Excavating the dirt and the pursuit of peace.

The Humble Bungalow is usually a quiet place.
We are fortunate to live in a quiet area not far from the city centre...
buffered by Beacon Hill Park and the seafront is a couple of blocks away.

Birdsong, wind, and some local traffic sounds are what we usually hear.

Our peace and quiet has been disrupted by the heavy equipment that is on site next door excavating the lot for the construction of two homes.

You can see our bungalow and the close proximity to the digger.

A steady stream of trucks come by to transport the dirt...

It is rather like a truck parade.

The streets are streaked with mud 

it has been raining so there are many muddy puddles.

I have been leaving home seeking peace and solace elsewhere.

Healthy lunch post Yoga today...

kale salad

2 egg omelette

Eaten in peace while the operator was on his lunch break.

Thank goodness for this timely gift.

The Yoga Studio

 where 

I am able to breathe deeply

sit on the mat 

close my eyes

perform restorative poses

follow through the fluid sun salutation movements

which

restore inner peace and help achieve a sense of calm.

For this I am grateful...

There is an abundance of beauty in our neighbourhood.

Despite the rain I am getting out for my walks.

The noise and chaos next door is a great motivator!

Sipping tea

Lapsang Souchong

a smokey liquid that has an intensity that awakens the taste buds.

This large Emma Bridgewater mug in the Black Toast pattern makes me smile.

You can see my Spring and Summer shade of Lipstick 

 L'Oreal Everbloom

Next time I go to the pharmacy I am going to try to find a pink shade.

I'll ask the gals on staff as they are super helpful

  it would be nice to have another colour on hand.

Hellebores are putting on a great display in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

So that's about all the news from The Humble Bungalow...

what's new with you?

I'll be back soon.

XO

Well Being...

Do you ever feel frazzled?

After last week with chaos of the plumbing problems
I was edgy and feeling overwhelmed.
So I decided to take some "down time" on the weekend for my well being.

Time to slow down,
to stop multi tasking,
take a day or two and have a change of pace and a rest from the regular routine.

Instead of hopping in the shower,  getting dressed and putting on my make up first thing in the morning I sat quietly with my coffee creme
and lazed about wearing my PJ's and robe.

~ Be Well ~

Time to sleep in and indulge in a little downtime
it feels so luxurious...
Giving oneself the permission to take a day off of the domestics is so simple and restorative, yet it is not in my nature, and it could and should be!

My daily walks offer time for peace, quiet and reflection.

Fresh air and exercise are free.

I opt to walk on a scenic route that provides opportunities for me to capture beauty on my IPhone and then I share them on Instagram and here on the blog.

For that I am grateful...

Re-energizing strategies...

"Stop and smell the roses"

 pick a bouquet and arrange them in a vase and enjoy them indoors.

Mariage Freres Paris Tea, 

in a pretty china cup

is the classic elixir that soothes...

an inspiring book that fuels the desire to feather one's surroundings.

Using simple pieces, editing, rearranging collections for a fresh new look.

Finding things in Nature...

using them in the home

pure white feathers

pine and fir cones

beach stones

fern fronds

leaves

shells

I'm embarking on a new project

"fluffing" and "feathering" my hobby room.

I took down my easel and put away my paints as I have not been using them and they take up so much space that I was not taking advantage of the space.

I am collecting a few bits and bobs that I love...

objects that bring me Joy

items that exude

a sense of calm and serenity.

It is a slow process and one not to force or rush.

Listening and looking...

experiencing the feelings a piece can evoke.

This never happens when I am busy or in a hurry.

Slowing down seems to help engage the creative side of my brain.

David Austin's Ballerina rose 

 soft shades of pink and cream 

looks like it could be featured in an issue of Victoria magazine.

I used to buy every issue of Victoria magazine...

Very few magazines have been purchased since I retired...

with the exception of Town and Country and Country Living UK

When I worked in the school I bought oodles of mags and would pour over them while savouring a chocolate bar and sipping tea.

Magazines were an escape from the stresses of work and trying to "do it all."

Home keeping, domestics, parenting, gardening, cooking, shopping etc...

Since retiring I have a looser schedule with fewer demands...

so it should be easy to take a day off here and there,

perhaps by setting unreasonable standards 

or

expecting a lot from myself and others is setting me up for failure.

Is striving for perfection the root of the problem?

See what happens when one has a few days to reflect on things!

I binge watched the newest season of Grace and Frankie On Netflix.

Love that series...

Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin

Sam Waterston and Martin Sheen

and a crazy story line come together to make for a very entertaining show.

I had not considered TV viewing as down time 

but if it makes me laugh and I love the characters

and it feels like an indulgence

I consider it 

 "mental snack food!" 

This blog often masquerades as an online journal...

but by now you've probably already figured that out! 

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

thank you for stopping by the Humble Bungalow.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Waxing poetic...

I awoke very early this morning.
The cats were restless, the birds were chirping and I had thankfully enjoyed a decent night of sleep.

