40 Things Before I'm 40: Final Draft

1. Make some new art friends

2. Get a tattoo

3.Go to the Olympics

4.Meet some athletes

5.See Barenaked Ladies perform

6.Write & publish another zine

 

7. Keep my ROD journal till it's filled up

 

8. Brush up on my Spanish

9. Work on a large canvass

10.Learn a new art skill

11. Go swimming in the ocean

12.Go on a picnic with my sweetie

13.See the Olympic Flame

14.Watch the Olympic Torch Relay

15.Cut my hair short again

16. Host an art project

 

17. Take a day trip somewhere local but fun

18.Carry the Paralympic Torch

19.Ride the Zip line

20. Purchase and teach myself to play a harmonica

21.Make a journal out of my Olympic ephemera and journal in it

22.Submit something for publication

23. Host a swap

 

24. Try a new recipe

25. Create a calendar from my own art for 2011.

26. Print photos that I have taken from the Games so I can use them in my journal.

27. Do one project that's outside my comfort zone this year

 

28. Host an art party (Didn't host one, but I went to one-that's good enough!)

29. Spend a weekend playing with paint

30.Take an online class

31.Make and send away some RAKs

32.Discover some new magazines/zines and buy/read them regularly

33.Take my laptop and/or journal to a funky coffee shop and write

34. Sew myself some cool pillows (I have the fabric!)

35.Clean out the closet in my studio and reorganize it.

36. Plan a trip for our 20th wedding anniversary.

 

37.Write and give a great speech.

38.Help someone

 

39. Treat myself something "just because".

 

40. Buy frames for all the prints I have and get them up on the walls!

So I'm just two days away from celebrating my 40th birthday and this is where my list stands. I manage to mow through all but 6 things. I think 34/40 is pretty good, considering my health has been so challenging! Of the things I have left, I still want to sew pillows and frame all the artwork I have so I can get it up on the walls. Other than that, the rest isn't terribly important.

Given the state of me, getting as much as I did done is pretty impressive. There's a fair bit of stuff I did that didn't even make it on the list, so I can honestly say that my 39th year was an exceptionally productive one. I learned alot of new things, (which always makes me happy) had some amazing adventures, made some new friends, and took a class that opened up a whole different medium for me in a most unexpected way.

Now I guess the question is what to do with the next year. I'm giving it some thought and have started putting things into motion. I am also just trying to recover from my last round of treatment which has knocked me flat. Popcorn and a movie date with my sweetie helped some. We went to see The Adjustment Bureau, which we both LOVED.

It's a different kind of action movie and what I loved about it is that it aligned fairly closely with how I understand the world works. That's all I'm going to say because I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but I do recommend you go see it. It's a wonderful movie and full of beautiful architecture, as it's shot in New York City.

And Now Back To Our Regular Programming

Time to catch up! While the last few weeks have been busy with the 1 year Olympic anniversary, things are getting back to normal around here. I've actually been working in the studio again.

Creating: As I've mentioned in previous posts, I was taking Vivienne's Wading In class on self-portraits. It was a fabulous class-I met some really wonderful artists.and we had such a supportive and creative group of women that we're actually not willing to let it go! That's a sign of just how good this class was. As Vivienne said, it does have something to do with the people who were participating, but the class itself was enlightening.

I learned alot from everyone and most importantly, I learned alot about me. I think that's the hallmark of any great class-being able to take what you've learned, put your own twist on it and apply it to your own art practice. Here are a few of the images I was able to create:

This shot of Indy and I is far and away my favourite. I love our eyes.

Speaking of eyes, this one came out kinda cool. (And yes, my eyes really are green!)

This one I shot while sitting in my car one night when it was storming. I liked how the rain looked on the windshield. (I was parked outside of Chapters.)
 I played with it a bit to get this effect.

I have about 60 images I created for this class and I'm thinking about having the photos printed so I can make a photo journal for myself. I haven't decided if I will have the book professional printed or if I will do it myself...still mulling it over.

Aside from photography, I also created a mini zine on Typography for an exchange. I've put a few copies in my Etsy store. I am about to create some more wee zines because I am enjoying it so much.

