PARIS! BARCELONA! ALHAMBRA! MOROCCO!

Holy crap! We're going on vacation! How! Many! Exclamation! Points! Must! We! Use! To! Express! Our! Excitement?!!

I (Mary) began really focusing on a Europe trip about six months ago and started to make plans with a close friend. Unfortunately life and circumstance stepped in and I was left planning solo. You would think by my age I would be comfortable traveling alone -- no biggie, right? Well I thought so too, until the time actually came to do it and I began to feel very unsure. But after many phone calls back home, it turns out big sis had a plan: what if she just came with me?

Now, you can probably imagine how I (Elizabeth) simply hate traveling through beautiful foreign countries....I mean, I live in Edmonton, god knows it's the epicenter of culture and architectural beauty (oooh, and the weather....). Nevertheless, upon hearing Mary's travel woes I looked deep within myself and, out of the kindness of my generous and undeniably selfless heart, acquiesced to help sweet sis through this disappointment. Would I accompany her? I would.

And so we're off. Well, in three weeks time. We'll be visiting Paris, Chefchaouen, Asilah, Seville (or maybe Malaga?), Granada/Alhambra and Barcelona.

Would you guys help us out by suggesting any hostels/restaurants (we really really like to eat)/monuments/shopping destinations (some of us really really like to shop)/must-sees or perhaps a way to travel between Chefchaouen & Asilah that's not a complete headache? We'd really appreciate it. Comment! We need your advice! We're up for anything!

Merci buckets, M + E.

OH THOSE SILLY MINOTAURS

This recent song by RJD2 is really great and the video is definitely worth a watch if you haven't seen it yet.

OSCAR PARTY

The girls I work with are coming over for a little Academy Awards show viewing at my place on Sunday. I think we are all pretty excited (even if none of us have actually seen any of the movies). Any clever (or tasty!) suggestions on what I could feed them?

BUDDHIST PERSPECTIVE

A friend of mine pointed out this article which details a nun finding a very rare flower that in Buddhist teachings only blooms every 3,000 years. The flower measures just 1mm in diameter. It was under her washing machine. I like hearing things like this when life is so busy and stressed.

BUSY BUSY BUSY!

Things are happening at a ridiculous pace right now for both of us here, but we'll be back to it before you know it (and with some exciting news too!), promise.

SPRING = CANNING?

Well to me it does. The fruit trees are all starting to bloom here in Vancouver and I am already thinking of the harvest. My co-workers and I are excitedly scoping out the selection of potted herbs on a daily basis, figuring out which ones to buy. I've really wanted to get into canning for the last couple of years. Our mom makes jams and jellies and sauces almost every year and Elizabeth too has tried her hand at spicy pickles and other treats.
It's not just what's in the jars that thrills me, nor the process of creating and preserving something of your own (one must prepare for the harsh winters of Vancouver, right?) but I also love the jars themselves. The old standard masons are very pretty indeed, but I felt inspired to see a little note on the beautiful and unique Weck jars in Martha Stewart. Now to get my hands on some those.... unfortunately it's still several months before I can start using them.

CUT MA' HAIR

I've been having hair issues. I'm in the middle of an awkward grow-out phase that feels like it will never end. I bleached my hair light blond two summers ago and am still dealing with the aftermath. I LOVED being blond, but the upkeep was killer so I eventually, reluctantly, went back to brown. Two years later and the bleach is still there and my ombre, fried-end hair is making me nuts. At this point all I want is a healthy head of natural hair before it goes somewhat-prematurely grey, as does all hair of the women in my family. I'm also growing my bangs out which is probably the worst possible thing one can do for their self esteem. Clearly, I'm having issues.

Today was a bad hair day. They do exist. I hit a breaking point and walked into a salon without an appointment. "Cut out the blonde, don't touch the bangs, clean it up and please, please let's attempt to make it frame my face". Half an hour later I walked out with perhaps the most boring haircut I've had in 10 years....and it was EXACTLY what I wanted. One length, terrifically straight, slightly shaped long bob and no more pretending my hair is something it's not. I feel so much better.

Now to get used to a centre part again without feeling like I should be sitting in my parents basement, watching My So Called Life on tv (and I don't mean re-runs) and pretending to study for a math test.

Excuse the absolutely crap-tastic photos, I'm too lazy to set up my camera and tripod. Also, photobooth has a nice way of blurring imperfections & that's my favorite kinda headshot tonight.