There are days when you wake it's challenging to get out of bed. You REALLY don't want to. Maybe the day's challenges seem overwhelming, or it's simply a drab-grey day that warrants a "pull-the-covers-over-your-head" moment.
Of course, most of us don't have the luxury of heeding the desire to stay in bed. This morning proved to be one of those days for me. It's a grey day and I didn't get much sleep last night with my mind racing through many (MANY) variables in my life. When I finally did succumb to sleep, it was not the good deep sleep that a gal needs.
So yes, it was hard to get out of bed this morning for me.
And then, as the sunlight grew in intensity, I could hear the faintest chirp. It was solo, but it was a welcome sound. I listened for some time, as the single chirp was joined by others. A smile crept to my tired face. Yes, that is a sound I love dearly, the morning choir of birds praising the start of a new day. Given that there are fewer birds in the winter, it's always a welcomed moment when the choir of birds return.
Today was that day.
As I lay there in bed a moment longer than I should have, I let myself be enveloped by the sounds of chirping birds. Sometimes it still surprises me what can inspire a moment of calm in my often chaotic world.
Moments enjoying the sound of spring arriving.
Moment knowing that I still have the ability to pause and appreciate!
Showing posts with label spring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spring. Show all posts
Monday, March 16, 2015
Friday, March 21, 2014
Moments D697: The first day of spring
Today I celebrate the first day of spring. Yes, I know, it actually still feels like winter out there, but it is officially spring. No matter what the grumblings are around me, I'm dancing around celebrating the promise of spring. Today's moment - loving Google's spring logo today!
Moments celebrating the change in season, if only for the promise of the spring flowers to come.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Moments D680: Snow birds
Today I woke to the sound of birds chirping. What a delight! It's one of my most favourite ways to wake up. It's a sign that spring is just around the corner. Spring, my favourite time of year as the world around me begins to slowly come to life again.
And then, I realized, it was snowing outside. I giggled to myself, knowing that others, most in fact, would be grumbling about it.
They were big fluffy snowflakes. Very pretty.
Grumble, grumble. All day. But not me. When I finally had an opportunity to get outside and into the fluffy snowflakes, I stomped my way through the fluffy snow on the ground and watched it float around my boots....and smiled.....and did it again.
I like the pretty fluffy snow. I know that spring is around the corner. The sun is higher in the sky, the birds wake me in the morning, and when I leave work at night, the sky is no longer dark. It's coming and I am patient. No, that's not even true. I'm actually enjoying the last moments of our beautiful winter, no patience needed!
Moments enjoying the tease of spring.
Moments enjoying the last of winter.
And then, I realized, it was snowing outside. I giggled to myself, knowing that others, most in fact, would be grumbling about it.
They were big fluffy snowflakes. Very pretty.
Grumble, grumble. All day. But not me. When I finally had an opportunity to get outside and into the fluffy snowflakes, I stomped my way through the fluffy snow on the ground and watched it float around my boots....and smiled.....and did it again.
I like the pretty fluffy snow. I know that spring is around the corner. The sun is higher in the sky, the birds wake me in the morning, and when I leave work at night, the sky is no longer dark. It's coming and I am patient. No, that's not even true. I'm actually enjoying the last moments of our beautiful winter, no patience needed!
Moments enjoying the tease of spring.
Moments enjoying the last of winter.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Moments D381: Rain Shower
Ah…..spring. I really do love it. I love watching the world around me fill in with green leaves, colourful flowers, and the change in temperature. I even enjoy the crazy temperature changes (from 0 degrees in the morning to 22 degrees in the late afternoon).
Today was one of those delightful spring days. It started off with a rainy spring day. It was a warm spring rain shower. It was light shower and I had no problem enjoying it as I walked from one of our offices to the other.
As I passed the parking lot’s entry way, I glanced out to the sidewalk and street beyond. Walking past the driveway, was a gentleman with his eyes closed and his head tilted to the sky. He was walking slowly. You could tell that he was enjoying every moment of the rain hitting his face.
I smiled. And then I did the same.
Moments being inspired.
Moments enjoying the season and the spring rain shower.
Today was one of those delightful spring days. It started off with a rainy spring day. It was a warm spring rain shower. It was light shower and I had no problem enjoying it as I walked from one of our offices to the other.
As I passed the parking lot’s entry way, I glanced out to the sidewalk and street beyond. Walking past the driveway, was a gentleman with his eyes closed and his head tilted to the sky. He was walking slowly. You could tell that he was enjoying every moment of the rain hitting his face.
