Black, White & Lace

A Red Herring Without Mustard by Alan Bradley

2012-02-13T01:02:00.000-05:00

Alan Bradley is Canadian, however his Flavia de Luce series is set in 1950s rural England. This is the second of his Flavia novels that I've read, and I just love them. It's like a more sophisticated 'Nancy Drew,' and I sure did love my Nancy Drew as a kid. I think I'd still be reading them! What I love about these mysteries is that they are so unpredictable. I hope they stay that way.

Music Monday: Over the Rhine

2012-02-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

Five Foto Friday: La Femme Rurale

2012-02-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Image by Egrossman

Image by Femininelure

Image by Los Paseos

Image by Jason Tobias

Image by mpix123

Thankful Thursday

2012-02-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

Image from Pinterest

This past week, I had the chance to stop by a school I used to work at, and get some much needed love from some of the coolest kids. I didn't realize just how much I missed them all until I was there, or how fast I fell back into the familiar routines. Sometimes I wish I could turn back time and have stayed, but I'm glad that I am where I am now.

When you carefully nurture something, and then get the chance to watch it grow and thrive... that's thankfulness. I'm teaching a student who is making the most incredible gains which I thought would be impossible. But, the word itself says "I'm Possible" and so she is.

When I leave one student to move on to another, I always feel as though it will be hard for me to love the new as much as I loved the old. I am always pleasantly mistaken. Each time I take on a new student, with new challenges, I learn to love him or her just as much as all the ones who came before. They all become the little eggs in my nest of fond memories.

Artful Wednesday: When the Sibling Gets Crafty

2012-02-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

Please forgive the not so clear photo - I think it was done with an Ipod Touch.

Anyways, last weekend I wasn't feeling too crafty. I made a boot tray. Very simple: 1. Buy boot tray; 2. Place on floor; 3. Fill with rocks; 4. Place boots.

The brother, on the other hand, was feeling VERY crafty. He made himself some old record art. When I entered the house, I saw him fussing over the oven - which he never uses - and melting some old, scratched records into a bowl. He'd pry at the edges to shape them more or less wavy. Then he'd sit them out on the counter to cool.

Now these melted record bowls are sitting in the living room, waiting for him to figure out where to put them. He's thinking wall art. I'm thinking super, glorified potato chip bowl. Either way, it's pretty cool.

The Bust DIY Guide to Life

2012-02-07T08:53:00.000-05:00

I have entered my era of craftiness - in the past few months, I've been crafting and creating more than ever. It's a great feeling. I saw this book the other day and picked it up - I was thoroughly pleased! It's from the editors of Bust Magazine, which I've never read but now I really want to! And, it's written perfectly for sassy women who enjoy doing things themselves - cooking, cleaning, sewing, crafting - basically, it's a fresh and funky take on all your grandmother's hobbies. I love it.

Blissed Out Tuesday

2012-02-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

Music Monday: Birdy

2012-02-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

A cover of a beautiful song by Bon Iver. Enjoy.

Half-Blood Blues by Esi Edugyan

2012-02-04T12:00:00.000-05:00

This novel is all that you've bee led to believe it is, and then some more. I loved it. The voice in which it was written was new and exciting - and so specific - I can't imagine anyone able to write so perfectly in someone else's voice as Edugyan. When I picked up this book, I knew it was going to be a war-time story about starving musicians. What I didn't realize was that it was going to be about so much more: the music, the friendships, the courtships, the secrets, the desperation. It's such a fresh take on war-time fiction - I don't believe that time period has ever been told from this vantage point before. It's so worthy of all the accolades it has garnered. I cannot wait to read more from this author.

Sassy Saturday: Get Your Pesto On

2012-02-04T00:51:00.004-05:00

Classic Pesto from Kinfolk on Vimeo.

Wow, if the beautifully crafted video doesn't make you want to run out this morning and buy all the things you need for fresh pesto, I'm not sure what will! I can't wait to try this little recipe. So simple for something I love so much.

Five Foto Friday

2012-02-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

Another new photographer that I've discovered on Flickr - Greg Pths - has some of the most beautiful images I've seen thus far! I'm so impressed and slightly in love! Enjoy the soft lights and moody atmosphere.

Thankful Thursday

2012-02-02T22:33:00.001-05:00

Image by Paulf2008

Sometimes you've got to put a whole lot of effort into climbing that hill. Especially when it's slippery, and cold, and your eyes will water, and your nose will run. But when you get to the top, the exhilaration of sliding down at reckless speed makes you forget the previous effort. And for that moment, you will be suspended in the sublime. Let us be thankful for those moments of pure, child-like bliss.

Artful Wednesday: Inspired Infinity Scarf

2012-02-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Image from PS I Made This

I recently discovered PS: I Made This, and have been so in love with all the projects I plan on doing. I love the idea of turning clothes that I kinda-sorta like, but don't necessarily wear because of whatever reason, into new things. It's like going shopping and getting that new accessory without spending a dime. Who doesn't love that?

For this project, I used an old tank top. It's actually from Sarah Jessica Parker's clothing line, and was a find from a discount warehouse sale. Seriously. I couldn't believe my luck that day, and that it actually fit me. Because the cotton is pretty thin, though, a few little holes wore through and it was no longer presentable in public. Thus, it got placed on the chopping block, and made into a really cool infinity scarf.

I have a rather large scarf addiction these days. And making this little one took no time at all. Just make sure that your scissors are rather sharp. It also helps to trim off the hemmed edges. This makes the cotton curl up a little bit more, and look ragged, which is what you're going for. Also, don't forget to tie knots in the fringe where it meets the main part of the scarf, otherwise it will keep ripping.

