I've graduated ....

 I have completed my new graduate degree, I am now a clinical mental health counselor. It's bittersweet ... a challenging three years .... working full-time, family responsibilities, stress of the world, the death of my mom .... I made it through. Patting myself on the back here .... it's important to remind oneself how resilient we are. Life is not always a piece of cake. Thank you for being on this life journey with me.

On another note, now that I have some free bandwidth, I started a new knitting project. The pattern is called Aristea by Evelyn Siatra. 

I purchased the yarn at Les Laines Biscotte in St Eustache. Love the hand dyed look. The yarn consist of 90% Merino SW and 10% Silk. It's so soft!

It took me forever, like three (3) days to figure out how to properly do a 2 x 2 Tubular cast-on. OMG, what a nightmare ... but persevered and finally got it to look right. I wouldn't get that continuous look from front to back.

It's been pushing my comfort zone ... slowly moving into more complex patterns. I'm enjoying creating new pieced for my wardrobe. 

Thanks for stopping by .... Peace to all! Namaste

Self-care ... immerse in nature ...

 Last August I once again took a trip to Newfoundland. It was a time I scheduled for me to heal. I was grieving the death of my mom and with my busy schedule (full time work/school) had not had the time I needed to take it all in. So off to Newfoundland I went.

There is something about Newfoundland that speaks to me. This time I took the 16 hour long ferry to Argentia to begin exploring the Avalon section - Bottom yellow section.

I was so excited to finally arrive.

 I spent my first night in La Manche Provincial Park. What a gorgeous place. 

I have not been disappointed with any provincial or federal parks that I've stayed in. I cannot say the same for private camping sites, which I tend to stay away from as much as possible.

Had my first meal at the Riverside Restaurant & Lounge in Cape Boyle. OMG, the fresh mussels were to die for.

And I enjoyed my very first Iceberg beer from Quidi Vidi Brewery.

OMG, soooo good and refreshing. It's actually made with Iceberg water. I did buy a case of 12 to bring home. In hindsight ... I should have bought more to share. For the record, I still have two bottle left ... keeping them for a special occasion ;)

To be continued ....

Thanks for stopping by. Cheers!

It's been a while ...

 It's not that I don't have anything to blog about .... it's just that life is requiring from me to make some adjustments. I've always been in introvert .... and quite enjoy being by myself ... and when life gets intense ... I just retreat and spend time evaluating and adjusting. I know this about myself, so I do make time to be with family and friends .... however some things fall in the neglect category, like this blog. 

I have not mentioned this, but I've been in school full-time for the past three (3) years. I'm presently working on another graduate degree ... a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. If full time grad school wasn't enough, until recently, I was also been working full time (40 hours a week). As you can imaging ... I've even busy. I am now a full time intern at the local hospital (37.5 hours a week), part time work (20 hours a week) and school work/class ... As I re-read the above ... I wonder how I am able to manage it all ... but not going to question it at the moment .... I'm doing it! lol Having said this ... I do enjoy blogging and plan on continuing. 

Now that's out of the way, I have not been quilting much ... as a matter of fact not at all. I do miss it but with my current schedule, picking up the knitting needles seems easier and more efficient than sitting at my sewing machine. 

On the knitting front, I have been attempting to finish some projects, one of which is Storm Sweater by Petite Knit, started in August 2023. 

It was knit with Australian yarn (Merino) sent to me by my dear Aussie friend Cheryl, back in 2015, when I was contemplating taking up knitting again. 

All that was needed to call it a "finish" was to knit the collar. Pumpkin has now claimed the sweater and it looks great on her. Pumpkin wore it when we attended the Rhinebeck Sheep & Wool festival last fall. She received so many compliments ...  I won't lie, it felt great .... I was beaming! lol

Well, that's it for now. I won't inundate you. Thanks for stopping by ... Cheers!

Trip down memory lane ...

