Drip Drip Drop

Drip, drip, drop

Little April shower

Beating a tune as you fall all around

Drip, drip, drop

Little April shower

What can compare with your beautiful sound?

Beautiful sound, beautiful sound

Drip, drop, drip, drop

(Little April Showers - Bambi)

Okay so it's not exactly April anymore and in all honesty, it hasn't even been raining out here. BUT we did have a delightfully non-spring-like dump of snow on May 1st! Oh the joys of being in Jackson Hole.

However, with said dump of 6 inches, came a whole day of symphonious dripping as the fluffy snow melted away, dropping in heavy clumps from tree branches and leaking over the eaves of buildings. Drips and drops were heard all over campus as the snow turned to slush and the ground turned to mush. By late afternoon the sun was shining happily down on the muddy lawn and the snow was scarce.

The sparkling drops of weeping snowmelt continued into the evening. The sound was close enough to resembling a light April shower that I was willing to pretend and sing-a-long to the Bambi song as I went about the day. Now all we're missing are those supposed "May flowers".

I had almost forgotten how Wyoming seems to misunderstand the word "spring" as an actual change of seasons...

Bruised and Broken

Not knowing

All this time not knowing
Where you are, where you're going

Hidden mostly, sometimes showing
Shining little, softly glowing

Behind the clouds that go on snowing
Swept off by wind that's ever blowing

And time keeps stretching, somehow slowing
Dull and dreary, nothing growing

But like the river ever flowing
Still we wait in hope, unknowing

Once upon a time...

I had a little sister who was just the cutest little person in the world. She was my best buddy and we made quite the pair. Back then I was two years taller than her, two years faster and two years smarter. But most of the time I felt that there was nothing separating us. She was my playmate, my confidant and my partner in crime. She was a goofy, squealing little child, ticklish too a fault and with a smile as wide as the horizon and bright as the sunrise. Her long blonde hair was unkept, her front teeth missing and her knees skinned but she was, even then, unbelievably beautiful.

This little scruffy sister of mine has grown up. She's still my best buddy in the world and together, we are a force to be reckoned with. Now I'm the shorter one and her long legs outrace mine but I'm pretty sure I've still got some smarts on her... There is nothing that comes between us and I trust her with my life. She's still a goof and I love to tickle her until she is in fits, if only to see that dazzling smile again and again. A couple weeks ago, I saw that unkept, skinned-knee little girl transformed into a stunning image of grace and astounding beauty. Could I ask for a more gorgeous subject for these photos???

Thursday Smiles (No. 4)

I love this time of year. The fresh crisp air, the wet green grass, the taste of summer on the wind. I love the daffodils that sprout up in the highway medians, how their bright bobbing heads seem to dance to a rhythm only they can hear while the rest of us race on by consumed by our busy lives. I love waking up to a foggy morning, moisture beading every surface, every sound muffled and ever so slowly the sun peels away the mist to reveal a sparkling blue sky.

There's nothing like those first spring sunsets, the enchanting colours of the clouds and the immediate chill that chases the sun over the horizon.

You can't beat the smell of spring flowers, first to brighten the gardens and paths of an awakening world coming to life. They seem to pop up everywhere and bloom overnight, soaking up both the intermittent days of sunshine as well as the life-giving spring showers.

The rain, oh the rain. Nothing like spring in the Fraser Valley. It's definitely not the time of year to be planning picnics but how I adore those spur of the moment walks in the sun, stealing the snatches of warm weather we are given, dreaming of summer. And how high our hopes soar as we dream of heat and vacations and days without rain.

Oh spring. You make me smile.

Thursday Smiles (No. 2)

I did it!!! Bet you all are so proud of me...and probably surprised...but yes, I managed to actually do this twice in a row. I'm proud of myself. :)

So. Today is Groundhog Day and that is reason enough to smile, dontcha think? I mean, it's a rather ridiculous little practice: to observe the groundhog and hope it doesn't see it's shadow so that we can all look forward to winter being over. I mean really?? Firstly, I have to say, it makes no sense. I think if it SEES its shadow, spring should be coming because that would mean it has to be SUNNY...but that's just me and ALSO what if the groundhog just doesn't look in the right direction? Or what if something else causes a shadow that it sees? Too many flaws. Yet people show up to the festivals, people listen for the announcement on the radio, for goodness sake there are several rather famous groundhogs around North America who even have statues built after them. Soooo ya. People's odd fancies strike me as amusing.

In any case, I decided to celebrate Groundhog Day in my own way! How? might you ask... well I conducted my own little search for spring around my yard. I believe I can say without a doubt...spring is coming. ...of course it must be coming because it can't be going anywhere...

So here are some of the images from my little scavenger hunt.


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And here's my adorable puppy who always makes me smile!


Other smiles from the week came in various forms. I saw this earlier this week, a little note on Instagram which read:

Roses are red

Violets are blue

When I think of you

My writing comes out corny

 Now THAT cracked me up. I'm easily amused apparently... So in honour of that holiday of love coming up soon, there is a little poem for you to share with those you care about :)

This little cooking adventure my mom and I had...pork chops and apples. It looked great going in but...we have to work on it a bit I think. The end result wasn't my favourite dish to consume.

And finally, going to the grocery store...in slippers!!! yes!!!! Nothing quite like it. I've decided I shall do it any other time I have need to whip over there for something quick. It's too great.

And this concludes my second "Thursday Smiles"!!

And THIS is spring

I'm sorry Jackson Hole, you're beautiful but THIS is what I have been missing! SPRING: Blue skies! Warm sun! Green grass! FLOWERS!!! Birds!! I love my Fraser Hole!!!

Our lovely apple blosoms

Rhodos budding

Apple blossoms and blue sky!!!

New leaves on the holly tree

A personal favorite: lilacs

Last of the tulips in the front yard

Yep, even the dandelions were a welcome sight!

I was dragged from my bed this morning and literally went from covers one minute to clothes and in the car 10 minutes later...had to join my sis and Mom for a walk of course! It was rather enjoyable to be out in the sunny morning air with all the birds chirping and the cheery people out and about. I just can't get over how green everything is. I don't even mind that it rained ALL DAY yesterday because it makes everything so fresh and beautiful the next day. As hard as it is being away from my Jackson home, I do so love it here as well.