Cottage life...weathering the storm.

Quarter Deck Cottage

a relaxed and casual getaway

that we enjoy for a week every month 

and two consecutive weeks in the summer.

This little piece of paradise has been a much needed tonic...

a place to dream and live simply 

among the beauty of Nature

 The Salish Sea at our doorstep.

The rains have been torrential this past weekend.

We were soaked right through our raincoats after an hour walk.

On the mainland there have been floods and roads were washed out...

When we arrive on the island

the first stop 

(after we unpack and set up the cottage with our personal bits and bobs)

is the local flower shop.

I choose some flowers for our week at the cottage.

The owner and I are on a first name basis now and she tells me what we have missed while we were off island...

Power outages, wind storms, ferry cancellations, trees blown down blocking the roads...

We shop for our food at the local market and usually do this each day.

It gives us an opportunity to mingle with the locals and deciding on the spur of the moment what we will have for our dinner based on what is fresh feels right.

Living in "holiday mode" encourages a spontaneity...

where we relax over our morning coffee

stare out at the views beyond

taking in the various sights

 ferry and boats

marine life and birds.

We awoke to sunshine this morning and what a glorious sight after 4 days of rain.

The cottage is bathed in warm sunlight and there is a shift in my mood.

I feel a surge of energy...

I have vacuumed, done the laundry, run the dishwasher and am now sipping a mug of tea as I sit here at the dining table typing on my laptop.

Taking time to look out upon the rippled sea and beyond...

A beautiful day awaits...

slowly

there is no need to rush

a gentle walk

a nourishing meal

knitting

reading

gazing out to the Salish Sea

content with the simple routines

of cottage life

it is in the quiet moments 

that we are able to restore, restock, and renew.

"Joy in looking and comprehending is nature's most beautiful gift. "

~ Albert Einstein ~

"There are moments when all anxiety and stated toil are becalmed in the infinite leisure and repose of nature. "

 ~ Henry David Thoreau ~

Slow down this week and observe the beauty that surrounds you.

When I walk in Nature I always find something beautiful that surprises me...

even on the darkest of days

I may have to look a little bit farther or a wee bit longer 

 if I persevere 

I am not disappointed and for those gifts I am grateful.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Fading beauty...and my personal thoughts on aging

This beautiful rose was once a stunning bloom

but she is fading in her beauty

but still worth a look...

This rose got me thinking about aging...

aging gracefully

naturally 

perhaps with some elegance.

How does one age well?

And I do not mean Botox or plastic surgery...

its not for me.

How do I

ease into my advancing senior years

with the face that I was born with 

embracing the lines and wrinkles 

that are the result of years of laughter?

There are certain things that we can all do to help us look more "radiant."

Ali McGraw looks the picture of health and she glows.

I was impressed by this article.

She is such a radiant beauty both inside and out...

a fabulous role model.

Thoughts that may help navigate the road ahead are basics like...

Exercise 

eating healthy 

getting a decent night's rest

alleviating as much stress as possible

experiencing joy and happiness whenever the opportunity arises

listening to our "hearts" 

expanding our horizons which may be travel or going to local cultural events

learning something new to keep us fresh

helping others

staying in touch with friends and family

finding and making time for creativity

"First impressions"

  tell those who meet us about ourselves 

(whether we like it or not) 

how we dress and what we say conveys a lot...

good manners and kindness

go a long way.

At 62 and not the freshest rose in the bouquet...

I try to focus on

wearing neat, comfortable and (hopefully) flattering outfits

paying attention to style

dressing in clothing that is honest and genuine 

a reflection of my personality...

some days it may be a classic LBD

or 

jeans and a Tee with a cashmere sweater and Chelsea boots

which just happens to be my "uniform."

I try always to look put together...

some days it is more difficult than others!

The word "Frumpy" scares me.

My Mother managed to look well dressed well into her 80's and I never thought that she looked frumpy or dowdy.

Skincare...

 has always been important to me.

People look at our faces when we meet and greet each other.

From the time that I went to The Hudson Bay's Saturday charm school 

where among other things

we were instructed on how to wash and care for our skin.

(in that era it was Yardley's oatmeal soap and Noxema or Nivea)

I have been preoccupied with taking care of my complexion.

Today

we have thousands of options...

and how does one choose?

I have been testing a new moisturizer.

It is super emollient, which my dry skin needs, but is not greasy.

The results are a dewy rosy glow which I quite like.

I think that my skin looks healthier...

but maybe I am just hopeful

seeking a fresher rose

one that is petal soft and blush pink!

Two rose scented hard working products from a previous delivery of

  My Stylish French Box

they are almost gone

 are truly quite amazing...

 I have been using them on my hands and feet with really great results.

I'll have to see if I can buy them online.

