I worship Darwin

Well, worship might be a *bit* strong, but I think he was one of the greatest minds that ever existed. My Dad and I went to see the Darwin exhibit at the ROM when we were in Toronto. It was fantastic. I was shocked to learn that the exhibit couldn't get any major sponsorship from the usual suspects that sponser the big exhibits, because the nature of the subject matter (evolution) might offend some of their customers. I couldn't believe this was an issue here in Canada. I've always thought of Darwin as this guy with the beard in the photo, but the show really chronicled his life starting from chidhood. It was a great insight into the man, not just the icon (or pariah, depending on which side of the fence you're on!)that he has become.

Granville Island

This was a lovely day at Granville Island a couple of months ago. There is a donut shop there called Lee's Donuts, and they have the very best donuts. Seriously make it a destination if you're ever in Vancouver. TO DIE FOR! Anyways, I was REALLY going to hang out with my Mom and nephew, the donuts were an afterthought (yeah right!) but I was good. I shared!

http://www.seegranvilleisland.com

Henry has a cold

or allergies... I'm not sure. He's been snoring a lot more, sneezing a lot more, and kind of snuffly. Hopefully it's nothing, but if it doesn't get better in the next few days we'll have to take a trip to the vet.

Apple Version 3

Bullfrog

This is from last Sunday's Family Guy. Warren and I were both crying we were laughing so hard. Poor little frog...

Mango

Here is a little 4x6 painting I did of a mango. It started off *quite* disastrously, but I let it dry for a few days, then re-worked it and I think it turned out alright in the end. I still need to do some work on the background, but the mango itself is DONE!

Combat Paper Project

I just had to share this inspiring documentary about the Combat Paper Project. It's a truly touching video, and the process of cutting up their uniforms to make something useful and beautiful seems to be a cathartic step in the healing process for them. Enjoy!

Fun with Dolls.

These pictures were taken a few years ago on a summer wine tasting trip to Naramata... yes, I caught Warren playing with dolls! Leave him alone for a while with a glass of wine (or 5!) and this is what can happen. Hanging out on the patio, enjoying the sunset and a nice glass of Pinot Gris, suddenly notice our friends kids doll, and voila! ART! I bought him his own when we got home, but he was not amused...

An apple a day...

This is a 4x6 oil painting I'm working on. Now that I've worked on it a little more, I can see how unfinished the first one looks. It's not finished yet, but I'll wait until next week to look at it with a fresh eye.

Newest Painting

Here is painting #2. I'm really enjoying this class, and learning so much! I can't wait to start #3 next week!

Winter Farmer's Market

Here we are at The Wise Hall for the last day of the Winter Farmer's Market. It'll resume in a couple of weeks to it's summer location at Trout Lake. Buy local!!!

Mother's day !!!!!!!

Don't forget about Mom this May 11! And what Mom doesn't love jewellery?

http://www.luxe-design.com/

Stanley Park

How lucky are we that we have such a magnificent park right off of Vancouver's downtown. On a sunny day, it is just heavenly. It was really windy this day though, so it was a bit chilly, but we found a sheltered spot and had a lovely Smokie slathered in fried onions for lunch. With mustard... lots of mustard.

IT'S COLD!!!!!!

OK, the Rhododendrons are blooming. Cherry blossoms are out in full force. The Magnolia's have already bloomed, and the flowers are starting to fall off the tree. So WHY oh WHY is it still so cold? Global warming my ass! Here is poor Henry looking at me like," WHEN can we go to the park?" It snowed on Friday. This is Vancouver. We LOVE to brag about how we have the best weather in Canada. It NEVER snows here! And if it does, it melts in a day. Well, that's still mostly true, but who was laughing this weekend? Ontario! They had a beautiful, warm spring weekend back East. I guess they deserve it though... they had a truly wicked winter. I was there twice in the last 6 months, so I experienced it first hand!

Oil Painting Class

I'm taking an oil painting class. I was so inspired after seeing all the galleries in Scottsdale, that I finally decided to bite the bullet and just do it! Yes, I've been to art school, but I only did 2 years and never really took a painting class. Go figure.
The first painting is after our first class. The second is the finished painting, done in our second class. We'll be doing flowers next week, I can't wait! I'm no Leonardo da Vinci yet, but you have to start somewhere!

Creative frenzy!

I haven't posted any art for a loooooooong time! I've had a very creative couple of days. I haven't touched an art supply for probably over 3 months. No inspiration. I did start an oil painting class last Thursday though, so maybe doing that cleaned out the cobwebs in my head.

Maplewood Farm

I went to Maplewood Farm with my Mom and nephew "J" last week... There were about a dozen baby lambs that had just been born in the previous week. Too much cuteness! All J cared about was feeding the rabbits the carrots he brought. That was going fine until some little girls brought in some dandelions that they MUCH preferred. Who knew? He insisted on trying to force feed these poor bunnies, but they weren't having any of it.
I had to take the pics of the goats because I've always wanted a pet goat. I also used to want a pet seal and dolphin after watching Salty the Sealion and Flipper as a kid, but that's another story!

Spring is inching closer...

Is there anything more beautiful than a cherry blossom tree? You know Spring is almost upon us when the trees start to bud. We had one of our first warm, sunny days yesterday and it was glorious! Too bad I had a splitting headache that made me have to hide under the covers... I'm probably allergic to all the budding cherry blossom tress! They're worth it though, headache or not.

I am owned by a dog.

Shouldn't it be the other way around? I'm the one who bought him, but he turned the tables on me...Look at that face, he looks so innocent, but he knows how to manipulate me. I know what you're thinking, he's only a dog, he couldn't possibly know what he's doing... but trust me... he does!

It's gone baby gone...

I just happened to be walking down the pier yesterday, when they were in the last phase of tearing down this great old building. I know it's not much to look at, but it's part of what little heritage and history this area has left. At least they're keeping the other 3 buildings, I'd have had to raise hell if they tried to kill them all!