February 8th, 2010
Snow Days and Waiting
This weekend was about waiting. I waited for the last load of laundry to finish, for Mister to come home from work, and for the realtor to do a walk through of the little house. I held my breath and hoped that she would like it, and melt away our anxiety around price and procedure.
I hopped out and bought some organic dark chocolate to snack on between open houses. We donated food to the humane society and did a puppy tour- I somehow managed to get out the door before I was overcome and had to buy her while Mister wasn’t looking. We agreed we have to wait until we have a bigger place. I spent just enough (ie- too much) on ribbon and jewellery making supplies at the store, and looked forward to next week when my assignments are finished so I can work on projects and listen podcasts while the snow falls and the roads get bad.
I made amazing, simple Mexican food and somehow managed to become thoroughly annoyed that my back piece isn’t about five times larger than it is, and resolved to call my tattoo artist to talk about getting it finished this spring. I stayed up late on skype with one of my best and oldest’s, dying laughing over his stories and feeling beyond thankful for his insight and cutting sense of humour. Mister listened to us giggle and chatter, shouting comments in from the other room, like our friend had come over for drinks instead of being beamed in from on the west coast. We planned the week he’ll be home this summer so we can sneak into the night to smoke cigarettes and talk like we used to. I felt incredibly known.
I waited for the roads to clear, for the beer to chill, for the carrots I popped in brine to pickle. I waited for us to finish Fringe on the PVR so I could have nightmares for a week or so, and then be off the hook until April. I waited for my fingers to learn new knitting moves, for Mister to look up so I could kiss him, and for news of my sister away in the south of France.
I used to spend so much time waiting for things to happen that I would forget that the in between is where life is. It’s where kitchen dancing happens, and where the puppies learn to beg for popsicles. It’s where we mull, wonder, decide and reconsider. I used to think that when I hit my twenties and moved out, that’s where life would start. But it never stopped feeling like I’m holding my breath for the next big thing, even when I don’t know what that is.
So if everything is the mean time, I’m learning to love the waiting and I’m thankful for all the kitchen dancing.
i’m so happy you left a comment on my blog. i clicked on your link and i’ve arrived here.. at this warm and cozy place. your writing voice is beautiful. i intend to visit frequently.
I absolutely adore this post. You have such a way with words that makes me stop and think, and seems to put into words exactly how I’m feeling. When, if ever, DO we stop waiting?? I am slowly learning how to enjoy the process itself, even though it’s not always easy. It’s all about slowing down and not worrying so much about the how long it takes to get to the other side and enjoying the actual process of crossing the bridge itself. I love the photos as always! Thanks for making me think & smile. <3
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Fridays in Focus: Family Edition. =-.
Isn’t amazing how much time we spend “waiting”? I think it overtakes the amount of time we spend “doing” sometimes…
That photo of your pup, by the way, is so adorable! Black dogs + snow is always cute.
.-= MinD´s last blog ..Tuneage Tuesday — “Better With You” =-.
you are so pretty!
I want your Mexican food recipes! It’s really hard to get good Mexican food here!
I love what you said about the in between being where life happens. So beautiful!
.-= Allie´s last blog ..Things that make me happy =-.
I definitely find myself looking forward to what’s happening down the road rather than focusing on the little things that are happening in the moment. You miss out on a lot that way.
And I understand it’s all relative to wages, cost of living, etc but seeing that you can buy a home for 200K makes me want to cry. The only thing under 500K here is a trailer. My mortgage statements seem surreal and very depressing.
Such a lovely post. Can’t wait to hear more about your back piece!
.-= Janie´s last blog ..No Sansing Comic Sans! =-.
Love. This. Post.
“I used to spend so much time waiting for things to happen that I would forget that the in between is where life is.”
Your words always make me smile and appreciate life even more.
.-= Stefanie´s last blog ..By the way, it snowed. =-.
That is a beautiful post, and I love the pictures. You are so right. I often catch myself worrying about what will be in a few days, a few weeks, or a few months, when really what matters is the right now, right here.
.-= Karen´s last blog ..It’s peanut butter jelly time =-.
Love this post! And also want to learn to be thankful for the in-between. I feel the same way – I thought life would REALLY start once I got out of college, or once I got married, etc. etc. etc. I want to learn to appreciate the present before I’m old and there’s not much present left. PS – the pup is adorable!
.-= Taryn´s last blog ..Intervention =-.
This post, along with the photos, makes me feel the essence of winter. Love it. Thanks :-)
.-= A Super Girl´s last blog ..Churchin’ it up =-.
Hmm, waiting & enjoying sound awfully similar…
Love your photos, love you…
.-= Alexis´s last blog ..This is like one of those life lesson things, huh? =-.
You have a tattoo? For some reason I don’t see you as a tattoo person. Or maybe I’m just stereotyping. What is it? I’m intrigued.
