Wasted Day But There's Always Tomorrow

Quiet Conversation

Acrylic on Canvas

6"x6"

Today was one of those days in which everything I attempted "sucked". I had what I thought was an amazing idea for a couple of new pieces but ended up tossing both of them. For some reason it just wouldn't come together no matter what I tried. By late afternoon I began feeling unbelievably frustrated since I had spent the better part of the day thinking I was really on to something just to have it all fall apart. Guess I just need to chalk it up to ............. I don't know...what do artists call those days? I so want to say wasted but I'm trying to remain positive.

Saw the movie "Across The Universe" last night. I enjoyed it and thought it was very poetic and definitely a feast for the eyes and ears...... but you do have to enjoy musicals and of the course The Beatles but I don't know anyone who doesn't love Beatles tunes. John was in the city for the night so the girls and I rented it. I think they liked it but my youngest said it was a bit "too out there". Julie Taymore directed who also did "Frida" ..... the life of the famous artist Frida Kahlo. Now that is a great movie...rent it if you haven't seen it. Salma Hayek is fabulous!

My friend Steve Caston came over this morning to discuss plans for a new website for moi. The one I have currently is still operational but I need the ability to be able to change my own artwork whenever I want as well as the other text on the site. Besides the homepage for the current site isn't really reflecting the work I am producing now. When that website was put together my work was all about art quilts as well as hand dying my own fabric....neither of which I am doing now. I have a pretty strong idea about what I want.........simple, contemporary and clean lines. Will see what Steve comes up with.

For The Love of Movies

October Afternoon

Acrylic & Thread on Canvas

Last night my oldest daughter and I watched one of my all time favourite movies, "The Color Purple". I have seen it too many times to count and read the book at least three times. That movie, without fail, sends chills running up and down my spine and every little hair on my body sticks up. I think I've mentioned before how much I love movies but when I really look at which ones seem to be my favourites it is usually a film that deals with someone's personal struggle and then their triumph. Cinderella Man with Russell Crow was like that as was Jerry Maguire....ok, I did love Tom Cruise then but that was before the jumping on Oprah's couch and the weird video. It is still one of my all time favourites. All these movies have one common dominator ..... the strength of the human spirit. So call me a sap but when I leave a film feeling better and more inspired than when I went in...........to me that's great art!

Skiing at Blue

Here's hoping everyone had a lovely holiday.

Last night I showed a total lack of self discipline by demolishing a Laura Secord's cream egg all by myself. It tasted so good going down but after I felt yucky afterward. Chocolate will always be my downfall.

We took off on Thursday to head to Blue Mountain for some skiing. No, I don't downhill ski but John and the girls do. Our friends, the newlyweds, Les and Victoria joined us. Blue Mountain is sort of like Aspen, Colorado when it comes to skiing but on a much smaller scale. I loved the village which was lined with cobblestone walkways and lots of shops......really expensive shops. I didn't buy anything but did treat myself to a Cafe Mocha at Starbucks which ran me $6.00. I don't think I've ever paid that much for a coffee.........guess I don't get out much.

John and Les skied, Victoria and I checked out the village and the girls took snowboarding lessons. My youngest had done some snowboarding last year but my oldest....this was her first time out and she spent a lot of time on her bum. Much thanks to Carlo who was the best ever snowboarding instructor....so much patience and a "you can do it" kind of attitude. Your a great inspiration.

My Hat is Off to You

Pretty In Pink

Acrylic on Canvas

6"x6"

I'm Back! This is my first post in over a week due to the fact that John's assistant was on vacation for March Break and I filled in. Last week was a write off when it came to getting anything done once I got home. I am in awe of women who work outside the home....my hat goes off to you.

My mornings were a blur of activity with all of us trying to get out the door by 7:30am. I had to have a hard look at my pitiful closet to determine what would be considered "office wear". I live in t-shirts and yoga pants and I knew that wouldn't quite cut it. By the time I got home at night it was 6:00pm or slightly later. What to have for dinner? That was another hour in the making and then clean up. Why didn't I prepare better and have something frozen? Where were my Martha Stewart skills when I needed them? I will admit to having brought home a pizza at least twice last week.

