Monday, December 29, 2008

Jane Austen rocks and other chick flicks...


I've been sick this Christmas, one bad cold to the next. It sucks, except for the fact that it allows me to watch all of the movies that W normally vetoes when we get DVD's together, not to mention all the movies that are on at this time of the year in general.
Here is just a sampling of what I've watched this past week...
-Pride & Prejudice (the new one w/ Keira Knightley) I've seen the A&E version too with Colin Firth. HELLO Mr. Darcy!
-Sense and Sensibility (seen and loved it before!)
-The Jane Austen Book Club (seeing a theme here?)
-Love Actually (I ACTUALLY watch this one every Christmas now!)
-P.S. (Not P.S. I Love You... this one has Laura Linney (love her!) and Topher Grace (love him!)
-The Devil Wears Prada. Didn't think I'd like this one as much as I did. Meryl Streep can do no wrong in my eyes.
-Mama Mia. See above. Pierce Brosnan can't sing and is adorable.
-The Sisterhood of the Travelling pants 2. I actually saw this on the plane coming home from Toronto. My Dad tried telling me which movie was being shown by telling me it was called THE PANTSUITS. Um, The pantsuits dad? Are you sure it's not The Travelling Pants? No, he was quite insistent that it was PANTSUIT. So now it will be forever known as "The Brotherhood of the Wandering Pantsuit."
-Thank you for not Smoking. Not a chick flick, but good nonetheless!
-The Hours. Ah, Meryl does it again.
- Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail. These were on TV and I got sucked in even though I've seen both before.
-Bridgit Jones Diary. Ditto to the above.
I'm sure there's more, but it's all a bit of a blur. For the record, I hate the term chick flick. I also hate the term Chick Lit. Why do we have to cutsie up everything that is women centric? We need a new term for it... Idea's?

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

The Paper Place Contest!


So there is this great shop in Toronto that has the BEST selection of Japanese Chiyogami papers I've ever seen. They are having this contest where you can win a sample of every Chiyogami paper they have! Now, I've already spent a lot of money buying all the papers i like, but I'm sure there's a lot I haven't seen yet. I WANT TO WIN THIS CONTEST! By posting it on my blog I receive 5 entries, so wish me luck!
The shop is located at 887 Queen St. West. See my links for a link to their online store!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Anonymous Art Show


W, I participated in the Anonymous Art Show at the North Vancouver Arts Council again this year and this is the piece I sold! It's such a neat concept... it's a fund raiser for art programs and the artist gets half the proceeds as well, so that's a big fifty bucks coming my way!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Baby it's cold outside!




It is cold. Very cold. Well, very cold for Vancouver. It's supposed to be -19 tomorrow. That's MINUS NINETEEN CELSIUS! Hold crap that is frigid. That is why we live in Vancouver, because it's very rare for it to get that cold. We don't have proper clothes (or tires, snow plows or the constitution!) for this weather. It's very inconvenient. Having said all that, I do kind of like it just a little bit. It's so beautiful when it's coming down. Everything looks different, there's a certain quiet that you only get when it's snowing. It's like it muffles the everyday street noise or something. (It could also be that there is no street noise when it snows because Vancouverites can't drive in the snow, so we just stay home).
We are dog sitting my sister's dog Puck, who is the sweetest girl dog I know. She is such a cuddler! Henry likes to sidle up to you on the couch, whereas Puck likes to plop down right on top of you. She is half Cairn Terrier and half Cocker Spaniel, a strange mix that strangely works....
These are our holiday lights on the patio. That is my absolute favourite thing about Christmas is the lights. They fill me with a unequivocal joy!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

