Hello Summer!

Hello again! I had planned to post much sooner, but life has a way of upending even the best laid plans. I caught an awful bug and was in bed for several days feeling absolutely terrible. I am over it now I think and hoping that I can avoid catching anything else through the end of the year. I am so sick and tired of being sick and tired! 

As you can see, I have new glasses. The ones I got a year ago were no longer doing the job since I had optic neuritis, so I had to upgrade. I chose red frames, even though I really wanted purple. The general consensus is that these were a good choice, so that's something.

Here's some of what I've been up to:

Creating

Believe it or not, I've been doing a lot of writing in the last little while. I just completed my artist statement and bio for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Quilt Project which I wrote about here. Tal will be creating zines for each of the four quilts featuring each artist in the quilt using this information. I am really looking forward to reading the inspiration behind each artists' work. As things get uglier in the world, this project and its message seems more timely than ever and I am proud to be a part of it. 

I have also been working on my second article for the Rick Hansen Foundation blog, which will be posted in mid-August. The first one, if you missed it, is here. I am trying to keep ahead of the game because August is going to be a busy month.

Watching

The 5th season of Alone premiered last Thursday. Previous seasons have been in British Columbia (three seasons) and Patagonia. This season is taking place in Mongolia and it's all participants from previous seasons who tapped out for various reasons. I loved the seasons shot in BC-it was highly amusing to hear people railing about the weather. It somehow came as a surprise to all of them that a temperate rain forest actually gets a lot of rain. I guess none of them did any research on the area they were going to be going to. 

My friend Greta and I are rooting for Nicole who has MS. She is amazingly comfortable in the wilds-in her previous season in BC, she was sharing her beach with huge black bears and seemed entirely unfazed. She was respectful of the bears, but wasn't the least bit afraid of them. She also has an impressive knowledge of plants and was able to source from her environment things to help keep herself healthy. We hope she wins this time!

The 6th season of Wentworth premiered this week. It's an Australian series about a women's prison that is dark and delicious. I love it! Previous seasons are on Netflix.

Reading

The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Demaline who is a Metis author. This was recently loaned to me by my friend Sue's husband. He was telling me about it at Sue's birthday party and when I read the cover, it gave me the shivers, so I knew I had to read it. It's been a bit slow going because I am still having eye issues, but I'm enjoying it. Here's the summary:

"In a futuristic world ravaged by global warming, people have lost the ability to dream, and the dreamlessness has led to widespread madness. The only people still able to dream are North America's Indigenous people, and it is their marrow that holds the cure for the rest of the world. But getting the marrow, and dreams, means death for the unwilling donors. Driven to flight, a fifteen-year-old and his companions struggle for survival, attempt to reunite with loved ones and take refuge from the "recruiters" who seek them out to bring them to the marrow-stealing "factories.""

Anticipating

I have been waiting (im)patiently to hear back from a medical conference I've applied for a scholarship to attend as a patient partner. I should be getting news one way or the other next week. I am pretty sure com-petition is fierce, but if you don't apply, you'll never get a yes. I also applied for a scholarship for another one taking place in October but I won't hear back on that one till mid-August. I am *the worst* at waiting. It drives me batty.

Other than that, we've been enjoying dinners out on the patio almost every night. It's a nice way to reconnect at the end of the day and enjoy the peace and quiet. I've also been taking my laptop out there and writing while enjoying the fresh air. It's nice to finally have the space to be able to do that. Once I get my article completed, I can think about what projects I want to tackle over the summer. I need to make a list!

Long Time, No Post!

It's been ages since I've update and you're probably wondering if I fell off the face of the earth. Almost. I am hanging on by a thread. I became quite ill just over 9 weeks ago and have been either in bed or off having specialist's appointments, MRIs and blood tests ever since. This week alone I had 6 appointments in 3 days. It's still up in the air what exactly is wrong and how it's going to be treated and no one is more anxious to get this figured out than me, so I can recover and get my life back. This is the worst attack I've ever had, whatever it is and it's been brutal.

 As John Lennon said, "Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans."

Let's talk about other things, shall we?

Okay so here are the things that are rocking my world right now:

Listening To:

Spotify! First of all, why didn't anyone tell me about this!?! You guys have been holding out on me! I am late to the party, but I am loving it. It replaces what was Pandora for Canadians. (I had Pandora years ago till some bright light decided to block it in Canada. We still don't have access.)

My go-to play lists include the wonderful Mandolin Orange. Worth checking out if you enjoy mandolins and folk music. (I love both.)

Little Words

 Rounder

Jump Mountain Blues

 Of Which There Is No Like

Wake Me

 Clover Tune

Haste Make

 Bird of a Feather

Daylight

Little Worlds

I will be adding more of their music when I get a spare minute because honestly, it's all wonderful. Great tunes to make art to. I listen on an endless loop and never get tired of it.

