A Year in Photo - Day 70

Being an Auntie is one of the greatest things in the world; we got to spend the day with Kennedy and 7 week old Braelyn, who I just met today, at the beach. <3

"Only an Aunt can give hugs like a mother, can keep secrets like a sister, and share love like a friend."

A Year in Photo - Day 69

Growing up, and really until only a couple of years ago when I started gaining weight, I didn't mind having my picture taken, I actually liked it. I loved capturing memories and documenting my life. But as I gained more and more weight, largely in part due to medication, I began to loathe having my picture taken; I avoided it at all costs and when I was put in a position to have my picture taken all I could think about was how terrible I was going to look.

I don't think I'm unattractive, but I hated the weight on my face and body, I was so ashamed. I felt disgusting and I didn't want people to see photos of me. But as I do work on myself and through this blog, I am learning to see myself in a different and more positive light. I am beautiful, exactly as I am right now. 

So this is me, no photoshop, no editing, just a little bit of make-up to make ME feel good. 

"When I accept myself, I am freed from the burden of 

needing you to accept me." -Dr. Steve Maraboli

A Year in Photo - Day 68 + Completed Summer 2015 Bucket List - Screamers

I had a great day playing with horses and hanging out with my friend Mandy today. During our adventures, I introduced her to screamers, a Summer 2015 Bucket List item....well let's just say I think she wished I hadn't. :)

"At the end of the day your feet should be dirty,
your hair messy and your eyes sparkling." -Shanti

A Year in Photo - Day 67 + Completed Summer 2015 Bucket List Item - Have a Picnic

**beep, beep* says my cell phone just before lunch..."You home? & have you eaten lunch yet? I have a massive bowl of Greek pasta salad that you need to have some of."...a text from my neighbour and good friend Faith, I'm in.

We spent a great day walking to the park, having a picnic, playing with Logan on the playground and stopping at Starbucks for a coffee on our walk home. I'm so grateful to have friends who like making last minute plans as much as me. A great day with a great friend Faith and my rambunctious nephew Logan, so fun.

"I like messy people who don't fit in a box or stay between the lines, but who's integrity is greater than any rule book and who's loyalty is stronger than blood." -Jim Wern

A Year in Photo - Day 66

I spent the greatest day with good friends, amazing horses and the sunshine peaking through some beautiful storm clouds. I got home wet from the rain and smelly from the work and with lots of photos to choose from.

I got home, stepped out of the the shower and....CRAP, I know better, I've been freckled and fair skinned my entire life!! I put sunscreen on every sunny day but today it was cloudy so I didn't, cloudy days are so deceiving.

But I'll tell you what, every second of mild discomfort from the sunburn is worth it because my heart is happy. 

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows. It's what the sunflowers do." -Helen Keller

A Year in Photo - Day 65

We stopped in at our favourite pet store this afternon, Tail Blazers (on the corner of Benvoulin and KLO), to get Sig some sticks and one of my favourite dogs was "working" with his Mom, Kristy. Chimo is such a handsome boy, love him so much, and his Mom is pretty great too :)

Also, if you haven't been to Tail Blazers in Kelowna you're missing out. The most knowledgeable, caring group of people you will ever meet. After years of trying to find a food that Sig isn't allergic too and will still eat, success, all thanks to them. They carry great products for dogs and cats, and they actually know about their products! They care about our pets, who let's face it are our family members, just as much as we do.

"I have found that when you are deeply troubled, there are things you get from the silent devoted companionship of a dog that you can get from no other source." -Doris Day

A Year in Photo - Day 64 + Summer 2015 Bucket List - Make Home Made Cards

I had some fun playing with paper the last couple of days, this is the result. Now if only I could get myself to let go a bit more and let the creativity flow, not everything has to be so planned. A work a progress :)

"Be patient. The best things happen unexpectedly." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 63

My husband lights the way when my world is dark. His constant support, encouragement, love, understanding....I could go on and on, gets me through some of my darkest days. I truly don't know where I would be without him.