The Sweet Hereafter


I swear, this is becoming the year Andrea reads every book that's been made into a movie... I realized that a few weeks ago, and I think it's because of my book source (The Salvation Army thrift store). For the most part, the books I see in there are Oprah Book Club books, Maeve Binchy, Steven King, John Grisham etc. Popular authors and books that warrant being read only once then tossed. Obviously if a book has then become a film, it's going to become a more popular book, hence my reading only books that became films. Next maybe I'll tackle some lighter fare, say Danielle Steele? Hee hee!
So, The Sweet Hereafter. I saw the movie first a few years ago. As mentioned in my previous post, I LOVE Atom Egoyan, and really enjoyed the movie when I saw it a few years ago. As for the book, it was good, but didn't really grip me. I liked the format, as it told the story from 4 different points of view. The school bus driver, the lawyer, the girl in the wheelchair and the father of 2 of the children who were killed. The basic story is a school bus slides off the road on a snowy day and many of the small towns children are killed. The story really is how the town deals with the loss, and who is to blame.
In this case, I think I liked the movie better again... Atom Egoyan, that's two for two!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Felicia's Journey


I just finished reading this book by William Trevor. I saw the film version by Atom Egoyan a few years ago, and had pretty well forgotten most of the story, except that cute little Bob Hoskins played an evil, evil man.
Almost 100% of the time I prefer the book to the movie, but in this case, the opposite is true. I'm a big fan of Atom Egoyan's work, his films are always unusual and dark. The book too, is dark, but I felt it moved at a pace that was a bit slow for my liking. I guess I also knew what was coming, so I was getting impatient for the inevitable ending. "The Collector" by John Fowles is one of my favourite books, and this book had a similar feel, but just didn't quite do it for me. If I was rating it, I'd give it 6.5 out of 10.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Henry's new fall jacket.




Isn't it adorable? It just suits his colouring so perfectly! This was a lovely sunny day a couple of weeks ago at the dog park. The leaves are so incredibly vibrant this year. Breath taking colour! Oh, I love Autumn!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

New Collage Stuff!





These fridge magnets are my newest babies... I'm quite liking them, actually! I found some superly strong small magnets from another Etsy seller, and mount them on Lino samples... Shhh! Don't tell Home Depot!

Sunday, November 09, 2008

TERRIERS!



I love Kids in the Hall. They were one of the first cool Canadian things on TV, and believe me, in the 1980'2 and 90's, there wasn't much on the good old CBC (except maybe the Beachcombers - Ha ha!)
I also happen to love terriers, and always have, so this video was always one of my favourite bits.
Enjoy!

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

The Glass Castle


Lately I have been consuming books like candy (and believe me, I eat a LOT of candy!)I buy almost all of my books at the local Salvation Army thrift store and most books are $1.00-2.00, cheap like borscht! I consider it my "buying library". I'm really bad at remembering to return library books, so I just return them to the Sally Ann when I'm done with them - No overdue fees!
This is one of the most engrossing books I've read in a while. I couldn't put it, was dreaming about it when I went to sleep!
It's a memoir by Jeannette Walls about her bizarre and dysfunctional family growing up. A lot of it is hard to believe, but I know people who have had similar upbringings, so I'm pretty sure it's not a Thousand Little Pieces all over again. She is proof that someone can make something of their life, no matter where they've come from. I highly recomend it!

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Goodbye Nyac


Nyac one of the two famous otter-holding-hands YouTube stars and long-time resident of the Vancouver Aquarium died on September 23, 2008. She was one of the last surviving sea otters from the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. Nyac came to the Vancouver Aquarium in 1989 as one of the few young survivors of the oil spill. She not only survived the traumatic event, but she overcame incredible odds and became the only known survivor to have successfully had a pup. On November 9, 1993, Nyac gave birth to a healthy female pup, Kipnuk. This event was considered miraculous due to the internal damage she had sustained. During her 20 years of life, she won the hearts of members, visitors, volunteers and staff at the Vancouver Aquarium. She inspired many people as they learned about sea otters and the issues that face them in our waters today. She was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia a few days before her death. This cancer has not been previously reported in sea otters, but it is associated with contact with petroleum in other species. So even in death, Nyac will continue to provide vital information on the long-term effects of oil exposure.