Blissed Out Tuesday

2012-01-31T00:00:00.000-05:00

Image from Pinterest

Music Monday: Angie Hart

2012-01-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday Meditations: Upon Feminism

2012-01-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

Image by Megan Christine

As I was scrolling through Pinterest this weekend, I came across a pin that was a link to a blog about homemaking. It was titled: Raising Homemakers, and the person who saved it said that it was from her favourite blog. Under the pin, someone had pompously written: "Feminism Fail." So before I saddled up my high horse and wrote a nasty reply to the feminist moron, I checked out the homemaking blog. It's a Christian blog about raising children who appreciate the skill it takes to work in the home, and there seem to be a great number of guest posts. All in all, it's a harmless blog, and I thought it was rather interesting... not at all a failure in propagating feminism.

Is it just me, or is the idea of Feminism getting old? Or is it that I just wish it would get old? And since when did teaching children how to be independent in the home become an affront against it? When I moved away to college at the age of seventeen, I knew how to cook, operate the washer and dryer, clean the washroom. And it did not make me less of a modern woman. It made me independent.

Growing up, my mother would spend the weekends with us doing crafty things. I remember making wreathes, pressing flowers, sewing stuffed animals. Our Halloween costumes were almost always handmade. Decorations in the house were more often than not painted by her own hand. So, I guess she was trying to raise a homemaker, too. I hope she succeeded. Because if my upbringing classifies as a "feminism fail," then this is definitely one time I'm cool with being a loser.

Five Foto Friday: Stormy Weather

2012-01-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

Image by Eva Van Oosten

Image by Anna Theodora

Image by Nicholas Scarpinato

Image by Julie de Waroquier

The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt

2012-01-26T14:13:00.000-05:00

You have to have a twisted, dark, dry sense of humour to enjoy this novel - although I don't necessarily have it, I can still appreciate it. I liked reading from Eli's point of view since he seemed like the more reliable brother, and everything about Charlie drove me a little batty. I wish I could have liked this story more, for all the hoopla it garnered. Something about this book being on all the Can Lit prize lists this year strikes me as a little odd. DeWitt doesn't even live in Canada anymore, and he wrote a story that has an entirely American identity. I suppose this is the central problem with a lot of Canadian writers who have moved to the States to pursue their careers. I think I just have a problem with giving someone a prize of Canadian funds if the money is going to be taken and spent in another country.

Artful Wednesday: Asymetrical Leather Tie Necklace

2012-01-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

I saw a cool idea like this on Pinterest a few weeks ago, and I think I even blogged about doing it as a project. Well, on a Saturday night, with Mumford & Sons on the stereo, I got out the glue gun (it's getting a work-out these days!) and puttered at making a necklace from a man's tie.

Because this is leather, it's really tough to sew as you would if the tie were silk. I actually tried this out on a silk tie first, but this one turned out much, much better. The folds shorten up the tie - you need only make as many as will keep it long enough to slip over your head. I put two folds in the other side, just to be cute. The pin isn't glued on, as it's one that I like to use frequently; however it's just the right size for this project.

The necklace looks best on garments with wide and deep necklines. I tried it on with a narrow neckline, and it just didn't look right. It didn't take too long to make - about half an hour when it was all said and done.

Blissed Out Tuesday

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

Image by Joey Ricard

"The very least you can do in your life is to figure out what to hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope"

--Barbara Kingsolver--

Music Monday: Tango with Lions

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

Start the week out on a happy foot!

January Currents

2012-01-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

Image by Kait Dowling

Current guilty pleasure: Project Runway All-Stars.... oh Lord!

Current colour: blush pink

Current playlist: a lot of Mumford & Sons

Current read: one of Laura Joh Rowland's Sano Ichiro novels, Half-Blood Blues, and The Sisters Brothers

Current drink: icy cold water with slices of lemon

Current food: had mussels for dinner tonight and it was awesome

Current favorite show: Republic of Doyle

Current wish list: the ability to make a living from my artwork... I know... that's why it's called a wish

Current needs: more storage

Current triumphs: certainly have had some great triumphs teaching this past week!

Current bane of my existence: driving in cruddy weather

Current celebrity crush: Tom Power

Current indulgence: really nice bath and body products I got for my birthday

Current blessing: living super close to my family, but not living with them

Current outfit: pajamas

Current excitement: anticipating the next painting project

Current mood: content

Sassy Saturday: Winter Wreath Making

2012-01-21T19:32:00.000-05:00

Some fun times had this afternoon with everyone busy making crafty things! Mom made the beautiful wreath above for Valentine's Day - puffy hearts with pinked edges, burgundy berries and iridescent buttons. I just love it. My project was a bit more ambitious, even though it was smaller in size:

I have been wanting to make a book-page wreath ever since I saw one online. But as I looked for tutorials on the wreath, I found this lovely idea for making roses out of book pages. The tutorial I used is here. It takes a lot of work to make the roses. I had seen some wreathes that were entirely made of these flowers, but I'm glad I only did three. Any more and it would have been a much longer project! I ended up making the roses too large for my wreath, so I had to lop off some petals, but the end result turned out pretty good:

Now to just hang the thing on the door! I just took down the Christmas-themed wreath last week and it was looking awful bare. I'm glad that I was able to engineer its replacement.

Friday's Fashion Files: If I Could Dress Miss Piggy

2012-01-20T00:07:00.000-05:00

If I Could Dress Miss Piggy by jagerlea featuring cubic zirconia earrings

On the upcoming episode of Project Runway, which I am deliciously addicted to, the designers have the challenge of dressing Miss Piggy in a cocktail dress. I thought I'd take a stab at what I'd like to see her in, and then see if I measure up on Monday night. I really wanted to do something with sapphire blue - in both colour and accessories. I love the idea of bold blue on her pink, um, colouring.

