While the site was down my hours sky-rocketed, and it snowed. It finally really, truly, snowed. The kind of snow that sticks. The kind of snow that makes big piles, white trees and calls your name. Loudly. Or maybe that was Dane?
“Mom! It snowed!”
“Mom! Can we sled?””Moooooooooooooooom!”
Regardless of workload, when snow calls, when your baby calls, sometimes you need to put down the computer, layer-up and go out to play. I believe very strongly in putting family first and enjoying life.
I’m usually the second one racing down the hill on one of our sleds (Dane, of course, is the first). This year I’ve yet to do a run. Not because I suddenly hate sledding, but because hours spent behind the computer gave me a stiff back & hips. No worries! I was sad for maybe five minutes, and then dragged out my camera and indulged my second favorite hobby. There is nothing like fresh air, a camera, snow, kids, laughter, sledding, to wipe work stress away.
The sledding hill in my village is my favorite spot, in a village full of amazing spots. I cannot thank God, and my amazing hubby, enough for all the years we’ve gotten to live in Germany. In the Black Forest! There is not a day that goes by that I don’t marvel at my good fortune and the sheer beauty that surrounds me.
It’s taken me awhile to settle in the new village, it takes Germans awhile to open up, it takes me awhile to open up. But now? I walk through the cow fields to the top of the sledding hill and I am greeted by half the village. Hands fly up in greeting as soon as I’m near enough to be recognized, “Hallo’s” are shouted when I’m close enough to be hear, and firm handshakes are given when I’m close enough to touch.
Here, when they ask how I am, people listen quietly when I speak. There is something so cathartic and rejuvenating to stand on a snowy hill, with a listening ear besides me, and just let go of the stress.
It’s sunny today, and warm. The snow is rapidly melting and I’m sad there will be no more sledding in the coming days. Still, as I look out my window and see the green trees at the edge of the forest, I can’t be that sad. It is still incredibly beautiful and I’m still incredibly lucky to live here.
Fabulous photos.
Beautiful .
I love your personal stories. You have such a way with words to make me (and others I’m sure) feel like we are there with you. Also I appreciate your thankful and positive attitude. Lovely to read! Thank you.
Thank you Donna! Sometimes I have to force myself to be upbeat… but in the end is a much better place to be.
thank you so much for sharing. your work is as special as yourself.
Oh Toiny! Such beautiful photos! You are truly talented with a camera – OK you’re talented in many ways! Including making crepes!! Miss you!
I’m making crepes this weekend, swing by?
Wowser! Great photos, lovely story. i always enjoy reading your tales of living in Germany! What a great experience your children have – they will never forget the wonder and magic of living abroad. And one of the truly great benefits was being so close to your grandmother that your children got to know her, too. Thank you for taking time to share the sledding story and the fab fotos!
I miss my Oma. It’s almost been a year, I can’t believe it. Thank you Sandi.
As always lovely to read your story. Again such fantastic photos!
YAY!! Family first! Love it, love it!
Hi Toiny,
You can sure take beautiful pictures! of course it helps when your sunject matter is beautiful too! 🙂 I was always told to make your subject the center of focus, to zoom in on what your taking the picture of. You have such a beautiful family and reading your stories almost make one feel as though they are right there with you. I love reading what you write and looking at all of the amazing pictures that you post, thank you for sharing all of this with us. I hope your going to scrap these photographs, I would!! Thank you for working so hard to get the web site back up and running again, I know that drove you nuts! But you did good! I missed it. Stay warm and well. Love, Lisa xo
Thank you Lisa! I missed it too. I’m very ready for the forum to be back. Almost there!
[…] of us are still experiencing snowy and icy weather (Sledding), so adding frost or snow to photos might not be necessary! But sometimes it’s fun to […]
I love reading about your life in Germany! As an Air Force Brat I also spent some years living in a little German village when my father was stationed there.. you bring back so many happy memories of that beautiful country and wonderful people. And I am glad to see the website and forum is coming along…