pistacia

Everyone needs a fort to call their own!

2011-11-09T15:16:00.001-05:00

This is my absolute favourite time of year; the leaves have changed and the pine needles have dropped; the sun is warm and the skies bright and clear with only the odd dragon fly and crow passing through.

On days like this I love to walk around our wee little pond and camp out in my fort. When Bryan and I first started dating I claimed a spot for myself right on the edge of the property, hidden down the slop behind the garage and out of sight. I picked a spot surrounded with large rocks, where 3 large fallen trees had been stacked some time ago now, left to decay back into the landscape.

This was to be my special place; all my own, where I could do as I pleased– where I would build my fort! (Bryan wasn’t so keen on the idea at first; he’d only just gotten used to the idea that all this land was his, and here I was trying to stake claim!)

Def-Con 4 is now available on DVD!

When I was 5 years old my family and I were extras in a local film called The Dark Eye - later renamed Def-Con 4 (I remember the graphic on the first run of t-shirts with a dark blue evil eye; I couldn’t wait until I was big enough to fit into it)

My mother and I played peasants in this futuristic town, post world war three. Being only 5 years old no one really told me much about what was going on; it was the future and a space ship had crashed and this was the town where all the survivors lived.

I had no idea what to expect when we wandered into the future, but being the dreamer I am I thought the town was genius in its design. (I later found out this scene was filmed in a junkyard and was owned by my high school boyfriend’s best friend’s family – small world!)

Found rusty pieces and random garbage fitted together seamlessly creating box houses and igloos with pretty pink gingham curtains hanging in the windows. Or at least that has been the picture painted in my memory all these years, driving my inspiration to create my own haven of reclaimed pieces, lost in time.

These rusty bits & pieces have quite the story
themselves, but that requires another post...

I’ve built up quite the rust collection over the years; unable to leave any piece behind when found washed up on shore or abandoned in the woods. They all come home with me. When living in the city in apartments I would arrange my collection on my porch along with other found items from nature like my rocks (yes of course I collect rocks - shells, and sticks!)

Once I moved in with Bryan the rust, and everything else, went right down to my little patch in the corner where I began construction of my “rust garden”.

Between two trees, one of which is an absolute sculpture created by nature itself, there was another fallen log placed somewhat like a bench. I laid out my rusty bits along the log wall and made a mosaic with my rocks in the soft ground before my bench. This became by special spot where I could sit and absorb my surroundings and think... or not; none the less - my perfect spot!

Last Spring Bryan and his daughter took a trip for a week away in Florida; to visit the grandparents. I was thankful for the alone time, the first I’d had in ages... just me and the kitties! We spent a great deal of time outdoors taking in the unseasonable warm days, something I’d really missed after the long cold winter trapped inside. As I sat in my spot I realized just how many sticks had fallen throughout the winter and instantly I could envision my woven wall wrapping around my fairy fort! I got right to work finding the largest branches to create my frame and then went nuts! Large pine limbs were everywhere – I strategically placed them so by the time I was finished (luckily Tracey and Gary popped in for a visit and I had a few extra hands for the afternoon) there was a beautiful curved wall concealing my little habitat.

My TV may only get one channel, but it's a good one!

So this past Sunday, after neglecting my fort all season (the fact that the drying pine needles created a nice cool haven for the mosquitoes all summer didn’t really entice me to visit too much) I spent the entire day cleaning and relocating pine needles. Now my fort is finally starting to resemble the one I’d envisioned and I can wait to spend the fall and winter continuing to work on her.

I may have gone a little overboard Sunday though, perhaps stirred up some mouldy leaves, because Monday I work up sneezing and I still haven’t stopped. Since I was obviously sick and unable to work on any of my projects (I make toys; I certainly can’t go near those right now!) I decided to watch Def-con 4 and see if I could catch a glimpse of 5 year old me and get some inspiration for my fort!

The up-cycled town of the future wasn’t quite the same as the one in my memory... obviously I was inspired by the movie and the igloo images in my head are of my own design - that film was nothing like I remembered! First of all I thought my father’s character in the film was that of an alien solider... there was a space craft right? Space craft = alien! At that point my only reference for the future was Star Trek and Doctor Who. No, there were no aliens, he was just a punk and the little recycled town wasn’t much of a town at all.

Maury Chaykin as Vinnie in Def-Con 4

Labelled as a B sci-fi I wasn't expecting much... but the film wasn’t quite as bad as I thought it was going to be - I mean Maury Chaykin is in it! And the shots of the untouched Nova Scotian landscapes are quite beautiful. But I certainly didn’t get the inspiration I was looking for. That’s ok though, because my own mind seems pretty good at coming up with things on its own and what I’ve already pictured in my head is inspiration enough for me J

So if you’re ever in this neck of the wood and feel like being a kid again and playing in my fort, well come on by! You're always welcome!

Reality TV: Documentary's Bastard Child

2011-11-02T11:31:00.000-04:00

Thanks to reality TV Kim Kardashian may have to embrace a life of solitude

Way back when I was in Art school I took every film course that was available... ironically the semester after I graduated NSCAD opened their film school... but that’s another story.

One of the courses I took was on Documentary Film Studies, and a hot topic of discussion at the time was whether or not Reality TV could be considered documentary? Yes, it was obviously the bastard child of documentary film, stealing every documentary technique known – but was it itself documentary?

My prof thought not, and was quite against the thought that it be mistaken for any kind of record of an event because there were too many control factors at play and they were perhaps entirely staged, serving no real social purpose. I on the other hand, having recently fallen in love with the first season of Big Brother (yes, this was some time ago folks) was on the other side of the pole and out to prove reality TV’s validity as a record of the decline in the morality of human kind... at least in North America. Yes elements of reality TV may be contrived, or in the case of Gene Simmon’s Family Jewels entirely staged, but there was still an amount of “reality”there, and perhaps these shows serve as a better record of events then say our history books at school. We all know that history is written by the winner and what we read is just one side’s point of view.

I brought up the fact that documentary films themselves are constructed in such a way as to form a storyline fitting the director’s motive, with leading questions and editing that would take things away from their original context to suit that of the story teller. So what then was so different about reality TV?

We went back and forth, and I’m not sure she ever did see my point, but now, 10 years later with shows like Jersey Shore and the various housewives series, I think my point is all the more valid; our culture’s decline in morals and our acceptance of bad behaviour is now caught on film for the rest of the world and all our descendents going forward to watch and judge. So, as manipulated as reality TV is, is it not a record of an event of a very sad time in our history as a race of materialistic and vain beings?

Speaking of materialistic and vain beings, I myself avoid many of the reality shows out there now (and yes, a great deal of them have become purely entertainment and have very little documentary value), but one show I can’t help but watch is Keeping up with the Kardashians. Yes, it’s true; I too have been taken in by the glitz and glam of this self made modern royal family. To me every episode is a lesson in the value of marketing and the powers of social networking. Yes, I sat through Kim’s 4 hour fairy tale wedding, and yes I placed my bets then and there that her matrimony would be short lived. When you spend each and every day in the spotlight with a camera recording every vapid comment you make I can’t imagine anyone in their right mind would agree to become your rock and source of undying love... unless they have ulterior motives?

Thanks to the bastard child of documentary Kim’s life is now on film forever, for all to judge and criticize and perhaps for some to emulate? We may not like it folks, but these shows serve as a page from our modern history, these people are “real” and like it or not, these are their lives, playing out over and over again in reruns. These shows may happen to be just a small slice of what is going on in the world today, but they are the ones with the bucks and they are getting their word out. These shows glorify consumption and behaving poorly; sadly this is the face America is showing the world, now on record for all time.

Join us this weekend for The Festival of Art!

