September 10, 2014

It felt really weird to get out to the movies during TIFF, but not see a film part of the festival. Very weird. On a also weird side note, I feel like one of the ways you know you are at the Carlton theatre is the sound of someone opening a can of pop just as the movie starts.

Shannon

Suzie

Tuesday I had decided to call and confirm that our stuff was arriving on Friday and found out that the truck was still in New Brunswick. Sigh… Now they're saying Monday. I went back to bed for a while and got some rest but Reg convinced me to roll out of the covers and do some basic paint prep of the apartment. So, I decided to at least move in my pink crocs that the packers didn't pack so I had to move myself. Put them on our outdoor patio so at least part of me feels at home.

September 9, 2014

Shannon
Dahlias to scale of human head! Okay, I was a bit behind it but they are still HUGE when they bloom.

Suzie

Monday we started to prep Reg's room and my crafts room for painting but I also picked up things like hand soap which immediately made the bathroom look more like home to me. I know, sounds silly, but it's true.

September 8, 2014

Jamie

On Saturday we drove into Belgium and had an amazing time in the city of Gent. Justin's dad took this picture of us taking pictures, LOL! I think we have several pics of this variety. This city was amazing. We went into a cathedral that was built in 1100! Imagine! Everywhere you looked was history - and also cafes and a spot to stop for a good Belgian beer!

Shannon
I took some time to do some art today! With the huge dahlias to enjoy, I couldn't resist drawing them. It was pretty challenging though, as there are so many petals and then choices on how to represent the different colours in pencil (if decide to try something at all). I drew it from the front, side and back (that's this one), and after which I really understand the shapes better. I don't think this one turned out terribly well, and the pic even less so, but I still did it and worked with the shapes. This one I took some liberties with the shading and just did something that would make it feel more defined than what I was actually seeing. Not sure how I feel about that choice. And next time, it might be interesting to try something less... full. Hehe.

Suzie

I have seen a couple signs in windows downtown for conformity which I find so weird. This one is Obey and the other one is the art of dressing normal or something like that. I am perplexed. Maybe Vancouver needs this non-conformist to say, what the hell?!

September 7, 2014: Random

Jamie

Just like we saw in Paris, in Gent, Belgium, there was a love lock on a bridge - but here, there was only one. Still, it was a beauty. Maybe more people find than lose their hearts in Gent!

Shannon
I am going to outright admit I do not quite know what this is. I saw it on the ground as I was crossing the road, there were 2 of them near each other. It might be some kind of promotion, or simple a lost piece of paper that seemed glued to the ground. One thing I am certain of, is that it fits in perfectly into "Random".

Suzie

During the Vancouver Zombie Walk I came across a lone severed finger which kind of freaked me out. I guess it must have fallen off a costume or something but it was probably more unnerving than the costumes. Talk about random!

September 6, 2014

Jamie

Today we took the streetcar into the city of Den Haag where we saw the very famous painting by Vermeer, The Girl with the Pearl Earring. It was housed in a beautiful gallery full of Dutch art. It was fascinating to walk through and experience Holland in this way. We also went to an amazing exhibit that was a panorama of the big beach here - unbelievable! I love art-full days!

Shannon
I finally caught up with the first episode of Outlander. Wow. I knew I was going to like it, but I didn't realized how much I was going to LOVE it. I haven't been this taken by a series for a long time. Really great to have a new show with a strong female protagonist. I can't wait to watch episode 2. This is one series I can see us all liking.

Suzie

Reg and I picked up some painting supplies in our hood but also walked over to our old/new community centre which went through a major facelift during the olympics. To join the centre cost just $4! There's a swimming pool, lots of drop-in classes, regular classes a gym… There is even a drop by art afternoon regularly which I can't wait to go to. Now if only our stuff would arrive so we can actually move into our new hood!

September 5, 2014

Jamie

I'm going to try and take pictures of my new adventure boots wherever I go! Here we are having a wonderful time in Dordrecht, the beautiful city of Chris' parents. We had a wonderful time walking around and looking at all the architecture and early dates of the buildings - and the boots continue to be really comfortable!

Shannon
Something really strange happened recently. I was listening to the radio, and I recognized the song that was playing. One song isn't odd, but then I recognized the next one, and the next one, and the next one! I think I can tick off a complete for "knowing some current music". I didn't know who sang everything, but it was a world of different than months ago. I think listening to music channels on TV really helped make that happen. And uh...sorry if this image is disturbing.

Suzie

Reg and I spent the day being tourists in Vancouver. No trip to the apartment but a walk down to Granville Island instead. Went and saw art galleries and of course the food market which is amazing! I totally got overwhelmed and when I saw champagne grapes, I just gasped. Every kind of food you could want was there to buy either cooked or ready to be eaten. It was amazing.

September 4, 2014

Jamie

Another day, another adventure in Holland! Yesterday we travelled to palace 'Het Loo", in Apeldoorn , house of King Willem III, king of England and the Netherlands, married to Queen Marie Stuart, of England . I loved this big entryway of trees. Afterwards we drove to a town called Arnhem and had dinner along the river in view of the bridge that the movie A Bridge Too Far is about.

Shannon
I had a long, busy day yesterday but still decided to get out and journal for a bit. I don't think anything I wrote made any sense, but I'm still glad I did it.

Suzie

When we were at IKEA I almost bought a giant stovetop espresso maker. Mine is made of aluminum so I don't feel comfortable using it. But I didn't need one so huge. Yesterday when Reg was rigging things up for new curtains he suggested I go for a walk because it would take some time. And of course, I found THIS! A small stainless steel stovetop espresso maker at Value Village. Reg couldn't believe it when I got back. The synchronicity we have been experiencing has bend amazing.