Five Foto Friday: Go Back to Blue Bayou

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

Image from Shabby Apple Dresses

Image from Pinterest

Image from Broken Sundowns

Image from Kristy Dankova

The Horseman's Graves by Jacqueline Baker

2012-01-19T23:30:00.000-05:00

This was a book that I picked up off the library shelf on a whim because it had a sticker on the spine that said "Canadian." This is a very dark and tragic story. It's set in the sand hill of southern Saskatchewan, and like the barren land, many of the people in the story are devoid of morals and spirit. I think the environment that the story is set in dooms many of the characters from the start - they'll never get to be more than what they came from. The plot line follows the community's pariah - Leo Krauss - and his oddities, and how the people around him seem to come to ill ends while he lives on not caring. You have to have an appreciation for an author who can write tragic prose without making it unreadable. I think that's why I liked this story.

Thankful Thursday

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

Image on Pinterest

This week is a big one. My youngest student, at three years old, said her first word. It was "move." As in: "move out of my way I'm comin' through." You've gotta love moments like that: when all your hard work, and hers, culminates in a huge success - just one little word.

Artful Wednesday: Melted Crayon Art

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

My brother and I have been checking out this awesome art idea on different websites, and finally decided to make a project for ourselves. William liked the idea of making his look like rain. I preferred the greens that look like a garden. Both of us had never tried this before, so it was a little bit of trial and error - but for us, it was pretty successful. The end paintings are awesome, and it was a great way to spend an afternoon. It also seems that the cheap dollar store crayons are the best since they have more wax in them.

Blissed Out Tuesday

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

Image from Pinterest

So this isn't necessarily a "blissful" quote, nor do I think it's the hardest thing in life... but it is A hard thing in life, and knowing the difference between bridges could lead a person to a rather blissful state. Enjoy.

Music Monday: Rosi Golan

2012-01-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

Painting in Progress: The Harvest Queen - Finished!

2012-01-15T01:46:00.000-05:00

This is one of those paintings that I'm sad I'm finished because I enjoyed doing it so much. Trying to get the skirt just right drove me crazy, and I don't think it's as good as the rest of the picture, but I love how the rest of the painting turned out. I really wanted to convey the softness of her expression in the photograph, and I think I managed that. I've never done a face before in pastel - the last time I painted a figure in pastel, the face was obscured. I'm really pleased with the end result! And it's a departure from the farm landscapes I was doing, although next on my list of paintings to do (and yes, I have a painting to-do list) is this really beautiful sunset picture. I plan to have it replace the large Renoir print in my living room.

Sunday Meditations: Upon Gifted Artwork

2012-01-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

Image by Ashley Ramsay

There is nothing cooler than seeing your work on display somewhere. My dear friend, Ashley, recently moved to the States, and she sent me and some friends a photographic tour of her new home, shared with her lovely fiance, Eric. Before I looked at the descriptions of the photos, I downloaded them right away and saw to my radical pleasure my painting perched atop her bookcase. I love it. This is the first time I've seen one of my paintings displayed in someone else's home - well, other than my immediate family's. What a cool feeling.

Sassy Saturday: What Are You Looking For?

2012-01-14T01:20:00.000-05:00

Image by Anka Zhuraleva

Some days I wonder if what I'm doing is enough. I don't mean quantity - I mean quality. But then I reassure myself that I'm probably doing what I should be doing, and that I should be happy in that. Not everyone has a job that they love as much as I do. I think what I wonder about is if there is something out there that I will love more.

I have been thinking lately that my work isn't very creative, and I would love to have a job that allows for my creative skills to be used to their full potential. Basically, I'm not getting enough out of just painting when I find the time. But what are the chances that a creative career will be able to pay the bills - especially in the rural area where I live?

I'm also not someone who goes out looking for something. I wait. I think, and wait, and ruminate some more, and then maybe forget that I ever wanted something else in the first place. But don't we all? Didn't we all look for something at one point or another, wondering if we could find something of better quality out there - something that uses our skill to its fullest potential? And then, because we waited, or just got so stuck looking, we never found it and forgot we were ever looking at all?

Wouldn't that be a tragedy?

Colony of Unrequited Dreams by Wayne Johnson

2012-01-13T12:49:00.001-05:00

What an amazing story. I began this novel many months ago, but kept putting it aside for more pressing novels. And this novel is huge - in length and also breadth. It spans the life of Newfoundland's "father"of Confederation, Joey Smallwood. He is at times inspiring, annoying, exasperating, uplifting. It only tells his story by the perspective of his relationship with Sheilagh Feilding - a woman with whom he knew as a young man, who weighed heavily on his personal and professional life. They would, in modern language, be known as frenemies. But reading his story through this different perspective makes his life all the more complex. And Feildings as well. I can't recommend this story enough!

Friday's Fashion Files

2012-01-13T00:30:00.000-05:00

Yellow Night on the Town by jagerlea featuring platform stiletto heels

Five Foto Friday: It Was All Yellow

2012-01-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

Image by SwaloPhoto

Image by GlacierTim

Image by Ben Heine

Image by Beth Retro

Image by Duck Deux

The Smart Cookies Guide... by The Smart Cookies

2012-01-12T00:30:00.000-05:00

This book is incredible! An Eye opener for sure! Not gonna lie, I'm terrible with money, and this books clearly outlines helpful management strategies that work for women like myself. I picked this up on a whim one day when I was wondering about my own finances - since better management is one of my 2012 goals, this was a great read right now. I definitely recommend it to other women who are wanting to get better control of their spending lives. It's also Canadian, so it makes perfect sense to us Canucks!

