Do You Believe in Magic?

 Have you ever arrived somewhere and had a sense that you had crossed an invisible threshold into a place with an energy that was so beyond explanation that when you tried to describe it later, all you could say was, "It felt magical"? 

I hadn't either until this past summer.  My favourite niece and her husband purchased several acres of land on which sits a hundred year old cedar shake clad home with a slate roof. There's a barn and a pond and acres of forest and nature.  None of that is particularly unusual although it is picturesque and beautiful.  But there's something more going on here that even after several visits I cannot quite identify. Each time I leave, I find myself longing to return to bask in the presence of something I cannot name.  It's a pull that not just I, but others feel too; a gentle calling that whispers and beckons.  

I doubt I will ever understand what is at play here but how lovely to know that there are places in our natural world that feel blissfully, restoratively supernatural.

Thank you for visiting My Turquoise Kettle Life today,

May you find a corner of bliss in your world today,

Sandra

The Regret Game

Sometimes I play the "regret game" with myself to help gain clarity.  It goes like this, "If didn't have any more time here, what would I regret not having done?" This is more of a feeling exercise than a thinking one.  Thankfully there isn't too much on that list but the one thing that came up after I went hiking with my daughter in August, was the unsatisfied longing to spend more time in nature.

Sunset - Lake St. Francis

But in order to get away in nature the way I wanted to do it (alone) meant facing the fear of being away by myself and maybe not feeling safe. My wish list included a place with cell phone reception, not too remote, where I wouldn't have to socialize, but also forest, waterfront and quiet.   I  found the perfect camping spot that was relatively close, the price was reasonable and the location perfect. For three days I was able to listen to the wind in the trees, hear the waves on the shore while I slept and no one expected anything of me, I didn't have to show up anywhere at anytime, there was nothing I had to do.  I walked through the woods, I sat on rocks along the shore, I watched gulls, geese and herons, chipmunks and squirrels.  I enjoyed gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, made a campfire, read a book, napped and took photos.

Blue Heron

Morning Campfire  

My time there was precious and I was sad to leave.  I had suspected that I was craving time in nature, but I didn't realize how much so until I was able to immerse myself in it.  I plan to incorporate activities like this more regularly into my days and weeks.
Its good to take stock every now and then of what we might be wanting and needing in our lives.  Its easy to function on autopilot and do what we have always done, to surround ourselves with the same people and noise and busyness, to feel that there isn't enough time for what we really enjoy.  Its easy to  feel that our needs and wants are secondary to those of the people around us, but they're not secondary.  This life is our one chance to live without holding back out of fear; to live without regrets.

Thank you for stopping in at My Turquoise Kettle life.

Wishing you a day full of possibilities,

Sandra

Prince Edward County - Ontario

Prince Edward County Sunset
S. King-Allikas

Not to be confused with Prince Edward Island, Prince Edward County is located south of Belleville, Ontario.  "The County" as it is referred to by locals, is a home to dozens of wineries, farms, quaint towns and huge sand dune beaches (Sandbanks Provincial Park).  Although it is only a four hour drive from Montreal, it is a very well kept secret and few people from this province have ever heard of it.  Shhh...  

My husband and I spent a week there recently.  We rented a private waterfront cottage (actually a lovely home with all the ammenities one could want -Cottage Rental ) and spent a week touring the county's back roads, cycling, kayaking, soaking up the sunshine, scenery and peacefulness of this idealic location tucked away along the shores of Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte.

If you haven't already decided on a vacation destination for this summer perhaps these photos will inspire you. 



Once a hops farm, this is one of the barns on the property of Gilead 66, a local micro-distillery
S. King-Allikas 

Stroll along the sand dunes that tower over the waters of Lake Ontario
Sandbanks Provincial Park, S. King-Allikas

Enjoy gorgeous sunsets from a waterside deck
Prince Edward County - S. King-Allikas

Prince Edward County Sunset
S. King-Allikas

 

Why not consider a long weekend or a week away this summer.  Escaping our daily surroundings and routines allows us to come back refreshed and more appreciative of all our blessings. 