2011-09-30T11:37:00.000-04:00

Over the last few months I've been spending all of my spare time organizing this year's Festival of Art in Windsor. Now in it's fifth year, this annual fundraiser for the Hants County Arts Council is bigger and better than ever.

With so much added interest from members this past year, the event has moved to the spacious Vaughn Shand Centre. This large and open venue allows for plenty of breathing room for both the artwork and viewer; so that each and every piece can really shine.

Tonight at 7pm we will be kicking off the event with an opening gala featuring an inspirational speech by artist Kelly Mitchelmore and the awarding of our first ever "Hall of Fame" award to David Howells.

This evening looks to be shaping into something really special; we have received many generous donations from the community including tea and coffee from Just Us, tasty treats from Yum bakery, fresh apple cider from Mason's and beautiful flower arrangements from Blossom's Flower Shop. We are thankful to all our sponsors for helping to make this a night we can all remember.

The festival continues on Saturday and Sunday with the showcase open to the public to view at their leisure. I will be on hand for the weekend portion of the event revealing my mini "Cloud" kiosk which features the work of over 20 artists. Together with fellow Flying Cloud Boutique artist Jaki Durocher, I will be providing free art demonstrations as a part of Culture Days .

As if the Festival of Art wasn't enough of a reason to celebrate, we are also jumping with joy over the launch of our online storefront! With Winter quickly approaching we are moving Flying Cloud online, so that everyone can still have access to our collection of wonderful Nova Scotia art and artisan products (while Silver Sue hibernates for the season).

So if you happen to be in Windsor this weekend, please stop by and take in some of the wonderful creative talent that our lovely province has to offer!

Friday September 30th 7-10pm
Saturday October 1st 10-5pm
Sunday October 2nd 10-3pm

69 Cedar Street, Windsor, Nova Scotia

Believe

2011-09-15T10:26:00.001-04:00

Thank you stranger for the sweet little poem you threw away on our lawn... thankfully I can't help but read lost notes when I see them on the ground. This was a pleasant surprise, normally I find grocery lists and crumpled failed tests. This little rhyming message of hope and faith was a perfect summary of how I try to live my life.

Apparently "Believe" is a very popular piece by poet Emily Matthews, so I can't give credit to my anonymous litterbug for it's creation, but still it was a nice cherry on the top of a very awesome day! A day that was spent in meetings with vibrant folks like painter Kelly Mitchelmore and April Griffin from the new Vaughn Shand Wellness Centre, as we prepare to celebrate our local arts community with this year's Festival of Art. An easy flowing day spent following my dreams and listening to my intuition, letting it lead me to where I am meant to go.

Bryan sometimes walks around singing a little tune and ever ever since I first had my "Flying Cloud" dream (which I promise I will share with you all one day) it has become my motto. When ever things start to stray from my "plan" I repeat these words and remind myself that this is my path and that "everything works if you let it, if you let it all work out!"

Article in Chronicle Herald

2011-06-28T09:09:00.000-04:00

Just in case you missed it - here is the Flying Cloud Boutique's first bit of press. Keep an eye out for us in the July/August issue of Halifax Magazine.

Props from Halifax Magazine!

2011-05-04T16:48:00.000-04:00

Today I was thrilled to find that I and my feather fascinators had been featured in an article for Halifax Magazine!

" Props should also good out to Tacha Reed for capturing the most current trend as of the moment – the fascinator.

I think Tacha Reed has captured this timely look and her versions are quite lovely and not too outlandish in comparison.

I've been partial to feathers as adornment for a long time and think that for those less daring, Reed’s feathered hair pieces also add an edgy flare." Nicole Trask

To read the article in it's entirety check out the Halifax Magazine Blog!

Halifax Crafter's Spring Flight: Gimme More More More!

2011-05-01T20:17:00.002-04:00

Halifax Crafter's Spring Flight: Day One!

2011-04-30T21:57:00.003-04:00

I feel so honoured to be represented along with all these other talented and imaginative creators - and this isn't even half of them... you'll have to come by tomorrow to see the rest!

More Prep for Halifax Crafters: Woodland Wool Critters

2011-04-29T13:42:00.000-04:00

Here's a wee sneak peak at a few of the Woodland Wool Critter's I'll be bringing along for the Halifax Crafter's Spring Fling - this weekend in Halifax at the Olympic Centre.

Getting ready for Halifax Crafters Spring Flight April 30th & May 1st

2011-04-28T16:27:00.000-04:00

Here's a sneak peak at a few of the funky feather pieces I've prepared for the Halifax Crafter's Spring Fling show happening this weekend at the Olympic Centre in Halifax.

Located on the corner of Hunter and Cunard, the show runs Saturday and Sunday 11-6 and features the creations of over 60 artist!

For more information on Halifax Crafters please visit: http://halifaxcrafters.blogspot.com/

Save the date for Wills and Kate!

2011-04-27T09:54:00.000-04:00

Recently Bry and I were treated by his workplace to a trip to sunny Jamaica. After a week with no TV or any outside influence I was quite surprised to return home and find that nearly every television station was devoted to the upcoming royal nuptials.

I must say I am a fan of Kate and her fancy fascinator wearing self, especially since I'm forever creating with feathers, and who doesn't have a soft spot for sweet William; we've all watched him grow into a lovely young man. BUT honestly Canada, we have an election next week! Really I must ask, is the wedding of a dying breed of royalty more important to us than choosing who will be in charge of organizing our country for the next few years?

Yes, perhaps it is...

All you really need is heart!

2011-04-21T13:17:00.001-04:00

Oh America, you are one wild and crazy place!

Next thing you know the Donald will be staring in this fall's newest reality hit

"If These Wall Could Talk - Life Inside the White House"

Hello Spring, I'm excited for a brand new season!

2011-03-22T13:53:00.001-04:00

When I was young I used to dread the Spring; the damp cool air, the mud and decay... endless grey.

Now that I've left the fog trimmed Halifax harbour, settling in our own sheltered mini valley, I have grown an everlasting respect for nature and the glorious birth cycle that Springtime brings.

I'm just itching to get outside and nurture my gardens. With the arrival of yesterday's glorious good news I am all the more excited to get out there and get to work!

To celebrate the first days of Spring I am finally starting to leak my secret:

http://flyingcloudboutique.blogspot.com/

Getting Ready for the Halifax Crafter's Spring Show!

2011-03-08T11:15:00.001-05:00

I just received the good news that I'll be showing in this Spring's Halifax Crafters show!

I've been keeping myself busy through these longs winter nights crafting away creating detailed Nova Scotian birds of prey soft sculptures, 3-D needle-felted scenes and of course the odd woolen accessories.

Also I've been dabbling a bit in wet felting; making marbled wash bars as a part of my preparation for a workshop I'll be teaching in April at Inspire Art school in Windsor.

Another project that has been filling my free time has been creating feather fascinators for my best friend's sister's bridal party. I took this opportunity to treat myself to a large batch of peacock and other natural feathers and have been experimenting like crazy with elaborate hair pieces and necklaces. I'm really happy with the results and have been looking for excuses to get out and show them off!

As for usual I've accumulated a small selection of cut-up portraits over the last few seasons featuring tributes to characters like the Queen, Yoko Ono and of course the man with Adonis DNA - Mister Charlie Sheen.

When I'm not cutting, sewing or felting I've been doing research and laying-out designs for notebooks featuring some of my favorite cut-ups as well as a variety of my photographs as the covers. My Dad gave me a long reach stapler for Christmas which inspired me to begin collecting images from my own personalized "Favorite Things" note paper.

It's been a crafty Winter and I can't wait to share my creations with you all!

