2014//

I love looking back on memories. You could say I'm a big culprit of nostalgia. ;) 2013 in three words would be: transitioning, challenging, and peaceful. Graduating from high school, beginning University, getting my braces off and chopping off 18 inches of hair were big transitions in my life. There were stretching, more challenging times where all I wanted to do was cry, and cry I did. But amidst any tears, there were peaceful times. From sitting in the garden with my family, going to the mountains with my Grad class, and baking treats in my faithful kitchen, to learning to drive (okay not so peaceful) and a healthy dose of yoga.

Okay, nostalgic essay finished! I'll be short and sweet now. 2014, thanks for coming! I think you and I will be dear friends. :)

Much love, Vivi

this morning

This morning as I chopped fruit for my breakfast smoothie, I remembered the raspberries that were overloading the few stalks we have in our yard. So, still in my Christmas pajamas (I wear them year-round... :) I walked across the dew-covered grass to pick a few of the sweet red gems. There were SO many more than I thought! After picking for only ten minutes and walking into multiple spider webs, I ended up filling an entire bowlful! The morning light was so beautiful and the berries looked so fresh that I ran back inside for my camera...

Much love, Vivi

the bird diaires

There he was. Twitching his little head back and forth while perched politely right on a branch outside the living room window. Me, doing homework at the computer, and my camera, right beside me. Any reason to give homework a break is a good one... ;) I love how birds come to life during Spring time. It's the one time of year when I can hear their voices  in the early morning and the quiet of the evening.

I hope some little birds visit your living room window soon. :) 

Much love, Vivi 

Winter beach walks

 Something about visiting the beach in winter is so magical. 

The crisp air mixed with that ever familiar summer scent of salty waters, the porcelain ocean waters going on for miles in seamless beauty, the bright skies dotted with sparse clouds. 

And that light. 

Oh, that light. 

Much love, Vivi

Friday night lists

Lately...

craving:
avocado sliced on a bed of greens with pumpkin seeds, flax, cashews, balsamic and strawberries
Mushroom spinach omelet with sliced avocado and balsamic on side
Peppers, carrots and string beans in a stir fry 

reading: 
around the world in 80 days by Jules Verne
The Tongue by Charles Capps 
Genesis & Matthew
Kristen Roger's photography blog
Andria Lindquist's photography blog  

listening to:
far too much country- Shania Twain and Braid Paisley have stolen my heart
favorites include: Don't be Stupid, Remind me, That don't impress me much. Listen now, thank me later.
The Bahamas
Hill song United

why I love winter:
foggy skies 
the sound of boots walking over crunchy ice-covered grass   
steaming tea on cosy evenings
stunning sunsets
a time to knit & crochet and wear the results
snuggling under quilts 
bundling up under five layers and braving the cold for a rejuvenating walk 
Winter soups: especially cream of celery & black bean soup with leek

Much love, Vivi 

P is for peppers

Don't you just love mixing together a multitude of delicious ingredients and putting them all together in a happy little pepper? These were a lot of fun to make. I wish I could share a recipe, however, my family usually goes by ear when it comes to dinner creations. No recipes, just what tastes good! And surprisingly enough, that rule usually works. Key word here, usually. I won't share the story of one particular chili. Some things are better left in the past... But hey! You'll never know until you try! ;)

Much love, Vivi

Now this, this is Winter

Evergreen branches laden with snow, steaming tea with fresh baking, knit cardigans with denim shirts, plants singing loudly in the moments after a rain storm, and lattes; sitting together after a long week and just being. This is what I love about Winter. I love being able to bundle up so warm that the only part of you showing are two little eyes. I love venturing out on misty mornings; just me, my trusty camera, and the world as inspiration. I love making my way under a quilt, reading the heartfelt words of a novel, a story, a glimpse into someone else's world. Now this, this is Winter.

City Walls

This is my friend Shelby. Her face definitely is a regular here on the blog! ;) Last night we ventured deep into the downtown parts of the city in hopes that we might catch the beautiful evening light. And what did we find? Industrial city walls just begging to be captured.

You can see our Summer shoot here and our Autumn shoot here. Only one season left to complete a full year of photo shooting... :) We're ready for you, Spring!

Much love, Vivi