Take Another Little Piece

Another visit, another town, another little piece of my heart stayed in Oregon.

Ashland, Oregon

Herding Cats

This holiday season, I got to enjoy some quality time with this fuzzy fellow. He reminds me so much of my beloved Fat Monty (here and here) in looks and camera shyness, but unlike Monty, Casper here was built for speed. Trying to get him to hold still for a photo was like... well, herding cats!

I didn't think I was going to get him to hold still anywhere but under the Christmas tree at all.

Eventually, though, his curiousity got the best of him.

"Fine."

Then, decisions were made.
"If you're gonna take my picture, at least make me cute."

And seriously, how could I not?!

I'll Be Home For Christmas

This year marked my third Christmas holiday with my beautiful american family. My presence was demanded more than requested this year, but there was no need; I have come to think of these people as my own.

Christmas Eve kicked off with preparations in the kitchen...

 The kids decorated cookies for Santa...

...and then there was the traditional family game time on Jackbox Games, and a new venture called That's You! Though we usually include the family from out of state, we were fortunate enough this year to have many of them in house with us, and to be able to Skype with Michael, currently stationed overseas with the US Airforce.

Taking the time to learn the plays before logging in to join...

...and away we go. Family time is fun time with this crowd, and there is never a dull moment!

Then.... bedtime!

Six kids, age 1 to 11, hunkered down for a sleepover on the most magical night of the year. They could barely contain themselves, and neither could we!

Our night consisted of patiently waiting to make sure all six littles were asleep before laying out presents and piecing together a massive telescope to be left by Santa. 

It was far into the night before the adults got to bed, but not too far in the morning before the children were chomping at the bit.

Here we go again!

But presents were only the beginning of the day. 

Forty-two people were expected to arrive for dinner.

And arrive, they did!

Presents from Grandma,

time with friends,

and games for kids of all ages.

There are days when I question my constant travels, and my inability to stay in one place for any length of time. Then there are days like this, when I find myself exactly where it is that makes me want to stay still, surrounded by people who let me feel comfortable and safe. It's those days there is not enough distance in the all of the world to keep me away from them, or that feeling of being Home for the Holidays.

family jammies photo by Ashle <3

SnowDay

Had anyone told me ten years ago that the day would come when I'd leave northern Alberta on a bus, to get in a truck, to drive to an airport, to fly to southern Oregon, to get into a truck and drive for two hours... to find SNOW...

...I'd have told them I was looking forward to it. 

And these days, I'd tell them it was so worth it!

Head In The Clouds

One of my favourite things about travelling is the time it gives me to think, to reflect, and to marvel at the beauty of people and places from vantage points otherwise unattainable.

 From the prairie city of Edmonton, Alberta...

...to the Rocky Mountains somewhere near the border between British Columbia and Washington State.

From the tarmac in Seattle, Washington...

...Portland, Oregon...

...and somewhere over all of it where borders mean nothing, and nations don't exist.