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toe, heel

12.19.2012


We walk home toe, heel now. Our backs facing the harsh and unforgiving prairie winds, just as we did last year and each one before. It's funny walking past our neighbours; facing each other, but only after we've passed. Like a film played in reverse. It's this or choking on air, though. Luckily, we've become skilled in the art of toe, heel.

We picked out our tree at the backyard tree lot, two weeks before last on the cusp of November. Half the battle is convincing Mom to opt for a real one. The other half is conquering the battle of tree vs. small door frame. It's all dressed up in the corner now, in knickknacks from and before my time. I like our ornaments and how each one brings to mind a certain feeling or a certain day or a certain person. Buying a proper set of ornaments is probably something I'll never do.

December hasn't been too generous with time to think or write or sit (I've been meaning to write for two weeks now). But she's been generous with time. Time for tests and work and preparation and overwhelming decisions. It'll all be worth it come Christmas break. I'll be thankful for it, even. It's a chop your own wood and it will warm you twice sort of month, and this week is the final swing of the axe. 

Warmth is on its way. 


17 comments:

  1. Oh, how exciting! I love love that first shot! Bokeh all over this post, ftw! ;) heh

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  2. this looks magical! i love the twinkly lights :)

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  3. abbey, every single time you post i'm overcome with the joyful simplicity of your photographs and blown away by your beautiful paragraphs.
    so, I guess I just want to say thanks for being you.
    -simi

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  4. This is beautiful. Picking out and decorating the Christmas tree is basically the most magical part of winter. xx

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  5. all those twinkle lights and december hues - so beautiful!

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  6. You have a magic way with words, they've blown me over yet again. Love.

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  7. Gorgeous photos, so full of life!

    at-rubik.blogspot.com

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  8. ah co-op gas station. a nice little reminder of home! :)

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  9. you are like a more... active version of my family. i cannot wait for the day when we go out to get our own REAL Christmas tree.
    this is beautiful. hazy, like a dream, with all the pretty lights and the laughter carrying on behind you, and the smell of mint and pines floating in your nostrils and the sight of sparks wandering away from the chimney. oh how i love Christmas. oh how i love winter.
    also your carpe diem list is coming. i promise. it's coming. :)

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  10. You blow me away, Abbey!
    Inspiring every time.

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  11. love this! The photos are so real and wonderful that they make me feel like I am right there.

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  12. your descriptions make me feel as though I was there, and your photos convey such warmth. lovely, doll.
    xoxo

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    1. i agree wholeheartedly. but i'd also like to add that your photos make me feel the same way: when I look at your photos, i feel like i'm living your experience. it's incredible, really but so true.

      xx acacia

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  13. You needed Ger to help you haul that tree in! Good job getting a real one...we opted for fake this year, only because we've been here for most of the season...I did not want to return to Halifax with dried out old pine needles all over my beautiful hardwood floors. So nice to see you yesterday, Abbey...I hope that you had a fun time with all of our little cousins. After reading this blog post it is confirmed in my mind...you are writer and that's what you should be doing next year!!!!!!!!

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  14. Love this. I can't wait to have a real Christmas tree for the first time :)

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