Winter wedding December 28, 2008
Almost a month ago, I went to the winter wedding of an old friend who I hadn’t seen in years, and, given the opportunity to wear my cute new dress, I jumped at the invitation. Oh, and seeing old friends was fun too.
The ceremony took place outdoors. In the dead of winter. Needless to say, I lost all feeling in each of my limbs, but quickly warmed up with more than a few glasses of red wine at the reception. And, since the couple hadn’t hired a wedding photographer, I stepped in and took a few shots, including this one.
And then there were three December 25, 2008
‘I’ve invited a few friends from Church for Christmas this year,’ my mum told us a few days ago. ‘I didn’t want to be alone on Christmas day,’ she explains.
My brother and I share a look that says, ‘WTF are we, chopped liver?’
And yet, I kind of get it.
…
Christmas has always been a big deal for us, and we’ve always had between 6 and 16 people to share it with. On the years when it was just us, there were at least the six people who lived in our house. Me, brother, mum, mum’s dad and great auntie Doze. And of course, dad. The prospect of spending the holidays with half the people we’re used to is kind of daunting. It’s our third Christmas without him, but the last two have been spend with other families in joyous chaos.
That’s not to say we’re sad today. We’re in a good place, all of us. He’s here, in a sense, as we all know that. We’re happy to be together.
But still, the day is filled with mini heartbreaks. An old gift tag in the wrapping paper drawer from him, a present given that he would have loved, the notable absence of his voice. But I’ve learned that those moments never really go away, and that’s ok.
…
Merry Christmas, everyone. May it be joyfully lazy and magically happy.
Christmas eve eve December 24, 2008
Amor and I have been together for five years, and we’ve never spent a Christmas together. He spends it with his family and I with mine, and neither of us wants to give that up. We’re fine with it, but I do miss him.
Amor and I haven’t had time to put up a Christmas tree of our own this year, so this photo is from last year’s tree. The ornament, bought on sale in a pack of 12 at Ikea, isn’t memorable but Christmas tree is. It signifies a home shared by our two souls, even if we’re apart for the big day.
home December 22, 2008
Ok, I lie. This isn’t my home. In fact, I’m not sure whose home it is these days — it’s the ex-apartment of my friend Meliss. It had creaky old floors, a claw-foot tub and a musty smell that reminded me of my grandmother’s house — all reasons that made me love this place. And as for this photo, it makes me feel warm, which lord knows I need right now.
the good life December 21, 2008
A month ago today, I was in Mexico looking at this view. Today, the temperatures are in the minus 20s and the sweaters I couldn’t imagine wearing are being worn all at once.
Life as a Canadian is funny, huh? And I’m not talking ‘ha-ha’ funny here.
And then there were four December 20, 2008
Our little family of three (Myself, Amor and Molly) became a little family of four two weeks ago with the addition of little Desmond. He’s awfully cute but don’t let that fool you — he’s an absolute terror. He was there when I came home from a weekend away — Amor obviously couldn’t resist the little guy who needed a home.
Desmond’s name comes from a Beatle’s song — Ob La Di, Ob La Da — and was picked to match Molly’s name. It’s tough to call a little tiny kitten by such a formal name, though, so I call him Desi.
Welcome home, buddy.
