Serene weaving

As soon as I saw them I knew that they would be perfect for what I had in mind. As I picked them up and held them up to the light, I could envision the bolster pillow.The off-white colour, the tan pattern on one side, the knubby feel of the yarns -- almost as if I had placed a custom-order. And to top it all off, these two pieces were woven by my very talented and good friend, Audrey.

It is in giving that we receive

Today was the day of our annual charity auction and bake sale. The purpose of this event is to help others, our fellow men and women or our four-legged friends. I wish we could bottle the good feelings that emanate from this day. People smile more, you hear more laughter, and an extra effort is made to keep the work day enjoyable. We have a mission and everyone does their bit. There is a common goal and even though it may seem like a lot of work to organize this event, knowing that many people will benefit from our small contribution makes it all worth while. There is a feeling of community spirit, good will, and love for all no matter what their station in life.
I am hoping that tomorrow I will remember those feelings.

Acorn memories

Acorns have a special place in my heart so you can imagine the memories that flashed through my mind when I found these two acorn caps and a note on my desk at work the other day.
I was seven, visiting my Nonni in Italy, and to keep me busy I was given a pail and told to collect acorns which were fed to the pig. I just have to look at an acorn and I am seven once more. I have my pail as I run down the steps, past the fountain, and cross the road. I remember the swirling fog, I remember the huge oak tree, and I remember the sound the acorns made as I filled the pail.
Acorns have a special place in my heart and so does the person who left these two acorn caps on my desk. Thank you.

Lost and found

So happy to have my camera back and working like new again thanks to Dani and Nathan. And what a surprise to find pictures that I had taken when I went to the coast, pictures I thought I had lost forever when I dropped my camera.

Maillardville-where I bought my very first pottery bowl. It has survived being boxed and moved many times and we still use it to this day.

Love walking along the ocean.

Whenever we cross the bridge, I always take a
picture of this tree.

Can you see the horse?

UBC

On the island, a famous relic from my hometown.

This was the last picture I took on the island just before I dropped my camera. Yes, I'm glad I did.

Home

What is the best part of a weekend away? Coming back home to a wonderful meal and a glass of wine, sitting around the table sharing stories and showing off our great finds.

Northern weekend

1. The bus hit a deer.
2. Mom and I made cookies.
3. Had the best gnocchi ever.
4. Visited our favourite bakery.
   
5. Bought shoes, fabric, CDs, and earrings.
   
6. Watched 37 cooking shows.
7. Took Blackie for a walk.
8. Did some sewing.
9. Two bouquets to the cemetary.
10. Went out for Greek.
11. Quick trip to New Zealand.
12. Almost converted by a cute dog at the bus depot.

Special buttons

It is almost a year ago to the day that I was approached by a woman at a craft fair; she had noticed my button boxes and asked if I would like more buttons. She had her mother's button collection and would consider selling it to me. I gave her my card and waited for her call.
And she did call, just the other day.
But when we met so that I could have a look at the collection, something happened during the handing over of the bag of buttons. She gently hands me the bag and tells me that she would like me to have them. She does not want anything for them. But as I thank her profusely, her eyes well up and she walks away.
This button collection may not be valuable, mostly plastic or metal, a few mother-of-pearl, but it is a special button collection; I saw the look in her eyes.

Bread

What a treat to come home to a wonderful dinner on a crisp autumn day- turkey soup and Irish bread.
Maura tried a new recipe and it's a keeper. The loaf was nice and crusty on the outside and full of goodness on the inside. We love bread!

Country weekend

Everywhere I looked as we travelled down to the ranch, was a photo op. The fall colours, the horses, the cows and calves, the piles and piles of pumpkins and the mirror-like lakes.

The slow drive up the mountain is still the same, bumpy but at every turn you are rewarded with a breath-taking vista of the valley. As we turn off the main road, the deer look up briefly and then go back to their grazing; they've seen us before.

It's been awhile so I've forgotten a few things. I forgot that you can see all the stars up here. I forgot that it is so quiet you can actually hear your own thoughts.I forgot how beautiful fog is.



The cabin is warm, our dinner is wholesome, and the company is enjoyable. As I gaze around the cabin, I marvel at the skill and workmanship that has gone into the making of this home on the hill. There have been many changes since our last visit, but the warmth and conviviality are ever present.
The next morning, as we head down the mountain, we stop at the first cattle guard and turn to have a last look; the fog is thick but we can still 'see' the cabin, the outdoor fireplace with the grape vine clinging to the chimney, the apple tree, the old outhouse, and on the front porch a lone figure waving goodbye.


A has recommended the fair trade coffee shop in RC, and we are not disappointed. The coffee is great but the coconut flour brownies are the best I have ever tasted.

We had planned on visiting Blue Mountain Winery and stocking up for the winter but it was closed. But we did not go away empty handed- the view from the parking lot made me want to pitch a tent and stay.
In Keremeos, I stopped in at my favourite Antiques shop. I admired many things, the china bluebird vase, the miniature cedar boxes, the Japanese hand painted teacup, the lovingly embroidered samplers, the Italian vase, but did not take any home with me. As we drove off, I was reminded of a quote that A had copied from somewhere, and now I cannot remember the exact quote, but basically, 'happiness in life is not striving to get more, but enjoying life with less.'
These two cheery blue chairs; yes, they are still in front of the shop in Keremeos.