 

Thank you for stopping by at My Turquoise Kettle Life today.

 

Wishing you a lovely day,

 

Sandra



It's September.... breathe deep

I absolutely love autumn but September can be less than fun, its back to school, work, traffic, committees and obligations of all sorts.  We wake up in the dark and by the time the dinner dishes are done it's nearly dark again.  I personally have a tendency to revert to "accomplish mode" hunkering down with my to-do list, nose to the grind-stone, push, push, push to get all the silly things on my self-fabricated to-do list done.

You see I struggle with fun, having fun, being fun and even being in the vicinity of fun.  I'm way too serious and have been told that I have the ability to "suck the joy out of my own life."  Yeah, that's me.  That is why is need to be so intentional about stopping, looking around, noticing all the beauty around me and trying to be gentle with myself and others.

Last Sunday we went for a drive to Hemmingford (a small community in southern Quebec) local artists were hosting a "Circuit des Artistes" where several painters had their studios open to the public. While I was luke-warm about going , it ended up being a wonderful day. 

Just the drive through the wide open farmland was rejuvinating.  Gorgeous sky, acres of fields, some dark green, some golden, others soft beige.  When I get out under such vast skies and remember how enormous the universe is and how small my concerns are, I can remember to breathe deep.

crops near Hemmingford, Qc.

Corn fields near Hemmingford, Qc.

Acres of farmland and miles of sky

We met some very talented and creative artists who were very inspirational.  They were warm and welcoming and generous with their artistic knowledge.  It left me excited about getting back to my own studio, about painting and creating.  It was a lovely way to spend a Sunday.  I might even say, "I had fun".

Thank you for stopping in at "My Turquoise Kettle Life" today.

Wishing you a fun day,

Sandra

Amherst Island, Ontario

Last week my husband and I spent a few days on Amherst Island in Eastern Ontario.  I hadn’t heard of the island prior to finding it on-line and even then there wasn’t a wealth of information or photos.  What we were hoping for was an escape that was secluded but not too remote, a location near the water without too much of the touristy commercial scene.

What we found could not have been more perfect.  We booked accommodation at The Lodge on Amherst Island, a haven for writers, painters, musicians and artists of all persuasions yet because we travelled mid-week and early in the season we were the only guests. The Lodge is lovely and situated on a point so that there are water views no matter where you stand.   

Accessible via ferry from Millhaven, this quiet pastoral island is beautiful and the people are welcoming.  Before we travelled I had contacted Sally of Topsy Farms,  http://topsyfarms.com/en a large sheep farm and small wool products shop.  On Thursday morning, Sally welcomed us and after finally selecting my wool (so many gorgeous colours!!) she let us cuddle and feed a few of their foster lambs (lambs whose mothers were not able to nurse them). Check Sally’s blog http://topsyfarms.wordpress.com/ for a behind the scenes look at life on a sheep farm.

Little lambs at Topsy Farms

This is the little one I fell in love with

The remainder of our stay was spent cycling, walking the shorelines of secluded beaches, collecting sea glass, appreciating the fabulous sunsets and taking hundreds of photos.

Sunset on Amherst Island

Blossoms and beaches on Amherst Island

A ladybug sunning on the shoreline

Our stay was wonderful and we returned refreshed and inspired.  Thank you to the staff at The Lodge on Amherst Island, Stella's Cafe and of course Topsy Farms for welcoming us so warmly.
Thank you for visiting My Turquoise Kettle Life today.

Wishing you a perfect day,

Sandra

Sensible Schedules - Photo Essay with Cows

The photos that accompany today's post were taken near Eastman Quebec.  A special thank you to all the cows for their patience and cooperation.



September is like a huge switch that despite our reluctance and resistance gets turned "on" right after the Labour Day weekend. We all know that it’s coming, we know what it looks and feels like, yet we appear to be startled when it’s dark at 6:00 am or by 8:00 pm. Pulling our sweaters tightly about us we complain, "Its chilly today!" As if we had no idea that this is what was in store for us.

