Stop and Enjoy Those You are With

Beautiful Pacific Ocean at Nanaimo, BC
 Left BC in rain and comfortable temperatures but knew it would soon be colder weather and snow.  Not what we wanted but we are finally moving into our new place so I packed up all my beads and headed for Alberta once again.   

We were walking our dog on the beach and stopped to chat with this lovely couple.   Later, I couldn't resist taking their picture as they strolled hand in hand stopping to admire the beauty.  I love moments like this when we see how life can be enjoyed if only we stop and admire those we are with and what is in front of us.

A herd of Mountain Goats on the road 

  As we were driving along, we came upon these animals. They come down to get the salt from the side of the road. They weren't interested in sticking around so I had to get pictures of their butt sides.  They refused to stand nicely and pose!

Males pushing and shoving each other

Back to snow and colder temperatures

Some of the sights we have to endure on this trip.  It's hard but someone has to do it.

 It was snowing lightly so wasn't sure if my pictures would turn out.  Ended up having a nice effect and no, I didn't photoshop these!

 I think they have a different look to them - 
                    maybe even pastoral possibly?

Abraham Lake about 100 miles from our destination.

Sun was peaking through the clouds and I like how it               reflects off the water.  Always such varied conditions from one location to the other when we travel.  

So now I am busily moving into my home and trying to figure out which room(s) I can claim for beads and paints and all the beauty I love to surround myself with.  I have my eye on a couple so we will see....

I will be sure to let you know how that goes in my next blog post.  Until then, don't forget to stop once in a while and enjoy the things around you and those you are with!

Rocky Mountains - always a sight to see

 My blog today is pictures from our trip to British Columbia.  I love the beauty of nature and if anyone has not seen the majestic Rocky Mountains - here they are.  This is the Bow River between Calgary and Banff, Alberta with Mountains peeking over the trees.  Miles of nothing but trees, mountains and streams and the road ahead of us.....  Some of the tops were covered in cloud so I couldn't get as many pictures.

 A Walkway for Wildlife over the busy Trans Canada Highway so the animals don't get hit - there is one about every five miles in the Banff National Park.

 I have driven this trip dozens of times and I never get tired of these wondrous sights.  The only thing that changes is the season, lighting, weather and cloud and snow cover on that particular day.

 Still snow covered at this time of year but many streams with run off causing rivers to rise and swell.

 They attach netting so rocks don't fall down on your car - this is the worst part of the highway.

 Rogers Pass where there are hair pin turns and it is slow going - don't look down over the edge.

 So much rain has made everything lush and green and beautiful

 A common sight is the Canadian Pacific Railway cars running along side the highway.

 The long and twisty road usually takes us two days drive from Alberta to British Columbia but it is a beautiful drive and we never get tired of the sights.

So many beautiful waterfalls beside the road - just happened to catch this one driving by.  My husband is not good about stopping to take pictures so I am surprised when one turns out.


So that is my trip from Alberta to British Columbia.  

This is the ocean looking toward Vancouver from my deck this AM.  If you look behind the island on the far right you would see Mount Baker in Washington on a clear day. 

 Now I am going to set up my bead studio. Have a great day!

I am Happy in Nanaimo BC

 I am in glorious, beautiful, Nanaimo, BC, Canada at my second home.  I have had migraines for two months and recovering from foot surgery so this was a necessary get-away for my own sanity.  Alone time near the ocean is better than any Doctor prescribed medication - don't you think?  We sold our Alberta property and after looking at dozens of places especially in the frame of mind and condition I was in - nothing appealed to me and frankly I had to get away from it all.  I packed boxes of beads and then forgot to take pictures of all those beauties!  One thing I knew for sure - I was going to make something for ME and Green and blue make me feel good especially when I would be looking at the ocean every day.  So here are some of the beads - sorry the pictures are rather atrocious - must be the dreary dull day.  Can't wait to get started.  Think I will make a free form necklace.
If only I could decide how long and how big and how many gems.  It seems so much easier to plan a bracelet which I am much more used to doing.  But I am no coward.  I have 10 days to myself and I want to do something BIG and lucious and dripping with watery colors.  I made up teal, blue and green soups so now I just have to get my move on.  OK, ready, set, GO...