It's Been A While.....How Are You...No Really...How Are You?

It really has been a while….Almost 10 months since my last post.

If you had asked me what 2020 was going to look like when I wrote my post on March 8th, never in a trillion years would I have been able to begin to fathom what the year was going to bring to us all….to our entire planet. When you think of it that way…our entire planet….it gives me goosebumps, but for all the wrong reasons.

I was able to sneak away for a weekend to a friends cottage this summer and as I sat on the dock and looked up at the stars one night, I was reflecting on a number of things and that’s when it truly hit me…That sense of ‘the entire planet’…..It was enough to bring tears to my eyes and made me take a few deeps breaths to collect myself.

Noting all of our lives have literally been turned upside town, twisted, shaken and triple lutzed (yes, I was a figure skater back in the day) how are you? And I mean REALLY…how… are...you?

I truly hope you are doing as well as you can. I’m absolutely certain there are days that are better then others and I hope you are finding ways to get through the more challenging days in a healthy and mindful manner. I appreciate that it can be difficult to do so, but if there is one thing the last 10 months have allowed for is the ability to take a step back and really come to realize who and what is important in my life. Who has been there to talk to, what has brought joy, what has brought sadness or disappointment, who has disappeared from my life….I hope that if there is one positive thing that has come from 2020 is that you have been able to examine your life and bring close those people and things that bring in goodness and let go of those that don’t. It sure has for me!

Overall, I’d say that I’m doing alright. I have a lot to be grateful for and I really try to focus on that on the days that seem a little extra crazy. I honestly have no idea how it’s December this week and I truly feel that 2020 has been a bit of a blur at times. I started a new job…twice…yes, twice during this time and wow, has onboarding been quite the unique experience. Meeting new co-workers over virtual meetings, learning the ins and outs of an organization via a computer and phone calls and working from home full time (which I am immensely grateful for, though there is something to say about human connection). I work in a field that thrives on human connection, being able to speak to people in person and face to face, to be able to read body language, have deep, meaningful conversations and all of that has been put to the test during this time but overall, has been a success!

And speaking of connection….I think you all know how much I love animals and feel that having a connection to them is extremely healing and cathartic. Well….as of April, I added a third fur babe to the family. If you follow me on social media, you would have already met Jackson and learned how I am officially a ‘foster fail’. This smart, sweet and loving pooch came to me via Fur-Ever Able Dog Rescue and it was literally meant to be. He has been such a wonderful companion through all of this for many reasons. First and foremost, he has the sweetest personality and to see him come out of his shell has been so inspiring. We still have some work to do around socialization, which has proven challenging during this time of physical distancing, but he has come such a long way and made great improvement. He’s a great motivator to get outside and be active as we both need to work on our conditioning this days! Overall, having the stars align to have him come home has been an extremely bright light these past months. Having him around to bring a smile to my face and to literally make me laugh out loud has been so fantastic!

I will admit, that laughter has been very helpful as there are times I feel as though I’m living in the movie Groundhog Day (and I’m sure that this is a feeling a lot of us share). I’ve gone from being on the road almost everyday with work to not having had an in person meeting in months. It sure has been a shift. One thing I have come to realize, mainly on my trips to the farm to see the two big fur boys, is how much I enjoy driving. How much thinking I do when I’m driving and how it allows me to clear out some room in my headspace. Those trips to and from the farm are really most of the driving I do nowadays and I’m grateful for that time to turn up the music, get behind the wheel and think….process…and clear my mind.

Another thing that has really been reinforced is the comfort of home. If you’ve followed my journey the past 10 years or so, you’re well aware of the fact of how I value and find the importance of making a house truly your home as an extension of you/your family. To make it that extension of you and your family, so that when you are within its walls you feel like you are in a comforting cocoon it takes being surrounded by not only the people but pieces, colours, textures and momentos that you love and are, in a way, an extension of you. I often write about how creating this type of space and environment takes time. To fill your home with what you love, what inspires you, what brings a smile to your face can take years and that’s truly what this past year has helped me realize even more so. I look around my home and I see a gallery wall of memories from trips that let me travel back to those experiences via those photos. I see a piece of driftwood from an afternoon at the beach, a piece of pottery from a local artisan, my table and desk that mean so much because my brother created and built them for me, cozy pillows and throws from a small business here in town and the list could go on and on. I’m grateful to have a space that I truly do feel at home in. A home that is an extension of me and what I love and I will admit, having that feeling in my 800sqft lil cottage has had an incredible calming effect this year.