If we are caught off guard by the weather, imagine for a moment how many of us will feel when we find ourselves (once again) swamped with commitments to clubs, lessons, social groups, sports, committees, work, school and church. The French have a lovely term that sums up September, "la rentrée". A "re-entering". I've read it described as a returning from vacation, to home, to work, to normalcy.   If  "normalcy" causes you to feel some dread, it may be time to make a few  modifications.

While none of us can modify the rising or setting of the sun, or the chill that accompanies September, we do have choices about our schedules and how busy we allow ourselves to become. Here are five small steps that may help you to keep your schedule simple, healthy and enjoyable.

1. Under schedule.... set a limit to how many evenings/week-ends a month you are willing to be committed. You may not mind being out two nights a week but remember it isn't only what is scheduled that will fill up your weeks, unexpected and sometimes important requests will also arise. Leave gaps (lots of them!) in your calendar.

Escape over committment

2. Do schedule YOU time.... in the same way you would write commitments on your calendar, book certain times that are for your enjoyment. At the beginning of each month make a list of five things that refresh you, it could be a massage, a manicure, an evening at the library, watching a movie, a yoga class, chatting with a cherished friend over a cup of tea. You get to decide. Do not allow the wants of others deter you from these activities; you need them to stay healthy.

Schedule time to relax or hang out with friends

3. If you have children... research shows that over scheduling our children hurts not helps them. Limit each child to one sport or activity. Let them choose what interests them. Tell them they can try something different next time, but it is one activity at a time. This one suggestion alone could save your sanity (and your budget) this fall.

Nurture your children by not over scheduling them.

4. If you have a significant other... Don't allow your outside interests/obligations to trump together time with a significant other. While your spouse may agree that your "good works" are helping others, remember what is really important to you and invest your time there.

Schedule time with your significant other

5. Avoid the "shoulds"....When you are deciding where to volunteer or what to sign up for avoid the "shoulds". Just because you've been on the parent committee at your child's school for the past two years does not mean you have to volunteer there this year.

Any groups you'd rather not be involved with?

Avoid following the herd

A good way for me to gauge if I am where I want to be is how I feel when a meeting/event is cancelled. If I get a call that the event is postponed until next week and I find myself doing "the happy dance" around the kitchen, good chance it isn't what I want to be doing.

-------------------------

When my daughters were young, an older woman shared some wisdom with me. She said,

"Don't be everything you can be, be the only thing that you can be."

Simply explained, I am the only one who can be a great mom to my daughters, I am the only one who can be an awesome wife to my husband, and I am the only one who can be "Nana" to my grand-daughter.  There are roles and opportunities that you are uniquely positioned to fill, usually these are the most important and rewarding. 



In closing, choose wisely where you will spend your energy and your time this fall. If you cannot completely over-haul your schedule, take baby-steps, a few this September, a few more in January... even small changes will make "la rentrée" a more pleasant experience

Thank you for stopping by My Turquoise Kettle Life today,

Enjoy the long-weekend,

Sandra

Reduce Speed in Fog - Rethinking Work

In my post of last Sunday, entitled Lake House , I wrote how I was using the week to "chart a course" for September to really try to get clear about what direction I want to go in. I guess you could say I was in a bit of a fog. I was conflicted over my heart's true desires and what I thought I should do.

The fog can be a frightening place. If you've ever run into heavy fog while driving you know how it can appear unexpectedly out of nowhere, envelope you and force you to slow down. You strain to see the lines on the road unsure of what lies ahead.

I guess you could say I was in a heavy fog...I have wanted to fully commit to living the creative life for a very long time yet also felt the societal and personal pressure to "work". By "work" I mean I show up at the specified location, perform specified task and magically the specified payment appears in my chequeing account. As opposed to my creative work which actually feels more like play, which some days makes me so excited I feel an actual buzzing in my being and which of course does not result in any magical deposit to my chequing account.

