Every morning after we get the kids to school… after our walk is done we take a few minutes and cuddle quietly on the couch. We soak in the silence and just breathe and honestly it might be my favourite moment of my day. I know not everyone can understand the bond I share with Bandit. To some people she’s “just a dog” but to me she’s the soul who helped pick up my brokenness in my season of loss. 🩵🐾
Some days you gotta say fuck the mind numbing tasks of adulthood and go for a walk with one of your besties in the beautiful sunshine! Check out an antique shop and then cuddle your fuzzy bestie!!
Life is too short to not do the things that fill your cup!
The perfect weather for bad coffee and long pointless talks while the rain beats down on the windshield…The perfect weather for committing your favourite crime.
Moody and cold … dark and grey but always the belief the sunshine is right behind those clouds. Deja vu … little white lies…..just like it always was.
Happiness in those brief rainy moments.
I think I like prefer windshields in the rain to sandcastles in the sun.
A quiet breakfast alone on what would have been Dad’s 79th Birthday. My main reflection is how thankful I am for all those mornings he sat across from me and we had breakfast together. In the last two years those breakfasts were always his best moments of the day. Our breakfast conversations always had moments and meaning I will treasure forever. Even tho those two years were the absolute hardest of both of our lives I’m so thankful he was here at home with us. I’m so thankful for all those quiet breakfasts together. Happy heavenly Birthday Dad!
People are going to judge you no matter what you do… So here is the only advice I have for 2024!!! Do what you want. Love who you love. Love yourself…love your life. Take the risks. The perfect cookie cutter life doesn’t exist so if something takes your breath away do it. If it feels like magic grab it.. even if you only catch it once. Live your damn life on your terms. Chase sunsets and wake up to greet the next sunrise. ❤️
Deep breath friends…. The finish line is right there!! Many of you know that Christmas is my absolute favourite but this is my first Christmas without either of my parents and I’m not going to lie to you…. I’ve been feeling all the feelings. I’ve definitely found moments of joy and festive fun but I’ve also felt sadness and emptiness. I’ve found myself finding nostalgia in all the things and embracing the whole season as best I can. Here’s your reminder that joy and grief can absolutely coexist. It’s ok to be sad and it’s ok to enjoy the season… im over here doing both simultaneously and im ok ❤️
It makes me think of you. It makes me think of those days in that little farmhouse. That roaring warm fire in that old wood stove. Those cheery yellow curtains that hid the sadness. The smell of a fresh cut Christmas tree mixed with brewed coffee and cigarette smoke. Those red Christmas balls. The way you made sure to make it magic no matter what was going on in real life.
Things I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I close my eyes and they are there, you’re there. We’re all there. In that house. Time forever frozen in my mind.
I’m a firm believer in the old saying “Everything happens for a reason.” A handful of years ago I found myself drawn to all things vintage Christmas and became very nostalgic for things that were part of my childhood Christmases. Of course given that I’m 41 a lot of those trinkets are no longer around. Tho certain things vividly stand out in my memory. The tinsil garlands that used to hang on our living room ceiling, the plastic holly candle ring that sat on the coffee table and my mothers purple mercury glass beaded cross. I remember her always putting it on the tree herself and it always had to go on last. This ornament brought her joy. Unfortunately when I was about 8/9 I remember it coming apart and being tucked away but never repaired. Since she died I found myself searching online for a beaded cross. This past week I stumbled on a lady selling a huge lot of vintage ornaments. I figured it couldn’t hurt to ask if I could purchase just the one. I told her my story and she agreed to sell it to me. I received it today with the sweetest note from the seller. While this isn’t my Mom’s exact ornament having this little piece brings me comfort. It’s a tangible reminder of Christmases past and it reminds me of her ❤️
And when you get the chance to sit it out or dance….I hope you dance.
There aren’t any words to adequately describe this trip. Those 8 days will never be forgotten. It was a week of making memories and feeling all the feels.
My Mom would of absolutely loved Disneyland.
What an adventure and a gift to have gotten to experience this with my little family.
remind yourself to remember how it feels because those cold dark days always sneak back for us to weather.
Sometimes the memories help break your fall, other times they batter you on the way down.
Just remember the sun will always shine again.
Life With The McGavins 