I also love acoustic guitar and there just happens to be a play list called "Acoustic Guitar Instrumentals" that I've subscribed to. That one is also really good for getting into my creative groove. When my husband heard one of my other play lists that I compiled myself he said "You were meant to be born in the 60's." I laughed. He's right. 60's & 70's music is what I tend to listen to the most. Probably not too surprising, since I was named for a Donovan song.

Artsy Inspiration:

I've known about Brian Andreas' art for some time now, but lately, I've rediscovered it through Instagram. He's been posting such beautiful, uplifting work in the face of all the ugliness that's we've been bombarded with as the world seemingly goes off the rails. If you need a break from all that, I recommend following his feed.  (@brainandreas) It will make you feel better. We need more people like Brain in the world. Love needs to be louder. Let's get LOUDER people!!

Brian posted about this project he's started where you order a print of Help Wanted and he will also send you small packet of 3x3 mini prints to give away, as a way to put some love and inspiration out into the world. When I saw the print, it spoke to me so strongly. It was the perfect way to commemorate my 40th year of volunteering. I totally understand what this magic is he's talking about-when you open up your heart and say "YES!" to the ways in which you can serve, the universe will keep presenting you with amazing opportunities. It's the law of attraction. I have experienced this over and over throughout my life. Volunteering has both enriched and informed my life in countless ways.

Yesterday, I covertly gifted my first mini print to one of my specialists who has been working really hard to advocate for me. I put it on her desk and then just tucked it under a bit of her paperwork so she wouldn't find it till after I was gone. I want to leave one for her receptionist who has been very kind to me too, but I didn't get the chance to leave it secretly yet. Next time, hopefully!

I need to see if I can get my hands on some of Brian's books. I'll have to see if our library system has any of them.

Dawn DeVries Sokol has a new instructor video out via Creativebug. I watched it the other day and I just loved how she not only talked about, but showed all the colours, shapes and textures she encounters in her every day life that inspires what she creates as an artist. The video is so infused with colour and I thought it was a really smart way to share what she does.

Later that day, I had time between appointments, so I popped into the big book store downtown and came across three of Dawn's books on the shelves. I always like to try and get photos of friend's books in the wild. I know if I had a book out there in the world, (someday!) I'd love to see it on shelves in cities far away. I also "face" the books, if they are spine out on the shelf so others will notice them. (Shh! Don't tell! I volunteered in the library growing up, so old habits die hard.) It was nice seeing they had a copy of Artists' Journal Pages, which I have work published in.

I had a $20 gift card which was was a thank you gift for consulting on a study UBC is doing about patients who have participated in the medical grant review process. I didn't expect a thank you, so it was a very nice surprise. After seeing Dawn's video, I was inspired, I treated myself to Year of the Doodle. It's got a sort of zine-like vibe and I think it would be a good thing to keep in my bag to help pass the time when I am sitting in the waiting room for medical appointments. All I need is a pen of some sort and I'm good to go. I'm just going to jump in at this point in the year and carry on. It cost me a whopping 94c after the gift card. That's a deal any way you slice it!

Watching:

Since I have been stuck in bed for weeks, I've watched a lot of good stuff on my iPad. The list is long...here goes:

Game of Thrones-The last two episodes were jaw dropping. It was more like watching a movie than a tv show and it deserves all kinds of awards. It was absolutely epic. The music, the story lines, the multiple moments of shock. WOW! Tyrion made me cry. He is my absolute favourite because he just tries so hard and there is always that sense of him feeling "less than". The vulnerability of that character played so beautifully by Peter Dinklage tears at my heart. If George R.R. Martin ever kills him off, I'm DONE.

Orange is the New Black-I watched the newest season, but somehow I can't remember parts of the previous season, so I need to go back and review. A few of the story lines had me confused about what came before. The snoring girl cracked me up and all the references to current TV programs were killing me. They made a comment about Monopoly that had me in stitches.

Wentworth-It's like an Aussie version of OITNB, but not funny-it's very dark in the most delicious way. That's all I'm going to say about it. Watch and see.

Wayward Pines-This is a post-apocolyptic series that is filmed right here in Coquitlam and also out in the Fraser Valley. One of the places they film at, Riverview Hospital is a place I drive by regularly. It's a decommissioned mental hospital, which is used in all kinds of TV and movie filming.The driver of the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary medal bearer van, (whose blog I started following back then and then eventually met) is a driver (teamster) on Wayward Pines. He's been blogging about the series here. (There's a bunch of posts.) The premise of this show is interesting, especially in season one where they have you wondering what's really going on. M. Knight Shyamalan is the producer.

Alone: Seasons 1&2 were filmed on the northwest end of Vancouver Island. The premise is they drop 10 people off, each on an isolated beach with film equipment and they have to survive and film at the same time. There are bears, cougars and wolves. There is also weather. Weather is always a factor in Canadal The last one wins half a million dollars. Season 1 was hilarious-the whole time people are complaining about the rain. People! You are in a temperate rain forest in the late fall. Of course it rains. I guess no one told them. They really should have named it "BC Weather Kicks Butt"! 