Reading: I just finished John Furlong's Patriot Hearts and Cami Walker's 29 Gifts. Next up is finishing two books I started some time ago. I also have a stack of art magazines I've only paged. I usually do my reading in the evening before I head to bed but I haven't had time or energy to read for awhile now. This week I managed to read those two books, mainly because I was resting up after the celebrations last weekend.

Watching: Sadly, I am on the last season of The Shield, which I've been renting. This is the season where all hell breaks loose, so it's really good, but I will be bereft when it's all done. It's a fabulous series, which I somehow missed watching when it was on TV. How that happened is a mystery to me!

Another season of The Amazing Race starts on Sunday. YAY! I am also watching Ice Road Truckers: Himalayas and Ice Pilots NWT, which I love. Watching for Deadliest Catch and Breaking Bad to come back on. Soon, I hope!

Oh and then there is American Pickers, which I love and Storage Wars and Auction Kings, which feeds my love of antiques and curiosities. I spend most of my TV time watching the upper channels, which is where all the good stuff is.

Listening: There's been a ton of good stuff I've downloaded from iTunes lately. The Wailin' Jennys have just put out a new album in the last week called Bright Morning Stars, which is pure earcandy. My fav track is Storm's Comin'.

My new friend G whom I met through the Wading In class turned me onto Pete Murray's Opportunity. Wonderful lyrics! When I heard it, I thought it could almost be the anthem of my life. Seriously. Thanks G!

I also have recently purchased:

The Thrill is Gone~BB King & Tracy Chapman

South Side~Moby

The Call~Regina Spektor

Fast Car~Boyce Avenue & Kina Grannis

Art-Tanya Davis (go watch her video on Youtube. It's fabulous!)

Anticipating: The BC Sports Hall of Fame viewed my segment for CTV and they said want to record me speaking about my Olympic experience. They are going to get back to me about where and when. They're working on a massive exhibit on the Olympics & Paralympics. I am really excited about this-it will be wonderful to have a place for everyone to share and remember the amazing experience that was our 2010 Games. It changed our country in a way that won't soon be forgotten. It was an incredible time in Canadian history and I was so honoured and proud to be a part of it.

Dreaming: My 40th birthday is just around the corner-only 31 days left! I am hoping there's a shiny new DSLR camera coming my way. (I am currently working with a very crappy point and shoot, which is dying in fits and starts. Let's just say it's not pretty. *cough*Sony.)

Since taking Viv's class, I've realized that I want to explore and expand my photography skills. I think with some time and effort, I could become good at it. I definitely want to continue shooting self portraits. I think it's important to document your own life by actually being IN the photos and I think it's important to see yourself.

Speaking of 40th birthdays, I guess I should consult my 40 Things Before I'm 40 list and see what's left. Maybe I can cross a few more things off in the next 31 days! It's been an exceptionally productive year.

***

If you entered my Olympic giveaway, and haven't already done so, please email me with your snail mail addy so I can send you your prize! tatterededge {at} shaw {dot} ca. If you've already emailed me, your prize is on its way! Keep your eyes peeled!

Update: 40 Things Before I'm 40

(Posting this pic of my sweet boy Indy from 2 winters ago, because it's a fav (he looks so happy and he's got a "beard") and because I woke up to just a dusting of sneaux this morning which he will want to play in later.)



So...in the interest of accountability, here's where I stand on my

"40 Things Before I'm 40" list:






1. Make some new art friends

2. Get a tattoo

3.Go to the Olympics

4.Meet some athletes

5.See Barenaked Ladies perform

6.Write & publish another zine

7. Keep my ROD journal till it's filled up

8. Brush up on my Spanish

9. Work on a large canvass

10.Learn a new art skill

11. Go swimming in the ocean

12.Go on a picnic with my sweetie

13.See the Olympic Flame

14.Watch the Olympic Torch Relay

15.Cut my hair short again

16. Host an art project

17. Take a day trip somewhere local but fun

18.Carry the Paralympic Torch

19.Ride the Zip line

20. Purchase and teach myself to play a harmonica

21.Make a journal out of my Olympic ephemera and journal in it

22.Submit something for publication

23. Host a swap

24. Try a new recipe

25. Create a calendar from my own art for 2011.

26.Print photos that I have taken from the Games so I can use them in my journal.