Thankful Thursday

2012-01-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

Image by Lissy Elle

I haven't written a Thankful Thursday post in some time. Mostly because I was having a hard time coming up with positive things to say about my life these days, and rather than being fake about it, I just chose to not even post about it. But this week, I read a post from Sarah Storer, otherwise known as 'The Naked Redhead.' She is a woman with opinions who is not afraid to share them, and had something interesting to say about Sally Sunshine blogesses:

"Does anyone else feel female bloggers trend toward the overly positive in their writing? ... It's easy to hide behind a three sub-header post and exude positivism... even if I'm having a real shitty day... It's not that I want to broadcast all my shitty days to you verbatim... But I do want to be a human being."

I, too, had been noticing the trend in the blogs that I read, and although the blogs I read are more style and decor rather than the personal journals of individuals, it would be nice to see that sometimes things are hard when you're trying to come up with material for publication. It would be nice to see some "soul puke," as Sarah calls it, once and a while, and how that soul puke lead to something awesome.

So thanks, Sarah.

The Energy of Slaves by Leonard Cohen

2012-01-11T00:30:00.000-05:00

This is a very sensual collection of poems - as I would expect all Cohen's collections to be. But there is also a brutality in his words. He can easily shake you from complacency. I love this startling image:

Love is a fire

It burns everyone

It disfigures everyone

It is the world's excuse

for being ugly

What is also shocking is that this is the first collection of Leonard Cohen's poetry that I've ever read! It's not for everyone, because it's intense, cerebral and oftentimes dark. But there are always those moments in your life when you need to read something of the sort. This feeds that appetite.

Artful Wednesday: Printed on Print

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

On my travels, I found this very cute plaque with a quote from my favourite Poetess: Emily Dickinson. My mother and I stared at it for a few minutes, and decided it would be very, very easy to replicate. And probably fun, too. It's now on the list of projects I want to tackle sometime in the future.

It's Time to Celebrate!

2012-01-10T20:02:00.002-05:00

This is my 1000th post! I can't believe it! It's been so much fun growing through this blog and being able to share my many loves with all my readers! Here's to 1000 more to come!

Blissed Out Tuesday

2012-01-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Image on Pinterest

Painting in Progress: The Harvest Queen

2012-01-09T00:30:00.000-05:00

I've just finished sketching out a new pastel painting. It's been a while since I've done anything specific to my own tastes like this. Lately, my paintings have been those landscape scenes that seem to really impress people. Don't get me wrong, I like them too, but I enjoy painting renderings from artistic pictures so much more. This one is from a Five Foto Friday post I did a while ago, and I've wanted to paint it in pastel for a while. I even have a frame all ready for it.

I'm also going to be taking this painting much more slowly than I do my other paintings. I try to rush through things - get to the result as soon as I can. That's just the kind of person I am. I sketched tonight, and it took a lot of restraint to not break out the pastels and start layering in the colour for her dress. But I stopped. I took a few pictures. I drank some cool water. I got my clothes ready for work tomorrow. And it will still be there tomorrow too.

Music Monday: Kim Taylor

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

Olive Kitteridge by Elisabeth Strout

2012-01-08T00:27:00.000-05:00

This is a Pulitzer Prize winning collection of short stories. While the eponymous character isn't the main feature in all the stories, she does make appearances in each. For me, if I had have read the stories separately, they wouldn't have been as effective as they are knowing that Olive is the string that ties them all together. So I read each story with the perspective that she had something to contribute - however small. If this were reality, Olive Kitteridge would be a rather boring, run-of-the-mill, small-town old lady. But instead, she harmonizes the fabric of her community. A very good read for studying humanity - good and bad.

Sunday Meditations: Upon Family

2012-01-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

Image taken by me, Upper Canada Village, January 2012

Travelling with your family is always an interesting experience, isn't it? Anytime when you're in close quarters with people, like a vehicle, you're bound to hear things that surprise you, smell things that gag you, and watch scenery go by that inspires you. As I get older - and as of this weekend I'm thirty - I'm coming to enjoy the time I spend trapped with my family more than I ever expected I would. Whenever I go somewhere or do something, I look to them to share the experience. And when they're not around, I miss it. When I look at them walking towards the frozen St. Lawrence River in this picture, I can't really tell who is who - but it doesn't matter. Part of being family is that we're all the same.

Sassy Saturday: Travels for the Nostalgic

2012-01-07T23:06:00.003-05:00

This weekend, we celebrated my birthday and also my step-father's. We had been wanting to visit Upper Canada Village for several years now, and today was the last day for the "Alight at Night" Christmas display. On our way there, however, we were waylaid by an awesome antique shop.

Aubrey's Antiques & Nostalgia was a fantastic little stop-over on our way. We didn't buy anything - it was hard for me not too, especially when there were so many interesting things: Hardy Boys tin lunch box, a wooden Indian to greet you at the door - and try to sell you some cigars - I enjoyed the old rocking horse. It reminds me of The Velveteen Rabbit - my favourite childhood story.

William had a heyday, as per usual. He found some old gas pumps in pretty great condition - William loves anything related to the early gas and oil industry since that's where our grandfather and great-grandfather made their marks on our community.

Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich

2012-01-07T00:22:00.000-05:00

I'm up-to-date once again on the life and loves of Stephanie Plum. I was on a waiting list for this book, but the woman ahead of me hadn't been into the library in a while, so I go bumped ahead. Lucky for me, since I read it in about a sitting. This was one of her better ones - she was starting to get a little rote, but this was pretty good. It would have been better to have read more about the Hawaiian adventure, but sometimes what is left to the imagination is more impressive than what can be easily spelled out.

