under a blue sky

Walking Home

2012-02-15T14:17:00.000-08:00

V- Day

2012-02-14T10:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines!

It's Snowing

2012-02-10T13:08:00.000-08:00

What a fine start to the weekend.

We are going to celebrate our valentines this evening.

At home.

Crowded restaurants and overpriced menus are not our thing.

All it takes is a good bottle of wine and a movie to sweep me off my feet.

See you on Monday!

More Often

2012-02-08T08:24:00.000-08:00

I've just returned from a run.

My legs are nicely tired.

And water has never tasted so good.

A list of things to do more often:

run outside (it always makes me feel so damn good)

call a friend (I don't know why this is so hard to do, but I rarely do it)

read (just finished the first two gripping books in this series.....I'll never be a literary snob again)

organize

We'll see how this goes.

Hopefully putting this in print is the first step to getting back on track.

With His Heart on his Sleeve

2012-02-07T07:12:00.000-08:00

Always and forever.

2012-02-06T06:48:00.000-08:00

Well, we came home with a first place win in the tournament and some very tired, but happy boys.

The wind is blowing warmly.

And it feels like spring today.

I think that huge pile of laundry is going to have to wait until tomorrow.

Weekend

2012-02-02T06:15:00.000-08:00

Although it is Thursday, it really feels like a Friday.

The boys have a PA day tomorrow and are very excited to be travelling out of town for a hockey tournament.

Staying at a hotel and dining out with a full team of 8 year old boys and their siblings should be very interesting!

Can you see why I really enjoy my Monday mornings?

See you then.

The Light Fantastic

2012-02-01T06:14:00.000-08:00

On Never Giving Up

2012-01-31T10:53:00.000-08:00

We were told by many experts last year that written output would always be a tremendous challenge for Ryan and we were encouraged to make use of “assistive technology”. Easier for the school. Easier for Ryan. Win. Win. Except my child would miss out on a fundamental building block of learning? Win. Lose.

Writing is so much more than putting pencil to paper. Working memory, fine motor skills, letter recognition, spelling, and grammar all come into play at once. It is a rather tricky affair that many take for granted.

The little voice inside my head whispered "it is worth taking the time to learn".

A year later and with the help of some private occupational therapy, I am pleased to report that Ryan is now keeping up with the written demands in the classroom. It may not be pretty. But it is there. And it is an amazing accomplishment.

I guess what I am trying to say is that we as parents are “the experts” on our children. Although the professionals know a thing or two, our child’s fate rests in our own hands and it is important to also follow our instincts and to not necessarily take what we hear from a school or psychologist as the final word.

Ryan, I am so, so very proud of you. And as for this? Many of these students will make excellent employees one day. Pay them well honey.

Monday

2012-01-30T06:35:00.000-08:00

Pancake mornings, hockey, hockey, (and more hockey), bowling, date night, girls night....

As much as I love the fun and chaos of the weekend,

I absolutely treasure my Monday mornings.

I hope you are all off to a good start this week.

Contemplate

2012-01-27T06:35:00.000-08:00

Left

2012-01-25T06:28:00.000-08:00

One Day

2012-01-24T06:31:00.000-08:00

The White Stuff

2012-01-23T06:20:00.000-08:00

Breaking Through

2012-01-20T06:29:00.000-08:00

The Expressive One

2012-01-19T06:14:00.000-08:00

A New Day

2012-01-18T06:37:00.000-08:00

Always with a Stick

2012-01-17T06:41:00.001-08:00

Standing Tall

2012-01-16T07:19:00.000-08:00

The Joy of Quiet

2012-01-13T06:31:00.000-08:00

I just read this fascinating article in the NY Times.
I stumbled upon it via etsy this morning.

It's snowing.

(finally)

The world is white and quiet.

And I'm off to find a little joy of my own.

Happy weekend to you all!

Creekside

2012-01-12T09:52:00.001-08:00

A New Hat

2012-01-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

Cover

2012-01-10T07:40:00.000-08:00

Above the Treeline

2012-01-09T06:13:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much for the kind comments the other day.

They were very much appreciated.

Crazy Crazy

2012-01-06T06:40:00.001-08:00

A small hole in our plumbing has led to massive water damage in our home.
It now sounds like a busy airport as fans furiously fight to dry everything out.
Renos we were planning to do a a few years down the road are now much higher on the radar.
We have so many decisions to make.

And I hate making decisions.

It hurts to think.

We are quite fortunate this happened while we were home.

