Today I want to introduce you to a dear friend of mine. I have known Lori for about 13 years – a fellow Canadian who is truly one of the kindest people I know. She is one of my “go to” people when I need a shoulder or some advice. And I think Lori really does appreciate the simple moments, as I have heard for years how she is able to enjoy the quiet at her beautiful cottage – slowing down and living in the moment. I dream of having a place that is so rich with history in my family. I am so thankful that she was willing to share her thoughts on finding those simple moments in all of our lives~ Visit Lori at her wonderful blog Wildflowers~ you will be happy you did!
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Simple Pleasures
I love the quote “you are responsible for your own happiness” so when Kim asked me to write a guest post about finding joy in the simple pleasures I was “in”!
Maybe it has something to do with getting older but I find myself stopping and looking around more often ~ trying to really seemy surroundings. Heading down the dirt road to the cape where the cottage is something I used to take for granted but not anymore. I call it my little piece of heaven. Knowing that there have been 5 generations travel on that same route makes me stop and smile ~ 5 ~ that’s amazing to me.
Our rustic little cabin nestled in the woods ~ milled from trees that Dad cut down with his father and brother. The wood stove is our source of heat ~ perfect for a rainy or foggy night on the bay. Smelling the fire and hearing the crackle of the flames takes me to a warm cozy place.
Going down the driveway and crossing the road and down the embankment to the beach. Walking along and finding treasures ~ glass no longer sharp as it has been tumbled by the tides ~ the odd shell ~ and cool rocks of every shape size and color. Come mid July the sandpipers will arrive ~ feasting on the mudflats while the tide is out and giving us an incredible air show when it comes in. Grampy always called them the “peeps” ~ I watched them as a child and still sit and watch them in awe of their fluid moves ~ it truly is a site to see.
Not too far up the road is the farm ~ the place where my Dad was born. I can spend so much time here ~ camera in hand ~ walking and just loving my surroundings. Wildflowers in the field ~ my grandmother’s big rhubarb patch ~ the old hen house ~ the barn where we used to swing for hours ~ the blueberry fields and the best sliding hill around. If you listen real hard you can hear music coming from the house ~ guitars and singing as a good old Maritime kitchen party kicks into gear.
They all spark a memory which wrap around me like an old well worn sweater and hug me tight. That brings joy to my heart and sometimes a tear to my eye.
Other things that bring me joy are my 4 legged fur babies that always make me smile ~ a good book ~ freshly cut grass ~ flowers blooming and knowing that vacation time is getting closer.
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Lovely..I was with you during this trip to the cabin and farm. Love you, Lori<3
Marj
Absolutely gorgeous…..my dream would be to have all of us girls spend time together here, how wonderful would that be?
Beautiful words and photos Lori which I know come right from your heart, I know how much the cottage means to you and how it connects you to all that is important to you.
Love this post XX
Beautiful. Your family’s land sounds so similar to my own. It’s pretty special to think about all the little things still shared with those who’ve gone before. What a treasure.
Well Lori’s blog is one of my fave daily reads, so this is a joy to come here to find her. The cottage and all of the heartwarming stories Lori shares about her family is so wonderful, it reminds me of my family’s lake house and farms in Nebraska – wonderful times with the family = priceless memories. Beautiful, loving, heart-filled post! xxoo
Lori…you did a wonderful job writing this. I can practically smell the wildflowers and ocean breeze! I know you enjoy your get away. That it has been in your family for generations makes it all the more special!
XO,
Jane
Thank you Kim for being such a gracious hostess. I loved putting this together and the words come from the heart and all the memories I hold there. I can’t wait to make more in our little cabin on the bay. Hugs to you Kim ~ love you with all my heart girl ~ I think you know that. xo
and you know the feeling is quite mutual my darling friend~ xx
Such a delightful read, Lori! I loved hearing about your family’s cabin. Transported me back to my childhood on Bainbridge Island, where my great-grandparents and grandparents had homes. I longed to keep them in the family. Thank you, Lori, for sharing!