the drinks, the laughs of the kids, and the time spent with some of my besties.
I'm T-minus ONE WEEK to vacation, y'all. And I'm due. I can feel it. I'm ready for a little rest, a little downtime, a little get-away to the Camp. I've been missing my "happy place" on the Ottawa River, and longing to be there for a while now. I'm so grateful it's almost time. One. More. Week.
Next Thursday evening is "Fastball Night in Canada", meaning both the men's and women's Quyon Flyers fastball teams are going to be in action on the diamond in Quyon. I haven't been to any games yet this year, so I'm hoping to recruit some pals to join me next Thursday for some ball park beers. It's been wayyyyy too long since I last did that!
I'm excited for the Truck & Tractor Pull, which is the talk of our little town, coming up next weekend! It will be the perfect way to kick off my holidays. The pull used to be a highlight on everyone's calendar, but it hasn't happened in years, and everyone is totally pumped that a group of people have decided to bring it back. Can't wait!
I hope you're all soaking up the summer, enjoying time spent with family and friends, and having no trouble "finding the happy".
I had fun reading Shannon's answers to this Q&A yesterday, so thought I'd play along myself today! Some fun, summery questions :)
1. How many kids do you want to have?
- Ideally, I'd like to have two children someday... but I don't know yet what life has in store for me in that department. I do long to be a mother, though, so hopefully I'll have at least one, however which way I have to make it happen...
2. What is your go-to cocktail? - I guess a rum & diet coke, or a Caesar... or any kind of slushy-summery-boozy concoction ;)
3. First thing you do when you wake up in the morning? - Hit snooze on the alarm clock, and then spend the next 10 minutes checking my phone (I don't let myself fall back asleep)
4. How many photos are in your camera roll on your phone (or camera)? - 691 apparently!
5. Favorite thing about being married? - Well, I'm not married, and not even sure I ever want to be. So how about my favourite thing about NOT being married? I do what I want, when I want, and live by my own schedule. I like my freedom.
6. Biggest pet peeve? - Oh God, it depends on the day. Lately, I'd have to say those big dumb buzzy flies that circle my head when I'm out walking. Doesn't matter what you do, they just keep zooming and swooping around. SO annoying.
7. Have you ever been to a psychic? What did they tell you? - Yes, I've been to three psychics in the past.
The first one told me a lot about myself that made sense, she kind of described me to a T, but didn't give me any great information about what was to come for my future. The one thing she did tell me of value was that when I found a penny, it would be a gift from my Grandma. Grandma was still living at the time, so that kind of troubled me - I thought it meant her death was coming soon, which was not true - but Grandma was always collecting pennies, giving us baggies full of them, and she once told me "A penny is very valuable... you can't make a dollar without it!" The summer after she passed, my mom had a yard sale, and was selling a lot of her stuff. One thing was an old fleece jacket, that I decided looked like it might fit me. I tried it on, and when I stuck my hand in the pocket, what do ya know... 2 pennies. :) Makes me sad that they don't make the penny anymore, but it makes "Grandma's gifts" all the more special when I do find one.
The second psychic, I saw a few months after my cousins passed away in 2010, and it was shocking & remarkable the things she told me, and the messages that came through. And the third was a fluke - I was having an "Escape Day" at my home, and I hadn't signed up for the psychic reading, but the lady - she was a Turkish coffee reader - offered to give me one for a free, as a thanks for hosting. At the time - fall of 2011 - my dad was sick, but I didn't think it was "that bad". She told me I had the weight of the world on my shoulders, and that in February, something would "break" for me. She said it would be a difficult time, but not to be scared or feel alone, because I had an army of supporters there for me. She said it looked like a whole village or community would be there to catch me when I fell. In the months that followed, Dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer, he had several surgeries, spent a month in ICU, and in the end, he passed in February. And I certainly did have an army of support - a whole village there for me and my family, indeed.
While the psychic readings I've had amazed and stunned me with their accuracy, I also found them to be very emotional and draining. I have had no desire to seek out a psychic since.
