Where did the summer go?

We’ve had spectacular weather for several months here on the coast.  According to the climatologists, the nice weather will continue due to good old“El Nino”.  They say that the weather will be unseasonably warm which is wonderful until you consider all the climate problems it could cause.  We had water restrictions here in the Lower Mainland due to the low rainfall and because there was no real snowpack in the spring because we had such nice weather during the winter.  It looks like we may continue to have to restrict water usage if we don’t get a snow pack this year either.

I’m ending m fourth month of retirement and have no regrets whatsoever about retiring.  I have a very relaxed life now.  I’m enjoying sleeping in and doing absolutely nothing some days.  What’s not to like?  I’ve been enjoying re-organizing my studio – about half done – so still a work in progress.  I’ve enjoyed playing in my journals and creating art, some of which is  bad, but what the hell.

I’ve been dealing with a health issue since mid –July. It came out of left field and kind of set me on my ass.  Things are progressing well though.  I have more appointments and therapies waiting for me, however all in all things are good. Unfortunately one of the side effects is that I have little energy so I’m sleeping a lot and not all that energetic some days  which cuts into my art time.  As well, I will not be able to go to Palm Springs this February – I am not happy about that !  However it is what it is and I just need to put my big girl panties on and deal with it.

Index card a day (ICAD)

The On-going saga of the studio

I'm now a month into this project - give or take - and I'm finally starting to see some progress.  Things have been slow getting moving due to a couple of factors.  It's been hellishly hot here on the coast for the last couple of weeks and only in the last week has it become cool enough to do much.  I put my furniture together this past week and have it moved up and installed in the studio.  The shelving is in and now I'm starting to get down to the nuts and bolts of organizing.  The fun stuff !?!

Another setback was that I had surgery on August 13th and I was out of commission for a couple of days.  The surgery itself wasn't bad, no real residual pain, but the side effect was absolutely no energy whatsoever.  Consequently there was a lot of lying around doing nothing or sleeping.  I finally had some energy last week so I got down to putting the cabinets together.  Even though my studio is still quite a mess,  I'm really liking the way it feels.  I had a large bulletin board which had just become a catchall for stuff and things were constantly falling off because the board was overloaded.  I took the board down and I can't believe how different the room feels now.  I definitely will not be putting that board back in my studio.

I'm having some health issues so feeling a little down and sad.  Things could definitely be worse so I'm really trying to be "up " about it..  I guess I'm feeling a little sorry for myself right now.  That's allowed I guess and I'll just have to put on my big girl panties and deal with this new adventure.

I haven't done much art this last couple of weeks because I was focused on other things.  However now that the room is starting to come together, I'm excited to get back in here and play.  I've taken pictures of the in-progress - I think I'm more than half way through - and will post the series when the project is completed.  

In the meantime, here are a couple of ICADS I created...

Chaos !

I finally bit the bullet and started my project of reorganizing my studio.  OMG – today it’s in quite a state!  My supplies and toys are stacked up everywhere and it’s slightly disturbing to see all the “stuff” I’ve accumulated over the last several years. 

I purchased wire shelving for my closet and I’m in the process of installing it.  Now to put this in context you have to understand that I am not in any way, shape or form, what one would term as “handy” around the house.  Be that as it may, I rose to the challenge, emptied my 2 armoires and removed them from the closet so I can install the shelves.  I am now 3 trips later from the hardware store, purchasing all the things I didn’t know I needed.  After getting the shelves cut to size – 63 inches long – they cut them 62 inches long, I realize that I left too much wiggle room in the calculations and now the shelf is too short for the bracket at on end.  Really?  Who knew?  No worries, I kept the extra pieces so I will be using the famous zip tie to adjust and make the two pieces work.  See what I mean?  I learn by trial and error, mostly error, but you can bet I won’t make that mistake twice! 

I have several pieces of storage furniture that I need to add to my studio.  They are still sitting, unassembled, down on my dining room floor.  I may have gotten a little carried away with the furniture.  I’m afraid I may not have room for it all, but I’ll make it work.  I’m good at adapting.  I’ve hated the shelving and desk I’ve been using since the day I bought it and I only bought it because it was cheap.  It doesn’t owe me a cent as I’ve used it for more than 10 years and now I’m treating myself to new furniture.   I spend so much time in my studio so it’s time to upgrade.

Well, must run.  I’ll be taking “before” pictures tomorrow.  I’m excited about my “new” studio so I hope to have it put back together by the weekend.  I’ll post after pictures then.
Caio!

Lost password - who knew it would be such a pain?

Ok, so I've been trying to post for the last several days but couldn't because I forgot my password and I couldn't find my little book where I keep all this information.  UGH!