The show will be held Saturday and Sunday April 30th and May 1st, 11am-6pm at the Olympic Community Hall on the corner of Cunard and Hunter Street in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Blame it on the Alcohol

2011-02-25T13:26:00.001-05:00

My poor father must surely be sad today upon hearing of his favorite show being canceled.

Call to Artists: FEG Fiber Arts Summer Group show

2011-02-24T12:18:00.000-05:00

I'm very excited to announce that I am curating a Fiber Arts show this summer at the Fort Edward Gallery in Windsor.

Maybe you've had a crafty project in mind? Well there's nothing like a fun group show for some motivation! Pull out all your tools, let your imagination run wild and just see what happens!

We hope to have a wide variety of handmade pieces showcasing the talents of our local artists... perhaps someone like you? So what are you waiting for? Download your application today at www.hantscountyartscouncil.ca under "Events"

Eagle Watch 2011

2011-01-28T10:47:00.000-05:00

Photograph by Bob Cote

Well it's been a busy New Year so far.... I've been rather secretive lately, working away on my brilliant master plan!

Hopefully I can start to share with you all in a few more weeks. Until then I can only pass on some of my hobby activities with you...

Every year the residents of the Annapolis Valley gather together in Canning and Sheffield Mills to celebrate one of our most handsome birds of prey, the bald eagle.

Now in it's 20th year, Eagle Watch kicks off it's two weekend event with a locally made sausage and pancake breakfast at the Community Centre. Throughout the weekend there will be many artist performing including:

Johanne McInnis, Steve Lee, Dennis Robinson & Jack McDonald, Susan Ueffing, Suite Strings, Dusty Keleher, Andy and Ariana and Laura Roy

Upstairs you will find a collection of local artwork celebrating our fine feathered raptor friends in the form of paintings and wildlife photographs by artists like Bob Cote. As my contribution I crafted a Norther Saw-whet Owl and a Red-tailed Hawk from recycled felted sweaters. I absolutely fell in love with the pair as I made them and I'm sure you will too if you get the chance to come out and see them.

Also on the docket this weekend is a stop at the actual feeding site where we hope to see a congregation of Eagles. Perhaps what excites me most during this years festival is the traditional eagle feather ceremony performed by Little Grandmother (Noogamijiij) Selina - Traditional Healer of Infinity/Earth Helper and StoryTeller. The ceremony starts at 10:30, Saturday January 29th.

For more information and a schedule of events please visit: http://www.eaglens.ca/

Hope to see you there!

Halifax Crafters Winter Carnival

2010-12-08T11:06:00.000-05:00

Opening this week at the FEG: Jaki Durocher

2010-11-15T16:04:00.000-05:00

Multitasking Wool Cuffs

2010-10-28T17:39:00.000-04:00

I recently had a request from members of the Halifax School Board to craft some recycled wool cuffs to help keep their tea and coffee hot while they educate our youth.

Well I just can't help it, I have to make everything as versatile as possible, so all of my coffee cuffs also double as wrist warmers, for when you're not sipping on a brew.

Coffee Cuffs will be available soon in a staff room near you... HRM that is :)

Zine Fair Tomorrow!

2010-10-22T15:27:00.001-04:00

I'm taking a quick break before I pack up the giant pink suitcase and head into the big city for Pop Explosion and the Zine Fair tomorrow.

This will be my third year participating in the highly visual and audio art event. In fact, the Zine Fair was my very first craft show ever, so I guess I'm celebrating my 3 year anniversary as a professional artist... well, trying to be a professional artist at least :)

One of my favorite things about doing the craft shows is setting up my display. This show I'll be breaking out my newest Woodland Wool display - the paints barely even dry! I've put together some new postcard packs and a slew of fresh magnets, and I'm also packing a nice selection of "Pretty Things Merch" necklaces and a few brooches.

I hope to see a large and lively crowd there tomorrow, where I hope to trade, and of course sell, some fabulous art!

Opening this week at the FEAG: David Howells

2010-10-19T15:53:00.000-04:00

Some Pre Nocturne Posting

2010-10-15T15:12:00.000-04:00

Seeing as I won't be in town for Nocturne, I thought I'd get a bit of postering done while I was in the big city.

For those of you in Halifax this weekend I encourage you to make your way out and partake in Halifax's own Art at night festival... and while you're at it keep an eye out for a few loose chickens!

http://www.nocturnehalifax.ca

I have to admit I was quite disappointed to find I had conflicting events in my schedule ruling out a night in the city exploring Nocturne. I may not be able to be there to take in the sights, but I'll definitely be continuing my contribution to the urban chicken campaign this weekend as we travel to Cape Breton for the wedding of my dear friend Trish.

For more stories about local Haligonians fighting for their right to include chickens as a part of their house holds here's an article on local entrepreneur Fred Connors:

'It makes absolutely no sense that we would have a mayor who would not actively encourage people to take responsibility for their own food supply.'—Fred Connors

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/07/23/ns-halifax-urban-chickens.html#ixzz12SJcT08v

Look for more wild chickens and some autumn leaves next week, till then get out and enjoy some Art!

Wishful Thinking

2010-10-12T10:44:00.000-04:00

Room for Forgiveness

2010-10-08T14:40:00.001-04:00

I recently saw a piece on CNN about Julian Lennon's debut photography exhibit, a tribute to his musician father John.

The opening brought together his mother Cynthia and Step-mother Yoko Ono, who surprised everyone with an embrace, somewhat overshadowing Julian's spotlight.

In his interview CNN Anchor John Roberts asked the Artist about whether or not Mark David Chapman, his father's killer, should be released from incarceration?

Keeping his opinions to him self Juliane offered that "every heart has room for forgiveness" - which was especially evident this evening with the reunion of the Lennon family.

Happy 70th birthday John!

http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2010/10/08/julian-lennon-honors-father-with-photos/

Raise Your Rainbow

2010-10-05T14:58:00.004-04:00

The continuation of "Wise Guys"

Part Two - Mr David Wilcock

2010-09-22T10:16:00.002-04:00

2010-08-31T10:20:00.001-04:00

Serious Sirius - The Making Of

2010-07-30T15:00:00.001-04:00

I did a trade a while back with local Sculptor Kristie Sheehey and found myself creating a custom piece for someone who although we'd barely just met, the moment I first saw her I knew we'd known each other forever.

Kristie's request was something along the lines of my A Y Jackson inspired fishing fellow. Never able to do the exact same thing twice, I started a piece inspired by the fairy I inherited from Kristie, ending up with "Bless the Water". A lovely piece yes, but it wasn't Kristiey's piece!

Then the oil began to swell from the gulf coast, and I was overwhelmed with sadness... and started thinking even more than usual about dear mother earth.

While visiting one of my oldest friends, and updating her on the crisis, she told me of a myth that made my heart ache a bit more bearable.

Seven thousand years ago whales from Sirius made the decision to come to earth, knowing that at some point they would be sacrificed in order to save humankind from mass extinction.

I thought this the most beautiful vision and got right to work! Layering felted wool, and embellishing by needle felting, I created "Serious Sirius" - which Kristie fell in love with the moment she saw it! Now I must wait for my new sculpture from Kristie... I wonder what she'll dream up for me?

http://www.kristiesheehy.com

Living in the Future - Photoshop CS5 Content Aware

2010-07-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

OMG! I must have this!!! Over ten years ago I went to school to train to do what the new Photoshop CS5 can do in the blink of an eye - amazing! I can't not wait to get my hands on this and fix up all my old panoramic pics and push the limits.... what will happen if I select a face in the crowd... what will Photoshop come up with?