The Last Alaskans-This is filmed up in the northeastern corner of Alaska on a wildlife reserve where there are only a handfull of families whose cabins have been grandfathered in until the current owners last child dies. The people are really interesting.

Port Protection-Another Alaska series about a remote port where the community members rely on one another. 

Bering Sea Gold-Mostly guys and one woman prospecting for gold on the sea out of Nome, Alaska. I watch to see how someone is almost going to kill themselves every episode. It's pretty silly.

Life Below Zero-Yet another Alaskan series set in Northern Alaska. (Are you sensing a theme here?) Everyone lives off the grid and subsistence hunts. There is an Inuit family on the show and I enjoy seeing how they are passing down their traditions to their children. The girls are all learning how to hunt and trap. It's really cool that this young girls will have survival skills most of us will never have. 

The Amazing Race Canada-Because I love TAR and the Canadian version is just as good. Plus it's hosted by Jon Montgomery, 2010 Olympic Gold medallist in Skeleton and a fellow Manitoban.

Master Chef (US version)-Because Gordon Ramsey amuses me and I've watched every season since it started. I am glad the grumpy chef isn't on there anymore. 

 I haven't watched too many movies in the last while-I just don't have the energy to stay awake for them at the moment, but I did see Concussion which was unbelievably good. I will never watch football or any contact sport the same way again. It explains a lot about how much brain damage athletes are suffering and many of them don't even know it. It sure opened my eyes. Well worth watching. (I rented it via iTunes.) I have rent The Witch and I need to watch that one in the next couple of days. A couple friends have seen it and enjoyed it. I love creepy movies!

Tomorrow my best friend and I are going to see a new Viggo Mortenson movie, Captain Fantastic. It will be good to get out for a bit for sanity's sake, hang out with my bestie and of course eat popcorn! It looks like a really great movie. 

Reading:

Reading has been tough. I am having both blurry and double vision from side effects of the medications I am on, so most of the time, it's pretty impossible. I have small windows of time where I can manage. Right now in the queue on my bedside table are Robert Dugoni's In the Clearing and Linda Castillio's Among the Wicked. I am hoping to be able to make my way through both of them before they are due back at the library. The last pile I had, I had to return unread. I've put them back on my Goodreads "want to read" list so I don't forget about them. 

A number of people have suggested audio books, which I am authorized for at my local library, but to me, reading is an active, not a passive thing. My brain likes to read, not to be read to. I did try it out the last time this happened and I find sometimes the person narrating can be really annoying, which is distracting. In a perfect world, Harrison Ford, Morgan Freeman, John Corbett, Jeffery Dean Morgan would narrate books for me. (Harrison Ford would always be my first choice!)

Okay, I think that's it for now. I have art to share-yes, I've actually been working on some art when I've felt up to it and doing some photography in my travels.
I'll save that for my next post. 

New Digs!

The wall of overwhelm, (studio stuff) which I have since eliminated.

Creating:

We moved over the last week, downsizing as empty-nesters do. It was an interesting exercise in letting go-letting go of too much space and a ton of stuff we really had no need for. From this point on, I will be more mindful of what I buy and bring into our home. Fortunately, we were able to give a fair amount of useful things to friends, donated alot to charity and recycled everything we could that couldn't be re-homed.

Indy smelling all the smells.

I am now in the process of unpacking and creating a new space for us to live in. Our new home is on a green belt. We look out onto a courtyard filled with mature trees (ornamental cherry trees, magnolias and others) and we're surrounded by old growth evergreens. We have a covered balcony which Indy is really enjoying. He can lie out there even on a rainy day if he wants and smell all the good smells. It's very quiet and it's really like living in a park. We love it here.

I am getting some art ready to submit to the MS Society BC-Yukon Division's MS Expressions art show which will showcase visual arts created by people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO). The exhibition will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2015 in the Lower lobby of Metrotower III, 4730 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC (Connected to Metrotown Mall) with a reception from 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm. The event is free and everyone is welcome. If you'd like to attend,  please RSVP here.

Reading:

Since I've been so busy with packing to move over the last 3 weeks, I haven't had alot of time to read. I've also been having some issues with my vision, so some days I can read and some days I can't. I did just finish Jonathan Kellerman's latest novel in the Alex Delaware series, Motive. He remains my favourite author.

Watching:

I've been viewing quite a few documentaries. The most recent one was K2: Siren of the Himalayas which is about a 2009 attempt to scale K2. I also saw Tell It On the Mountain-Tales From the Pacific Crest Trail which follows a number of hikers along the trail. Both were really interesting. I am waiting for Inspired to Ride which is a new cycling film to come out. It's by the good folks who created Ride the Divide which I loved.

Listening:

Songs I am currently obsessing over:

Carrying A Torch-Van Morrison

Honest Songs-Noah Gunderson

You Won't Find Me-Amelia Curran

Slow Kind Light-Zaac Pick

Zaac Pick has a new album out on April 14th called Constellations. I can't wait. He's a local artist and one of my favourites. The Indigo Girls also have a new album out shortly and I am waiting {im}patiently for that one too!

