melinda markey photo

6/2/13

22/52

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

the 52 project: 22/52.

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We are just back from vacation this morning via an overnight flight: a little bleary eyed but ever so emotionally refreshed. We spent abundant time walking in gardens and bobbing with the ocean's ebb and flow. This picture of Grace in the garden depicts her concern over a passing bumblebee - newfound fears include bees of any sort, "buggies" and dragon flies. We are steadily working to convince Grace that these creatures are our friends, but it's as if her fear is innate (although of course it could have been learned - not from me...) so perhaps we will have an uphill battle ahead.

A bumblebee free stroll in late afternoon sun.

5/25/13

21/52

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

the 52 project: 21/52.

[52 project participants who inspired me last week: Cinnamon Girl, expatria, baby, mammasaurus, the bean and the boy, and of course Che and Fidel]

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Petal by petal, we appreciate the pleasure of the ordinary - this meadow and the park that surrounds it is a magical place. I wasn't sure if the bee-friendly lupins would be in bloom yet (I checked a few weeks ago and there was nothing but green), so imagine my surprise when we found the meadow awash in an entire sea of purple! I'm happy Grace and I made time for this walk earlier in the week as we are off to Kauai later this evening for a little family-soul-feeding with sand and sunshine, and I wouldn't have wanted to miss the lupins at their most glorious!

Alive!

5/20/13

nature challenge // child in the woods

Exploring the bond between ourselves and nature.

"The world displays a lovely order, an order comforting in its intricacy. And the most appealing part of this harmony, perhaps, is its permanence - the sense that we are part of something with roots stretching back nearly forever, and branches reaching forward just as far..." // Bill McKibben, The End of Nature

Mid-hike moments are one of my greatest pleasures: taking pause amongst the trees or at a viewpoint, imprinting the sights and smells of our surroundings, enjoying time together in our chosen spot, snacking on food that always tastes better in the woods... Sunday morning we went for a family walk around Buntzen Lake, appreciating the fern-dominated understories, and the mossy canopy above. I am continuing to enjoy the David Suzuki Foundation's 30x30 Nature Challenge*, feeling myself a part of the landscapes I visit and finding comfort in the permanence.

[Photo credit for the last photo: Sean Markey]

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*Our little photo of Grace playing in the cherry blossoms won the first week's photo competition in the 30x30 Nature Challenge - so fun & thank you to the David Suzuki Foundation for choosing it!

5/18/13

20/52

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

the 52 project: 20/52.

[52 project participants who inspired me last week: a little pink a little blue, little earth stories, lamb loves fox, picking wild mountain berries, and of course Che and Fidel]

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I've been reflecting on the pace of our weeks for this year and realize that I have truly failed to simplify to the extent that I had hoped for 2013. It's a tricky balance to strike - between being social, both for Gracie and for myself - and staying indoors/closer to home to work on organizing our lives and keeping things clean. Cooking more than ever before, I have yet to streamline the process of recipe finding, shopping for fresh ingredients, and subsequently carving out the time to prep and cook everything. I guess I need to take a closer look at how I manage our days, but can honestly say that I'm happier than ever to see the arrival of this holiday weekend!

We did enjoy an abundantly social week - my mom was here for a short but lovely visit, which we wrapped up with a trip to VanDusen Botanical Garden. Gracie enjoying snacks while surrounded by yellow and green, a game of peek-a-boo with giant maple leaves, an exuberant gal accidentally plucking petals from a rose (we are working on "gentle"), hearing the low buzz of the honeybees going about their gathering - these are a few of the things I will remember about this day.

happy saturday // take the plunge!

Opening day at Kitsilano Pool.

Happy Saturday, friends!

Vancouver's outdoor pools are open, signifying the official start of summer. Hope you find yourself ready to take the plunge this weekend!

x, Mel

5/11/13

19/52

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

the 52 project: 19/52.

[52 project participants who inspired me last week: Lamb Loves Fox, Piper & Poppies, Last Day of May, Little Red Caboose, and of course Che and Fidel]

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The Fence That Binds Us

This rustic white fence is decidedly pastoral - located on the corner at the end of our block, Gracie and I have passed it several times a week for five months now, only recently taking in the entirety of its charm. While playing on the block in front of the fence this morning, a friendly woman popped open the gate to greet us and it turns out we know one another! We had a grand time introducing our children and bringing sticks to Monty (who was sitting patiently while tied to the lamppost). Grace and I accepted an open invitation to visit the trampoline in their backyard, happy to have a new neighbour to visit. A pretty fence, a familiar face, knowing the names of the neighbourhood children - small simple things with the collective capability to increase our sense of connection and belonging in this city.