Thursday, November 19, 2009
Facebook Fan Page
I am working on a page for Facebook while I work on my photo taking skills. Above is the widget that should take you to the page.
Yesterday I took my pieces to the castle where I volunteer. My pieces will go on display there starting today! I also have booked another show which will be on December 3 at Camosun College. I am excited that my work is being so well received!
I will work on this post a bit more later. The changing weather is giving me headaches and I have to get ready for my volunteer shift at the castle.
Later!
-LT
Saturday, November 7, 2009
New Toy
It is called Fimo Liquid. I have been reading about it for years on various craft and instructional blogs, but have never tried it. After a wonderful lunch with my sister in law, we walked, in the rain, to the local art supply store where I bought this polymer clay "glue". I am excited to try it for making dragon wings and to use it to set the sequins and small stones in my other creatures.
I made three penguins last night and started on a fourth. I have been using my supplies of rhinestones and sequins that have fallen off some of my cheaper costume jewelry. I had one pair of pretty earrings that had pink and green stones that were slowly falling off. Now, one of those stones lies happily in one of my abstract pieces, while the others are living on a penguin.
Pictures later!
-L to the T
I made three penguins last night and started on a fourth. I have been using my supplies of rhinestones and sequins that have fallen off some of my cheaper costume jewelry. I had one pair of pretty earrings that had pink and green stones that were slowly falling off. Now, one of those stones lies happily in one of my abstract pieces, while the others are living on a penguin.
Pictures later!
-L to the T
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Goal for the day
With the craft show less than two weeks away, my goal is to have five dragons completed today.
I also have two new ideas for pieces. One is based on a beautiful flower pin I bought over the weekend in Saltspring Island, and the other came from my fingertips playing with the clay. Pictures later!
This evening I will prepare a new dish of Salmon Pot Pie. Last night was Enchilada Pie. Pies and casseroles are fantastic food for chilly weather and reheat well the next day for lunch.
Have a wonderful day!
I also have two new ideas for pieces. One is based on a beautiful flower pin I bought over the weekend in Saltspring Island, and the other came from my fingertips playing with the clay. Pictures later!
This evening I will prepare a new dish of Salmon Pot Pie. Last night was Enchilada Pie. Pies and casseroles are fantastic food for chilly weather and reheat well the next day for lunch.
Have a wonderful day!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
It's On!!
Today I booked my first craft show in over four years. The last one I did was at the Ocean Beach People's Co-Op, an organic, fair trade and all sorts of awesomeness grocery store.
Not much made it up here from San Diego. This evening I am sorting through my supplies and finished pieces to help me decide what to sell.
Once I make that decision I can start designing my display. If I stick with the Santa Shells I'll have a christmas tree cut-out with hooks all over it to hang the various ornaments. If I sell my dragons, I'd like to make a cut out that looks like a large flame. I may sell a variety of my works instead, in which case I'll need a more generic display.
Tomorrow I will post some pictures of my pieces and keep the blog updated with my progress.
Let the season begin!
Not much made it up here from San Diego. This evening I am sorting through my supplies and finished pieces to help me decide what to sell.
Once I make that decision I can start designing my display. If I stick with the Santa Shells I'll have a christmas tree cut-out with hooks all over it to hang the various ornaments. If I sell my dragons, I'd like to make a cut out that looks like a large flame. I may sell a variety of my works instead, in which case I'll need a more generic display.
Tomorrow I will post some pictures of my pieces and keep the blog updated with my progress.
Let the season begin!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Exploring V Town
Oh, my poor little blog! It fell to the wayside during the drive up to Canada and the two week trip to Scotland. The nightly unloading and the morning reloading of the truck and the eight hour time difference sapped all creative energy!
My husband started his new job this past Tuesday, thus leaving me all alone!! Granted, this was the plan. Fantasizing about being a housewife during awful days at work would get me through to happy hour. The reality is, well, pretty dull! I am working on alternatives to couch sitting and channel surfing.
On Wednesday I ventured out to Shine Cafe, a fantastic breakfast and lunch place with an awesome staff. I've only been there once before. I ordered to Nemo, which is eggs benedict with wild salmon instead of ham, and avocado sliced on top. Yummers! On this visit I ordered the same thing.