In the whole scheme of things our inner beauty traits 

are far more important 

than how we look on the outside...

Kindness

compassion

a giving nature...

They are the real super stars when we really think about it.

While I like to buy new things 

I plan to cultivate and focus on some inner improvements this month...

What are your thoughts on aging gracefully?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Autumnal Splendor....

Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons...
rich in colour and texture,
this weekend we have been treated to clear blue skies and sunny warm days.

Perfect weather for walking...
and a bonus while we are at Quarter Deck Cottage on Pender Island.

Golden hues tinged with green.

We walked slowly so that I could stop and take pictures 

besides the fact that I have been recently diagnosed with shin splints...

my doctor suggested that I slow my walking pace and perhaps the distance that I travel

to make sure that I have supportive shoes 

 to replace my walking shoes at least every year if not every 6 months.

This is a painful condition and so I am heeding his advice.

The distance we covered was just a tad under 3 km

the road was perfect for our walk 

very little car traffic

quiet

homes and acreages dotted every so often along the byway

the leaves were stunning in their beauty

so picturesque.

This old home was situated at the end of the road overlooking the ocean.

I'd love to peek inside but this is as close as we could get to it.

The road curved ahead and we spied this boat...

We discovered a lovely sandy beach at the end of the road with a public beach access.

Mr. HB saw a mink run into the brush just ahead.

Kelp and maple leaves mingling together on the beach.

Walking with the leaves crunching neath our feet...

a glorious day 

with dappled sunshine peeking through the canopy of trees.

Feeling such gratitude to be able to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us.

How was your weekend ?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Tulip mania...and some "happy" habits.

The local markets are overflowing with buckets and buckets of colourful Tulips.
Priced so low, that they practically hop into my shopping basket...

Even after Tulips have fully blown open they are quite lovely.

One can buys masses of these or settle for a bunch as I have done here.

It depends on your budget, how big your vases may be and how many bouquets you want to display in your home.

Flowers in the home have always been a prominent accent in our home decor.

Personally I feel it essential that one has something of natural beauty in the home

 it helps keep ones spirits up...

it can be a single stem

some woody branches

a fern frond

plants or orchids

a bowl of lemons

pine cones

seashells

stones

These natural adornments are particularly helpful for our long rainy winter season.

The season here where sunshine is rationed and the gloom can be oppressing...

for some it is debilitating and depressing.

I look for "guaranteed mood lifters"

 like flowers that add elegance and ambiance.

Scented Candles are another one of my essentials for the home.

They do not need to be the posh Diptyque or Cire Trudon brands

many scented candles are affordable and readily available.

I find that it is the "little things" make our everyday life richer.

Tea

flowers

linen tea towels

triple milled soaps

quality chocolate

perfume

soft cashmere sweaters and wraps

cozy socks

plush robes

a hot cup of coffee

a great fitting pair of jeans

lingerie

framed family photos

pretty china cups and saucers

emollient hand lotion

bath salts

fluffy white towels

pearls

Those are a few of my favourite things...

I also like to keep our home tidy

free of clutter

pleasing to the eye.

I am also a big fan of lists. 

Which help to motivate me and keep me up to date on things that need to get done.

I love using "rolling ball" ink pens 

better still, but more expensive, a beautiful fountain pen.

Writing feels effortless using these inky writing implements.

Great for cards, grocery lists and letters.

I keep stocked in our writing desk a variety of pretty cards and stamps.

I buy them in bulk when they are on sale.

I look for the most attractive stamps from the post office.

Lately they have had floral stamps which are simply lovely.

Why opt for boring when one can have beautiful for the same price?

Friends gave us an arts and crafts copper letter opener one year for Christmas. 

I use it for every bill and letter that we receive...

it slices envelopes open swiftly and evenly

a bit of affordable luxury that I enjoy.

Surrounding oneself with little affordable luxuries

things that make one feel good

are well worth the time and effort it takes.

Getting in tune to what "small things" that you can cultivate...

things that may add to your daily round. 

Those that augment and beautify your environment 

it is an exercise worth the time...

listen to your heart

make notes.

You'll soon discover which things make your heart soar 

household habits that make you smile...

perhaps they will change the way you feel about a chore...

like ironing.

Buying some lavender linen spray

use a pretty floral ironing board pad.

It is so much more satisfying

drinking sparkling water out of a vintage etched goblet.

Imagine how pretty it would be

storing your cosmetics or perfumes on a silver tray.

What do you like?

Do you have any tips for cultivating beauty in your home?

Wishing you a wonderful, rich and bountiful weekend.

Hostess

XO

Mid February and it's Friday...

Life has been a bit of a roller coaster this week 

and there's more on the way so I am going to fasten my seat belt and try to navigate the days ahead with grace.

Carnations for Mom who has recently been diagnosed with cancer.

