365 Days of Gratitude - Day 319

A sense of humour is imperative!

On the weekend I headed to the store to buy one of these - a memory stick. Simple errand, or so you'd think.

I walked into the electronics department, found a sales guy (I swear he was 12), and promptly asked him to direct me to the, the, um, er, the...the...dammit, my menopausal brain forgot the word.

My sister warned me a few years ago that menopausal memory took away most nouns. I swear I also forget verbs, adverbs, adjectives, even names. So I stood there, repeating um, um, um, all the while gesturing plugging a memory stick into the side of a laptop.

The kid says, 'oooooo charades! I love charades,' and starts hammering out guesses.

I'm still standing, plugging in my pretend memory stick, not laughing, trying to remember the damn word!

Another kid arrives. At least he looks 15. 'Charades!!,' he yells. And the two throw guess after guess.

'It plugs in. How many syllables? How many words?' On and on.

And then, in a quiet magical moment my eyes focus on the display ahead of me. There they were, the memory sticks. I smiled, said, 'never mind. There they are,' and promptly walked off.

I heard from behind me, 'what? That's it? You left us hanging mid game?!'

It wasn't until I was home again and putting my memory stick to use that I thought omg, did that happen? Honestly, I would be embarrassed but it happens quite often. You young girls giggle and think  that'll never happen to you and then one day you wake up playing charades in the electronics store.

My advice. Laugh. It's either that or cry.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

My memory stick

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 318

Feeling extremely grateful for another whirlwind 24hr getaway with 'the smith kids.' We had a pre-Xmas gathering without all the kids and grandkids. 

I'm blessed to have such a great in-law family -we truly enjoy each other's company. What an awesome time!

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Looking east over the lake and Mike and Lori's this morning

The bonfire

The siblings (one couldn't make it. Yes those boys all look alike!)

The spouses

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 317

This morning one of our neighbours posted in our Sugarbush Bulletin that they were collecting items for the Syrian refugees that are arriving soon to Base Borden (near us).

I can't tell you how excited this news was for us, and how happy we were to spend our morning gathering much needed items.

It doesn't take much to take stock of your own things, and then donate to more needy people. This is something we do a few times a year, probably like most of you. We are so delighted to be able to do something to help the Syrians feel welcome in their new home.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Lots of beautiful items for warm and cold weather. 

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 316

Yesterday I got involved with a Facebook post about music. The premise was to fill newsfeeds with favourite songs rather than negative nonsense.

Music feeds my soul and what a blast this little game turned out to be. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to all the choices everyone made over the last couple days. Some choices were trips down memory lane and others were introductions to new artists (to me).

So. Much. Fun.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 315

Fresh air fixes everything. Or so I always told the kids. 

This morning I woke feeling curmudgeonly. Not sick, but not myself. Usually that's an easy fix with a bit of fresh air, but today's sky was dark and the rain fell relentlessly.

I knew Paul would question my sanity (and he did), but I decided to follow my own advice and get some good old fashioned fresh air. Yes it rained. Yes the forest trails were a combo of melting snow, water, muck, and ice. And yes, going for a run worked.

Ive always been like that. When I feel like crap I head outdoors. I remember my marathon training days where I had a 1km rule. No matter how sick I was, I'd run 1km. If I really felt awful I would turn around and go home. Otherwise I'd keep going. I'd say 99 out of 100 times I'd keep running because I always felt somewhat better. Maybe not perfect, but better for moving my body and breathing fresh air.

Today was the same. I'm not perfect, but I'm feeling better for having spent time sweating in the good ole outdoors.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Relaxing by the fire for the rest of the day

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 314

Lately I've been working on clearing the clutter from our office. Paul and I decided it was time to get rid of paperwork, files, binders, and junk that is no longer needed.

I've become the shredding queen.

Today I opted out of a trail run, even though the sun was shining and nature was beckoning and dove head first into shredding and cleansing everything related to my old company Louise Smith Consulting Inc. 

It's been a strange day. As I emptied the file cabinet and rammed paper through the shredder I couldn't help but wander down memory lane.

All the old clients. The companies I worked with. The keynote speaking. The workshops I facilitated. The people I teamed with. My gosh I even had a file called 'eulogies' that I had delivered over the years. 

