hello Dear ones.... Just wanted to let you know that I am the guest blogger over at www.WISHSTUDIO.com and you can go directly to it by clicking HERE. Please do leave a comment for me there, as I don't get to hear from you much here (pesky spammers...)
Many thanks to Mindy Tsonas for inviting me into her lovely creative world and all those who have contacted me via the post!

Today is Saturday and the sun is shining and I made carrot-pineapple muffins and am still floating from finding my new MOST FAVORITE BOOK in the world, which inspired the muffins and so much more. Now we're off to see the newborn ducklings and the turtle at the Japanese Gardens and then to a puppet-show and later maybe a nap because I was up too late reading. Sigh.

Getting over a cold. Have been going for long walks down by the water. Got on my squeaky green bicycle yesterday and rode along Abbott Street, where all the trees are in full bloom in the big yards along Okanagan Lake. My favourite are the pink Dogwoods.

I keep seeing the Blue Heron. He seems to be everywhere—on the rooftop a few houses down one morning, then sailing above Bernard Avenue as I walked downtown. A few evenings ago, while the sun was going down, I watched him for a long time down on the sand where the creek pours into the lake.

This is what it's like around here these days:

I am applying for a grant to make another record, which a hero of mine, Colin Linden, has agreed to produce.

I am plunking away a little every day on my borrowed banjo.

I am reading Sharon Olds poetry and a lovely book of modern Sonnets called "Jailbreaks".

I am trying to figure out what to do with this cat that has recently plunked itself in my house and doesn't want to leave (purring this very moment on my bed beside me as I type).

I have jars of lilacs all over the house.

I am getting up early in the mornings because I'm so glad for all this light.

I am thinking of what kind of cake to make for my daughter's 8th birthday, and trying not to weep at the swift passing of time.

I am taking pictures of puddles in the back alley.

I am WORSHIPING the new trampoline.

I am getting really really quiet at least once a day.

I am remembering that everything, even the hard things, are a privilege.