Happy and Sad Hold Hands

A couple of years back, I was struck by sorrow and celebrations's presence in the same time space, same breath even. How grieving and happiness could co-exist was baffling to me. I resisted it, felt that experiencing one in the other's presence was somehow disrespectful and took something away from the other. Yet, time and time again, it was so. They shared space.

As I began to accept that this was indeed how things went and how things could go, I saw it more and more. I also saw how the cohabitation of differing emotions and what seemed to be extreme experiences was actually a kindness, a necessary kindness, maybe more obviously in the face of sorrow, but even so, a kindness. One helps the other not to get stuck, to keep moving forward, moving through, and the other helps keep the right pace, not too rushed, enough of a slowing to enable presence and alignment of priorities.

I dubbed this co-existence with a phrase that has stayed with me, "happy and sad hold hands." These words gently remind me that it is okay for both to be together, not just side by side, but intrinsically and intentionally linked to help me through life's journey.

Our Little Italy

We spent the evening wandering Corydon Avenue. This is Winnipeg's "Little Italy" complete with patio restaurants, gelato and live music. The atmosphere is celebratory; summer plays on every corner.

Oh the Places You'll Go...

My baby girl graduated this week. True to her character, she finished school the way she does life, intensely and fully. Jess is beautiful inside and out. I am proud of her for finishing well and believe she will continue on well. Oh the places you'll go...

 

Dress by Dig For Victory

Jewelry by Zafirenia

Celebrate!

There is a whole lot of celebrating going on these days: Father's Day, Graduations, Canada Day, the Fourth of July for our fine friends in the south and a couple of weddings coming up in the near future.

As I was walking the trail over the lunch hour today, this time with my grown-up kids alongside me, I happened upon this, whatever this is. I couldn't resist moving into the brush to take some shots. Who needs fireworks when we have this kind of excitement and celebration wrapped up in greenery? If you know what this is, comment below; I'd love to know too.

In a Row

Chocolate and Fifty

It is not everyday we have cake. It is not everyday we have triple layer cake. It is also not everyday we have triple layer chocolate cake with milk chocolate shavings on top. Tomorrow we shall. My husband turns 50 and that is worth its weight in chocolate! (if you'd like the recipe let me know)

For those of you needing a closer look...