Beauty in the Winter Garden

This morning, everything in the garden was covered with a gorgeous feathery frost. I put on my boots, threw my winter jacket over my pajamas and ran out with my camera to capture the beauty before it melted in the sunshine.

During this busy, stressful time of year, I find that even a few minutes spent in nature can really help to provide perspective and calm. 

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And Then It Snowed and Snowed

This morning we woke to a blanket of snow and it kept snowing. In fact, it still is. The first snowstorm of the year.

Despite the weather, well actually because of it, Meeko and I went for a walk in the forest in the early afternoon. We had the whole place to ourselves.

The scenery in the forest was absolutely enchanting. Snow covered every single tree trunk and branch. 

When Meeko runs in the snow, I have this song in my head. 

Look at the snowballs that accumulated on Meeko's legs. It was wet, sticky snow.

We are thawing inside now. It took over a half hour for the snow to melt that had accumulated on Meeko's legs but I think he would agree that it was worth it. We had so much fun!

Today, I was thinking of Emma's friends in her McGill University residence who will be experiencing their first snowstorm. I hope they are able to take a break from studying for their exams to build a snowman together! 

The winds have picked up and it is quite blustery at the moment. I'll be glad once Chloé's schoolbus arrives at the corner.

The beauty and challenges of snow.

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The Christmas Tree

Our annual trek to a tree farm near Sorel, Quebec about an hour from where we live.

My husband and my youngest daughter Chloé on their way. An excited Meeko in the lead.

A gorgeous but very cold day. -13C (12F)

Me and Meeko (photo by Emma)

Beautiful milkweed.

Chloé makes a valiant plea for the Charlie Brown tree.

Meeko with Emma (photo by Emma)

The one! We walked through three fields of the plantation to find it.

Sisters. 

Best to sit for long jobs.

When is this tree-cutting part over?

Crazy how early the sun starts dipping in the sky this time of year.

Last view of the tree farm as we drive away. See you next year!

A Giveaway!

Hello, my friends. I am starting to feel the holiday spirit and am having a giveaway on Instagram. I wanted to be sure that you knew about it! You could win a nature collection print, a 'Celebrate Simple Things' card and gift tag and a set of recipe cards--all featuring my watercolours. Check out my post on Instagram for how to enter. It's simple. Click here.

I will be choosing the winner on Tuesday, December 9th at 9:00 a.m. EST.

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