Friday's Fashion Files

2012-01-06T23:10:00.001-05:00

I plan on doing some blogging about fashion - namely plus sized fashion - since it's something that doesn't seem to have a great deal of buzz associated with it! One thing that women of ALL sizes can wear and look amazing in, is a scarf! This video was featured on SKORCH, which is an amazing plus-sized online magazine. I love all the different ideas that can be paired with a zillion different outfits! Wendy, the presenter in the clip, has other great videos on Youtube that are super easy to follow and very clever. I love her Ten Essentials clip!

Five Foto Friday: Vintage Vibe

2012-01-06T00:53:00.000-05:00

All images can be found on my Pinterest

Artful Wednesday: Potential Project Plan!

2012-01-04T20:28:00.001-05:00

I saw this project on Pinterest - it's now on one of my boards - and I can't wait to try it out. I plan on hunting for some ties this weekend - or maybe even wide ribbon! I mean, what a fantastic idea! And a great way to put my vintage brooch collection to good use!

Blissed Out Tuesday

2012-01-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

from Mackin Ink

If the above quote doesn't make sense, read it a few times!! I've got a few things up my sleeve for the coming month... stay tuned!

The Virgin Cure by Ami McKay

2012-01-02T21:14:00.000-05:00

I wasn't sure if I would love this book as much as I loved McKay's debut novel, The Birth House. They are two very, very different stories, but wow - The Virgin Cure was phenomenal! It's going to be hard to follow the rest of the year when you start out with a book this good! It's by a Canadian author, but it's not in a Canadian setting - does that make this Can Lit? Not sure, but I loved the idea of following the story of a young woman living in poverty in the slums of New York City, with nowhere left to go but a brothel. There are so many textures to this story - the characters, the levels of society, the settings - everything is immaculately factored into creating a complete picture of the time. I really recommend this one!

Music Monday: The Paper Kites

2012-01-02T20:14:00.003-05:00

Love the mandolin on this!

Favourite Book of 2011

2011-12-30T06:10:00.002-05:00

I went looking through my blog archives for last year's book, and I guess I didn't post one! And you know, I even found it hard to pick a favourite for this year. There were lots of great ones, some really stunning ones, and a lot of flops. Clark's Latitudes of Melt was one of the stunners. Interestingly enough, the books that I loved the most were all Canadian! A close runner-up was Mary Lawson's The Other Side of the Bridge. This year, I read more Canadian literature than ever before, and I still have so many more on my 'to be read' list. I'm sure 2012 will be another year for exploring Can Lit.

Five Foto Friday

2011-12-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

All images by *Emmy*Lee

Goodnight Ms. Frankenthaler

2011-12-29T04:35:00.001-05:00

Helen Frankenthaler was someone I studied in high school Art History, but her dreamy paintings fell off my radar as I moved on and away from all things art. Her name popped up in the news this week, but unfortunately, it was to say goodbye. Helen Frankenthaler, painter of lovely colour fields - translucent, moody washes - died this week at the the age of 83. Thank you for the gift of your art to the world.

Thankful Thursday

2011-12-29T03:54:00.001-05:00

Image from my pinterest

Oh dear... I've finally discovered Pinterest. It's hardly addictive, isn't it? I fear it's going to be the making of many evenings to come. Let's be thankful it's winter, and I can review pinterest while hibernating in my apartment.

This time last year wasn't very good for me. Well, most of the winter last year wasn't good for me. But here I am a year later looking back. Every day wasn't always good, but there was something good in every day. Let us be thankful.

Artful Wednesday: Making Homemade Salve

2011-12-28T01:44:00.000-05:00

Image from Etsy

I was cruising around Etsy this morning, and found the most interesting blog post written with help from Kelly Wilkinson of the blog: Make Grow Gather. She posted her recipe for making your own salve. From reading her gardening blog posts, she certainly needs it! The recipe is incredibly easy to follow and it also teaches you how to make your own infused oil! I'm thinking I'm going to use some of the lavender I've been saving! I already have some great Calendula Salve that pretty much fixes everything. Not sure what herbs I'd use this time around, but I plan on using her recipe very soon. Enjoy here.

Having Fun

2011-12-27T14:56:00.004-05:00

I got a new camera for Christmas - one of those real fancy jobs - and I downloaded some of the practice shots I took. I'm enjoying the process of learning about all the cool things it can do. Can't wait to get out and about and using it!

Blissed Out Tuesday

2011-12-27T01:31:00.007-05:00

Image by Casey David

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

--Marianne Williamson--

The Lost Hours by Karen White

2011-12-26T01:46:00.001-05:00

This is the third book by Karen White that I've read. They all have similar settings in Southern US, and all have similar themes of family dramas and relationships, but she doesn't enter the realm of predictable Chick Lit. She manages to make her stories interesting and real, which is why I keep turning to her novels again and again. I always recommend her to anyone who likes Chick Lit, but also likes some serious reading as well. It's a good distraction from day to day life, without making you think that men have no brains and women are all helpless.

Monday Music: Sunday Girl

2011-12-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

Kinda a fun little beat to enjoy on your Boxing Day! If you can, stick it out til the end where she explains why her stage name is 'Sunday Girl.' Hope your Christmas was smashingly awesome!

Painting in Progress: Mom's Poppies Finished

2011-12-25T02:28:00.002-05:00

Let this be a lesson to all those who may procrastinate when making Christmas gifts for their loved ones... don't wait! Or, you'll end up like me, banging a painting into a frame at 2:30 in the morning. I'm going to be honest and say that this is not my favourite painting ever. I am not satisfied with the sky at all - and the more I look at the sky, the more I dislike it, however... it's going to have to stay for now. I was very worried about how the poppies would turn out, but I think they look ok. I'm probably not going to wrap this - I'm not a great gift wrapper. I'd rather just give the gift and skip the presentation that just gets ripped off anyways. So, there it is... another painting in a barn window.

