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!

Ode to my pup

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

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!

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.

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!