8. What was the name of your first pet? - My dog Jake! He was an awful dog lol. But I loved him.
9. What was the first CD you ever bought? - I don't know if it really counts, but I'm going with Boston's Walk On album. I think it came as a mistake in a Columbia House order, and my sister gave it to me. I listened to it constantly for one whole summer.
10. What's your favorite online shopping site? - Amazon
11. Heels or Wedges? - Wedges, but if I'm really getting my way, I'm going with flats! I'm not a heel of any kind girl...
12. Pool or Beach? - Why do I have to choose? I love both! LOL!
This picture is depressing. And motivating. I want to be that thin again!!!
13. Camping or Cottage? - Well, I'm going with "cottage", because essentially, that's what Aunt Marion & Uncle Eric's camp is. It's got a few of the luxuries of home - a fridge, running water, toilet & shower, gas stove, beds - but no TV or anything like that. I'm not one to completely "rough it". I don't do tents. I like to have a roof over my head if it rains. ;)
14. Vacation or Staycation? - I think there's beauty in both... but right now, a little get away would definitely be nice! Sometimes you just have to go somewhere. 15. Lemonade or Pink Lemonade? - I love both, but it's pink lemonade I have in my fridge right now! Looking forward to having a glass on the deck tonight!
16. Book or Magazine? - Book. I used to love magazines, but really, I can't remember the last time I really looked at one. I'm a book reader.
17. What is your favorite summertime meal? - BBQ'd hamburgers and hot dogs, nacho dip and chips, pasta salad... oooh and corn on the cob! Yum!!
18. Hosting or Attending? - Depends on my mood. If I get the notion I want to have people over, I can really get into the "hosting" thing. I like making a to-do list, prepping food, getting ready... but if I do it too often, I get burned out with it. It's nice sometimes to just "attend" and not have to worry about the organizing, and cleaning up afterwards. 19. What is your favorite restaurant? - I'd have to go with Montana's Cookhouse. I love to eat out, I'd go just about anywhere, but sometimes I just get hit with cravings for Montana's that could make me drool!
20. What is your favorite sport to watch? To play? - To watch: hockey (but just the Ottawa Senators) or baseball (but just the Toronto Blue Jays)
- To play: HA! Jill is not an athlete. I'm extremely competitive, and have zero athletic ability, which makes for one really bad combo. If I HAD to play a sport, I'd go with softball (the fun 3-pitch kind) but only because it's the only sport I've played in the past 10 years. 21. Do you like Wine? If so, what kind? - Oh, I wish I could answer yes to this. I like the idea of wine. I like holding the wine glass and sipping away and thinking I look cool. Feels so sophisticated and grown up to have a glass of wine with dinner, or after a long day at work. But the only wine I've ever really liked was Moscato, and after getting sick on it just before Christmas, I haven't been able to stomach the thoughts of it since. All of it makes me make my "wine face" - *cringe*
22. Mani or Pedi? - Pedi! I had my first "real" one a few weeks ago, and I think it should become a regular occurance ;)
23. Favorite summertime outfit? - Whatever it is, it's gotta be comfy, cool & casual. Loose dresses or maxi skirts, tanks and capris, flip flops... I'm all about summer comfort.
24. What's your current summertime jam? - Refer to yesterday's post... but #1 is definitely Can't Stop The Feeling by Justin Timberlake!
25. What is your favorite summertime treat? - I have several... Watermelon, banana-flavoured popsicles, chocolate-dip soft-serve ice cream from Marcotte's... but lately it's been homemade sundae of vanilla frozen yogurt in a waffle bowl with lots of chocolate sauce, peanut butter, corn syrup, and sprinkles. Suuuuuuper healthy. ;)
I should be doing a weekend recap - because it was a great weekend! - but all the photo evidence has yet to be uploaded and edited, so I'll save that for another day.
We're in the midst of a stinkin' hot week here in these parts, and it's got me wishing I could just hang out on the back deck with a book, a beverage, and some good tunes. Isn't that what summer is all about? So I thought today I'd share my summer playlist... can't get enough of these tunes! I've been really into country lately, more so than usual, so a lot of my jams are from that category. Still, any one of these songs can have me blurting out "Oh! Oh! I LOVE this song!!! This is MY song!!"