Good Morning from The Humble Bungalow!

 The 100 Year Old House by Rebecca Makkai...
she wrote The Borrower (which I now want to read!)

This book has hooked me from the minute I picked it up yesterday afternoon.
The chapters are short, the characters are strange and eccentric...there's something hiding in this old house...a ghost perhaps, or secrets from the past.

I am already halfway through it...and I don't want to put it down!

Life is ticking along...my hornet stings are not bothering me much now thanks to some quality aloe vera gel but there is an angry red patch which I refer to as the "venom path" which criss crosses my hand and wrist and I hope, in time, it will fade.

I've been really focusing on the garden and reading and have not devoted much time to blog.
It's curious how one's habits can change...you get out of the habit and new habits arise.

Life is like a journey and it is never dull...

opportunities 

challenges

adventures 

pop up

along the way.

We plough ahead...

maintaining a sense of order when at all possible.

Resting when we need to...

but not long enough to rust.

hoping 

for the fruits of our labours 

to be real

tangible

worthy

ripe

red

tasty and sweet

simple

yet glorious

from the first sniff of a ripe red tomato

until you bite into the flesh that gives a little resistance before allowing you to savour the incredible burst of flavour and then inevitably the juice drips down your chin....

(if you are wearing a white tee  you'll be spot treating the stain before it hits the laundry!)

I'm storing up thoughts and ideas and hoping that they will turn into something type-able...

a post or posts that might delight and entertain.

I've noticed many bloggers have taken blogging breaks

and I wonder if we are tired of hearing our own voices?

Are those bloggers voices going to remain silenced forever ?

Or are they soaking up life and about to burst forth like flowers?

I await the sounds and am patient...

nothing to do but wait.

It's quiet here as the neighbourhood starts to come to life.

I can hear my heart beat

the clocks chime

the gentle hum of the bees outside as they flit from flower to flower

a few cars go by

a neighbours dog barks

someone is singing

an unfamiliar song 

as they walk by our bungalow

 on their way 

good morning!

the day has begun.

Summer reading is one of my little luxuries...

as are farm ripe fresh vegetables

I'm off to visit the farm stand today

before I recommence reading

and in between 

I'll do some weeding and watering

and make some dinner

before 

retiring to a comfy bed for another night of slumber.

What are your favourite summer treats?

Are you reading a fabulous book that you'd care to share?

The Sounds of Silence on a Sunny Wednesday Morning.

Hush
it's so quiet...
So quiet that I can hear my breathing and the beating of my heart.
Days with no breeze or wind are rare in our area...it's because the ocean is nearby.

 I tip toe outside...

the warmth and light of the summer sunshine

on my back.

our deck is bathed in sunlight

one of  summer's gifts

shadows come out to play 

The garden is a chaotic riot of greenery

the side yard has been taken over by Lady's Mantle 

it's a massive lime explosion!

our local deer wander by for a nibble here and there

if I left the back gate open perhaps they'd help me out...

dead head a few plants and do some weeding

but if I did I am sure that they'd head straight for my roses!

Jude The Obscure a David Austin Rose

sits out front in our Humble Bungalow Garden

vulnerable to the deer...

a doe and her two babies have been dining here.

One of the stags in our vicinity

and we live fairly close to town

the deer are thriving here in Victoria as there are no predators

(other than man)

urban development has taken over their habitat

forcing them to be resourceful and creative

in a city with so many gardens that offer up a salad bar 

the deer seem quite happy.

the neighbours are building fences

placing nets on their favourite plants

erecting chicken wire barricades

Oak Bay has performed a deer cull and it has been met with a lot of criticism.

There are signs up in the areas where fawns cross the roads... 

"slow down fawn crossing."

It's curious how when we are in a peaceful and quiet setting

 that our thoughts can wander

as we take time to ponder 

life's bigger issues and questions

being in the moment

focusing

changing

shifting

adapting

attempting 

to live in harmony with nature.

Ross Bay Cemetery...

We live quite close to historic Ross Bay Cemetery.
It's a lovely spot for a walk...
if you ever get to visit our city I would suggest that you put a leisurely stroll in Ross Bay
on your "things to do in Victoria list."

Heritage trees, mausoleums, monuments and graves dot the landscape.

Walking in silence in a place of great beauty and peace gives one a sense of serenity.

I felt like I was alone...

but not for long.

A deer was grazing nearby

A carpet of leaves crunch beneath my feet.

someone has lost Sophie the giraffe...

It's mossy in this place...

which is situated just below Fairfield's Moss Rocks.

I was captivated by the gnarly wood on this tree trunk.

I think that's yellow lichen growing on the bark.

A film crew were at work

I was curious what they might be filming but didn't get too close.

The cool ocean air was chilling me to the bone so I cut my walk short taking note that next time I venture out I'll need to wear gloves and a scarf.

If you'd like more information on Ross Bay Cemetery you can check out this link.

Thank you for popping by...

