The Shadow and the Shimmer

Even though colder weather has never really bothered me, I am starting to itch for the summer again! I'm not sure I'll be able to top how amazing 2018 was, but we're definitely going to try! Uploading some memories from a dreamy, warm and sunny summer. Beautiful bride and groom. Vikki and Laurence tie the knot in Perth, Scotland. July, 2018 A weekend away with Baby Jake! Enjoying a summer lie down in the grass The first bestie to arrive in Swizzy. Ashley and I in the Old Town The gang <3 Being tourist-y in town Lake Day with Stef My Canadian ladies. Friends for 20+ years  I think this was the best day of my life. Scream-laughing in the lake for hours with the silliest girls And tanning Lago Lodge Jakey having a snack with Steffy Bus stop selfies Spiez Taking time to smell the roses Soul sista Ferry ride to Thun I miss my breast-feeding boobies. They're gone Sunset...

The fog is lifting...metaphorically, and literally! I didn't take this photo, but it was taken in my town, and that's my fog!!! It's been a really drab fall in my part of Switzerland, and though I am used to the Canadian cold, we have a hell of a lot more sunshine!!! Vitamin D extra strength tablets and a better diet, more rest and some soul nourishment are doing the trick, though. Here are some super great things that are going on now: Doing a lot more social stuff lately.   I've been pretty good at keeping up with baby/momma activities and play dates over the last few months, but now I am craving some one-on-one adult time! I've been working on doing at least 1-2 social events a week (that do not include kiddos) to "treat myself". Usually this means a quick coffee/tea or a walk, but more recently I have been doing 1/2 day outings and trying to see more of Switzerland! I know, how adventurous of me to spend an entire half day away from m...

Looking at beautiful pictures is good for the soul. <3 My city <3 Starting to consider moving back and establishing ourselves there in a few years...TBD These colours are pure perfection. Makes me want to wear orange and pink. That bench, tho. Whenever I think it's cold in Switzerland, I just remember walking in Montreal, on ice, in arctic temperatures. Ah, memories. I like this a lot. I am finding myself very thankful these days. It changes everything. An obsession that started long ago. Trees!!!  Hell yes. And the sunshine is always back. 2019 goals that I am starting right now. All praise the Queen, Oprah.  You will.

The past couple of months have been kind of challenging.  A mix of homesickness, foggy weather, 16-hour a day parenting shifts and postpartum hormonal readjustment...that's quite a lot for anyone to have to deal with at the same time, right? I have always been proud of myself for persevering, for getting myself back into the sunshine after tough times, and I'm definitely on my way. This period of moody blues has given me some much needed time to reflect on certain things, though, and for that, I  am grateful. Without the shadows, how could we possibly know the light? Without life pushing you into discomfort temporarily, how would we know grace and acceptance? (Of self and others) Without the dark times, there just wouldn't be room for growth, for change, for transformation. Of course, when you're in the thick of it, it doesn't seem so promising. It's hard to tap into the wisdom of the Universe when you feel kind of low, but that's ex...