Another thing you know if you’ve been ‘a regular’ to the blog and my social media (especially Instagram - Rustic Retrievals) is how important supporting local and small businesses is to me. If there is one silver (and maybe even golden) lining of 2020 is the positive spotlight it has shone on the importance of shopping locally and supporting our friends and neighbours and their small businesses. It has broken my heart to see shops/businesses close after years of their owners dedicating their heart and soul to their passion project. I have witnessed first hand how friends and family have had to constantly shift gears to stay afloat during these times and I cannot applaud them enough for doing so. One thing that has warmed my heart, however, is how the year has strengthen the sense of community, at least in the ‘town’ I live in, Guelph, Ontario. Yes, we have seen businesses close, yet we have also seen businesses start and thrive during these times. I regularly ‘shout out’ via my Instagram stories my favourite local businesses and small businesses across Ontario and I encourage you to do the same. Yes, if we can purchase their products, that’s amazing and supportive, but even sharing their accounts and stories through your own social media platform can go a long way as you never know who may see what you’ve posted and that person could turn into a new customer for that shop or business. I have promised myself I will blog more as I really enjoy the craft of writing and I will be sure to share many of my favourite small and local businesses in posts to come…so stay tuned. And in the meantime, keep watching my stories on Instagram to get your fill of small business goodness!

I could keep going and going as this sunshine really has me inspired today…but…I’ll leave it here.

I wanted to check in to see how you truly are doing provide a bit of an update on the year that has been 2020 and alllll the craziness that it has brought along.

I wish you all good health and please, be safe. We’re all in this together…we truly are…and we’ll all get through this if we keep that sense of community well being alive and well.

Take good care and keep your eyes open for more posts to come….I’m back at it and can’t wait to share so much more with you! :) xo

RR

You Deserve Better...

I have this quote on my wall near my front door…

• “The moment that you start to wonder if you deserve better, you do.”

Let that sink in for a moment….

How many times have you wondered that…. ‘I deserve better’…. in the past day…week…year?

It’s International Women’s Day today and what better day to take a moment and think about, reflect on what we truly deserve.

I’m a participant in Danika Brysha’s You Year 2020 program and its scares me a bit to include this in this post, but a part of this program is to identify our Desired Feelings and to look ahead 5 years and write a short biography of 5 years from now.

Here’s what I wrote…

• DESIRED FEELINGS/Biography Of 5 Years From Now:

  Ardis is growth, expansive, proud, self-aware (my Desired Feelings). She operates a therapeutic farm/centre for those with mental and physical disabilities and the therapies offered are based around animals and the outdoors. Ardis is healthy, confident, fulfilled and has built a career of helping others.

Yes, I’m proud that my career of almost 20 years has already focused around helping others as a R.Kin and a CMDP, holding roles such as a Disability Management Consultant, HRBP, Manager - Group Disability etc, but….I deserve more.

I want to grow and expand. I want to work on my self-awareness and many of us in this type of ‘helping’ profession put the wants and needs of other first, but I deserve to be more aware of me…myself…what I want and what I need in my career, friendships, relationships, health, fitness etc.

Because of this…I’m starting a new chapter…one that I hope will move me towards my goal of having this therapeutic centre in 5 years from now. It’s time to write a new story.

I don’t talk about my career , my ‘9-5’ very often, but I had worked for an employer for 6 years, ventured out to new opportunities for 2 years, returned to that employer for the past 3 years and what I inevitably thought would be my last employer of my career. Well….that just wasn’t how that chapter was written and I start on a new venture tomorrow that I know will bring the growth and expansion I’ve been yearning for, will make me proud and will force me to be more self-aware as this is a brand new slate for me to ensure a more well rounded approach between my work and personal life (I’m not very good at that….at all….just ask my friends and family - ie. vacation, what’s vacation?). I’ll still be working in the field of helping others and I’m getting back to my Disability Management roots, with a flavour of HR thrown in for good measure.

Ladies, one thing I have learned is that we must create our own opportunities. We must drive who we are, who we want to be and where we’re headed. No one is going to take the wheel for you.

We deserve the absolute best.