Anticipating:

I had a pretty interesting invitation in my email the other day. As per usual, I can't say too much about it right now, but it's something I am really excited to be asked to do and I hope to have a positive impact. I'll share more when I can!

Dreaming:

Right now, I am looking forward to celebrating my birthday which was on the 22nd. We were so busy with the move that I elected to postpone it till after we got settled. There's a Keg dinner and a trip to the theatre to see The Second Best Marigold Hotel involved. I also have a birthday cheque to spend. It will either go towards art supplies or art books...I just need to decide. The kids are coming over for Easter dinner on Sunday. It will be our first family dinner in our new place.

Catching Up!

Creating: 

I am currently working on my December designs for Paper Artsy. In case you missed the first 9, you can find them here. What am I making? Well you'll just have to wait and see!

Reading: 

I've been on a book-buying binge in the last month.

 Right now I am reading Make it Mighty Ugly by Kim Werker. 

In the queue are: 

The Unlikely Pilgramage of Harold Fry by Rachael Joyce

I wanted to read this one because it's about a man who goes out to mail a letter to a dying friend but then decides to deliver the message in person. He begins walking 600 miles. 

Inferno by Dan Brown

I love Dan Brown! I own everything he's written and this is the next instalment of his Robert Langdon series. Can't wait to dive in!

Granny Chic by Rachell Blondel & Tif Fussell 

The Granny Chic book was bought solely as eyecandy. I couldn't resist when I saw it was only $12.95. I love it because it's sort of zine-like. 

Syllabus: Notes from an Accidental Professor by Lynda Barry

The Lynda Barry book is just *SO* delicious and I spent 3 weeks rabidly trying to track down a copy. (My friend Penn actually helped me find one in the end-all hail the mighty Pulp Fiction! Gotta love independent book stores for their fantastic customer service!) If you want to know why I wanted this book so badly, this blog has a good peek inside. Am I right or am I right? I love her books! I also own What It Is and Picture This: Nearsighted Monkey .

Watching:

So I am late to the party, but I am currently binge watching 8 seasons worth of Big Bang Theory. I'm almost through season 5. It's hilarious! I noticed that a piece of of Anahata Katkin's work hangs in one of the apartments!

I have also been watching season 5 of Downton Abbey. The writing, acting and costuming of this series is impeccable. 

Then there are my usual shows-Ice Pilots NWT (Which sadly is in its last season! *weeps*), Alaska the Last Frontier, Mountain Men, Life Below Zero, Ice Road Truckers, (Are you sensing a theme here?) The Amazing Race, Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown, Grey's Anatomy and a new show called Stalker.

Geez, when I list them out like that, it looks like alot, but I really spend very little time watching TV. I read more than I watch.

Listening:
Heart's on Fire ~Passenger
Broken Arrow ~Robbie Robertson
'Till the World Ends ~Andy Brown
The Scientist ~Willie Nelson

The Scientist was the final song from the movie The Judge with Robert Duvall and Robert Downey Junior. It was THE best movie I've seen in a long, long time. If you haven't seen it, GO! When it comes out on DVD, I am going to buy it. It was that good. I will be surprised if it doesn't win some awards. It was a beautiful piece of work.

Anticipating:
I received an email yesterday afternoon saying that a new book that my art will appear in is going to be released in short order! Yay! Two of my friends, Seth Apter and Penelope Harris are also being published in this book, but other than that, all the other artists are new to me. I can't wait to flip through it!

Here's a sneak peek of the cover:

If you're interested in adding this to your collection, you can pre-order here.

I am also looking forward to going to the Little River Band concert this weekend. My husband bought tickets for our 24th Anniversary which was just last week. It's his favourite band and has been the soundtrack of many a road trip together.

Dreaming:

I have some other exciting news, but I am just waiting for the okay to share it. It's pretty cool!!

Currently

Creating: 

My creative time is taken up with designing workshops right now. Yes, you read correctly-after a long hiatus, I am excited to announce that I'm about to return to teaching mixed media workshops! An opportunity came along that works perfectly for me, so I decided to go for it. I've missed teaching-I really love seeing the joy my students experience when they embrace their own creativity. I'll be sharing more about where and when I'll be teaching once I have all the details ironed out. Stay tuned!

Reading: 

Right now I am working my way through James Patterson's Murder Club Series. I caught up on his Alex Cross series over the winter and this one is equally as good. I've been reading it as e-books, which I love because it means less running back and forth to the library.

Watching: 

In between books, I am watching Game of Thrones, (which is deliciously good!) Nurse Jackie, Deadliest Catch and I just started watching Orphan Black. I tend to do more reading than TV watching in the summer-I find the summer is a TV wasteland. 

