Get posts by email
Writing & Skiing ~ Ski Week at FIMBY
January 17, 2012
I've been doing a lot of writing these days. I have so many posts on the go (as in, mostly written but needing finishing and editing), it's kind of crazy. Posts about mothering little ones, finding security and defining success, my mission, an updated advertising page for FIMBY, our elementary curriculum (defining curriculum), making time for creativity, menu planning and home organization stuff, homeschool writing. And more.
Oh my goodness, it makes me tired just to think about. This past weekend I also finished a big (for me) writing deadline - my contributions for Whole Food Kitchen. One of which will be made available to FIMBY readers and the world at large later this winter.
And then there's the "big project" Damien and I are working on. More writing.
I love writing. If I could I would have something post on FIMBY every day like some bloggers manage to do. But my writing flow just doesn't work that way. I need to process ideas and explain the whys and hows, not just tell the story with a few snapshots or brief sentences. And that kind of writing takes a lot of time.
This week I'm going to be doing that kind of writing (the kind I always do) but it won't be publishing till... I have no idea. I can't make promises.
But I don't want to leave this space empty and I don't need to because as I remembered yesterday while out for my afternoon ski (in which I took the photo below) I have more than one creative voice with which to tell our story.
This week is going to be photos. Photos of skiing specifically.
We are now a skiing family. I blogged about how this came to be in case you want the back story.
I love skiing and I am sold. Hook, line and sinker or ski, boot and pole (ha, ha) on this fabulous winter sport. We're all sold.
For the past three weekends we've headed to the Chic Choc mountains (turn left out our driveway, drive one hour and we're there) - an eastern Canada mini-mecca for backcountry skiing. In our "backyard". It isn't called FIMBY for nothing.
This winter, skiing is our one day a week outdoors activity (Damien and I also ski during the week in our literal backyard and neighbor's backyards - the kids prefer to sled and build snow structures). Living where we do gives us amazing access to the natural world. We are blessed and I am so thankful.
This week, while I'm busy writing behind the scenes, I'm going to share our recent ski adventures with you.
Welcome to Ski Week at FIMBY.
Post Script - all the Ski Week posts as they appeared:
-
Shelley R. on Jan. 17, 2012, 6:32 p.m.
Looking forward to great pictures! I'd enjoy them just for the snow-not to mention the skiing! Currently, Duluth has a dusting of snow and our skiing has been reserved for man-made snow covered hills. This has been a challenge this year since all of us (minus Dad) learned how to ski last winter and fell in love as well. However, we just welcomed Daddy home from a spontaneous trip to the UP to ski and ski and he checked out a few resorts that all of us could stay in and ski straight onto the mountain. Here's hoping to our own ski trip!
-
Beth Wagenius on Jan. 17, 2012, 7:03 p.m.
I find myself looking forward to your next post. Even though our children are grown now and I no longer homeschool I still enjoy your style of writing and often find encouragement here. Thanks.
-
Rana on Jan. 18, 2012, 1:58 a.m.
Can't wait to see what's coming. I am jealous of all the snow you have. It's the middle of January and all we have had here in lower Michigan is a dusting. My kids and I just want to play in the snow. Pray for snow for us!
-
Francesca on Jan. 18, 2012, 10:36 a.m.
you've found such a good home and location for your family for the next few months!
-
Lori on Jan. 18, 2012, 11:46 a.m.
Renee, I love your blog. You don't need to compare yourself to other bloggers. Yours offers something different, and you should be proud of that.
I signed up for Whole Food Kitchen, and look forward to reading your contribution to that, as well as the other posts you have in the works, soon. Take your time.
-
renee on Jan. 18, 2012, 11:55 a.m.
Thank you Lori. You know, I'm hoping by writing and talking my way through my struggle with insecurity and comparison I'll "get over it". I've been pretty up front that it's something I struggle with because I like to be real and honest. I go through a cycle of thinking I'm making real headway, feeling confident and secure in my writing voice and what I'm doing here at FIMBY. And then... I'll have a wave of insecurity about something and feel small again. Oh, it is a struggle of mine. But mostly I'm feeling more and more confident these days with less waves of insecurity. Feedback like yours helps (smile).
-
-
mummy and more on Jan. 18, 2012, 1:21 p.m.
Dear Renee, As much as I love your beautiful pictures, and will enjoy seeing them very much, I cannot wait to read what else you have to say on anything and everything. I don't think I have commented before but I have slowly become addicted to FIMBY and your adventure bog too, so thought I would let you know - you have a dedicated follower in Scotland. (hope that doesn't sound weird/creepy!) Reading a post or two with a coffee (or herbal tea) is a much looked forward to part of my day. Thankfully I am relatively new to your writing (just a matter of months) so I have many older posts to browse through too :)keep it up, you are a star, and an inspiration. xx
-
renee on Jan. 18, 2012, 1:40 p.m.
In Scotland! Yeah. I'm part Scottish (who isn't?) My maternal grandmother was born there and immigrated to Canada as a child. Our family dreams of hiking in Scotland some year. The mountains there are beautiful (and wet by the sounds of it!) So I might just get to sit down and have a cup of tea in person (smile). I love connecting and meeting people all over the globe through FIMBY. A star no. A fellow pilgrim (with some Scottish blood) - Yes! Thank you for saying hi.
-
-
Constance on Jan. 18, 2012, 3:06 p.m.
What a great family photo! I was struck by how very happy and healthy you all look (not that you didn't before, just more so in this photo!). Congratulations on thinking outside the box and having it work out so well for your family.
-
renee on Jan. 18, 2012, 7:03 p.m.
I think it's the fresh air and exercise. Thank you.
-
-
Mel on Jan. 18, 2012, 3:22 p.m.
Skiing and writing... two of my passions, as well. I am glad to see another family converted to Nordic skiing! There is almost nothing I would rather do.
-
Dad on March 2, 2012, 11:45 a.m.
Renee, I guess I am slowly becoming blogging literate as I am reading my families blogs on a semi regular basis. I am so happy for you as I hear your heart and the contentment that you have found in your life with your family. It brings great satisfaction to a fathers heart to hear when there children experience the same. Your determination to follow your hearts dream in spite of the status quo reinforces our common DNA. love dad
-
Leanne on May 11, 2015, 3:54 a.m.
I really enjoyed reading about your family ski adventures Renee! Family skiing has definitely become more popular, particuarly as the economy improves, making equipment costs more viable for many families. It seems a great way for families to bond and try something new, in a completely different environment than what they are used to - great character building for the kids trying something completely out of their comfort zone as well!
Here in New Zealand we are looking forward to the Ski season starting - hopefully soon!
You can subscribe to comments on this article using this form.
If you have already commented on this article, you do not need to do this, as you were automatically subscribed.
Jill Foley on Jan. 17, 2012, 2:45 p.m.
Looking forward to it! We lived in the UP for a year and could literally ski out our backyard through acres and acres of forest. Now that we are in Pacific NW we have to drive to the mountains. Which is what we did the past 4 days....our first family ski trip with all four of us on skis! My youngest is 5 and hated it the first day - now she loves it. She keeps asking when we can go again.
renee on Jan. 17, 2012, 2:53 p.m.
ah yes... the hate/love of a new activity. that happens with our children too!