That being said, what we have currently in front of us could be absolutely fantastic, with no issues or concerns…but…sometimes…that urge, that yearning for something more…something different and more aligned with who we are as an individual surfaces and we’d do ourselves no favours to not at least explore it. That’s the case with me. I’d have kicked myself if I hadn’t thrown my hand up for this opportunity, even though where I was had so many great things about it. I want more…I deserve more…..it’s time to go out and get it!

Like the quote below states….’she woke up different…and it was this day that her life changed’. That view ahead for the next 5 years awoke something in me and while the plans are still in their infancy for my own farm/centre to help others,I’m well on my way and I can’t wait to see what the next 5 years bring because after all, we deserve better!!

RR

Current Vibe...

I have to remind myself sometimes that restoring and reinventing isn’t just for furniture or an old home…it’s for me too!

I took a look back and realized that my last post was June 2018…and… I only posted once last year… :(

I truly can’t believe that, especially knowing how much I enjoy writing and sharing my photography. Speaking of photography, I was looking back through photos since June and it became apparent quite quickly how I’ve had very little time to sit down and put a post together and here are just a few reasons:

• One horse that became two after rescuing a beautiful soul in December.

• An amazingly beautiful wedding in November and I now have a sister.

• Bachelorette weekend, cottage weekends/vacations, work travel.

• Work.

• A bathroom renovation.

• A Winter Christmas Market showcasing my photography.

• Many scrumptious dinners and nights out with family and friends.

• A university course.

• Celebrating new chapters for friends (moving, babies etc).

• Wine and sunsets.

• House hunting/sitting.

The list could go on and on….

Through all of this, as much as I love working hard, moving at a mile a minute, the so many amazing events, days, moments of the past 6-9 months, I had started to feel a bit foggy…physically, emotionally….

Life was/is great but I was running low on my reserves and it was time for some restoration.

I looked at pictures of myself and asked, ‘where did that extra 15lbs come from?’, ‘do I really look that tired?’. I had some time off around the holidays and it was time to do some real soul searching. Life was getting the best of me and it was time to change the vibe…to start feeling like the energetic, full-of-life version of me again!

Again, life is allll good…I have/had zero complaints, but, I’d somehow lost track of what truly mattered….lost that feeling of taking care of me by putting myself on autopilot. I’d lost the drive or ambition to reinvent myself and was in a bit of a rut. When I start to lose that drive, when people actually comment that I’m not smiling as much as I usually do, I know it’s time to take a step back. I just needed to slow down, re-focus and then sit down, re-prioritize, plan and figure out what I needed to do to lift this fog.

Reinvention can seem to be a very ‘large word’….to have huge meaning. It may mean to some that an enormous transformation must occur and you become an entirely different version of you than before. For me, it means a better version, not a holistically different version.

So…..for 2019 I’ve been doing my best to say no more often (which is incredibly difficult for me), stay in, shift gears and be present. I’m back at the gym (almost back to pushing my university weights), I’m walking more, drinking more water, I’m eating better and I just signed up for a 5k….yes, you read that right. Talk about shifting gears!

None of these have been monumental changes by any means. If anything, the re-prioritizing of things like writing this post to help me be more aware and present or simply adding at least 30 minutes of activity to my day has helped to clear my mind for so many reasons. I get outside or go to the gym, I listen to a great podcast (Tim Ferriss is one of my favs!) and that time is truly for me. Now, the 5k is something totally new…have I mentioned i really, reallllly don’t like running. After years of figure skating I have these ‘friends’ called shin splints that can rear their ugly head at times. But…I wanted to stretch myself a bit…try something different. Signing up for the 5K will make me stay focused and be present. And…the good news is….my ‘friends’ haven’t made an appearance (knock on wood).

As I’m writing this, I look down at my tattoo that says, “Keep Calm and Believe”. Keeping calm through the rollercoaster that is life truly is a super power and believing in ones self is the fuel to keep moving forward on that rollercoaster, to allow yourself to shift gears because you know in your heart of hearts that a shift is necessary. That phrase has helped me to ground myself more times then I can recall…and has helped bring me back around to my current vibe….one where I truly do feel so much more focused, present and incredible!! I can do it, I deserve it and I will get it!

RR

What's On Your Heart?

I keep going back to last months Magnolia magazine for many reasons, but I keep being drawn to one article in particular, the one titled "On Mentoring - Generational Wisdom".

