Savouring the good things in life...

We are surrounded by beauty...
one need not look too far afield to glimpse these special gifts that cross our path.

Embracing the positive, simple things in life, keep me grounded and content.

If I get on the "I want this, I want that" tangent
I am not at ease...stress and anxiety are sure to follow.

Simple living...

getting back to nature
walking
taking time for peaceful pursuits
mindful healthy eating

valuable self care tools
that really nurture and feed my soul.

"Highlights" worth sharing from the past weekend...

Roesland Park

on

Pender Island, BC

a lovely walk with an abundance of natural beauty.

Calypso Bulbosa

aka

Lady Slipper Orchids

Lilies

A bench on which to sit and pause...

 count my blessings 

while surveying the views across The Salish Sea....

Skunk Cabbage

The Nature Sanctuary at Medicine Beach

we were there for the Earth Day beach clean up.

Fresh radishes from Raven Rock Farm stand 

at the Farmers Market

love these "red ravishing radishes"

Speaking of red...here is the Encore Red.

We went to the award winning Sea Star Vineyard for a wine tasting...

we purchased some red and white wines.

We invited our neighbours over for a drink and a nibble...

Sitting on the deck later watching the sun slip behind the mountains

taking note of the light 

the subtle changes 

of the intensity and tones.

The sunrise and sunsets are the gentle rhythms

that guide us through our days here at Quarter Deck Cottage.

Hope that your week is off to a gentle start...

Enjoy the gifts as they present themselves to you on your daily round.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Rainy Day Rhythm...

Cheap and cheerful

chrysanthemums

perk me up on a grey rainy day...

The power of flowers can elevate any decor...

a simple jam jar with daisies

a Baccarat crystal vase with roses

a single bloom in a flask

an orchid in a blue and white porcelain planter

depending on your budget

you can get as creative as you like when it comes to floral arrangements.

Vintage Verlys glass satin dish bowl

etched simply with pine cones

sits empty 

beside the window

catching the light

The grandchildren made this colourful Easter Wreath at Michael's.

We were meant to go to the workshop together but I had Vertigo and had to cancel...

it sounds like they had lots of fun.

Our sunsets have been quite stunning 

this week at Quarter Deck Cottage.

I love how sculptural the arbutus trees look set against the yellow skies.

One needn't go far to find beauty 

it is outside just beyond the front door...

all you have to do is open your eyes and look around.

It may surprise you to find that there are ordinary things 

which when studied 

on close inspection

look like works of art.

I never come home from a walk without seeing something quite lovely.

Perhaps that is why I love to walk so much...

not only do I feel restored and re-energized

there are snippets of Nature's handiwork at every turn.

I make it my goal to seek out the delights that Nature has provided...

A juicy red rose hip still clinging to the vine...

Queen Anne's Lace seed head boldly standing tall against the blue sky.

A reclaimed lifeboat

re purposed as a planter at the end of the road.

The Riddle Family plant this boat with seasonal offerings...

The sign says 

"The Point...Of it All!"

A scarecrow and mums were on display for Fall

daffodils and tulips for Spring

 I am already curious what they will plant for Summer.

The rains have arrived after several sunny days so it's a day of domestic chores...

laundry and tidying.

A pot of tea now waits

 I will return to my books and knitting

after I hit the publish button on this post.

The Humble Dishcloth

(a knitting pattern that I return to time and again)

Size 6 or 7 (US) needles

Cotton yarn

Cast on 4 stitches

Row 1 - Knit 4 stitches

Row 2 -  Knit 2 Yarn over knit to end of row

Repeat Row 2 until you have 44 stitches

Row 3 - Knit 1 Knit 2 together, Yarn Over, Knit 2 together knit to end of row

Knit row 3 until you have 4 stitches left on the needles

Bind off.

so soothing to knit

useful to use

soft

makes a great Hostess Gift!

Wishing you all a Very Happy Weekend.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Vegetable Extravaganza....

Good morning!

It is really really early...I am wide awake.

Thank goodness the coffee is hot 

as I stand by the window watching the sky.

The morning light is just peeking over the horizon.

All is quiet.

I am conscious of my breathing.

  I will sit here in peace 

looking out and looking inward.

Preparing as I do for the day to unfold.

I cherish the slow morning time 

pondering life and counting my many blessings

since retiring...

There is a sense of calm and order when one has time to gather their thoughts...

knitting them together 

making them strong

determined.