Nyac one of the two famous otter-holding-hands YouTube stars and long-time resident of the Vancouver Aquarium died on September 23, 2008. She was one of the last surviving sea otters from the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. Nyac came to the Vancouver Aquarium in 1989 as one of the few young survivors of the oil spill. She not only survived the traumatic event, but she overcame incredible odds and became the only known survivor to have successfully had a pup. On November 9, 1993, Nyac gave birth to a healthy female pup, Kipnuk. This event was considered miraculous due to the internal damage she had sustained. During her 20 years of life, she won the hearts of members, visitors, volunteers and staff at the Vancouver Aquarium. She inspired many people as they learned about sea otters and the issues that face them in our waters today. She was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia a few days before her death. This cancer has not been previously reported in sea otters, but it is associated with contact with petroleum in other species. So even in death, Nyac will continue to provide vital information on the long-term effects of oil exposure.
We'll miss you little girl!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

A walk in the park.



Here we are at Lighthouse Park last weekend. It's a gorgeous waterfont park in the community I grew up in, West Vancouver. It's hard to believe the beauty sometimes, of this place I am lucky enough to live in.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Silky Specialty




We went to the Silky Specialty dog show yesterday in Cloverdale. Henry's breeder's are pretty serious dog show people, and we like to go out and see Henry's sister and Grandpa who we knew would be there. It was a great time to see all of these funny little creatures together. It's amazing how different they all look! Well, Henry immediatley looks different because of his full tail and home made haircut, but if you ask me, he's still the cutest!






Friday, October 10, 2008

New Collage


Here are a couple of my newest pieces. You can find them in my Etsy shop, along with my cards and ACEO's. I'm looking forward to going to Toronto soon. My VERY favourite paper shop is there, The Paper Place. That's where I get my Japanese Chiyogami paper. They have an entire wall of it, there's probably 200 styles to choose from, AND you can get a 1/4, 1/2 or full sheet. It's heaven!

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Black Sheep Yarns

This is my most recent Etsy purchase from Black Sheep Yarns. Now, I've had some things come to me from Etsy sellers that is packaged beautifully, but this one topped them all! It felt like it was my birthday! And the papers were even better than I expected. Thank you Black Sheep, I'll definitely be buying from you again!
If YOU want to check out the shop, it's here...
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5033945

These beautiful old ledger pages are from 1897, and are just gorgeous! If you look at my collage below you'll see how I use them. The old yellowed book pages were just a bonus! Thanks, I LOVE them!


This collage doesn't use the actual ledger papers I bought, but a very similar one from France. I'll be putting Black Sheep's into the mix very soon!


Saturday, October 04, 2008

Sage Island

My friend Sam wrote a novel for her Masters program, and it was recently published by Brindle & Glass. I rushed out to Chapters to pick up my own copy and finally finished it this week. What a great read! I absolutely loved it, and am so proud to be friends with such an amazingly talented person!
Now, I'm not much of a writer myself. In fact, I kind of stink at it, but I do read. A lot. So I like to think I know good writing when I see it. Some of my favourite authors include Margaret Atwood, Timothy Findlay, Margaret Laurence and Ann-Marie MacDonald. I guess you could say I'm a little "Canadian author" obsessed.
Buy this book at Amazon.com or at your local book seller.
Sage Island by Samantha Warwick.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

SAD

I think I have Seasonal Affective Disorder. Probably a mild case, but I've really noticed in the past few years that I have WAY more energy in the summer, and am generally a happier person... the ironic thing is, I LOVE Fall! I love the changing season, the leaves falling from the trees, sipping hot chocolate by a roaring fire. That's why I think it might be the lessening of the daylight that's affecting me. I SHOULD be full of energy and life right now!
I've been kind of in the dumps this past 2 weeks. No reason, nothing is different. I'm just irritable, low energy and want to hermit. My mantra is "Shake it off!" I try to not let my feelings and negative energy simmer and dwell within me. It sometimes works, but if this is in fact a SAD problem, maybe it's not that simple!
If anyone has any experience with those light boxes and their affectiveness, let me know!
Thankfully it's sunny today, so I managed to get our into the sunshine for a little while this afternoon to soak it up!