Five Foto Friday

2011-12-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

Image by jackalope22

Image by swish

Image by Kristy Dankova

Image by Sarah Yusko

Image by jessieroth

Artful Wednesday: Clare Elsaesser

2011-12-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

I found this artist's work on the Poppytalk blog this past week, and fell in love. She paints a lot of couples, and there is something about her style that I adore, but I can't put my finger on it. Maybe it's the anonymity of the subjects she paints... not sure, but they are sublime. Clare has a blog, and I suggest you check it out here, and also follow the links on her site to the feature that Casa Sugar did on her home. The house tour is awesome! And, she's got a great Etsy Shop, where you can purchase orignals or prints. Enjoy!

The Convict Lover by Merilyn Simonds

2011-12-20T22:28:00.000-05:00

I found this story very difficult to become interested in. The idea is great: the fictionalization of real letters found from a convict to a young woman outside Kingston Penitentiary. The story floats between the two correspondents, but also tells the story of the superintendent of the prison, who is at times a very harsh man. Something very early in the pages made this story inaccessible to me. There is something missing, that's for sure. I can see why Simonds added the character of the superintendent because there isn't enough story just between the prisoner and the woman, however it made things too complicated. I just couldn't attach myself to this book as I have her previous novels, which are quite good.

Blissed Out Tuesday

2011-12-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

Image by Big Fat Grey Cat

"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us."

--Joseph Campbell--

Music Monday: Matthew Barber

2011-12-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

Probably my favourite Matthew Barber song. I love the tones of the piano he's playing. It makes the song so much more amazing.

Painting in Progress: Poppies for Mom

2011-12-18T22:56:00.001-05:00

The progress I've made so far on a painting of poppies for my mom. It's going to be set in a kind of grey coloured window frame. This is the second day I've spent on it - yesterday I did the sky and began the green background. Tonight I worked on the flowers and the leaves. The picture I'm doing it from is really pretty, so I hope I do it justice. I may not show the finish piece on here until after Christmas since it's her Christmas present... but then again, I've never been good at keeping secrets.

Sunday Meditations: Upon Christmas Houses

2011-12-18T21:12:00.000-05:00

A week from today, all the hustle and bustle will be over and done with, and we'll be tucking our very full bellies back into bed. I can't believe we're almost at the end of another year.

Last week, my family home was featured in the Christmas House Tour, sponsored by our church. My mom worked busily decorating for weeks in preparation, and the house looked amazing. Here are a few highlights. Oh, and the flower arrangement below was made by Chelsea Smith, who recently took over a flower shop in town. She's wickedly talented, folks. Just saying!

Sassy Saturday: So I'm Not a Crazy Cat Lady

2011-12-17T21:25:00.000-05:00

I always thought I wanted lots of cats in my home. I love cats. Really love them. And look at this guy - what's not to love??? With that little black patch under his chin, and the fact that he cuddles like nobody's business, he's just perfect. And yes, he is perfect. Just not perfect for me.

I kept Toby for a week. I loved his loud purr, and his cute personality, but I was having a hard time spreading the love... and my other cat could tell. A kitten is a big responsibility, one that I didn't realize because I've never really had one. I got my cat, Ruby, when she was a young adult, so I've never had a furry little beast gnawing on my hair at 4am before. I think he was having a hard time with me being gone all day and only getting a small amount of attention at the end of the day. And I was really starting to miss those quiet days with just me and Ruby doing our thing - me painting or blogging and her watching from the chesterfield.

So now Toby resides with a family of six - four children running around the house to keep him busy and well-loved - just how he likes it.

Five Foto Friday

2011-12-16T00:04:00.000-05:00

I'm dreaming of a white and chilly Christmas - it's still green here in my part of the Ottawa Valley and it's a little depressing at this time of the year. So, the first four photos below are by German photographer, Luisa Mohle. The bottom photo is by Images of Joy. Enjoy - and cross your fingers for some white stuff!

Blissed Out Tuesday

2011-12-13T00:10:00.000-05:00

Image by Hana S

"Only a life lived for others is a life worth while."

--Albert Einstein--

Music Monday: The Civil Wars

2011-12-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

I just discovered this band, and holy crap! Just listen to this song - it's frighteningly amazing. I don't really have enough adjectives. This is my current favourite, although their cover of Cohen's "Dance Me to the End of Love" is just plainly beautiful. I'll let you decide for yourself. Enjoy!

Sunday Meditations: Something Old, Something New

2011-12-11T21:58:00.001-05:00

I've had this odd shaped contraption since the summer. What it is, is an old chicken feeder. Usually, it lies horizontally, and chicken feed is put into the shallow trough. The wires would be what the chickens poke their heads through, and the handle is to tote it around with. I mentioned in yesterday's post that my brother was being rather artistic in his furniture and knickknack placement in my apartment, and he came up with the idea to set the feeder upright. I have always wanted to use it to display photos, and these are some really inspiring ones that I want to eventually turn into paintings. I love how so many of the new things in my apartment are old.

Sassy Saturday: Sibling Revelry in the Apartment

2011-12-10T22:40:00.001-05:00

My brother and I spent the evening pushing about the various furniture pieces in my tiny apartment to freshen things up a bit. He came up with this great vignette in the corner by arranging wooden crates set upright as bookcases, and a flower swag over the shelves on a flimsy wine rack that I can't seem to get rid of. He took out the antique watercolour box I've been hiding for ages and set it up with my collection of powder compacts. Then, and my favourite piece of the vignette, he turned upright this old chicken feeder that I've been trying to find use for, and then I clothes pinned the pictures to it. I also put up two of my window paintings, replacing the very tired Renoir prints I've had for ages. I like what he did - although the rest of the night he was a pain in my ass.