A blurry snapshot of one of the many bald eagles that perch nearby...

this week I stood among several other cottagers as we watched as a bald eagle spread its vast wings and preened itself.

Such magnificent creatures and they are far bigger up close than one might imagine!

A bountiful haul of beach glass after combing the beach for treasure.

The views are stunning!

Just look at those puffy white clouds punctuating the blue sky

I could sit here for hours 

watching 

as the clouds meander across the expansive sky.

This beach would be a fun place to bring the grandchildren...

they could play on the beach before we sit and nibble a picnic lunch.

Perhaps even have a dip in the salt chuck?

Veggies... 

Prepare for the peeling and chopping.

You are going to be roasted!

Just a smattering of olive oil and a grinding of peppercorns 

then you'll be tossed in a super hot oven to caramelize.

You will be left to cool on the counter 

before being sprinkled with balsamic vinegar 

then topped with crumbled feta cheese

tossed together and devoured by a hungry Hostess!

Roasted veggie salad is a tasty treat and low in WW points!

Vegetable Extravaganza

Roast a variety of root vegetables...

I added mushrooms and zucchini to the pan.

Toss a wee bit of olive oil and mix to coat.

Grind a bit of fresh pepper over top.

Roast at 425 degrees for about 40 minutes.

Turn the veggies halfway.

Cool then sprinkle with some balsamic vinegar, 

add a few crumbles of feta cheese.

IF 

there are leftovers 

simply pop them on top of some lettuce for a healthy and colourful salad.

The charming book that I just read...

Faith Bass Darling's Last Garage Sale

it's definitely worth reading.

Hope that you are having a lovely week...and its almost the weekend!

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

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 ~

Focusing on Calm

Are you aware and take note of the beauty that crosses your path every day?

Focusing on a bright spot of colour or something beautiful from Nature...
can elevate a flagging spirit and change the way we see our world.

Each morning I sit quietly sipping my cafe creme and consciously count my blessings.
I embrace the "attitude of gratitude" and it helps me set the tone for my day...

A bouquet that I gave to a special someone!

This wee yellow flower was blooming on the side of the Esplanade

at Willows Beach where I have been taking my daily walks.

The day was grey, cold and gloomy but this wee pop of yellow 

acted like a lightbulb

 radiating cheer and warmth.

The sun has been trying to come out...

three cheers for trying!

I've noticed that people who walk this route smile a lot when they pass...

generally 

much more friendly than the serious joggers and runners on my local route.

Sending you some sunny yellow cheer...

Chicken piccata

a comforting dinner on a cold blustery night.

Here is a link to a similar recipe on Epicurious.

A hot cup of tea...

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Take care

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Mother Nature's paintbrush...

Frosty morning at Quarter Deck Cottage.

The peace and quiet is restorative and so soothing.

Time to slow down, reflect and take stock of all our blessings.

Rainy morning

time to take a moment and be grateful.

Savouring the stillness and listening to what is in our heart...

taking notes and planning

perhaps trying something new.

Perfect time for hunkering down with a great book.

I was sad when I finished this book as I did not want my session at Parisian Charm School to end!

Jamie and I will be collaborating on a blog post about her newest book 

which BTW I totally LOVE!

Clouds lifting and the sun is starting to make an appearance...

hope to get out for a walk in the crisp air.

Time to go for a walk...

a gentle breeze

sunshine

the gulls are swooping and diving into the Salish Sea.

Serene and pristine Peter Cove.

A snug little bay with mooring buoys for the boats of the summer residents.

Kelp and driftwood wash up on the beaches after the storms.

The glorious beauty of Mother Nature at every turn...

so grateful to be alive and in this magical place.

Watching the ferries come and go...

the gentle ebb and flow of the tides

the rhythm that is humming just outside our door.

Our tray on the coffee table with a simple sea inspired collection

shells from the beaches

a few feathers gathered on our walks

the piece of coral a gift from a dear friend

a lavender soy candle made on the island.

The dining room table dressed in a similar fashion.

A book found in the used section of the Island Book Shop...

a new day dawns

there will be ferries to watch

ravens will be cawing

with a mug of hot coffee in hand

my thoughts stray 

as I watch the waves on The Salish Sea beyond our deck.

Views from the sofa...

change as the morning light moves across the Salish Sea

illuminating the trees and valleys 

of Vancouver Island...

Hope that you are safe and snug in your part of the world.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog today.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~