1. Can't Stop the Feeling - Justin Timberlake
I know, I've talked about this song a little too much over the past few months, but seriously, does it EVER get old?!? Just as "Cheerleader" by OMI will always make me think of Summer '15, this one from JT will forever define Summer '16.
2. River - Leon Bridges
I imagine that every time I hear this song, I will be transported to a lazy summer Saturday on my couch, watching Suits, and thinking of how perfect this summer has been, and it's only just really begun. I adore this song, and I'm ever so grateful I've discovered this artist. His whole album Coming Home has this "summer of 1950" vibe to it. For an old soul like me, it is pure musical candy.
3. One Dance - Drake
From the first moment I heard this jam, it has topped my list of favourites for 2016. It's got "sweaty summer dancefloor hit" written all over it.
4. Cheap Thrills - Sia ft. Sean Paul
Can I just say that I love that Sean Paul is back? His reggae voice and vibe is a throwback to my college days, and I love that he's popping back up on the charts today. This one is my fave to blast in the car as I'm driving away from work on those summer Friday afternoons... my fave "let's get the weekend started" song!!
5. H.O.L.Y - Florida Georgia Line
Lindsay has kinda forced me to love this song. She's humming it and singing it constantly. And it took a while, but it has finally caught on. I'm kind of in love.
6. Messin' Around - Pitbull ft. Enrique Iglesias
I love that it's Pitbull and Enrique, like, can we get more summery than that? And I love that it samples an old favourite REO Speedwagon song. Sacrilege to some, I'm sure, but if it makes me want to dance, it's all good with me!
7. Head Over Boots - Jon Pardi
Feels like every time I flick over to a country station, this song comes on, and I LOVE it. Reminds of the kind of country songs I grew up on. Almost makes me want to take up line dancing again... and yes, just one song inspired me to download the whole album, which is amazing in my opinion.
8. Mixtape - Autumn Hill
This one transports me back to being an awkward, zit-faced, hopelessly romantic teen, sitting on my bedroom floor with my boombox, making mix tapes for hours. Just waiting for those perfect songs to come on the radio. It was an obsession, and I miss those days dearly.
9. All in my Head (Flex) - Fifth Harmony ft. Fetty Wap
I'm so over "Work from Home" by Fifth Harmony. In fact, I never liked the damn song from the very beginning, and it's been over-played to death. I'm thanking the Lord that I actually kinda like their new one (maybe it's because of Fetty Wap? I kinda like Fetty Wap.) Whether it will still be on my list by the end of the summer remains to be seen...
10. Crash - Usher
This one is so super new that I haven't even really got a handle on it yet, but the few times I've heard it, I've enjoyed it. So I'm putting it on the list. I mean, it's Usher. Like, c'mon.
11. Somewhere on a Beach - Dierks Bentley
CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TAKE ME TO THE BEACH?!?!? (Preferably with Dierks Bentley, of course.)
12. 80's Mercedes - Maren Morris
Maren Morris has been one of my new faves ever since I first heard "My Church". Her latest has such a fun summer sound to it, and even though it makes me feel a little old when she sings "I'm a '90's baby in my '80's Mercedes" (like, seriously, '90's babies shouldn't be old enough to drive already, should they? ack!!) - it's one of those perfect windows-down-singing-loud kind of songs.
13. Let It Go - James Bay
I just want to sit out on the end of the dock at sundown, my feet dipping in the water, and listen to this one. Soothing, relaxing, simple.
14. Daddy Lessons - Beyonce
It's my favourite off Bey's much-talked-about Lemonade album. Beyonce's gone country, y'all.
15. Castaway - Zac Brown Band
I honestly hadn't even heard of this song til this past weekend, but after hearing some friends talk about it, I checked it out, and loved it. No surprise, I've always been a bit of a Zac Brown fan. And it just screams "SUMMER" so that helps too. ;)
So, what songs are you on YOUR summer playlist? Please do share, I love finding new tunes!!
