(left: my first trip to Vancouver, aged 16. right: in Vancouver last weekend)

Hello, darlings.

I’m writing to you from my sick bed, where I’ve been hiding out the past two days, snivelling and coughing and bemoaning all of my aches and pains. But I’m trying to make the most of it, cuddled up with Henry, sipping on pineapple juice, reading this enchanting book, and watching endless episodes of Shameless between long, healing naps.

In that optimistic vein, it seems like a good time to revive my LML series – my own little tribute to gratitude, everyday magic, and looking on the bright side. And upset stomach or not, I’ve got a lot to be thankful for.

This past weekend I was flown out to Vancouver for an orientation onto the board of directors of an organization I’ve volunteered with over the past six years and to attend their national AGM. It’s always so inspiring and energizing to be surrounded by other people who believe that change is possible and are willing to work to make it happen!

My trip also gave me the chance to reconnect with three old friends, one of whom I had the pleasure of staying with. It always feels so special when, despite the thousands of kilometres between us and months or years between visits, you can pick up naturally and carry on where you left off. There were lots of laughs and late nights and the sleep deprivation was totally worth it.

And the mountains, oh the mountains! I felt a little sad turning the corner on Sunday and realizing I had to bid them adieu. That a thriving metropolis can stand among such beautiful feats of nature appeals to me in so many ways…perhaps Vancouver could finally let my country heart and city soul live together in peace.

While it was all too brief, this quick excursion across the country helped satiate the wanderlust that’s been brimming up inside me and reignited my love for Vancouver. It’s such a chillaxed city; I instantly felt calmer upon my arrival. But it throbs with an enthralling energy that bewitched me from my very first visit and is full of interesting delights around every corner.

Back home I was greeted by two of the most amazing friends a girl could ask for, who had driven two hours (in a rain storm!) to pick me up from the airport at 11:30pm and take me home. I mean honestly, how’d I get to be so lucky?

And I can’t forget all of the little things…watching the fog roll in over the ocean, artisanal chocolate bars from Granville Island (maple syrup, sun dried apples and alder smoked salt!), hilarious snapchats from my girlfriends, this on full blast on the drive home, crystal “bad bitches” bracelets, pastel orange roses outside our front door, my pink vintage rosary beads, fun surprises coming in the mail, staying on top of my new exercise routine, my $4 1960′s pink leather purse, steaming hot bowls of noodle soup, & endless cups of tea.

What are you grateful for today? If you post your own list, be sure to share a link in the comments.

Gratefully yours,