PS Your hair is adorable. But I still think I should bring back the Kyla Bob. ;)
.-= Erin @ My Way This Time´s last blog ..Dealing with a Creeper | =-.
Such a great reminder. (It makes me think of the email I got from The Universe yesterday – http://leaflet.tumblr.com/post/378158636) I’m always looking forward to things in the future that I often miss the beautiful things in the in between.
.-= Megan´s last blog ..Music I Like: Chairlift =-.
Wow, awesome photos! And the puppy’s so cute!
I haven’t had Mexican food in ages. Must get some when I go to the shops on Thursday…
.-= Ria´s last blog ..Fruits and Summer, Anyone? =-.
You’re gorgeous–inside and out. I love how you’re really relishing all of life’s richest moments, even though they may be small on the surface.
.-= Her´s last blog ..The New Deal =-.
Love that picture of the snowy pups. And it sounds like a great weekend! I hope the open house went well.
Ahh, fantastic post as usual. You really have a way with words, my dear!
It’s a wonderful reflection on ‘waiting’ though. I also feel like I am always waiting for something. Waiting to figure out the next step. Waiting for Mr. Right. Waiting, waiting, waiting. I am not so good at the whole living in the moment thing, but I am trying to be better. Time is flying by so fast these days, it kind of scares me, so I really need to figure out a way to be more in the moment!!
.-= Lisa from Lisa’s Yarns´s last blog ..Birthday Recap =-.
Ahh your posts make me want to move to Winnipeg so we can spend so much time together. I can’t wait to talk to you and get a full update. Your weekend sounded great though!
.-= Awmb´s last blog ..It’s not guaranteed that you’ll have a safe landing. =-.
Very cute dog!!!
.-= Ashley´s last blog ..On Being Broke, Liking Pink, and Taking Photos =-.
I’m trying to enjoy the in-between time but right now I just want the next 9 days to HAPPEN so I can go home to Eric. Even though I’ll only be home for five days… When your in a long-distance relationship I feel like my WHOLE life is countdowns and waiting. I’m trying to be present, though. *Trying* being the key word here.
I sure do love your haircut! It suits you so well!
You write so beautifully, Kyla. It just makes me feel lighter, somehow, when I leave your blog.
And that puppy photo is just way too cute!
.-= Stephany´s last blog ..The Letter =-.
I’m learning to love the waiting too. Life is one big wait, but the pay off is wonderful when it finally comes. :)
.-= Jen´s last blog ..Home sweet home =-.
I love the way you write about your weekends. They seem so full of good and yet you seem to squeeze in relaxation time as well. Of this, I’m jealous.
I’m also learning to love the waiting time but lately it’s been a struggle. You’re always an inspiration to me, in case you were wondering.
.-= Nora´s last blog ..For Good =-.
“I used to spend so much time waiting for things to happen that I would forget that the in between is where life is.” I absolutely needed to hear this. Thanks.
It’s in the waiting when the best adventure happens. Waiting helps us grow. Waiting allows us to open our eyes and see something anew. Waiting allows us to relax and breathe before the next adventure. In the waiting there is excitement and hope. The waiting is where it all begins.
.-= phampants´s last blog ..Some Thank You Fun =-.
I love your photo of a snowy pup!
.-= hillary´s last blog ..A Clock Is Ticking But It’s Hidden Far Away Safe And Sound =-.
That snow pup pic is awesome and I love that one of your examples of life happening is puppies learning to beg for Popsicles. That is adorable.
.-= Windsor Grace´s last blog ..Because it’s Monday and I don’t really have anything to say and am really busy, but still love you =-.
In such a short time, your blog has taught me to stop and smell the roses – and to appreciate the little things…I only started reading a few weeks ago but I always feel like I am sipping a warm drink and chatting with an old friend when I “pop by” for a read…
And it just reminded me to be a better “blogger friend” as I have an email I need to respond to!
Thank you for your blog Kyla, and for being you!
.-= Jen´s last blog ..I am… =-.
I know how you feel about wanting to rescue dogs. I have to stay away from Pet Finder and looking at the humane society websites, because I seriously get anxious about all the dogs that need homes and want to drive up immedietely and rescue them all! Plus we have two dogs and are a bit cramped already! (Both of our dogs are rescued!)
Also I wanted to ask what podcasts you listen to. I would like some new material and am curious as to what you listen to!
.-= MelissaOK´s last blog ..Triple Word Points Are the Bomb =-.
this is so exactly how I feel right now, too.
Is that your handwriting in the recipe? It’s so fun and pretty, I almost thought it was a computer font.
When I had a car, I used to volunteer at a humane society and it was so hard not to go home with a cat in each hand. Good job being able to hold back!
Yep! That’s my printing- I’m actually thinking about making into a font lol We’ll see!