I smiled. And then I did the same.
Moments being inspired.
Moments enjoying the season and the spring rain shower.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Moments D378: Water gun fight
Today was another glorious spring day. Warm and sunny. I even managed to get out of the office today for lunch and to enjoy some of that gloriousness!
But today’s moment is a silly one. A moment that was quick to bring a smile to my face and many childhood memories flooding back. It happened on my way to the dentist this evening - a route I don’t normally take after work.
It was just past rush hour which means traffic wasn’t at a standstill and the moment was fleeting. It happened very quickly and I realize now as I share my words, that it might have been missed completely had I not been paying attention.
As I approached Riverdale I could see two boys running around in their front yard. As I came closer, they had water guns in hand and they were yelling and laughing and running around. It was incredibly fun to watch. And, as I passed by, that moment flooded me with memories of my own brother and I playing with water guns in the yard. The laughter, the running, getting soaked because eventually one of us would go and get the hose. Be damned the little toy gun!
I love those moments.
Moments to enjoy other’s joy.
Moments reminding you of your own.
But today’s moment is a silly one. A moment that was quick to bring a smile to my face and many childhood memories flooding back. It happened on my way to the dentist this evening - a route I don’t normally take after work.
It was just past rush hour which means traffic wasn’t at a standstill and the moment was fleeting. It happened very quickly and I realize now as I share my words, that it might have been missed completely had I not been paying attention.
As I approached Riverdale I could see two boys running around in their front yard. As I came closer, they had water guns in hand and they were yelling and laughing and running around. It was incredibly fun to watch. And, as I passed by, that moment flooded me with memories of my own brother and I playing with water guns in the yard. The laughter, the running, getting soaked because eventually one of us would go and get the hose. Be damned the little toy gun!
I love those moments.
Moments to enjoy other’s joy.
Moments reminding you of your own.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Moments D370: Hyacinth in Bloom
Today was a vacation day from the office. It was a rainy cool day in Haliburton. Truly a perfect day to continue the packing and moving of my bestie. All the hubbub of the day past gone, we were in the thick of getting her moved.
It was an extremely productive day and the theme of rebirth continued as we packed up her old place and moved a lot of her stuff over to the new place. Both are beautiful spaces, but her new place has a peace about it that isn’t comparable to the old space. This new space felt like home whereas her old space felt like a stepping stone.
When I left, I wasn’t really ready to go, but it was time to get back at a decent hour and get myself ready for a very busy week. On my way home, I passed many a magnolia tree just starting to bloom and as I walked up my walkway the hyacinth in our front garden were in full bloom. I could smell them before I saw them. Amazing.
Spring is here. Rebirth complete on many levels. Back to work and life with a new perspective on many things.
Moments to stop and smell the hyacinth.
Moments understanding more deeply one’s new path.
It was an extremely productive day and the theme of rebirth continued as we packed up her old place and moved a lot of her stuff over to the new place. Both are beautiful spaces, but her new place has a peace about it that isn’t comparable to the old space. This new space felt like home whereas her old space felt like a stepping stone.
When I left, I wasn’t really ready to go, but it was time to get back at a decent hour and get myself ready for a very busy week. On my way home, I passed many a magnolia tree just starting to bloom and as I walked up my walkway the hyacinth in our front garden were in full bloom. I could smell them before I saw them. Amazing.
Spring is here. Rebirth complete on many levels. Back to work and life with a new perspective on many things.
Moments to stop and smell the hyacinth.
Moments understanding more deeply one’s new path.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Moments D368: Full Moon Peepers
Today was my bestie’s moving party in Haliburton. It was also significant to her in that it was an anniversary and today she was, in a way, reborn. Talk about fortunate timing given the cleansing energy of the full moon that was also present with us. It was easy to fall into that joy of rebirth and renewal. The end of a chapter for her (for many of us in my circles) and to celebrate the beginning of something new. And so the weekend began with this focus and energy surrounding us.
We spent most of the day slowly getting ready for the party. There was no real urgency. The three of us caught up and laughed and commiserated during the day. It was completely laid back. I think, it was all that good bright energy that the three of had absorbed from the full moon the day before, feeding it back and forth between us. I know I felt the renewed and recharged too. And I was very much looking forward to meeting my bestie’s local friends and co-workers.
Many were invited, but we weren’t sure how many would attend. There was that moment right before the start time of the party that my bestie worried about no one showing. HA. Not so. Not only did the invitees come, they brought friends with them. The more the merrier, right? I met many new people this evening. All such fun beautiful souls.