"Everyone wants to be the sun that lights up your life. But I'd rather be your moon, so I can shine on you during your darkest hour when your sun isn't around." -Unknown 

A Year in Photo - Day 62

Never underestimate an anxious person's ability to do whatever is necessary to cope. In today's case, I desperately needed some exercise to blow off some anxious steam and I needed some horse therapy too....but what about all my gear. Problem solved, I loaded MeeMeep (my bike) up with everything I normally haul in my car...farm shoes, my grooming stuff, a lunge rope, a snack, lots of water, baby wipes (to "wash" my hands"), id, hat, oh and I couldn't forget my dressage whip.

Best part? Steve coming to see me and then going home to get our back rack, returning to pick me up so I didn't have to ride up the slight incline home after tiring myself out with the minis. I'm so spoiled.

"Water does not resist. Water flows. When you plunge your hand into it, all you feel is a caress. Water is not a solid wall, it will not stop you. But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it. Water is patient. Dripping water wears away a stone. Remember that, my child. Remember you are half water. If you can't go through an obstacle, go around it. Water does." -Margaret Atwood

A Year in Photo - Day 61

Well, my gut feeling was right and it looks like I'm going to be doing ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) again. As much as I knew it in my gut before I even saw my doc today, it’s a hard pill to swallow. I’m scared but I trust my doctor 100% and we have tried so many things since January that this is the next logical step. Apparently the slate is quite full right now so my doctor wasn’t sure when I will start exactly but it will probably be in the next one to two weeks, in Penticton because that's where he is. They will schedule me for 12 sessions, normally 3 a week, but sometimes 2, and we can stop at any point if we are finding good results before the 12 are done.

This time he is going to do it unilaterally, not bilaterally like the last 18, to try to avoid the major memory loss I had last time. I'm trying to take it one step at a time but it's difficult. Today had been a hard day. Especially since it would have been the 31st birthday of a good friend, who died by suicide due to mental illness. 

But with all that said, I want my life back! I’m tired of feeling this way, of not working and having an income/career. Of never knowing how I'm going to feel or going from high to low and back again. I want to build a life with Steve, to have a family and to live our dreams!  I’m struggling but managing...

"The lotus is the most beautiful flower, whose petals open one by one. But it will only grow in the mud. In order to grow and gain wisdom, first your must have the mud --- the obstacles of life and its suffering. ... The mud speaks of the common ground that humans share, no matter what our stations in life. ... Whether we have it all or we have nothing, we are all faced with the same obstacles: sadness, loss, dying and death. If we are to strive as human beings to gain more wisdom, more kindness, and more compassion, we must have the intention to grow as a lotus and open each petal one by one." - Goldie Hawn

A Year in Photo - Day 60

Our morning ritual. Every morning when I get up Sig comes running from whatever bed he is in (he has one in every room of the house, spoiled much?) and we go back to bed to cuddle and look outside. Now by cuddle I means he gives me the cursory, good morning Mom let me lick your face, and then moves over so he isn't even touching me, while I proceed to check emails and such.

BUT, this little ritual only happens on weekdays because if Steve is home, Sig is too worried about where his Dad is to stay with me. All the same, it makes me smile when I get out of bed and hear the clicking of his toenails on the floor.

"It all begins and ends in your mind. What you give power to, has power over you, if you allow it." -Leon Brown

A Year in Photo - Day 59

My good friend Mandy cooling off her boy Gally after a brief stint in the round pen. Days like this make my heart sing! 

"Find out who you are and be that person. That's what your soul was put on this Earth to be. Find that truth, life that truth and everything else will come." -Ellen DeGeneres

Milk a Cow - Completed Bucket List Items

For those of you who have read my main Bucket List, you know one of the items on it is to milk a cow. Now this proved to be a bit of a challenge because 1) It's not like farms are advertising "hey, come milk my cow" and 2) Most milking is done by machines now. After some research I contacted the BC Dairy Association and to my delight, I received an email back from Nadia, who invited me to Breakfast on the Farm at Riverbreeze Farms. At the very least I would get to learn more about the dairy industry and the best case scenario is I would be introduced to a dairy farmer who may be able to help me with my bucket list item.

When we arrived I was introduced to Trevor, who made me a deal, he would do his best to get me a cow to milk (WHAT?! Today?!?) if I would do an on camera interview, DEAL! We met back in a half an hour, I did my interview and then I was introduced to Kelsey and MacKenzie, who, with the help of Peaches, were running the Mobile Dairy Classroom, doing a demonstration about dairy cows, what they eat, their stomachs, milking, and so much more. 