Our views have been rather sterile...

I am grateful for family and friends...

Whose love and support sustain us during tough times. 

Looking for the beauty in my daily round has never been more important.

It helps me put things in perspective...

The guest room and a wee antique Herend vessel.

Chester is up to his usual tricks.

Oak tree bark in Oak Bay

Acorn sculpture in the Oak Bay municipal yard.

The view from here...

Humble Bungalow dining room.

Roycroft hand hammered arts and crafts candlesticks

melted beeswax candles.

I love the scent of beeswax candles when they are burning.

I'll be posting snippets when I have the time 

 my time and energy 

right now is focused on Mom.

I may not have the time to respond to comments but be assured that I will read them all.

Thank you again for you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Seeking Perspective...thoughts for the day.

How are you feeling today?
Are you experiencing anxiety?

There are many many people feeling unsettled in light of the recent US election...
many of them are north of the border
here where I live,
in Canada.

I refuse to subscribe to the constant bombardment of the media...
I am not a news junkie,
it affects me in a negative way
that I often find crippling...

Limiting exposure to negativity is a self preservation technique that I have had to employ over much of my adult life...
if I did not avert my eyes
occasionally to the horrors in our world
I would never sleep a wink at night.

I am not putting my head in the sand,
one cannot live in a society and not be informed...
but we must listen to our hearts
and decide just how much we can absorb and tolerate and still function.

Nature is a beautiful and rich sanctuary 

that feeds my soul.

Seeking small and simple things of beauty provide me with moments of Joy.

I wonder what lies ahead on this journey...

 uncertainty can fill us with fear.

Fear that can stop us from living a full life 

that same fear can poison our spirit

paralyzing us.

Some will find taking action will help them...

others will hold home, family and friends close.

What will you choose to do?

How are you coping?

Today in this time of uncertainty,

Embracing the moment...

living mindfully

savouring the beauty in nature

will help keep me stay focused on living a joyful life.

Just this one simple thing

 is enough to help me maintain my perspective 

from spiralling down the rabbit hole.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Waking in Sunshine...but not for long!

I awoke surprised to see the sunshine pouring in through the blinds last weekend.

The other surprise was the time...
9AM!

Sleeping in is so rare these days that when I realize that I have slept in
it comes as a SHOCK!

My morning luxury is to brew an espresso and serve it in a bowl with foamed milk.

This habit started in Paris and I have never looked back.

For me this starts my day off on a positive note.

I take a few minutes to check out Instagram, Facebook and read blogs.

After my shower I dress in my walking clothes...

this helps me stay motivated to go for my walk.

If I dress up in "going out" clothes right away 

I can find a million excuses NOT to go for a walk!

black yoga pants

a long top

puffy vest or puffy jacket 

(choice is dependent on the forecast)

sock and athletic shoes

 I took an alternate route

and ventured into the Ross Bay Cemetery.

It is very beautiful, peaceful, and full of all kinds of wildlife...

birds, squirrels, deer.

Heritage Trees form a canopy over the lanes.

The seafront is just beyond the edge of the grass...

you can see the seawall and ocean if you look closely.

Spectacular Autumn colours

Inside a crevice in a tree 

I spy fungi...

Not sure what kind of toadstools or mushrooms these might be but they look quite happy here...if fungi can actually be happy in its environment.

I would like to think that happiness on some level can be felt by all living things.

Speaking of happiness...

I must confess that I had my knickers in a twist...

not my usual comfortable happy place and I had to snap out of it.

I started going for my walk...

on the regular route.

Dozens maybe Hundreds

 of people running towards me.

Dear reader I had encountered a marathon!

A loud rock band was playing under a tent at the corner

there was a water station set up where runners were grabbing cups 

guzzling down the water and then tossing the cups willy nilly on the street.

I feared that I would be knocked over so I grumbled a bit under my breath and took off in another direction...the direction of the cemetery.

All in all it was a lovely walk and I felt totally refreshed when I came home.

~ Crunch crunch crunch crackle ~

the sounds under my feet as the dried leaves collapse.

~ water droplets on a leaf ~

~ the veins in these leaves are so pretty ~

There is so much beauty in the ordinary 

it is worth looking closely at every day things that we encounter.

What surprise might we see?

Orange and yellow dinner plate sized Dahlia 

still blooming in mid October in a garden on Hollywood Crescent.

This is Chester 

the little rascal will not stay off the table.

This is where I have my lap top and where I write my blog posts.

Perhaps this pose is his way of saying I am cute, really I am, 

and you know that you love me despite my hi jinx.

There are 3 storms forecast to hit our coast in the next few days and the weather experts are advising us to charge up all our devices, buy extra food and batteries and brace ourselves for power outages and possible flooding.

So if you don't hear from me for a few days 

you'll know why!

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~