In the end, the party was a huge success with amazing food, an incredible bonfire, lots of drinks and laughter. But today’s moment isn’t about meeting new friends, it was sharing a very special moment watching the moon and listening to the spring peepers from the cottage dock. This was experiencing spring in all her glory. The chorus of frogs, the stars being washed out by the full moon, the fog drifting over the crackling icy lake. (The sound of the ice moving in the water was nearly as incredible as the frogs singing!)
I wish I would have laid on the dock for many hours to just soak it all in, but the cold and the many drinks before hand meant that I had to bail earlier than I had hoped to. It was, none-the-less, an amazing moment and one that I’m happy to have shared.
And - it was almost as amazing as having an ice cold dip in the lake.
Moments to enjoy your friends’ rebirth.
Moments realizing you are having your own rebirth.
We spent most of the day slowly getting ready for the party. There was no real urgency. The three of us caught up and laughed and commiserated during the day. It was completely laid back. I think, it was all that good bright energy that the three of had absorbed from the full moon the day before, feeding it back and forth between us. I know I felt the renewed and recharged too. And I was very much looking forward to meeting my bestie’s local friends and co-workers.
Many were invited, but we weren’t sure how many would attend. There was that moment right before the start time of the party that my bestie worried about no one showing. HA. Not so. Not only did the invitees come, they brought friends with them. The more the merrier, right? I met many new people this evening. All such fun beautiful souls.
In the end, the party was a huge success with amazing food, an incredible bonfire, lots of drinks and laughter. But today’s moment isn’t about meeting new friends, it was sharing a very special moment watching the moon and listening to the spring peepers from the cottage dock. This was experiencing spring in all her glory. The chorus of frogs, the stars being washed out by the full moon, the fog drifting over the crackling icy lake. (The sound of the ice moving in the water was nearly as incredible as the frogs singing!)
I wish I would have laid on the dock for many hours to just soak it all in, but the cold and the many drinks before hand meant that I had to bail earlier than I had hoped to. It was, none-the-less, an amazing moment and one that I’m happy to have shared.
And - it was almost as amazing as having an ice cold dip in the lake.
Moments to enjoy your friends’ rebirth.
Moments realizing you are having your own rebirth.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Moments D359: Daffodils off the highway
On my way to volleyball tonight, while on the phone with my BFF, I couldn’t help but stop my conversation mid-stride. I was slowly creeping along the highway and saw a beautiful patch of yellow and white daffodils between the highway headed North and the highway headed South.
They were in full bloom and stretching to the sun. They were a beautiful surprise. So much so that I stopped my BFF and exclaimed my joy to her. Of course we both laughed.
Spring is officially here. The daffodils are in full bloom. My heart is smiling.
Moments of surprise.
Moments of small joys.
They were in full bloom and stretching to the sun. They were a beautiful surprise. So much so that I stopped my BFF and exclaimed my joy to her. Of course we both laughed.
Spring is officially here. The daffodils are in full bloom. My heart is smiling.
Moments of surprise.
Moments of small joys.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Moments D352: April Snow Storms bring May.....Flowers?
Today we had a snow storm. Yes - that’s right. A real snow storm. About 2 inches of snow.
Me, being me, I stopped and enjoyed as much of it as possible during the day. It was a soft pretty snowfall. It wasn’t cold like the deep of winter, but obviously cold enough to turn the spring rain into snow.
I know lots of people were complaining about the snow in April. But not me. I know it won’t last long. I’m okay with another couple of days of snow. Before you know it summer will be here and people will be complaining about it being too hot!
Me, being me, I stopped and enjoyed as much of it as possible during the day. It was a soft pretty snowfall. It wasn’t cold like the deep of winter, but obviously cold enough to turn the spring rain into snow.
I know lots of people were complaining about the snow in April. But not me. I know it won’t last long. I’m okay with another couple of days of snow. Before you know it summer will be here and people will be complaining about it being too hot!
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Moments D348: Whistling winds
Whoa. Another long study day. This reminds me why I hate being the bad, leave it to the end kind of student. (Though I am grateful that I was able to enjoy more time with my family and friends this semester!) These types of days are taxing. Emotionally (am I going to get through it all?), intellectually (can I understand and cram it in?) and physically (sitting this long in one spot for two days in a row?).