Mother Earth Out and About

2010-07-21T13:21:00.000-04:00

Mother Earth Zazzle Products

2010-07-18T13:24:00.000-04:00

Here's are a few of the Mother Earth products I've listed on Zazzle.

I will be re-tweaking the image so I can design skateboards, but in the meanwhile here are some t-shirts, mugs and bags featuring the Mother Earth image... as well as a few other classics.

create & buy custom products at Zazzle

Momma Needs Some Love!

2010-07-13T15:33:00.000-04:00

When I was a little girl I would sit on the floor of my Grammy's living room, listening to her country music, eyes closed, watching the smokey light through the plant leaves make rainbow bubbles behind my lids.

This is when I would think.

I thought about dinosaurs and how they've become oil, oil that we pump from deep below the earth's crust, where I imagined giant pockets forming. Pockets that would one day start to crack open, allowing the top layers to crumble and reshape the land.

My father told me once that the area near Sable Island, on the Georges Bank, was once a forest and tropical... and that if something went wrong with where they were drilling for gas, and the fault line opened up, it would heat up and shock the ocean and all the plates would move about... and we'd be tropical again.

I loved this story, and perhaps it's evolved in my mind over the years - but at the time I had a lovely afternoon picturing that event happening, and our little area becoming tropical overnight.

Now that I'm older I'm watching what is going on in our Universe right now, and boy oh boy are things changing. It's a time of rebirth, and nothing make a healthier baby than love, respect and nurturing. I think it's time to start thinking less as humans and more as keepers of this planet. Momma needs our support!

Pretty Things in the Coast!

2010-07-08T08:47:00.000-04:00

I was thrilled this morning to find a little interview in the Coast with Christina Martin about our new line of accessories and our party at Love, Me Boutique Saturday July 10th!

Check it out: http://www.thecoast.ca/halifax/fashionable-music/Content?oid=1717196

The many lives of a table

2010-07-07T14:37:00.000-04:00

With the remaining prep for the Pretty Things launch party this Saturday at "Love, Me" looking a little less daunting, I thought I'd do something for just me and clean and set up my "new desk".

After years of speculation, Bryan's folks have finally decided to sell their 200 year old family house in Port Williams. As it turns out I'm seemingly the only one interested in "old" stuff, so over the last month we have accumulated a great deal of furniture and rusty farm equipment.

Included in our inheritance was what the family calls the "rhubarb" table. This piece spent many seasons out in the field, aiding the Woodworth children in their enterpenurial attempts as fruit and veggie salesmen. To me this table is the ultimate chameleon, already living more lives than you, me and the man down the street put together. I hoping it likes it's new home, out of the dirty barn, and into our cozy house.

Now that I've found a spot for one piece, I need to make room for some more because just a wee bit ago, while I was typing the first paragraph of this entry, Bryans folks, sister and nephew all pulled up to drop off the latest batch of goodies - which are now all strewn about the property. Looks like my desk might not get set up today after all... ah, but at least it's clean.

Staycation, All I Ever Wanted..... the South Shore Nova Scotia

2010-07-06T11:40:00.004-04:00

For this past Canada Day/Forth of July weekend we opted for our favorite staycation - a camping trip along the South Shore of Nova Scotia.

I'm not really sure why Tourism Nova Scotia doesn't spend a little more time informing the public of the jewel of a coast line the South Shore offers, but I won't complain.... this just mean more privacy for us while we relax on sparkly sand and dip our toes in the turquoise sea.

My absoluter favorite stop along the coast would be in Port Mouton at Carter's Beach. Although the landscape has changed dramatically since hurricane Jaun, the white sandy beach is still gorgeous and a haven for sand dollars. http://nsbeaches.com/beaches/carters-beach.php

For those wanting to get the most out of the South Shore Thomas Raddall Provincial Park offers a variety of camp sites and acts as a great home base so you can try out the numerous day trips the area offers. http://www.novascotiaparks.ca/parks/thraddall.asp

Sadly this trip we didn't make it to the biggest hidden gem of southern Nova Scotia - Sand Hills. This beach will blow your mind! Nova Scotia is know for the icy Atlantic sea, but at Sand Hills you'd swear you were in the Caribbean. http://www.shelburnenovascotia.com/beaches.htm

Well that was our first staycation of the summer, but definitely not the last!

Geminites Unite!

2010-07-05T15:07:00.000-04:00

Well June and "Geminites Unite" has finally come to an end and summer has finally begun, at least according to our childhood standards. I think June is one of my most favorite months, and not just because I belong to the sign of the twins, but it's the month where everything comes to full life - the flowers are back, the butterflies, dragonflies and strawberries! Oh June how I love you!

We had a truly celebratory month with the collection of many friends and fellow Geminites. For one special Geminite brother I finally parted with my "Land of Giant Cats" tribute to Van Gogh, hoping it will bring him magical feline dreams of his own.

Sneak Peek at Latest Pretty Things Colouring Book Artwork

2010-06-30T14:25:00.001-04:00

I only have one more cut-up to go before the Pretty Things colouring book is done! I'm really happy with how it's coming together.

You'll have to sit tight and wait for the final product before you see the finished version of this piece... but for now, here's a taste to help get you as excited as me!

Well I must move on to my other project, a felted piece about oil, whales and trying to save humanity - "Serious Sirius"

So 'till then, may your creative juices flow freely and be sure to get out there and say hello to the sun!

2010-06-29T12:04:00.000-04:00

Wise Guys

2010-06-15T15:34:00.004-04:00

Over the last year I have been looking to science to help confirm my instincts of what is going on on this planet. Thanks to the universal language of the internet I've come across a wealth of knowledge that has helped to prove a lot of my suspicions.

During my hunt I came across musician John Boswell and his fantastic video tributes to some of our great scientific minds. Combining found clips and altering the audio, John weaves together the most melodic tunes making science down right dreamy. One of John's early videos in his Symphony of Science series called "We are all Connected" inspired me to do my own tribute to a few of my favorite wise guys David Suzuki, David Icke, Edgar Cayce, Carl Sagan and their ideas on our near future.

I'm hoping that John will create a tribute to include Canada's very own protector of Nature himself - David Suzuki! Most of us Canadians grew up watching David on "The Nature of Things" and have hopefully developed a deep rooted respect thanks to the knowledge he passed on.

As I continue on my quest for knowledge I will expand my Wise Guys Collection, until then postcards bearing the first round of "Wise Guys" portraits are currently available on Etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49223171/wise-guys-postcard-12-pack

Birds of a Feather

2010-06-15T12:32:00.001-04:00

The countdown is on for "Pretty Things" OFFICIAL Launch party!

I'm just too excited about this, so much that I really can't wait for July 10th to come and have been slowly leaking "Pretty Things" items into Love, Me Boutique. http://lovemeboutique.wordpress.com

This weeks sneak peak is a small selection of wool and feather earrings.

These super light weight beauties really work double time, since each one is completely reversible!
Just slip out the shepherd's hook and reinsert into the felted ball, rotating to show off which ever way you're feeling at the moment.

Each earring is a complete original!

The Combination of a variety of dyed feathers and natural wools makes for one funky natural product.

Available in a wide range of colours and styles, we have an earring for everyone!

Can't make it into Love, Me? That's ok, you can also find the entire line of Pretty Things Merchandise online at Etsy! http://www.etsy.com/shop/prettythingsmerch

A Look at the 4th Annual Festival of Art

2010-06-11T11:10:00.005-04:00

In case you missed it here is a quick look at the 4th Annual Festival of Art showcasing the works of members of the Hants County Art Council.

I was pleased as punch to sell the very first piece on opening night.

"Use your Crazy for Good" was my last minute entry - the piece practically made itself!