Last night I was visiting with my friend Sara, who lives in Norway Bay. After supper, her two girls hopped in the wagon, and together we all walked down to the pier, which is literally like a two minute walk from her house. We went right out to the end of the pier, where Charlotte swam, I walked around snapping pictures of the lovely view, and we watched a group of teens horsing around in the sand. After awhile, we walked back to the beach, where we waded in water, chatted, and the girls played.
I took a deep breath and realized how happy I was in that moment. Really, truly happy.
And I had the dawning realization that I am very much at my happiest when I am near water.
I've always loved the water. Whether it be a swimming pool, lake, or river, I've always enjoyed being at the water's edge. I love to swim, boat, kayak, and even just sit by it. By the water, I am in my happy place. (And yes, I do need to remember this feeling when we're in the depths of winter, and I'm chirping away about how much I love the snow... ;) )
I am pretty lucky to live where I do. A cozy little community, nestled between the beautiful Gatineau Hills on one side, and the mighty Ottawa River on the other. I don't live on the water myself, but I'm so close. My walks take me down to the river's edge almost on a daily basis, and while we don't have a nice beach in Quyon, I'm literally a 10 minute drive from the Bay, where I could sit with my toes in the water and my ass in the sand pretty much any time I wanted to.
I don't do it nearly enough. And I should. I'm happiest when I'm there. I breathe deeper, and I can just feel this sense of peace and tranquility wrap around me. I'm more calm. The worry and stress that often bog me down, well... they just kind of seep away. I feel like everything will be OK when I'm on the water.
I have friends in town who have a home down on the river bank. They have a breath-taking view, a nice dock, a pontoon boat...they're basically living my dream. And in their bathroom hangs a towel that says: "If you're lucky enough to live by the water, then you're lucky enough". I've been there a few times in the past when the drinks were flowing, and after "a few", I always tell Audrey how much I love that towel, and in turn, she usually tries to give it to me. Then I tell her no, no, I can't take the towel, it doesn't make any sense for me to have it. At least, not now. But maybe someday...
My gosh, how I dream of living on the water some day.
Until that day comes, though, I will just be grateful for my proximity. I can take a ten minute walk and be at the river's edge. And I'll give thanks for the family and friends I have that DO live on water - or have pools - and enjoy the time I get to spend with them there. All of my favourite summer places - the Camp, Aunt Marion & Uncle Eric's beach, Kerry & Jeff's pontoon, Lindsay & Ryan's pool, and of course Sara & Graham's hop-skip-and-jump to the pier & beach - are places I look forward to spending time, and I enjoy every moment spent there with family and friends.
If you are lucky enough to live by the water, you are lucky enough... :)
Anyone else having trouble with Blogger lately? I post in the morning, but then my post doesn't show up in my reader until 12 hours later... very frustrating!
Anyways... moving right along to What I'm Loving Wednesday! We're a few weeks into the summer now, and so far, I have to say, it has been pretty amazing. Yes. I, the winter & snow lover, am loving every second of this season of sun & heat!
So today, I thought I'd run through a few of the things I'm loving about SUMMER!
I'm loving the longer days which allow for evening walks. When I go for a walk, it's usually right after I get home from work, but on stinkin-hot days - like yesterday - it's still way too sweltering & suffocating to go walking at 5 pm. But it's still daylight at 8, when the heat and humidity have died down a bit, making the later walk time much more enjoyable.
I just love hanging out on the deck. I've already had one "deck day" with friends, and I'm hoping for more to come. Last night, I hit the deck as soon as I got home. I had a light little picnic supper out there - sandwich, veggies and dip, cheese and pickles, watermelon - and just stayed out there reading my book. So nice and relaxing!
Oh, and I LOVE the book I'm reading right now. A perfect summer read by Liane Moriarty called "What Alice Forgot". It took me a while to get itnto it. but now that I'm in the thick of it, I can't put it down. It's like crack. Stayed up til almost midnight last night reading!
I'm loving simple summer treats, like freezies and banana-flavoured popsicles, watermelon, strawberries, and of course that tempting ice cream that is now just a hop-skip-and-jump away from my house. I'm trying to hold myself to one trip to the ice cream parlour per week, but on these extra-hot days, that's hard to stick to... those soft-serve chocolate dip cones keep calling my name!
