“After all,” Anne had said to Marilla once, “I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.” — L.M. Montgomery in Anne of Avonlea.

fallen rhodo blooms in Qualicum Beach BC

“I live in my own little world. But its ok, they know me here.” — Lauren Myracle

Yes indeed, I have returned. Though I chose not to ‘announce’ my absence from home for an entire month, it’s now safe to reveal that we’ve been on a month long sojourn cruising the Mediterranean. Yes, I do realize just how fortunate we are though it was a once-in-a-lifetime trip. I will attempt to share snippets of my experiences, photographs, and highlights in future posts. It won’t be a true travelogue but rather a glimpse dropped in from time-to-time.

As you can tell, I am heartily delighted to be home though I must admit how sore every one of my muscles and joints have been due to all the bending, dead-heading, weeding, and cultivating this huge yard has needed since our return. While my muscles moan, I sing with the delight of being back home to this place that I love.

golden full moon maple in Qualicum Beach

“Magic exists. Who can doubt it, when there are rainbows and wildflowers, the music of the wind and the silence of the stars? Anyone who has loved has been touched by magic.” — Nora Roberts

Being without Internet an entire month was no big deal, at all. In fact, when I got back online to check emails and have a brief gander at what I may have missed, the only thing that caught my attention was a nature challenge by David Suzuki. He wrote that many folks spend too much time in front of their screens and too little time outdoors (unfortunately so true). I’m truly in love with nature so David Suzuki’s 30 x 30 challenge to spend 30 minutes in nature over 30 days is a cinch, but one I’m tickled pink (or green) to slide into. Are you up for the challenge? Let’s do it together okay? Breathe barefoot. Find a quiet green place. Kick off your shoes and stand, feeling the earth beneath your feet. Take 100 slow breaths, eyes closed.

wild foxglove in bud

home - shoes - comfort

Until next Monday, may you breathe barefoot, cherish the gentleness of home, and the delights of your own little world.

7 thoughts on “Like Pearls Slipping off a String”

  1. Good to see you back with us, I hope you enjoyed your cruise and that the weather was kind.

  2. Oh! Wonderful! I, too, have been absent.I “ran away” again, to Florida, then Ohio and finally returned last night.So it’s going to take a while to catch up with everyone.But I will write.promise!

  3. Welcome home! You had an adventure- good for you! And good for us- because I bet we will get to see some great pictures too! 🙂

    I like the nature challenge, the days here have been perfect, warm but not hot, slightly breezy, no bugs we’ve been eating outside every night and I’ve been ignoring all the inside things in favor of outside chores- It’s been great- I hope it lasts!

  4. Welcome back Diane! I’m sure your garden missed you too. Enjoy settling back into these loveliest of days. 🙂

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