With this piece I let my hands do the work and ended up with a very funky Picasso ispired portrait that I'm sure looks smashing in its new home upon the walls of a Windsor dwelling.

I'm already planning my first piece for next years show.

For more info on the Festival of Art please visit www.hantscountyartscouncil.com

Sneak peak at Festival of Art opening tonight in Windsor

2010-05-28T15:34:00.001-04:00

Well the countdown is on for the opening of the 4th Annual Festival of Art at the Pisiquid Canoe Club in Windsor featuring the works of Hants County Artists.

I myself only became a member a few short months ago, but already I feel a part of this, I'm now realizing, very large group of creative people.

Today I helped hang some really amazing artwork and I'm very excited get back there tonight and meet all the lovely souls behind the talent!

Wine and cheese starts at 7pm with introductions from our special guests Joseph Landry and Brian Gazeley.

The two visited a group of the HCAC members in April for a workshop on Marketing for Art. Together Brian and Joe have built their own fantastic career as sculptors and we're thrilled to have their company for the evening.

Well I must go and get ready - hope to see some of you there tonight! I'll be manning the front desk, so be sure to stop by and enter for the door prize!

Keep an eye out for the yellow signs!

New Critters at Love, Me Boutique

2010-05-27T11:42:00.002-04:00

I've just come from dropping off a fresh batch of critters at Love, Me Boutique here in Halifax.

Chara, owner and operator of Love, Me Boutique, was the first person to really stand behind me when I started making my little felted fellas. Now hundreds of critters later I am ever thankful for her ongoing support.

Together we are planning a launch party July 10th for another of my crafty endeavours - "Pretty Things Merch" for musician Christina Martin. I'll keep you posted on this event which will include a live in store performance by the songstress herself.

In the meanwhile you can get a sneak peek of the "Pretty Things" line of accessories by stopping into Love, Me Boutique at 1539 Birmingham Street in downtown Halifax.

http://www.lovemeboutique.ca/

Halifax Crafters Spring Fling - better late then never

2010-05-12T16:22:00.001-04:00

Sorry for being so late in posting these, but better late than never right? The pictures might not be the best quality, the lighting tends to turn things a bit green... but I think I managed to include a shot from every vendor... but if I happened to miss someone, I really sorry - there was a lot to see!

Beauty is in the Eye of the Biebholder

2010-05-12T14:58:00.001-04:00

Well perhaps I should be embarrassed, but the patriotic Canadian in me has to admit that I too have the Bieber Fever!

I don't know what it is, but when I see him I wish I was a 12 year old girl.... or maybe 11, I think twelve year olds are already over the Bieb and onto vampires or the sorts.

I actually sat wide mouthed as I watched him bang out a solo on the drums during Oprah yesterday. Who knew that Justin could actually play an instrument?

Well thank goodness for that, it might help him extend his career a bit - but I think the end result is still inevitable, Justin Bieber is just another former child star in the making. I truly hope you prove me wrong Justin, I really do.

Gravity Rides Everything

2010-04-29T14:09:00.000-04:00

Inside my journal from when I was 21 I found a cut-up I did of a photo I took after creating a series of boob prints.

One of these prints, the left boob, still hangs above our bed. The other dons a wall in the new home of my old roommate, the soon to be Mrs. MacDonald. I've always wondered just how many people have actually seen my breasts?

After I did this cut up I hid it away due to the fact that my breast looked, well... wall-eyed and certainly not their best to say the least.

10 years later I'm just happy to have found the image again. Also I realize just how true it is - gravity really does ride everything.

23 Skidoo

2010-04-29T13:39:00.000-04:00

My oh my, do I have a lot of work ahead of me! The last few weeks have been a blur... Hants County Arts council meetings and workshops, prepping to launch "Pretty Things Merch"on Etsy, finishing up my contract at Family SOS, Halifax Crafters Spring Fling and then as a final reward - Jamaica!

Not to worry, I captured everything on film and will share shortly.

Meanwhile I've been trying to catch up on everything I put off for "when we get back from the trip" - and that's a mighty hefty list!

Thanks to April showers my garden is a mess of weeds I've just barely gotten to. After much Etsy posting and sometime spent on a custom critter, I've started my attack on the garage... A.K.A "studio."

Sadly the garage may never be the work space I envisioned, but at least now it resembles a place you might actually want to spend time in.

While organizing this morning I found my journal from when I had my epiphany for an Arts Centre. It was quite fitting to find that now, 10 years later, as I lay my roots hoping to play an important part in the creation of a new Arts Centre here in Windsor.

I'm so excited by all the opportunities coming my way, and all I had to do was beg, work hard and have faith.

Cher Hair

2010-04-01T11:12:00.006-04:00

So anyone who knows me or has met me knows I have very, very long hair. As a young girl I loved the Tommy Hunter show, watching hopefully each week, waiting for my hero Crystal Gayle to dust the stage with her over five foot long mane. I’d watch in awe as she swayed along with her music, her long shiny raven locks falling perfectly straight, immune to damage of any sort. I’d wonder how she was able to maintain her elongated coiffure. I’d picture her meticulously braiding her tresses before bed to keep them in their utmost shape. These tresses demanded respect!

When I was seven my father took me to visit a hairdresser friend of his who ran a salon from the basement of her house and told me I could have my hair cut any way I liked. Looking up at the woman I told her that I wanted my hair like hers, which happened to be a bouffant, somewhat like my other idols Kate and Cindy from the B-52’s. This turned out to be a huge mistake, the hairdresser got a wee bit snip happy and the resulting haircut left me looking more like a rebel little boy then the beehived beauty I had envisioned. My mother was most upset; previously she and I had had matching haircuts. She thought my father had done this on purpose to punish her. In fact I was the one who ended up being punished, arriving at school Monday to whispers of “who’s the new boy?” Did I mention the new do also sported a rat tail? Yes, I was doomed to fail socially.

This was the first of many hair failures for me. In the eighth grade my step-mother surprised me with a trip to Casa Dante’s school of Hair Design where I got my first and last spiral perm. The student hair dresser forgot about me while the perm was setting, so when she finally removed the rollers my finally once again long locks had poodled up near my shoulders with the last 2 inches bleached white! I won’t even mention the tuft that became my bangs.

After surviving the perm years and then many years experimenting with hair colour, including a year of calico chunks, I decided that was it – no more dye, perms or experimental cuts for me!

Several years later I still haven’t quite made it to Crystal Gayle lengths, more of a Cher “

Half-Breed” length. Yesterday I decided, to hell with it! I want some colour! So I broke my vow of never dying my hair again and took the plunge. I’m rather happy with the result, so much that I decided to do myself a little cut-up to commemorate my re-entry into the world of chemical hair colour. Here’s hoping I still like it in a month.

Junk Store Finds

2010-03-30T13:39:00.005-04:00

On the weekend Bryan dragged me to Canning to what he described as the "best record store ever!"

He wasn't lying. Not only was it a fabulous record store - I got 2 Kate Bush albums, several David Bowie, Rolling Stones and much, much more..... too much in fact.

In addition to the albums, the fellas there have a nice selection of vintage toys, knick knacks and housewares. My moment of joy came when I found an old rotating postcard rack.

Even more joy was to be had when I got home and loaded it with my cards - what a beauty eh?

I wish I had the name of the store to share, but luckily Canning is quite small, so if you happen to pop through for a visit, it won't take you long to find it and all the treasures it houses. Enjoy!

Dragons, lizards and other creatures with scales

2010-03-15T15:44:00.006-04:00

Well the countdown to the Halifax Crafters Spring Fling is on! I've been extra busy lately preparing new stock for "Woodland Wool" and "Pretty Things" (official launch is in two weeks!!!)

