Jennifer Michie

Tag: Life (page 20 of 47)

December 31, 2018 / 2 Comments

The Last Day of the Year

Quietly and gently, we entered into the last day of the year. Our morning pace had a nice rhythm. We split up to do our run, but ended up crossing paths, so I got a kiss halfway through my 5K. Always a bonus!

I ran past a favourite farm and my little herd of cows were outside eating their breakfast. I shouted my hellos and carried on down the road into the village. I took a brief break outside the church yard before turning around and running back up the hill, I had just so gloriously and speedily run down. Going back up was hard work. But, I did it!

Then I met Mr. Michie at our favourite coffee shop for breakfast. As I was reflecting on my run with him, I caught myself and started to laugh-out-loud. Sitting across from him, I was niggling myself over my running time. I managed to shave a decent bit off my 5k, but it still wasn’t as good as it had been a few months ago, before a minor knee injury.

As I laughed, I reminded myself that I was out there. Running! That’s the point!

Before I started this journey almost three years ago, I wasn’t much of a runner and the last thing I would have wanted to do was run 5K, let alone worry about the time it takes me to do it.

So, as this year comes to a close and I reflect on where I am, I’m happy. There are things I wanted to happen this past year that haven’t yet come to fruition. We’ve hit a lot of unexpected bumps in the road, but that’s life; we roll with the punches and keep on going.

But through all of it, running has been a constant.

I never thought that I would be a girl who got such a thrill out of running. I’ve always been a walker, but running – no thank-you! However, I have come to love it. It’s not just the physical side of it either (although that has been very rewarding), it’s the spiritual side too. Running in the open and being able to see nature around me is meditative. It restores the soul.

So as we enter this new year, I’m going to keep on running. Running through the woods, running down the lanes and past the fields, running toward my goals and running toward our dreams.

December 29, 2018 / 0 Comments

The In-between Days

Reading through various blogs and scrolling through Instagram, oohing and aaahing at people’s photos of snow, which I’m still keeping my fingers crossed for, I’ve seen many people who have discussed their dislike for this time between Christmas and New Year’s. The general feeling is that we are in a holding pattern, just circling, waiting for the next year to begin. That these are the wasted days before the next big hoorah.

I don’t feel that way at all during this “in-between” time. I think this is the chance to truly relax, to enjoy the season. For the world is quieter around you and you can take it all in. There is a natural slowness to our rhythms at this time and I savour that pace.

Unlike others I’ve seen who took down their decorations on the 26th, ours are still going strong and they will continue to do so until Epiphany (January 6th) and to be honest, maybe a little longer than that. Then the twinkle lights shall be replaced by more candles and a handful of spring blooms. But we are still in winter and I don’t wish away these days. I like to revel and appreciate the season that I’m within.

These “in-between” days also hold another kind of magic for us, as today one of the inhabitants of this little cottage celebrates a birthday. So there is a cake cooling on the counter, dough rising on the stove and a birthday meal soon to be prepared as per the birthday boy’s wishes.

But, everything is still being done at a languid pace as we continue to enjoy the last drops that this year has to offer. And I think that is how it should be.

{Linocut Vanessa Lubach // Pinned HERE}

December 11, 2018 / 0 Comments

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker, by the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House, London. Photograph: Tristram Kenton

Last night, we were lucky enough to have snagged tickets to the encore performance of The Royal Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker. Like numerous other people, I’m sure, this ballet means “Christmas” to me and I simply adore it. It was such a part of my childhood growing up. I was very blessed to live in a town that supported the Arts and our ballet company and symphony would put on a beautiful rendition every year. 

I have wanted to see this particular performance at The Royal Opera House for years, but for one reason or another, it just hasn’t worked out. But last night, was perfect. It was the first time we had seen a “live” performance at our movie theatre and we were both truly pleased. It was a wonderful way to see something like this. I know there are elements you miss by not sitting within the audience, staring at the stage together, your eyes wandering over the cast, the sets, feeling the crowds emotions around you. Here, the camera controls what you see. But that didn’t bother us. We felt just as much a part of this performance as if we were seeing it in person. 

Anna Rose O’Sullivan and Marcelino Sambé in the Royal’s The Nutcracker. Photograph: Alastair Muir

The cast was marvellous and we could have not asked for a better Clara (Anna Rose O’Sullivan), Nutcracker (Marcelino Sambé), or Sugar Plum Fairy, who was played by the beautifully talented Marianela Nuñez. This year, she celebrates her 20th year with The Royal Ballet.

