How I Am

I wish there were eight of me lately. My friend Lillian (link on the sidebar) left a comment on my last post; she pointed out that I blog about various subjects and "things" but don't say much about how I am. I'm too busy - like I'm sure most of you reading are as well. This isn't a complaint!

I'm very happy - I never dreamed my "50's" would bring such satisfaction and creativity with it. I'm learning more than ever, and exploring new interests all of the time. I feel as if all my busyness is preparations for the retirement years in the not too distant future. Ah - the PLANS my Mr and I have dreamed up! It's what keeps me propelled forward over life's speedbumps.

Spiritually I am at peace as well. I am learning to be content with where God has me, right here - right now. I feel daunted and inspired and alternately ENcouraged and DIScouraged at times - but it's always revealed to me WHY if I wait on Him. I'm learning to take ME out of the equation - this way is far less painful and yet rewarding. Does this make sense?

The one thing that truly saddens me is that as some of my interests have evolved I have realized that I can't do it all - and right now my digital scrapbooking has been put to the side. Now, it's not the scrapbooking itself that grieves me, rather it's the contact and commoradory with the digi-scrapping community I miss deeply. I made some amazing friends and we shared a tremendously exciting growth because it was something new at that time. And now, I feel so out of the loop and I miss the contact with my friends - I simply don't have time for everything. (NOT meaning that I don't have time for my friends, coz if I know someone needs me I will ALWAYS make time!)   In some ways it's overwhelming when I see all the digi-scrapping talent out there, wondering how I could possibly make anything new or useful... Like Solomon would put it "it's all been done before".

But on the other hand, I've been learning Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Publisher at school, and doing some digital painting as well. I am almost completed this one which I've called "Backstreet Bully"

Tap to view larger!

I started it on a blank page with no idea what I would make, by painting the eyes first and building around them. In some ways this is far more freeing and exciting than a 'structured' painting. The only reference I use is my imagination.

I painted this in Art Rage, version 2, using a wacom tablet. It took me two sessions - about 4 hours.

I already have another idea brewing in my head for my next painting and I can't wait to get it down 'on paper'







And of course I always find time to visit the thrift store. I bought the clip on earrings for $1 and what's startling is they match this choker I bought at a yard sale, locally, last summer. They are both vintage pieces stamped Continental - a company from Montreal. I believe I paid $10 for the necklace.

Well, that's my chatty little post. Hope I did not chew your ear off.  And Lillian, THANKS - for asking, its nice to know my friends care about ME.  :)



-- Post From My iPhone

A Simple Token of Affection

They're just a sprig of the first Saskatoons blossoming, picked by my husband and given with a peck on the cheek as he heads off to do MORE marking (the gruelling task allotted to all in the field of education - like laundry or dishes, it's NEVER caught up)

This sweet, small gift touches me more than an extravagant florist bouquet ever could. It's the scribbled crayon drawing of a wee one - or a sticky jam-kiss. It's a wriggling puppy or finding a coin. It's bursting out in giggles or the thrill of holding hands with my husband after all these years. It's coffee with a good friend or a beautiful sunset. It's an unexpected pleasure at just the exact right time. Its a comforting hug by someone i care about when I'm hurting. It's moments like these that are like the smell of rain after a hot summer day. Little gifts like this wipe away all the wrong from the rest of the day. It tells me he loves me more than if he hired a billboard on a super highway. Amazing, such a small thing.

What makes you happy?

-- Post From My iPhone

Chocolate Deluxe

Some chocolate tastes good, some looks amazing - and sometimes it's both as is the case of ChocolaTas. My friend Cicero (link in sidebar) introduced me to this place and whenever we hit the coast we stop in for a taste - and to feast our eyes.

You can visit their site at www.chocolatas.com

Here are some pics I snapped there on this past Easter weekend.




Pretty edible slippers!




Rows of delectable confections!








Decisions, decisions...

Tell me about YOUR favorite chocolate stop! I'll post pics here if you send them.

~ Post From My iPhone

On His Birthday He'd Rather...

This is my brother, 

And his name is Dave, 

He's pretty old,

But he's handsome and Brave, 

Though his birthday's today, 

He's no "April Fool" 

He's pretty handy,

He finished in school,

He loves being married

To sweet Neti-net,

The more they are married,

The more in love they get,

I know my brother, 

And for pity's sake,

I know it sounds hokey, 

But he'd prefer a smokie,

Rather than cake,

And to celebrate at a lake,

Where he can fish,

And wish for more fish.

He'd rather be motor-biking,

With Neti behind,

Than in some fancy restaurant,

Being dined and wined,

Oh yes, he's a he-man, 

A rugged pioneer,

Tough on the outside, 

But inside a dear.  

I know, this poem sucks but its my queer way of wishing him an extra special day.  Love you! 

 

Hail Storm!

I had a crushing headache yesterday afternoon so I took a pill and laid down for a bit.  I woke to a deep rumbling and thought there was large machinery working nearby - until it was accompanied by a brilliant flash of lightening.  We then were treated to a huge hail storm.  This is what it looked like. This is the first of it, the second video is at the tail end.  It lasted about 5 minutes.

The hail stones were pretty big (and of course you can hear the din they made on the metal roof of the patio!

More ads

Need I say anything? I believe you can see these larger if you click on them.



















-- Post From My iPhone

Colour My Roots or...

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My friend Rose loaned me som craft booklets from the 1940's, this is one of the ads inside. Interesting. I'll post a few more in the next days.


-- Post From My iPhone

New Blogger Looks & A Character

 click to view bigger!

Meet Vince. Vince is what we all refer to as a "Character" because he does not fit into 'the box'. Vince is even the more so because he's not what we would call one of the formal working class as he does not have an official job. On the other hand he's not what we sometime refer to ( in the kindest most innocent way) - a bum, because Vince has a place to live (I've been told) but he supports himself by collecting bottles and cans. He has this amazing system set up. He has a train of four or five carts chained together which he pulls with his bike. He uses each cart for a different thing. As you can see he has a helper along this time - and he's posing for you.

We need the Vinces of the world. I personally appreciate he keeps our streets clean and makes some cash at it too. He works very hard for a guy with no job. Harder than some guys who have real jobs, in fact.

Does YOUR town have character you can share with us on your blog?

Also, I'm impressed and so happy with these beautiful changes to Blogger - loads of fabulous backgrounds to choose from. I wonder if it will be like a closet of new clothes... I might want to change every day.


-- Post From My iPhone

Birthday Cupcakes!

It's my friend Melanie's birthday today and so I made a batch of these Chai Cup-Cakes. We will let you know how they taste.

Mmmmfffftppphhhhh..... Thffiihvhh ghurjvv ddffdf...
Cough, clearing of throat - they are GOOD! Link to follow next post. With birthday girl photos.

Well I CAN'T leave ya hangin'... here's the link so you can bake yourself happy right away.

Chai Honey Cup Cakes





-- Post From My iPhone

TMI

I was assaulted yesterday.

Thre weapon?









No, not the tack, Silly - that's to hold the photo on the page! I was savagely attacked with a cookie, more to the point a hand, mashing said cookie all over my visage.

I must blushingly admit I pushed my assailant/husband into it by relentlessly bugging him so om should not feel TOO indignant for me.

Besides my bruised pride I suffered only a minor laceration to my bottom lip. The bedspread and carpet though, I fear, did not fare so well.

Though this was a fairly traumatic incident I am still at this very moment planning more ways to pester my handsome husband. This time I will make sure there is no food involved.

Any suggestions?


-- Post From My iPhone