Being a bit of a girly girl I tend to lean towards more feminine projects - so I'm trying to get out of my comfort zone and experiment with some new critters!

Here is one of my lizard dudes who I'm absolutely in love with. I'm just crazy about his fluffy black and brown mohawk, he's too cool for school!

Wish I could chat more, but there's much crafting to be done.

If you're in Halifax the weekend of April 17th & 18th be sure to pay me and the Halifax Crafters gang a visit at Olypmic Gardens on the corner of Hunter Street and Cornwallis.

Look forward to seeing you all there!

Loss of a Genius

2010-02-11T12:13:00.008-05:00

I just heard the very, very sad new that designer Alexander McQueen has taken his own life. I've never really paid too much attention to fashion, but I recently saw a recording of his 'Plato's Atlantis' show and was completely enthralled.

Each piece is an absolute work of art and deserves to be in a gallery. Just the other day I was thinking how amazing it would be if the clothing could travel from gallery to gallery so that we all could appreciate it's exquisite beauty.

So sad.

In fact my recent feather pieces that I've been developing for musician Christina Martin were inspired by this recent show. I've designed 3 necklace styles, one, the 'Xtina' which is asymmetrical, a preference for Christina. The second is the 'Saki' which uses lots of bright colours and are very abstract, and the third are my 'Queenies” which were directly influenced by the symmetrical dresses of the Atlantis show.

I’ve been meaning to blog about Mr McQueen's show for some time now, and it greatly saddens me that it took the ending of his life to finally get around to sharing some images displaying his infinite talent.

Halifax Crafters Winter Show

2009-12-15T14:40:00.011-05:00

Well the Halifax Crafters Winter show was a huge success, so much so that I only really got to go and look around in the last 5 minutes before it was time to pack up. I managed to get a few trades in, but it wasn't until I got home and took a look at the furry of photos that I realized just how much stuff I would have liked to have purchased. Drat! Well there’s always April. Until then here are a few pics of some items that really caught my eye.

oh dear, I've made a mistake

2009-12-15T14:05:00.003-05:00

So over the weekend I made the very sad discovery that I had printed the WRONG version of my calendar, which I in turn sold several copies of. Oh dear! After the initial shock I realized that my mistake wasn’t that huge… February goes to the 30^th…. I’m sure those born on the 29^th would be pleased to see that they get to enjoy a birthday this year…. yes… maybe?

The worst part of it all is I have no way to contact several of the poor strangers who purchased my defunct goods. So now I’m off to kinko’s again, to print replacements and construct a little special package that I’ll have ready to send out when my mistake is discovered and I get my knuckles rapped.

Christina Martin Merch!

2009-12-11T11:33:00.004-05:00

Tonight at the Seahorse Tavern I will be selling my latest merch for the lovely miss Christina Martin. I'll have magnets, buttons and postcards - perfect stocking stuffers for the music lovers in your life. Show starts at 10:30 - hope to see you there!

New Feather Fascinators

2009-11-18T12:47:00.007-05:00

I've been overly busy these days getting ready for all my
Holiday craft shows.

I've been working away on new and improved feather

hair combs, hair bands and brooches. Working with

feathers is highly addictive.... and taking away from

other crafty endeavours - like my jolly little Gnomes!

If you're in Halifax on the 29th be sure to drop by the

North Street Church between 10 and 6 where I'll be

selling all these wonderful feather pieces as well as my

critters and my new 2010 calendars.

Or, if you are around December 5th & 6th, come visit me

at the Olympic Centre at 2304 Hunter Street from 11-5

get squirrely

2009-10-20T13:45:00.002-04:00

Here's a little grey squirrel I did for my buddy Ryan who moved out west. I've been trying to get cracking on all my Christmas custom orders. Perhaps I should have started a few months ago.

The "BOOK"

2009-10-15T12:58:00.011-04:00

Back in the spring I had an idea to start a collaborative book that would travel around

Canada

, from Artist to Artist, several times. Initially we would each have a week with the book until we mailed it off to the next participant. Well, unfortunately, when it came time for my second turn the book arrived just a few days before I moved to the country. Soooo.... the book got packed.

Moving was quite an ordeal for me. I left my cozy three bedrooms in the city and all my worldly possessions got crammed into Bryan's garage. It's taken me some time to sort through all my boxes, unpacking my art supplies first and then finally after nearly 6 weeks I found the box with the precious book in it.

So sheepishly I have added my second contribution to the package and sent the book back on its journey. I'm sure the others have forgotten about the project by now.

Here is the first round of art contributed by myself, Justin Nieuwland, Julie Chiasson, Scott MacDonald and Dan Springer.

a little Thanksgiving postering

2009-10-14T13:47:00.005-04:00

On our way to Thanksgiving dinner in Port Williams we made a few stops so I could get my postering fix in.

First stop as usual was St. Croix, so I could get an update on the Highway 101 expansion. They are actually doing a lovely job. They have re-grassed the hill so you'd hardly know that there was a small grove there just a year or so ago.

Next we did a run through Windsor - where I swear over half the valley had gathered for the pumpkin regatta. Emma and I got impatient for the race to start and ended up missing the whole thing while I rooted through sweaters at "In the Bin".

I managed to put up a few Jason Priestley posters before we got stuck in traffic as everyone moved on to their next fall themed event.

I had hoped to spy dear Jason in Wolfville as we went through. He starts filming his new series "Meet Phil Fitz" in the area next Monday... so I may have to do another trip next weekend.

Jason was my junior high TV crush. I taped every episode of 90210. I even have a Brandon Barbie, which - when I worked at Collideascope, took a place of honour hanging above my head, arms stretched, where he protected me as my guardian angel (not my idea btw, but he did remain there till it was time to pack up the studio)

One of my final posters of the day went up in front of our old house in Port Williams. I loved that house, which ironically had Raggedy Anne wallpaper in my bedroom closet.
Even more ironically, shortly after I first met Bryan, I discovered he grew-up just the road from me. Who knew he'd actaully end up with the girl next door? Funny how fate works?

Now lets see what fate's plans are for Jason and I?

no vaccines for me thank you very much!

2009-10-09T10:04:00.009-04:00

I have a long standing history of being very “anti-vaccinations” so it's really no surprise to me that my very first smile was inspired by dear old Raggedy Anne.

Over the years I have accumulated a small Raggedy Anne and Andy collection, as well as a strong stance against vaccines, which inject a virus directly into your blood stream as opposed to inhalation - the way humans normally contract viruses.

I can't tell you how justified I felt in my collection when I discovered that the creator of Raggedy Anne went on to use her and her partner as mascots for the anti vaccination movement. Following the death of his daughter, after receiving a mandatory small pox vaccine, Artist Johnny Gruelle became very vocal about his disbelief in the positive aspects of vaccines.

With this most recent, clearly man-made vaccine trying to impose itself on the world, I felt I had to do what ever I could to pass the word around just how unsafe and unnecessary this H1N1 vaccine actually is. I beg you all to do your research and decide for yourself if you really want to risk yourself with this avoidable evil.

A good place to start your search is with Dr Mercola at www.drmercola.com. He had a great “top 9 reasons not to get the H1N1 shot” earlier this week. For a more extreme, radical view check out David Icke, he’ll scare that pants off of anyone! http://www.redicecreations.com/radio/2009/09sep/RIR-090927.php

New Critters on Etsy

2009-09-18T13:18:00.005-04:00

Art Harvest Craft Show

2009-09-15T13:16:00.020-04:00

here are a few pics from the Halfax Crafters Art Harvest show

Harvest Craft Show - Day 1

2009-09-12T20:43:00.006-04:00

I'm absolutely exhausted, but I still wanted to share a few pics from today's very succesful Harvest Craft Show.

