We got back from Canada (Quebec City and Montreal) last Saturday, and I’ve been caught up in getting things back in order. So far this summer has been especially busy with extended family visits, vacation, connecting with friends, work obligations, regular home life as well as some unexpecteds…I’m not used to this fast pace, and it doesn’t really suit me. How about you, have you been running round and round also?
Okay, back to our recent trip. The drive up north started off smooth and slow (just the way I like it), and we were lucky that the sky was showing its most beautiful side.
And we were also lucky to have found a resting spot in Magog, Quebec, that serves delicious chocolate croissants (this definitely set the French mood).
As soon as we arrived in Old Quebec we saw more welcome signs which added to the excitement of being at such a beautiful place.
It was wonderful taking time out to see the historic sights…
…smell the roses…
…and to eat farm fresh berries (during a side trip to Ile d’Orleans – a rural island near Quebec City).
While staying in Old Quebec we took another side trip to nearby Montmorency Falls.
Although the rush of water was spectacular to see, I found myself fearful of the chaotic force and immense explosion at the bottom.
There were more explosions in the form of fireworks while in Old Quebec – these were more my speed. However, there was a part of me that craved the stillness…
…such as what I found at the aquarium.
I love the calm and beauty of the slow.
And I love coming across unexpected sights such as this sweet birdie graffiti. The English translation of the message is “Are you listening? The birds sing for you and me…” Isn’t this the perfect tweet?!
Roaming around freely, and preferably slowly, allows me the space that I need to be in the moment…and to maybe be inspired by the moment. As happened when we had the opportunity to see an outdoor and free(!) performance of Cirque du Soleil.
As I watched the performers, especially the brave and graceful acrobats, I heard myself thinking “I should try to move outside of my comfort zone more”. Maybe I should try things that feel scary…maybe not every time, but once in a while would be good. I’m sure that this would never lead me to fly around upside down on a swing way up in the air, but I could begin by taking small risks…little leaps of faith towards enriching my life and increasing self assurance. Sometimes I get stuck in what feels familiar, and this isn’t always good for me…both in my personal and creative life. I feel a change coming. And now I just have to figure out “what” exactly. I wonder, have any of you been contemplating any big changes for yourselves as well?
After Old Quebec we moved on to Montreal for a few days before coming home. I’ll soon be putting together a post on that (it might include a craft project that I came across while reading the local morning newspaper at our hotel). I haven’t had a chance to try out the project yet, but if it comes out good I’ll certainly share it.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you’ve all been enjoying the summer so far.
14 Comments, Comment or Ping
Looks like a lovely trip! I’m finding that my summer pace is not moving nearly as slowing as I’d like it to either.
July 13th, 2013
Becky,
Welcome home!! Thanks for sharing peeks at your lovely vacation.
I too, feel the pace of this summer has been flying by at a ridiculously rapid pace! I’m always off when I try to remember what day it is! I just found myself saying “I can’t believe it’s the middle of July, already!?!”. Unbelievable!
I am giving myself more permission to step outside my comfort zone, wish I had more opportunities, but seizing them when I can!
Sending you peaceful, slow, warm summer delights!
Best,
Jeanette
July 13th, 2013
Jeanette, I had a feeling I wasn’t alone. This summer’s fast pace has me doing loops, and I’m ready to settle down some.
July 14th, 2013
I too prefer the slow meandering path and not the hectic direct blast. Your trip had lots of wonderful memory making events. I have never visited these two cities…maybe one day in the future. I shall look forward to your newspaper inspired creation. Happy Hearts are Creative Hearts…
July 13th, 2013
I´ve never been to Canada, so I enjoyed the photos of your trip! As you know, I´ve spent my vacation in Berlin which is much faster and louder than my home town, but I love that!
July 14th, 2013
Terrific Marion…so glad to know that you enjoyed the sights in busy Berlin.
July 14th, 2013
Hi Becky! Wow, you’ve been busy having fun this summer! Love all of your shots and I must say that I do love to watch the jelly fish at the aquarium too…so calming and beautiful. No changes here…just the same ol’ me! Lol Enjoy your Sunday. 🙂
July 14th, 2013
I loved the photos of your trip, it has been many years since I’ve traveled up that way. It made me want to hop in the car and GO! Can’t wait to see what new project you will leap into next, just keep having fun.
July 14th, 2013
Welcome back! I would love to see a new craft from you! So far my summer has been 8 graduation parties, 1 18th birthday and 1 16th birthday — make it stop!! 🙂
July 15th, 2013
Wow Ann Marie, it seems that many of us are experiencing the fast pace…hopefully, it’ll slow down soon.
July 15th, 2013
so glad you enjoyed Quebec. I haven’t been but here it’s worth the trip. maybe someday. Summer goes by so quickly, you have to make the most of it. Especially when the weather is good. as far as my summer goes, just enjoying the heat, and days without rain. been very wet here.
July 15th, 2013
Welcome home! Yes, I feel like I’m a crazy coaster…and I want off. I love all of it, but sometimes I need to sit back and adjust my view-like you~
Wow, looks like a lovely venture to Old Quebec! I look forward to your inspiration. I hope you find some quiet time to unwind~
ATB
July 16th, 2013
Welcome back Becky! if you wouldn’t have said you were in Canada I would have sworn you did take a trip to France. Gorgeous photos. I especially love the soothing ones from the aquarium and that gorgeous sky.
I’m finding summer just flying by and it always seems to be busy too (mostly in a good way). I’m actually looking forward to our two weeks beach time coming soon. When I’m there my computer time is very limited (self imposed) and I don’t blog or even create art hardly at all. I love to come home refreshed and ready to dig in and create from the inspiration of my calm, peaceful, and contemplative time by the beautiful sea. I’m looking forward to your new projects 🙂 Here’s to some breathing space.
July 17th, 2013
What a post Becky… so many times I come here and your thoughts are the mirror for my own…
We just made a trip to Oregon, saw waterfalls that amazed, and shopped in a quilt shop that has me thinking about my comfort zone, which led to thinking about who I am and who I want to be and how I want to spend my time – the next days and weeks I’ll be pondering all of it.
I hope the rest of your summer moves along at just the right pace for you!
July 18th, 2013
Reply to “Too Quick Quebec”