Aside from the food and service, another thing I love about this place is that they offer half orders for two dollars less. Half orders! Being a light eater, I cringe at the serving sizes of most places. I hate wasting food. Hate it. Not all food is good for take away, so, unless the husband finishes it off for me, the food goes to waste.
While I was there I saw a woman with the most amazing hairstlye. It was a long haired mohawk with spider webs shaved into the side of her head. Loves it! So often I want to take a picture of the amazing things I see here, but I'm scared to ask permission! Granted, someone with hair like that would probably love to have their picture taken! I sure do!
Sitting there in the cafe by myself, I was struck by my lack of creative energy. How can I be in a rut when I only just got out of one? I've just gone through a huge transition. I've left my good, though not great, job. I've left my state in a time of crisis and I've left my country. Although, Victoria is very much like the better parts of California and the West Coast, it is different. I can't out my finger on it! Perhaps it is not the location that is so different, it is the life.
Life is different now.
Later that day I ventured to the closest grocery store which is 0.8 miles away. The way there is down hill and can be done in about three songs on my MP3 player. The way back, laden with groceries, feels like 8 miles! I have a large backpack that held a large orange juice, fresh wild salmon and various other groceries. I bought a bag of Smarties, which here are like M and M's, not the sweet little sugar wafers, for fuel!
I broiled the wild salmon and served it with a salad from the local market. Here's a tip about Newman's Own salad dressing... there is not flow control top! Sadly, my beautiful salad got DRENCHED in dressing! I poured the excess onto my salmon, yum, but the salad was ruined. So, be warned!
Yesterday I walked to the downtown area of Victoria. The tourists are in full swing! The area was full of music from the buskers performing on the streets. Though some of them perform to closely together, making it difficult to enjoy just one artist, so you may as well just enjoy the symphony of the city and let it all pour over you much like an open mouthed salad dressing.
The heat was also in full swing. I got a bit burned on the trip. I enjoyed a lemonade on the water front, but it was not cold enough. I stopped at a tourist trap to get two scoops of gelatto on an ice cream cone.
My husband started his new job this past Tuesday, thus leaving me all alone!! Granted, this was the plan. Fantasizing about being a housewife during awful days at work would get me through to happy hour. The reality is, well, pretty dull! I am working on alternatives to couch sitting and channel surfing.
On Wednesday I ventured out to Shine Cafe, a fantastic breakfast and lunch place with an awesome staff. I've only been there once before. I ordered to Nemo, which is eggs benedict with wild salmon instead of ham, and avocado sliced on top. Yummers! On this visit I ordered the same thing.
Aside from the food and service, another thing I love about this place is that they offer half orders for two dollars less. Half orders! Being a light eater, I cringe at the serving sizes of most places. I hate wasting food. Hate it. Not all food is good for take away, so, unless the husband finishes it off for me, the food goes to waste.
While I was there I saw a woman with the most amazing hairstlye. It was a long haired mohawk with spider webs shaved into the side of her head. Loves it! So often I want to take a picture of the amazing things I see here, but I'm scared to ask permission! Granted, someone with hair like that would probably love to have their picture taken! I sure do!
Sitting there in the cafe by myself, I was struck by my lack of creative energy. How can I be in a rut when I only just got out of one? I've just gone through a huge transition. I've left my good, though not great, job. I've left my state in a time of crisis and I've left my country. Although, Victoria is very much like the better parts of California and the West Coast, it is different. I can't out my finger on it! Perhaps it is not the location that is so different, it is the life.
Life is different now.
Later that day I ventured to the closest grocery store which is 0.8 miles away. The way there is down hill and can be done in about three songs on my MP3 player. The way back, laden with groceries, feels like 8 miles! I have a large backpack that held a large orange juice, fresh wild salmon and various other groceries. I bought a bag of Smarties, which here are like M and M's, not the sweet little sugar wafers, for fuel!
I broiled the wild salmon and served it with a salad from the local market. Here's a tip about Newman's Own salad dressing... there is not flow control top! Sadly, my beautiful salad got DRENCHED in dressing! I poured the excess onto my salmon, yum, but the salad was ruined. So, be warned!
Yesterday I walked to the downtown area of Victoria. The tourists are in full swing! The area was full of music from the buskers performing on the streets. Though some of them perform to closely together, making it difficult to enjoy just one artist, so you may as well just enjoy the symphony of the city and let it all pour over you much like an open mouthed salad dressing.