I have also been watching lots of documentaries. The best one I've seen lately is called Mile...Mile & a Half. It's about hiking the John Muir Trail and the scenery is spectacular. If you are an artist, a journaler, a photographer, a hiker, a musician or an adventurer, this documentary is for you. You can find it on Netflix.
Here's a peek at the trailer:

Listening: 

New on my iTunes play list rotation:

A House is a Home-Ben Harper & Ellen Harper

Details in the Fabric-Jason Mraz

Hearts on Fire-Passenger

Maybe-Ingrid Michaelson

Dreaming:

We're planning a trip to Whistler in the fall. A few months ago, I won a weekend stay at our favourite hotel, Summit Lodge & Spa. We're celebrating our 24th wedding anniversary at the end of October, so this is going to be an early anniversary trip. We're going in the early fall because we're working around weather-we want to be there while it's still warm enough to sit out on restaurant patios to eat and to have good hiking weather, since we're taking Indy with us. I am going to look into what adventures we might do while we're up there. We've already ruled out zipline and Peak to Peak, since my husband is not a fan of heights. I am sure we'll be able to agree on something exciting to do. I adore Whistler-I love being right in the heart of the mountains. It feeds my soul.

Lately

Creating:

Sadly, I haven't been terribly creative the last few weeks. We've been so busy dealing with his and hers medical stuff that I haven't really had time. I am slooooowly working on some more houses like these in collaboration with my friend Lisa in New Zealand. They are coming along.

Reading:

I've been eating books for breakfast again. After suffering through four optic neuritis attacks since February, reading is a luxury I won't ever take for granted again. 

The best book I've read recently is It's Not About the Medal by three time Canadian Olympian, Leah Pells. Her story is a beautiful testament to the resiliency of the human spirit. It's heartbreaking in so many ways, but also ever hopeful and definitely inspirational.

I'm diving into The Devil's Elixir by Raymond Khoury now. If you like Dan Brown, (The DaVinci Code) you'd like Khoury's novels. I've read everything both men have written.

Watching:

Bearing Sea: Under the Ice, which is a crazy show. Essentially it's about a bunch of miners in Nome, Alaska who are dredging the Bearing Sea in winter. Every episode is a Russian Roulette game of "who's going to have a brush with death in this week?". On a recent episode, one of the divers was on the bottom of the ocean and suddenly he was asking himself "Why am I smelling smoke?!?" Next thing you know, he's panicking and coughing like crazy because he's having trouble breathing. There was a fire on the surface in his operations tent and the smoke was being sucked down his oxygen line. Nothing like nearly dying of smoke inhalation on the bottom of the ocean! Every week it's something crazy like that. I can't stop watching!

Ice Pilots NWT, which is a favourite. It's one of the best Canadian shows on television. It's about an airline in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories that flies WWII-era planes. The planes are gorgeous and there's always some crazy adventure happening to the crew. The holiday cliff hanger was fantastic!

Listening:

Let Her Go by Passenger. There's something I really love about this song. I think it's the wistfulness of it. 

Anticipating:

New projects, new opportunities in the new year. No idea what's around the bend, but I'm ready for it! Bring it on!

Dreaming:

Oddly enough, I am dreaming about spending a day at the movie theatre. I want to see the new Anthony Hopkins film, Hitchcock. I was so amazed when I saw the trailer that I didn't recognize him at all, other than his voice. Whomever did his makeup was brilliant! 

Right Now

Reading:

In the last week, I've read 3 novels by Tami Hoag: Deeper than Death, Secrets to the Grave and Down the Darkest Road, which are a trilogy of sorts. I love murder mysteries. There hasn't been alot of TV lately, so I've been consuming books. 

Watching:

As I've said, it's been a bit of a tv wasteland lately. Here's my fall lineup:

The Amazing Race, Flying Wild Alaska, Ice Road Truckers, Ice Pilots, Deadliest Catch, Grey's Anatomy (which is driving me nuts-the writers have lost their minds), Survivor and a new show called Chicago Fire, which so far is really good.

Listening:

Thanks to the 2012 Paralympics closing ceremony, I realized I do in fact really like Coldplay. I'd heard their music on my radio station, but just didn't really pay that much attention. After the Games, I had to go download their albums from iTunes. I'm playing them to death.

Anticipating:

Excited about getting my hands on the Nov/Dec issue of Somerset Studio with Seth's 10 page article & my art in it. I am on the hunt for a copy now. Hopefully they will be arriving at my local bookstore today or tomorrow. *fingers crossed*

Also excited to be having company for the November long weekend. Two photog friends are coming into town and staying with me briefly. We have loose plans to just hang out and make some art together. Should be a good time!

Doing:

I'm doing my annual autumn house purge. Today I've been dusting the zillion and one things in my studio, moving things around, reorganizing and tossing the junk. Can I just say I hate dusting? I do however love working in a clean space, so I suppose that makes it worth it...almost. The photo posted above is a stack of favourite books in my collection. For some reason, seeing them stacked like that makes me feel stupidly happy. (There are a combination of photography books and journalling books & zines.)

Creating:

Working on a swap with a friend for Hallowe'en. I'm working on finishing it up and hoping to get it into the mail over the weekend. 

I'm also taking another online photography class with Kat Sloma, called Finding Your Eye. I happened to win a spot, lucky me!

