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Initially I had a write up for this post lamenting and reflecting on what has made up the first half of this decade. After twenty-six rewrites, I’m deciding to make the call to just post it and let the photos speak for themselves. After all, that’s kind of their thing.

Congrats, kid. We’ve made it through half a decade! Keep on keepin’ on – you never know what tomorrow holds.

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Winter

Winter was hard.

We lost my grandpa, Norbert. A kind-hearted, hardworking, introspective man. I remember growing up always curious how someone could enjoy silence (if you know me, you know I am a yapper and come from a long line of them). Now that I’m older and have a husband who had helped me see the beauty in silence, I not only understand it, but appreciate it myself. A wont for quiet did not stop him from touching hearts all across the community though. From our family to the folks down the road – he was an inspiration for kindness and generosity all around.

Monumental Moments:

• visited my hometown (Calgary, AB) for the funeral
• got to witness my little cousins who are all grown up, each with their own incredible stories they’re writing
• went for a rip on the ol’ dune buggy that Grandpa built which my uncle got up and running again
• unexpectedly witnessed a Lunar New Year celebration in China Town
• dinner with friends
• coffee at new spots
• visited my sweet man for the first time since December :’)
• played board games and video games with the boyz
• fetch with my Xena Bean
• kitten cuddles

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Spring

Spring brought along her tenderness, and slowly days became brighter and softer.

Monumental Moments:

• biked a lot
• camped at Nanaimo Lakes
• saw lotsa baby birds
• built a daisy fort for a caterpillar
• had a tea party
• discovered espresso tonics (spoiler: they’re incredible)
• wildflowers for days (camas, daffodils, bluebells, etc.)
• got to see my husband again!!! (long distance is HARD, y’all)
• visited my parents up island

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Summer

By summer, life felt light again.

Thanks to my community, good habit building, lots of time outside, medication, therapy, and my big supporters, I was balancing out.

Monumental Moments:

• got MARRIED!!!!!!!!!!!!
• drove to Utah for Gabriel’s grandma’s 80th bday
• lots of beach trips
• first successful SUP
• swimming in bioluminescence under fireworks
• watched my childhood pal get married to the love of her life; in a word? ethereal!
• spent time in the garden, under trees, and watching Mother Nature do her thing
• did a lot of creating
• one friend moved out, and a new friend moved in

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Autumn/Winter

An unexpected delightful end to a rocky start of a year.

Monumental Moments:

• read Frankenstein
• book club x2!
• dyed my hair purple (new era unlocked!)
• took a mini vacation to Anacortes and stayed in the most delightful inn
• was enamoured with the colours of fall, giant skeletons, and delicious meals
• our fifth(?) Friendsgiving
• witnessed the salmon run at Goldstream Park – perhaps one of the best moments of my life
• decorated the Christmas tree with Hope and Olivia
• saw “Witch Perfect” (10/10)
• fed ducks with Gabe
• finished Stranger Things (iykyk)
• celebrated Christmas at my home with my family ❤
• celebrated making it through the year with a solo dinner date and a few “no-gronis”

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I could spend forever logging all the memories from 2025, but as I wrap this up, we’re halfway through March, so I think it’s time to move forward.

Thanks for reading.

Stay cool,

M.