My poor studio has sat deserted ........everytime I would walk by I would sigh. I think I went in once and painted for about 5 minutes but believe me, the creativity was just not flowing. All I could think about was the laundry that needed to be done and my comfy looking bed. I must say that all in all it was a great experience. To walk in another's shoes is the only way in which to appreciate their path. So........here's to you....women who work outside the home and still manage to come home every night and keep on working. I am in awe.

Digging Out

Well we received another whollop of winter last night......just when you were thinking that spring was 12 days away.. But the morning brought with it some much needed sunshine which sure felt good. Thankfully John's friend Les lent us his snow blower this winter or I have no idea what we would have done. I can't remember a winter in which we've received more snow than this one.

Speaking of digging out..... here is a UTube video that was posted by Larry who is a friend of my in laws. It shows my father in law getting water at their place on Lake Superior. They don't have running water so here is his daily routine. Most of it is in narrated in Portugese as Larry's wife's family lives in Brazil. It runs about 6 minutes and the last minute is in English.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CDswgiPn2o

New Work in Paint on Canvas

Lately I've been spending quite a bit of time with my paints and sorely neglecting my sewing machine. I go through weird episodes like this from time to time and I think it may be due to the fact that when I finally come back to the machine I do so with new eyes and a fresh vision for what I want to accomplish. Or maybe it's not that at all but just because I get bored and want to play around with something new. One way or the other I'm still having fun.

Last week when I was in the city visiting my Mom I stopped by Currys art supply store and picked up some juicy M. Graham Paints. I love M. Graham and Golden the most. I picked up this gorgeous Quinacridone Magenta which is extremely transparent and have begun a small 6"x6" still life of a flower. I will post it here when it is completed.

The above piece is not yet done. I still have a bit of tweaking to do but am pleased with the colour as well as the composition so far. As usual the name for the piece is not coming to me.......any suggestions from anyone?

Another Weekend ....Another Party...What Has Gotten Into Me

Late Friday afternoon in the middle of a snowstorm, the four of us took off for Fergus. John's closest friend Jay was throwing a dance at the local legion as a "Benefit Concert to Find The Cure" The girls were to help out by babysitting Jay & Karen's son and to spend the night at their place. John and I were clever enough to decide on staying at the local B&B. .. After The Ceilidh. Gorgeous spot.. Mike & Linda were amazing hosts and after all their pampering I found it hard to leave. They left a small bottle of champagne in our room as well as a dish of fresh strawberries. When the girls discovered this they rolled their eyes, I imagine they don't think romance and their parents fit together in the same sentence.

After we settled in we headed over to the Breadalbane which is a charming scottish pub that serves delicious food and really cold beer. We wanted to grab something to eat before the festivities began.

When we arrived at the hall there was a silent auction as well as a live band. We met so many friends of Karen and Jay's we couldn't keep track of all the names. Nowadays I have a difficult time remembering anyone's name never mind 200 of their closest friends. The band "Killin Time" performed a blend of rock, blues, funk, pop and reggae. They even played Pink Floyd and did a bang up job of it. Who doesn't love Pink Floyd??? Come on.... Dark Side of The Moon...classic... but then I'm a teenager of the 70's.

After all was said and done, Jay raised quite a bit of money for a great cause...everyone had a wonderful time and I headed back to the B&B which conveniently was right across the street. John stayed to help clean up. Maybe I should have too but that fireplace and cozy bed were calling my name. It was then 1 a.m and believe me that is way past my bedtime.

When I woke up the next day my neck was killing me. Don't get me wrong, the pillows there were very comfy but I sleep on a contour pillow. I knew I should have brought it. How sad is that? I now fit into the cateogory of people who bring their own pillow with them everywhere they go. Can you say "old".

Anyway we took off for Jay & Karen's house to pick up the kids and to say our goodbyes. The first thing I noticed when I walked through the door was Karen's painting. My jaw dropped open...guess you could say I was awestruck. Now I know she is an art teacher but I had never really seen her work before. She had just completed a portrait of Sir Edmund Hillary that was absolutely stunning. So she and I spent the rest of our time together talking "art". Underpaintings, colour mixing, composition....etc etc. We may end up taking a workshop together this summer.

With the pampering of the weekend just a fleeting memory now I will get back to my "real" life and begin the laundry, the vaccumming and run out to get some groceries..........hope you had a great weekend