Three Things

Three things I am digging right now:

The Dreamy Photos e-book by the beautiful & talented Vivienne McMaster. She is the gift that keeps on giving in my artistic life. Truly. You can tap into her magic for an astonishing $5! That's a steal!

Delish Magazine's e-magazine, which is chock full of good stuff and is FREE! Yes, you can download all 7 issues gratis! That's just amazing. I love their design and style sensibilities. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter too, so you don't miss out on the good stuff.

This lovely video, Modern Times by local Canadian singer-songwriter Zaac Pick, who is a favourite of mine, especially when I'm working in the studio. If you're not familiar, watch it and then go download his albums Fierce Wind and Whitewater from iTunes.

I love how he chose to feature all the string instruments in his band-the shots are so pretty. Also, he used a bunch of white Xmas lights on the floor that makes pretty bokeh, especially at the end. I could watch this over and over again. In fact, I already have. There's something very soothing about it.

And you? Tell me your three things!

The Post O'Many Links

Tools of the Trade

Reading: 

As I mentioned in my last post, I finally got my copy of Seth Apter's The Art of Mixed Media and read it cover to cover. Good stuff people!

 I also just finished Jonathan Kellerman's latest novel, Victims. If you like crime/psychological serials, this is my favourite. I've read everything he's written. His stories are delicious.

On a side note, Seth Apter & Jonathan Kellerman share some curious connections: they are both Psychologists, both authors and both artists. They also both hail from New York. Spooky! Seth, do you also play guitar?

Watching: 

I rented The Way from iTunes on a recommendation from my friend Michelle. I think it's one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen. The story is rich and multifaceted, the scenery is breathtaking and I was misty eyed through the entire thing. It's the kind of story that sticks with you long after it's over. Oh and if that's not enough to entice you, it stars Martin Sheen and was directed by his son, Emilio Estevez.

Listening:

Weighty Ghost by Canadian band, Wintersleep. Love this!

Also getting frequent play in the studio are the following tunes: 

20 Years by the Civil Wars, 

Hand in My Pocket by Alanis Morissette, 

and Amos Lee's new album As the Crow Flies.

Anticipating:

The entire month of May-it's going to be chock full of cool things: 

-Seth Apter will be here in Vancouver for his book tour for The Pulse of Mixed Media on May 3rd. I can't wait to finally meet him!

-The following weekend, May 12 & 13th, The Sketchbook Project is coming to Vancouver. I have a Sketchbook in the project. Looking forward to seeing sketchbooks from around the world.

-Around the 18th of May, (still waiting on the final details) I'll have the honour of carrying the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay medal, as a Difference Maker. That's going to be really exciting! 

Dreaming:

Mulling over ideas about photos I want to take for round two of Swan Dive, which begins tomorrow. (YAY!)

Doing:

-I'm getting ready for my first city council meeting this week, as a newly minted member of the Access-Ability Advisory Committee. Should be interesting!

-Working on lots of writing and HTML for the Papergirl Vancouver project. I participated as a contributing artist last year and decided it was such a great event that I wanted to support it this year by getting involved with the organizing committee. I'll have more info about how YOU can participate soon!

Creating:

Mainly I've been working on photography, which has stolen my heart over the last year. I've now been shooting for the last 14 months and will likely shoot straight through to the end of 2012. (By that I mean I'll keep taking classes and will be actively taking photos every week and working on them.) This is the first time I've worked so consistently in one medium, ever and it's really gratifying to have so much to show for it.

WHEW! That was alot of links!

What's New

Light Catcher, self-portrait.

It's been quiet times in the studio the last while as I deal with being under the weather again. I came down with something over the BC long weekend and had to page my GP late on the Sunday night to rescue me. A week's worth of antibiotics and I think I am on the mend. I have nothing, if not an impeccable sense of timing.

Meanwhile, here's the latest:

Creating:

I am working on issue #3 of my zine, Manual Dexterity. I am hoping to have it done for early September, but we'll see. Sometimes life throws you curve balls and this issue got derailed once before. Hopefully it will be clear sailing this time. In the meantime, if you missed issue #2 I have limited copies available in my Etsy Shop. Issue #1 sold out and once issue #2 is gone, it's gone!

I've been writing articles a fair bit. Apparently I have lots to say.

I'm also working on a submission for Papergirls. Penn let me know about this one and I think it's a great idea, so I am hurrying to get something together before the deadline on Monday.

Reading:

I haven't had much time to read lately-I do most of my reading over the winter, but I am still working my way through Shutter Sisters' Expressive Photography, which I posted about here. There's just so much information that I am combing through it slowly. It's been immensely helpful and inspiring as I develop my own photographic style.

In the jacket of the book, there were some "ads" for some other publications by the same publisher. One was The Photographer's Mind by Michael Freeman which is specifically about developing your own style. I made an inter-library loan request to borrow it and then got an email from my own library that they had decided to purchase it for our branch. They are going to hold it for me so I can have first crack at it when it comes in.

