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Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Valentine package ready to post



So my package of goodies is ready to mail to Debra Cooper in the Valentine Swap hosted by Lelainia. I participated in last year's swap, but this year, there's a twist. The theme is "Getting to Know You". We were asked to prepare special packages containing things that represented who we are and what we like, and then exchange them with a partner, whose name was pulled out of a hat. It was a lot of fun putting the care package together, but it was a wee bit more difficult than I thought. The parcel is ready to be posted today. I hope Debra will like the stuff.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Birthday Bashes ... photos from other years


2007 ~ International Theme


2006 ~ High Tea Party


2005 ~ Tacky Party

I should have a photo of our 1970s Party (2004). It's not on my computer though, so I can't post it right now.







I get by with a little help from my friends

Life is simply grand when one has friends that are crazy enough to show up at your house clad in the their pajamas on a Saturday morning ready to party.
Gloria and I hosted our annual birthday bash on Saturday, (the 19th). This year we decided that it would be great to invite our friends to come to a PJ Brunch.
This is the gorgeous purse that Arlene created for me. It's beautiful. Must have taken her forever to create. I love it!
And Thina says she can't draw. Anyone could tell she's drawing a skunk here during our impassioned game of Pictionary.
What a cozy way to share time with some of our favourite folks. By the way ... Gloria and I have already started to discuss next year's party theme!

Friday, January 11, 2008

Zoot's Chair

This is the story of the chair Zoot the cat sat on. It was a treasure purchased at a second hand store by my friend Diva Arlene. Here is the noble cat sitting beside his beloved chair. He has no idea what's about to happen next...

One day, Arlene had a wonderful idea. She saw a beautiful chair in a magazine, and she wanted to give Zoot's chair a face lift. So naturally, she decided it needed a fresh coat of paint.

And who, exactly, does one call when one wants to do something artsy-crazy to a cat chair? Me, of course! After some discussion, we decided that I would paint the chair "Faux Vogh".

"Starry starry night ..." We even had some musical accompaniment by Josh in the process. He is learning to play the song "Vincent" on piano. It was all very inspiring. Arlene supervised the whole thing bringing all the paints, brushes, and plastic needed to pull this thing off. She also baked up some scrumptious Pear Ginger Walnut Muffins [perhaps these should be renamed Vincent Muffins, eh?], coffee and later on, slaved over a hot stove to produce some Van Gogh Soup for the starving artist and her accompanying offspring. [I'm hoping Arlene will post the recipes on her blog]Is the chair finished? No! There's more to come, much more, so watch my blog.

Vincent
Paint your palette blue and gray
Look out on a summer's day
With eyes that know the darkness in my soul
Shadows on the hills
Sketch the trees and the daffodils
Catch the breeze and the winter chills
In colors on the snowy linen land

Now I understand
What you tried to say to me
How you suffered for your sanity
How you tried to set them free
They would not listen they did not know how
Perhaps they'll listen now

Starry, starry night
Flaming flowers that brightly blaze
Swirling clouds in violet haze
Reflecting Vincent's eyes of china blue
Colours changing hue
Morning fields of amber grain
Weathered faces lined in pain
Are soothed beneath the artist's loving hands

Now I understand
What you tried to say to me
How you suffered for your sanity
How you tried to set them free
They would not listen they did not know how
Perhaps they'll listen now


For they could not love you
But still your love was true
And when no hope was left in sight
On that starry, starry night
You took your life as lovers often do
But I could have told you Vincent
This world was never meant for one as
Beautiful as you


Starry, starry night
Portraits hung in empty halls
Frameless heads on nameless walls
With eyes that watch the world and can't forget
Like the strangers that you've met
The ragged men in ragged clothes
A silver thorn on a bloody rose
Lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow

Now I think I know
What you tried to say to me
How you suffered for your sanity
How you tried to set them free
They would not listen they're not listening still
Perhaps they never will

Note: The lyrics above, were written by Don MacLean in 1971 after he had read a book about Vincent Van Gogh. Buried in a time capsule beneath the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, is a copy of the sheet music to Vincent, along with a set of Van Gogh's paint brushes.