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Ode to my pup

I love this goofy dog so much it hurts! Nuff said.














Monday, August 18, 2008

Henry's version of work.

This is what my dog does all day when I bring him to work. Well, I should say when he's not scaring the pigeons off the windowsill . Or barking his head off at anyone who dares to knock at the door. Or if a dreaded fly should come in (then he's under the couch). At least he earns his keep with cuteness. He makes everyone at work so happy, and that's a very important job!


Saturday, August 16, 2008

Henry's Nemesis - Part Deux

This is one ballsy feline... The other night I took Henry out to do his business and I left the patio door open. When I returned I shut the door and saw that I had a voicemail so I sat down on the couch to listen to it. I heard a scuffling toenail noise over by the kitchen island and looked over and saw that Henry was chasing a fast moving ball of black fur. The funny thing was I was so startled by the cat that I started yelling into the phone, "I have to go, the cat's in the apartment!" forgetting that I was only listening to a message from my Mom, and not actually talking to her... Duh!

Yes, the cat took it's opportunity and made a move. What it was thinking, I do not know... Suffice it to say, she wasn't really scared of Henry, and Henry simply didn't know what to do with the cat. He was chasing it, but he didn't attack it... I picked her up, and she slumoed down on my lap immediately and started to purr. The most relaxed ball of jelly cat ever... no tension in it's body at all! Henry was NOT happy about that, and was pacing around the apartment growling and making a fuss.

I also now know with 100% certainty that I am very allergic to cats... snif... I've been pining for a cat again, but I had such a reaction to this cat! I got hives all over my chin, a red, runny eye and had to blow my nose 4 times in 5 minutes. Oh well, better to find out now than after I bring a new kitten home.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Some new art...




Here are the new ACEO's I've been working on, They aren't in my Etsy shop yet, but will be soon!

Friday, August 08, 2008

Summer Lovin'

My old friend Wendys cabin on Gambier Island. I spent a lot of my childhood summer's there!
Camp Fircom, also on Gambier. I went there with my Mom and sister's for a couple of summers. it seems to be deserted now, so we wandered around a bit. Brought back some memories!
Harbour seals having a rest in the sun. They didn't seem to mind us hanging around.
It was such a beautiful day, I think it was 38 degrees. Perfect day for a swim, right? Well, I jumped in, then jumped out so fast it would make your head spin. Glacial runoff in Howe Sound is C-O-L-D!!!!!!!

Thursday, August 07, 2008

Mount Seymour

We hiked Mount Seymour on holiday Monday, and it was a gloriously sunny day, as you can see! It was tough going for me that day... it's a pretty easy hike, but you immediately gain a lot of elevation, so I was huffing and puffing pretty good... I was surprised at how much snow is still at the top... it's the first weekend in August!

Lisa and Deb carefully picking their way down the mountain...
I'm the king of the world! Er, I mean Queen!

Monday, August 04, 2008

Pride Parade

It was the Vancouver Pride Society 30 year anniversary this year, and I went to the parade for the very first time! Usually I'm camping or in New York this weekend, but this year it was neither of the above, so I went with my sister and my 2 little nephews. It was an awesome spectacle of colour and colourful characters! My 3 year old nephew just loved it because people kept giving him lollipops! He was very excited about all of the cars, trucks and balloons going by as well... my sister told him that at the parade we were going to, people waved rainbow flags instead of Canadian flags (he's only ever been to the Canada day parade!) Happy Pride to all!!!!!!!!!!!