Cliff, Misty, and New Year’s Reflections

A big thanks to Shirley for this beautiful picture of Clifford and Misty. As 2012 is winding down, we reflect on all the things we are grateful for. I knew before we moved to the cottages that we were getting a great chance to start a new and fulfilling life. But I had no idea what that would look like. I am continually thrilled that it has meant making new friends like the George’s. Their compassion, their openness, their infectious love of Whiteway and art and animals and the Baccalieu inspire me and The Berry daily. So I hope all our friends – new and old – will enjoy a very Happy New Year.

And please remember! Today is the last day of our very first contest! The winner gets a free stay at the cottages, so please follow this link and enter. You never know – you might get one last holiday present this year! Good luck!

Budding Saturday: Awaiting Christmas

You may remember that I’m starting a new Saturday tradition of promoting Newfoundland art on this blog. If you’re an artist or know or love one who’d like to be featured, please email us! In the meantime, I’m sharing some pictures captured by one of the best Newfoundland photographers I know – Bud Vincent. I love how he’s able to capture the beauty in all things, big or small, winter or summer. And especially Christmas!

Getting in the Mood

With the freshly fallen snow as the back drop, it’s been so fun decorating our home – especially now that my daughter is here to help. The moose stew, Christmas music and fireplace all make for the perfect Christmas around the bay.  Life is good.

 

First Real Snowfall

We have been decorating and running around taking photos after the first snow fall. Wow! It sure is gorgeous on a different level. It actually makes me appreciate winter – and that’s a very new appreciate for me! Everything crisp and pristine, everything Snow White. I’m even smiling while I shovel (for now at least!)

And my daughter came home for Christmas yesterday, so things are looking good here at Ocean Delight.

Budding Saturdays: Our Island in Winter

Since moving to the Wonderful World of Whiteway, I have made good new friends, and many of them are artists. But one of the best artists I know is an old friend – in fact he got me my first job when I was 14. Bud Vincent has an eye for photography unlike anything I’ve seen, and a love for capturing the beauty of this province. He often emails me such stunning pictures (a few of which are scattered over this site), that it seems a shame not to share them. So he has inspired me to start a new Saturday tradition – of showcasing the wonder of this province through the work of our talented artists. I think mostly I’ll be featuring Bud’s work – but if you or someone you love have something to share, please send it along!

Thanks again to Bud, and enjoy these seasonal shots. Check out his site or contact me if you’re interested in prints. (And don’t forget our Win a Free Stay Contest – we have our own winter wonderland out here you could be enjoying this winter for free!)

Winter’s Day

With Christmas coming and all the new snow I’m actually getting really excited for the winter. And if you know me, you know that’s something I never used to say. Winter used to be the bane of my existence. But there is nothing like a small cozy cottage, a fire, some hot chocolate (or, lets be honest, red wine) ….. and the beauty of the Wonderful World of Whiteway always shines through. Keep an eye on our Specials and Packages page – we’re already offering Buy One Night, Get One Half Up, and soon we’ll be offering a special Winter Getaway Package, too. Let it snow (let it snow, let it snow!).

Put Another Log on the Fire

Unfortunately I only took my cell phone with me yesterday when The Berry and I hiked the trails of of Whiteway (make that WWW – Whiteway Winter Wonderland). The picture above really captures how stunning the area gets in the winter; the picture below, why I should take my camera with me more often!

Anyway, yes, yesterday was the first snow of the year and it was floating down in big puffy flakes – the kind that you can catch on your tongue. The perfect weather for a romantic walk.

It was a refreshing promise of the winter to come, and gave us inspiration to help us plan our “Stay In and Stay Warm” winter packages. We’re working on making sure enjoying our cottages in the winter is as cozy as possible – please let us know if you have any suggestions!

Really, there is not much nicer than coming in to a warm cottage with pleasant music, a fire going and red wine on a winter’s day.

Ok, Winter Dreams, Too

In St. John’s today so I’m not sure what yesterday’s storm did to Whiteway. Hoping it will look this clear and pristine, but assuming some snow clearing awaits. Sometimes I get fed up with the cold, but, really, there’s beauty in all the seasons, and I’m learning that cottages are fun places to hunker down.

Summer Dreams

Because I refuse to give today’s storm any more attention (and because I want to remember that summer exists), here are my “Serenity Now!” thoughts for today:

Me and the Berry, in Cuba (post-election, by the way!)

 

Visiting my daughters in Vancouver

 

Enjoying the sunset in Virginia Beach (which I called ‘home’ for 8 years)