Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Fabulous weather
We went out for dinner at DiCarlos in Rancho Mirage again this evening. Fabulous as usual. Their early bird special is a great deal - a good sized salad, a choice of 5 entrees and garlic toast for $ 9.95. What's not to like?
I've been working in my journal and trying to perfect some of my pen work. Still lots of room for improvement. I'm working on a journal page a la Teesha Moore. Not sure how it's going to turn out. I'm pushing my boundaries and working outside my comfort zone. It should be interesting!
Gotta run. Caio!
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Return to paradise
I brought my journal and some journalling supplies with me and I've worked in it a little. Plan to do more tonight.
Must run, I have to make some phone calls and then off to bed. Caio!
Wednesday, February 05, 2014
Last 7 days before blast off
Monday, December 30, 2013
Some people are just evil !!!
Well now. There’s a warm cozy thought isn’t it? Why is it that some people need to be soooo very hateful and selfish. Some days it takes all I have to not toss them out the 6th floor window – no need to open the window, I’ll just drop kick them out and watch them sail through the atmosphere. Lovely thought, that is!!
Work is crazy busy – I’ve had a couple of issues that have been ongoing for a long time now. It’s been both emotionally and physically exhausting, however, I think it’s over now so that’s a good thing ! I’m looking forward to starting fresh in 2014, putting all the bad stuff behind me.
Art and journaling were shoved on the back burner for a good bit of November and all of December. I think that December should be 60 days instead of 31 – I never seem to have enough time! I hate it when Christmas becomes “just another job” ! I’m looking forward to working in my journal again. I have got to learn to manage that better.
The countdown for Palm Springs has started – 43 more sleeps. I soooo need a holiday!
I looked back in the blog and was surprised to see that there is very little art posted for the last several months. What’s up with that? So here’s a couple of cards I made recently.
Saturday, December 07, 2013
Hellooooooooooo
I’ve tried to post a couple of times, usually when I’m really tired, and had nothing but problems. So now I”m back when I’m at least half way awake to try again.
Work has been really busy, and with all the interruptions, and new tasks, I don’t ever seem to get anything accomplished. Add to that the Christmas season and problems with difficult people – well you get the picture.
My workroom look like it’s been vandalized! I can’t find anything and I’m constantly moving things from one pile to another. I have way too many “treasures” – “treasures” translate to “stuff” – and trust me, I have way too much of it. Right now I have other things I should be doing, however this place is such a mess that I can’t ignore it any longer. I am making some headway, and I will purge a few things over the next several weeks. I’ve waited too long - I think it’s too close to Christmas? Hmmm – will need to think about that! Anyway, I will eventually post some pictures of my re-vamped studio – If I can keep it clean long enough!!!
Here are a couple of my Christmas cards.
Caio!
Sunday, October 20, 2013
And another.....
I finished up both of those pages at the end of September and sent them off.
My challenge - progress report
I love journalling but I do struggle with it. I think I've said before - for the most part I'm fine with the backgrounds. I just seem to really struggle from that point on. Anyway, I've been able to complete a couple of spreads that I'm reasonably pleased with and which I'm willing to share.
This one was completed at the end of September. It really wasn't part of my challenge, however, I think it kind of planted the seed. So, here we go..........
Wednesday, October 02, 2013
Challenging myself
I broke down and bought a new printer. I went with a Canon Pixma. So far I'm happy with it. It was reasonably priced, it's fairly fast and is far less noisy than the HP which seemed to be constantly shuffling and bumping and raising a racket! So far so good.
For the month of October, I've challenged myself to work in my journals every single day. I don't need to complete a page every day, but my challenge is that I must work in my journal every day. Today is October 2nd and I've managed to complete one page so I'm very pleased with myself. Woohoo! I'll post soon so you can see what I've accomplished.
For now, I'm off to bed. I've had a busy couple of days and the rest of the week looks like it will be the same.
Caio!
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
SICK
I think I'm going to have to cut back on my internet time. I'm spending waaaay too much time on-line looking at everyone's fabulous art and I'm getting nothing done! I have two pages to finish in one journal and then 3 more journals waiting in the wings so I need to "git 'er done"!
DD is having some health issues, nothing too serious we hope. She has tentively disagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. She went for blood tests to determine which type she has and they discovered that she has pernicious anemia. Back in the day, that type of anemia killed you. It's caused by an inability of the body to absorb B12. She had her blood tests on Friday morning and first thing Monday morning the doctor's office called to tell her the doc wanted to see her right away. She went in and he explained what's going on and gave her a B12 shot. She'll have to go back every week for the next month or so. Somewhere during that month, the doc will re-run blood tests to see if this issue is temporary or whether she'll have to get shots for the rest of her life. Kind of scary, however I have every confidence that this is not going to be a big issue. This is me keeping my fingers crossed!
Anyway enough about illness. Here's one of my journal pages.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Very quick update
- I've finally finished a couple of pages in my journal partner's journal and I plan to send it off tomorrow. I had planned to send via expresspost, however I've had it way too long now so I'll send it off instead of keeping it until I finish working in my journal. Heather has been soooooo patient so I can't keep her waiting any longer
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
OK - so I'm in a really nasty mood ! Rant follows! ... Just saying....