I am 100% convinced the librarians at our branch are stalking my reading list-this is not the first time I have had this happen when I try to borrow an art book. Also,  some time ago, one of them confessed to me that when they see a new book I've requested for purchase, they put a hold on it so they can be next in line to read it. This just cracks me up. Maybe I should start charging a finders fee?

Watching:

Let's see...Well since traditionally summer has been what I call "TV Wasteland", I tend to watch series I've missed or that friends suggested I see on dvd. So far I've mowed through Weeds (up to the current season which is airing here now), Dead Like Me (which was filmed here in Vancouver) and am currently on season 3 of Six Feet Under. I kind of prefer to watch a series on dvd over watching it when it airs on tv-I can watch it straight through and really enjoy it. Like right now, I am finding the scant 40 minute eps of Weeds on tv annoying. I keep forgetting what happened the week before.

I am also watching Deadliest Catch, Breaking Bad, Auction Hunters, Rookie Blue and Canada Sings. (Canada Sings is really fun. It's like a Glee game show.)

Listening:

I've mainly been playing the monster collection of tracks by James Taylor that I have on my iTunes. I haven't purchased any new music for awhile. I'm waiting for Zaac Pick to release the new song he's been working on. They played it on the radio last week for the first time, but unfortunately, I missed it because I drove into an underground parking lot and lost reception. ARGH!

Anticipating:

I entered a contest for an upcoming event and I'm waiting to find out if I am one of the lucky winners. If so, I will know on Friday. It's for an adventure I'd really, really like to have. *fingers crossed*

Dreaming:

Of Autumn. Is it here yet?!? I cannot wait!

25 Years Later

For years I have wanted to rent a bike and cycle around the Stanley Park seawall. Everyone does it here because 1. it's flat and 2. it's gorgeous. After 25 years of living here, I finally crossed that off my life list.

We rented bikes from English Bay Bike Rentals, which is on the west side of the park. Nick, who works there was really friendly and helpful. I opted to rent the 3 wheel trike, so I wouldn't have to worry about balance (which is off because of my MS) and because it had the handy dandy basket in the back to haul our picnic lunch. Nick gave me a quick rundown of the gears and how to engage the parking brake and we were off. 

We took Indy with us. Indy has no experience trotting alongside a bike. It took a few minutes or riding for him to understand that veering in front of the bike was ill advised. Also, Indy does not understand that he is not a sled dog. I had hold of his leash and he was pulling me. I had to gear down to create more drag and with the one had I had free, ride the left break to slow him down enough that I wouldn't be killed. Yeah. Adventure at it's best. Let's just say that Stanley Park's seawall is 8.8 km (5.5 miles) and I did very little peddling. I am completely floored how strong he is!

We did stop several times to let him rest and give him water. He also had a dip in the ocean for a good 1/2 hour because being that close to water and not getting to swim is torture for a Lab. We stopped for our picnic as well and had a good chat with an older couple from the UK who were here on holiday and also own a black Lab. (They were missing their Lab who was at home, so they enjoyed patting Indy.) For the record, Indy wasn't even close to tired when we got home. We could have easily done a second lap around.

Here's the Diver, which I've showed you before, but as you may or may not know, Vancouver's hockey team is in the Stanley Cup playoffs and our city has gone a little bonkers. Hockey is a religion in Canada and so this is a really big deal. Some goofball dressed her in a Canuck's Jersey and gave her a stick with the white towels fans swing in the air at the games. So silly! We also have to giant Lion sculptures at either end of the Lion's Gate Bridge  (which runs through the park) and someone's decked them out in jerseys too.

 

This bus was parked outside of the bike shop. It's completely decked out for the playoffs.

The colours were the original colours of the Canuck's uniforms. (Fulgy if you ask me!) The current incarnation is blue, green and white, which is more in keeping with west coast colours. (Blue being the ocean, green being the trees and white being the sneaux on the mountain peaks.)

Even the digital signs where you see the bus name and number have been altered to reflect the occasion. If our team wins, it's going to be utter pandemonium. I'll just be glad when it's all over-I'm not really a hockey fan.

Anyway, this weekend has been the first sunny weekend we've had so far and it was so nice to get out and do something I've wanted to do for so long. We had such a great time, we're planning to do it again.

We've also decided that we're going to cross another thing off my life list over the summer: we're going to go on a whale watching tour! The tour leaves downtown Vancouver and goes to the the Gulf Islands (Canada waters) and down into the Straight of Juan du Fuca (US waters) and lasts 3-7 hours depending on where the whales are. I've always wanted to go out on the ocean and see the whales in their natural habitat. We live in an area where there's such a rich and diverse ecosystem and I want to experience as much as I possibly can. Besides, I have a brand new camera to break in and what better way to do it than whale watching?

A Spring List

It's the weekend, which means we've been out this morning, taking Indy (black Lab with the orange Kong in his mouth) for a swim. It's blue skies and sunny here in BC today, though it was a tiny bit chilly up at the lake. Still gorgeous though, as you can see. My dog has a very good life.