The heat was also in full swing. I got a bit burned on the trip. I enjoyed a lemonade on the water front, but it was not cold enough. I stopped at a tourist trap to get two scoops of gelatto on an ice cream cone.
I was tempted to go to Starbucks for an icy frappucino, but I couldn't when there were all these other little shops to support. Next time, though, I'll skip that gelatto place... it cost the same as two venti frapps... ouch! I'm all about supporting small business, but I'll have to wait until I'm bringing in some more money!
My craft show is in mid November. I'll have to work on cranking out some pieces. Since it is a holiday show, I'll work on my holiday themed oranaments more than my creatures. However, if, once I get my fingers working I feel a little dragon that wants to come out of the clay, I'll let her out!
Today I will hit the grocery store again once I figure out what to make for dinner. I feel very guilty about not working, so I want to have a dinner ready for him when he gets home. Tonight I think I will try to make Gazpacho and add tofu for substance. I have a cookbook called "The Moosewood Cookbook" written by a bunch of hippies from New England. My mom has been using it since I was a kid, so it is very special to me to be able to feed my little family with it. I have peppers from my family's garden, and I think I may have some zucchini left from the garden as well.
Keep it chill!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Day: I have no idea
Hopefully this is the last day of our road trip. The drive up the 101 to the 1 on Wednesday, though beautiful, was very time consuming. Miles of winding roads up and down the cliffs afforded us amazing views, so amazing, we had to stop and stare more than once! We were lucky enough to see seven elephant seals fight for territory and pet fat and baby squirrrels!
Yesterday we left from Patterson, Ca and made it all the way to Albany, Oregon. There wasn't much to see as we were on the 5 the entire time.
Aside from having to tell a Wendy's manager how to do her job and taking pictures of Jason jump starting an old man's car, the day was pretty ho hum. (Honestly, how hard is it to open another register when all you are doing is walking back and forth trying to look busy? The Ashland Wendy's should be expecting a comment card from me anytime soon!)
By the time we get to a hotel, I am far too tired to download photos or write. I will make up for this while I am in Scotland, enjoying some lazy days with my husband. I hope we make it to Victoria tonight. I am beside myself when I am away from my children. I can't wait to see them and hold them. I will dive head first into some serious Bindi belly, hold my Irwin and let him wrap his arms around my neck and give me a big hug and then wrestle a snuggle from my little wiggle-worm, Golgi! Once my little family is together, I will relax... a little!
Yesterday we left from Patterson, Ca and made it all the way to Albany, Oregon. There wasn't much to see as we were on the 5 the entire time.
Aside from having to tell a Wendy's manager how to do her job and taking pictures of Jason jump starting an old man's car, the day was pretty ho hum. (Honestly, how hard is it to open another register when all you are doing is walking back and forth trying to look busy? The Ashland Wendy's should be expecting a comment card from me anytime soon!)
By the time we get to a hotel, I am far too tired to download photos or write. I will make up for this while I am in Scotland, enjoying some lazy days with my husband. I hope we make it to Victoria tonight. I am beside myself when I am away from my children. I can't wait to see them and hold them. I will dive head first into some serious Bindi belly, hold my Irwin and let him wrap his arms around my neck and give me a big hug and then wrestle a snuggle from my little wiggle-worm, Golgi! Once my little family is together, I will relax... a little!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Day 6
Day 4 was a rough day.
As we were about to leave for the airport, the kids having already been wrestled into their carriers, I misplaced my passport. I was beside myself with anger and frustration. Then my best friend, Liz, called to report that her ride's tire had just blown! I put her on the phone with my mom as I was unable to cope with all that was happening.
We made the decision that I would fly up to Seattle and see them all off on the ferry to Canada. The Alaska ticket was bought through Orbitz and operated through American. To get my new boarding pass I would have to trek to the other terminal. Really? Really.
While mom and Liz passed through security, I, loaded with three cats in carriers, requested my special screening. The screener took me to a locked room where I could remove each of the cats and she could clear the carriers and give them a little pat down!
