polaroid moments: causeway bay, hong kong

 An unusual moment of calm in Causeway Bay during our last trip to Hong Kong in February. The photo on the left was snapped right outside the World Trade Centre...there are so few people in it you can hardly tell it's right in the thick of this busy shopping district. Sometimes, even in Hong Kong, you can happen upon fleeting moments of quiet in the most unlikeliest places. 

(Photos by Lena, taken with a Fuji Instax Mini)

ice cream days

And this is the way it's been feeling around here in Vancouver. . .isn't this what life's all about? Hope your days have been filled with lightness and sunshine wherever you may be!

bali, we heart you

bali hyatt, sanur, bali, 2010

Bali, we've missed you. Can you see why? I mean, look at you. . .this was our first impression, literally the first few photos we took. We arrived late in the afternoon in November, the sun was setting and casting warm glowy hues everywhere. Our friends said Sanur was lovely with a friendly village feel. We YouTubed it one night and saw a video of a guy riding his bike through town — you know, wind in his hair, lush palm trees, stone walls and all that and were sold right then and there. We can't wait to come back. See you in a few weeks! Love, Nick and Lena xoxo

goodbye 2011, hello 2012

Clearly, I’m running on some sort of alternate calendar as everyone by now has no doubt done their year in review. But I resolved to live 2011 more slowly and fully and so here I am, 10 days into the new year and only now gathering myself to reflect and reminisce about the crazy year that’s just gone by. 

Nick ended 2011 asking “Can 2012 please be less intense?” To which I replied “Yes, yes, yes!” Professionally, personally and creatively we were both stretched and pulled in so many directions. As anyone who has ever tried to build a house, write/illustrate a book and hold down a full-time job (or in the case of Nick, run his own toy business and work on his fine art) will tell you, that is not for the faint of heart! We feel grateful, thrilled and blessed for all the amazing people and support we were surrounded by. I feel like I’ve grown from inside out but now I’m just ready to rest!

On the Papaya front, it has been an amazing year. Nick worked really hard early on to create a beautiful visual style for the book. I spent most of it writing, re-writing and re-writing while drinking copious amounts of tea. I had the incredible good fortune to work with a former colleague (simply the best editor I’ve ever worked with!). She’s been amazing in grounding me, guiding me and directing the book so to Chris I say a big THANK YOU! In 2012, Nick and I plan to focus on the art and hopefully (fingers crossed!) see the fruition of our first illustrated memoir/travel guide to Hong Kong.

Speaking of which, we are so excited for 2012, not the least because we look forward to taking some long naps after we move into our new little home in Vancouver, but also after spending 2011 so close to home, we are kicking off this year in two of our favourite places in the world!
Hong Kong and Bali, here we come. . .

 

new year's wish

 (Wonderful quote found via oliver and lilly's)

Here's to a magic and wonder-filled 2012! xoxo

winter flowers

Dec. 2011, Vancouver

Winter flowers to herald the festive season! It's been an amazing winter here in Vancouver and these flowers make me smile when I wake up in the morning. . .