steady, as she goes.

"I like the cold weather. It means you get work done." - Noam Chomsky

[stelladerose]

irieackermann​:

Iris is more focused on the vast options of ice cream flavors in front of them than on the woman that stood next to her but before she even calls Iris by the name, the actress suddenly recognized her voice. The smile she had on her face suddenly disappears and as much as she tries to hide ( she should be good at that, after all, she’s an actress ), she’s never been quite able to lie to Stella. “Stella…” It’s all she can muster to say when their gazes meet. A wave of guilt washes over her as she stands face to face with her very own childhood best friend. “I, uh, I didn’t know you were still in town.” As a matter of fact, she knew but she just wasn’t expecting to run into Stella so early on her trip back home. She starts to pace around the ice cream parlor, pretending she’s eyeing the flavor so there isn’t too much awkwardness lingering in the air. “It’s been a while… What have you been up to?”

Stella refused to look at Iris, but she could feel the tension. Even the sound of her name escaping her ex-best friend’s lips seemed awkward. And in that moment, she really just wanted to get her ice cream and go, but if they hadn’t ran into each other here, it certainly would have been somewhere else. At least Cow’s Creamery gave them the opportunity to speak somewhat privately as the place was practically empty, except for Frank, “Uh, yeah. Never left.” She let out a long slow sigh, “You know just...work. I don’t really have that many friends, so dogs, work, here, and the library mostly. Not off living some fancy dream where I’m too busy to talk to the people I care about.” Ripping the band aid off and getting to the point was something Stella had always been good at, “What about you? What brings you back to Whistler?” Cause I sure as hell know it’s not for me.  

[stelladerose]

msrowanreid​:

@stelladerose​

Even on vacation, Rowan had managed to slip away from her family and spend several hours at the local library. She had holed herself away in one of the corners with an Agatha Christie novel in one hand and her laptop charging away on her other side. Periodically she would reach over to brush her fingers against the touch pad to wake the laptop up…at least until the red dead battery symbol popped up. Rowan cursed beneath her breath, glancing around at the other library patrons before making her way over to someone that was closer to her age than most of the others. “Uh– excuse me…do you know if they’ve got any spare chargers here that people can borrow?”

.

Stella had slipped away to one of her favorite places in Whistler; the library. The quiet was always something she had enjoyed coming from a noisy family, and even better, it offered her the chance to learn about anything and everything she wanted to. With the family business being a busy job, Stella knew college and leaving her parents, brother, and cousin behind had been out of the question. It’s why the local library had been such an escape. With her nose buried in a book about animals, she almost didn’t notice the person coming over, until they spoke. Looking up from her book, she paused for a moment, “Maybe, but you can just use mine if you want to, if it’s the right type of charger.” Stella smiled.

[stelladerose]

zhxxs​:

“I’m right on time, then.” He said with a small chuckle, walking up closer on the pathway leading to the house, honestly grateful to whoever that cleaned the snow up from there; he honestly couldn’t imagine himself just fighting his way through it and freezing his feet off - which also left him thinking that putting on nikes maybe wasn’t the best idea. “And yes, I got the food, too.”

Okay, maybe that part was debatable and salad was a valid lunch choice only by his definition, but in the worst case he could always just offer to pay for takeout, right? And as he thought about it now, he was honestly stressing over the fact that it was a salad of his own making, because what if he was so terrible in the kitchen that he couldn’t even make a decent salad? Or he was just absolutely overthinking it. “By the way, how are your pups? I wanted to come earlier and help out, but I got caught up in the kitchen…”

“You are right on time and a life saver.” She couldn’t wait to see what he had brought for them to feast on. Plus an already cooked meal meant less for her to do and the sooner she could get back to dog washing. It was all falling out perfectly. Now, if she could just figure out how to convince him to help her.

Glancing down, she noticed his Nikes, “Are you seriously wearing Nikes out here in this? Come on. Lets get you inside, before your feet get frostbitten.” She moved forward trudging on towards the house, “The pups? They’re loving today. It’s spa day for them pretty much? Hence the reason I look like someone sprayed me with a water hose. But hey, if you really want to help, that would be awesome.” Maybe this would be easier than she thought, “But first food. Stella. Needs. Food. Grrrrrrrr.”