Chipstand food. I love it a *bit* too much. But there's some days when it's just too hot and I'm too lazy, and it just smells sooooo darn good...
I can't get enough of the song "River" by Leon Bridges. I just discovered this song this past weekend, thanks to an episode of Suits. As soon as I heard it on the show, I paused it, searched for the song on iTunes, and ended up downloading the whole album. It has a really awesome throwback sound, but "River" is by far my favourite track and I can't stop listening to it. It's my summer jam!
OK, it's my summer jam... riiiiight after Justin Timberlake's "Can't Stop the Feeling". I made the DJ play it twice at the Canada Day party. I can't stop loving that tune!!!
I love my new MVT trucker hat. I've been making a conscious effort to keep my head covered when I'm out it the sun, and this has been my go-to chapeau this summer!
I'm loving the memories of the good times already spent this summer, and looking forward to all the good times still to come! I have a paint nite with friends coming up, birthday parties to go to, a pool party, the Quyon Truck & Tractor Pull, my holidays... this summer really is shaping up to be one of the very best!
Can we go back in time? Not far back... just to last Thursday.
I want to re-live Canada Day weekend all over again.
It really was such an awesome couple of days. I was surrounded by family and friends, and the good times were numerous. It actually makes me quite sad that it's over already.
I uploaded and edited pics last night, and it made me long to hit rewind and re-play it all again. I'll let those photos tell the story!
My sister Kara holding little cousin Brody
The Fam Jam
Uncle Elson & Brody
My sister, the Canadian Moose
Funny story here - I was sitting with Gracie on the blanket waiting for the parade. Cars kept going by and honking. I kept saying, "Wow, everyone's in such a good mood today! I don't even know who these people honking are!!" When Dawn took these pics of us, I realized people could see right up my skirt. (this one is cropped to save you all from the spectacle.) I'm still hoping they were honking for the flags and the lively people, not my hoo-ha. ;) Let's just say, I adjusted my position on the blanket quickly!! hahaha!!
Waiting for the parade to start
It was REALLY hot on Thursday... most ended up moving to the shade as we waited for the parade!
Dawn & Dillon blowing bubbles
There were a bunch of cuties waiting on the parade across the road too!
Fletcher, Annie, Leah, Abby & Shawn :)
Ryla & Paula
We tried assembling the kids on my back steps for a photo op... trying to get 6 little people to look and smile without waving flags in each other's faces is preeeeetty much impossible!! lol!
I'm lucky to be from this beautiful branch of the Family Tree!!
Me, Mom, Kara, Aunt Nora, Aunt Linda, Aunt Marion, Dawn & Paula
The army of kids on decorated bikes in the parade was quite impressive! There were SO many of them!! Great job guys!
Uncle Laurie & Aunt Mona in cousin Dale's Mustang
The kids were thrilled when Olaf arrived on the scene
Jory & Uncle Paul leading us in our Canada cheer!!
Lindsay & Sam
The Canada Day Committee carrying the flag down to the docks for the flag raising ceremony. I love these guys!! :)
Uncle Garry in his Model A Ford
The Ferry was all decked out with Canadian flags for the occasion - looked so nice!
Brodee looking very much like Captain Canada here! ;)
Bonnie & Molly
The Flag Raising Ceremony
Our MNA Andre Fortin saying a few words
Up up she goes...
After many years of being in the pic... this year I got to take the pic. Big congrats to the Canada Day Committee on all their hard work. It was another epic celebration!!!
Oh, just look at who is manning the Shooter Station! ;)
Dillon decked out in his red & white
Canada Day Kids!!
Miss Grace
Brody partying it up!
Brody & Ryla
Three cheers for Canada!!!
These next pics are from our family BBQ at Aunt Marion & Uncle Eric's on Canada Day. Lots of fun on the beach, hanging out with the fam, a delicious meal, and more fireworks courtesy of my cousin Dave! A Canada Day to remember!!
So like...seriously...can we all just make the unanimous decision to go back and do it all over again?!? ;)
