blog shmog

Five years ago I began a blog.

I have loved this journey. And I have learned some things along the way.

I have learned that I don't need to blog everyday, but I can if I want to.

I have learned that blogs are like the frosting on a cupcake. There is much unseen and a whole lot of unwanted left over after the toddler licks the icing off the top.

I have learned to be true to myself and to never blog to impress.

I have learned that I am stronger than I thought I was.

I have learned that life is oh so beautiful.

I have learned to write, truly write, on matters of the heart. I have learned what those things are, those things that matter most.

I have learned that each blog is as unique as the people who write them, and that one should not try to duplicate another's style.

I have learned that my life is very ordinary, but worth documenting.

I have learned that I blog best late at night or early in the morning, when children are sleeping!

I have learned that comparison is poison to the soul.

I have learned to use a camera. And my children have learned to ignore it when needs be and to smile when I ask.

I have learned that I cannot force a post. Sometimes I sit and type and words spill over like a waterfall. Other times I go for days with thoughts floating through my mind, all kinds of random flying in and out and all around, knowing what I want to say but not how to put it all together - I put my bucket into the well and it comes up dry. Eventually I get there though, I always do - but I cannot force it.

I have learned that no matter what I put out there, once I push publish I no longer have control. It is for any and all, and how they interpret it is something only they can tell.

I have been giddy with excitement, I have been overcome with gratitude, I have sat here with tears streaming down my face.

This blog is my journal. It is my scrapbook of the ordinary events that make up my life.

It is like an open window I get to look through with different eyes. And God's grace is blinding, the abundance over-whelming.

With every picture I take and every post I write, I am writing my autobiography. I hope I can blog forever and ever.

~ Beacon Hill Park April 13, 2013 ~

Gabriola Island

Darren took Friday off work and asked me if there was anything I would like to do.

After hearing about the Kingsley's recent visit to Gabriola, 

we thought that would be a perfect place to spend the day.

Niether of us had ever been there, in all the years we've lived here.

  On the ferry. 

A quick stop for food.

Sandwell Provincial Park

Malaspina Galleries Regional Park

Emma thought this log looked just like a crocodile!

That is her - being eaten by said log.

Ice cream at The Gabe Shop

And last of all, I wish we had gone here first, although we never would have left, 

and we wouldn't have seen all the other places we did - Gabriola Sands Provincial Park. 

I think it is also known as Twin Beaches. A local at the ice cream shop told us about it. 

I want to take the kids back here, just here, and stay all day!

Heading home on the ferry. 

The perfect ride - long enough to be fun and short enough to maintain the novelty.

Wiped out after one fun, full day.