frozen in time

We went up to the Lac Vert, (Green lake)just beyond the Plateau d'Assy ski area,  a couple weeks ago after the first snow.  It seemed to mirror my feelings of being caught between two seasons.  The autumn  leaves held on tight,  still peeking out from underneath the weighty snow.  And the magnetic pull of winter set in, while the Mont-Blanc showed off its new coat of white just beyond the trees.

It was one of those magical weekends that I didn't want to end.

Then again, who ever really does want the weekend to end?   But at least since it feels like the week days seem to have sped up a notch again, the weekend is never all that far away.

So, back to our blissful time out and about in the snow and the sun... after a walk around the lake, we had eclairs as an afternoon snack while we watched the parasailers take off across the valley.

Let's all hope for a week of smooth sailing.

Until then, take care!

what the world needs

Today, the world needed me to go and ski with two, wonderful girlfriends.  I would like to thank the world for being so thoughtful and generous, especially for offering a bluebird day with 60 centimeters of freshly fallen snow and bright sunshine.  

I have come alive! 

Have a great weekend!  And if you feel like sharing, I would love to know -- what makes you come alive? 

a snowy snapshot

And just like that, the ski season is underway. We've gotten so much snow the past few days and now the sun is out and we are being treated to a most magnificent start to winter. Hope you are enjoying the view of winter wonder, too! 

weekend sunshine

The weekend is under way a little early over here. We started the morning with raspberry pancakes. I know that it's not the usual fruit of choice for pancakes but they are just a touch more tart than strawberries or blueberries. And I find it's that little bit that makes them even more delicious. What about you? What kind of berries do you go for?

The next couple of days look to be filled with lots of fun. The sun is out. The mix of snow and sunshine is hard to beat and it has me smiling and happy. I hope that you are feeling happy, too.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

double down

This picture is from one of our previous walks. Mostly, I haven't been outside for longer than about 5 minutes this week, otherwise, I start to lose my nose or anything else that peeks out from under my many layers.  It's still absolutely arctic today, but there is a lot to love about these glacial temperatures. The first thing that comes to mind is the necessity for two down comforters on the bed. I find that it's the coziest way to wake up in the morning.

How are you staying warm this winter? Any good tips?

fields of feathers

This is a picture Félix snapped during a walk we took together. It was a beautiful, crisp, sunny day. With all the sunshine and far-below-freezing temperatures that we had over the last few weeks, the snow covering the fields had bloomed into huge, delicate, feathery crystals. It was stunning.  The beauty in nature never ceases to amaze me. What's amazing to you these days?

digging out

Once everyone leaves town after the holidays, life slows back down again in our ski village. And, I find it is very easy to feel snowed under by the New Year lull.  Here are some of the ways I've been combatting the inevitable beginning of January slump:   

• Putting Clover in the pack and going for walks
• Going for an afternoon crêpe in Chamonix with my two boys
• Skiing in the sunshine with Félix
• Keeping an eye out for photos I want to take
• Meeting friends for coffee in the morning
• Putting on some good music
• Dancing to some good music
• Watching Clover dance to some good music
• Having friends over for tea in the afternoon
• Researching new projects that I can take on
• Going looking for shooting stars
• Celebrating our wedding anniversary – 5 years with Félix, already!
• Signing up to volunteer at a ski race
• And when I don't have the energy to get out and go for a walk, I say yes to the people that do.  (Thanks, A & A!)

Reading back through this list, I easily forget that I was ever feeling anything less than joyful about the arrival of January. In fact, I quite like this time of year.

spearmint & snowflakes

It has been snowing non-stop here for the past week and more is on the way for the weekend. It looks like it will be a very white Christmas. What a gift. Speaking of fun gifts, guess who is featured over on Spearmint Baby today? Take a look if you like!

winter wonderland

The first snow of the season has arrived. The bunny hills in our village have a nice covering of white. My favorite thing about the flurries, especially at nighttime, is the quiet calm that a blanket of snow brings. All sounds are softened, muted, making everything feel a little more magical. Winter wonderland indeed.

orange & navy

A cute scarf for a wednesday.  This one seems fun and bold for summer. Even though, where I live it is the first day of June and it is snowing!  I lived in a tank top this weekend and this morning I had to get back out the ol' Sorel boots to tromp through the snow. Anybody up for hot chocolate?