The Ridler sisters, Suzie, Jamie and Shannon, discuss their creative projects, from challenges to celebrations, and support each other's creative lives.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

May 31, 2012

Jamie

I love co-working with Tanya Geisler. We have a wonderful time, working hard and bouncing thoughts and ideas off one another. Another treat is visiting with her cats! Yesterday all three came and had cuddles. It was such a treat! Aren't they beauties?



Shannon

I was oddly lacking in photos yesterday but I did have this one, of advertising...on a banana. I love film, but this is going to far!


Suzie

This is like the only photo I took yesterday. I finally found these condiments in the meat section of my store but they did not have the caramelized onion relish, the one I wanted to do a review! I probably should not have gone out yesterday. It was so cold and damp and I have been coughing a lot every since.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

May 30, 2012

Jamie

Another view of the completed fence - yay! I haven't had a chance to do anything in the garden yet but look forward to getting to it soon. Next big step will be removing those patio stones and getting something prettier to lead the way.



Shannon

You know you've been out a long time that the journey back is technically the next freaking day! Alas, had a fun time at the movies and a great time at film blogger pub night - which is probably what I should have a pic up but I was too wrapped up in having awesome film discussions from blind spots to festival chats to crazy arguments and all around fun times.



Suzie

Where I live is insane. People think they live in quiet communities where everything is great but there is scary crap happening everywhere. I feel like I am the only one who sees it which freaks me out. Maybe they don't read the newspaper. All I know is the cops were at a problem house in bullet-shooting range of our house for hours again last night. If I have to deal with this crap, I would rather be in Vancouver.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

May 29, 2012

Jamie

This is me leaning against the red rock after a hike to visit Kachina Woman and one of the vortexes of Sedona. A vortex is an energy centre that is thought to have healing and spiritual properties. People come from all over the world to experience them. This one is said to balance male and female energy. When we arrived, a man was sitting at the very top of the rock formation, playing the flute and sending reiki to the world. It was a gorgeous hike, the view was amazing and there was no doubt a sense of great calm and ease.
 


Shannon

It was a bloody hot day but I didn't let that get me off of my to do list as I vlogged and vlogged, including finding out that there is at least one Bond film I love with Thunderball


President's Choice S'mores Cream Pie

Suzie

Reg and I spent yesterday getting groceries for his mom and then having some tea and a sweet treat.

Monday, May 28, 2012

May 28, 2012

Jamie

This weekend has been an amazing adventure in Sedona. There have been so many amazing firsts: the first time I've been to Sedona, the first time I've been in a desert climate, the first time I've met Sunny in person, the first time I've been at this high an elevation, the first time I've seen a hummingbird, the first time I've eaten a mulberry and the first time I've held a chick in my hands! Amazing.



Shannon

Weekend watching continue both the Bondathon and Aliens series and both winners on that end with Thunderball (sooooooo good - although Suzie wouldn't like it because of the ah, underwater creatures) and not-always-well-received Aliens 3. Also caught The Aggression Scale which is out on DVD this week and I'll be reviewing over at the site soon. I snuck in 2 more films too but they were on a whim so I didn't have a pic! haha! Who knew I could be so impulsive.

Stayner's Wharf Pub & Grill

Suzie

After the week from hell, Reg too me out as promised for dinner and jazz music. What a fantastic time we had out! Did we ever need it.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Rewind: May 27, 2012

Jamie

This weekend, I'm away in Sedona, spending time with my friend Sunny and also with horses. We're dreaming up a Creative Living Adventure for the fall and it has me thinking about my younger self. Somehow I know it's my inner 12-year-old that's going to meet those horses, the dreamer, the magic believer. I was older than that when this was my room, but it clearly speaks to that part of me as well! With a side of glam on the vanity ;)



Suzie

I just had to share this adorable photograph of Shannon! I think she is in our upstairs hallway. What a cutie! :)

Saturday, May 26, 2012

May 26, 2012

Jamie

I still can't believe that I'm in Sedona and have just spent the day immersed in horses! This is me and Lilly after a very powerful experience of connecting with one another and walking around together. She has been a beautiful reflection to me of a deep aspect of myself. I am so thankful for this experience and can't wait to share in more detail and in more ways!