I spent over $ 400 on this thing more than 5 years ago. I was very clear at the time that I wanted a 4 in 1 that had wireless printing capability. The salesman (who by the way, was full of shit!) assured me it was wireless enabled and went away with my hard earned money. After days of not being able to get the printer to work properly, buying an extended warranty and so on and so on, I find out from tech support that this "wireless" enabled printer is NOT and will not ever be a wireless enabled or compatible printer - not now, not ever, not even on Jupiter! Now isn't that special - it appears that I got screwed royally and I didn't even get kissed! It's noisy, it's slow and it drives me crazy with the continuous rattling, clicking, humming and paper jamming. Thanks a bunch, Staples!
I had a busy day at work and had to deal with one asshole and as well as people who feel the need to stick their noses into business that does not concern them. It makes me laugh - everyone wants to tell you how to do it but nobody wants to actually do it! I am so tired of the interference and nonsense that goes on there some days. It's like an blessed circus and all the clowns are in town on the same day!
I can hardly wait for the weekend. Monday August 5th is a holiday here in Canada and since its also my flex day, I get a 4 day weekend. I so need it! Woohoo.
OK, enough bitching. Gotta run. Caio!
Monday, July 08, 2013
Hit the road Nasty!
Tuesday, July 02, 2013
Sometimes you have to burn the bridge to keep the crazies from crossing
Anyway, enough said about that.
I've been struggling with my journals but have managed to finish a couple of spreads. I still have to finish some work for my journal partner. I mean this is really ridiculous! I've had these two journals for months and I'm still not finished them. My plan is to complete one, come hell or high water, and get them out in the mail to her.
I'm busy working on wedding cards for the store. I need to get them up to the store tomorrow and then I'll have a little breathing time. God knows I need it.
HOT, HOT, HOT
Work has been hectic and I've spent the better part of the last two weeks dealing with some very unpleasant business. Seems all this time, I've had shark in my pool ! Nasty surprise that is. Anyway, it's dealt with now so things should improve again.
I completed my first real face drawing and it's not half bad. Actually I'm pretty pleased with it. It's certainly not perfect but it's better than previous tries so that's a good thing. I've signed up for a faces workshop with a lady in Germany. I'm looking forward to starting, just haven't gotten around to it yet
Well must run. Caio!
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Flowers, Flowers Everywhere
The landscapers weeded my front flower bed for me and, aside from the remnants of a little bit of moss, it looks pretty good. Last year was only my first full year of garden there so it is still a work in progress. However I do know what I did last year that I didn't like so now I'll try something else. I love lots of colour and if anything, I under plant the area because I know that some of these plants will spread out. Nothing worse than putting in too much and it ending up looking like everything has gone to seed.
The weather here on the coast has been fabulous for the last few days. Last weekend we broke local temperature records which was really nice. Of course, it's going to be great weather until Saturday and then the cooler, rainy weather starts. Rain on the weekend.....hmmm...not such a big surprise!
I've been doing a lot of surfing for art journal tricks and techniques and really like what I'm seeing. However I need to stop surfing and start doing if I want to get anything done! I really enjoyed being able to take and/ or make time to play in my journal when I was on vacation. I need to make more time to play in my journal so I'm working at changing my mindset about it. Previously, I played in my journal when my other work was done so it usually ended up taking a backseat to other tasks/ responsibilities. I'm rethinking that practice now and I'm trying to take at least 10 minutes a day to play. Not sure that's going to work out, but I'm giving it a try.
Work is crazy busy, but busy in a good way. I have waaaaay too much to do but I'm enjoying what I'm doing and I'm feeling productive and valued so it's all good.
Must run - time to play! Caio.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Work has been really busy and hectic, however since I came back so relaxed and rested, I'm just going with the flow. I'm pretty much "whatever" when things go sideways. That and I've gotten much better at biting my tongue! :)
Immediately upon my return from holidays I ended up purchasing a new computer. Since my laptop is so old - I bought a reconditioned laptop in 2007. Some of the my word processing software was really old. I wasn't using MS Office but it seems that everyone else is so I was having problems with opening documents etc. Anyway, long story short, the new software I wanted was going to cost me a lot - software, plus upgrades plus installation...plus, plus, plus! I just finally decide enough already and bought a new computer. It's a Samsung with lots of memory and it's really fast so I'm a happy camper!
I've been threatening to post some of my journal pages so here goes. More to follow! Caio!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
All Good things.....
We're getting ready to head home in a few days. I'm always sad when the end of our vacation comes - although I have no business complaining !
The weather has been fabulous. Today at 7:30 in Palm Springs it's 96 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. Sure beats the weather we've been having at home - torrential downpours for the last couple of days.
My daughter and I have had a fabulous time together, golfing and just vegging out and relaxing, The house has been wonderful as usual and the pool to die for !