[stelladerose]

polaroidquinn​:

“Exactly, there’s the spirit,” She beamed at the other, before nodding. “Yeah, first time actually. Definitely think I’ll becoming back though, pretty sights and pretty people. Great for my career,” Quinn mused, holding up her camera. “Of course, you’re gorgeous and I absolutely love dogs, they’re so cute. Win, win situation if you ask me.”

“Really?” Stella looked back at Quinn. “You should definitely check out Whistler in the warmer months as well then. The snow is great, but coming here when the flowers are blooming and the trees are coming out. It’s like an entirely different place.” She leaned down towards Sky and began running her hand over the animals soft fur. A warm smile graced her face hearing the photographer’s words. Of course she had heard compliments from her parents and her family, but to hear them from a complete stranger had felt different; good, “That’s very kind of you. Have you done this before? I mean been in a photoshoot. Not taken the pictures.”

[stelladerose]

natealridge​:

When Nate had come to pick Felicity up from her day at the outdoor classroom, the little girl had been practically bouncing with excitement, stumbling over her own words as she described the “cutest bestest puppies ever”. So, before they could even get to the car, Felicity was pulling him by the hand over to the sled and the figure standing nearby. “Look! Look!” she squealed as they got closer and Nate could only chuckle and began an apology to the woman that was clearly trying to check the sled. “I’m so sorry– my daughter is pretty in love with your dogs.”

.

Stella continued checking the equipment, until she noticed a spunky little girl running over towards her and the dogs. And in tow, she noticed a man with her; Felicity’s father. Stopping what she was doing, she laid down the harness that was in her hands making a mental note of where she was at, “It’s not a problem at all. If only they were all as cute as she was.” Kneeling down, she smiled at Felicity, “You want to pet one of them? I know you got to see them earlier during class, but I’ll let you in on a secret...” She kneeled in and whispered, “Sky, here, absolutely loves ear scratches.” She looked to the dog, “Don’t cha, Buddy.” Stella reached out and gave the husky a good scratch behind the ears, before looking back at her new friend, “You want to give him some ear scratches?”

[stelladerose]

delictehearts​:

“Oh he seems fine, the doctors let him out from the hospital after a night of observation on the understanding he takes it easy so he has been enjoying our food and hospitality very much.” Patience chuckled with a small nod towards the bar where a couple of patrons, including their wayward customer, sat. 

.

“That’s great to hear. I’m so glad he’s safe. It could have been a much worse situation than it was.” She glanced over at him and shook her head, “But he looks far from distraught.” She laughed softly before turning back to Patience, “How are you holding up? I know things around Whistler are starting to get chaotic again.” They were officially leaving the slow season, and as much as Stella had enjoyed her time off, she was grateful that a business such as the one her parents ran could be fruitful enough to last them during off season.

[stelladerose]

@lachayim​ || Kourtney

Aside from Cow Creamery and the library, Ridge Farms was one of Stella’s favorite places to venture to on her day off. Sure, most of her days were spent with a team of dogs carrying her through the landscape of Whistler, but seeing horses and other animals always seemed to bring a smile to her face. Plus, it was nice getting away from her family every once and a while. “Hey sweet girl. May I offer you a carrot today?” Stella knew it was hit or miss feeding her favorite horse carrots and apples with the people who frequented the farm, but to her delight Lucy neighed before chomping down on the carrot making the woman laugh.

[caul-serrikane]

[stelladerose]

delictehearts​:

Patience could usually be found in the back of the hotel writing away and it didn’t take long for her to come out when she heard someone was looking for her. “Stella! I’m so sorry I’ve been meaning to call you but it’s starting to get busy and I’ve just not had a second.”

.

Seeing Patience come out from the back, she shifted her attention, “Hey! It’s fine, really. We’re starting to get a lot busier, too. I just wanted to come check on the guy that search and rescue was called for the other day. I figured since he was staying here, you might know something.” Every run she had ever went on with search and rescue had always found a place engrained in her memories, and because of her caring nature, left her wanting to make sure the people she went looking for were ultimately going to be okay.

