Depending on where you are in the world, you might just be experiencing Fall weather… or Summer weather… or even Winter weather!

Here in Edmonton, Canada, Winter has arrived early!

(Apparently old man winter didn’t quite check the calendar and is a little ahead of schedule :P)

But, that’s pretty typical here where I live.

Despite the fact each year I hope and pray that winter doesn’t actually show up till Christmas time.

Here’s the thing, I am NOT a winter person…

Every year, I absolutely dread the arrival of winter (Yes, I know what you’re thinking.. Why haven’t I moved to somewhere warmer yet?!).

Unlike many of my Canadian friends, I’m not big into winter sports or activities. There’s nothing for me to look forward to in winter…

Instead, I’m forced to say goodbye to hot weather, my garden, and days at the beach…

I Can’t Stand The Cold!

I have poor circulation so that sure as heck doesn’t help me out.

My skin dries out. My lips crack. My hair is a big ball of static electricity…

Overall, not a great time…

BUT…

In the last few years, specifically, once I moved outside the city and onto my old acreage, I’ve started to find the beauty in winter.

Yes, I still dread it when it approaches (I’m a summer baby after all and I LIVE for the summer). But once it arrives, I find myself actually appreciating this season of cold.

Winter is a time to slow down. It reminds me that I am also a part of nature and it’s in my nature to slow down. To rest. To recuperate.

I am such a busy body – I love learning and doing. And all year long I spend my days hustling and bustling.

It’s too easy to forget to rest.

But Winter… It forces me to rest.

It forces us all to slow down and give into the natural season of hibernation.

I’m Finding My Peace With Winter.

And oddly, actually looking forward to life slowing down.

(Trust me, 23 year old Cassandra would have NEVER thought this way before!)

But as I’m growing older, I feel a bit wiser. I feel like my perspective has changed about a lot of things – including the harshness of winter.

Don’t get me wrong, I still dislike the cold, and I won’t be the person who braves the outdoors at -30…

But, I’m not hating it either.

There’s a lot of beautiful parts of winter too…

Yes in slowing down, but also physically too!

The way the snow covers the trees and the glisten and sparkle on the ground after a big snowfall, oh, and the mountains….

The way the snow covers the rocky mountains is to DIE for.

There’s a lot to be grateful for this season.

And I’m grateful that I am finally able to see it.

Hopefully you can find gratitude in winter too.

With love,

Miss T.

Earth Day is around the corner! (Quite literally… TOMORROW!)

It is personally, one of my favourite days of the year!

Want to know why…?

Because no matter who you are, what background you come from, no matter your differences, we share one commonality…

We are ALL inhabitants of this planet we call home…

And it is up to us to care for and maintain this home!

We have the ability to impact the Earth, AND it’s future generations.

We can TEACH the young kids in our lives to love and respect the Earth.

We can teach them WHY its important to do so!

And so I ask:

How will you choose to teach them this?

There are SO many ways to influence our kids!

But, if you need a little help with some inspiration…

Check Out These Revolutionary Reads About Caring For Our Earth:

#1: Touch the Earth – Julian Lennon

The first few book recommendations are part of a series. ‘Touch the Earth’ is the first book of this 3-part series, written by John Lennon’s son, Julian Lennon! Julian takes kids (and big kids like myself) on an adventure of the Earth in the ‘White Feather Flier’ airplane. On these travels, he shows us how we can all make the Earth a better place.

Fun Fact: The name of The White Feather Flier is inspired by his father and his humanitarian efforts.

#2: Heal the Earth – Julian Lennon

In the second book of this series, Julian takes us on another adventure of the Earth in the ‘White Feather Flier’! This time, we learn the importance of caring for our worlds water supply and how to reverse some of the damage that humans have already done to the Earth.

He reminds us its not too late to make a difference!

#3: Love the Earth – Julian Lennon

In this final book of the series, Julian Lennon teaches us to use the power of love to protect the Earth and its inhabitants! He shows us that all parts of the Earth are connected and why it’s important to help other creatures that need it. The Earth is more than just a home for humans…

He reminds us that we can solve any problem if we just work together!

#3: The Earth Book – Todd Parr

This fun and simple book is filled with ways that we can take care of the Earth! Todd Parr is a funny and inspiring author! We can all learn a thing or two from him.

Fun Fact: This book is printed on recyclable materials and nontoxic soy inks!! He practices what he preaches!!

#5: The Lorax – Dr. Seuss

This book is a classic that never gets old… Even Dr. Seuss knew way back then of the importance of the Earth and it’s trees! A beautiful reminder of the tragedies that could happen if we neglect our Earth and cut down trees at an alarming rate!I resonate with the Lorax… As a being who also “speaks for the trees!”

I hope you enjoy the inspiration from these books!

I’ll leave you with one final thought…

Kids learn more from what we DO, rather than what we SAY…

The learning doesn’t stop after reading these books.

Please don’t think:

“Okay, I did my part. Now I’m done…”

It doesn’t work like this.

Go out in the world and actively do something to make it a better place for all of us to live.

Kids learn through involvement! And they learn from your actions!

So, I ask one more time…

How will YOU teach them how to care for the Earth?

With love (for you and for the Earth),