27. Do one project that's outside my comfort zone this year

28. Host an art party

29. Spend a weekend playing with paint

30.Take an online class
31.Make and send away some RAKs

32.Discover some new magazines/zines and buy/read them regularly

33.Take my laptop and/or journal to a funky coffee shop and write

34. Sew myself some cool pillows (I bought the fabric.)

35.Clean out the closet in my studio and reorganize it.

36. Plan a trip for our 20th wedding anniversary 37.Write and give a great speech

38. Help someone

39. Treat myself something "just because".

40. Buy frames for all the prints I have and get them up on the walls!

As you can see, I've been pretty busy! I only have about 8 things left on the list and just under 3 months to get to them!!

First Gallery Showing

About a month ago, I was invited by my friend Patricia Anders (who by the way is an incredible artist-you should follow her blog!) to participate in an invitation-only gallery show on altered shoes. It seemed like fun so I said yes. I've never done a gallery show before, so I guess this is a bit of a milestone for me. It also means I can cross one more thing off my "40 things before I'm 40" list!

I've just finished and packed up my pair of shoes for shipping to California. As you can see, they are full of details that are really "me".

The right shoe is called "Avril" which is "April" in French. (That's a nod to my Canadian heritage.) Avril has a bit of a sour look on her wee face. Guess she doesn't like getting her feet wet!

The pincushion is made from a piece of butter coloured velvet I had on hand that married perfectly with a vintage crochet doily from my stash of bits. I added a locket (from Papier Valise) with a tiny tag, pinned on with this oddly shaped safety pin that I saved from a piece of clothing I'd bought ages ago.

The focal point of the shoe is this gorgeous old button. I chose it both because it's a flower (which is what April/Avril reminds me of-it is spring, after all!) and because it had this wonderful naturally occurring patina on it. This button came from my stash, but it was one gifted to me by my friend Helen. A few years ago she gave me 15 lbs. (yes, you read right!) of vintage buttons in return for a private class, which I taught at her farm.

To finish it off, I added some soft cream ribbon and the letter "a" which is a rub-on. I took a small brush and carefully painted several coats of matter medium over top of it to seal and protect it. A few pretty pins and it was finished!

The left shoe is "Rose", which means "pink" in French. She's just little.

The pincushion for Rose is made from a scrap of a vintage crazy quilt. I can't remember where in my travels I picked it up, but I've been keeping it safe for the perfect project. Rose also has a locket (again, Papier Valise) which is held on with a tiny pin safety pin.

The focal point of this shoe is a cluster of antique buttons and a lovely length of that old rayon ribbon I love so much. The thread in the mother of pearl button is original. I love when buttons have the old threads in them-it makes them that much more special.

Rose also has her initial on the toe. The shoes were purchased for a pittance at a thrift store, but it took me about 2 weeks to find exactly the kind I was looking for. I think I hit at least 4 stores in 3 cities to find them. Persistence pays off!

So later this afternoon, I will pop up to the Post Office where the ladies get no end of amusement over the weird and wonderful things I ask them to mail for me. I have these shoes and the altered folder from yesterday's post to go out today.

Oh and the show? It's going to be at the Ten Women Galleries
at Venice Beach in early September. I'll be posting more info, as it becomes available. Both shoes will be available for purchase at the gallery.