We're back again tomorrow, 11-5pm at the North Street Church. If you missed today, you may want to try and drag your butt in tomorrow - it's worth it I promise!

Time for bed, more pics coming soon, sweet dreams all :)

New Critters at Love, Me

2009-09-04T13:05:00.003-04:00

just a few of the critters recently dropped off at Love, Me Boutique

$18-$25

earring earring everywhere

2009-09-04T11:18:00.002-04:00

I just dropped some new felted feather earring at Love, Me Boutique

These earring are so much fun to wear and make a huge statement! I feel like a princess each time I put one on :)

Single earrings are $17 a piece

movin' to the country, gonna eat me a lot of peaches

2009-08-18T16:49:00.014-04:00

the countdown is on
Saturday I move to the country

I've gone through a huge pile of thoughts and emotions the last while

finally accepting that next brave step that represents adulthood

something I'd dreamt of for years and years, until I grew older and was "taught" dreams weren't all that possible after all

poo on you I say, poo on you

dreams only become impossible when you let yourself believe such a lie could actually be true

that's easy for us being humans n' all

we sure learn to believe a hell of a lot of lies as we grow

(as I was packing I found my journal from when I was 16 - I wouldn't want to be 16 again for all the world, especially in this day in age)

so here I am now
in that exact moment of life
I so clearly pictured for myself
when I was a very young & naive version of me

I did my cards last Friday
I'd been putting it off
scared off by the constant chatter of my brain trying it's damnest to second guess me

each card brought me such joy

I'm following my destiny
there's no doubt about it

being the best version of me I can be

love, love, love

Art Collaboration

2009-08-11T10:34:00.009-04:00

In the spring I came up with the idea of starting an Artist book with my old NSCAD partner in crime, Julie Chiasson. Back in my art school days Julie and I would pair up on photo projects, choosing a theme and then both shoot accordingly.

I credit Julie with introducing me to public art, it was our collaborations that led me to my regular postering that I continue to this day.

It's been a long time since art school, Julie and I now live on opposite sides of the country, but we still both have a strong desire to collaborate. So, with this in mind, I decided that we should bring together a few talented folks and make a book!

I managed to rope in the extremely talented Scott MacDonald and Justin Neiuwland and Julie connected with Artist Dan Springer - together the five of us started a project that will take us the next year or so to complete.

We started with a very loose inspirational theme of evolution, then each of us have a week (which has seemed to be more like 3 weeks) to submit a piece then forward on to the next Artist. By the time we finish the book it will have made the circle around Canada 5 times before being bound and then circling a 6th time as it makes it's way from gallery to gallery exhibiting the end result.

The book has just made it's first trip around the country making it's way back to me. I'm really, really thrilled with the collection of art so far. Each of us has a very different and distinct style.

This book really is going to be something special.

Here's a taste of one of the pieces, "Licorice and Chamomile under the Coffee Tree" by Justin.

More to come soon!

Rural Alberta Advantage

2009-08-05T16:41:00.004-04:00

So somewhere along the lines in my year off I warmed up to the internet and finally made friends. Since then she's been kind enough to send many a wicked site along my way - all of which bringing their own worlds of opportunities.

One such discovery was that of the Rural Alberta Advantage. This threesome from the north were hard not to notice once they started popping up on my LastFM stream.

(LastFM... another of my IBFFs)

Once I added my little heart to their songs I started seeing them EVERYWHERE - everywhere, seriously, it was a little funny.

(speaking of funny, when you get a sec watch Alanis and Alicia Silverstone in "My Mother's Red Hat" - so much great Canadian music!)

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/b080b3abab/my-mother-s-red-hat-w-alicia-silverstone-alanis-morissette

Anyway - suddenly RAA was everywhere I looked - and I saw that they were asking for people to send artwork for their new album. Instantly I had an image in my head... but, with life being as crazy as it's been, I didn't finish in time... but I still really wanted to make a piece - ever since first hearing "don't haunt this place" - so it was going to happen any which way.

So here she be... well, actually I think I still have work on it to do.... it's not quite what I pictured... but it's a start...

This one means a lot to me, I think we should all haunt the world with our love - put all that good energy into what you want and let it live forever :)

..oh, and July's gone, like the gasoline it took...

2009-07-23T18:40:00.009-04:00

...to make the circle again
Florida to Florida
by way of
Amer-ri-ka!

ah

so it's been a while since I've "blogged"

and here's my update...

I've just returned from Morris East where I was treated to a scrumptious meal by the ever dazzling Monique and her soon to be husband, Wylie, for designing their wedding invites.

Morris East is Halifamous for their wood fired specialty pizzas. Tonight we went with my favorite: peach, scallion, prosciutto and goat cheese. We preceded this with a tasty smoked salmon salad. The salad was built in layers - starting with an avocado/cilantro mix (very close in flavour & texture to my guacamole recipe) topped with a thick chunk of the sweetly smoked fish that was decorated with fennel and pickled red onions - TASTY!

Morris East's menu is nothing but tasty!

...so, I've been busy with many little things lately- helping to plan Mos' wedding, learning to drive, painting the new studio space... putting off packing up the old space. The count down is on - only 5 more weeks and I say goodbye to my cozy, city, dream studio apartment. Off to the country for me, and I couldn't be happier :)

BUT, in the meanwhile, It's a little sad to be saying goodbye so soon. It was my 14 year old minds dream to live up here. I drew floor plans and all... colour pencil on looseleaf... each room double its size, all my meager possessions spread throughout. My childhood toy box placed outside my bedroom on a ledge that didn't even exist. I dreamt about this for years, so really there was no way around it - I was destined to live in this apartment.

BUT - that time has come and is passing, and now it's time to move on to another childhood dream and take up life in the country! I've waited almost 26 years to move back to the country. I think that's enough time subjected to urbania. I'm really excited to move, everything I want in life is popping up all around me... and because of this I'm sure that all those other parts of life - the things we've made necessary in life - those will just fall into place and facilitate me getting the most out of this time 'round.

Now off to do something very important...

not pack as I should be doing...

but rather, maybe a one woman dance party?

Boy Man Love

2009-07-07T18:21:00.004-04:00

Saturday night I dreamt I was Michael Jackson's personal assistant and best friend.

Michael surprised us with a visit during Sunday dinner at my Dad and Julie's - it was very urgent - he had just died and he needed to check in with me and see how the earth was going to receive it.

I ran and grabbed my schedules and a giant collage of photos put into a time-line. I told him not to worry, and pointed out a series of pictures of him smiling and interacting with people - everything was going to be A-OK!

Michael gave me a giant hug and filled me full with his love, then just as swiftly as he arrived he flu out the door into a limo and took off to his funeral.

and what a happy Canada Day it was

2009-07-02T18:07:00.011-04:00

I had an incredibly productive Canada day yesterday, staying in the city and finishing off every project I could find that only needed ten more minutes.

After I'd put the finishing touches on all the critters I had started in the last few months, I moved on to the felt'n'feather accessories

I even got all my tags ready to print before heading out for the traditional Canada Day BBQ

I sure do love my home and native land

o'canada

happy birthday

may the next year bring you good health and prosperity
an over abundance of love and creative energy
and eternal longevity

bonne fete

and then it was summer

2009-06-25T15:16:00.003-04:00

well after days and days of rain the sun has finally returned - the city feel like the valley... and I can't even imagine what the valley is going to be like after all the moisture. I'm sure my garden will be glorious... but I'm also well aware of the amount of insects to have been birthed since the sun returned...not sure that my mint leaves are going to be enough of a deterrent while I tackle all the new weeding.

