Looking for Spring...

I think...dare I say...that spring may actually be coming.

We had a beautiful week-end and the snow is finally melting.

Friday, the hubby and I decided to take our kids and two nephews on a hike. What started out as an hour long hike turned into four.

We had such a great time being outdoors, enjoying the sun, and spending time together. We usually only see our nephews when they are with their parents and siblings; it was really nice having some alone time with them so we could get to know them better. 

We had fun hanging out and burning off energy and I enjoyed having an excuse to play with my camera.

I love looking at things up close, through the lens of my camera.

Using the camera I am always more observant. I  notice things I wouldn't have looked at without it and I am able to see beauty all around me. 

When I take time to play with my camera I find that I have a more optimistic attitude and I am able to find pleasure in small things. 

I need to remember that and take more time to play, enjoy life's simple pleasures. All that serious/stressful stuff will still be there when I get back; but, I will be able to look at it with a different point of view.

And I think it is all about point of view. As my son (and monty python) likes to say... "always look on the bright side of life". And what I have been learning over the past few years, is that there is always a bright side...sometimes we just have to go looking for it.

wildlife and retail therapy...

I am still trying to adjust to our new life here in the Okanagan.

 Life has been full of challenges and chaos since we arrived.

My boys are half way through their spring break and my daughter has just begun hers. I don't recommend having kids in different school districts...

and still spring is nowhere in sight.

The boys are enjoying the snow and despite all the challenges I am finding joy in the little things.

This morning as I was making breakfast, looking out the window at the heavily falling snow I was entertained by four deer wandering through the back yard...

I love watching the wildlife that has made our backyard home. There is the family of four deer and also a family of five raccoons who knock on our back window at night looking for food. They are so cute and always bring a smile. The kids have also enjoyed watching them and there has been a little less begging for a pet lately. 

Last week I also enjoyed the arrival of something I have been wanting for a long time...

I love this bag...

actually, I love almost everything in Jeanne Oliver's shop. 

I have been eyeing up her bags for some time and I finally bought one! It is amazing what a little shopping can do to lift a girl's spirits...

I am really looking forward to a week off of schedules and maybe, finally, having a little time to think...