We all need a mentor or mentors in our lives and this article articulates why. Its doesn't have to be the 'big things', but the small gestures offered between both the mentor and 'mentoree' that help each individual grow and mature to be the best they can be. The relationship between these two gentlemen in the article really does seem to be a 'once in a lifetime' experience and from their words, it truly resonates how much they mean to each other. 

Have you ever had a first meeting like Poppa describes above? I've been lucky enough to have had a handful of these and for every person that this has occurred with, I'm still friends with and look up to and admire them. You can tell from his words just how important taking on a role of being a mentor has been in his life and after decades of support and daily conversations, I can only imagine how special the bond is between these two men. Jerry uses words such as 'encouragement' and 'priceless' to describe their relationship and you can tangibly feel/sense how much he looks forward to those 8am conversations...

Every word of this article hit home to me and the warmth and genuine respect for the human relationship warmed my heart...but.... one phrase really, really stuck out and I'm going to begin to use it in my everyday life, as I feel it is so important on so many levels and for so many reasons....

"What's on your heart for the day ahead?"

I LOVE THIS!!

He doesn't ask "what's on your mind?", but instead, "what's on your heart?". This warms my heart and soul to the core as it's probably one of the most important questions we can ask those we care about to truly 'check in' and get a gauge on where both their mind and heart stands for the day ahead. It pushes the respondent to 'dig deep' and potentially bring difficult or challenging feelings to the surface that could be a huge barrier for their day and even weeks ahead. I realize that this isn't a question we can just ask anyone, at least I would feel more comfortable asking this to someone I had a more established relationship with, but with that being said, I would feel comfortable asking someone I didn't quite as well if I sensed the person I was in conversation with was struggling with their day and was having difficulties finding the words to explain their thoughts/feelings. Again, it wouldn't be in every situation like that that I may come across...I'd have to 'go with my gut'...but it's a phrase that could also help build or take a relationship to the next level, as it's a question that requires some true soul searching and self awareness and being able to open up to the person asking you this requires a level of trust and understanding you would not find in every relationship in your life.

We're coming into a time of year that can be emotionally and mentally challenging for a number of people for a number of reasons. Loved ones and those we care about (including ourselves) can find the hustle and bustle and sentiment of the Christmas season to be too much at times and when we sense that occurring, why not offer to go get a coffee, ask that person about their day and dive into 'what's on their heart' at that moment. 

I truly believe that the words 'mentor' and 'friend' can be used interchangeably as both terms show a level of caring towards the other person in the relationship, for their overall well being and growth. This holiday season, why not challenge yourself to be that 'priceless' person and invest time in those you hold close to your heart and at the same time, if you feel you need a little extra encouragement and support, don't be afraid to tell someone close to you, what's on your heart too....

RR

So Long Summer......

So where the heck has Summer gone?!?! 

I can't believe it's already September and when I look back at the last few months, I realize how jam packed with fun and great times they were and I'm so very grateful. I'll take you on a photo journey of the Summer of 2017 and all that it held for me, my family and friends.

I ate some fantastic meals with some wonderful people this Summer. There was a point where I ate at the Bread Bar in Guelph 3 times in a week and a half! One of my favourite ways to spend an evening is with friends, surrounded by great food and drink!

Not only did I have great meals with friends, I had great times with friends! One of those oh so memorable days was the Queen's Plate at Woodbine in Toronto with some pretty incredible women!!

Making memories with friends doesn't just happen in restaurants and sports venues, it can also occur in our own backyards! Whether its under a pergola on the deck of my friend's 100 year old home or on a bouncy castle in the yard of a friend who has held her summer bash for 20 years, thinking back on these times bring a huge smile to my face!

Then there's Saturday mornings at the Farmer's Market (and Balzac's). I didn't get there as often as I would have liked to, though I did find other Markets this summer as well, it was always a great way to kick off the weekend!

I've done a lot of walking this summer (sometimes on my own, sometimes with a friend) and I've been able to truly enjoy the city that I call home. I've watched the gardens transform over the months and as always, admire the beautiful homes/architecture this city has to offer.

My happy place.....the back deck of my city cottage. Some great stories, laughter and memories were made here this summer. I even fell asleep a few evenings under the stars and the canopy of the trees. It truly is my escape in the ity

One thing that illustrates to me that the Summer truly got away from me, is the fact that I really only got to the lake once.....yes, only once....and only for a few hours. There was no cottage this year, no swimming in Lake Huron, but, that's ok....there's still September and I enjoy time at the lake just as much (if not even more) now....

