The last few days I've been fighting off the cold that my youngest daughter had last week.  I've got a sore throat and earache with only the threat of congestion.  I've been drinking lots of tea, eating well (chicken soup), popping vitamins and resting.  This is not the week I had planned on having seeing that Images is right around the corner but "the best laid plans.... and all that stuff".   


Was listening to Robert Plant this morning been interviewed on Q with Jian Ghomeshi while I did up the dishes this morning.  Interesting guy but I'm not too crazy about the new album which is entitled "Band of Joy" but that's just me.  Rolling Stone gave it a favourable review so what do I know.  


Going to try and wrap a few things up in the studio now and then maybe a small nap although I did sleep 10 hours last night I'm still kind of tired..........

A Short Guide To A Happy Life

Hope Floats

12"x36"

Mixed Media on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

In Progress..........

This morning as I was listening to The Sunday Edition with Michael Enright on CBC,  I was surprised to learn one of my favourite authors was about to be interviewed. .....  I love Anna Quindlen.  I've always enjoyed her books, her sense of humor and her uncanny ability to write characters that you feel you may in some way or another,  know.  Her books make me think about them long after I've turned the last page.

About six years ago around Christmas time I was in a Chapters,  just wandering around looking at books and I eventually came across "A Short Guide to A Happy Life".  It is a small book laced with words strung together so beautifully you can't help but stand there and read the entire thing...which is exactly what I did.
That day I bought seven copies and gave them to my closest friends as Christmas gifts...I kept one for myself and after hearing Anna Quindlen speak today I went looking for it.  I imagine to say I sent looking for it was an understatement as I actually turned the house upside down trying to remember where I put it.

At some point I gave up and decided it wasn't meant to be found yet.

This June my oldest daughter graduates high school and in September leaves for university.  I wish I were as great a writer as Anna Quindlen so I could have written this to her before she leaves.

Anna Quindlen's commencement addresss to Villanova University.......

This & That

Infinite Grace

Work in progress

16"x16"

I never thought I would enjoy Twitter as much as I have but guiltily, I must admit it is fun. Quick and to the point it lets me know what the people I've decided to follow are up to. That, for me has been the key word........."choose to follow". I made a conscious decision to only follow those I know or those who interest me. If you don 't, you can get totally bogged down and never do anything else all day long.

I've been in the studio on a regular basis this week and feel great with what I've accomplished. CBC as been keeping me company as has my ipod........ lots of old Elton John (Mad Man Across The Water) and of course The Doobie Brothers (The Captain and Me)........some dance music which I'll discuss at a later date as it has to do with my need to dance while I work. Also been listening to the unbelievable Adele who I first heard on Q about a month ago.

The above piece is my foray into working on a larger scale which frightened me for quite some time but a good friend of mine encouraged me to make the leap. I've enjoyed it so much I've got a few bigger canvases on order. I still enjoy the 6"x6" and my next week I'll have a few ready to put up for sale on my sales blog which has been sadly neglected. They'll each be framed in a black shadowbox frame and will probably sell for anywhere from $95.00 to $125.00. The smaller pieces for galleries just don't work as once they've taken their % there isn't a whole lot left for the artist. So I'll use the 6"x6"'s for exploring new ideas for larger works.

Still raining here...........

Splash.......in progress

Work in Paint & Thread

Today I've decided to boycott the news. I'm sure all those media outlets are shaking in their boots with that announcement. I guess I'm just sick and tired of all the doom and gloom. Yeah, I'm totally aware of the economic downturn were in but having it thrown in your face all day long is enough to drive a girl crazy. So instead of listening to my well loved CBC I'm taking a day off and bringing a few CD's into the studio this morning. Some Van Morrison, old Doobie Brothers (Captain and Me), some Madonna if I feel like dancing and an old standby........Guns N Roses. Where the hell is Axl now?