Irwin was happy to be out and wanted to explore the private room. Bindi cooperated completely. Golgi was not so easy! He is my little wiggle worm! After he was cleared, he was eager to return to his carrier. Reloaded with three cats, I met up with the ladies.
I am tired right now. It has been a long week. I will revisit this entry after I relax a little. Busy day today!
As we were about to leave for the airport, the kids having already been wrestled into their carriers, I misplaced my passport. I was beside myself with anger and frustration. Then my best friend, Liz, called to report that her ride's tire had just blown! I put her on the phone with my mom as I was unable to cope with all that was happening.
We made the decision that I would fly up to Seattle and see them all off on the ferry to Canada. The Alaska ticket was bought through Orbitz and operated through American. To get my new boarding pass I would have to trek to the other terminal. Really? Really.
While mom and Liz passed through security, I, loaded with three cats in carriers, requested my special screening. The screener took me to a locked room where I could remove each of the cats and she could clear the carriers and give them a little pat down!
Irwin was happy to be out and wanted to explore the private room. Bindi cooperated completely. Golgi was not so easy! He is my little wiggle worm! After he was cleared, he was eager to return to his carrier. Reloaded with three cats, I met up with the ladies.
I am tired right now. It has been a long week. I will revisit this entry after I relax a little. Busy day today!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Sabbatical: Day 2
I woke up early this morning. Sleeping seems like such a waste of time!
We have the guest room ready for my mom. It is not quite as nice as we used to keep it. The nice double bed has been replaced with an air mattress and all the furniture, except for one broken dresser, has been removed. There are no more of the family photos on the walls, all the trinkets on the shelves are nestled in their shipping containers.
Day one was pretty awesome!
I started the day with a zombie movie, Pontypool.
See it!
My fridge is perfectly full of leftovers and baked confections! All I need is some orange juice to mellow out the caffeine of all the coffee I have consumed this morning.
I still have to clean the bathroom before my mom arrives in an hour. I needed a break from the natural disaster that is moving!
We have the guest room ready for my mom. It is not quite as nice as we used to keep it. The nice double bed has been replaced with an air mattress and all the furniture, except for one broken dresser, has been removed. There are no more of the family photos on the walls, all the trinkets on the shelves are nestled in their shipping containers.
Day one was pretty awesome!
I started the day with a zombie movie, Pontypool.
See it!
After that I did some menial paperwork that makes little to no sense. Jason was able to leave work early. He took me to DZ Aikens for lunch. I hit the bakery once we were done with our meals. Yummy doily cookies! Jason meant to surprise me with a drink at the bar where we met eight years ago. Sadly, it has closed. We were able to look inside and see the floorspace where we met! I got a few pictures on my camera phone. I see it as another sign that it is time for us to leave California.
Jason's boss and his wife picked us up and took us out to dinner downtown at The Yardhouse. It wasn't as loud as usual, so we were able to hear each other as we walked down memory lane. Since Jason and Brian have worked together Brian has had two sons, Jason and I met and then married. The four of us shared all those events together. We will see them again since they both like to travel!My fridge is perfectly full of leftovers and baked confections! All I need is some orange juice to mellow out the caffeine of all the coffee I have consumed this morning.
I still have to clean the bathroom before my mom arrives in an hour. I needed a break from the natural disaster that is moving!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Sabbatical: Day 1
I woke up early this morning.
Irwin was draped across Jason's legs while Bindi was happily nestled in the small of his back. Jason was covered in cats... a common occurance in our house.
So, here are my plans for Canada to keep myself busy as I practice becoming a homemaker! Sewing classes for skills, vocal lessons to help me on my path back to the theatre, volunteering at the Royal Jubilee Hospital where my sis-in-law works, and exploring my new home. 
Oh, I'll also spend some time catching up on movies! Perhaps my inner movie critic will emerge. I may even start reading again. I'm not the best reader, or even a good one, so, maybe I'll throw down two books during my sabbatical!
I really want to explore my craftiness. Since I was in high school at B-CC I have been very crafty with sculpture and embroidery. I've pretty much abandoned the embroidery, but I've had my spark reignited by looking at Princess Lasertron. http://www.princesslasertron.com/
I figure if I have a set goal then I will be able to avoid the pitfalls of inevitable boredom. There will be a Holiday Craft Show in Oak Bay. I'd like to try to sell some of my pieces at craft shows. Depending on how that goes, I'd like to see how I do on Etsy. I'll focus on craft shows first. I've only done two before! I have much to learn.