Monday, January 07, 2008

Happy Ukrainian Christmas!

In case you didn't know, today is Ukrainian Christmas. We don't celebrate it per se, however, when our sons were little, I decided to make them a Ukrainian Christmas stocking so they would have something a little special at the very end of the Christmas season. This way, I also had an excuse to make the holidays last that much longer. (As I write this, I'm listening to a CD playing Silent Night).



David and Zachary have enjoyed all the Christmas traditions we've kept in our family over the years and practically demand that we do each and every one of them year after year. Of course everyone receives Christmas stockings on Christmas morning, but we have quite a few important traditions of our own. Some of the other traditions include walking through the Alberta's Legislature Grounds to see the Christmas lights (if it's -30 Celcius, we're walking briskly!) followed by especially decedent hot chocolate. Another is the Christmas Pickle. The pickle-shaped ornament is hidden in the tree on Christmas Eve. Who ever finds it first on Christmas morning receives an extra little present. David found it this year and received a can of Tim Horton's hot chocolate. The last tradition I'll mention before I sign off for this morning is the reading of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson. I don't recall what year we started reading it ~ sometime when the boys were in elementary school ~ but it's a great read for kids of all ages.

"Srozhdestvom Kristovym" everyone!

PHOTOS: 2008 Ukrainian Christmas stockings stuffed and ready to be opened; The Christmas Pickle; My mother-in-law in traditional Ukrainian clothing when she was a young woman

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Christmas Eve 2007


Zachary, Me, Greg, David
Zach's holding his ever-present sketch pad and David's got his C++ textbook that he's working through ~ facinating reading, I'm sure.

Irene, my lovely mother-in-law wearing the "Christmas Cook" hat I bought for her. She's actually holding a salad that I made. There's a funny story about cooking Christmas Eve dinner. My husband, Greg volunteered us to cook supper at the in-laws place so that his mom wouldn't be all tired and worn out. She said that we could do that. Of course, when we arrived, the turkey was in the oven, all the veggies were cooking. The desserts were laid out in all their calorie-ridden glory. The only thing left for us to do was make a salad and the gravy. Greg did do all the dishes and pots and pans after the meal which was a great help, but it just cracked me up that he thought that his Ukrainian mother would allow her English daughter-in-law to actually prepare the Christmas meal. Funny guy.


L to R Katie, Hannah, Stacey (Greg's brother), Brittany


David with his new Hemsky poster


Every year, Granny makes Zach his very own Ukrainian bread. Lucky guy eh?!

Monday, December 24, 2007

12th Day of Christmas is WOW!





It's Day 12 already. All good things must come to an end. And what a wonderful ending ...

The first thing I noticed was the too-cool wrapping the 12th Day gift arrived in. The ever clever Kelly Snelling created her own paper. But the wrapping was only a forshadowing of the incredible artwork tucked inside the box. The necklace that Kelly created for the 12th day is amazing! I am in awe of the workmanship that was put into this piece. For a full "technical" explanation of this necklace, check out the 12 Days of Christmas Swap site.
Thank you Kelly for sharing so generously to wrap up this incredible swap. Thank you Lelainia for heading up this swap for the second year in a row. And thank you everyone else who gave me these wonderfully artsy gifts. I shall cherish them (and show them off!).

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Pretty Paper for the 11th Day of Christmas

I've been curious all through the swap as to what was in the package that arrived from Norway. It was wrapped in red & white striped paper complete with a wooden red moose attached (which is now living on my tree, by the way). The very talented Erika Tysse crafted two sets of stationery. One set reads "art saves lives" (above) The other set has the initial "D" on it. I love unusual, artsy stationery and will be very happy to use these beauties in the days ahead.