And everyone is ok.

And we have home insurance.

Wish us well.

For the Love of Ice and Snow

2012-01-04T06:34:00.000-08:00

Home Again

2012-01-03T08:12:00.001-08:00

After the crazy pace of the last few weeks, it feels good to be home again.
Gingerly stepping back into old routines.
Restoring order.

A chance to finally catch my breath.
It feels good.

The Best of Wishes

2011-12-22T19:56:00.000-08:00

I'm really looking forward to the next few days at home with my boys.

I'd love to say I'm going to spend tomorrow baking cookies and homemade marshmallows, but the reality is I'm just trying to keep on top of my laundry and will probably have to make a last minute run to the grocery store:)

Our New Years plans involve a cozy little cabin in the woods with family and close friends.

If the weather cooperates we hope to ring in the new year whooping excitedly as we swoosh down a mountain.

If snow is not in the picture, we are armed with plenty of board games, books, and some very good wine.

Happy holidays my dear readers.

I sincerely hope the next few days are filled with warmth and love (or at the very least plenty of freshly baked cookies & marshmallows).

See you next year!

6 more sleeps

2011-12-19T14:06:00.000-08:00

Searching for the One

2011-12-12T08:49:00.000-08:00

It's a Wrap

2011-12-06T09:47:00.001-08:00

The One of a Kind show is officially over. A huge thank you to everyone who attended! An even bigger thank you to my family who have made this possible for me to do. It took a solid team effort from my husband, parents, and friends to help put this together. I love you all!

I met so many wonderful people (past clients, present and future). And to the young screenwriter.......your comments made the entire show for me. Thank you so much.

Shows are a really, really hard thing to do. I went from moments of feeling invisible (thousands and thousands of people marched by without a glance), to feeling like an absolute super star and the most appreciated person in the world. All in all, the show was a success and I plan to be there again next year.

I was blessed to have exhibited alongside the most talented and beautiful ladies (and the moms we cannot forget the moms). We shared many a laugh, talked business, kids, and family. I'm looking forward to our post-show dinner. After working in such seclusion for the last 4 months I really enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside these fellow creatives....

Johanna Brierly ( I will treasure my new lucky stones....for life!)

Custom orders will be finished up and shipped out by the end of the week.

I can't wait to put my boots back on.

Get outside.

And start a few new projects which have been brewing for some time.

The One of a Kind Show

2011-11-18T09:04:00.001-08:00

It is almost time!

I will be in booth W-51 with some new work and a limited number of encaustic pieces.

The show runs from November 24- December 4th.

I would love to see you there.

Please stop by and say hello.

I will return to the blog after the show has run its course and I've had a few days to recover.

See you soon!

Masked

2011-11-16T06:17:00.000-08:00

Silent Surrender

2011-11-14T17:54:00.000-08:00

Currents

2011-11-11T06:08:00.000-08:00

Little Wanderers

2011-11-09T06:14:00.000-08:00

Believe

2011-11-07T05:59:00.001-08:00

The AGH sale was a great success.

14 of 18 pieces sold and the gallery has asked to keep the remaining 4.

I'm now regretting I only provided the show with half of the work they requested.

I think I need to believe in myself more often.

Fleeting

2011-11-06T05:57:00.000-08:00

His Favourite Pose

2011-11-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

Whenever he catches me shooting with the camera, he assumes this position.

The Light is So Pretty Today

2011-11-04T07:37:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to be a part of this show.

There are over 50 talented artists participating.

I have dropped off 18 pieces (most of them new).
And it is happening this weekend!

If you are in the Hamilton area this weekend, please do have a look.

Run!

2011-11-03T06:12:00.000-07:00

Where Have all the Grasshoppers Gone?

2011-11-02T06:21:00.000-07:00

Oh What A Night

2011-10-31T19:21:00.000-07:00

They finally made it to bed.
I'm officially exhausted.

The Tree of Life

2011-10-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

I watched this last night.
It was absolutely mesmerizing.
Full of beauty and darkness.
Tenderness and cruelty.

Grace and natural complications.

Life is a gift.

I'm feeling inspired.

Branching

2011-10-28T06:41:00.000-07:00

His Favourite Tree

2011-10-27T06:06:00.000-07:00

The Fallen

2011-10-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

Looking Down

2011-10-25T11:30:00.000-07:00

Like a Flower

2011-10-24T06:41:00.000-07:00

For Hours

2011-10-23T10:02:00.001-07:00

One boy upstream.
The other boy down.