Today it’s been a full 13 hour day. I ate breakfast and lunch at my dining room table…which, if you recall from yesterday, is now my oversized desk to study from. Near the end of the day, I think I read the same two pages over three times before the information sank in. I’m slow now and eager to crash into bed. But before I do….I wanted to share today’s moment.
My moment - pausing to listen to the whistling spring winds this afternoon. My windows, which were wide open for a good portion of the morning, needed to be shut to a crack because it became so wildly windy. They were open enough for me to hear the wind play. I could hear the big maple in the front creaking from the forceful wind. I could hear the wind whipping through between the houses as it whistled past my side windows. I paused and imagined myself outside, my hair thrashing around me and in my face. My eyes watering from the cool spring air. I breathed in the breeze as it pushed past the narrow opening of my window. Yes, today the wind caught my attention. It was a lovely distraction. The only one I allowed today.
The whistling winds of a Sunday study day.
Moments away from the desk and breathing in the fresh air.
Moments enjoying the sounds hidden beneath the whistle of a cool spring wind.
Today it’s been a full 13 hour day. I ate breakfast and lunch at my dining room table…which, if you recall from yesterday, is now my oversized desk to study from. Near the end of the day, I think I read the same two pages over three times before the information sank in. I’m slow now and eager to crash into bed. But before I do….I wanted to share today’s moment.
My moment - pausing to listen to the whistling spring winds this afternoon. My windows, which were wide open for a good portion of the morning, needed to be shut to a crack because it became so wildly windy. They were open enough for me to hear the wind play. I could hear the big maple in the front creaking from the forceful wind. I could hear the wind whipping through between the houses as it whistled past my side windows. I paused and imagined myself outside, my hair thrashing around me and in my face. My eyes watering from the cool spring air. I breathed in the breeze as it pushed past the narrow opening of my window. Yes, today the wind caught my attention. It was a lovely distraction. The only one I allowed today.
The whistling winds of a Sunday study day.
Moments away from the desk and breathing in the fresh air.
Moments enjoying the sounds hidden beneath the whistle of a cool spring wind.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Moments D340: Bare feet
Today was another beautiful spring day. Nearly 11 degrees during the early afternoon. Not only did my Dad take my snow tires off my car and put my very fun, sporty rims back on (thanks Dad!), we were outside without a jacket doing it. Yes, I love my pretty car with its regular sporty wheels. Tink is ready to enjoy the roads again with her best dress on!
But, that wasn't the best part of the day. Not only was I wearing sandals (for the second day in a row!), I also had my first opportunity to go barefoot. I was inside helping Mom with potatoes for dinner and when we were done peeling I was to take the peels out behind the garage to the compost pile. I stopped at the patio door, crouched under the upper cabinets in the kitchen (so I could see my Mom) and I announced to her "I am going out in BARE FEET! WHOO HOO". We both laughed and off I went. Yes, it was that warm out today. And yes, I love to run around in my bare feet.
So today's moment? My FEET being happy to be OUT in the light of day again!
SPRING. The best, feel-good-season to me. I can't wait to see all the pretty flowers start to poke their heads out of the cold ground!
Moments to pause & celebrate your favourite things with people you love!
But, that wasn't the best part of the day. Not only was I wearing sandals (for the second day in a row!), I also had my first opportunity to go barefoot. I was inside helping Mom with potatoes for dinner and when we were done peeling I was to take the peels out behind the garage to the compost pile. I stopped at the patio door, crouched under the upper cabinets in the kitchen (so I could see my Mom) and I announced to her "I am going out in BARE FEET! WHOO HOO". We both laughed and off I went. Yes, it was that warm out today. And yes, I love to run around in my bare feet.
So today's moment? My FEET being happy to be OUT in the light of day again!
SPRING. The best, feel-good-season to me. I can't wait to see all the pretty flowers start to poke their heads out of the cold ground!
Moments to pause & celebrate your favourite things with people you love!
Friday, March 29, 2013
Moments D339: Playfulness
Today was a beautiful spring day. That in itself was a glorious moment. That time of year where it’s warm enough to be in sandals for the first time. That moment where you can shed the parka and put on the spring jacket and still be too warm. That first day where you can smell the change in the season and the soft breeze has lost its chill.
Today’s really special moment happened when I was on my way out of the city to visit family. It was later in the day, the air warmed from the sun. I had my sunroof open and my windows down. I was cruising, taking my time and enjoying watching the people on the street as I left my neighbourhood. And this is when I saw my special moment today. It was an older couple walking hand in hand on the side walk. They were deep in conversation and suddenly the woman dropped her hand from his and slapped his butt. He playfully caught her second assault and they giggled with one another.
