Verve

 Dena and our Ring Pops. 

Dena and Bryan

 Five Cent Carousel in Port Delhousie 

Dena and Rainbow Sherbet Ice Cream

When I was younger, I was powered by imagination as I am now by wanderlust. I hope when I’m old and elegiac, my life will be powered by memories.

As a child, summer consisted of two full months of friends, activities and laziness. The glory days of five cent candy summers outweighed any special privileges I imagined adulthood could possibly grant me. My life seemed complete with summer dinners in the treehouse, pixie sticks, and the reaction of cold water as my feet dangled off the houseboat. Then, when the awkwardness and temperament days of pre-teen subsided, I thought my prime years were in my late teens. I spent my summers in debauch and felt most foolish within the hours preceding sunrise with late night drives through Ioco, and bonfire parties at the dyke. However, with each passing summer, I realize that our best years are falsely ascribed to our youth. Life seems to improve with age, and I find comfort that it will only keep on getting better. One day, I want to be able to turn to my grandkids and say with truth and certainty, "I am still living out the best years of my life".

Plus, being an adult doesn't mean that you still can't find moments to act like a child; we certainly played the part in Niagara.

Yours,

P. xo.

1000 islands - origin of the salad dressing

Heart Island - In the 1900s, George Boldt began building a castle for his darling wife as testimony to his adoration towards her. Most amazing stories are not complete without their tragic endings and this story is no different. Boldt's wife suddenly passed away shortly before completion and the heartbroken millionaire halted the construction of the castle and never stepped foot on the island again. The castle was left isolated and desolate until 30 years ago when plans to restore it went under way.

Yours,

P. xo. 

Montreal - May 7, 2011 - May 10, 2011.

My parents and I stayed at Le Simone, a B&B in the heart of Montreal. I felt like a Parisian waking up to freshly-baked croissants and cheese crepes that were enjoyed on the patio. The first day was spent walking around the shopping district and checking out Universities and Museums. *A congratulatory shout-out to my brother who will be attending Concordia for his Masters*. The second day, we took a horse carriage ride through old Montreal and visited the numerous cathedrals and basilicas. My favourite was St. Joseph's Oratory upon Mount Royal whose elevation is perfect for a picturesque view of the city. The hubbub of french culture and the classical antiquity is what I imagine all of Canada should be like. Montreal breathes inspiration. Of particular amusement were a row of swings found down a busy sidewalk street. On these swings were grown adults having the time of their lives. Each full swing produced melodic notes which left the street chiming with music. How ingenious. Surely musical swings can solve all the world's problems, yes?

Yours,

P. xo.

Ottawa - May 7, 2011

I know this is a month overdue but this is how long it took to get a hold of my pictures from my Ottawa - Montreal - Thousand island's vacation. First stop, Ottawa.

En route to Montreal, we stopped in Ottawa for a couple hours for the intended purpose to visit the Tulip Festival (since I j'adore, j'adore, j'adore tulips). This festival is supposed to symbolize the perpetuity of Canada’s international friendship with Holland. However, the lack of tulips fêtes and the meager display of tulips, left me leaving the “tulip capital of North America” rather disappointed. But they sure are beautiful, aren't they? Also, j'adoring the old grandeur architecture of Ottawa's Parliament buildings, and their green rooftops which flatter the blue skies. See you on Canada Day, Ottawa.

Yours,

P. xo.