Who knew a game of toss the stick into the river could be so much fun?

After the Rain

2011-10-22T07:22:00.000-07:00

Bits

2011-10-21T06:11:00.000-07:00

The Detour

2011-10-20T06:09:00.000-07:00

Reflecting

2011-10-19T16:59:00.001-07:00

Sarah's House Season 4

2011-10-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

Rumour has it a few of my photographs are in the house!

I'm not sure which episode or room

It premieres tonight.

Stay tuned......

It's ADHD Awareness Week

2011-10-17T12:47:00.000-07:00

ADHD is so much more than a label.

Paint it Gold

2011-10-13T11:14:00.001-07:00

Where the Wild Things Are

2011-10-11T08:57:00.001-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-10-10T08:13:00.001-07:00

The sun is hot, the light is golden.

For this I am thankful.

And so much more...

Happy Thanksgiving.

What My Days Look Like

2011-10-09T12:27:00.001-07:00

After much practice, I can now get the 2 of them dressed in under 15 mins.

Not too bad.

To Look Up

2011-10-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile.
I tend to let things slip away too easily.
I haven't been shooting.
I haven't been getting outside.

And I can really feel it.

On the inside.

I'm furiously getting ready for a couple of upcoming shows and am trying my best not to get too overwhelmed.

I need a new perspective.

It is time to start looking up.

Last Days of Summer

2011-09-04T08:40:00.000-07:00

Oh My

2011-08-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

Sorry about my unplanned absence.
It is tough for me to focus on anything else right now except summer.
We've had a bevy of out of town friends and family land at our door.
We've been going to bed too late.
And having breakfast at 10.
Oh!

I can get used to this.

I've just finished reading this.

It was beautiful, sad, and peculiar.

If I had a daughter I would have to now name her Rose.

And listening to the Weather Station.

I will see you a couple of weeks.

The Fortress of Louisbourg

2011-08-08T06:29:00.001-07:00

As a child, my memories of Louisbourg consisted of rain, bone-chilling winds, too much walking, and stale bread.

As an adult, I can now truly appreciate one of our greatest National Parks.

The boys genuinely loved spending the day here.

I did too.

And the winds? Still bone-chilling.

Glace Bay

2011-08-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

Cheticamp Beach

2011-08-05T11:49:00.001-07:00

Neil's Harbour

2011-07-30T08:02:00.001-07:00

Hiking Middlehead

2011-07-28T04:57:00.000-07:00

Home of our Hearts

2011-07-27T06:18:00.000-07:00

Cape Breton has always felt like home to me.

A land as tough as it is beautiful.

It is the place of my childhood memories and I was delighted to watch my boys fall under her spell.

We hiked, we camped.

Gorged ourselves on homemade biscuits, lobster and crab.

We squealed with delight as the Atlantic turned our toes numb and blue.

Basked under blue skies.

And shivered in her briny winds.

Oh Cape Breton.

We dearly miss you.

Time to Fly

2011-07-12T10:18:00.000-07:00

I'm once again completely overwhelmed by the turnout at the TOAE. It was such a wonderful show. So many beautiful souls took the time to look over my work and offer their support. I ended up having my best show ever. It gives me renewed confidence in this path I've decided to follow. Thank you all. I'm so completely grateful.

As after every show, I'm feeling somewhat deflated after being on such an intense high. I'll be taking some time off with my family to vacation, indulge in the sunshine, and enjoy the minutia of the everyday.

I will see you again in August.

The World is Pretty and Green

2011-06-22T14:28:00.001-07:00

And I have a lot of work to do!

Postings will be light over the next month as I prepare for the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition.

I will be exhibiting some brand new work which I am really excited about.

Soon after, I will be headed to Gods Country to inhale the cool Atlantic air and let the wind blow through my tangled hair.

Hope your July is beautiful!

On the Other Side

2011-06-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

From the Weekend

2011-06-14T06:07:00.000-07:00

We spent last weekend at a friend's cottage.

It is always so much fun when 4 little boys get together.

The last shot was not posed. I swear!

Proliferation

2011-06-13T07:58:00.001-07:00

You are a Star

2011-06-09T12:53:00.000-07:00

We've been very busy this week getting Ryan ready for his "Star of the Week" presentation.
After delivering pizza to his class this afternoon, Ryan asked me to sit down. He then proceeded to surprise me with a repeat of the presentation he made earlier this morning.

And so it began with "Dear Mommy, Mrs. G, and all my fellow classmates......"

