Olympics 2010

Building A Mystery

Work in Paint, Thread, Wool & Silk

The weekend was a complete write off for me due to the Olympics on Sunday.  Like many people I watched on and off for the entire 17 days and at one point that was about all I watched.  The men's hockey game for the gold on Sunday was almost too stressful to take so at times I would disappear into my studio just to relieve the tension which was absolutely crazy.  I think having it played out on our own soil had a whole lot to do with how connected everyone in this country was to the game.  

So my favs for Olympic sports were;

Figure skating  ...  

Evan Lysacek for the U.S. skated what I would call a flawless program...so very beautiful to watch
Joannie Rochette for Canada....a true example of courage and commitment

Skiing...

Absolutely mindblowing as I can't for a moment imagine myself careening down a hill at that kind of speed.  I'll take cross country anytime as it's just the perfect pace for me, slow and easy.  I'll admit I have given downhill a try but it just didn't seem to agree with me probably because I was terrified most of the time.  I would stop halfway down the hill, stand off to the side and hold an inpromtu meet and greet with whom ever else decided to stop.  Yeah, I'm a much better social butterfly than a skier.

Curling...

Watched no curling.  I just couldn't get into that game at all.  I'm sure it is interesting if you know what's going on but even for someone like me who likes things slow and easy......that was painful.

Hockey....

big "YES" as I watched both women's and men's hockey.  Dave Jamieson who coaches the goalies for the women's team also taught both of my girls grade eight in elementary school.  After the women won the goal four years ago he brought a couple of the players in with the metal to show the kids. Cool connection there.

Regarding the opening and closing ceremonies......

Not a lot of say about the opening as I thought it was pretty good but there were parts in the closing that were downright embarrassing.  The flying moose???  The oversized mounties??  The three singers whose names escape me now, rising up from three podiums singing "let's party" was almost too cheesy even for me.  The best had to be Neil Young singing "Long May You Run" and I also thought we were pretty damn good at poking fun of ourselves when the mime showed up pretending to fix the technical glitch that took place at at the opening ceremonies.


Time to get back to real life.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Looks like we are in for some nasty weather over night according to Environment Canada. Lots of snow squalls and wintery weather. My oldest daughter will be beside herself with excitement. She loves snow and all that is associated with it. What's not to like about snow??? I enjoy crosscountry skiing at a slow pace. .... ask Kelly. A few years ago she and I went back to the park for a ski and I mistakenly thought I could maneuvre myself down this (it seemed like a large hill to me) small hill. Needless to say......... it was a classic face plant. Ouch, it really hurt.

Both of my girls love to downhill ski as does John..........I do not. To my credit I have gone a couple times but it really terrifies me. I think it could be that careening out of control at high speeds that really gets to me. And yes, I did do the snow plow but even that was too fast. But, I do live in Canada and we do get snow and lots of it, so finding outdoor winter activities is mandatory......... sitting in a hot tub with a glass of wine doesn't count.

Changing the subject to great lines I wish I had said. .... last year at my youngest daughter's grade 8 graduation. One of her good friends was chosen validictorian and as such gave a fabulous speech. My favourite line was right near the end when she said "Try not to take life too seriously. It's not like any of us are getting out alive". I love that and try to remember it whenever I get too wound around the bend.

Be well,

Lots To Do.......Not Much Motivation

I had the best of intentions today but you know what they say about them. I have found a of couple galleries I am interested in approaching regarding representation but can't seem to get it together to do what needs to be done to make it happen. Bio, artist statement, jpegs of work etc. etc. I think I'm going to blame this lack of motivation on the summer. This warm weather just doesn't make me feel like staying inside. Summer is so very short here in Canada that it seems necessary to take advantage of every day.

Lisa Freeman came by yesterday to pick up her piece. She is having it framed so I am quite anxious to see it up on her wall. I don't frame any of my artwork because I feel it is a personal decision on the buyer's part whether they like the look of a textile framed or just as it is. Many people purchase textile art because they love the tactile appearance of it and prefer not to put glass in front of it. Like a said.........totally a personal choice.

I am trying to work on some new pieces for the Images Studio Tour in October. Although that may seem quite some time away, it sneaks up on me every year. I am hoping to have a few smaller pieces available rather than just large works.

Hope everyone has a relaxed weekend