Hello dear readers,

This morning a fog descended over the island where I live and it is so beautiful! A bit like a “snow” that calms the nature around you and the mood. A must need a week before Christmas that is for sure ! And although I still have a bit of a to-do list, a cold thanks to my 2 year old, and will be going away this wknd for a night, I feel a sense of calm now that December is here and bringing its coziness to us in full swing.

Tis the season for spreding joy. Which for some that means gift giving. And to be even more specific – it means wish lists. Yes, cue TS.

Some people go crazy this time of year. Buying and decorating every part of there life. And spending and overdoing the presents and food and so much more. I love giving, and decorating my home with foraged greens, but these past weeks I have been thinking a lot about MY special “wish list.” ANd what I actually need and want in order to make me happy, calm and centered in my life.

And for some reason or another, I can not stop thinking about this old list I had on my first smartphone during college. 

I remember just turning 19. On paper my life looked exciting. In all my photos too! I had just moved away from my small hometown. I was studying photography in a “big” city with new friends.  But I was also overwhelmed by all the new rhythms in my life. I was working two part time jobs next to my studies, and on an elite sports team. My romantic life was a mess, and my family life was an even bigger mess. 

So I found myself making a list on my hand me down iPhone3 of what I wanted for my future. It must have been towards the holidays or maybe the new year. I was desperate for a slower, calmer and more poetic life. A LIFE FULLY ME !

It contained a list of things I wished to someday own / have :

• a cozy cottage home with a big yard ( we now rent a perfect one )
• A large tree with a swing ( we now have a beautiful parasol pine )
• A big family car/jeep ( Sven our Volvo from 2006 suits is well ) 
• A canoe ( not yet, but many surf boards )
• A fireplace/woodstove ( where I currently sit to write this )
• A golden ring ( a perfect gift from my partner )

Or someday experience:

• Raise a child ( I am a mom of an incredible 2 year old ) 
• Donate blood ( whenever the service is here I do ! )
• Travel through Europe ( in 2010 )
• Travel through Canada ( in 2011 )
• Be a au-pair / nanny ( in 2011/2012 )
• Learn a new language ( I learned 2 ! )
• Run a business (I support myself with my photography )
• Write a book ( see my first cookbook HERE ) 
• Be in a long term relationship ( with M. since 2010 )
• Be part of a big family ( does 16 nieces & nephews, 25 cousins, 2 parents, 1 brother, 2 in-laws, 7 sister in-laws, & 5 brother in-laws count ? )
• Feel at home in nature ( I live on an very natural island since 2024 )
• Live close to open water ( the Atlantic Ocean is 500m from our home )

I believe there was more to this list/bucket list ( mostly travel dreams :P ) but these are some of the most interesting points. 

And now, 18 years later, I have just realized, I have all I needed and wanted then at 19. When my life was very busy, I was very broken, and things were quiet literally chaos.  

What I want now? AKA the only other 3 things that can make me happier are :

1. Snow ( like every year )
2. World Peace ( & More Love ! )
3. A lifetime supply of chocolate bars

What do you need in your life? What is important to you these days ? What is on your Wish/Bucket List ? Are you thinking about giving and slowing down for yourself this December/New Year as well? And not just thinking about giving to others ?

So here my thoughts on reminding you to be patient. To keep working hard. And to keep dreaming and making wish lists. Especailly in December but really any time of year. I really never thought I would be where I am today, almost 20 years after I made that List. Invest in YOU ! And the happiness, calm, peace, joy & love will come.

Sending holiday greetings to you all this Winter season,

Andrea 

portrait photos by sophia mayrhofer