Shannon

I've been trying to do my winter/summer crossover storage/apartment layout for a while now and the heat that hit this week (the fan is on all the time now!) made me realize it's now or never. So, I washed my blankies and this one needed some mending before going away for the year. Who decides to help out? That's right - my cat loves to be in the action. Thankfully she conceded to be moved OFF the freshly washed/in the process of being mended blankie without much fuss.

Weekend Foodie Entertainment

Suzie

Mom really wanted me to plant some of these bush green beans and I was shocked I could actually find some at Sobey's on Friday! Once Reg tackles the jungle growing in the backyard, I will figure out where to plant them.

Friday, May 25, 2012

May 25, 2012


Suzie

Thursday I went to a couple of garden centres. Being there always reminds me of Mom. Of course she would focus on the pretty blooms but I am all about the herbs. I ended picking up some sage, rosemary, basil and chives. I already had thyme! And, I already used some of the sage and basil for recipes which makes me happy.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

May 24, 2012



Shannon

Sometimes you just never know what you are going to run into when you pop out to the store! Looks like remnants of a move that didn't *quite* make it.


Under Our Willow Tree

Suzie

There is a scene from Joe vs the Volcano where the sole of his shoe is tearing off and he says, "I'm losing my soul." I have decided to duct tape the sole of my hut bootie together because it started falling off and I nearly fell down the stairs a few times with it flapping around.

Reg really wants me to get a new pair now but they don't seem to be on sale at Mec right now but I have to get new super-warm slippers. Researching begins...

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

May 23, 2012

Jamie

(Sorry for the fuzzy pic) Today was the first day that I've been at art picnic for ages! It was great to catch up with the women in the group and share how the trip to France went. It wasn't until about halfway through our picnic that I realized there's now a big print of the Mona Lisa on the coffee shop wall! I totally forgot to take a picture of it but it really made me smile.



Shannon

Behind the scenes of my marathon vlogging. Yes I have notes! I don't look at them too often but it's good to have some point of reference :)



Suzie

Had the worst day yesterday but this movie was kind of cute. Reminded me of Mystic Pizza.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

May 22, 2012



 Jamie

Yesterday it was so awesome to treat Victoria Day like a holiday. (I often forget to take holidays off) It was such a treat to sit in the backyard, which feels so different now that we have our new fence, with a cup of tea and a book to read. I could get into the habit of this!



Shannon

I know organizing is a traditional way to spend a holiday but hey, it's often what I do. I was actually really happy to go through my tickler because I used to use it religiously but let it go for over a month. I'm not sure if I'll go completely back to this system as I'm shifting some of my thinking, but clearing through felt good especially as it assured me there were no pressing things I've missed (YAY).



Suzie

I spent the weekend exploring movies on Netflix and At Home by Myself... with You was beyond delightful. These types of movies are a challenge to discover on Netflix but they're there. A total gem!

Monday, May 21, 2012

May 21, 2012

Jamie 

I love this time of year in the garden. Everything is starting. Everything is full of promise. I'm so glad we put in a white lilac bush a couple of years ago. The smell is so wonderful, I had to bring some of it inside to enjoy on this wonderful Victoria Day (aka May 2-4) weekend! I hope you both are enjoying the long weekend too!

Shannon

Weekend watching has me in full manathon-ing effect as I'm concurrently going revisiting both the Bond Franchise (Goooooooooooooldfinger!) and Alien series with Aliens. I love that movie. So much. Also got to re-visit Secret World of Arrietty and wow, that means the only new film was The Collapsed for and upcoming DVD review in a few weeks as I'm trying to get a bit ahead. Oh my, me....trying to get ahead! WOW!


Suzie

Having a quiet weekend while Reg studies. Turns out the only way I turn to journaling is when I am trying to be as quiet as possible. I have been trying to figuring out where I want to take my foodie blog next. I have been very scattered lately which before was OK but not anymore. I really feel the need to get focused now. The process was very revealing.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Rewind: May 20, 2012

Jamie 

Suzie, you inspired me! Plus, you're totally psychic because this is the week that Marjorie (our dance teacher) will be on the Creative Living with Jamie podcast!

