felt like home*

my new mary jane crocs at a Vancouver park


two sweet old ladies at a pond in Victoria, B.C.


Capilano Lake, Vancouver B.C., canon digital rebel xti


West Vancouver, B.C.


me walking across the very wobbly Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver
(i'm afraid of heights, so this is HUGE for me...being that it was 250 high)


boho boy at Treetop Adventures

It seems we somehow find a way to get to Victoria, B.C. at least once a year if not twice. Stepping foot off of the ferry into the charming little city always feels like home for us. Perhaps because we are surrounded by like-minded people that always treat us with such warmth and openness.

The city is rich with historical buildings, museums, charming Victorian homes, earthy restaurants and funky independent coffee shops. It feels like everything I love about my favorite cities all rolled into one place with the bonus of adorable Canadian accents that I could never tire of.

There are a few sweet moments I'll share that my mind keeps trailing back to...

The first morning I woke up before my husband, which is a RARE thing. I took a walk with the morning dew into some neighborhoods I hadn't yet travelled. It was so quiet...everyone sleeping...only the birds and me. I walked through the legislative building from the late 1800's. I thought I was alone and these two old jolly cops came down the stairs to chat with me. They asked me where I was from and loads of questions about California. I felt like I was with two dear Santa Claus men. I thought it so typical that even their police officers are far from intimidating. So kind and warm and welcoming...sending me off with wishes for a splendid vacation.

We found a coffee shop that we practically lived in. By the end of the week, they knew us by name and started whipping up our "usual" (yerba mate lattes with vanilla rice milk). Hanging from their brick walls was local art strung from metal curtain rods throughout the shop. Lots of comfy couches and bohemians sitting in them. We saw a fabulous local band there one night called The Gruff...sitting right up close, loving every harmony and instrument and sweet smile and winks from their eyes.

Midweek we took a ferry over to Vancouver Island. It seems this is the only day I whipped out my camera. Not sure why that is. I think I really just needed to settle in Victoria like it was home and live in the moment and not think much. Next time I'll take more in Victoria. Our trip to Vancouver was eventful to say the least. Boho Boy took me to the Capilano Suspension Bridge. I think he tends to forget how very frightened I am of heights (I say this because he took me up in a hot air balloon to propose to me). I braved the wobbly bridge strung 250 feet above Capilano River and tall trees. It was surreal. I panicked a wee bit the first time, clinging to him for dear life as I felt shaky all over. On the way back I did it on my own (see photo above)...still clinging to the rod but smiling this time. The park also had Treetop Adventures, which was tree houses and bridges going from one tall tree to the next to walk on. We also stumbled upon the largest Whole Foods Market I have ever seen. This rocked our worlds. Especially when this jolly dude with a funny knit hat that worked there enthusiastically shared his passion for Spelt bread, guiding us around and encouraging us to squeeze each loaf. Totally our kind of peeps.

Back in Victoria, we found a corner sandwich shop, owned by a sweet German man. His wife and three children worked there as well. They encouraged us to bring our own bread (as i can't have gluten and boho boy can't have yeast...fun pair, eh?). They made us the best sandwiches we've every had and we kept coming back for more. Boho Boy spoke German with the owner and that was it...they were instant pals. We might house swap with their family on future vacations. We fell in love with the them. So open and jolly and passionate (and still very much in love with three teenagers/twenty somethings in the house).

At least once a day we would go down to a pub and drink virgin Ceasars with lots of garnish (pickled green beans and green olives) to watch Hockey. Its so fun to see how passionate Canadians are about their hockey. I got into it a bit too.

We spent one day driving all around Vancouver Island (where Victoria is...I know it can get confusing that there is a city Vancouver and a Vancouver Island and they're separate). We found a delicious park with a pond and two sweet old ladies snuggled up together. I had to take a photo (see above). This park had a four mile path all along the water. I love how Canadians love their community parks.

By the end of our time there, my husband's Canadian accent was back in full swing and even I started pronouncing my t's...among other endearing sounds.

There is more to share but I'll stop for now. We are home feeling more empowered...and healed from a rough few months. I know I haven't shared a lot of details here about what happened. I really respect the privacy of all involved, so my apologies for choosing to be vague. I will share more about what is transpiring in our hearts soon.

For now we are home and I am choosing to focus on the beautiful blessings that are happening in our lives right now. Some yummy stuff.