P.S. I really love your beautiful gift Erika. Thank you!




Saturday, December 22, 2007

Extra! Extra!

My friend, Arlene Travnik was in the 12 Days of Christmas swap this year too. Last year she saw the gifties I received in the swap and drooled over them. This year we decided, since we were placed in different groups, we would make one extra gift for each other. I made an extra Altered Button Card for her and this is what she made for me. You can see how it was wrapped in the photo to the above. Below, you can see that it's an adorable mini hand bound book. The overlay is made of tulle. Arlene tucked in the lace, buttons and beads in little pockets so they float. There is also a clear stone that says "Love". What an incredible treasure from a special friend. Think I'll fill the book with some of my favourite quotes. It's too nice just to carry around in my purse and write up grocery lists in.

I am very happy to have such a talented art buddy and I am truly blessed to have such a kind and considerate friend. Thank you, Ar!

10th Day of Christmas, New Zealand style


The very talented illustrator, Caren McNee from New Zealand crochetted the tiny bag to hold one of her beautiful illustrations for Day 10. This time she folded the drawing accordian-style. I think she's gotta illustrate a children's book ~ wouldn't you agree? Her work is so well done! Thank you Caren, I cherish each piece of art you've given me.







Friday, December 21, 2007

On the 9th Day ... Penelope gave to me


Because the gifts I made are being opened today, I got to open Penelope Harris'#13 gift. And, since not everyone has opened her gift yet, we're not supposed to show any photos of it. However, Photo 1 gives you a sneeky peek. Penelope's gift is amazing and must have taken a lot of time and care to create. Thank you Penelope!


And Photo 2 is of the giftie I made (looking rather red by the light of my Christmas tree) for the other artists in the 12 Days of Christmas swap. It's an Altered Button Card. I had a lot of joy putting these babies together ~ with collage, and individualizing them by adding Scrabble tiles initials on them, antique keys and ribbon. Hopefully everyone will enjoy them.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

On the 8th day ...


... a lovely beaded tassel necklace made by Deb Lewis is the giftie I found in my 12 Days of Christmas basket bright and early this morning. How did Deb know I wear a lot of blue?

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Collaged Bookmark for 7th Day


This pretty little bookmark was collaged by Ruth O'Connor. Funny thing is that I was thinking of making a bookmark for the swap before deciding on making what I did (which I can't talk about until after Day 9).
Anyway, Ruth, the artsy bookmark is delightful and it'll find a home in a book very soon.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Day 6 gift is out of the bag!

This morning I opened a bag containing a cute little treasure for Day 6 from Linda Koch. It's a teeny shopping bag (made out of matt board, maybe) with old text, gold paint and an antique photo.

Linda stuffed the inside with some old German text and the words and music to "It is Well with my Soul" ~ one of my favourite hymns.


Monday, December 17, 2007

Things coming together on the 5th day of Christmas


Maija created this little magnetic board for the 5th day ... "coming together" ... magnetic ... get it? Anyway this little retro-inspired number is not only charming, it's kenetic art too. I love the buttons Maija ~ thank you!

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Funky Fourth Day of Christmas

Look at the copper necklace Melissa made for me to celebrate the 4th day of Christmas!
I hung the necklace on my tree to take the photo (right) and thought it actually looked kinda cool as an ornament. Talk about versatile, eh?

Cookie Exchange


Lisa arrived a little late, but she brought her freshly baked colourful Sugar Cookies ~ a must every Christmas season.


The bakers and their taste testers, enjoying each others' company, indulging in some (more!)cookies and playing a game of Personal Preference.


After all that sweet stuff we needed to give our palettes a rest with. Pickles, cheese and oranges were the perfect solution. Thanks to my friends for making this such a warm December afternoon.
Yesterday some of my favourite people joined me at my house for a cookie exchange ... here are some photos of the yummies and the people who were at the party. Look at the spread! There are lots of sweets, hot apple cider and tea ready to be devoured and divvied up.


