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September 16, 2014

Newer PostKissin' the Prince

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Winters' Day In

Sit down and have a cuppa...

Writer. Knitting pattern designer. Foodie. Tea addict. Book geek. Mom of boys. Aspiring mermaid. My Secret Wish: Be your most fabulous you.

Get more encouraging and knitterly posts by following me on Instagram @TalenaWinters.

I just picked the first ripe tomatoes from my garden. Whee! #gardening #growyourownfood #hobbyfarm #gardenersofinstagram #tomatoes

What are you known for? This building is one of the "famous" landmarks one sees on the highway between Valleyview and Peace River. It is probably one of the most photographed buildings in the region. There is just something so beautiful and iconic about a brilliant red-and-white Canadian flag located between golden fields and brilliant blue skies. Not only are the colours stunning, but the symbolism is gorgeous, too. . We are a land known the world over for our peacekeeping role. That doesn't mean we don't have violence in our country's past, because we certainly do, and we are not proud of it. But most Canadians are VERY proud that the world sees us as nice, open, welcoming people who would rather smooth a situation over than antagonize it. . Well, those qualities may define us as a culture, but there are certainly individuals who fall far short of that ideal. Because really, we are all still people, and we are all on our own journey. And frankly, there are times that even the best of us would rather just stay in our protected little bubble and tell the rest of the world to deal with their own problems, for crying out loud, just leave us alone. . But that doesn't mean we have to be like that all the time. Or even most of it. . When people think of me (not just my country, but me as an individual), I want them to think of someone loving and open, who will accept them with all their virtues and flaws as a complete package, and love them as they are. I want them to see me as someone they can turn to when they need a listening ear, who will not just let them destructively vent but who will encourage them to see the best in those around them, too, and look for solutions to their problems. Who will help them heal instead of let them stagnate. . Honestly, this is more because of my faith than my country's values, but my history as a Canadian plays a role. . When you think of where you are in life, what do you want to be known for? And do you think you already are? . May you choose to be the person you wish you were today. May you be your best self--both for other's sake, and for your own. . Be fabulous. Be you. . #motivation #inspiration #canada #alberta #peacecountry

This beauty was posing for the camera (or napping. Whatever.) when I dropped ds#3 at camp last week. It was huge! And so pretty. . In the Peace country, with its proliferation of mosquitoes, the arrival of the dragonflies in spring is always met with much rejoicing. I love watching them dance through the air, and it was so rare to have one stay still long enough for a photo op. . Any other dragonfly lovers out there? . #dragonfly #bugsofalberta #bugs #seekbeauty #nature #peacecountry

Gorgeous ditchside Alberta foxtail. Just because it's pretty. . In other news, I get to see my hubby and kiddos tonight! . #ontheroadagain #noplacelikehome #alberta #foxtail #gomightypeace #seekbeauty #spreadsunshine #yourewelcome

Do you ever read a book that you feel you should be enjoying more than you are? I've been reading this book, "The Age of Hope" by David Bergen for several weeks now. I want to be in love with it. But even though (at about 75% of the way through) I feel like I understand the main character, the author's distant 3rd point of view with a little "head hopping" thrown in for fun is making it difficult for me to connect with her or feel truly immersed in the story. I'll read it to the end because I'm hoping to see her overcome something--anything--though I'm not one hundred percent sure what the real problem is as the author sees it, but I'm thinking this one gets at most 3 stars. That's a pretty low rating for me. . How about you? Any book you've read that you just keep trying to love, but leaves you feeling kind of lukewarm? Or that you feel you should be the target demographic for, but it missed the mark? . #amreading #books #canlit #literary #fiction #happytopassiton

Evidence of a convention well travelled. Thanks for the new friends and memories, WWC Calgary! And to everyone who came, keep writing. The world needs your voices! :-) . #wwcyyc17 #writersarethebest #writersconference #writerslife #writersofinsta

Having fun and making new friends at #wwcyyc17. So much fun at the #ARWA table with @tammylyncarbol. Loving When Words Collide! . #writerslife #wheresshaunalee #writersareawesome #mypeeps #writing

Look! I kinneared myself! (By accident.) Now that I'm forty, this is probably my best angle, anyway. 🤣😂😁 . #lifebeginsatforty #kinnearing #blueskiessmilingatme #icanseerightupmynose

On Tuesday, I was driving by this beautiful canola field and thought I'd play tourist. I've lived in Alberta all my life, but these sunny yellow fields never get old. Plus, it was a gorgeous day. . #Alberta #gomightypeace #canola #ilovealberta #summer #yellow #happygirl #sometimesiselfie #spreadsunshine #happybirthdaytome

Not too far from here, in the town of Fahler, is the world's largest bee. . How did I live here for 11 years and not know this?? . #thatsabigbee #smalltownlife #gomightypeace #peacecountry #fahler #stuffyousee #worldsbesthoney

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