It happened in a very quick moment as I approached and then passed by them. But it was a moment that made me smile, for I really do love to see two people playing with one another. We often get pulled so deep into the seriousness of life that we forget to be playful. It was a good reminder.
Moment enjoying others enjoy each other.
Moments of playfulness.
Today’s really special moment happened when I was on my way out of the city to visit family. It was later in the day, the air warmed from the sun. I had my sunroof open and my windows down. I was cruising, taking my time and enjoying watching the people on the street as I left my neighbourhood. And this is when I saw my special moment today. It was an older couple walking hand in hand on the side walk. They were deep in conversation and suddenly the woman dropped her hand from his and slapped his butt. He playfully caught her second assault and they giggled with one another.
It happened in a very quick moment as I approached and then passed by them. But it was a moment that made me smile, for I really do love to see two people playing with one another. We often get pulled so deep into the seriousness of life that we forget to be playful. It was a good reminder.
Moment enjoying others enjoy each other.
Moments of playfulness.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Moments D336: Flip flops and a Toque
Today felt like the first day of spring. The sun was bright and warm in the sky. In the sun, without a breeze was pure heaven. We managed to see 8 degrees today with a breeze that was filled with the chill of winter. A couple of days like this and the crocus will be out in no time!
Today’s moment wasn’t when I opened up my sunroof on the way home from work tonight….no, no, that was darn close though. In fact, truth be told, it was going to be my moment today. That was an amazing moment, cruising home with good tunes and my sunroof open.
BUT, on the way home, that moment was trumped. On the way home, I saw a couple walking hand. Both were bundled up from head….to ankle. Toques, winter jackets, gloves……and flip flops.
I giggled to myself. My girlfriend and I did that two weekends ago in Collingwood. (Mind you we were sitting in hot baths and saunas and steam rooms all day!) My point?
You can’t miss a Canadian enjoying the first warm(er) day of spring. Flip flops and a toque. Yes. I think that’s the Canadian uniform for spring.
Moments giggling to oneself.
Moments knowing you fit a stereotype.
Today’s moment wasn’t when I opened up my sunroof on the way home from work tonight….no, no, that was darn close though. In fact, truth be told, it was going to be my moment today. That was an amazing moment, cruising home with good tunes and my sunroof open.
BUT, on the way home, that moment was trumped. On the way home, I saw a couple walking hand. Both were bundled up from head….to ankle. Toques, winter jackets, gloves……and flip flops.
I giggled to myself. My girlfriend and I did that two weekends ago in Collingwood. (Mind you we were sitting in hot baths and saunas and steam rooms all day!) My point?
You can’t miss a Canadian enjoying the first warm(er) day of spring. Flip flops and a toque. Yes. I think that’s the Canadian uniform for spring.
Moments giggling to oneself.
Moments knowing you fit a stereotype.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Moments D331: Mindfulness Walk #2
Today was my second mindfulness walk. It was also the second day walking in big beautiful snowflakes.
During my walk I focused on the fluffy snowflakes as they fell. When there was no wind, they drifted slowly from the sky. When the wind kicked up, they swirled about me tickling my face. I know a lot of my co-workers were complaining about the snowfall on our fist day of spring. Not I. I loved not only watching it, but being outside in the snowfall to really enjoy it. After all, it may be the last snowfall I see until the end of this year.
Moments enjoying what I have today.
Moments appreciating the last of winter on the first day of spring.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Moments - D22; Rainy Mornings
Today I had to stay home from work again. My cold worsened overnight and I certainly don’t want to share this with the folks at work. Fortunately I can (and do) login and work from home….in bed….in my jammies!
My window was open overnight to enjoy the warm spring breeze….and I awoke to the beautiful music of a light rain. I didn’t even open my eyes. I just lay there enjoying the moment. As I rolled over and dug in a little deeper into my duvet the rain became a downpour. I could hear the rain beating upon the window and the ground below. It was a beautiful sound. A smile upon my face as I fell back asleep.
A beautiful moment to remember and share
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Moments - D21; Foliage
Yes - that's right. Foliage.
I see you scratching your head. Pause.
One of my favourite times of year is when the trees no longer are bare. They are no longer with bud. It's that magical moment where within a day they seem to go "poof" and be full of foliage.
Today was that day for me. It felt like all the trees in my neighbourhood exploded with their leaves today. It's a magical moment. And one I look forward to every year.
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