Arlene seemed to have coffee in mind when she prepared Walnut Biscotti (left) and Coffee Shortbread Cookies (right)


Gloria prepared some melt-in-your-mouth Pecan Crescents.


My Crispie Apricot-Chocolate Balls are hiding in the reused Tim Horton's coffee cans which I gussied up with ribbons, bows and old Christmas cards.

Thina's All Occasion Cookies (Carrot Cake and Butter Pecan variations)
Thina was unfortunately unable to attend, but here cookies arrived the night before. Arlene was kind enough to take Thina's exchange cookies to her. Thanks Ar.

I've been having some uploading problems, so I'll do this post in two sections ...

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Black & White Surprise for Day 3


It's Saturday morning, so I slept in until 7 o'clock. Oh the luxury of weekends, eh?
Anyhoo ... the first thing I did when I got up was to go to my 12 Days of Christmas basket to see what was in store for Day #3. Amy Huff made a cute miniature domino soldered necklace.
In other news, I am hosting a cookie exchange this afternoon. I'll try to get some photos on here of the goodies later on today.

Friday, December 14, 2007

2nd Day ...Two Ear-r-ings


Jennifer Rowland made these cool earrings for the 2nd Day of Christmas. They have LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST them. Are they real dimes? Not sure, but I'll be wearing these lovelies tomorrow at my Christmas Cookie Exchange. Thanks Jennifer.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

On the First Day of Christmas


... Edina gave to me ...

a really quaint Shabby Chic Banner with my initial on it. I love it! Isn't it gorgeous?

It is a little brighter than in the photo shown here (facing out of my livingroom window), but as we get to the shortest day of the year, things are pretty much dark by 4 p.m.

Thankfully we have Christmas and the 12 Days of Christmas swap to brighten these dreary December days, eh?

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

13 Days until Christmas ...


... can only mean one thing. Tomorrow, us participants of the 12 Days of Christmas swap finally, finally get to start opening the gifts which have been ever tempting all of us since they arrived one by one via snail mail. Yippee!
It's snowing like crazy outside today. A perfect day to stay indoors. So the natural thing to do was to take my basket of goodies to photograph them outside in the snow to show ya'll.
In other news, I'm currently reading David's novel that he wrote for NaNoWriMo. He proof read mine and now I am returning the favour. Many times as he read my book, Scrabble Secrets, I heard him laugh hysterically. I was certain that it was the witty dialogue and the unrelenting humour throughout. Sadly, for the most part, he was mocking me for my too-numerous to mention grammar faux pas, the "gratuitous advertisements for the Pointy Hat ART Posse", and intermittent song lyrics. Cruel son I've raised!
Oh ya, and his novel, Modern Kind .... It's good, very good. Drat! The boy is making his Ma look bad. Sigh!

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

I'm still here ... honest


Why so quiet, you ask? I've been busy of late writing a novel. For those of you who haven't heard, and I can't imagine who hasn't ~ I'm participating for the first time in the National Novel Writing Month aka nanowrimo.
nanowrimo is an insane idea brewed up by Chris Baty and some buddies in '99 in the San Franisco Bay area. Twenty-one people participated that year. This year, people from all over the world are writing and have accumulated over 473,201,894 words altogether so far!
Our family of four decided that we would embark upon the adventure. Three out of four of us have started the daunting task of writing this crazy amount of words in such a short time period. Leading up to the kick off, I also talked three other friends to join nanowrimo. Two of them are still plugging away at it, while the other, sadly, had to quit because of a family medical emergency.
I'm pleased to announce that on Day 14, I have written 25,325 words so far. Amazing, eh? The genre of my masterpiece seems to change weekly, but I'm having a blast with this project, even giving a few of my friends and family a mention or a cameo in my book.
So wish us luck, send us treats and casseroles. The month in not nearly finished and I need 24,675 words more to be "a winner."