Five Foto Friday

2011-12-09T23:00:00.000-05:00

For those of you who don't come here often, or those just wanting a refresher - the Five Foto Friday posts are where I post the pictures I'm currently drooling over on Flickr. Sometimes the posts have photos from various sources, some from new discoveries, some from favourite artists. This week, I found Kristy Dankova. She is a young woman who takes mostly her own portraits, and her talent is endless. I hope you get a chance to check out her incredible pictures. My favourite is the last one in this group. Enjoy!

Currents

2011-12-09T00:51:00.001-05:00

Current guilty pleasure: Miss Vicky's plain potato chips

Current colour: sunset orange

Current playlist: a really cool band called 'The Civil Wars'

Current read: the usual 4 or 5 books on the go at once - Olive Kitteridge, The Lost Hours, Smart Cookies Guide

Current drink: ginger ale with cranberry juice

Current food: tuna sandwiches... I know, it's not that exciting

Current favorite show: I'm still loving Bones. Been watching since the first season.

Current wish list: camera... something digital SLR... hoping it might be under the tree

Current needs: sleep, and maybe more time to paint

Current triumphs: my recent run on painting creativity

Current bane of my existence: driving in the dark

Current celebrity crush: Rich Terfry - host of CBC Radio 2's Drive

Current indulgence: reading on my lunch break

Current blessing: my work schedule leaving me with Friday's off!

Current outfit: pajamas

Current excitement: a bit of Christmas shopping

Current mood: tired and wired

Thankful Thursday

2011-12-08T00:38:00.000-05:00

Image by Sarah Yusko

I haven't written one of these posts in a while. Sometimes I forget that I should be thankful daily. It's tough to find something every day. It's not as though I'm not thankful for anything, but it's hard to come up with something different each day - and I think that's important. Yes, I'm always thankful for my family, friends, coworkers, etc and so on, but that's a no brainer. What maintains thankfulness in one's soul is the ability to find the wonder and beauty in the day's minutia.

Tonight I had a lovely dinner with one of my dearest friends. We've managed to keep close regardless of years and locations. At times, I've taken for granted that she lives so close. This week coming, she's moving far away. I'm going to miss her like crazy, and I'm thankful for our friendship. She really grounds me with her advice and humour. I'm thankful for our conversations.

So that will be the day's thankfulness: effortless conversation.

Artful Wednesday: Because All Books Need Pictures

2011-12-07T20:02:00.001-05:00

I've been trawling Etsy and I found the most amazing concept. John Clark takes sharpie markers and makes the most beautiful artwork. His originals are quite pricey, but the prints will make great stocking stuffers! Check out his etsy shop!

Blissed Out Tuesday

2011-12-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

Image by Hylda-H

"Always be a first rate version of yourself, instead of a second rate version of somebody else."

--Judy Garland--

Music Monday: Adam Cohen

2011-12-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

Crazy, sexy love song to start your week.

Sunday Meditations: Encounters

2011-12-04T14:38:00.001-05:00

Sunset at Jakkelskloof, a photo by mallix on Flickr.

This morning marked the second Sunday of Advent, where John the Baptist runs about the church yelling: "Repent!" No, that's not what happened this morning at our service, but it might have livened things up a little. It kind of feels as though we're dragging. It feels as though we're losing the excitement of being a community together at one of the greatest community building times of the year.

The sermon was about getting ready for the coming of Christ. It talked about being open to encountering Him in whatever form He takes - in the many forms He takes. This is something at which I do not excel. I can be judgmental towards things I think might be beneath me. I can be rude to people I don't necessarily enjoy. I can be overly sensitive to rude comments that some people make.

But what if, within each of those instances, was Christ? What if He were in the thing which I thought was beneath me? What if He was the person I did not necessarily enjoy? What if He was the person criticizing my actions?

What if the focus is taken off me and my actions/reactions and placed on cultivating genuine Interactions? There will be my Encounter.

Painting in Progress: Sisters - Finished!

2011-12-04T07:47:00.001-05:00

After tossing and turning most of the night, I woke up early to finish this off. An hour later, she's finished, and it's by far the best painting I've done in this silhouette series. I'm loving it. There is something about it that is fun, but it's still really contemplative. I hope everyone else enjoys it, too! Now to take a rest.

Painting in Progress: Changing Titles

2011-12-03T23:30:00.000-05:00

When I first saw the picture that gave me the inspiration for this painting, the title "Best Friends Forever" came to mind immediately. I thought it would be a perfect friendship portrait. But now I've gotten this far, and it has taken on a totally different meaning to me now. I think, rather than being about best friends, it's about sisters. So that's what this painting is going to be called. I also have an identical window, and I'm going to think of a silhouette kind of painting with a "brothers" theme. The girls in this painting remind me of these two sisters that go to my church. Interestingly enough, there are two brothers in the family as well. I'm thinking of borrowing the whole family for inspiration!

Sassy Saturday: Painting Intuitively

2011-12-03T01:48:00.001-05:00

I haven't had a lot of formal training in painting with acrylics. It's something I've done through trial and error, but mostly something I've done intuitively.

I started this painting, and I was planning on doing the same sort of farm silhouette I've been painting lately, except I'd use the fox-tails as the focus. Once I got going, the fox-tails felt so bland. They couldn't just be black. I took some brown and made more in the background. I took some black and brown and made a foreground. I took some orange and made some highlights. All this was done, and then I stood back and wondered how I knew to do that.

Well, I'm on to other ideas next. I have two window frames that have two, small window panes in each, so I'm going to go back to farm silhouettes again. I'm sure I'll know what to do.

