Moments D341: Bohnanza & Trains

Today was a day of food, games and cards with my Mom & Dad.

It was a perfect way to spend our day. A few giggles, a couple of guffaws, even a few expletives (and no, it wasn’t me, I swear it!).

Sometimes it’s just lovely to hang out and not have plans. Squeeze in one more game before lunch….squeeze in another card game before I had to leave to head home.

We played our favourite two games - Bohnanza & Ticket to Ride Europe. We all managed to win a round or two as well. Brilliant!











Moments with family.

Moments for relaxed fun.

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!

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.

Moments D338: Monster Trucks

Today was volleyball night. Instead of working late, I managed to get out 15 minutes early to try and get ahead of the long weekend traffic. It wasn’t very helpful though as the typical 30 minute drive was just over an hour.

But today’s moment came from that drive. The weather was warm and the sun was shining. I opened my sunroof and soaked in the spring sun and warmth. (Okay, maybe I cheated a little, I did put the seat warmer on and I had the heat on in the car, but it was still delightful!) That whole hour and 20 minutes were mine. Instead of a mindful walk today, I had a longer mindful drive. I must admit, I rather enjoyed it.

The best part about my drive, however, was “playing” cat and mouse with this big ‘ol dirty truck. This thing was really dirty - it looked like it had been off-roading. To me, It was a mini-monster truck (isn’t that paradoxical?). It towered over the regular vehicles on the road, and it was in the lane to the left of me for nearly the entire time.

This truck was so big, that when my lane managed to make headway, I could see it above all the other vehicles. And I could see him from quite a distance. (Yes the truck was just that big!) These were moments where I felt like I had chosen the “right” lane and was “winning” this tortoise race. And then, when our roles reversed, that big ‘ol dirty truck was up ahead of me, I could still see him and I was now “losing’ the race. In that entire time on the highway, I never lost site of the mini-monster truck.

Simple and yet entertaining. It helped me keep my mind off of all the tasks I must find time to complete in the coming days. Tonight it was about the dirty monster truck.

At one point, I pulled up alongside the truck and tried to sneak-a-peek inside to see what kind of person drove such a vehicle. Sadly I couldn’t see through all the splattered mud. Still, I had a good chuckle to myself as I peered.

As the traffic started to break up and move, it was time for me to make my way off the highway; I was sad to see my monster truck drive on without me.

A made up moment. Me and my monster truck.

Fun moments focusing on silliness.

(And ya, I would totally love to go off-roading in one of those! Added to my bucket list!)

Moments D337: Synchronicity

There are times in my life when things just line up. I don’t know how or why this happens, but it does. It’s not always big things (honestly sometimes it’s the smaller things that mean more), but each and every time it amazes me when it happens.

Today it happened three times. Where my actions were received with surprise because of my timing. The right place, at the right time. Synchronicity if you will.

The first happened on the dawn of today. I shared out some pictures of a recent trip to Florida to extended friends that I haven’t seen in ages. The immediate reply was: I was just thinking of you and have been meaning to touch base. Incredible! I love when that happens. And now we have plans to connect after my final exam in 2 weeks.

Later today, I had a contract that I’ve been sitting on. Too many other pots on the stove and no where to put this one to bring to a boil. My spidy-sense kicked in at some point during the day and I took a look at the timing. TODAY was the day to make the go-no-go decision. Dang. How does this happen? Good sub-conscious memory? Luck? I don’t know, but it happens often to me.

Finally, later tonight I reached out to a friend who I know is going away on a trip of a lifetime to the Galapagos. I wasn’t sure when he was going, just that it was around this time. I wanted to wish him the best on his trip and remind him to share some of his awesome pictures! He emailed back within hours to say he’s leaving tomorrow morning on his adventure. Amazing. So strange how that happens.

So today, I celebrate synchronicity and enjoy the glow of how it fit in with my activities today. Sure, none of it might mean a thing. It could just be luck and coincidence. But if that’s the case, I’m damn lucky.

Then again….I know I’m lucky. Hmmm. Maybe that’s all there really is to it after all. Who’s to say, right?

Moments in tune with the world around you.

Moments shining in the glow of good luck timing.

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.

Moments D335: Yoga with my kitten

This morning I was up early enough to squeeze in a quick yoga session. I needed it after yesterday’s workout and with my still healing rib cage/diaphragm.

It was as it always is, calming and rejuvenating at the same time. And as I sat in my seated meditation at the end of the workout, my kitten came and sat on my left leg, tall and stiff with her tail wrapped around her like an Egyptian cat. She didn’t move while I was in my 5 minute meditation. Frankly, for a kitten that is 12 weeks old, that’s pretty darn impressive. I had to move her when I was done my workout!

It was a perfect way to start my day. Good calm energy to meet the excitement of a new work week.

Moments of reflection.

Moments of calm kittens.