it takes my breath away.

My breath was taken away on more than one occasion yesterday. First, while taking photos inside old, deteriorated barns amidst a never-ending prairie field.

Ever since I can remember, I have had a great love for exploring old barns and houses. There's just something so beautiful about it. It's like opening a treasure chest, in which the treasures are items that have been left behind. They've rusted and chipped, but that is just part of what makes them so beautiful.

Coming home to see that my little blog had reached one-hundred followers was yet another thing that took my breath away. You are all so awesome. The fact that you have all taken the time to read any of my posts, look at my photos, or comment, makes me smile. Thank-you!

At the lake, while celebrating Canada's 144th birthday, my breath was taken away once more. As the night sky made its appearance, the band started to play Oh Canada, and all conversations came to a halt. I felt proud to be a Canadian, as we all stood on the beach, singing.

 Like every year, our anthem ended with a 'BANG', signalling the beginning of the fireworks. Squished together, some friends and I quickly buried ourselves in a picnic blanket, making sure everyone had an equal amount to cover them.

Watching the fireworks burst, then fall to meet their reflections in the lake, always gives me that same feeling. A mixture of summer bliss and thankfulness. I'm so happy to live here. 

Any moments that took your breath away lately? Do tell.

Abbey

PS. Tomorrow, I'll be leaving for a family camping trip. I'll be back in one week. Prepare for another photo-filled post! See you! :)

the adventurous birds

"Inside us all patiently waiting, sits a tiny little adventurous bird." 

The adventurer in me was very much alive this evening. Or, at least the long to adventure. After supper, {pizza. delicious. thank-you, Mom.} Chloe {my sister} & I decided that a bike ride up to the lake was in order. So off we went. Did it matter that we weren't at all familiar with the path we were taking? Not at all. We had a grand time being temporarily lost whilst happily humming Seabear songs.

Walking barefoot along the shore for the first time this year was bliss.

After our little excursion, signs of an oncoming storm started to appear. And sure enough, it started to pour, and lightning began to strike as soon as we reached home.

After laughing hysterically while watching a couple episodes of Corner Gas {It's our guilty pleasure. No, it's not. We feel no guilt, whatsoever.}, I head out to our Jeep, which was parked on the driveway, buried myself in some picnic blankets I found in the backseat, and gazed through the windows as the lightning repeatedly lit up the deep blue skies with flashes of light. The World is quite amazing, don't you think? 

Abbey