Ryan,

Your rhythm and intonation was spot on.

We all laughed at your jokes.

You spoke with such confidence and charisma.

I was bursting with pride.

You shine brighter than any star.
I hope you always know this.

Mommy

Little Guy, Big Sky

2011-06-08T10:50:00.000-07:00

The Weekend

2011-06-06T10:54:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of photographing my niece's first communion this weekend.
When I look at these photos I can't help but feel a little guilty that I'm unable to do this for my own children. I've learned from past experience it is best to just "let it go" and experience the fun of the day without obsessing over documentation and camera angles.

Motherhood and guilt.
These two get along so well together.

I'd also like to thank everyone who came out to see me at West Elm on Saturday. The event was so much fun and I was pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming turnout. Thank you thank you!

At Last

2011-06-03T11:48:00.000-07:00

The weather this week has been too beautiful for words.
We've been getting plenty of fresh air and sunshine.
Walks by the lake.
Ice cream.
Oh....and we had to go crazy and put on some suntan lotion.
It feels so good!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Running Home

2011-06-02T08:24:00.001-07:00

Now Growing

2011-05-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

chives

cilantro

basil

I wonder how long I can keep them alive?
Think positive.

Upcoming Show

2011-05-24T16:18:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to share with you that I've been invited into a curated show at Toronto's West Elm Store. This is a wonderful collaboration between Etsy, West Elm and Anabela Carneiro of Fieldguided. Please join us for drinks, food, music and plenty of handmade goodness.

Event Details
• Date: Saturday, June 4th
• Time: 1-6 p.m.
• Location: west elm, Shops at King-Liberty, 109 Atlantic Avenue – 416-537-0110

If you think you are interested in going, please kindly RSVP here.

I hope to see you there!

Into the Woods

2011-05-17T12:53:00.000-07:00

At Play

2011-05-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

More Blossoms

2011-05-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

Flying Kites

2011-05-13T10:47:00.001-07:00

After the park yesterday, this little kite runner decided to play barber.
With real scissors.
Oh my.

Love is always the greatest adventure.

Making a Statement

2011-05-11T05:34:00.000-07:00

Handmade Portraits: Greg Beauchamp a.k.a. Beauchamping from Etsy on Vimeo.

It was such a treat to watch this video this morning.
You can read more about the talented Greg Beauchamp here.

Yesterday, I had coffee with an artist-friend and we discussed the dreaded artist statement. I consider myself a fairly intelligent person and yet, I have a hard time understanding many of the artist statements out there. Lots of interesting adjectives and other contrived jargon leave me feeling lost. Is an artist statement meant to intimidate or confuse? I just don't get it.

Thank you Mr. Beauchamp for keeping it simple.

Blossoming

2011-05-10T08:13:00.000-07:00

He Loves the Woods as Much as I Do

2011-05-09T10:14:00.000-07:00

More from the Garden

2011-05-06T09:26:00.001-07:00

End of Days

2011-05-05T13:33:00.000-07:00

Obsessions

2011-05-04T08:18:00.000-07:00

A couple more pics from the other day.
I took quite a few so I may post some more.

Easily Distracted

2011-05-02T19:53:00.001-07:00

I went out into the garden today intent on photographing the blossoming cherry tree.
Maybe I'll remember tomorrow.....

Beach Studio Tour

2011-04-27T08:16:00.001-07:00

The Beach Studio Tour is this weekend.
Details may be found here.
I will be exhibiting in the home of the lovely and talented Paula Childs.
Please stop by and see what we've been up to!

On the Go

2011-04-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

Wonderland

2011-04-07T06:39:00.000-07:00

One of my favourites....

More Leaves

2011-04-06T06:16:00.001-07:00

The Winds of Change

2011-04-05T05:40:00.000-07:00

Swimming

2011-04-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. "

Albert Einstein

We had our IPRC meeting with the school board this morning where Ryan was officially "identified". This means he now legally qualifies for the additional resources and technology he so very badly needs.

I feel like I can finally breathe.

Longing

2011-04-01T05:53:00.000-07:00

This week, I broke my favourite lens.

*sniff*

Do you ever relive a moment in agonizing detail?

Must get over it.

And move on.

Have a wonderful weekend.

I'll see you next week.

The Weekend

2011-03-25T06:03:00.000-07:00

A very special boy will be turning 8 very soon.
A party is in the works.

15 boys no less!

We plan on eating too much cake and having lots of noisy fun.

Enjoy the weekend everyone!