Home Part II

Over Christmas I was able to go home to northern Ontario for the first time in seven months. I had a nice long visit with my family and I was able to catch up with some friends I hadn't seen in ages. I almost always find that a trip back home is rejuvenating, refreshing and realigning. I did a lot of blog reading rather than writing. I celebrated Christmas and my 25th birthday. I cooked and ate tons of delicious food. I spent time in the snow, unlike my southern friends and family who had a balmy green Christmas.

My birthday is January 1st, so it is an excellent time to evaluate how my life is going and try to decide what's working and what's not. I have many ideas for change, intentions and new things I would like to try. I was really lucky to be surrounded with some of the most lovely people for my birthday. Part of me wishes I could be back there right now but I'm working hard to bloom where I'm planted. 

I managed to get out for a hikes and a snowshoe excursion but cross-country skiing and tobogganing weren't managed this time around. It's fun to be so close to places where you can get outside and enjoy the natural world around you. We went snowshoeing at night on a lit trail, winter sports at night are one of the most exciting things, it's an entirely different experience than being outside during the day. 

I undertook a small sewing project with my mum to make some bunting. I know I'm a bit late to this design trend but I've been admiring it from afar for quite awhile and I really enjoyed making them. I used them to decorate for my birthday and now I have one hanging on the wall above my bed, I think it instantly cheers a room up. 

I had a great time at home and I can't wait to go back! I hope to make it there in the summer this year, as beautiful as winter is, summer is really the best season to experience that little corner of the universe. Shorts, bug bites, fungi, warm wind and a bit of sunshine (when it manages to poke through the fog). 

Home

While I was up north visiting my family for Christmas, I hiked to this beautiful (hidden) beach on Lake Superior. When people ask me where home is or where I feel the most comfortable, this lake automatically comes to mind. I am often humbled by the size and beauty of Superior. Listening to the rhythm of the waves is my lullaby, the most soothing sound I have ever heard.  

I wish I could live right along the shoreline somewhere. Unfortunately, I haven't found a job that allows for this yet, although, I am still looking. It's a really gorgeous place, I hope you get the chance to visit there some day if you haven't already been. I'm definitely biased but it's worth mentioning that this is the best lake out of all the great lakes... it's probably the best lake in the entire world but again, I'm incredibly biased. 

If you're wondering where the best coastal spots on the lake are, I'll give you a little tip: they're all awesome, there's not a single spot along this lake that isn't fantastic (save industrial spaces in cities and small communities). The best time of year to visit is, without a doubt, summer, when you can splash and swim to your heart's delight (usually your heart can only withstand about 20 minutes of the frigid waters). 

Happy 2012 - Don't forget to go outside and enjoy where you live!