I went to Victoria last weekend, the lovely capital of this fine province, and it was beautiful. I really had been pining for a weekend away from the stress of life, the demands of it all, so I called up my dear friend, Christy, who was also in dire need of a break (she has four kids, and she homeschools and makes her own freaking almond butter) and basically told her I had booked a room for us at the Empress Hotel and it was in her best interests to join me for a couple days of resting, shopping, and (most importantly) eating.

It was actually spring there: no snow, tender daffodils reaching for the blue skies, cherry blossoms on every corner.

Christy and I used to live somewhat similar lives: we were both at home full-time with a gaggle of children nipping at our heels. Then she moved to Pender Island with her brood and they are pouring their hearts and souls into a beautiful camp out there, while she homeschools her kids, mills her own rice flour and leaves the rat race more and more behind each day. I, on the other hand, have sent my kids off to public school and become a real estate agent. Slightly different paths, hey? And yet, at the core, we still connect in the same way we always did, we still value the same things and it was so amazing to get that undivided time with her after so many years.

It’s her birthday today, and I hope she knows just how much I still love her and cherish our friendship. Thanks for the memories, Teet!