Wednesday, January 27, 2010

As a person who doesn’t drink tea or coffee I am intrigued by the ritual of making a cup of tea that most people enjoy.  My friend, Ginnie and I visited a little town called Enderby in BC and I discovered a quaint little shop called Mimi's Tea Shop and Cafe.

Opening the door I stepped into a large café that was a blend of Chinese and French decorations. The paintings on the wall were like I had seen in the Parisian Cafes, bright images portraying life in the country side. The tables were set with random tablecloths with mismatching chairs. Each table had a sugar pot and a vase with flowers. On the right, immediately as you walked in, there were many clear glass containers with every conceivable type of tea making it look like a Chinese herbal store or an apothecary. It was intriguing and reminded me of the old general stores from years past.

The teapots were standing pert on a large table nearby – they came in every shape, colour and size. Seeing them there in all their glory made me smile.

The teacups were what caught my fancy – mugs and cups and dainty chinaware. Each came with its own saucer and spoon.

The Chinese owner came forward and bowed slightly and enquired as to my order. The menu was simple- a selection of eight beautiful Asian dishes. We dined on sushi rolls and peppermint tea.  I was not surprised that this little gem of a café in this small town has won many local business awards - a true diamond in the snow

Friday, January 08, 2010

Leaving the pretty Okanagan valley after four weeks feels like the close of the second chapter of our journey. Visiting Ginnie and Willy was a step into Roger’s past as they had all been close friend’s  in the late sixties. Living life in Wales after finishing dentistry and moving to the lush green valleys and hills of the Preseli’s was an adventure that created many beautiful friendships that now span the globe. It had been over 25 years since Roger had seen Ginnie and Willy.

For me, it was like coming home to my sister’s house… even though I had just me them.  Ginnie and I had so much in common with our approach to parenting, the home and life in general.  I felt comfortable, welcome and relaxed.  Their home was filled with the busyness of their grown children who had all come home to roost for a while.  The usual banter and hugs filled the air and so did the occasional challenges. There were times when I missed my own family and wanted to go home, especially at Christmas time…

We had our own space which meant it was easy for me to do a couple of hours of yoga in the morning before going upstairs. I was listening to one of my Dru Yoga class recordings (from my teacher training modules: a yummy group of people and delightful retreat space) and my teacher, Jes, was saying how lovely it was to have our class together, to have this special time with sacred people around us in this sacred place.

That is how I felt being in Ginnie’s home: Sacred Space, sacred people. It helped me to cope with the challenges of being in someone else’s home and see the gifts that were present in every moment.

It was with great joy and gratitude that during my stay I hand sewed a badge for Ginnie and Willy…my first time cross stitching!

Ginnie’s is the badge on the left: The lush green represented her sense of connectedness to the earth and her horses, the mountains represented the qualities of strength and courage that she holds. The blue lake in the foreground symbolized the stillness and depth I witnessed, the cloud and blue sky represents the occasional challenge that comes and goes leaving blue sky (peace) always present. The sunflowers are one of her favourite flowers that Ginnie grows in Summer: one for each of her family including the two dogs who are like her children.

Willy’s is the badge on the right: Willy has a big heart which radiates out with his whacky humour touching everyone. And the green represents his love of the farm, horses and the outdoors.

These badges are a  tradition that I started in my family…When my eldest daughter left home, I embroidered a small circular badge for her backpack that she was taking on her travels. Then I crafted one for my second daughter when she left home, and not so long ago, one for my son as he took off on his first solo adventure. My heart was full of joy when my eldest daughter presented Roger and I with two badges, one each, for our backpacks as we headed  off on this year long trip.

Saturday, January 02, 2010 It was great to think about my blog titled 'No Fear' as I headed out for the first time on very narrow, shaky cross country skis for the first time. I had had concerns during the night about attempting this adventure... but here we were sitting on the ski lift heading to the top of the mountain.

I had walked back and forth practicing turning, walking and skiing on these pencil sticks in front of the rental shop, not caring whether anyone was watching (the whole swag of ski instructors were receiving their briefing just at this same time nearby!) Finally, I thought it's now or never...

As the ski lift arrived at the top of the mountain and hoisted us off down the immediate slope my legs wobbled and arms flailed...I let out a scream but managed to keep my balance... the fun begins.

We had a glorious day walking along the quiet, deserted nordic tracks and every now and again tumbled over on my derriere! It wasn't without its moments of, 'remind me why I am doing this?'.  Especially, the half hour climb, with ski's on, ( slipping and sliding down hill... one step forward, two steps back... two steps forward, one step back... slow and steady is the sure way up) we headed up the side of the other mountain. I found leg muscles I didn't know existed (I know they are there today as well). The views were magnificent and the quiet solitude in the pristine white landscape was divine.

I say 'yes' quite happily to new things, and then facing the challenge can be quite daunting, and for sure, today, there were moments of fear but also plenty of joyous moments and great satisfaction when finally I lay down in my bed, delightfully exhausted and happy.