Under Our Willow Tree

Suzie

Can you pick out which one is me? The one with the crazy-long arms and messy hair. Some things don't change! Only other person I recognize is behind me with blonde hair. That is my old friend Tasha who moved to the U.S. soon after this recital. I wonder what happened to her?

Saturday, May 19, 2012

May 19, 2012

Jamie

Shannon and I had an awesome time hanging out yesterday. We decided to watch something from Netflix and considered everything from You Got Served to a Sherlock Holmes series but somehow when we landed on Megamind as an option, we knew it was the one to go with. This movie was so much fun. There were so many good moments I'm still giggling!


Shannon

I've been working on some reformatting, repackaging and scheduling the content over at Movie Moxie and wow, I was just running into a few stumbling blocks but thankfully Jamie looked at it with me today and help identify the monkey wrench and find it a new home/name/definition (Thank you Jamie!). It was awesome. It's wild to see how it all come apart and together with index cards!


Yesterday I wore my alien hat to the library and picked up some books and DVDs for the weekend. With Reg studying all weekend long, I thought these would keep me busy. So far The Beaded Edge looks the most promising, it's like crocheting with beads, so cool!


I also have to include this surprising autograph by Loreena McKinnett! Yes, I screamed when I saw it! Reg told me the day before she was going to be at his place of work but he had to go to a meeting and would miss her being there. I realized just how much that woman has inspired me over the years and was really shaken. Then a friend of Reg's asked her for an autograph for me (what a sweetheart) and I freaked when I saw it! An absolutely amazing moment for me so I had to share it too.

Friday, May 18, 2012

May 18, 2012

Jamie

Now that I've posted my Paris Slideshow, I'll share what I actually did yesterday: go to The Avengers with Shannon and Justin. It was ridiculously hard for us to decide between regular theatre and UltraAVX and I'm glad we picked the latter - the sound was awesome and the experience totally immersive. I really enjoyed the movie. It was nice to be enjoying one of the pleasures of home!



Shannon

More Avengers Fun! It was great to get out to see this with Jamie & her honey yesterday and although I'm still processing the film it was great to spend the time together. And dang, that AVX theatre is pretty freaking awesome.


Under Our Willow Tree

Suzie

Sadly I spent the morning and early afternoon of Crafty Thursday grocery shopping for the long weekend. I did still have time to finish off some crochet projects like this alien applique I have been working on. I added it to a hat and Reg loved it! I am going to wear the hat today. Yes, I will show photos soon but yesterday was about the "process." Oh and I also closed my Etsy store and feel a million times better. It was just causing too much stress. I just want to have fun and do my own thing so I am good with it now. Thank you both for your help on that matter! I just have to believe we will be OK financially, even without the store.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

May 17, 2012

Jamie

The Louvre is out of control! You see that little painting that everyone's crowded around? That's the Mona Lisa! There's lots of warnings too that when you're looking at key pieces like this, watch for pickpockets! Sometimes it's just such an event that you almost forget to actually look at the piece and see what you see. Like everyone else I've seen a million reproductions of the Mona Lisa. What surprised me coming face-to-face with her is that she looked so young.



Shannon

I was so super happy about this salad, I usually eat tons and tons of vegetables but had inadvertently had less as of late, but I'm happy to be back on the veg-train!


Suzie

I had no idea how I was going to share my top secret news so this is the best I can do. I can say however that I finally did successfully fax the special "agreement" yesterday so the deed is done. Now I have to get my editor's cap on and get to work. Man, I love intrigue...

