Photo credit Heather Hands

Christmas is in less than 10 days, and I am completely unprepared. Last year, I had it all planned out. I made our own Christmas cards, had them stamped and mailed in plenty of time. I decorated the house, even bought a cute rosemary tree and filled it with small ornaments, to comply with our loft's spacial challenges. I had my knitted gifts done and sent with some time to spare. A true Christmas miracle. This year, not so much. Maybe it's our recent trip to this great place - more on that later - or the fact that we are going to Quebec city to celebrate the Holidays with my family this year, making it seem like it's not really Christmas until we see snow. Maybe it's that the weather here has been quite warm and sunny, or maybe, just maybe, it's that I've been drinking bubbly and procrastinating. Either way, the last minute scramble is here, and I'm maintaining a decent amount of constant panic, balanced out by some serious excitement to be home for Christmas. Since graduating, work has rarely allowed me to travel during this time of year, and I'm feeling very lucky, thrilled to be in my favourite winter wonderland for the Holidays. So today, I'm putting Love Actually in the background, displaying my adorable snow globe on my desk, and while Graham is browsing the internet to complete his Christmas shopping, I'm getting ready for a creative marathon. Wish me luck.

Photo credit Heather Hands 

I've fully embraced the fall, which has always been my favourite season. Although the leaves don't quite take on the same dramatic colours here as back home, I love the bright yellows and occasional oranges, the crisp and fresh air, the cozy feeling of the duvet that's now back on the bed, and my fuzzy slippers. I'm baking and drinking chai tea, knitting like crazy, wearing scarfs and not shaving my legs as often. I'm filling up my Netflix queue with new TV shows and movies, preparing to hibernate for a few months. It all pleases me deeply. I particularly love the beginning of fall, the promise of life slowing down after a hectic summer, the colder mornings and nights. Above all this, I have a special appreciation for the beautiful and warm afternoons, when you'd believe summer is still here, if it weren't for the pumpkins and Halloween decorations showing up everywhere.