winter in niagara

two of my co-workers are in the u.s helping us gear up for a few upcoming conferences.  one, from south africa and the other from australia.  while here, they really wanted to see niagara falls (can you blame them?).  i couldn't wait to see the falls in the winter so i happily volunteered to chauffeur.  

we are about 3 hours from niagara, so generally, the drive isn't that bad.  unfortunately, we hit really bad weather the entire drive east.  a lot of snow, wind and sleet.  i thought the entire trip was going to be a bust.  once we arrived to the falls, the weather stopped- but it was still very cloudy.

the iconic falls are unlike anything i've ever seen.  the sound of them hits you first.  then, you see the mist, rising against the sky & finally the falls.  they're mesmerizing.  the last time i was in niagara was september- right before a. left.  here is a picture from that trip...

and here is one from my trip over the weekend.

i was blown away by the contrast.  it was beautiful.  peaceful.  and stunning.  unlike anything i had ever seen.  oh, and cold.  really cold.  the mist sprays everywhere and on everything.  in some areas i felt like i was on the moon.  the best part?  we were some of the only people there.  

generally, niagara is swarming with people.  lines miles long & you practically have to elbow people to get a decent view of the falls.  granted, in the winter everything is closed (sorry folks- no maid of the mist tours), but in a way, it's almost nicer.  

everything- and i mean everything was frozen- thanks to the mist.  i've never seen anything so beautiful in my life- just don't stand under the trees...falling ice!

finally, we had the rare opportunity to feed the wildlife.  while we were walking to the restroom we walked over a bunch of whole, shelled peanuts on the path.  curious, we picked some up, cracked them open in our hand, and waited.  patiently.  and it was worth the wait.

we really lucked out.  it was a beautiful day and i'm jealous of myself for being able to visit the falls in the winter.  if you ever have the chance, i highly, highly recommend making the trip!

don't be jealous.

....we'd be more than happy to share!

enjoy your weekend.  i'll be taking a road trip to niagara falls and playing in the snow as much as possible.

on inspiration.

lately i've been having the hardest time finding inspiration in the day to day.  and then to translate my lack of inspiration to this blog is well, down-right impossible.  


so instead, i've found myself stressing about posts.  
and finding the right topic.  
and having plenty of pictures.


but when all is said and done, let's be honest.  hopefully you might find some enjoyment from this blog (and i really hope you do).  but its for me.  & it's for a.  and if i force posts and ideas and pictures, then the blog won't reflect me or my thoughts.  and i'd like to keep it real.


so many of my blogging reads are so good about posting daily.  one day, i would love to be that organized and thought-focused & awesome.  but for now i'm not going to force the process.  I'll take it in stride and let each day dictate the blog of tomorrow...for now.


so here's to keeping it real from a wanna-be blogger's point of view!

weekend roundup.

i'll be first to admit i've been lame.  i haven't had the camera in tow these past couple days, so needless-to-say, i have no pictures of the weekend- boo.  but it was a great weekend nonetheless.  


saturday was a day of laziness with the chance to talk and see a., followed by an evening out with some new friends.  sunday was nothing but a long, relaxing morning graced with another conversation with a., followed by an afternoon snow shoeing with the boys. (in my defense, i actually brought the camera- but forgot to replace the memory card...so, maybe it's better that i don't admit bringing the camera after all....).  i'm so bummed the camera wasn't prepped to take pictures- we were hit with a huge snowstorm last night so everything is covered in a heavy, white, fresh powder.  it's beautiful.


it was the perfect weekend after my ridiculously long week.  cheers to a great mix of friends, fun & solitude.

my winter song.

winter is in full swing and here in central new york, it won't let up for another couple months.  & while this may be considered a christmas carol to some of you, i'm currently embracing & loving this song at the moment.

doesn't make you want to curl up with someone you love, maybe a cup of cocoa and watch the snowflakes fall outside your window...


love is alive.  no matter how many miles apart you may be.