[stelladerose]

delphiine​:

CLOSED  ❄ @stelladerose​

where: de rose dog sledding

when: 11 am

“i have missed you so much!” delphine exclaimed, her voice sounded so high pitched she thought only the dog could actually hear her. speaking of which, she was running to the happy animal, not even paying attention to how slippery the snow was under her feet. leaning down on her knees to get to the right level, she greeted the animal with french pet names and compliments. it caused her new friend to bark happily in response. she could not resist to take a picture of the dog when their head was tilted to the side, one of the ears flipped adorably at all the confusing stimulation. the brunette followed the dog’s glance, unable to resist the wave of laughter that hit her. “i’m sorry you had to witness whatever that was.” phi stood back up, stretching her arm out. “miss de rose, right? we met yesterday. i was the person who had more fun than the kids and asked for a second ride… i’m back for another one!”

.

Stella had briefly ran inside to do a few things before her next client showed up for a ride. Seeing someone greeting one of the dogs, she quickly finished up and returned outside. However, when she noticed the lady from yesterday had returned, a bit of relief came over her. She had always loved returning customers, because they were the ones she had to worry less about, “No, that was perfectly fine. You’d be surprised how many people do the exact same thing.” She laughed and met Delphine’s hand with a firm shake. “Please, call me Stella. It makes me feel like less of an old dog lady. Delphine right?” She pulled her arm back and leaned over to give the nearest husky a good ear scratch. “And I think you’ll enjoy today, since you’re the only person booked for this excursion.”

[stelladerose]

irieackermann​:

Perhaps it was her very own addiction but since Iris didn’t drink nor smoke, ice cream had became her getaway when things would get hard. She was glad to be back home where she could relish in the best damn ice cream she’d ever eaten at Cow Creamery. Stepping in the warmth of the shop, she’s engulfed in the familiar scent that reminded her of her childhood. Iris is smiling to herself when a voice brings her back, looking at the woman with certain surprise. “I’m sure we’re both in the same boat, then.” She smiles politely. “I haven’t been here in some time so I need to get familiarized with the flavors again.”

“If you need someone to break the flavors down individually, I can certainly do that for you. I’ve come here at least once a week since I was...” As she glanced back over to the woman standing next to her, she realized who it was. Iris Ackermann. The girl she used to call her best friend for so many years, and her heart immediately dropped. “Um, I think you will, soon enough. Not much has changed since you left...Iris.” Biting at her bottom lip, she stepped forward again, “I’ll have my usual, Frank. Thanks.” It was as if the air had been sucked from the room, and Stella could feel her cheeks turning red. It had been one thing watching Iris leave to go chase her dreams, but another altogether, when the woman quit calling Stella or taking her calls.

[stelladerose]

polaroidquinn​:

“I mean, if you’re entirely uncomfortable you don’t have to, but I promise to make this as painless as possible,” She reassured the other with a smile. “Yeah sure, that’ll work. It just seems a shame to be here, where everything is so gorgeous and not photograph everything I physically can.”

.

“No, we’re doing it. If I can run a team of 16 through snow covered mountains in the dead of winter, I can take a few photos.” She looked to Quinn with an uneasy smile. “And you’re right. If you’ve never been to Whistler before, it’s quite a sight to see. I’m just flattered to know you want to add me and my dogs to your scrapbook.” Stella began to walk along the dogs to check them over one-by-one to make sure they were physically healthy.

[stelladerose]

sleighbclls​:

            HAVING LIVED IN whistler for over a decade now, mattias had gotten quite used to the colder temperatures. at least enough to enjoy an ice cream when it was basically freezing outside. it is not that he had the biggest sweet tooth, but something sweet now and then was greatly appreciated. and today, he had felt like rewarding himself after a long day of teaching – and what was a better reward than some ice cream, right ? following in behind the woman, matty patiently waited until she was done deciding, but when she turned around to allow him to go passed her, he smiled. “ are you sure ? “, he asked, not wanting to seem too eager or impatient. after all, he was in no hurry. “ hard time deciding ? “, mattias wondered, lips curled up into a smile as he tilted his head to the side a bit. 

It wasn’t like Stella was new to the flavors of Cows Creamery, but around the holidays, when they would bring out the specialty versions like peppermint bark and hot chocolate and any other holiday themed flavor you could think of, she usually hit a bump in the road, “I’m positive.” She glanced back to the man before looking ahead again, “I’ve lived here for twenty years. I know this place like the back of my hand, but when they bring out holiday flavors, it seems to put a dent in an otherwise smooth process.” Stella laughed. “What about you? Any idea what you’re going for?”