I spent a lot of time with this big guy this summer (isn't he handsome?!) and finally got my photo of him, 'Look Me In The Eye", printed on canvas! If you'd like your own, have a look in my website shop!

Even though there are around 20 days of Summer left, Labour Day Weekend always feels like the unofficial end to Summer...the sunset of summertime :(

I hope you've all had the Summer that you were hoping for and had the chance to make as many wonderful memories as I did (and am very grateful for). Cheers and so long to the Summer of 2017!

RR

Back in the Saddle...

I pulled into the farm today and as much as LTN and I like to work outside, I decided we'd stay indoors with how the day was heating up. The windows were open, the doors were open and a nice cross breeze was blowing through, so it was pretty much as perfect as we could ask for. 

Since moving to the new farm, the big guy has taken some big strides forward with his training and I'm quite happy with how he's doing and more importantly, I'm extremely happy with how our relationship has/is developing. He's been a part of the family for almost 10 months now and while there has been some back and forth about who the 'boss' is some days, I truly do feel that we are falling in stride with each other. 

Some people know his story and some don't, so let me share.

This guy came into my life through two wonderful women who we're still with today (hence our move to this farm, as they were moving there as the new farm managers). He's 11 years old and is GREEEEN! Up to last summer, he essentially lived his life in a pasture with a mare and their daughter (he was a late geld at age 6). From what I understood, he had very little to no work done with him (up until last August) and he would need to be started from the ground up.

I know our progress may seem slow to some people and that's just fine with me. I'm in no rush and wanted to really establish a trusting and collaborative relationship with him first and foremost. We will never be jumping fences at The Royal (or any competition for that fact) or running barrels at a rodeo. He's my return to the equine world and to be able to take him out on the trails or ride him around the ring through walk/trot/canter is enough. I'd rather take our time and do things properly so both he and I enjoy it and can learn from each other along the way, vs me solely dictating to him. 

He's had someone on his back mayyyybe 15 times now and today was my longest session on him (about 15 minutes). We made it around the arena 3 times!! This is HUGE for a guy, who not matter what cueing you use, pretty much stands still as soon as someone gets on his back (he is absolutely more whoa than go). With A LOT of encouragement and me leaving him to his own timing at times, we did made it around and the smile on my face couldn't have been bigger! He moves forward perfectly on the lunge line and we're working on transitioning to that to the saddle. As you can see in the photo below, I'm currently using a halter and lead rope to guide him when I'm on his back. I have very mixed feelings about introducing a bridle/bit at 11 years old, but it is inevitable if we're wanting to head out on the trails (at least until he is much more seasoned and then I may move to a witless bridle).

Such a great view... #throughtheears..

I will also admit, somedays, I've been nervous to get back into the saddle too. I'm no longer a 17 year old with no fear (and a hockey helmet on my head, that would then climb on a wayyy too energetic 3 year old filly and hold on for dear life) and this 38 year old mind and body is all too conscious of the potential of being sent flying through the air to the dirt. I'm very aware that falling off is part and parcel of riding and I continue to wrap my head around that. I am absolutely amazed how well he is doing with so few rides 'under his belt' and once I'm on, I feel much better about things.

He is one incredible creature and has a 'once in a lifetime' personality and way about him. He's so smart and with that, comes his stubbornness (kinda like his Mom and his other furry brother Charlie). He's playful, caring (he'll literally lick/'kiss' you to death), full of life yet calm (most days) and there's this look he gets in his eyes that brings a huge smile to my face, no matter what. 

I truly feel that finding him was meant to be and I can't wait to see what the future holds for us!

RR

A Mini Moment.....

I think we can all agree that the pace that we move at today can at times be overwhelming! Up at 5am, out the door by six, first conference call at 7:30am, meeting, another meeting, emails, phone calls, trying to leave work on time, go to the gym, get groceries, make dinner, do laundry, clean the house, climb into bed at 10:30pm....and repeat the next day.

I will admit, there are some days where I feel like I can't catch my breath, let alone take a few minutes for myself. I know how unhealthy that is and the irony of this is that I've spent most of my career helping others take care of themselves (insert here: do as I say, not as I do). I then refer back to one of my old blog posts about when on a flight, if something should occur, to put the oxygen mask on yourself before helping others. We MUST care for ourselves first and foremost....