– kr
.-= LovelyAnomaly´s last blog ..Special, Part II =-.
Mmmm Mexican food. I am so hungry this a.m. :) & I want to see your back piece! PICTURES PLZ.
.-= Liz´s last blog ..Suggestion box =-.
I love you and your posts. =) Reading them always helps to center myself and reminds me to just breathe.
.-= mandy´s last blog ..Filling In =-.
I absolutely adore the photos. A little photographic genius, you are.
I hope everything pans out with selling your place. I read the top comment, about Saskatoon/Winnipeg house prices and nearly died. I realize I choose to live my life in such an expensive city, but to buy a house in Vancouver? Well, I’m sure you know. Just ridiculous.
.-= samdotcom´s last blog ..The Birthday Post =-.
Your hair is looking very Julie Andrews-esque and it looks gorgeous. Can’t wait for that post you have brewing on real estate …
.-= Leah´s last blog ..The anti superbowl post. =-.
I love how in the midst of being on the cusp of so many things, you’ve managed to find so much joy in the waiting. Ranier Maria Rilke calls it “loving the questions themselves” and I think that’s such a gorgeous sentiment. I love the photos, too. Glad you had such a lovely weekend, my dear.
I love your photography, Kyla!
I love the sentiment of this. So often we’re buzzing over the next big thing; taking time to appreciate the little in-between moments is rare (but awesome).
.-= Elle Bee´s last blog ..currently coveting =-.
“I felt incredibly known.”
Ahh, a truly wonderful feeling indeed. The blessing of dear friends.
Sounds like such a lovely weekend!
.-= Hannah´s last blog ..Yoga for friends. =-.
Your posts are beautiful.
They weave this gorgeous picture, and make me smile.
.-= Ashley´s last blog ..DIY: Trial and Error =-.
Oh, waiting. So true that life happens in between, but I always find myself just waiting and wishing for something in the future.
I always love your picture posts :) Such good photo skills.
.-= Jessica´s last blog ..Study Abroad By The Numbers (And In Pictures) =-.
wasn’t fringe SOOOOO good this past week? the more i watch it, the more i want to know more. April needs to get here asap!
.-= K-Tee´s last blog ..and the lights started calling my name =-.
♥
{That’s all I can say}
I look forward to every one of your blog posts!
.-= Melissa´s last blog ..Please Recycle =-.
I love the frames you use for your photos. Do you use Picnik or another program?
These are photoshop brushes, but I’m starting to use a lot of found elements too. And I work in Photoshop CS3 =)
-kr
.-= Allison Blass´s last blog ..Helping Hands. =-.
I agree with Emily Jane. That photo of your pup in the snow is one of the best pictures I’ve ever seen! It would make for an adorable featured photo on a calendar!
.-= Samantha´s last blog ..I Need To Do This More Often (Vol. 2) =-.
This sounds for sure like a lovely weekend, despite all the waiting… but waiting can be a good pastime in itself.
The puppy is adorable. Really.
.-= san´s last blog ..Work it out weekends: walking counts, right? =-.
I love this – “So if everything is the mean time, I’m learning to love the waiting and I’m thankful for all the kitchen dancing.”
Sometimes, waiting is really just the best thing to do.
Love your blog and will be bookmarking it! =)
.-= Glenda´s last blog ..Hen And The City =-.
I love the sunshiny mornings photo – you’re so pretty, and suit that hair cut so well!! :)
This is such a beautiful post that makes me feel thankful for waiting, and thinking :)
.-= Lizzie´s last blog ..Hello YouTube, I’m Lizzie. =-.
I cannot get over the puppy picture. That’s one of the most wonderful pics I’ve seen in a very long time. I just want to pick him up and hug him!!
Kyla, thank you so much for this. Your writing about the simplest of things is beautiful and nothing short of inspirational… and this is exactly what I needed to read on this chilly Monday morning.
You have the most inspirational of posts. I always leave your site with a breath of fresh air. Thank you.
Love it. ♥
Lucas and I do the same thing at the Humane Society. We go in “just to look at puppies” and come out a heartbeat away from adopting a second (third? fourth?) dog. I’m getting ridiculously excited to move to Gillam solely because we can adopt more doggies when we have a house!
.-= Vanessa (Last Night’s Leftovers)´s last blog ..Feed Me! =-.
I was on MLS checking out house prices in Winnipeg. You are so lucky! Saskatoon had the boom about two years ago and it’s hard to get a good house for under 200 now. Winnipeg has gorgeous houses for cheap!
It’s still extremely hard to get into good quality entry level housing here (I have a full post on it brewing) but you’re right- under $200k there are just way more options than in other cities. And Winnipeg is so small that no matter where you live you’re still about 15 mins to down town- it’s nice to know it’ll be hard to go wrong!
– kr