[stelladerose]

chloehonor​:

As she walks into the parlor, she recognizes the sights and smells instantly, there’s nothing like this place anywhere, not that she’d truly know, but she doesn’t have to try everything to know. Eyes glance over the case, but she gets the same flavor most days if she’s honest. Steady and reliable, even if she’s a more creative person than some. “You’re perfectly fine.” She shakes her head, simple smile plain on her face in every moment. It’s clear the words are well meant when it comes to Chloe; she’s not one for empty turn of phrase. “It’s a tough choice, everything’s good!” Chloe’s perfectly cheery, perhaps more so than she should be for the weather outside, but it fits her, as does the sunshine in her smile despite the frosted air. “Besides, I’m in no hurry.”

.

“Everything is so good. I come in here weekly, but throw holiday flavors at me unexpectedly, and I seem to shut down.” The young woman laughed. “Any idea of what you might get?” Stella looked back to the menu on the wall, before glancing down at the freezer full of tubs of colorful ice cream. Did she want to change it up and have a shake? Or stick with a waffle cone, but maybe dip it in chocolate? The possibilities were endless, and she was intrigued to know what the person behind her thought.

[stelladerose]

cyn-o​:

Tipping the bartender as his cup was filled, he chuckled. “To be honest, I’m pushing it if my bedtime is past 8PM.” He had to admit. Without the late nights at the clinic, Samson had been enjoying the much needed rest. Offering the woman a smile and his hand, he nodded. “Right. And you’re Stella. My daughter and I had a great time with the dogs. They’re incredibly well trained.” He nearly gushed. He would have been lying if he said that he didn’t plan on visiting again. Dog sledding had quickly become one of his favourite Whistler attractions.

Stella laughed, “You know, I’ll admit it. There’s been a few times I’ve crawled in the bed that early, especially during busy season.” Dog sledding was a tiring job. She had worked with her family practically her entire life and had gotten used to many things, but it was still a lot of work on a daily basis, and when they were booked full, Stella was usually working longer days than she liked for herself or the dogs. “I am, indeed.” She reached out and shook his hand, “I’m so glad you both enjoyed yourself! She’s adorable, by the way. And thank you. That’s something we take pride in. Making sure the huskies are well trained, because safety is always a priority.”

[stelladerose]

zhxxs​:

closed starter for @stelladerose​

One thing Archer quickly learned was that cooking with two cats around was really hard; he definitely spent more time putting his pets back on the floor than cooking, which combined with his fairly mediocre cooking skills definitely set him back a lot more than he wanted to. He probably would’ve let it go and just get takeout at a later point of the day, but this time he had a point to make: that salads were actually edible.

He turned up at De Rose Sledding around lunchtime, hands scratched by his cats in a few places, but very proud of what he managed to accomplish in the kitchen; he had to resist the urge to go and say hello to the dogs first, instead going on a search for Stella - and when he finally found her, he greeted her with the brightest smile he could manage. “Are you busy? ‘Cause I kinda wanted to invade your lunchtime… if you’re free, that is.”

.

Today had been bath day for all the huskies, and while it was a family affair, it was a tiring one at that. But early to rise, early to bed was what was keeping the twenty-four year old going. As soon as these pups were clean, she could go take a hot shower and take a nap. It was her pesky stomach growling that wouldn’t let her continue on any further in her mission of getting her assigned dogs clean. And reluctantly, she left the kennel and trudged back towards the house.

High stepping it through the snow that was almost up to her knees, Stella had just about reached the house when she heard a familiar voice. Being greeted by Archer brought both a smile and an idea to her scheming little mind, “Just the person I was hoping would show up. And did you say food? Because I’m starving.”

[stelladerose]

Open.

It was kind of embarrassing how much Stella loved Cow Creamery. She could be found slipping in and out of the ice cream shop on a regular basis, and today just happened to be one of those days. Stomping off the snow from her boots, she stepped through the door inhaling the sweet scents of fresh baked waffle cones and churned ice cream, “It doesn’t matter how cold it gets. I will never pass up ice cream day.” Moving forward, she set her eyes on the freezers containing the day’s flavors, intending to sample some, but as she looked them over carefully, she noticed someone had followed her in and was waiting for her to decide, “You are more than welcome to go in front of me. This may take a while.” She sent a warm smile in their direction as she stepped back slightly offering them the spot in front of her. ( @whistlerstarter​ )