Now spectators don't normally get the opportunity to hand milk the cow but they made an exception and I was thrilled. To some, like my Dad, it sounds funny that this would be a bucket list item but it's something I've always wanted to do. I didn't milk much because they had another presentation and wanted the cow, Peaches, to have enough, but I did get some :) A HUGE thank you to the BC Dairy Association, Nadia, Trevor, Kelsey, MacKenzie and their whole team for making this possible, you made my day!

Not only was my bucket list item checked off, but the event itself was amazing. We learned so much about dairy cows, robot milking (yes!), hauling standards, dairy standards and so much more. 

To top the day off we stopped at Rogers, not the phone company, and took advantage of some great deals on oats. 

Milking Peaches!!!

After milking Peaches, I went over to take a photo, I called her, she looked right at me, and she walked right up to the camera like "oh you want a photo, here let me get closer."

Meeting the heifers, based on the looks they gave me I don't think they wanted to be friends.

Spending some time in the barn, which has high ceilings to keep the cows cool.

"Sometimes I have to remind myself that I don't have to do what everyone else is doing." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 58

As we were driving to Armstrong for "Breakfast on the Farm" (see my next post) this morning, I pulled over to let Steve drive; it wasn't that early but good grief I was feeling tired. As we pulled down this little road to turn around, this is the sight we were greeted with. A beautiful farm, with a stunning view, my new dream.

Now if you would have told me a few years ago that I would be dreaming of winning the lottery so we could buy property and animals for a little hobby farm, well I would have laughed at you. I've always loved being around animals and being on farms, but the more that I am exposed to farm life, through some amazing people that have come into my life, the more I realize that this is what I am meant to do. 

After 7 years of university and two degrees, admitting that I probably won't go down that path has been hard for me to admit. I don't think any education is a waste but when your life doesn't go in the direction you wanted / expected, it can be a hard pill to swallow; even harder to realizing that I have no idea what the next step is. But the peace and joy I feel when I am working with animals and getting dirty doing hard labour solidifies that it will be something in this industry. 

Finally, I'm just so thankful for Steve, he supports me in whatever I want to do and for my family and friends who do the same. Feeling grateful today.

"Stepping onto a brand new path is difficult, but not more difficult than remaining in a situation, which is not nurturing to the whole woman." -Maya Angelou

A Year in Photo - Day 57

As I kid I LOVED stickers; I collected stickers and I had a book that was filled with all different kinds and I would trade them with friends and my sister. I also learned awhile ago that I am a very visual person, so I decided to put the two together because, after all, you're never too old for stickers.

This is my exercise calendar. Each exercise has a correlating sticker ex. stars for bike riding, hearts for working with the horses etc. I keep my calendar on my fridge and being able to see all my stickers, or conversely, all the empty boxes, has been a good motivator. Just like when I was a kid, I get so excited when I get to put a sticker on my calendar, or sometimes two!! 

"Giving up on your goal because of one setback is like slashing your other three tires because you got a flat." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 56

Reflecting on all the personal changes I have been making lately, while laying on the carpet stretching, staring out the window after a 14.2 km (yes, the .2 is important) bike ride. I am such a black and white thinker and it generally hasn't served me well in the past; I'm either all in or all out but slowly I am learning how to find a balance, in all areas of my life.

P.S. This is a public blog, although personal, but please feel free to share it with anyone you think may enjoy it <3 If you scroll down to the bottom of the page, you can "Follow by Email" simply by typing your email address in.

Life is a journey,
Not a destination,
There are no mistakes,
Just chances we've taken
Lay down your regrets cause all we have it now
...
Life is a challenge not a competition
You can still smell the roses and be on a mission
Just take a moment to get in touch with your heart
Sometimes you feel like you've got something to prove
Remind yourself that there's only one you
Just take a moment to give thanks of who you are
....
                                      "A Beautiful Day" (excerpts)
          Indie Arie

A Year in Photo - Day 55

Sig, visiting his "Tawney" aka Auntie Kim. He was a superstar on the new stairs we got to help the dogs get up onto her high bed.....

Sig: "So you want me to walk up those 4 stairs and I'm going to get 2 treats for doing it? Deal! Look, I can do it again....and again....."

In this photo he was a little unimpressed though, he was locked in the room because his Grandpa was having a rest and he was being too noisy.

