Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.
Matthew 11: 28-30

Sorry it's been so long!

Wow, it's hard to believe I've been back from Nova Scotia for over three weeks already. Time certainly flies! Sorry for not posting the Stampede pics prior to now but I have been busy with the last minute revisions of my thesis (long story but I didn't receive my thesis from my supervisor until my last day in NS so it has been a hectic couple of weeks for me here trying to finish things up) and I kept getting bumped out whenever I tried to post. As long as I pass my defense (God-willing! (and my supervisor assures me I will, although I am SO nervous)), next Wednesday, I will be done my Master's degree! Yeehaw! Now if only I can actually get some sleep before then (I’ve been fighting insomnia for the last week (nerves I guess)), I think it will be okay. Anyways, I haven't really collected my thoughts from my trip or the last couple of weeks but thought I would still share some pics from Stampede. Although I didn't get to partake in some of the traditional Stampede activities (i.e., Rodeo and Chuckwagon races), I'm glad I got to experience a small part of 'The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth'.

Stampede Parade- Unlike my friends Peter and Amanda who awoke at 5 a.m. on Parade Day (the day after arriving back from NS) to get curbside seats to the Parade, I walked down around 10 a.m. and was still able to have a pretty good vantage point. Although I didn't stay for the whole thing (it was a fairly hot day!), I saw most of the parade and was amazed at some of the floats. And the number of horses! I heard there were 750 horses in this year's parade! Plus, I got to see the Glenmore Temple Salvation Army Band march along with the General and Commissioner :).





The following day, I went to a Stampede BBQ hosted by the Glenmore Temple and then to a good old-fashioned Salvation Army meeting with a hoe-down twist!:) It was actually quite fun- singing of old SA songs to banjos and seeing the brass band and timbrels.




During the Stampede week, I also headed to softball. Amanda and I had to play as there were not enough players (one hit and one strike-out so I didn’t do too bad!) but we rotated as we also had to take care of one of the player’s twin boys. Thought these pics were cute so I thought I would share them with you!




The big highlight, of course, was actually going to the Stampede with good friends Peter and Amanda. We had a great day at the grounds checking out the Super Dogs and some of the other venues. But the best part was definitely the Third Day concert with Chris Tomlin and Starfield. Using a word from one of Chris Tomlin’s songs, it was “INDESCRIBABLE”! If you ever get a chance to see any of these acts in concert, GO! It was awesome to experience with thousands of other people.








Anyways, that’s it for now. I’ll be spending the next week preparing for my defense- prayers would definitely be appreciated!

Last few days in Nova Scotia

After the wedding, I was able to spend a few days with my good friend Joanna (who was so gracious to allow me to stay with her for the week despite being in the midst of moving!) visiting old haunts in Wolfville. We visited Hennigar’s farm market, had scottskins, had a movie night, went to the Look-Off, walked around the Acadia campus, and also took a drive to Kingswood Camp so I could visit with my “little sister” Emily. It was a great visit! It ended with a day in Halifax with more walking on the waterfront and on Spring Garden Road.






So, it was a great few weeks and it was quite hard to leave. Had to buy a few prints, some apple cider and NS strawberries in order to bring some of the valley back with me!:) But thankfully things are busy here with Stampede (I will post some pics of that soon too!) and thesis work still going on so I don’t get too nostalgic! Plus, I have some great friends who have invited me to Stampede events and such which certainly helps! Will post again soon!
‘Til then, Mel

More wedding pics

The Big Day!

And, of course, the wedding day! A fun morning getting hair done and then it was off to the ceremony. It was a beautiful, sunny day and the ceremony was just as beautiful. After taking some photos, it was off to Acadia U for a game of Ultimate Frisbee and then to Anastasia’s parents house for the reception in their beautiful backyard. Lots of laughter including my getting the groom back for getting cake on his bride! Although it was so great to be with them on their special day, it was also saddening as I don’t know when I’ll see them again. But thank goodness for the wonders of emails and blogs!
To see a beautiful slideshow of some of their photos, check out http://www.amphoto.ca/anastasiaandmitch/

Bachelorette Party!

Following the Rehearsal dinner, the bachelorette party was held. There was drinking of mocktails, eating of cheesecake, painting of nails, and a little surprise “dancer” (you had to be there! It was hilarious!).

Rehearsal

The Rehearsal also encountered some rain but the excitement was certainly building. Here’s a pic with my “wedding buddy”, good friend Lincoln. He’s married but I got to steal him for the day!:) The rehearsal dinner was at a great German seafood restaurant by the ocean. Do the bride and groom look nervous to you?:)

Canada Day Bonfire and Fireworks

For Canada Day, we went to Blomidon Beach for a bonfire and fireworks. Despite a little bit of rain (and a little accident lighting a firework resulting in a second degree burn on my thumb), we had a great time celebrating the holiday and the upcoming wedding.

Nova Scotia Pictures

Well, I have been back in Calgary for a few days. It was an adjustment to be back in my apartment by myself after living with friends for a week and being surrounded by so many people. It was great to see old friends, to reminisce, and to also meet a great bunch of new folks, mostly from Virginia Beach. It has taken a few days to get used to the time difference- the body is tired, but the spirit is certainly refreshed! I will try to post a little more of my thoughts in a few days but I wanted to share some photos of my trip first (Blogspot is not allowing me to post more than a few pics at a time so I will do it in sections).

Trip to Peggy's Cove and Halifax- it was an overcast day but we all came away with sunburns/windburns! It was great being near the ocean again (oh, the smell of the ocean!) and to "hike" around the rocks. It was also nice to walk along the Halifax Waterfront and to have Cow's ice cream! The boys also had a little fun on Citadel Hill!