Embrace the Rain

    Living on the West (wet) Coast, we get rain.  And a lot of it.  At least it seems that way through the winter months.  I know for a lot of people it can be depressing.  But I've learned to enjoy the rain.  I love sound of it at night.  During the day, when it's grey and gloomy outside, means a day inside to enjoy reading, crafting or baking.  This time of year also means woodstove fires.  There is nothing better to get rid of the damp coldness that can creep into your bones then a hot dry fire!  We're lucky where we live that we hardly get any snow, but the rain can make everything seem just as cold as snow would.

    So next time it rains, get outside for a minute.  Let the raindrops hit your face.  Rain is good for the earth and good for your soul!  Then get back in the house, start up a warm fire, bake some yummy cookies and read a book snuggled under a blanket.

Do you love or hate the rain? Comment below!

I Heart Fridays - PiratesYarrrn

Pender Island, where I live, has so many talented artists.  Everything from writing and painting to pottery and fiber.  I love to try different types of art forms and something I've dabbled in is knitting.  We have 'Knit Night' where once a week a few of us get together to knit and eat sushi! (I'm all about the sushi as I'm still knitting dishcloths and not even close to some of their creations)  One of the awesome knitters is Rowie and her business is called Pirate Yarrrn! (I just love the name!)  Here is a little about Rowie (taken from her Etsy shop):

I am a California girl living on a small island in British Columbia. I am a Professional Baker, and a Massage Therapist. I live with my husband, 5 dogs, 2 cats, 2 pigs and some birds.  I have always been a crafty person, and knitting and dying are my newest obsessions.

Living in Canada, even the southern west coast, requires warm wooly things for every day. That means they have to be cute AND functional! Through experience I have come up with a collection of items that I enjoy making and wearing. My yarn is all hand dyed/painted with care, and sometimes I love it so much I have a hard time letting it go! The selection is always changing slightly, especially with the seasons, so check back often!

Farmers market on Pender Island

Her Etsy shop is crammed full of pretty colourful yarn, lots of different types to pick from too!  And every item has an awesome pirate name too! Here are a few of the pretty selections:

Colorway: Electric Jellyfish

Colorway: Davy Jones' Locker

Colorway: Wench

If you knit or crochet, then you'll love Pirate Yarrrn!  And follow along on Instagram too!

**Use coupon code: 15offforfall in her Etsy shop to get 15% off

Expires October 11th, 2015**

www.etsy.com/shop/PiratesYarrrn

Behind the Scenes at Love and Farkles

This was my view today!  The ocean waves, warm sunshine, sand, and my light box.  I am so blessed to live close to the ocean!

Today was a day of Love and Farkles product photography.  I brought my diy light box out to the beach with me.  The lighting is all natural and perfect for photos here. (I also take lots of pics on my deck with the sunlight) Natural lighting makes your photos look amazing, especially compared to indoor lights, even the 'natural' light bulbs don't work as well, but you can make due with them in a pinch. (I am no professional by any means, always learning and tweaking things!)

I combed the beach looking for the perfect piece of driftwood. The tide was out today which was great for finding treasures! I always seem to leave the beach with a pocket full of beach glass. One day I will turn it into some art!

After finding some driftwood that I was happy with, I prepared the light box with props to set up for my products.  My daughter had come along with me and was the perfect assistant.  She matched up the earrings and passed me each pair carefully.  (Well, about 3 pairs, then she was bored and hunting for animals in tidal pools!)

 It was a beautiful way to spend Earth Day!  Product photos outside, ocean breeze in our hair and warm sun on our skin.  So blessed to live here!

Final Product

 

Beach day with mini me

  It is not very often that I get to spend one on one time with my oldest daughter. But this week is spring break for her so she is home while my youngest is still attending her Montessori pre-school.

We took full advantage of our 4 hours together after we dropped off Kelsie. First we stopped at the local bakery to share a treat. Then we headed to the furthest part of the island to hang out on a beautiful beach. It was so sunny out it almost felt like summer. 

  Growing up I have always lived pretty close to the ocean. It really is my happy place and I'm so grateful that my daughters share that same love. 

  Shayla and I first looked around the sand for the perfect rocks. This beach has such pretty smooth rocks in all sorts of colors. She always likes to make a 'collection' where she lines them up on a log. 

                                             

  We did some wave jumping in our boots too. And combed the beach looking for the perfect stick to draw in the sand with. 

                 

                                                                

  We really are blessed to live here. This island is so amazing. I love how each beach is special in it's own way. 

  All in all, it was a perfect 4 hours with Shayla. Basking in the sun, skipping rocks and collecting shells. We are so lucky to live here!

                                                   

                                                    

Day 26

December Photo Challenge 

Day 26: Grateful

So lucky this view is only a 2 minute drive from my house. Feels like you are on the top of the world here! -Pender Island, BC