Each file folder brought back some wonderful memories and I thoroughly enjoyed reminiscing.

Did I save anything? Yes, family photos. I spent equal time gathering and transfering them to safe keeping.

It's been a funny day. Full of great memories, yet it was cleansing and somewhat liberating. You can't reach for anything new if your hands are still full of yesterday's junk.

Who knows what the future holds, but at the very least our file cabinet is ready! 

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Came across this old map of Paris from when Sydney and I backpacked through Holland and France when she was 16. Good memories! No I didn't keep the map.

Ready for my 3rd trip to the recycling depot

365 days of Gratitude - Day 313

The first ski of the season is always special. More so this year because of the massive dump of white stuff 2 days ago will probably leave shortly due to the pending double digit temperatures. 

It was a 'get 'er done' kind of desire - to fit that first ski in while I could, even though the snow melting means an extended riding season.

My dear friend Marion and I faught super sticky snow (check out the photo), weighted boughs and branches, and temperatures that creeped above freezing - and man o man it was WORTH IT!

At one point we crested the top of Hummer Hill and as we stopped to enjoy the incredible scenery two beautiful red tailed hawks took flight and soared in circles right above our heads. It was hard not to feel the messages from Mother Nature. What a soul cleansing, spirit lifting jaunt on our back country skis. 

Thanks Marion! Thanks hawks! Thanks Mother Nature!

Feeling grateful,

Louise

We hiked over, through and under a ton of this

Good thing Marion had silicone spray in her pack - we had to re-apply numerous times so THIS wouldn't keep happening

Beautiful picture of Marion with Riley - that JRT is such a trooper. 

On our way to Hummer Hill. 

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 312

It was a beautiful snowy day here in Sugarbush. Feeling very thankful I'm wired in such a way that I truly enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature at this time of year.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Guess the lake?! (Hint: stopped by on my way home from errands in Orillia)

Loving the low ceiling on the tree tunnels today (photo by Linda as we headed out for a snowshoe)

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 311

Feeling extremely thankful for a whirlwind 24 hour getaway with our dear friends and x-neighbours Sheila, Ken, Cathi, and Kudret. Oh my goodness I don't think I have laughed that hard in years! 

We miss you guys dearly and can't wait for our next crazy adventure together. 

Feeling grateful,

Louise

This is what we came home to. Not a single flake down in the old 'hood.

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 310

Breakfast in my favourite greasy spoon with this guy! Yes that's a big glass of chocolate milk - some things never change - just like when he was a little guy.

Life is good.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Eldest son Eric enjoying Fran's eggs benny on toasted homemade bread.

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 309

I was staring out the window this morning at this stunning sunrise when the text came in.

'Hey, supposed to snow. Wanna ride? Now? Before it starts?'

Well hell yes! Given the temperatures went from +15 yesterday to +2 today, and the weather folks are calling for the fluffy stuff almost every day next week I figured I better squeeze one more 'fall' ride in.

My toes froze and we rode the last 20 minutes with a few flurries biting our cheeks but that was one heck of a way to pat November on the back and say THANK YOU!

Feeling grateful,

Louise

The sunrise that started it all

The best part of fall riding/hiking in these parts is that with the heavy greenery/canopy/forest floor growth gone you can see all the hills and dales. Ahhhh, bliss!

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 308

Babies and bikes - a perfect day.

This morning I had the immense pleasure of snuggling this darling 2-week old sweetie. Oh my goodness I forgot how wonderful a newborn feels in your arms. Especially a content one like little Harlowe. Momma Andrea and daddy Levi sure have two beautiful, happy kids. I'm still smiling!

This afternoon I took advantage of the +15 degrees and fit a super lovely bike ride in with girlfriends Holly and Linda. With snow arriving tomorrow it sure felt special to get out today.

Perfect day!

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Apparently I'm not so good with selfies (missed me lol), but I do think I captured the BEST part - wee little Harlowe snuggled in my arms

Ridge riding here in Sugarbush. So good!

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 307

I have been riding, hiking, running and skiing in the Copeland Forest since long before I moved here. This morning I went for a trail run with my buddy Alex and low and behold we came across a sand dune.