Me & Jian Ghomeshi

The Roundness of Things

Image Size 6"x4"

Matted & Framed 9"x12"

I always find it oh so interesting to discover what other artist's are listening to while working in studio. I once knew an artist who couldn't work unless the television was on but that really wouldn't work for me. John and the girls are generally gone at around 7:30 a.m. so I spend the next hour cleaning up, throwing some laundry in, checking out my other favourite blogs and maybe, just maybe checking in with Facebook. When 8:30 rolls around I'm in my studio listening to The Current on CBC Radio with Anna Maria Tramonti. It's 90 minutes of current (hence the name) events that are taking place in Canada as well as all over the world.

But come 10:00 a.m. that slot is especially reserved for Q and my guy Jian Ghomeshi. I love Jian Ghomeshi in a secret crush kind of way. He's kind of like that cool guy in high school that you really wanted to be friends with but rather than say "hi" you just kind of hid in corners and stalked him in the hallways. Wow, that reveals a lot about my high school years doesn't it? Anyway, his show Q is edgy, smart and hillarious with just a touch of sarcasm that keeps it all totally interesting. He interviews everyone from musicians to actors, writers, comedians and just about anyone who has anything to do with the arts. I think you can catch it online too. Almost ten so I gotta run......................

This & That

Haven't been posting all that often lately as there just hasn't been much to say. I've been off and on steady in the studio working on some larger pieces for the show I'll be doing at Ridge West Gallery sometime this year. I'm also in the middle of working on a few small 6"x6" paintings in acrylic. One is of my nephew and if I don't completely screw it up I'll probably give it to his parents as a gift.

I've also been crosscountry skiing with my friend Joan during the week. She's writing her thesis so is home most days around lunchtime when we head out. Nice to have someone else to ski with.

My friend Steve the abstract artist and brilliant singer/songwriter was over last week and we had a blast. He is such a fun guy, knows so much about art and is simply "good people". He is really spontaneous when it comes to painting and I admire that trait. I, on the other hand seem to be too tight and controlled. He was desperately trying to get me to throw some paint on the canvas when he was there but I was hesitant. I emailed him later that day to thank him for his time and he emailed back...."have you started yet?" Nothing like a good friend to keep you on your game.

John and I took a walk in the park yesterday. Although it was cold the sun was out and I desperately needed to get out of the studio for awhile. Sundays just happen to be my favourite day to work and listen to CBC but then again I listen to CBC everyday while I'm in the studio. Another post for another time which I shall entitle "Me And Jian Gomeshi"...... don't ask.

I'm digressing again!

I'll sign off with this picture I snapped in the park yesterday of a little dog named Stella wearing a pink coat and fur collar. Just had to take the photo because how many times do you see a French Bulldog wearing a get up like that.

Safe Cosmetics

Last week on the CBC radio show "The Current" there was an interesting discussion on the personal products we use on our face and bodies. Everything from body washes, shampoos, cosmetics etc. etc. Stacy Malkan who wrote "Not Just Another Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry" was the guest. Now I have from time to time thought about what I was using when it comes to these products but like others just didn't take the time to make any sort of change........ although I must say it is quite frightening to read the back of your shampoo bottle. I can't pronounce half of those ingredients never mind know what they mean. After this eye opening half hour I seriously did decide to slowly begin weeding out what I consider to be "toxic" products. For the past few years I have been using good old fashioned baking soda and vinegar with a bit of soap for cleaning. My mom's generation can't be wrong on that. It works great!! I've also discovered the "Method" cleaning products which I highly recommend also.
Checkout Safe Cosmetics to get a detailed list of what actually IS in the products you buy.

Shortly after all this happened, a friend of mine mentioned a line of body soaps and creams available on Etsy from a small home business just outside of Edmonton, Alberta. I checked it out and bought a few and "wow" they were great. I ordered a couple of the body butters, soaps and lip balms My kids say it is the best lip balm they have ever used. Krysta makes all the products herself with NO harsh chemicals. Check her out at Simple Pleasures Soapworks.