Heart

Cheers to the New Year (Full Album)

Added 2019-01-10 01:36:55 +0000 UTC

We wanted to be in the woods to ring in the New Year. Away from everything, hiding out in our little cabin with the wood stove burning while the snow falls outside, that's what sounded good. The cabin is a humble little rustic place, off the grid and a work in progress with no running water. We made it an intimate affair, Elly and Ms. O joined us, and our wild-child puppy too. It was the perfect way to end a really difficult year. A peaceful little getaway in the woods. Mister brought his guitar, O brought a novel she was reading and Elly brought her sketchbook. I made notes and took pictures. At night we sang and cuddled up, even when the temperature dropped down to -20 at night (that's -4 for you 'murican folks).

I have a lot of high hopes for this year, I'm trying to keep the tranquility of the forest and the joy of the chickadees with me.

(Photo quality on the mobile app is really low, try viewing this set on a desktop or mobile browser for optimal image quality. All images are taken by me, unless otherwise noted. This stellar shot above was taken by Ms.O.)

My Mom got me these super apropos bun-in-glasses slipper socks for Christmas. Ideal for tea in the cabin.

Baby usually isn't allowed up on the couch, but she was so chilly she was granted lap-privileges for the weekend to help keep her warm. She's a good little snuggle bug. (Photo by O)

Winter wonderland view from the cabin

It gets dark so early this time of year, and the temperature was dropping so we needed lots of firewood. Long cozy nights inside by the fire meant lots of time sitting at Elly's feet while she braided my hair. (Photo by Elly)

Before midnight we did a cleansing ritual and said goodbye to 2018 in our own way.

As the new year approached we each lit a black candle and watched it melt to dispel negativity and enter the new year feeling lighter. As the clock struck midnight we each wrote down a wish for 2019 on a small piece of paper, lit it on fire using our candle and let the ashes fall into our glass of champagne. Then we did a big cheers and drank the bubbly down. This is a tradition Ms. O shared with us from Russia, we were shouting and giggling the whole time, it was a nice way to start the year, in the glow of candles and hopeful thoughts.

My negativity candle and my positivity joint, hee hee. I love that you can see all 3 of their flames in the background.

Eventually I will make an entire book of pictures I've taken while Elly plays with my hair. I started the new year at her feet while Ani DiFranco played quietly in the background, perfection.

Starting off the New Year with a no pants snow dance!

Ms. O and Elly, two of my favourite snow bunnies

Lakeside winter still-life

Cheeky little O by the frozen lake, wondering if the neighbours across can see her.

Frolicking like a jackass.
(Photo by Elly)

Cute bums and the sun!

This was a self-timer-fail-outtake, but damn if that isn't my smirk every time I'm taking photos of beauties.

Only the most badass of Canadian wilderness babes

Me, Elly and O (who saw this shot and immediately said "Am I really that short?" Yes darling, you are.)

She keeps me warm.
(Heart & Elly - Photo by O)

A sundog is a rainbow around the sun, refractory light from ice crystals. Also called a parhelion if you're getting fancy. (Photo by O)

We learned a very important lesson about Instax cameras... they don't work when it's very cold. This cute one I snapped of O looked all cool and vintage, and the 3 we snapped after that we're just white and over-exposed. Still keeping this one forever.

Elly melted snow to use for a painting and the rest of us sat around trying not to gasp audibly at her talent. (She's working from a reference photo we took last year during a Sunday Night Rope date.)

The cold and the beautiful ❄️
(Photo by my Mister)

Cold feet? I don't know her.
(Photo by my Mister)

True snow angels 👼
(Photo by my Mister)

Back in the cabin, progress shot. How does she always capture my hair so perfectly? Not to mention my nipples. So much time studying I suppose... The finished product was gorgeous. You can see it on her instagram here.