A sand dune. A no doubt about it, can't miss it, big ole sand dune in the middle of the forest. The same forest I swear I intimately know every single trail in.

Apparently I don't.

In truth, the big-ass sand dune is on a double track trail - which I ski on daily in the winter, but never once have I hiked or ridden it in the summer. To me it's always been covered in snow.

I love being surprised by nature!

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Of course I made Alex run up the hill for a photo

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 306

It was a coming home kind of day for me. 

First of all I spent the afternoon with niece Sarah and wee little Smith. Sarah lived with us for a few years after she finished post secondary school and she's held a special place in my heart ever since. 

Spending time with her brings so many wonderful memories flooding back - it's like coming home.

The three of us headed to the 'ravenshoe trails' for a little hike before lunch. Before we moved north I spent a great deal of my time running and riding in this forest tract. The trails are so ingrained in my memory I remembered certain trees, certain corners, obstacles, and hills. Soaking up that forest was also like coming home. 

Having Smith snuggled next to my heart the entire time was, well, perfection. Not an afternoon I will soon forget.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Me and Smith selfie

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 305

I knew the temperatures were going to soar again today, and I knew there were a number of chores I needed to accomplish around the house BEFORE I could/should throw my hands in the air and say, 'ah screw it, life's too short not to squeeze in (yet another) warm November ride!'

But I woke up to this. Fog, fog, beautiful fog. An entire morning of fog. 

Thank you mr. universe for conspiring to make me work. Chores are nearly done AND the fog has lifted. A double blessing kind of day!

Feeling grateful, 

Louise

Taken from my deck earlier this morning

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 304

Another Sunday of incredible November weather!!! The setting sun is beaming in the windows as I type.

Feeling grateful. So, so, so grateful.

Louise

Today's ride (Paulie and I were in shorts!)

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 303

As I've grown older I've lost a lot of my extroverted characteristics - mainly being social. I much prefer quiet solitude and my social time has turned out to be taking somone with me as I ride, run, or hike in the forest.

I don't often say yes to party invitations any more, and tonight was the exception! My dear friends Nate and Janna (from my Treetop guiding days) where having a lil shindig that sounded way to fun to miss.

Pot luck dinner. Arts and crafts, and jamming for the musical ones.

If it wasn't for our ride coming to get us, SIL Lori and I would still be there. What. A. Blast.

Feeling grateful, 

Louise

Photos aren't the best, but it's all I got

The jam session

Steph a the colouring station

Lori and Rachel at the painting station

I was pleasantly surprised how well these young kids could participate in a pot luck dinner!

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 302

It's hard to put my gratitude in words today. I watched and read the news coming from Paris, France and immediately my thoughts went to my French son Mickael's sister Anais. 

I am grateful for technology and being able to connect with her almost immediately making sure she was safe and out of harm's way. The alternative would have been too much to bear. 

Even with this horrifying news I am finding ways to be grateful,

Louise

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 301

You know you and your mate are wired the same when you sit side by side researching quiet generators for camping a little more off the grid - and it's exciting to you both.

We're having a ball planning our next adventure. Stay tuned.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Check out this beauty

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 300

For as long as I can remember my husband Paul has taken care of the car needs for his flock of women.

It started out with me. Then my parents (okay, so there are some men). Then one by one my female friends started buying Toyotas. As the years passed, nieces reached the car buying age and joined Paul's flock.

Paul is honest, and kind, and humble, and he just happens to have had a career in parts and service at a number of Toyota dealerships. He takes the fear out of the car-fixing process and guides his flock as to the choices they need to make. 

Since we moved north I often play host to the friends and family that drive north for their service. Today was my lucky day as niece Sarah came up and her wee guy Smith.

I ooo'd and goo'd and squeezed, snuggled, kissed and carried sweet wee Smith till my heart was overflowing with love.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Me all wrapped up with wee little Smith

Oh my gosh he's too cute

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 299

The planning committee of the Rebecca Run for SMA (Cory, Theresa, and I) had a little meeting-of-the-minds today. I am super excited about our 15th anniversary event July 9, 2016.

