Little Brown Church In The Vale!

Hello My Friends,

Last Sunday our family bundled up and joined my father on a speaking engagement at a little church in Dixonville. Dixonville is a small town about a half an hour outside Peace River, it’s the first time I had been there. The jewel of the community was this lovely, little, brown, log, church in the middle of the town. I was in love as soon as I saw it. Picture a small, chocolate brown building, a red, brick chimney, shovelled walking paths, and fluffy snow dusting the top of its roof and the trees that surround it… lovely. The service was short but sweet. After the service the congregation invited us back for a lunch that they had prepared, sandwiches, coffee, and pie. The children held a little competition where they competed for prizes and medals. The competition was also held to raise funds for a charity that provides surgery for children in need. I felt such a sense of community there, it was refreshing. It brought such sweet memories of my childhood; times spent playing and enjoying the small things of life. It was a great reminder to put away grudges, politics, and pettiness. Instead enjoy each other and do good for your neighbor. It also reminded me of one of my favorite quotes from Peanuts “A hug is better than all the theology in the world.” Take some time this week to give someone a hug: a real, long lasting, no strings attached, hug.

Melanie.

SOTD:

The Hounds Of Winter By: Sting

A Thought To Make You Smile:

The smell of chimney smoke catching your nose when you're out for an evening stroll. 

Winter's Arrival!

A Frosty Hello,

Well it's safe to say that old man winter has arrived, and in all his glory. Northern Canada has its fair share of the winter season. Now, I won't disagree that it has its downsides but there are some upsides to winter also. What I love about this time of year is one is forced to slow down, rest, and enjoy the leisurely pace of winter. I look forward to the dark, star filled evenings, candles, wine, and good music. Christmas, which is right around the bend, is another perk of winter. Winter scenery is another love of mine. A covering of pure white, evergreen branches topped with snowflakes, and deciduous trees appear full and lush once again with the ice crystals forming on their once barren branches. It is a visual paradise. The Peace Region comes alive in the winter when its trees are laden with Hoar Frost. It's one lovely backdrop! I haven't completed a fashion post in a while so I thought there is no better time then now. I bundled up and braved the freezing temperatures for this photo shoot. It was worth it, what a gorgeous landscape. I'll probably be singing a different tune about winter come February, but for now I'm going to enjoy this beautiful time of year. 

Melanie.

"There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you.... In spring, summer and fall people sort of have an open season on each other; only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself."  ~Ruth Stout

Outfit Deets:
Sweater: Winners
Dress: Penningtons
Leggings: Addition Elle
Boots: Evans

SOTD:
Wind  by: Brian Crain.

A Thought To Make You Smile:
Impromptu snowball fights!

Remembrance long weekend!

Hello,

This past weekend was wonderful. It was jam-packed with, shopping, makeovers, birthdays, movies, games, baking, and times of remembrance. Friday we had a lovely Remembrance Day ceremony at school. I’ve always tried to take time and honor the sacrifice of the men and women who gave of themselves for my benefit. I find the selfless attitude humbling and inspiring. I’m proud to say that I’m a granddaughter of a World War II veteran. My paternal grandfather, Fredric Pittman, served five years during the Second World War. His bravery and sacrifice overwhelms me with pride. I pray for peace for this world and honor the lives given to attain the peace I’ve known in my life.

"And now every [November] I sit on my porch and I watch the parade pass before me and I watch my old comrades, how proudly they march reliving old dreams of past glory and the old men march slowly, all bent, stiff and sore. The forgot heroes from a forgotten war and the young people ask, "What are they marching for?" and I ask myself the same question. And the band plays Waltzing Matilda and the old men answer to the call.But year after year their numbers get fewer some day no one will march there at all."

- Eri Bogle.

After school I joined my buddy Sue on a shopping excursion for a new party dress. She picked out a beautiful dress and looked lovely in it. I rushed home to meet up with a couple other friends, Jill and Judith, we went out for supper and stopped back at my place for a good chat that lasted well into the night.I love nights like that!!! Saturday was my friend Allison’s birthday; she wanted a make over, so we went shopping to get her a new outfit and makeup. I gave her a makeover she looked amazing! Good bones to work with, right Al? We all went out for a nice dinner followed by a movie. We saw the new James Bond flick I loved it. I had heard some mixed reviews but I loved the film, probably my favorite thus far. Sunday was an impromptu supper and games night at my brother Jon’s. I baked a cake but it kind of fell apart, the top of the cake didn’t want to let go of the pan :( The only redeeming fact was it tasted good. We played the game Quelf, It is such a fun game that I'm going to dedicate a whole blog to it, which will happen in the near future. Monday was a lazy day, I did a little shopping with my mother. I spent the rest of the day chilling out, resting before heading back to work. The weekend was great, I grow more in love with long weekends as time goes by, I guess everyone does? Hope you all had a great long weekend and have a great week ahead. 

Melanie.

SOTD:

I've Got This Friend by: Civil Wars

A Thought To Make You Smile:
Long weekends!

A Spooktacular Holiday!

Hello ghouls and goblins,

I’m writing a little late with my Halloween post, but better late then never right? Halloween was great fun again this year. I enjoyed both the adult Halloween festivities, the weekend before the holiday, and those at school on the 31^st. The weekend before Halloween I got do a little Christmas shopping with a friend and hear some really great music with my brother. My friend Lindsay and I took an impromptu trip, to the city, to do a little Christmas shopping. It was nice to get away for the day. When I got home my brother had scored two free tickets to Dr. Hook and asked if I would like to accompany him. Would I like to accompany him? Hells yeah! It was a great show, the band was fantastic. The old guy can still rock out for a 75 year old. It was a privilege to see such a classic rocker. Playing dress up has been a favourite pastime of mine since I was a young child; the desire has never left me. I got to pacify that desire by dressing up for Halloween at school. I love seeing all the creativity the staff and students put into their costumes. This year I went as a broken china doll. I wanted to use things I had at home and not spend money on a new costume. I was pleased with how the costume turned out. I hope you all had a spooktacular holiday!

Melanie

“A gypsy fire is on the hearth, Sign of the carnival of mirth;
Through the dun fields and from the glade
 Flash merry folk in masquerade,
For this is Hallowe'en!
~Author Unknown


 

SOTD:

Danse Macabre by: Camille Saint-Saens

A Thought To Make You Smile:

Leftover Halloween treats.