40 Things Before I'm 40 Update

1. Make some new art friends (workin' on it!)
2. Get a tattoo
3.Go to the Olympics
4.Meet some athletes
5.See Barenaked Ladies perform
6. Write & publish another zine (in progress)
7. Keep my ROD journal till it's filled up
8. Brush up on my Spanish
9. Work on a large canvass
10. Learn a new art skill
11. Go swimming in the ocean
12.Go on a picnic with my sweetie
13.See the Olympic Flame
14.Watch the Olympic Torch Relay
15.Cut my hair short again
16. Host an art project over the summer (in progress)
17. Take a day trip somewhere local but fun
18.Carry the Paralympic Torch
19.Ride the Zip line
20. Purchase and teach myself to play a harmonica
21.Make a journal out of my Olympic ephemera and journal in it
22.Submit something for publication
23. Host a swap or two
24. Try a new recipe
25. Create a calendar from my own art for 2011.
26.Print photos that I have taken from the Games so I can use them in my journal.
27. Do one project that's outside my comfort zone this year (in progress!)
28. Host an art party
29. Spend a weekend playing with paint
30.Take an online class

31.Make and send away some RAKs
32.Discover some new magazines/zines and buy/read them regularly
33. Take my laptop and/or journal to a funky coffee shop and write
34. Sew myself some cool pillows (I bought the fabric.)
35.Clean out the closet in my studio and reorganize it.
36. Plan a trip for our 20th wedding anniversary (In progress)

....and 4 more things, yet to be determined. (I like to leave room for the unexpected!)

So far I've managed to complete more than half of the current list. Checking things off, I surprised myself. I hadn't realized that I managed to get so much accomplished in the first 4 months since my birthday! Go me!

And how about you? What are you doing in the year between birthdays? Do tell!

Wee Lass

So this is a piece of original artwork, by Cori Dantini that I loved so much I wanted it as a tattoo. It's called Wee Lass. (And yes, I've ordered the print too!) The other day, I emailed Cori and asked if I might have her permission to use her work and she kindly and enthusiastically said YES! (I always recommend asking the artist for permission-it's the right thing to do.) She is incredibly kind and asked me to send her a pic so she can see how it came out. (Cori, I *love* you-you ROCK!!)

So here's my leg before...

And this is Bill Gaspari at Adrenalin getting started on my tattoo. It was...interesting...Bill likes to play ear splitting acid rock while he works. Certainly not my thing, but if that helps him get into the groove to work, who am I to question? Next time I'm taking earplugs though!

Here's the stencil going on.

Let the inking begin! I have to tell you that for the first ten minutes, it's hurt like the dickens, but after that, my brain kind of forgot about it and it was just some minor annoyance going on in the background. I can do anything for ten minutes if I have to.

Partially inked.

The black outlining is finished.

The smeared red here is red ink, not blood, so no worries. This was when he was adding colour.

My son's girlfriend put the Loonie there for scale, after which I explained to her that that wasn't going to mean a darn thing to my American friends. *laughs*

The whole thing took a hour and a half, then I got bandaged up and that was that. It's going to take a few days to heal. Right now it just feels like razor burn, more annoying than anything.

This is what it looks like a day later, with the colour finished. I *love* it! THANK YOU CORI for your stunning art and THANK YOU BILL for your skill. I am thrilled with my one-of-a-kind ink. It means alot to me. And THANK YOU to my son for my Mother's Day Gift. xox

2. Get tattoo.

Psssst!

I'm going to be crossing another thing off my "40 Things To Do Before I'm 40" list by midnight tonight!

Want to know what it is? Check back tomorrow evening when I spill the beans!!

Odds N' Ends

Revisiting my 40 Things Before I Turn 40 list:

1. Make some new art friends (workin' on it!) 2. Get a tattoo (though first I have to find out if this is feasible, given my health.) 3. Go to the Olympics 4. Meet some athletes 5. See Barenaked Ladies perform 6. Write & publish another zine 7. Keep my ROD journal till it's filled up 8. Brush up on my Spanish 9. Work on a large canvass 10. Learn a new art skill 11. Go swimming in the ocean 12. Go on a picnic with my sweetie 13. See the Olympic Flame 14.Watch the Olympic Torch Relay 15. Cut my hair short again 16. Host an art project over the summer 17. Take a day trip somewhere local but fun 18. Carry the Paralympic Torch 19. Ride the Zip line 20. Purchase and teach myself to play a harmonica 21.Make a journal out of my Olympic ephemera and journal in it. 22. Submit something for publication 23. Host a swap or two (Just wrapped one up.) 24. Photograph my favourite trees in Stanley Park to show the progression of the seasons 25. Create a calendar from my own art for 2011. 26. Print photos that I have taken from the Games so I can use them in my journal. 27. Do one project that's outside my comfort zone this year 28. Host an art party 29. Spend a weekend playing with paint 30. Take an online class (I am just starting two with Mary Ann Moss.) 31. Make and send away some RAKs (Sent one out so far!) 32. Discover some new magazines/zines and buy/read them regularly 33. Take my laptop and/or journal to a funky coffee shop and write 34. Sew myself some cool pillows (I bought the fabric.) 35. Clean out the closet in my studio and reorganize it. 36. Plan a trip for our 20th wedding anniversary (In progress.)

