Being Five Years Old

Meet Zach. And remember who he is, because one day this kid will be famous. Be it for music, painting or his new found talent of photography, his name will be be on everyone's tongue, mark my words. 

Today he begged and begged me to let him take photos with my phone, so I let him. And this evening I finally got a second to look through the photos he had taken. It hadn't occurred to me before, but  allowing him to let loose with a camera turned out to be a wonderful way for me to see life through his eyes. And wowee, what I saw inspired me. 

Give an adult a camera, and they will capture the memories that stand out, the 'big' things. I think we spend too much time thinking about the bigger picture, all of the things that stand out in our lives as interesting or important. Give a child a camera, and they will show you what life is really all about. 

Dear Friday

(My blog is set to Irish time, but it's still Friday here in Canada!)

Dear Zach, painting with you is so much fun, kiddo. We can't tell what the future has in store for you, but I can guarantee you will do something with your wonderful creativity. :)

Dear Mr Caterpillar, little Liam and I had a lot of fun playing with you in the back garden. Liam has been asking for you quite a lot ever since.

Dear Pretty Purple Phone, thanks to you and your wonderful photo-taking abilities, I have become one of those people who takes photos of absolutely everything, including their lunch.

Dear Kina Grannis, I cannot believe you replied to my email!!! Proof that you are one of the sweetest musicians in existence. :)

Dear Ants, Zach was not very impressed at you guys eating his Goldfish crackers. He doesn't like to share food, even if it falls on the ground.

Love always,
Orla

PS~ I would love it if you would check out my newest YouTube video :) And I would love it even more if you could subscribe to me! Thanks :)

PPS~ I just realised I'm wearing the same blazer in the photo with Kina Grannis as I am in the video. Just a random bit of info there for ya. 

Summer Soundtrack

If it's possible, I feel even more musical during the summer. :) I go through moments of inspiration and contentment, followed by buzzing euphoria. And as always, I need music to set the right atmosphere. I want to give you a shortened version of my Summer Soundtrack playlist, and also some recent photos of my summer in Toronto. :) 

1. Bucket by Carly Rae Jepsen

2. Without Me by Kina Grannis

3. Count On Me by Bruno Mars

4. Strawberry Swing by Coldplay

5. I'm Yours by Jason Mraz

6. What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction (For Kate!)

7. One Love by Bob Marley

8. Rhythm of Love by Plain White Tees

9. Brighter Than The Sun by Colbie Caillat

10. Under The Sea by Shaggy

11. 5 Years Time by Noah and the Whale

12. Gone In The Morning by Newton Faulkner

13. Walking On Sunshine by Katrina & The Waves

14. Put Your Records On by Corinne Bailey Rae

A little glimpse of my summer, and its soundtrack. :) 

Love always, 

Orla

Niagara Falls

I usually try to avoid posting loads of personal photos that would be boring to other people. But today, I just can't resist. These are some (of 176) photos from my first visit to Niagara Falls with some very good friends. 

I am normally very able to express how I feel, particularly when I'm excited or happy. I get giddy and chatty, very smiley, and simply cannot contain myself. That's how I was for the 2 hour car journey! But as soon as I climbed out of sticky hot car and caught sight of this, I got very quiet. That never happens.

I got beyond the point of excitement. I was surrounded by awestruck tourists, I could smell salt water and cotton candy, the sound of the water gushing was so powerful, and the mist from the falls gave welcome relief from the scorching sun. I stared at the Falls in silence, and my poor Canadian friends were so confused. I seemed almost unimpressed, bored even. I was so overwhelmed by it all, that it was impossible for me to express it.  

The 'Maid of the Mist' boat tour brought us right up to the waterfall, making the experience even more memorable and wonderful. 

So, I have come to the conclusion that I must either get married near Niagara Falls, or come back for my honeymoon... 

And I am going to sell this last photo to a postcard company. ;) 

Sweet Memories

It's fascinating how a specific taste can take you back to one moment in time that you had long since forgotten. 

I was 7 years old when we moved to America for a year. That was where I experienced the taste of Tootsie Roll for the first time, and I haven't had that taste since then. Last week I was offered a small piece of Tootsie Roll. And as soon as I put it in my mouth, so many memories came flooding back. It was nice. :)

I remembered the summer that I read every single Nancy Drew book. They scared me so much that I couldn't even go to the bathroom alone, but I was hooked. 

I remembered the only Christmas we ever spent without our extended family. And I remembered how we celebrated Christmas all over again with them in February when we returned home. :) 

I remembered my own experience of 9/11, and how at that age I had no idea how serious it was. Or how close we were to it. 

I remembered other foods we used to eat that we couldn't get when we returned home to Ireland. 

My obsession with Mary Kate and Ashley. 

Attending an American elementary school.

Starting my collection of Beanie Babies.

Yes, the sense of taste is an incredible thing. I was able to take a wonderful trip down memory lane all because of one little piece of Tootsie Roll.

Love always,

Orla

10 Reasons to Love Toronto

1. We had a birthday party for one of the boys I'm minding, and this was the party menu. So healthy, and all of the kids loved it!

2. Squirrels. They have to be one of the most adorable animals ever!

3. Tim Horton's and Starbuck's are on every corner when you need a pick-me-up.

4. So many beautiful editions of Jane Austen books.

5. Incredible garden's and trails to explore right in the city. I could spend hours there. 

6. Such pretty notebooks! Yes, I bought one.. Maybe two. 

7. This wonderful sun makes everything look so happy and pretty! 

8. They have maple syrup in their dinner. Yep. Have you ever had maple soy salmon before? 

9. City lights at night time.

10. Shutters on the windows. 

Gotta love Canada. :)