Coffee & A Stroll

We know I love my coffee. We also know I am a stepping machine. That being said, and some wedding goals being set, I have been going for morning neighborhood walks. After a few walks there is something I am dying to admit. I have a deep, affectionate love for the city. 

Phew!  It feels so much better that admit that.  Sorry, Mike, I love you too (just in a different way).

Toronto is viewed in many different ways. On a pessimistic side, people often see the city as crowded, with rude city dwellers. Full of concrete and Starbucks, and as a business central (Which can also be a good thing). Visitors to the city often come for work, where they don't have a chance to explore. Those who don't come here for a business trip, come for the attractions. This shows people crowds, lines, and all for things that you can find anywhere (high towers, zoos, aquariums, yadda yadda yadda). 

I see why the city may come off as anything but charming, but charming is exactly what it is. When you look at the hidden secrets this wonderful city has to offer. The art, culture, local cafes, and history of each neighborhood is exciting in its own right. The waterfront has beautiful grassy spots, and sandy beaches. There is something to check out no matter which direction you are headed. However, defending the city is not the purpose of this post. I am in love, remember, and I don’t enjoy hearing negativity towards the things I cherish.

This morning I made a coffee at home, then put the delicious, hot, liquid into a travel cup (Yes, a Starbucks one), and I left my house. The walk was not long, or far, but it steered me through side streets I have never known. It was simply magical. As a huge admirer of architecture, I can't help but adore old homes with tons of character. Equally so, renovated homes and new designs are an obsession of mine. Bare wood, black framing, and brick seems to be a popular choice, and it’s a spectacular look. What appeals most to me on these walks, are the unison of all homes. Every sort of style is jammed into one tiny street and like a little magic trick, it all works rather seamlessly.

In front of the homes in this neighborhood is usually a tiny green space. Passing by and seeing the unique creativity in these spaces is awesome. Some people have perfect gardens with paths, while other folks have old, huge apple trees surrounded by wild flowers. Wonders like giant looming flowers, to short perfect squares of lawn can be found. It never ceases to amaze. 

 

Also, people need to be mentioned. Something about walking around with coffee in my hand, and my buddies Smith, Sheeran, and Legend playing softly in my ear, made me exceptionally happy. I said “hello” and “good morning” to everyone I passed. What many of you may find surprising is that most people said hi back... With a smile!  This is why I love the city. There is so much reason to be uptight, scheduled, and stressed out. Yet, everyday there are people out, moseying about, like me. Out enjoying the day, and taking it all in with deep, liberating, breaths. <3

Not only did all of these lovely things inspire me to write, but it pushes me to keep stepping, and continue to fill my heart with things that make me happy on a daily bases.

Much love,

Lauren

Four

Four years of...

 

...moving place to place to place (to place).

...eating way to much bacon pasta salad.

...watching Big Brother. 

...drinking wine, beer, and everything else.

...getting my butt pinched and being chased up stairs.

...laying my head on your pillow when you can't witness me do it.

...texting each other every minute of our waking hours.

...missing each other, endlessly.

...watching Ramsey's dynasty.

...fighting over what restaurant to order from. 
...debating who has the crazier family (I do).

...loving each other.

Happy four years to my extremely handsome fiancè, Mike Miller.

I simply can't wait for the next forty.

Love you beyond words, beyond feeling, and beyond reason.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

<3

Love

 (Dedicated to my love.)

Love is a steadiness, a reliance, an unconditional emotion. 
We can't chose who we will love, or who we won't. 
We can't hide from love, no matter how hard we may try. 
Love may not start relationships, stop hunger, or create world peace, 
but it is the structure for all those causes and more.

Love isn't money, or freedom.
Love isn't optimistic or pessimistic.
Love isn't fair, or unfair. 
Love isn't biased. 
Love does not cure all, or cause all.

Love is everywhere, and nowhere.
We can share love.
We can create love.
Love lives inside of everyone, and anyone, 
but it works best when its coaxed to the outside.

Be the love you wish to see and feel in this life.

xo,

Lauren

Baby Goats?

        I know what your probably thinking. Why is this chick using the blog name Baby Goats?  Well, for those of you who don't know, I am an ECE (Early Childhood Educator) and the term for a baby goat is a kid. When in school it was DRILLED into our future educator minds never ever EVER to use the word "kid" to describe a child. This blog was originally about parenting advice from the eyes of an ECE and although I do plan on speaking about parenting issues from time to time, I have decided to re-vamp my blog and make it more cohesive to my daily life. I hope you find humour, truth, and inpiration (maybe even Pinspiration) from my writing.

Take care,

Lauren