Stay tuned for some awesome event news ... but until then mum's the word.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

P.s. Race registration is open. This year we fully expect the event to sell out. Www.rebeccarun.com 

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 298

Over the years I've heard many people whine and complain about their in-laws. Well I think I must be the luckiest girl in the world because I have the BEST ones. 

I started the day with the most hilarious phone conversation with my sister-in-law Theresa (my brother Doug's wife). Oh my goodness I wish I lived closer to her, I can't even imagine the shenanigans we'd get up to.

Thanks Treese! I've been laughing all day long!

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Treese with her lap dog Zeus 

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 297

There's no doubt last week's windstorm in our area brought a lot of trees down. Hiking and biking in the trails over the weekend showed us there is a lot of work to be done in the trails.

I think one of the things I enjoy most about living in the forest in this area is that no one seems to lose sleep or make a big drama ordeal about the clean up work. It's as though everyone understands that forests are alive, trees come down, and clean up is required.

No sensationalized on-going news reports. No drama-filled reports about the work in the trail systems. Just solid folks who, without fanfare or need for organizing big group clean ups, grab their chainsaws and do a little work.

99% of the time no one ever knows who the trail fairies are except the fairies themselves. 

I love living here!

Feeling grateful,

Louise

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 296

After a fabulous day with girlfriends I'm enjoying this stunning sky as my sweetie and I prepare food for a yummy BBQ dinner.

Life is good. 

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Today's setting sun (looking west from our deck)

Today's rising sun (looking east from our deck)

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 295

This is always a fear when you live in a hardwood forest and a wicked windstorm passes through. Happy to say there was no damage at our place and power was only out for a brief moment.

Not everyone in our area was as lucky. Hopefully trees are cleared quickly, power is restored, and costs  to individuals is limited.

I'm reminded of when I was a kid living in Dryden, Ontario in the 1970's. A massive windstorm blew through the area and 26 jack pines blew down in our yard alone. We were camping at the time and by sheer luck no trees came down on our tent trailer. The damage to the area was extensive. 

Feeling grateful,

Louise

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 294

I'm winding down my season with Treetop Trekking and although the last few weeks has been hectic for me I'm grateful for such an awesome year.

My favourite part of working for an entrepreneurial company is that we all work together to create the vision of our leader. It's been a fullfilling year in many ways.

A few more days and then I'm off on another tangent till spring.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

I love this crazy group of people! 

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 293

I drove east today during the most incredible sunsrise. There was a mist on the fields and a golden glow in the sky. Stunning, stunning, stunning.

Then I drove west tonight during the most incredible sunset. For whatever reason the entire cloudless sky was orange as the sun dipped lower and lower.

I didn't get photos of either.

I thought, surely someone will have captured these incredible moments, and surely someone will post their photos. And surely I can borrow one to post here for you to see.

Nada. Nuttin. No one.

I'm feeling incredibly grateful to have witness both, and I've had to borrow a couple photos off the internet to try to show you what they looked like. Here goes...

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Exactly what the fields looked like this morning. Not my photo.

Not my photo, but the sky was this orange. 

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 292

It was another one of those 'full' days where each hour was accounted for long before the morning alarm went off.

It was also calling for a 20 degree day. And 20 degree days in November scream FIT A RIDE IN AT ALL COSTS!

So I did. A post-work, late day ride just before the sun was setting. No matter how stressful life is, a sweet ride on a warm fall day with the setting sun balances mind, body, spirit.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Marion hoisting the bike in celebration of an incredible ride on a beautiful day

My turn to pose as the sun was setting

Racing the setting sun

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 291

I jumped at the chance for a lunch-time ride today to give my poor brain a break from my heavy workload. The best thing for me when I'm in strategy-mode is to get out of my own way for a bit and think of something else. Works like a charm everytime.

My new bike has wider handlebars than my old bike. Substantially. Much of the trail systems I ride locally are built for narrower bars. This means I have to manoeuvre through trees non stop. That's something mountain bikers refer to as 'threading the needle.'

Linda and I got quite the chuckle at this one. These are my bars - scraping the trees at either end (for the photo). And in Linda's hand are a few handle bar caps we saw on the ground by these trees - obviously they were ripped out of some other poor sods' bikes who weren't so successful in threading the needle.

We giggled about this for quite a while. 

Feeling grateful,

Louise