As I mentioned, I wondered around Newfoundland with no plans. It was wonderful not to be tied down to anything. It is such a beautiful province. I found this spot, overlooking the north Atlantic.  

I could see myself spending time there ... reflecting. If you hang out long enough, you will see whales at a distance ... doing their whale thing. 

Such beauty all around.

I explored various fishing villages. I could not resist taking this picture. It so reminded me of the 1940's.

I just love it!

So much to explore ....

Miles and miles of beauty ... being on the coastal line, you're bound to run into some lighthouses.

Another one ...

And ... some gorgeous sun sets

I loved my trip ... however the only negative thing I have to say about this section of Newfoundland ... the food stinks. Everything is fried. 

There wasn't any fresh seafood to be had any where. I was hoping for a seafood feast vacation but that was not the case. 

I even went to a fancy hotel restaurant and ordered seafood fettuccine .... OMG ... was it out of a can? The shrimps were so small .... oh, can you spot the scallops? 

I've had better seafood fettuccine in Vermont! Towards the end of my trip, I did come across a restaurant that had an amazing lobster roll and I could get a salad, as an extra.

I was never so happy to see greens! 

Thanks for stopping by. Catch you all later!

Trip down memory lane .... Part 2

 My next stop was in St. Lunaire, there I booked a whale watching tour with The Dark Tickle Company. By the way, a dark tickle in Newfoundland is a narrow salt water strait. 

My ride ....

Me, all suited up and ecstatic for the journey ... it does get cold out there!

A site along the way. For some, a boat is their only means of transportation. Roads do not access all places in Newfoundland.

Roads do not access all places in Newfoundland.

Although, the guides had warned us that the prior groups that day had not seen any whales, they came out for us. They are such magnificent beauties, so graceful, so majestic. 

I love whale tales!

Another beauty!

I have the privilege so seen two (2) whales breach ... I was in such awe that I did not press the shutter fast enough ... 

And of course ... some feeding time.

Coming back to shore.

Thanks for stopping by ... Cheers!

Trip down memory lane .... Part 1

 Last year, my summer vacation took place in Newfoundland, Canada. I have always wanted to visit this province, it is far but so worth it. It did not disappoint, well one thing did but that's for later.

My focus last summer was on the western side of Newfoundland. 

I took the overnight ferry from Sydney, Nova Scotia to Port aux Basque, NF. My ride!

The ferry ride was wonderful and I managed to capture this lovely sun rise as he headed towards inland.

Once on land, I was free to roam as I will. I had no plans, no reservations, no nothing ... it would be a vacation full of unknowns, just me and my camera. I would camp where ever was available. It all worked out fine. 

My lovely home while in NF ... it was cozy!

I worked my way up the eastern coast and, let me tell you, it is absolutely gorgeous ... miles and miles of ocean coast interspersed with small quaint villages along the way. 

I stayed a couple of nights at Gros Morne National Park. There, I witness some beautiful sunsets.

The beach was close to my camp site and so accessible. I would go there at night and gaze at the stars. There was no light pollution, it was a crystal clear sky, miles and miles of stars. I had never seen the edge of the Milky Way and there it was, in all its beauty. I was in awe! 

I worked my way up the northern coast to L'Anse aux Meadow National Historic Site and visited a viking settlement dated over 1,000 years. Ah, Columbus was not the first to North America! 

The Viking shore.

Viking village and homes.

I have to hand it to the Government of Canada for preserving historic sites and making them accessible to the public. I have never been disappointed with any Canadian National Parks. 

Stay tune ... more to come! Catch you all later!

A part of myself is gone ....

I love you so much mom!

Rest in peace!

Such a wondrous event ....

It's one of those once in a life time event ... right in my own backyard!  

It was such an eerie feeling .... for a moment it was total silence! 

In with the new out with the old ...

 Wishing you the best that the New Year has to offer.

To world peace, love, harmony and health ... May we all strive to be the best version of ourselves in 2024 ... Cheers!

