Posts tagged life lately
Capturing the Beauty of Mid-May

Oh velvet bee, you’re a dusty fellow;
You’ve powdered your legs with gold!
O brave marshmary buds, rich and yellow;
Give me your money to hold!
-Jean Ingelow

In an attempt to slow down and calm a whirring brain, I took to capturing a few things happening within my garden this May. I used to do this quite often, but it got lost somewhere along the way. What a joy it is to notice the little happenings, the new surprises each day. I never seem to have trouble growing tomatoes and this year is no exception- they are a little behind, as are all my seedlings this year, but still growing beautifully.

This year, I decided to plant some clover in our lawn to add a bit more lushness and the hope of a greener space in the heat of summer. I mistakenly over-planted this one section, but I’m finding the lushness they already are providing is a delight. I also built some new bamboo structures to house my peas and beans- there is a simple joy in working with raw materials to build these structures each year.

The chamomile is growing back from seeds dispersed from a larger plant last year… That pop of red in the rhubarb patch is such fun- rhubarb grows so quickly and it won’t be long before it’s time to make rhubarb slush, relish, jam and more. This plant provides so much for us.

In an attempt to add more whimsy to the nighttime garden, I purchased these solar powered mushroom lights recently. I haven’t decided yet on final placement, but I thought I’d see how they fare among the lily of the valley. They already add such atmosphere when the sun goes down each day.

I look forward to all the ways my garden will continue to surprise me this year!

Spring Things

I had meant to post these earlier, but as always, life got in the way. I've been trying to capture more small moments of life on my camera, trying to stop and see the beauty in amongst the daily tasks. These are a few of those moments that I found in Spring- a good few from a trip to the prairies where I always seem to find the inspiration I need. 

"We stopped when we saw horses. You were frightened of making them run, and you stayed in the car. They were the colours of pecans and walnuts. Their heads were raised, attentive. I padded through the long grass, listening to my breathing, listening to theirs, inhaling the green field smells and the horses' scent, like paprika and clover."
-Sean Michaels, Us Conductors

Life Lately: November

"Hello...it's me..." Sorry, but these Adele lyrics have been running through my mind all week and I think it's about time to get them down on "paper". Fitting somehow for this post coming weeks late. Life has been filled to the brim with preparations for my upcoming market. So yes, I begin with this small announcement to come and see me at

The Vintage Barn Market
Saturday, November 28, 9am-4pm
Pitt Meadows Heritage Hall
12460 Harris road, Pitt Meadows

Other tidbits that have happened this month: 

1. Some cozying up with candles, scripture and my favourite breakfast, farro porridge with blueberries

2. I try to get the bed made every morning because it helps me feel more organized, but this seems to be the common theme these days. When the sun is casting such beautiful light on the unmade sheets, I don't seem to mind as much. 

3+4. I've got to spend a little time with my smallest nephews, and have very much enjoyed snuggling the newest and littlest, Beckham Jett, born on November 13. 

5. Studio life. The ever-revolving paintings on the wall, lists, deadlines, half-finished projects. 

6. Getting ready for Christmas. It's kind of coming without me even realizing it, but I managed to remember to paint some holiday themed foliage to adorn Christmas tags that I'll be selling at upcoming markets.

7. With holiday preparations come holiday packages. I was so excited to send off this house illustration Christmas gift!