The favourite bite

When we were younger, my sister used to save her favourite item for last. The best side of a slice of cake, the sweetest part of a watermelon, or perfectly-shaped piece of fruit.

I was the opposite. I would eat my favourite bite first, without spoiling it by being full, or running the risk of someone stealing it from me.

Mediation and meditation

One of my first experiences with meditation was during high school; one of my teachers wanted us to be more enlightened, and took it upon herself to do so. She had us sit in a circle, and as we closed our eyes, she led a guided meditation. I remember being quite fidgety, not quite understanding the point of the whole practice.

Cut to several years later; my local studio offered free meditation classes, and I decided to pop in. I was mightily confused, having had a preconception of people sitting with their legs crossed uncomfortably and chanting in a circle.

Meditation was nothing like what I had imagined. I have been going infrequently and still can't say if it's made a noticeable difference in my life... There are definitely days when I feel calm and relaxed afterwards, and days when my mind races and nothing I do helps to slow it down. But that is all normal, and a part of the process. Being present will likely be a lifelong lesson to learn, and meditation is slowly teaching me to stop and smell the roses.

A walk in the park

I've been sick. I feel like I've written this sentence way too many times this year, but I have caught a nasty cold during the heatwave, and I've reluctantly dipped into the world of nasal sprays and cough syrup.

A cup for every occasion

A few months ago, we were on a long-awaited trip to IKEA, one of my favourite places to visit. At the market hall, I was carefully inspecting a few drinking glasses, and my mom wandered over to inform me that I had one too many cups to justify another purchase. I proceeded to try and explain that different cups, mugs, and glasses were suited for specific drinks and occasions, but she was not swayed. Undeterred, I happily purchased my very specific, basic glassware and am currently drinking from one as I type this up.

The friendly wind

I began to walk home from school by myself around the later years of elementary school. My parents didn't want me to, but there weren't many options for them. It was not a long walk by any means, but long enough for an adventure.

Strawberry fields

It has been a few years since my last strawberry-picking adventure. My remaining memories from my last visit: red-stained fingers, pants, and eating warm, overripe strawberries in the fields.

Six Mile Lake

I don't think I've ever written about our yearly camping trips, so a few reasons. They are a tradition, and I often don't take many photos of my time. However, due to the languid death of my cell phone, I decided to bring my camera along this year.

Kicking off the summer

Summer has finally more or less arrived, and the delayed warm weather meant the sudden transition was jarring.