But it isn't really about the money (the numbers work).  The fog was about still trying to justify taking that freedom and fully living it, making a choice that works for me (my husband believes that what works for me automatically works for him... did I mention how much I cherish him??) and not feeling guilty because so many other people work at jobs they don't like. I'm the person who is served an amazing meal but only nibbles at the edges of the delicacy because others overseas are hungry. Yes maybe I can help the hungry, but not by starving myself!

Is there anything positive about the fog? Well, yes. Fog obscures distractions, if I can't see ahead or to the sides and I can't turn around, then maybe I need to look within again. And that's when the fog began to lift, with encouragement from my husband I am ready to let go of the security of work and grab hold of the opportunity to embrace a season to create.

Interestingly, I awoke one day last week and noticed that a fog had settled over the forest surrounding the lake house. Grabbing my camera I wondered what that might look like down at the water. I actually wept at the beauty of what I saw.  My timing was divinely orchestrated... it lasted only about 15 minutes before the sun began to break through and the fog began to dissipate. Take a look for yourself.

Approaching the lake

Cottage across the lake with the moon in the sky

Already the sun is breaking through

Is it time for you to chart a new course?  Is there a dream that you've been putting off because it seems too risky, too crazy, and too selfish? There's a line that I heard when I was a teenager and all these years later it guides me when the fog closes in...."I'd rather regret something I'd done, than something that I didn't do."

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to visit My Turquoise Kettle Life.

May today be the day you choose to follow your heart,

Sandra

Rural Inspiration

In my last post I mentioned how, when I'm longing for change, I sometimes allow myself to indulge in the guilty pleasure of browsing the MLS real estate site and dreaming of the perfect house in a country setting. Such was the impetus for a beautiful drive in the country this past Friday (Canada Day).

We left early in the morning and meandered along tranquil back roads allowing ourselves to stop and take photos, admire quaint villages, century old farmhouses and breathtaking scenery. We imagined our lives cut and pasted into various country homes with huge wrap-around verandahs or living in the converted school house we saw which sits atop a hill overlooking a neighbouring farm with horses. Perhaps this is my grown-up version of make-believe. It's free, fun and allows my imagination to soar.


I noticed yet another (!) funny thing about myself. There was a home that we'd seen listed on the MLS that we wanted to check out. I was actually quite excited to see what it looked like, having been very impressed with the on-line photos. When we arrived we noticed that it had recently been sold. I also knew immediately that this wasn't a house that would have interested me at all. It sat at a busy intersection, it was too close to the road, there was no privacy on the property and it was in need of more TLC than I would want to give. Yet, (and here is where I begin to wonder about myself) I felt disappointed. Why? My best guess is that it was fun to pretend and play "what if" but the fact that it wasn't available brought my game of make-believe to a grinding halt.

Former Milk House

We continued on through Ormstown and came upon a small bridge barricaded to traffic. We parked and walked over it, stopping to watch the water gushing below. Continuing down the road we noticed one of the most beautiful properties we've ever seen, a large two-storey stone house overlooking the river. The grounds were beautifully kept and several small out-buildings sat on the sprawling property. The owners happened to be working outside and they very graciously gave us a mini-tour of the grounds, the old stone milk-house, a log cabin, the oldest silo in Quebec (!) plus an impressive array of gardens and stone walkways leading down to the river. The setting was simply beautiful and completely inspiring. The couple themselves, Lindsay and  Jean, seemed so well matched to this elegant country home: attractive, gracious, easy to chat with. What I found completely fascinating was that Lindsay had long wanted to live in this exact house and when it became available, they were able to purchase it. Walking back over the bridge to our car, I felt quietly content or comforted somehow that this lovely couple had actualized their dream of country living.

Oldest Silo in Quebec

Manicured Grounds Overlooking the River

Old Log House (logs are visible on the interior)

This week I find myself returning to thoughts of how people design lives that are authentic, turn day dreams into reality and achieve goals that are meaningful to them. That's fodder for another post. My closing thought for today is to encourage you to find yourself a little bit of country road to explore and by all means stop and say hello to those whom you meet along the way, you too may find some rural inspiration!

Thank you for taking time today to visit My Turquoise Kettle Life.

Have an inspiring day,

Sandra