I'm also sad to be leaving as a neighbourhood cat - we don't believe it to be a stray - has adopted us and has spent most days since we arrived here with us. She seems to be very well fed - she's also an awesome hunter as one poor rat learned to his dismay ! She such a little doll that I seriously contemplated packing her up and taking her home with us. The voice of reason finally prevailed - it's my fervent belief (hope ?) that she is a beloved pet and that some family is giving her lots of love ! If I thought for a minute that she was a stray.......well, best not to go there !
We're playing our last round of golf tomorrow - supposed to be in the 90's again tomorrow - and then I'll spend Saturday as my last pool day. I have over-indulged in the sun for the last month so will probably end up looking like some wizened up old crone. Whatever !
Gotta run. Caio !
Saturday, March 09, 2013
Only one more week :(
I shouldn't complain.....we've had a wonderful time. The weather has been fabulous - a few windy days but still sunny and bright. The wind coming in off the desert is cold and strong and it's not much fun golfing when it's like that ! So for those few days, we've done other things.
Yesterday we went into Palm Springs and walked around the shopping district. Very disappointing. So many stores closed or going out of business. Only a few clothing stores (expensive and catering to stick people) and a few jewellry stores. I didn't see much else of interest. Two whole blocks of stores have been closed in preparation for a big hotel being built. Not a whole lot to see that's for sure.
We did enjoying checking out all the restaurants though. There are a few interesting ones - some very expensive - and lots of happy hours specials. We plan to visit one of the local pubs in town sometime next week .
The weather is improving today - supposed to be in mid 70's and then the temperature is increasing daily into next week. They're calling for 90 by Wednesday. Woo hoo! We have golf booked for Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Luckily with the clocks going back tonight, we'll have an extra hour of daylight so will be able to tee off a little later in the day when it's not quite so hot. Not that I'm complaining!
I've scored some excellent deals on stamps and other treasures from Joann's. Love, love, love Joann's!
I've also ordered some art supplies on line while I'm here so they should arrive shortly after we return home.
As well, I've managed to complete some journal spreads and have discovered zentangles and I'm hooked. I probably won't be able to post any art while I'm here....I want to enjoy as much of the fabulous weather as I can when I'm here. I can post anytime!
Well must run. The pool is calling my name!
Caio!
Friday, March 01, 2013
My Special Place
I love, love, love the house we rent - the pool is magnificent and we're situated close to everything we need. I wish I could afford to live here 6 months of the year. I wish I could afford to buy a home here.....that's not going to happen! So each February I migrate to Palm Springs (can you say lemming? ) and I feel rejuvenated and fulfilled. Special magic here!
I brought a 5 x 7 journal with me and I've been working in it. I've managed to complete 6 spreads and hope to complete more in the remaining 2 weeks here. I really like this size - I use different sizes at home some 6 x 11, some 8 1/2 by 11. However that's a lot of space to fill up. I prepared the pages before I came and I'm really loving this smaller journal ! I'll post some of my pages when we get home.
Saturday and Sunday are pool days - its supposed to be 84 for the next couple of days so we'll be enjoying the pool. It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it ! Saturday is the 5th anniversary of my husband's death.,....I cannot believe it has been so long - it seems like that was another lifetime and yet it feels like yesterday. He loved life and lived it at warp speed - he loved to eat and to gamble so the plan is to have steak and prawns here at the house and then go the casino and gamble our faces off. It seems fitting and he'd like that!
Must run. We just got back from golf - it was wonderful! The fabulosity of Palm Springs is amazing! We need to eat and then retire to watch tv. Life is grand, isn't it?
Caio!
Monday, February 18, 2013
Paradise found
Both flights went off without a hitch and we landed to sunny warm weather. Within a few hours of our arrival we were all settled in and enjoying the spa. Unfortunately, I took a tumble on our first night and went ass over tea kettle onto the ceramic tile floor. I had wiped up a couple of wet spots from tracking in and out of the house but I guess I missed one and down I went. It happened so quick that I didn't have time to catch myself. I landed on my left side, banging my ear and front of my shoulder into the pony wall between the kitchen and the hallway. Luckily I didn't bang my head on the tile floor and only scrapped my inner upper arm near my shoulder. My scrape is now (5 days later) scabbed over and my shoulder and upper arm are covered in a large purple bruise. Thankfully, other than that, I'm none the worse for wear!
As I mentioned, the weather here has been outstanding. Days have been hot (around 80 most days) with a slight breeze. The nights have remained warm so no need for a jacket most nights. So far so good and we're thoroughly enjoying our trip so far. The accomodations are wonderful, the pool is just the right temperature and the sun is shining. I think I've died and gone to heaven.
We're off to play some golf Tuesday and we have another tee time booked for Thursday. Both days are supposed to be a little cooler (high sixties) so we're looking forward to that. We had discussed golfing today (Monday) but then found out it's a long weekend here in the States so we're glad that we waited.
I brought my journal - most of my backgrounds already prepared - so I'm looking forward to working in it soon. I definetly want to hit Target, Big Lots and of course, Joannes. I'm hoping to maybe pick up a gelli plate. I did create one of my own out of foam core but if I can find one here will probably shell out some coin to purchase.
Well must run - the pool is calling my name.
Caio