mt. pleasant, i love you // may + june

01. the clever fox welcomes shoppers at a local store // 02. yellow poppies everywhere // 03. the community garden at mt. pleasant park begins to bloom // 04. our gal pretends to add to a local mural - this might feel like home, indeed // 05. if only the colours were a little different // 06. it's a verdant land at the moment // 07. the corner at main st. and 16th ave is a warm & cuddly place to be // 08. one of several fig trees (location kept secret) you will find me under later this summer // 09. the breadseed poppy blooming all over mt. pleasant

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I'm planning a new series here to celebrate the discovery of all things local and to share appreciation for the changing of the seasons in our neighbourhood. Each month I will post some of my favourite pictures from Mt. Pleasant - I hope you like them!

26/52

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013."

the 52 project: 26/52.

[52 project participants who inspired me last week: Little Beds, last day of may, bleubird vintage, this whole family, and of course Che and Fidel]

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"Nature is magic."

A small but mighty sentiment, as expressed by master painter Robert Bateman in a recent address at Royal Roads University in Victoria, B.C. (excerpt from his address found in today's issue of The Tyee). In his address Bateman offers several pieces of advice, including:

don't worry, it makes no sense // procrastinate about worrying // fall in love with nature, gratitude is a good idea // 

never, ever harbour resentment // beauty matters // lucky you - we are lucky to be able to do work, 

say "how wonderful!" when facing a sink full of dishes

The article has inspired me to think about the kinds of thoughts that are useful to my well-being and that of my family, and made me want to say thanks to a dandelion right now! Definitely worth a read. 

Thanks, nature. 

25/52

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013."

the 52 project: 25/52.

[52 project participants who inspired me last week: Oyster & Pearl, Everything to Someone, Lamb Loves Fox, Fields of Sage and of course Che and Fidel]

Our week in a nutshell: "I am toddler, hear me roar!"

Yeah, it's funny... 

happy saturday // popsicles aplenty

Blueberry and banana popsicles represent the official start of summer. 

Happy Saturday, friends!

Summer is here and popsicle consumption is in full swing at our house. Hope you find yourself with something cool and refreshing in hand this weekend!

x, Mel

24/52

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013."

the 52 project: 24/52.

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Our little pirate joined the fun in Esquimalt last week at the Buccaneer Parade. While it was our first time witnessing the whimsical (and wacky) celebration that is Buccaneer Days, the tradition of an entire community casting aside their land lubbing ways has been going strong since 1966!

[Photos: Buccaneer Days in Esquimalt, the British Columbia Legislature Building in Victoria]

Ahoy!

dads, the documentary

Instagram: Happy Father's Day!

We will be watching this documentary tonight, created by our talented friend Ian Pierpoint & his colleagues!

A peek into the lives of dads in the 21st century.

23/52

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013."

the 52 project: 23/52.

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We have just returned to Vancouver from a trip to Victoria, B.C. and are feeling both exhausted (in a good way) and fascinated by the exceptional beauty and quirkiness of our provincial capital. From a 300 foot yacht towering over the harbour to a handful of naked cyclists celebrating life at the parliament buildings, our amusement was constant. Victoria, you charmed the pants off of some, and we were happy to partake in the relaxed vibe!

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[Pictures are from a little exploration Grace and I did near the Dallas Road Walkway in Victoria]

shell + cacti + succulent love

"I've rid the entire garden of bumblebees, all may enter."

kauai part II // of land and love

Kauai: we explored (beach upon beach, dirt roads, taco stands); we became inspired (celebrating the world of tropical flora, green sea turtles, JoJo's Shave Ice!); we saw the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and cacao trees (the seeds are used to make cocoa powder and chocolate) - what more does one need whilst on vacation? 

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Sundown and still wonderfully warm. 

kauai part I // of ocean and adventure

Kauai is well known as a garden island paradise and luckily for us, the white sandy beaches were bustling but not overcrowded - making May an ideal time for a vacation visit. 

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Just the toes...