Take time to breathe ....

This year, I've been taking the time to enjoy some of the celebrations that take place in my town during the winter holiday season. 

 It was a gorgeous night for a walk. The sky is clear, the air is crisp ... a perfect night for a holiday parade!

Tonight was our town's annual firetruck holiday parade. Firetrucks as well as other vehicles are decorated with lights and various holiday decorations and parade around the area ... What a lovely night for a parade!

What fun ... Enjoy! 

Catch you all later. Cheers!

It's the most wonderful time ....

 I love Christmas! I love everything it represents, Santa Claus, kindness, hope, miracles, beauty, generosity etc... It's a magical season. It's also a time when most of us think of those in need and share our wealth. I love that too about Christmas!

I have quite a few favourite Christmas movies that I like to watch. One of my new favourite Grinch movie is the one with Benedict Cumberbatch as the Grinch. 

Don't get me wrong, I do love the original version and it will always have a special place in my heart. But this version tells the story in a humorous way. There are so many lines I like in that movie. Give it a watch, you might enjoy it too. 

On a Whoville note, I do have my tree up with my favourite ornaments. I like this tree somewhat bare. It puts a smile on my face every time I see it.

I love that the Grinch hangs around! ;)

I've been enjoying my Advent Calendar. I love every stitch marker & progress keeper so far. It's fun to open a window every morning.

Ok, I'll admit, I don't always think of opening a window every morning ... but when I do, it just makes it a bigger treat! ;)

What do you like about this season? 

Thanks for stopping by. Catch you all later! Cheers

Self care

I find it's easy to neglect one's self. Somehow there are always more important things that needs to get done, often at the detriment of our wellbeing.

I'm an expert at that. With all that has been going on in my life presently, I was on the road to a major burnout. Seemed I hadn't learned that lesson well last spring. However, this year I made it a point to respect myself and my need to self care.

Despite the huge amount of work requiring to get done, I took the time on Saturday to have dinner with a dear friend. We went to my favourite restaurant and, of course, I had my favourite dessert ... Bourbon Pecan pie with homemade ice cream. It's a shortbread crust .... Yum!

It's never too late to celebrate your special day with a friend!

That evening, I also attended a yearly event in my town. Each year, the CPKC Holiday Train makes a stop in our town and provides us with lovely entertainment. 

I bundled up and walked to the train station. It was such a lovely evening, a gorgeous clear sky. I love trains!

Enjoy!

Knitting my summer away

Still in recuperating mode! Not really in the mood to do anything besides spend time with myself knitting away. Self-care is so important and I will admit I have been neglecting myself for the last five months. No time! I'm playing catch up!

Have you heard about the fires in Quebec, Canada? OMG, we are feeling it where I live. I thought my area in the US was bad ... Montreal has one of the worse air quality at the moment ... here I am! :-/

On my way into Montreal, as I crossed the Champlain Bridge, I could not see the city of Montreal. That's how much smoke there is. The haze/smoke is so thick!  It was a clear sky, but you wouldn't be able to tell.  Sadly, the Canadian news stated that the fires could be getting worse. Below is a map of the wildfires. It's insane!

I'm trying to stay positive, focusing on gratitude ... it's become more and more difficult with all that is going on in this world .... focus ... happy thoughts!

I finished piecing my daughter's cardigan ... I just have the buttons to sew on. I had three skeins of organic cotton yarn left in Bone and 2 .5 skeins in Thistle. I thought I would knit something else. I really did not want to have any left overs. I bough another skein of the background and decided to make the Tolsta Tee by Rebecca Claw. You can find the pattern here.

Yarn, Blue Sky Fiber organic cotton ... as I mentioned ... left over yarn.

It is now all done .... and even blocked ready for Pumpkin to wear.

I would recommend this pattern. An easy knit ... very potato chippy! lol

Thanks for stopping by. Hoping for peace and harmony in this world! Cheers!