Anyway, it's all good now so here we go!

This retirement business is a blast - I highly recommend it!  I've been sleeping in til 10 or so every morning and then just putzing around and doing whatever I feel like doing.  What's not too like?

The weather here on the coast has been amazing.  Temperatures up in the 80's and 90's most of the last couple weeks.  Because its been so hot, I've spent most of my time lying around indoors.  Not too energetic to say the least.  We're under water restrictions here so the grass is looking pretty sad - turning brown and looking dead.  I'm really hoping that this hot weather kills my weeds but I don't think that's going to happen any time soon.

I've managed to get some ICADs done.  Though I jumped on that bandwagon rather late in the game, I'm having fun with them.  Lets me get my creative juices working without it being a big project.  As well I've managed to do several pages in my journal and I've discovered that the more I do in my journal, the more I can do. It seems to open some streams of creativity and I find it easier to complete a page.

My work room still looks like a burglar tossed it so I will need to get at that in the very near future.  In some ways, since I've been working in amongst the mess,  I've revisited some of my ideas for getting it organized and I've modified my plans somewhat.  I can foresee a time commitment in the next few weeks so I need to get this organizing show on the road while I have a window of opportunity.

I keep threatening to post some art....here are a few pieces.  Enjoy!  Caio!

"Gather Life's Little Treasures is an ICAD (Index card a day).

This is a page from my journal.  I had fun creating this one.  I do so love Mae West!                                              

This is a birthday card I made for my daughter.                                                                                           

Catch-up and an Annoucement!

I’ve been away from the old blog for too darn long !

I’m back now!  Life has been quite busy and the job has been stressful as well.  No energy for art and the other things that count in life.   But that has all changed and I will be spending more time arting and doing the things that I enjoy and which make me happy.

My big announcement?  I’M RETIRED!  WOOHOO!

My last day was Thursday.  I thought I might regret retiring, but I don’t.  I loved my job but I just knew it was time to go.  I feel relieved and a tremendous weight has been lifted off my shoulders.  I don’t think it has really sunk in yet.  After 3 days I’m still in “back to work Monday” mode.  I catch myself planning as if I’m at work next week and then I realize that I’m not!  I’m really looking forward to a more relaxed lifestyle.  More fun, more art, more quality time with friends and family.

I have a few thing that I will be posting over the next few days  I haven’t really worked in my journal for weeks but I do have  few cards so I’ll get them up soon.   Right now I’m trying to get my desk restored to some kind of order and then I’m working on wedding and father’s day cards.


Will post again soon!

Too much sun !

It was extremely hot here today.  The weather man said it was 93 degrees but I think it was hotter.  I waited until around 1:30 to go outside and enjoy the weather.  I was in and out of the pool all afternoon – it was wonderful.

However having said that, although I drank lots of water,  I think I might have overdone it.  I’ve been feeling  a little queasy which is my own darn fault.  I should know better however, apparently I don’t.
Anyway here’s a page from my art journal.


Cheerz

Sunny Palm Springs

We're having a fabulous time in sunny PS.  The weather has been fantastic and we've been out on the golf course a half a dozen times.  We're already half way through our trip and the time is just flying by.

I've been getting lots of sleep and feel very relaxed.  I've worked in my journal a couple of times and hope to have about 5 pages finished by the time we leave here.

I've been re-evaluating my plans for the future and I'm pleased to say that I've made an important decision .  I'll be moving forward with my plan when I get home.

Nothing else to add except that I hear the pool calling my name!

Caio.

Did I drop off the face of the earth?

You need not worry -  I have not dropped off the face of the earth nor have I been abducted by aliens!

I've had a hectic couple of weeks at work and I'm now on vacation in beautiful, sunny California. This is my idea of heaven and it's a wonderful place.  We arrived on Wednesday Feb. 18th to 82 degree weather and full sunshine.  Our check in went well and we enjoyed the pool Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  The weather turned a little rough on Sunday and today, while it has cleared up, its still mixed sun and clouds.  Not a huge problem as I had 3 good days in the pool and got a lot of sun.  Probably best that I stay out of the sun for a day or so anyway.

I'm enjoying the down time.  Mulling over some future plans, trying to decide whether I will work a little longer or retire sooner than later.  While I really enjoy my job, especially the money :),  I think I'm just about done.  My little voice - which I've learned to listen to unless it's telling me to kill people :) - is telling me to go sooner rather than later.   We'll see.

I'm looking forward to working in my journal.  I never seem to have enough time or energy or both, so I want to spend some time on art.  I've signed up for a couple of online courses and need to address them before I get too far behind.

