Cottage Vacation

The past week or so

I spent in Cottage Country with my boyfriend's family

We spent hours swimming in the lake,

reading old favourites and new,

playing card games, baseball, bocce ball and badminton

and ate all the cookies, 

chips and barbeque that I could get my hands on.

I definitely stretched out my stomach a bit, and returning to my regular diet will be a challenge.

It was a relaxing start to the summer

and a few things surprised me -

I woke each morning by 8 am, never sleeping in

Drank only 2 beers out of respect for my boyfriend's parents

and after years of pain, I avoided sunburn and bug bites!

It was a great vacation, 

and while I was worried I would carry my current burdens with me

(job search, money struggles and fractured family relations)

I was able to completely release my mind from deep thoughts, 

enjoy the company of those around me, and get silly.

Summer Festivals

There are so many great summer festivals coming up in the GTA,

and probably in your area too!

Here are a few that I think are worth checking out...

NXNE

Indie Festival at venues, bars, clubs and cafes across Toronto.  

A nice way to enjoy a few patios in mid June.

Sound of Music Festival

Totally FREE Festival full of food, drinks, crafts, rides, bands and street parties.

Toronto Jazz Festival

June 24- July 3, Chill Toronto Festival, Aretha Franklin for FREE plus so many others!

Canada Day Celebrations at Downsview Park, Toronto

I'll be celebrating Canada Day at this Festival to start off my cottage vacation,

it's gonna be sweeeet!

Rock the Bells

I was so lucky to go to the concert last summer in San Francisco.  

It was an amazing experience 

and I'd be lucky to road-trip it up to NYC or Boston this summer!

Tosh.O

Funny man is on tour this summer, maybe in your area!

Things I love right now

* picking which sport I feel like playing today,

basketball… softball… yoga… running… biking,

the sunshine energizes everyone.

***

* trying to even out my tan lines, 

I am ½ ghostly white, ¼ rosy red and ¼ bronze goddess.

***

* getting my vegetable garden started, 

saving egg shells for fertilizer, watching for the bumble bees to visit and pollenate, 

and very patiently waiting for flowers and fruits.

***

* checking out leagues in my area,

picking new sports like softball or starting up a favourite like beach volleyball,

or both!

***

 * designing the grocery list around my bbq desires,

homemade hamburgers, cheddar smokies and roasted red peppers.

***

I often wonder why I live in a part of the world with only 3 months of summer,

but contemplation of that issue will have to wait until the sun disappears again!


We’re not stuck inside anymore!