"A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything." -Irish Proverb

A Year in Photo - Day 54

Saturday's Farmer's Market vegetable bounty and some beautiful apricots from my lovely friend Kelly. Just one of the MANY reasons I love living in the Okanagan.

 "Let us be grateful to people who make us happy. They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." -Marcel Proust

A Year in Photo - Day 53

All smiles :) My sister had a gruelling hip surgery today (scheduled after a hip injury over a year ago) and for the countless times she has been there for me, I'm so glad I can be there for her. 

We stayed over in Kamloops last night because her surgery was early and we were all exhausted, in our pyjamas before 9 pm. Well then Kim and I got a bad case of the giggles right before bed, the more Mom, who was in bed with her earplugs in trying to sleep, told us to go to bed, the funnier we thought we were, I haven't laughed that hard in a long time, it felt so good.

After a long but successful surgery and a sleepy drive back to Kelowna, Kim is home sweet home, cuddling with Arnie. Love you sistah! <3

"Sister to sister we will always be, a couple of nuts off the family tree." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 52 + Summer 2015 Bucket List

A beautiful sunset in Kamloops ☀️

                                   

"Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn." -Ralph Waldo Emerson 

A Year in Photo - Day 51

My sister was working and after a change in their plans, my parents asked us to go get Arnie, my sister's dog, from their house. When we arrived it was clear that Burke, my family dog, would be devastated if he couldn't come too, so we loaded him up as well. What do you think, was he happy to be kidnapped?

"I'm suspicious of people who don't like dogs, but I trust a dog when it doesn't like a person." -Bill Murray

Summer 2015 Bucket List - Pick Flowers & Make a Bouquet

My parents have a beautiful garden with so much variety and I love raiding it. They were gone for the day so a flower here, some leaves there and voilà, I have myself a beautiful bouquet. But don't worry, I sent my Mom a photo to thank her :)

"And the day came when the risk to remain in a tight bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." -Anais Nin

A Year in Photo - Day 50 + Summer 2015 Bucket List BLITZ!!

Whew, what a busy day but I had a blast knocking some items off my summer list. 

Brought back some childhood memories and built a sandcastle, with a pool, with my sister :)

Steve took the afternoon off so I dusted off my clubs and we hit the driving range. Check out my wicked bag, I like to call it vintage :)

Despite the smoke and after 3 visits, I've confirmed my new favourite beach, the Rotary Beach on Lakeshore Drive. A beautiful sandy beach with just the right mix of people watching, but not too crowded.

I was really excited about this one, Arlo's Honey Farm, but I have to say we were disappointed. Sadly, the best part was the beautiful flowers where we parked. They wanted us to book a tour weeks in advance and didn't even give us any information about their bees, what they do etc., despite many workers standing around :(

The Okanagan Lavender Herb Farm, beautiful, definitely worth the visit. A great gift shop filled with products made on site and a café

  with a view. You can go walk through the lavender but you have to pay, we chose to just take a couple of few photos. I also love the quote they have painted outside :)

"The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things." -Henry Ward Beecher

A Year in Photo - Day 49

Life's a beach :)

"Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we'll ever do." -Brené Brown

A Year in Photo - Day 48

Today was a hard day, really hard. My anxiety was/is out of control and I am feeling discouraged. For those of you who have never experienced anxiety, I truly mean it when I say, I hope you never do. 

I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), which basically means that I am just generally anxious and not anxious about anything in particular. What is so frustrating about this for me is I can't identify a specific issue and then try to work through it, I'm just anxious. Anxiety manifests itself differently for everyone but for me it's very physical:

• Shortness of breath
• Feels like my skin is crawling
• Can't sit still
• Racing heart
• Numb/tingly arms and legs 
• Irritability
• Indecisiveness
• Muscle tension
• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Feeling edgy
• Trouble finding my words
• Lose my train of thought mid-sentence
• Easily overwhelmed by noise
• Sweating
• Difficulty concentrating / Staying on task
• Tiredness
• Trembling
• Easily startled

I don't always experience all of these at the same time but when I'm having a bad day, like today, sometimes I do. I generally try to remain positive about my depression and anxiety but that's easier said than done, and today was one of those days. When I saw my psychiatrist last, who I trust completely, he brought up Electro-Shock Therapy (ECT) again. I had 18 treatments between the end of 2012 and beginning and 2013 and the first time he suggested we may need to do more (this was months ago), I FREAKED, but this time I feel more settled with the idea. Don't get me wrong, it's not something I look forward to, but I just want my life back.

