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Love Letter October 2022
I love autumn. It’s time to shift into coziness. I’ve done a lot of knitting this month. And reading. So many of my favourite things involve getting comfortable, so I’m going to imagine you reading this love letter snugged up with a pillow and blanket. Maybe you’re wearing pj’s or hand-knit socks? Perhaps you’ve poured yourself a cup of something warm, and and the steam meets the glow of the screen as it lights up the smile on your face…
My favourite hot drink these days is just a cinnamon stick steeped in hot water. We bought a big jug of local apple cider at Masstown Market this week, and I’m planning to muddle up some cider and spices this afternoon while I roast a sugar pumpkin for puree. Aldon has a delicious pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe, and the home-roasted version of pumpkin is far superior to canned, AND it comes with seeds that I’m looking forward to snacking on.
We took a mini road trip to Woodstock, New Brunswick on the first weekend of the month. A friend of ours from Edmonton was getting married in the maritimes, so we hopped in the car and went on an adventure. The weather was gorgeous, and autumn leaves were still on the trees (NB wasn’t hit too badly by the hurricane): perfect for driving, sitting on the patio at a couple of breweries, and walking on trails. I was in heaven taking photos of all the many varieties of mushrooms we found on our rambles. Aldon was patient. October is good for mushrooms out here.
The wedding was lovely, but I took ZERO photos. I have no excuse. Though they asked for no cameras in the church, “so we could be present with the couple during the ceremony,” I certainly could have taken some before, after, or during the reception! Oh well, the day will have to live on in our memories. We only knew the groom, and it was great to see him after so many years, and to meet his wife. He exuded joy and we feel fortunate to have been able to celebrate the day with him. We ate, chatted with the misfits at the miscellaneous friends table, and we danced.
I volunteered to serve food for the community dinner during the night market Pugwash Farmers Market’s Salty Dog Festival on Thanksgiving weekend. Two +1 performed on Saturday afternoon, but the weather wasn’t very cooperative and we had to cut it short due to rain. It could have been worse, I suppose – the festival was originally scheduled for weekend Fiona hit! I think that will be our last gig for while. My folks are heading south for a few months after Christmas, so there may not be any more shows until next summer.
Our first Indigenous Box arrived this month and we were absolutely delighted!
The Airbnb is officially off the market now until next summer. The owners decided to offer it as a 6 month rental for the winter, and a local young couple is moving in. I can’t imagine having the sunset suite as my first apartment! I remember the crappy 2-bdrm on Bellamy Hill I shared with a good friend from high school (and her boyfriend) when I first moved to Edmonton from Peace River. Worlds apart!
I’m trying something new with the format of the love letter this month. What did you think?
And are you getting up to anything for Hallowe’en this year? Aldon and I will probably be hanging out at home with the lights off! 🤣 🎃
If you dressed up, I’d love to see your costume. Send pics!
Pugwash Lighthouse
July 29, 2022
Pugwash, Nova Scotia
Bee had to work last night and I felt like an evening stroll so I strapped on my water sneakers and headed to Crescent Beach. The tide was way out and I just kept walking toward the lighthouse. I thought the cloud bank would provide a nice pre-sunset image.
Sunset June 18
Sunset June 11
Two +1 Debuts at Bordertown Jam
On Wednesday April 6, 2022, two years and two months after I performed at my first ever open mic (and about a month before COVID cancelled even the idea of an open mic), my dad (Murray), Aldon and I got up on stage for a 6-song set at the mall in Amherst, Nova Scotia for the Bordertown Jam.
We’ve been playing music together since Aldon and I moved back to Nova Scotia in July. We’re heavily influenced by my dad’s love of old country (and our growing appreciation for it), and we all felt ready to try it out in front of an audience, and it was really fun!
Mom came along to cheer us on, and the audience was welcoming and kind. Although there was definitely some nervousness at play, we had a blast! The good folks at the jam recorded some videos to post on their Facebook page. While I can’t bring myself to actually use FB, I’ll embed (nope, stupid FB no longer allows embeds?!) link to the videos below.
The exciting news is that the organizers were impressed enough to offer us a spot on their Saturday afternoon musician series (!!!), so now we’ve got an official gig (dates TBA)! We’re calling our trio Two +1 and I’m pumped to have something to work toward this summer.
February Skies
Scrolling through my photos from the month, I was struck by how many were of the changing sky.
Maybe it’s more noticeable when paired with the white snow and ice covered water. It’s typically water that inspires me to capture the scene. The sky is usually just the backdrop, but in February it took centre stage.
I’m so in love with this place.
Hello 2022
Happy New Year! Our zoom dance party last night was silly and fun, which is exactly what I was looking for. Apologies to those who tried to join and couldn’t. I’m not sure why, but I think we’ll try a different platform if there’s ever a next time. For those who made it: you made our night. Thank you!
Whether you were able to join us or not, I hope you found a few minutes to dance. That’s what it was really all about. To shake off the old year and invite the new one in with joy.
Here’s to more dancing in 2022. More joy, fun, music, movement and togetherness.