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

May 16, 2012

Jamie

Versailles amazed us, particularly the gardens. They were so extensive. Everything you saw, invited you to investigate further, to experience the next gorgeous part of this huge landscape. All of these years later, you can feel the impact of the designer. It's amazing to think that our experience on that day was shaped by someone's vision so many years ago. And I do have to mention too that one of the things that started cracking me up about the photos is that because the weather was always the same (cold) I pretty much am wearing the same thing in every shot! I started saying I'm like Amelie's garden gnome! (And I bought a new scarf, just to change it up a bit, LOL)
 
 

Shannon

This week got off to a shaky start but some of the goodness that's been present so far was no only The Secret World of Arrietty arriving in my mailbox for review, but also getting to interview Bridget Mendler who voices the title role of Arrietty. She was totally sweet and the interview went very well! I always get nervous for interviews, but i think this time I was pretty calm, and now I can't wait to share it with everyone


Suzie

I did it! It wasn't easy but I figured out how to thread a bobbin and put it in the sewing machine. Now I am all ready to start sewing and yes, that freaks me out!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

May 15, 2012


Jamie

One of the things I was surprised to see again and again at monuments and museums in Paris was what I would call "the goofy shot." So many people took pictures that looked like they were leaning on, grabbing, dancing with, knocking down a site or sculpture. It was hilarious - and something that never would occur to me. Here's my ode to the "goofy shot."

 Under Our Willow Tree

Suzie

When Robbie hurt himself with Mom's sewing machine, I became totally terrified of this machine. I remember in home-ec just wanting to run out of the class because it scared me so. I have used a sewing machine with less fear since but it is rare. I am determined to not only get over my fear of this machine but really learn how to use it. I am so tired of clothing not fitting me properly. I want to learn the basics of sewing and learn how to make a shirt that is long enough and not too tight for my body. Make pants that fit well so I don't look like a wanna-be rapper. This terrifies me to write, so I obviously have got to do it and you are the first to hear about it!

Monday, May 14, 2012

May 14, 2012

Jamie

This isn't necessarily the most  obviously representative picture of being at The Louvre (or one of the best of me, for that matter) but it's one of my favourites. One of the things that blew us away again and again and again Paris was the scale. The Louvre is massive - and so is a lot of the art. Beside this herculean figure, I look so wee!


Shannon

Welcome to the glamourous behind the scenes of the Movie Moxie Podcast and Vlogs! I've decided to multi-purpose several of my content deliveries over at Movie Moxie combining vlogging, podcasting and written post. I've had a bunch of tech issues this week and felt pressed for time (always) so I'm hoping this lower-tech/higher value choice will smooth over both the issues. And, yes I make notes and yes I have props!


Under Our Willow Tree

Suzie

Reg, me, Mike & Jen went to see the Avengers on the weekend. I mostly loved it but did have some issues. Overall though, it was so much fun to go out to the movies with friends and just be geeks.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Rewind: May 13

Jamie 

This is one of my favourite pictures of Mom. For Mother's Day years ago we went over and helped Mom get her entire garden prepped and planted. It was a wonderful way to spend the day and so rewarding to see the space get filled with beauty.
Under Our Willow Tree

Suzie

Hard to believe this photograph was taken five years ago! I do love it, Mom was really in her element when she came to visit on Vancouver Island. We had such a good time and she got to see the giant rhododendrons that are all over the island. Happy Mother's Day Mom!!!

Saturday, May 12, 2012

May 12, 2012


Jamie

One of the best things about being home is getting to hang out with Shannon! We had a regular Friday night this week over at her place, which meant I also got to hang out with Mr. Man! What a treat.



Shannon

A few days ago I ran across this omnibus of the Narnia books at the side road, and I was all excited because I actually really wanted and all-in-one but it had been a bit wet and raining and therefore the book was all ....wet and rainy! After a few days of proping it up in my window at different pages I think I've finally aired it all out. Now the big question will be will I read it all? And will it be worth all that effort? Did I dry it enough? I have no idea. But now I'm flattening it under a big box. Boy, that seems like oodles of effort (which I'm okay with) for something that felt like HEY! Free! Awesome! Interesting.


Suzie

Thanks to both of you I am feeling a bit better about crafting. Thank you so much. And yesterday when I went to the thrift store I got these giant bags of felt, fabric, yarn and buttons for around $8. You know, since I first bought yarn there months ago, they haven't had any crafting supplies at all. So this and your support make me feel like I do need this. Just for me. :)