I've developed coping skills and I have things that I can do that usually help when I'm feeling this way, but today nothing was working. Being outside often helps but with the air quality advisory, I have asthma, and how hot it is, I pretty much spent the day inside. When I went out for a walk with Steve and Sig tonight I was looking for my picture of the day; I wanted something that represented my day. I went over to say hi to my neighbour Archie and, low and behold, he was dismantaling an air conditioner unit and there were a bunch of exposed wires on the table. Perfect! When I'm not feeling well I often describe it as my wires being crossed, cut or short-circuiting, in short, a jumbled mess. 

"There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds." -Laurell K. Hamilton

A Year in Photo - Day 47 + Completed Summer 2015 Bucket List Items

Picking cherries in the Okanagan is one of my favourite things to do, I can't justify spend $3.50/lb.+ in stores/fruit stands if I can easily do it myself. So today in about a half hour (tops) I picked 8lbs. of cherries at Hoffman Orchards (2512 Longhill Road), for $2/lb. I've seen them as low as $1/lb. but those were backyard trees and aren't always great quality. We've picked here before and I wasn't disappointed today. Huge lapin cherries, perfectly ripe, not full of worms or all rotten. I would DEFINITELY recommend them. 

I went home and proceeded to make my first lattice top cherry pie and I'm super pleased with the result.

Two more Summer 2015 Bucket List Items completed despite some wicked anxiety today.

"Be gentle with yourself, you're doing the best you can." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 46

Any quilter knows the value of a raised table for cutting, piecing etc., but with just a small corner of space, I didn't think my dream would come to fruition until we moved into a bigger place....until my Mom decided to downsize her table, leaving the perfect size counter top in need of a new home. With a little ingenuity, my Dad built me a fold down table and installed it in my little quilting nook today. I'm over the moon, just send me to my corner, I don't mind :)

"My life isn't perfect, but I'm thankful for everything I have." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 45 + Okanagan Trestle Tour

I did it, I did it, I frickin' did it!!! I signed Steve and I up for the Okanagan Trestle Tour 40 km bike ride back in February as a long term fitness goal. Due to several factors I didn't get on my bike as much as I wanted and my longest ride was only 15 km, so I was nervous. What kept me going was that the course was listed as being flat for the first 4 km and a slight decline for the remaining 36 km. We went in to it with the thought that we would have a leisurely ride, on a gravel path, at our own pace, it was not a race.

After a 5 a.m. wake up call, for those of you know me, I don't do mornings, and a coffee in hand, we set out to Penticton. Our bikes were loaded by about 8:30 a.m. and we were shuttled up to the Chute Lake Resort; as we drove up I was so tired my eyes were rolling into my head and I was doing the head bob, all I could think of was get me off this bus so I can get on my bike and wake up. After signing in we started our ride around 9:30 a.m. 

Within minutes my anxiety was through the roof and I was scared. The trail was very sandy and quite rocky, something I wasn't used to; I felt like I had no control of my bike. We stopped a couple of times but after 10 km I really didn't know if I could do it. As always, my husband and cheerleader reassured me, we locked out my shocks, which seemed to help, and I literally talked myself through it. I was able to bring my anxiety down by using the tools I've learned working with horses; bringing my energy down to ensure theirs doesn't go up. In this case, bringing my energy down and coaching myself through the sand that was making me fish tail, the jagged boulders that seemed to just pop up out of the ground and having to cross the "centre line", which was worse than the sides, to pass people.

After about 25 kms we came down a hill and I didn't think I would ever be so happy to see paved road, unfortunately it didn't last but the view was incredible. The remaining 15 kms of the ride was filled with stunning views, better conditions, vineyards and orchards. After 2 hours and 4 minutes of riding time (not including stops) we arrived at the Penticton Lakeside Resort.

I am so incredibly proud of what Steve and I accomplished today. He's not just my husband, he's my team mate, always encouraging me and supporting me when I think I can't. I could not have done it without him. 

7:14 a.m. - Unloading our bikes and feeling excited

9:15 a.m. - At Chute Lake Resort, waiting for our bikes to be unloaded off the truck

9:30 a.m. - Off we go!!