I really appreciate your comments and emails.

Remembrance Day

Lest We Forget...

I'm so grateful to be sitting in our Humble Bungalow...
listening to the CBC Remembrance Day coverage from Ottawa.
Honoring the memory of those who served their country, continue to serve and those who lost their lives so that we may live in freedom.

We must never forget...or take for granted, those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so the we may live in peace.

Fall Wardrobe basics, after the heart rocks...

I started out thinking about rocks when I sat down to write today's post but I segued into my thoughts about my wardrobe quite quickly...so bear with me as I take you on a bit of a romp from rocks to clothes!


Collecting heart shaped rocks has proved ot be quite a challenge.
They are rather illusive on the beach and searching requires a lot of concentration and patience.

Thoughts flutter through my mind as I am in a meditative mood when sorting and seeking rocks.

I sit on a log and scan the area at my feet...

I am the first to admit that it is an odd activity. 

I wonder why I am preoccupied with only the heart shapes

 as there are so many beautiful stones in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes.

The collection is small enough to fit into a vintage silver compote.

These few hearts represent a few hours of beach combing in a calm and focused state.

Peace

Tranquility

Alone with my thoughts

 in a natural setting

of beauty.

Shaped by the tides

they feel smooth in my palm.

Each one is different...

This was the first one I found

while walking along the beach off of Dallas Road waterfront 

I did a double take when I saw it and knew I had to take it home.

Places by the ocean offer up opportunities

 for thoughts to bubble up 

which in a peaceful place 

help me sort out things that might be preying on my mind.

The days are getting shorter as the seasons are in flux.

Soon we will be cocooning indoors by the warmth of the fire with mugs of hot tea to chase the chill away.

Speaking of chill chasers...

sweater and vest weather is coming...

Last year's investment piece, a Barbour vest,

 I wore it often.

Hermes scarf in shades of white and grey...

a great accent piece to add to my basic casual tee and jeans.

These reliable and machine washable Merino tee sweaters will be back on the beat.

They were purchased at Costco last year and look as new and fresh as the day I brought them home.

Shoes will replace sandals...

The quilted Burberry will carry me through the Fall in style.

This Breton striped top layered with the Barbour vest and worn with a Hermes scarf and jeans is an easy look to put together for a day of errands.

It is comfortable to wear to the grocery store.

I'll be wearing boots a lot...

My cashmere cardigans get worn most fall and winter days during the week...

they are my "go to basics" for they offer warmth without the weight and bulk of most wools.

I have a few dressier items in the closet for dinners out and parties.

Peter Nygaard skirt.

A basic black dress can take me almost anywhere.

A vintage beaded cardigan is incredibly versatile and it's a fun and whimsical piece to add some interest to a basic black and grey wardrobe.

A little black skirt can take you most places...

A sweater like this can do double duty as a jacket.

A pair of basic dressy shoes like these will go with everything.

Jeans 

I love my jeans and I practically live in them now that I lead a casual lifestyle...

retirement dressing is so much simpler than when one is working.

It doesn't mean sloppy dressing for me...even my walking gear is pretty.

You'd be surprised how few clothes I have left hanging in my closet.

Since I started blogging I have become so much more aware of my tastes 

 what clothes suit my shape and what I feel good wearing.

Not all my clothes are purchased new.

Some are investment pieces and others are bargains...

this jacket is a wonderful example of a thrift shop find.

This soft cashmere Burberry scarf was a gift from my sweet husband.

It kept me warm and cozy last year and I can hardly wait to wear it again when the temperature dips.

A nod to colour...a bright walking jacket.

Cheerful for our rainy days to come.

A Chanel inspired jacket can elevate a pair of jeans and take me out to lunch.

I like to use accessories to make the most of my basic minimal wardrobe.

They change the mood and feeling and add interest.

They needn't be expensive and can be readily found in stores.

Don't overlook gallery and museum gift shops, ethnic import shops and thrift shops.

Have fun hunting for the pieces that you like and you don't have to settle for the mass produced plastics...

look for the unique, vintage, designer pieces or if you are creative make your own! 

Tune into your inner voice and wear something that expresses a little bit of your personality.

I dare you to push the envelope with accessories.

Fashion should be fun.

My take on dressing is to keep my wardrobe small and manageable.

The basic palette is black, white and grey.

I like to have something hanging in my closet for any occasion so there is no panic shopping required.

I take stock each season of the garments and their condition before storing them.

If they need repair or if they need to be replaced.

At the start of a new season I look at what I already own before embarking on a shopping spree.

I make and use a list so that I do not fall prey to impulse buying...

Too many dollars have been wasted when I shopped as a hobby.

I record all my purchases in a book since retiring and it gives me an idea of how much I spend on clothes.

I am enjoying dressing on a budget and find that I am much more selective and creative with less.

Are you happy with your wardrobe?

Do you have a few choice garments or a closet crammed full of clothes?

“Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”

~ Coco Chanel ~