As I was driving to the office the other morning with a dozen different thoughts running through my mind about the day ahead, the sunrise was absolutely beautiful!! So...I decided to pull over into a park, get out of my car with my coffee in hand, turn off those thoughts and just sit and truly enjoy that sunrise for a few minutes. That 'mini moment' not only got my day off to a great start, but refreshed my way of thinking about taking care of oneself.....

Let me explain.....

This guy is the master of taking a 'mini moment'! He had been out sniffing every square foot of the backyard as I was bqqing one night. Then...all of a sudden, he went up on the deck and just laid there, looking around and taking it all in. There...that was his mini moment. He went from 'full steam ahead' to utter peace and tranquility in a matter of a minute.  

Now, how can we do this? How can we take that moment to recoup our sanity, refocus and allow us those few moments to breathe?

I walked into the barn one evening after a great session with the Big Guy. My time with him is supposed to be my escape, a time for me to focus on nothing but building my relationship with this amazing 1000lb creature. But....for some reason, I found myself distracted that night. I was actually angry with myself that I had allowed outside distractions to seep into our time together. As I walked down the aisle, the horses poked their heads out of their stalls and I just had to snap this photo....I had distracted them from their dinner and I'm sure every single one of them hoped I had a  wee treat to share with them (a mini moment for them). I then realized, I had spent an incredible hour with LTN and it had been full of fantastic mini moments and I should be grateful for that! Yes, at times, some outside thoughts and distractions creeped in...but...I'm human...that will happen.... and what mattered most was that time with him, those moments of pure contentedness and tranquility like the one below....

I can assure you that at the moment I snapped this photo, I was only thinking what a beautiful evening it was, how gorgeous my guy looked as the sun set behind him and how grateful I was to be in that moment....and that's enough. I'm sure that in the 5 minutes of him munching grass, I had many other 'outside' thoughts enter my mind, but at this moment, my only thought was pure enjoyment of the moment. My mini moment....

Whatever you're doing...find those mini moments just for you. Enjoy them, immerse yourself in them (if only for a minute), allow them to re-energize you...and.... if you're like me and have a passion for photography, capture a few of them so you 'have them' as a reminder to take that time for you. 

RR

The Rock...Newfoundland and Labrador!

I sure wouldn't have wanted to be out on these cliffs on the shore of Newfoundland this week as they're experiencing hurricane force winds and a storm of the decade! Seeing all the photos on the news of the beautiful city of St. John's instantly brought me back to a trip I took there last year for a long weekend of fun, the great outdoors, amazing food, fantastic people and lots of memories.

The photo above is from the cliffs at the bottom of Signal Hill. We were there a wee bit early for the icebergs, but they had just started to roll in. You can see one off in the distance in this shot.

We landed and were lucky enough to find a cab driver who took us on a bit of a tour of St. John's on the way to our hotel. I love seeing the sights with a 'townie' who knows the history and the 'out of the way' places that most tourists would miss. We checked in, dropped off our stuff and it was off for dinner. We decided on The Merchant Tavern....and wow, am I ever glad we did! The cocktails, the fresh seafood, the atmosphere and decor, our fantastic server...it was the perfect way to kick off the weekend!

We woke up full of energy Saturday morning and decided to hike up Signal Hill.....

Oh....My......Goodness...... for two gals in relatively good shape, that hike up that hill was TOUGH! We wondered why we were some of the only people walking vs the car after car driving by up the hill...but was it ever worth it when we got to the top! The views were absolutely stunning both out to the ocean and back into town. We wandered through the Cabot Tower (isn't that spiral staircase just gorgeous?) and we even climbed down those wooden stairs pictured above, through the grass and down/across the rocks, to get as close to the edge of the cliffs that we could!

We then headed off to continue our hike along a trail with spectacular views, to the village of Quidi Vidi!