During  the intermission, Mr. Michie ordered us hot chocolates. So we started the second Act, nestled in our velvet sofa, drinking hot chocolate, covered with mini pink and white marshmallows. It was perfect! It was a truly magical evening, a wonderful way to start our week and one more enchanting Christmas experience we’ve been able to do this year. 

December 1, 2018 / 0 Comments

HELLO, December!

Hello, December! We’re so excited that you’re here. We’re ready for candlelit nights, Christmas music, sugar cookies, gingerbread men, pumpkin pie, chilly evenings and hot chocolate with marshmallows. I hope you bring us lots of snow this year.

{Image Slim Aarons // Pinned HERE}

November 16, 2018 / 0 Comments

The Autumn Season

There are still pumpkins on the mantel, a candle nestled in a bowl of acorns and conkers that we collected sitting on the kitchen table, an autumnal plaid flannel piece of fabric is covering our coffee table and twinkle lights are glistening on a little tree that stays up all year round is nestled next to the fireplace. Fall is still in the house as we prepare for Thanksgiving next week. Our cherry red tea kettle is boiling away most evenings on the stove, as tea and cookies are keeping us going.

I like to enjoy each season that I’m in, I don’t want to miss anything. That’s not always easy to do, when you’re bursting at the seams for the next season to hurry on it’s way. I’m not gonna lie, I’ve been listening to Christmas music non-stop! As the nights draw in closer, it just makes everything feel so cheery. Candlelight and Christmas music, what could be better?

We are still in Autumn though and I’m on countdown for Thanksgiving. The first major bit of grocery shopping has been tackled, so there are just a few things left to tick off the list. I’ve got a checklist for myself, so I don’t forget to do anything in my excitement over Thanksgiving. I’m keeping it simple, but cozy. And I have something fun planned for our Thanksgiving weekend to kick off our Winter celebrations. But, now my kettle is whistling and it’s time to make another cup of tea..

I hope you have a lovely weekend, wherever you may be.

November 2, 2018 / 0 Comments

HELLO, November!

I’m a day late, to welcome in one of my favourite months of the year. But, “Hello, November!” I’m looking forward to all that you bring, including: pumpkin pie, Thanksgiving dinner, frosty mornings, leaves turning a rainbow of colours before drifting to the earth where they become crunchy underfoot.

Candles lit early as darkness closes in. Twinkle lights glowing and music playing while we dance in the kitchen. I’m ready for lots of soup with grilled cheese sandwiches and bowls of homemade macaroni and cheese for dinner and roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes. I’m looking forward to long walks in the woods bundled up against the chill to see the trees lose their leafy clothing and become stark naked for winter. There is a magic to this month as we slip from autumn into winter and it holds a beauty all of its own.

{Image FOUND // Pinned HERE}

October 29, 2018 / 0 Comments

Monday!

After a lovely week off, enjoying each other’s company; lots of coffee, cake, music and candlelight; a day trip to Oxford and a stroll around one of our favourite places there, the botanic gardens;  snuggling on the couch and watching lots of Halloween related movies, eating lots of Halloween candy while watching those movies, our week has flown by in a blink of an eye and we have arrived back at another Monday.

Monday, I don’t think I’m ready for you yet, I was having too much fun.

September 24, 2018 / 2 Comments

‘Tis Autumn

On Saturday, we celebrated the Autumnal Equinox by Mr. Michie taking me to a glorious horse chestnut tree he had found and we spent a good 20 minutes collecting handfuls of fallen conkers. We brought them home, scrubbed them clean, dried them and now they’re sitting in a bowl, nestled around a candle, with their shiny chestnut brown coats gleaming.

Since Saturday, it feels as if Mother Nature has kissed Summer on the cheeks and bid her adieu. It has been decidedly chilly and rainy. This morning we woke to clear skies and it had warmed up to a balmy 38°F when we left for school.

I’m not complaining; I love the crisp air, the crunch of leaves and acorns underfoot, the air that smells at once fresh and of an earthy dampness of leaves slowly decaying on the woodland floor. There is a magic to this time when one season slips into the next.

September 14, 2018 / 0 Comments

Fly Me To The Moon

Fly Me To The Moon, is one of my favourite songs. It’s a song that has transcended musical boundaries. It’s a a close call, but I think Frank Sinatra is my favourite male singer of this tune, it’s his pacing that just makes it. Julie London’s rendition is perfectly classic, but that’s a close tie with the gorgeous Doris Day’s recording and if I’m in a jazz mood, only Vince Guaraldi will do. But, if I’m going old school, you can’t beat Bobby Womack. I’ve had this album spinning all week.

Here’s to the weekend, long may it last!

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