In the meantime, here's one of the journal pages I've been threatening to post to the blog for weeks.   I have more in my ipad and will upload soon.

Caoi!

Finally..

I was having issues with my blogger account  I have so many accounts in various apps that I couldn't remember my password.  Duh !

I did do a couple of posts but couldn't get on and I guess they didn't save  to a draft.  I'll post again on the weekend when I have more time.  Hopefully I'll be able to post some of my work.

Caio!

A little update

Well Christmas has come and gone and I managed to get through it just fine thank you!  It was just my daughter and I and it was very relaxed and low key.  I came home from work Christmas Eve and got in my pajamas and I stayed in them until Sunday afternoon.  Heavenly!

Santa was good to both of us and we enjoyed our turkey.  I made soup with the leftovers and now I don’t want to see another turkey until this time next year.

I’m still working on organizing my work room  Some successes and some failures and sometimes I end up with more of a mess than I started with….it is what it is!

I’ve been working in my art journal and I’ve signed up for Life Book 2015.  I’m not sure if I’ve bitten off more than I can chew, however I am looking forward to the process.  I have no idea what to expect other than that I’ve heard it’s a great experience.  I’m thinking that I should probably choose a word for 2015 – it seems like the trendy thing everyone is doing – just can’t make up my mind what my word should be.

The countdown to Palm Springs has started.  Just 50 more sleeps and I’ll be lying by the pool chillin’.  Ya’ gotta love when a plan comes together.

Caio!

Just another day in my little corner of paradise…….

 

Quiet day today, just vegging and doing very little.  I seem to have spent a good part of my day lying around and playing on my ipad.  I’ve not been feeling well for a few days now.  Fighting a cold or the flu or both so I’m not very energetic or productive to say the least.

Work has been busy, lots of changes coming in the next several weeks.  Some are good changes and some not so much but then not really my concern.  I’ll go where they tell me to go and do what I’m told to do.  Anyway a change is as good as a rest.

My cards for the store are all done and delivered.  Neither store needs more cards so I guess things aren’t selling well or selling well yet.  Whatever!

I’m just starting on my own Christmas cards, something I always enjoy doing.  I put lots of work into them but it’s a labour of love.  Most people who receive my cards appreciate the time and effort I put into them. I hope to have them all done and in the mail by the 15th so I can finish my christmas shopping.

Nothing much else new here.  I’m trying to get more journaling done and find it hard to find the time.  However, like the commercial says, if I want to do something, just do it.  Good advice which I will try to heed.4

Gotta run.  Ciao !

Gorgeous Weather

Here on the coast, the weather is fabulous.  We’ve been averaging weather in the low to mid 20’s (celscius) for the last couple of weeks.  It cools down nicely at night so it’s nice for sleeping.  We still have all the windows open all the time.  It’s wonderful.

I can’t believe that it’s already almost 6 weeks since I lost my dad.  I catch myself thinking sometimes that I must call him and then I remember that I can’t do that. 

I’m busy with my cards – playing catchup as usual!  This coming weekend is the Canadian thanksgiving so I have a 4 day weekend and I’ve also taken an extra day off to finish up my stock for the store so it’s actually 5 days…..Woohoo!

Work is busy – so what else is new.  We have hired 2 new people and we’re in the process of hiring another two.  Halleleuja!!

I want to work on my journal so gotta run.  Caio!

I lost my father….

My Dad passed away on September 1st after a courageous battle with stage 4 cancer.  Once diagnosed, they gave him 2 weeks to 2 months.  He was gone in 2 weeks,almost to the day.

He was ready, he had put his house in order and he wanted to go.  My daughter and I flew back to be with him for whatever time he had left.  We had a couple of good days with him – we were able to visit with him and he was able to say all the things he needed to say, as did we. 

He was one of that older generation – he was 89 – who had come through a depression, a war and the loss of all his brothers and sisters.  He had hip replacement surgery a couple of years ago but he waited almost 8 months before he finally got the surgery.  My brother and I were concerned that he wouldn’t recover from the surgery.  Once they got him on the table they discovered that he had been walking and then limping around for almost 8 months with a broken hip.  The doctor said no worries with him recovering; anyone who could tolerate that pain was a tough old guy and he’d do just fine.  And he did.

My Dad was still living in his own home when he was finally admitted to hospital.  He was stoic and strong and when the doctor tried to soften the diagnosis he wouldn’t have it.  He told the doctor he was a soldier and he’d seen terrible things so just get to the point so he would know what he was dealing with.  Quite a man!

He wanted to die quickly and he really tried but God just wouldn’t take him.  Dad said he was devoting his energy to get the job done and he was frustrated and angry that he couldn’t make his plan work.  He was concerned about inconveniencing us and what it was costing us  for parking !  Can you believe it??