By the time we got to Quidi Vidi, we were ravenous! Everyone we spoke to had recommended we go to Mallard Cottage for lunch and we were soooo lucky to be able to sit at the bar  (they were booked full of reservations)and have an experience/meal that will always rank in my top 5 travel experiences! Let me set the scene...you arrive in this quaint and quintessential east coast village and when you walk up to the green and white building that is Mallard Cottage, it feels so comfortable, like a home away from home. You walk through the door and are instantly enveloped in the coziness and friendliness that is the atmosphere, decor, staff, food and overall experience. You feel like you've been there a hundred times before as you quickly settle in due to the welcoming atmosphere and once you start talking to the incredible staff, trying the absolutely scrumptious food, having a pint (or 3) of their local beer from the Quidi Vidi Brewery, you don't ever want to leave. We could've stayed from lunch all the way to dinner and late into the evening, just chatting with our fellow visitors/tourists, the staff, trying various cocktails and soaking in the laid back and oh so comfortable east coast atmosphere! 

We had a very full first day and I will never, ever forget it!

Our second and final day was jam packed!! We walked around town and were enamoured by the colours of Jelly Bean Row, we went out on the ocean for very chilly but exciting bird, iceberg and whale sight seeing cruise. We saw thousands of Puffins, Minke Whales (a very fleeting glimpse), a few smaller icebergs (the shades of blue were stunning!) and an oil rig en route to Norway (how often do you get to see that?!). We then headed back into town and wandered around the harbour, where we saw these statues of a Newfoundland Dog and Labrador Retriever. They were the perfect symbols of our trip (and I'm biased as they reminded me of Charlie) and a great way to wrap things up before we headed to the airport to catch our flight home.

I can't wait to go back to this exceptionally beautiful province and I feel so grateful to live in a country as beautiful and diverse as ours! Next time, I hope to stay in the new Inn by Mallard Cottage in Quidi Vidi...they just started to take reservations!  Cheers to travelling and all of the incredible experiences and memories that I will have to keep with me forever!

RR

Get Outside!

I love the great outdoors and every opportunity I have to get outside, I take!

I received a Fit Bit as a gift for my last birthday and it's always such a good feeling when I feel it vibrating on my wrist, notifying me that I've walked my 10,000 steps for the day! A good gal pal and I have been walking around our beautiful city of Guelph (the photo above was taken on new years day at sunset) the past few months and it's so refreshing to get out into the fresh air, spend time with a great friend, learn new things about our city, take a tonne of photos and have the instant energy boost of getting active!

A park up the street is transformed into ice rinks by local residents every winter...

To walk by and hear the laughter, the crunch of skate blades cutting through the ice and to witness a community within a community come together like this brings a huge smile to my face!

And then there's winter at the Country House. This photo was taken a few weekends ago, mid snow storm! 

Charlie (and I) love the snow but as he gets older, the deeper accumulation poses a bit of a challenge for him. As you can see however, this does not hold him back... We get outside and walk every morning and evening, though this time of year, we tend to stick to the lane way when we're in the country.

This makes for much easier walking and he'll lay at the top of the lane and watch the cars and Mennonites go by... The odd bunny or deer may cross the lane too and of course he jumps up, barks like crazy but I think the wild animals know that they'll be just fine as this almost 12 year old guy doesn't move quite as quickly as he used to.

This guy..... any time spent with him means getting outside and getting active. 

Whether it's ground work in the outdoor arena or a walk through the woods to see the mares in the back field, being outside and in his company guarantees an inspiring, energizing and fun time!

I hope you have a chance to get outside this weekend and enjoy at that the great outdoors and physical activity has to offer!

RR

A New Year....

I have a mixed bunch of responses to the questions above as I look ahead into 2017. Parts of me say Yes and parts of me say No. Self improvement is a cornerstone of my existence but at the same time, when is good enough, good enough?

When I start really delving into something like this, one of my favourite Pearl Jam songs comes to mind...."Just Breathe"......

I can always be stronger and kinder, but I'm already strong and kind. I've experienced a lot of hard earned success in my 37 years, but I can always be better...Life can always be better and life is what we make it!

So...I'm deciding to do both. Be happy and content with the person I am today while also striving to be an even better me. Compassion, caring, kindness, happiness, strength.....I can say with 100% confidence I am and exude those features/attributes, yet, there is always room for improvement.

As long as I keep this smile on my face....keep breathing.... I can and will decide to be better...to get better....

Am I looking forward to the new year ahead?.....Heck yes!! We're already one month in and reflecting back on the past 28 days, I've already learned, grown and become stronger.

Our lives are what they make them and I choose to make mine the absolute best it can be!

RR