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!

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!!!!!!!

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!

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!!!!!!!!!!!

Henry's nemesis

Oh my poor dog. He really has a thing about black cats. He hates them. He goes crazy if we see one on the street. And guess who goes and moves in upstairs? Just look at it peeping into our apartment!
This cat apparently grew up with a dog, and isn't scared of them. It sits on the blacony above and STARES at us. It kind of freaks me out a little... I use to have a cat, so I was used to their strangeness, but now I'm used to the frank openess of a dog, so I'll have to get used to life with a cat again! I love cats, I'd love to get one, but Warren is allergic. (allegedly!)

My newest art...

Here is some of the new stuff I've been working on. I'm doing some small collages for framing as well as the cards and ACEO's. Next up... pendants and fridge magnets...

Hike to St. Marks

Went for a fabulous hike yesterday. The snow is finally melting from the top peaks, and we're able to get into the back country. We hiked into an area I hiked 5 years ago, and I actually meant to take a different route this time to Strachan Mountain, but somehow ended up at St. Marks viewpoint. I guess I'll have to try again in a couple of weeks for Strachan. Apparently that's where you get the great viws of the Lions (top left). It was a pretty good climb, my first good hike of the year! We went fully loaded with bear spray and an air horn... the air horn scared the crap out of me, so I think it would send Yogi running. I'm going to really try to get out a lot this summer. The weather was so crappy last year there wasn't a lot of point in hiking hours to see a socked in, overcast view. As you can see, the weather could not have been better!

Cooling off...

Here's Henry on his first swim in the ocean of the year. I was being the nervous nelly though, as there's a pack of seals in the area, and they've been known to attack dogs from time to time, so we were keeping him pretty close to shore. He just loves swimming, nd he's good at it! We always joke that he looks like an X-Large rat that escaped from the freighter when he gets out of the water... well, an XL, XCute rat!

Fraser Valley Fishing Lodge

Had a fabulous weekend away at the Fraser Valley Fishing Lodge. We didn't actually partake in any fishing, just relaxing, but next time I might be inclined to learn a little fly fishing. The weather was gorgeous, and we had a great time

exploring the area. Harrison Hot Springs is just down the road, so we went and had a great lunch and strolled the lakefront artisan booths, as it was the Harrison Festival of the Arts that weekend. This is farm country, and there is produce, cheese makers, hazlenut farms and this area is known primarily for their corn... it is the best! Unfortunately we were just a little too early for the corn, but we get it fresh in the city as we're only 2 hours away. The lodge had bison roaming in the filed right across from our patio. They were quite friendly for bison, and there were eight 2 week old calves that 1 male spawned... I guess he knows what he's doing!
http://www.fraserriverlodge.com/english/

My birthday!!!!!!!!

It was my birthday on the weekend, and I had a "37 going on 7" birthday party! I had hot dogs and cupcakes and loot bags! It was a great time and I'm still recovering! You may note that I'm wearing my angry cupcake pin... it felt appropriate considering all the cupcakes that were consumed that night!

The Prince (?) and the Pea!

We came home the other day, and somehow our small dog managed to ( jump/ climb/ we're not really sure) up on this pile of cushions and blanket. It's pretty tall and unstable! He looked kind of busted when we walked in... who me? I'm not doing anything wrong! Don't mind the mess... the cleaning lady was off that day...

I love apples!

I think I'm addicted to apples.... W and I have been on a healthy eating kick, and for some reason apples have become my staple food. Red, green, large, small... I don't care, I love them all! My favourite would have to be a variety called Pink Lady. they are so crisp and juicy, and are such a beautiful colour. These Granny Smith's just looked so incredible in the this bowl (another One of a Kind Show artisan) that I had to take a picture.

Etsy Finds!

I just bought this adorable pin from a fellow Etsy artist. I just adore it! She does all sorts of fruits, veggies and sweets that are angry and bitter! I think they're just pretending though... what does a cupcake have to be mad about? Oh, maybe getting eaten...
Check out her shop!
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5189052

Chip's Not Dead Yet

On Friday night we went and did a fun run in Kitsilano for BC Childrens Hospital... the Lululemon man Chip Wilson matched everyone's $25.00 registration fee dollar for dollar, so that's a good chunk going to a very good cause. People had a great time dressing up and rocking out! We were walking with Team Journey, who is the daughter of a customer of ours who has unfortunately had to use BC Childrens Hospital a few times in past years.

Still Life

These bud vases make me happy. I bought them from a Quebequois artist at the One of a Kind Show in Toronto last Christmas. This artist does the most amazing ceramic mosaics you've ever seen. When I find her card amongst my piles of paper, I'll post her name.

My Mom brought the little dried twigs home with her from Paris... she knew I'd love them!