I think I've cut a good swath through it so far. I still have 4 things to add, but like I said, I like to leave room for the unknown. There will be 40 things on there before the year's up!

We had some reno work done here yesterday-new double paned windows in the living room. I discovered a 1/2 inch gap in one during a storm. The wind was blowing and and that simply would not do! Our new ones are fabulous-we have a static pane in the center and a slider with a screen on either side.

Now we're just waiting till next week for our fix-it guy to come back and do the cosmetic touch ups and hang a new blind. I am deliriously happy about the new windows. They will help keep the house alot cooler this summer. Last summer, temps soared to 35C in the house. If you know anything about Multiple Sclerosis, you'd know that hot weather is the enemy. Hopefully we've managed to win half the battle with the reno.

Betty commented on one of my previous posts and asked what an "ROD" was. It's shorthand for "Remains Of the Day" which is an online class taught by the fabulous Mary Ann Moss. Some of my posts about these journals are here and I have a video of the first one I made here.

Okay, gotta fly! Time's a wastin'!

40 Things Before I Am 40.

( A recent perfect day.)

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!

Yes, as of 6:30 a.m. this morning, I am 39! Woohoo! In honour of my 39th trip around the sun, I decided to devise a list of 40 things I want to do before I'm 40:

1. Make some new art friends 2. Get a tattoo (though first I have to find out if this is feasible, given my health.) 3. Go to the Olympics4. Meet some athletes 5. See Barenaked Ladies perform 6. Write & publish another zine 7. Keep my ROD journal till it's filled up 8. Brush up on my Spanish 9. Work on a large canvass 10. Learn a new art skill 11. Go swimming in the ocean 12. Go on a picnic with my sweetie 13. See the Olympic Flame 14. Watch the Olympic Torch Relay 15. Cut my hair short again 16. Host an art project over the summer 17. Take a day trip somewhere local but fun 18. Carry the Paralympic Torch 19. Ride the Zip line 20. Purchase and teach myself to play a harmonica 21. Make a journal out of my Olympic ephemera and journal in it. 22. Submit something for publication 23. Host a swap or two 24. Photograph my favourite trees in Stanley Park to show the progression of the seasons 25. Create a calendar from my own art for 2011 26. Print photos that I have taken from the Games so I can use them in my journal 27. Do one project that's outside my comfort zone this year 28. Host an art party 29. Spend a weekend playing with paint 30. Learn a new skill 31. Make and send away some RAKs 32. Discover some new magazines/zines and buy/read them regularly 33. Take my laptop and/or journal to a funky coffee shop and write 34. Sew myself some cool pillows 35. Clean out the closet in my studio and reorganize it.

As you can see, some of the things on my list are already crossed off. I actually started keeping this list in January. I figured given the state of me, I needed to have a running start at it. I have 5 more things left to add, but I want to leave room for ideas that might come to me in the next while.


Feel free to play along if you're celebrating your 39th this year and see what you can accomplish before your next birthday! If you do post a list to your blog, give me a shout and I will link up with you!

You know, it's amazing how many artsy people are born in the month of March. Sisters Linda Woods, Karen Dinino, Tracy Roos, who is also celebrating her birthday today, Tricia Anders...we Aries are the do-ers and the Pisces folks are the dreamers. It makes for some pretty prolific art peeps!

I had some lovely goodies, via snail mail from friends that I will share tomorrow. I'm off to celebrate this morning with my best friend. We're going for pedicures and then lunch. Sounds like heaven to me!