Spring, it was nice having you around, till the next time my friend

2009-06-24T18:07:00.001-04:00

create & buy custom products at Zazzle

Human Rights

2009-06-24T16:37:00.007-04:00

I've been asked to collaborate on the Family SOS and Commonwealth Organization of Social Workers websites and in turn became inspired to do a cut-up for myself... and the world

here's my prayer for the universe

I wish for everyone to open their consciousness and accept we are all connected

every answer is inside of you if you choose to really listen

go ahead and create your own beautiful, loving and magical destiny, it's your human right

30... 31

2009-06-16T15:53:00.004-04:00

Finally finished the 30th year of my life.... actually it would be the 31st... but you know how our counting birthdays system goes... so anyway I just finished the oddest year I've had in a very long time. The year both started and ended in tears... tears ironically stemming over my despair in feeling responsible for others feelings.

But you say... you're only responsible for your own happiness Tacha - and I know this, and practice this... and even sometimes make others jealous - because I know how to be happy... and perhaps because of this I get others feeding off me emotionally.

This only child somehow collected quite the extended family over the years... and as much as they differ, they all share childhoods where little to no love was expressed - leaving these wounded children to grow - and eventually become my wounded parents.

These are the only parents I've ever known, and I've always had quite the ability to understand them, and their pain, and forgive all their mistakes along the way. But, here, a year after their celebration of their having raised a 30 year old child, I'm ready to reclaim my own success. They may have served the roles of parent - but it seems I do a hell of a lot of parenting of my own.... and I've made a lot of good decisions on my own, and have taken myself down a wonderful path - and I'm going to go ahead and take a good chunk of the credit for that myself.

So, after a few emotional days, I'm embracing 31 and the brand new world it represents. I'm going after my absolute dream life, and if my parents choose to be afraid of what "might" happen, well they can go ahead. I choose not to be afraid - why on earth would I let fear eat my energy, that's just sad... and why be sad, when you can be happy?

Cheers to Collideascope!

2009-06-04T16:09:00.009-04:00

I just got a note from Director Larry Jacobs - Johnny Test 3 won an ACT award last night for best over all series in all categories.. including live action!!!

Cheers to all my fellow colleagues at Collideascope Digital Productions in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

WE ROCK!!!

I'm so proud of us all - we all worked so hard, yet it was an absolute delight to go to work everyday - and it's so great that even after all this time everyone's hard work is still getting recognized - CONGRATS EVERYONE!!!

(to the left is some fan art of my favorite character on the series, Mary. I knew Johnny Test was going to be a great project to work on the moment I read the first script and realized that Johnny's twin sisters were named Mary and Susan... the same names my best friend and I had used as alias' when we were younger)

best is yet to come

2009-06-04T08:52:00.003-04:00

One of my anthems in life, I've sung this to myself almost as many times as I've sung "down from the tree of life I just picked me a plum..." or "one of these days you're going to wake up singing..."

thanks for your words Michelle

2009-06-01T17:16:00.001-04:00

memorial day

2009-05-26T19:09:00.007-04:00

Bryan works for an American company, he follows their holidays... so I took Memorial Day off too so we could enjoy some time together and
most importantly - put in the garden!

We started out with one of our most favorite of the breakfast meals, bacon and eggs, at Crossroads in Garland Crossing.

We followed breaky with a bit of an adventure to find Baldwin Nursery somewhere behind Falmouth.

I've never see such a large outdoor nursery before. Soooo many shrubs and trees. The perfect resource for landscapers. Bryan left there with jalapenos, green peppers, cukes, Roma tomatoes... and the guy even talked him into cherry tomatoes - though he swore he'd never grow them again the last two years!

I eyed a Forsythia for $15, but held out for the 4/$10 perennials at Superstore. I picked out a nice selection of ground covers and smaller stemmed plants to help balance out my Hollyhocks, Foxglove and Echinacea. I'm kinda making it up as I go, so here's hoping the end result is even better than what I'm envisioning.

On the way home we stopped at the river to get an updated shot of the 101 Highway project. Once there Bryan realized we had a flat. My man is cool as shit! Didn't even curse, just got to it while I dug through the car to see what else I had for posters and took a few more pics.

I said bye to some passing bulbs, then put in all my new flowers while Bry got the tire fixed. Having that dealt Bryan wanted nothing more than to fish, so we took a jaunt back to the river I left the boys to do their thing and went back to the house surprised to find a note from Erika. She LOVES the animation tests I sent and wants to talk right away!

Erika and I had another hour-long power session on the phone - things are rolling and I can clearly see all the stones that have been laid for me in life and the inviting path ahead of me. Watch me skip the rest of the way, with a smile, humming my own tune.

Overall, a pretty awesome day - right down to the lemon meringue pie dessert

sweet

Crossing Paths, The Journey

2009-05-23T11:48:00.006-04:00

So I wasn't content with putting up the Miah posters as is. I worried his somber expression might give people the wrong idea - this project is about love and hope after all.

My solution was to have Ange, in her own handwriting, add text to each poster, all her hopes and wishes for Miah.

We then set out following his regular roots, decorating the telephone poles along the way.

For pics and the story of the whole journey check out my flickr set "Crossing Paths"

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pistaciapics/sets/72157618672304620/

2009-05-23T10:55:00.001-04:00

Link to Apa Film

2009-05-22T10:36:00.003-04:00

Here is the link so you can watch the Apa film in its entirety. AMAZING!!!

http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-5123182744103122879&hl=en

Crossing Paths

2009-05-22T10:02:00.005-04:00

Have you ever met a couple that you knew right away were perfect soul mates? Then were absolutely shocked when they broke up, because of the most bizarre of situations... but remained apart even though it is OBVIOUS TO EVERYONE that they are meant to be!

This is the case with one of my most favourite people, Ange, and her true love Miah.

Unfortunately for us all Miah has taken comfort in his fears, and has been hiding away in a lonely, unhappy life, rather than taking a very simple first step towards unlimited happiness and bliss.

Ange and Miah's connection is so strong that both need only to think of each other and their paths will cross. I've been watching for years now in anticipation for the two paths to realign...

So Miah, PLEASE, just do it already!

Forget your fears and follow your heart, it knows the way... it always has. All the happiness you could ever want is waiting for you to reach out and grab it... and the only thing standing in your way is your own mind... so breakdown those fearful beliefs and embrace what is rightfully yours - LOVE, BLISS and UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT FROM YOUR COMPLIMENTARY SOUL!

Life is the best present in the world, so go on, open yours up!

piano makes so much more sense now

2009-05-22T09:53:00.003-04:00

My lovely friend Glenn introduced me to this site yesterday, it is just brimming with fantastic information! This clip in particular nearly brought me to tears... I took piano lessons as a young girl - if only I had Benjamin Zander as my teacher!

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/benjamin_zander_on_music_and_passion.html

2009-05-21T09:48:00.009-04:00

Here's a portrait of the ever beautiful and magical Glenn Knockwood, who is setting out on a mission to help save the earth's water, among many other things.

Glenn is one of the most amazing people I have ever met. Glenn's constant quest to understand the universe has brought all of us who love him much knowledge along the way.

Glenn, through his continual research, discovered Parkour well over five years ago, and began to teach himself, and others, the spiritual sport.

Glenn now provides regular workshops and knowledge sessions here in Halifax and is in the works of opening a community centre and gym to give a permanent home to Halifax Parkour.

So if ever you're in our neck of the woods, and see someone resembling Clark Kent flying around our lovely city, go on up to Glenn and introduce yourself. Don't be surprised if he gives you a giant hug and whisper "bless your water" in your ear.

For more info on Glenn and the Halifax Parkourists visit: http://www.halifaxparkour.com/