I can’t help but wonder if God didn’t take him more quickly because of all the love that surrounded him.  Dad had all his family with him during his last days – so when his time finally came he died peacefully.

He was very special and I loved him very much and I shall miss him. I know he’s up in heaven with my husband.  I asked Dad to give Garry a hug and tell him I loved him.

We love you Dad.  Rest in peace Dad, rest in peace

A quick update

The last several weeks have been challenging.

My dad, who is 89, has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung and spine cancer.
He was admitted to the hospital  3 weeks  ago and they've given him 2 weeks
to 2 months to live.

I'm now back in Ottawa with the rest of the family to spend what time he has
left with him.  He knows what's happening and all his affairs are in order. He
had a couple of good days when we first arrived, which is what usually
happens  just before the final decline.

He's getting the very best care available and the team caring for him
are wonderful.  There's nothing more that can be done for him except
make him as comfortable as possible. Thankfully they have his meds
managed correctly so he's not in any pain .  He's ready and he just wants
to get it over with!  It's hard on all of us, watching him get weaker and
weaker.  We just want him to pass quickly and peacefully.

Beautiful day

I' m not sure what 's going on but I seem to be missing at least one post.  WTF !  What's  up with that?

Anyway, today was a great day. Weather is fabulous, sunny and warm.  I was up early to finish up my order so I could deliver it to my customer in Fort Langley.  I'm so happy to get that order finished. I've been working on this for weeks and I should have had it finished and delivered weeks ago!

I've been surfing the net trying to get some inspiration for my journal.  I was looking for journaling challenges and I found several so I plan to use those prompts to get me journaling on a more regualar basis.  The bottom line is that I've got to stop looking and start doing !

Gotta run.  Caio!

Drawing faces

I’ve never felt that I had a talent for drawing.  For the most part I just didn’t go there as it was just awful.  However, I signed up for the “Painted Faces” on-line course being run by Christy over at Art Geeks.  I haven’t really had an opportunity to start the course until this last week.

While Christy is teaching how to paint faces, part of week one is devoted to discussing the composition of faces with Christy giving a tutorial on how she draws her whimsical faces.  Everything she says makes so much sense  and its all so do-able.  I’ve just completed week one and I feel so much more confident!

The first drawing is what I came up with after Christy’s week one tutorial.  I think the difference between the first and the other two faces is quite amazing.

The two faces  (bottom 2) are “before” tutorial faces.  I worked long and hard to come up with them, particularly the one on bottom right. I was quite proud of the end product…..now not so much!

Chaos in the workroom…

I swear that my workroom looks like someone broke in and tossed it.  Everything on the floor and piled on every available spot.  It makes it impossible to find anything and I spend all my time moving things from one pile to another looking for stuff.   Argh….it makes me crazy!!

This weekend when I should have been working on wedding cards and planting my garden, I worked at re-organizing, re-arranging and cleaning up my studio.  I’m actually embarrassed by how much “stuff” I’ve collected over the last several years.  It’s absolutely obscene !!  I really didn’t know how much I have until I started sorting through it! I’ve already purchased a few things that are being shipped to me and then the purchasing department is closed!  I have enough stuff to stock a store – I kid you not!  Enough said about that!!!

I managed to get some art done so I’m posting below.

Caio.

 

A mini holiday!

I went into work yesterday and started looking at the calendar.  HMMMMMM.  If I take 3 days off work, I end up with 9 days off.  Well that’s a no-brainer!  So,  I did and now I’m off until April 22nd.  WOOOOHOOOO!!!!

Even though I’ve only been back from holidays for about a month, work has been brutal  I think a time out is appropriate!

What am I going to do?  Get lots of sleep, play in my workroom and in my journal and get some of the projects that are incomplete finished.  I’m actually really looking forward to this little break. I need to put my brain on snooze for awhile.

Well, must run.  I have a spa appointment at 10:30 and I still need to grab a bite.

Caio!

Some days it just doesn’t pay to get up !

I’ve had one of “those” days!  Seems that no matter how hard you try, there is always someone or several someones who just aren’t happy unless they can complain about you.  Yeah, big surprise there!

I won’t go on a rant, suffice it to say I’m just a little down tonight.

I’m looking forward to a 3 day weekend.  I’m going to bottle some wine after work Friday and then home to put my feet up.  I booked myself a massage and a facial for Saturday and I’m going to enjoy it. Rather fortuitous that!

Hope to get more organizing done, work in my art journal, get caught up on some cards I owe and get some samples together for the store.  They say it’s going to be good weather here on the coast so I might also work in the garden for awhile. 

That’s it for now.  Caio!