We will be living across the street from Jason's mom's houe. She has a nice little garden. I'm looking forward to learning some skills from her. Jason's dad is quite the chef. I hope to learn some cooking skills from him! Jason's step-mom volunteers at a museum very close to where I live. Maybe I'll look into museum volunteering!
Today I have to work on packing away my little nest of crafts. I am not looking forward to this!
I have to have it done soon! My mom arrives tomorrow afternoon. I'd like to have everything done in the house so that we can just play while she's here!
We leave for Canada on Friday with the kids, Irwin, Bindi and Golgi. I will be able to relax once they are safe in our new apartment, but not until then!
Irwin was draped across Jason's legs while Bindi was happily nestled in the small of his back. Jason was covered in cats... a common occurance in our house.
Golgi bounced up on to the bed and announced his presence with a rolling chirp, "I'm here! Entertain me! Please me! While you're at it, FEED me!"
I am now an unemployed person. I've worked since I was 16. My identity has been wrapped in my job for half my life, I am full of butterflies and vultures! It will be good to separate the two. My friend asked me if I hoped to reinvent myself when I move away. I told her I want to be more of myself. I've been stifled by my sense of responsibility to my work. Being free of that, I hope, will help me figure out myself a little better.
While on a self reassuring rant last night in the truck, I reminded myself that I have a pretty good skillset to fall back on! Just because I'm not working for a while doesn't mean I'll never be able to. I can always find some middle management job in many fields, but I'd rather not!
I've always wanted to be a stay at home mom for our children. Truthfully, I would be HORRIBLE! Not in a mean way! Just in a complete-lack-of-skills way! I'll be a loving, attentive and nurturing mom, but the kids will eat the same thing over and over! I hope to take this time to develop some home-ec skills! Cooking? Only in a microwave, right? Sewing? Uh, maybe a pillow form! Cleaning skills? Uh, no.
While on a self reassuring rant last night in the truck, I reminded myself that I have a pretty good skillset to fall back on! Just because I'm not working for a while doesn't mean I'll never be able to. I can always find some middle management job in many fields, but I'd rather not!
I've always wanted to be a stay at home mom for our children. Truthfully, I would be HORRIBLE! Not in a mean way! Just in a complete-lack-of-skills way! I'll be a loving, attentive and nurturing mom, but the kids will eat the same thing over and over! I hope to take this time to develop some home-ec skills! Cooking? Only in a microwave, right? Sewing? Uh, maybe a pillow form! Cleaning skills? Uh, no.
So, here are my plans for Canada to keep myself busy as I practice becoming a homemaker! Sewing classes for skills, vocal lessons to help me on my path back to the theatre, volunteering at the Royal Jubilee Hospital where my sis-in-law works, and exploring my new home. 
Oh, I'll also spend some time catching up on movies! Perhaps my inner movie critic will emerge. I may even start reading again. I'm not the best reader, or even a good one, so, maybe I'll throw down two books during my sabbatical!
I really want to explore my craftiness. Since I was in high school at B-CC I have been very crafty with sculpture and embroidery. I've pretty much abandoned the embroidery, but I've had my spark reignited by looking at Princess Lasertron. http://www.princesslasertron.com/
I figure if I have a set goal then I will be able to avoid the pitfalls of inevitable boredom. There will be a Holiday Craft Show in Oak Bay. I'd like to try to sell some of my pieces at craft shows. Depending on how that goes, I'd like to see how I do on Etsy. I'll focus on craft shows first. I've only done two before! I have much to learn.
We will be living across the street from Jason's mom's houe. She has a nice little garden. I'm looking forward to learning some skills from her. Jason's dad is quite the chef. I hope to learn some cooking skills from him! Jason's step-mom volunteers at a museum very close to where I live. Maybe I'll look into museum volunteering!
Today I have to work on packing away my little nest of crafts. I am not looking forward to this!
I have to have it done soon! My mom arrives tomorrow afternoon. I'd like to have everything done in the house so that we can just play while she's here!
We leave for Canada on Friday with the kids, Irwin, Bindi and Golgi. I will be able to relax once they are safe in our new apartment, but not until then!
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