Five Foto Friday: Waiting on Winter

2011-12-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

Image by A Picture is Worth

Image by Matt Connors

Image by And Illusion

Image by Photomage

Image by Naturesviews

Coventry by Helen Humphreys

2011-11-30T14:36:00.001-05:00

The action of this novel takes place on November 14, 1940 - the night that Coventry, England, was bombed by the Germans beyond all recognition. Harriet, widowed in the first World War, takes the place of an elderly man for that night on fire-watch over the Coventry Cathedral. November 14th was the most relentlessly bombed night in the history of wartime Coventry, and Harriet was placed in its midst with a man half her age - the son of someone she knew long ago. Humphreys writes of that terrible night with such vividness. This story was impossible to put down.

Artful Wednesday: Taking My Painting to Bed

2011-11-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

I guess you could say that part of my process is taking my paintings to bed. Not literally, of course. That would be both uncomfortable and potentially hazardous to the painting considering how my cat likes to lie on the books on my bed. Rather, I like to prop the painting up on a table across my bed and stare at it. I do this while the painting is in progress, not only once its finished. I like the painting to be the last thing I see before I turn out the light, and the first thing I see in the morning. It helps me gain perspective. Sometimes I see different things from this vantage point than I would if it were still on the easel. And I think, most of all, it lets me reflect on what I've learned. Each new painting teaches me something. This painting taught me that I can actually paint ears. Taking the time to reflect on that lesson helps me keep in my my head for the next time I attempt something difficult - it's like stored up encouragement - and that way, even when the painting is gone to a different home, it keeps on giving.

Under an Afghan Sky by Mellissa Fung

2011-11-29T00:30:00.000-05:00

I don't think I've ever been moved, as I have here, by any other work of non-fiction. This was astounding. I've never been so inspired by another person's strength and faith. Indeed, Fung embodies a rare sense of resilience that I can only admire. She never wavers from her true self. All the time that she was kidnapped, she maintains her dignity, her composure, and most impressively: her faith. I can't recommend this book enough to any Canadian. It helped me understand the Afghan conflict in a way I had never imagined.

Blissed Out Tuesday

2011-11-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

Image by Voldy 92

"I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day."

--E.B. White--

Painting in Progress: Mother and Child Finished!

2011-11-28T23:12:00.001-05:00

All done, and I love how it turned out. I had to work at the baby's head a lot today. Mostly, I had to shrink it, and I think it still could be shrunk a lot, but I'm signing off on it and packing it up. I've got lots of silhouette projects waiting for me!

The Art of Uni-Tasking

2011-11-28T07:35:00.001-05:00

My phone broke recently. I had a portable phone, and although it's so convenient, the batteries have the shortest life span, and once they're fried, it costs more to replace the battery than it does to buy a new phone. Doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but neither do a lot of things in the world. I borrowed - possibly indefinitely - an old phone of my grandmother's. It was in her basement, and is one of those early call-display models that is pretty much obsolete. It certainly lacks the grace and style of those old rotary phones of my early childhood.

I realized something this weekend as I was talking on the phone with a friend. I have to actually sit down to use this phone. I can't run from room to room - I can't cook dinner while on the phone - I have to have single-minded focus upon my task. What a luxury to actually sit down and speak with someone and be fully present. It's something I took for granted with my portable, but now rather enjoy with my new old immovable phone.

Music Monday: Louise and the Pins

2011-11-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

I discovered this video as I was listening to some music last night, and what a lovely song! She also does a wicked cover of "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" by the Clash. I'm definitely loving this song!

Painting in Progress: Mother and Child Commission

2011-11-27T21:59:00.001-05:00

I'm now at that phase where I really enjoying what I'm doing. I think I'm going to shut down production for the evening, but I'm definitely looking forward to what's next. I've got to finish colouring the child's skin, the mother's chest and arm, her shirt, the little bit of background peeking out from behind them. I'm looking forward to getting feedback from the friend I'm doing this for. I hope she likes it as much as I do!

Sunday Meditations: Upon Rumination

2011-11-27T19:43:00.001-05:00

I spent some time on this portrait earlier this week, and left it aside feeling rather dejected about how it was taking shape. There just didn't seem to be anything about it that I enjoyed. I decided to make some improvements, make more deliberate brushstrokes, and just let the process be a process.

Sometimes you have to do a little and then ruminate upon it. You've got to absorb the current status before you can move on to the next. You've got to let all the thoughts and juices mix and mingle in your brain before it becomes a cohesive plan. And that's what I did. I looked at some other art work for inspiration, so my expiration could be better. I let it ruminate before I brought it back up.

Flash and Bones by Kathy Reichs

2011-11-27T11:20:00.001-05:00

Oh Kathy Reichs... you're good at what you do, but what you do is starting to get old. Not really sure how I feel about the latest Temperance Brennan novel. I liked it, but it was definitely missing something. Her main squeeze was only mentioned in the margins of the story, which I found a little depressing. I think there could have been more substance. I hate to see her novels turn into predictable, pumped-out drivel to please her publishers and agents.

Five Foto Friday

2011-11-25T00:46:00.000-05:00

I've realized that I'm really onto something with these window paintings, so I decided to take a gander through the Flickr files to see what I could drum up for sunsets and farms. Below are just a few fun pictures I've found that inspire me. I'm sure they'll be turning up sooner than later on the blog in painted form!

Image by Joey Ricard

Image by Jim Purscelley

Image by Lispeltuut

Image by MVG

Image by Madeline Victoria

Thankful Thursday

2011-11-24T00:26:00.000-05:00

Image by kitkatscrapper

Because I've recently switched the style of teaching I'm doing, I've been thinking a lot about the weight of the choices I make. I had a moment today where I was thinking: "Oh God, what have I done?" and then shortly thereafter thought again: "Thank you God for helping me see this path." It's so easy to get stuck in what feels comfortable. And when the wind blows you to parts unknown, it sometimes feels as though what you left behind was so much better. I think you've just got to trust the process. And trust that everything is a process.