So it's been awhile since I've done an update, so here it is:

Creating: The last month has been quiet in the studio. I've been pretty sick and haven't had the energy to do much. I can't seem to shake the sinus infection I've been fighting. The only thing I did manage was to author an article, which I will tell you about real soon!

Reading: Still inspired by Vivienne's Wading In class, I am reading about photography now. I own Liz Lamoreaux's Inner Excavation, which I am re-reading in anticipation of owning a new DSLR camera very soon and I borrowed Expressive Photography by the Shutter Sisters from the library. Fiction-wise, I am about to start Jonathan Kellerman's latest novel, Mystery. I've been reading his series for years and every year, he publishes a new novel just in time for my birthday. Isn't that nice of him?

Watching: The new season of The Amazing Race is on. I've lost track of how many season they've had, but I've seen them all. I've also caught up on all the seasons of Nurse Jackie that are currently on DVD. I don't get Showtime, so I'm not watching it as it's in season, unfortunately. Edie Falco is brilliant and the girl who plays Zoey is hilarious. I love Nurse Jackie as much as I (used to) love HOUSE. If you're a fan, iTunes has a Nurse Jackie podcast with videos behind the scenes. It's free to subscribe.

Listening: I recently downloaded a whole lotta tunes from iTunes! Yes, it was a bit of a feeding frenzy. Here's the list:

- Bruce Cockburn had a new album out. I like his instrumentals ALOT. The new album is Small Source of Comfort. I bought 2 tracks: Bohemian 3 Step and Ancestors.

- Amos Lee has a new album out too called Mission Bell. It was a whopping $5.99 for the entire album, which is 13 tracks. How can you lose? I like everything on it. I cannot believe it was only $5.99. This could become one I play over and over while I work in the studio. It's perfect.Willie Nelson makes an appearance on this album. I like Willie in small doses. Cup Of Sorrow is my favourite track.

-Eddie Vedder has this album that hasn't been released yet, but there's one track available, called Longing to Belong. The quirky thing is that the album will be called something like 16 songs for Ukulele. Yes, 16. *laughs* It should prove interesting. Of course I had to get my husband to remind me which band he's from (he thought it was Van Halen, but it's Pearl Jam. *giggles*) and yeah, he's gone way away from his roots. Good for him! Stretch that comfort zone. I think as an artist of any kind, you have to be willing to experiment and risk failing spectacularly. I think that's the only way to grow and if you're not growing, what's the point?

-Kina Grannis' cover of The Sound of Silence was too good to pass up. I (so far) don't care for her own songs, but she's BRILLIANT doing covers. BRILLIANT.

Anticipating: The launch of something that is a secret till it's live. That's all I'm sayin' for now! Soon, though, I will be able to tell you about it! Soon!

Dreaming: Deamin' about a summer filled with experimenting with the new camera I will soon own. I am looking foreword to learning something new and seeing what comes of it. Gotta love new toys!

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!

Hello Again!

Hello dear Readers! After three weeks of feeling simply awful, I am on the mend, with the help of some heavy duty antibiotics. Let's hear it for modern medicine!

The little bit of eye candy above is a page I did for a collaborative book for my friend Penn's 50th birthday. She got a good laugh out of it, which was the whole point. It was the first thing that popped into my head (thanks to my warped sense of humour) and I was pleased with how it came out. I'm glad she liked it.

Now for a bit of catch up:

Creating: Well, seeing as I've been so sick, I haven't been in the studio for almost a month now. (!!!) I've begun the next issue of Manual Dexterity Zine, which no one guessed was a Hallowe'en edition. Thing is, having fallen unintentionally behind, I am unsure whether I will be able to complete it before this Hallowe'en. I may put it on the back burner and work on it for Hallowe'en 2011. I hate the thought of not completing it now, but I just don't think I will be able to pull that off. Sometimes, you have to know when to let things go. It's in the hard drive and will keep, if need be.

Reading: The Last Man on the Mountain: The Death of an American Adventurer on K2 by Jennifer Jordan. Yes, another mountaineering book. They're my favourite! Once I finish that one, The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha which looks like it will be very happy-making.

Watching: Rubicon, which is intriguing and so well written. God bless AMC for their stellar story telling. If you're not watching it, you're missing out. Glee, which is amusing on a whole different level. House, which I am loving and hating in turns right now, the same goes for Rescue Me. Lastly, I'm still watching The Amazing Race, which I will never get tired of.

Listening: Zaac Pick, a local artist whom I'm really enjoying. If you haven't checked him out, get thee to iTunes!!

Anticipating: Canadian Thanksgiving, which is this weekend. It's one of my two favourite holidays. (The other is Hallowe'en.) It's also the annual Cranberryfest, which I enjoy. YAY!

Dreaming: About all the upcoming projects I'm involved in and celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary soon!

***

If you're looking for copies of Manual Dexterity Zine, you'll find them in my Etsy shop. The link to the shop is on the sidebar.

Thanks to everyone who has purchased copies so far!