Friday, January 01, 2010

Wednesday, December 30, 2009 At 8pm we donned our warm overcoats (it takes ten minutes to dress up with all the outer layers!) and headed out to the base of the slopes for the New Year's Eve torch relay at Silverstar ski resort, Canada. Skiers and snow boarders were excitedly taking the skilift to the top of the mountain while down in the village we joined the hundreds of kids, parents, families who had gathered to witness this amazing spectacle down the mountain. The snow was fluttering down creating a typical winter scene. Fresh, soft clean snow fluffed up under our boots as we walked up the hill a bit to get a clear view of the riders. Walking through the snow with our winter gear generated a delightful warmth to our bodies.

The excitement was building and suddenly a glow appeared in the clouds half way up the mountain... first the young children came down holding bright yellow lights some of them singing 'Happy New Year'... all the bystanders clapping and cheering them along.  Five more minutes of anticipation and a red glow formed up at the top of the hill... the flares were lit and down they came weaving their way along the slopes coming from three directions, merging in front of where we were standing. More cheers of encouragement and appreciation from the crowd.


As the last rider came down the slope, the applause and cheering was heartfelt and appreciative. Then came the fireworks which with the snow clouds were dulled considerably, but we got the idea and there were a few low ones that brought out the oooh's and ahh's... and another big round of applause when the last sparkle sparkled!

Walking back through the town people were huddled around the fire that is kept going in the main thoroughfare.


Community gatherings and celebrations - no matter the occasion bring us all together - all around the world celebrations for the new year abound.

Happy New Year! May 2010 be blessed with understanding, grace, peace and happiness.

How did you welcome the new decade and celebrate the New Year? I would love to hear from you...

Wednesday, December 30, 2009 Today was another stunning day at Silverstar, Canada. The blue sky peeped through the drifting snow clouds early this morning. Rugged up in our ski gear with not an ounce of flesh showing we skied down to the chairlift. As we rose through the mist of the valley to the top of the mountain the view out to the Rocky Mountains and the valleys off in the distance revealed itself.


The beauty here is breathtaking, a white landscape every way you turn with tall snow covered fir trees making it look like a fairyland including a very special unicorn....


The groomed slopes are a joy to ride, with very few skiers or snowboarders around us. Roger and I headed off on a forest trail which was  saw me fall a few times on a soft feathery bed of powder snow as the bends were a bit tricky... and with the speed I would rather the snow than the tree!

With New Years Eve upon us (I know in Austr alia and England you are already in the year 2010! Happy New Year to you!) my mind turns to appreciation for the year that has been and also to what is to unfold.

I will touch base again tomorrow!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

This is like being in fairyland. Silverstar with powder snow and hardly anybody on the slopes. It is so quiet ... you cannot hear a sound for miles. It is icy cold when down hill skiing along 8km groomed pistes... or sitting in the ski lifts on your way up. It is so worth it though. Both Roger and I love being on top of the mountains and then skiing down enjoying the ride.

Back home in our snug little room to have lunch, rest and out for some more before it gets dark at 3.30pm.
Here's the awesome view from our room... off now for a bit more fun on the snow. Ciao, see you later...

Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Gin and I took the packed xmas tree (wrapped in biodegradable netting).

What a glorious sight met me when I woke up the next morning with the Tree all decked out...



Happy Christmas to everyone in Australia. We are off to a Christmas Eve party right now! Cheerio!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009 Happy Christmas to you in Australia!!

As you are waking to Christmas morning Roger and I are having a beautiful Christmas Eve here in the Okanagan Valley in Canada. It was a mild -15 degrees last night which we are getting quite accustomed to.

(We posed for our Christmas photo this year in out classic Aussie attire - our swimmers - in the snow! It didn't surprise our families however we nearly froze our toes off in the attempt and had a good laugh doing it!)

Today the sky is a soft blue with wispy white clouds drifting over the snow capped hills. The snow covers the driveway which is lined with the outlines of naked trees and a mass of fresh paw prints from our friends' two big dogs. The picture below is the view from our bedroom window... how gorgeous is that!


Ginny and Willy have a beautiful family home here in the Armstrong valley and all of their grown children are coming home for Christmas. They are a beautiful family with big hearts and there is never a dull moment. Their youngest son, Darcy, came home last night with his friends and a range of wigs which they go out partying with. I look pretty funny with short black hair.

These are some of the fun moments with young people around - the noise and laughter level certainly get raised!

Having a white Christmas is certainly a joy, and very different to the Christmas day celebration Roger and I shared with our family on Sunday November 29th in Coffs Harbour when it was 39 degrees in the shade. We had lots of fun (see the article on Christmas and New Year rituals) and gorgeous food with beautiful salads and cold meats

In light of the temperature differences, the menu here in Canada reflects the need for warm food! Yesterday Ginny and I made a beautiful Caribbean Fruit Cake yesterday which smells heavenly...mmmm...

The decorations in nature are stunning... like these little caps of snow on the last of the seasons apples...


Wishing you a warm and heartfelt Christmas Day and lots of love at this special time of family get togethers.

Cheers, Wendy