10:40 a.m. - Our first view of the lake and PAVEMENT!

So happy to be on pavement, unfortunately it ended just around the corner!

6 p.m. - Whew, this picture is a doozy but with all the excitement we forgot to take a picture at the end of the ride. Home and showered, I was so exhausted I could not keep my eyes open, but it was SO worth it! Nap time!

~  ~  ~

"She was unstoppable, not because she did not have failures or doubts, but because she continued on despite them." -Beau Taplin

A Year in Photo - Day 44

Feeling pretty spoiled today. Steve and I went to Fresh Air Concept to get some gear (see A Year in Photo - Day 43 post) and boy do I think I'm covered! New helmet, headbands, 3L hydration pack, replacement tube, tools for repairs, front and back light, odometer and a mounted pump. Can't wait to get on my bike tomorrow for our 40km Okanagan Trestle Tour.

P.S. My bike needs a name and I shockingly, I'm a bit stumped. To give you an idea of how we normally name things my car is Rhonda the Honda, Steve's is Ivan the Ion, my sister's is Ola the Corolla and my Dad's is Buck the Truck. My Bike is a Giant (Sedona) and is red. I was thinking Georgia the Giant or Gladys the Giant, but neither seem quite right......what do you think?

"Your life only gets better when you do. Work on yourself and the rest will follow." -Brian Tracy

A Year in Photo - Day 43

I am still so shocked and overwhelmed that I'm not even sure where to start. As you all know Steve and I participated in Ride Don't Hide on June 21st, an event that means so much to me. With the help of my amazing family and friends, I raised $1,200!!

On this past Tuesday when I got home there was a message on my answering machine from Candace from the Kelowna Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, letting me know that I won one of the donated prizes, a ONE THOUSAND DOLLAR gift card to Fresh Air. My jaw literally dropped,as I slowly walked to the kitchen to tell Steve I still couldn't believe it; I don't win things, especially not big things, I was floored.

Today I went and picked up my gift card; I am so incredibly thankful and feel so blessed. As many of you know, I bought a new bike earlier this year and I LOVE it, but there is some gear that I have been wanting that just isn't in the budget. And it couldn't have come at a better time as Steve and I are doing the 40km Okanagan Trestle Tour on Sunday.

So to Jim Bates and the team at Fresh Air, your generosity truly will change my life and I cannot thank you enough. I will see you soon, I need some gear!! And thank you to all my amazing supporters, I couldn't do it without you!!

"Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we'll do." -

Brené Brown 

A Year in Photo - Day 42

So the good ol' full moon arrived right on schedule, and with it brought my anxiety with a vengeance. By dinner time I was crawling out of my skin, so I decided to go work with the mini horses as I usually leave feeling much better. Unfortunately, despite my best efforts to bring my energy down, they could sense my anxiety and pretty much wanted nothing to do with me. So I did the next best thing, hard labour. I raked their entire pen (see A Year In Photo - Day's 33 & 39 for a comparison), filling one wheelbarrow and making 3 other large piles (I wasn't sure where they dumped their manure). The best part is the sprinklers went on part way through so I kept getting a nice cool spray. The minis seemed happy with my work, checking the piles and following me around as I raked. By the time I left I was filthy but happy, and way less anxious. Success!!

"Manure helps a garden grow. Think of yourself as a garden, ever changing. All the shit in your life serves your growth, and helps transform you into something strong, and resilient, and beautiful." -Scott Stabile

Buy Ice Cream from an Ice Cream Truck - Summer 2015 Bucket List

Nothing like the song of an ice cream truck on a hot day at the beach.

"You can't buy happiness...but you can buy ice cream and that is pretty much the same thing." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 41

Unfortunately Steve had to work today but my day could not have been more perfect. I spent a few hours with the horses and then headed to Rotary Beach to soak up some vitamin d. I expected the beach to be more crowded but it was a perfect mix of people watching and space....I may have found my new favourite beach, stay tuned. I finished the night off with a dinner out with Steve followed by a bottle of wine with my good friend Faith. With only minutes left, Happy Canada Day everybody, I feel so grateful to live in this beautiful country, surrounded by the people I love the most <3

"The soul usually knows what to do to heal itself. The challenge is to silence the mind." -Unknown