January 31, 2013

Jamie

We had a great time celebrating Mom's birthday at Mandarin yesterday. It has been years since we've gone. Suzie, we were thinking maybe since we went with Auntie Laima in Burlington! This year they even took this great picture of us and Mom, printed it and gave it to her in this little frame! Totally awesome.

Suzie

It was interesting attending the graphic design course online. I didn't have tech issues (woot!) but I only lasted half an hour. This first lesson was a lot about print design and the very basics about spacing and alignment. It gave me a headache (I think I am allergic to boredom) so I lay down and took a nap instead. I am thinking of showing up for the Friday class though. Jamie, did you see any of it?

January 30, 2013

Jamie

Recording stART for the first time at my new desk - yay! I'm starting to feel at home in the studio again. I needed my dreamboard up. Thanks, Shannon, for the foldback clip tip! It was great to talk to you in the new space and share our creative journeys!

Suzie

I normally never bake in the morning or before an afternoon appointment but these raspberry chocolate chip meringues came out just fine! I did not feel panicked because I have made meringues many times now and Reg loved them! Although technically I think I have eaten more than he has. I think knowing my appointment get-together was with you too helped bring down the stress and let me bake again! :)

January 29, 2013

Jamie

Yesterday was a long, long day. I started working at 8:00 am and finished by 9:15 pm. It was all good work, which makes a difference, and I had company too, LOL. And even though it was late I was bound and determined to paint the trim of my new bulletin board white so that I could get it up and put my dreamboard on it. That's one of my goals for today. Wish me luck!

Shannon
I finally, FINALLY, am done re-winding all the yarn. I think that took a month, but I had to do it a bit at a time because it would drive me bananas at times. But now it's done and now I get to switch to the funner gears of what to make. :)

Suzie

Yesterday was all about photography and videos. I decided to do a shopping minute video to share what clothing I got recently at Value Village. Check out all the orbs! Oh and while I was dyeing my hair (I have given up trying to see my hairdresser) the postal carrier guy came. So embarrassing!

As a result I also did an unboxing of my big birthday present to myself to end on my bday journey on a happy note. Turns out the photo did not really match what I got but I am still happy.

January 28, 2013

Jamie

Yesterday I led a live dreamboard circle under the Full Wolf Moon here in Toronto. One of my favourite new things we tried is that as well as our own, we created a dreamboard for the world. I'm really excited to share that with people. It was a beautiful, heart-warming experience. It's great to have the opportunity to create in community - never mind howling together at the moon!

Suzie

My birthday weekend was insane! Our car died downtown Friday and thankfully Jen came to the rescue and we brought it back to life. It was so cold on Saturday I'm sure my ears got frost bitten. I tried to find clothes at Lululemon, Reg's bday gift to me. The pants were great but their shirts were so small I got stuck in the largest size. I thought I was going to have to get Reg's help. It was humiliating. I finally got it off but was sure I wrenched my shoulder out of its socket. By the time we got home after getting groceries, I couldn't move. That said, on Sunday I played in my crafts room and have decided to avoid the outside world at all costs for as long as possible. Ugh!

Rewind: January 27, 2013

Suzie

With Mom's birthday around the corner I wanted to share this amazing photo of her! She was on her honeymoon and looking oh-so-fabulous.

January 26, 2013

Jamie

No way I could capture the day in one photo! In fact, even still I could add a couple more. The final piece of the desk arrived - YAY!! And it is up and ready to be moved into. It has been quite a journey to get here but I am absolutely thrilled to be here, sitting at my huge desk, looking at my Studio Blue walls with the sun streaming in the window. All of this topped off with a great night hanging out with Shannon for great conversation, a yummy dinner and some serious Gobo love! He even licked my neck, LOL!

Suzie

I thought this was a funny image that kind of summed me up in a way. Love the Victorian nightlight (thanks Jamie!) and charging my Dremel battery underneath it. Kind of made me happy in a weird way.

January 25, 2013

Jamie

Yep, I braved -14 last night to go out for a cold beer, hehe. It wasn't the beer that was the draw. It was my dear friend Sabine. We even talked about the first time we met and how both of us were thinking, "Oh, we are going to be friends!" When she came over to my house for the first time and brought popsicles, the deal was done! It was so great to catch up and laugh and chat together.

Shannon
It was crazy cold yesterday, but I did make it out to the library and did my Library Loot vlog although I think it will be my last one until the spring. The weather is way to challenging to know I can make it every week. But I am very happy that Burn Notice Season 2 was there for me this week, I'm sure I'll enjoy watching it before I swing it by with my returns.

Suzie

I've been having some trouble getting inspired to do anything lately. I guess I'm going through one of those dry periods but I am trying to remind myself that it is just a cycle. I did try and make a Goth donut yesterday, a big one. Most people who make miniature food want it to be super tiny and 100% accurate. I realized I want foodie rock star jewellery so I want big, bold and crazy. So maybe I did make some headway? Oh and dazzled it up BTW, this is an in-process photo.

January 24, 2013

Jamie 

Yesterday was a big day at the studio! For a while I've been thinking about inviting people to become a part of the studio and yesterday I went live. It's funny because in many ways on the surface it looks like the only thing that changed was the header - but a whole new attitude has been born as well as lots and lots of behind the scenes updates. It was a bit of a wild ride yesterday but the response so far has been wonderful and that absolutely warms my heart.

Shannon
So ... it's COLD out there. And snowy. And I have ice on almost all of my windows! I guess the mild part of this winter has gone bye-bye!

Suzie

I couldn't help it, when I saw these earrings I had to buy them even though they are missing some stones. They reminded me so much of Mom's pearl ring. I know it isn't exactly the same but you just don't see this style anymore. I wonder what I will do with them? Those are real pearls!

January 23, 2013

Jamie

Wow, it is a fair bit of madness over here. I've been working madly behind the scenes on the "join the studio" concept. What a wonderful break in the work to stop for creativity coffee! I'm coming to really love this monthly event. I can't believe how deep the conversation was yesterday - everything from the nature of art to our definitions of beauty. Plus laughing and chatting about cookies and creating a band!

Suzie

I finally worked with resin yesterday, thanks to the snowstorm cancelling my haircut appointment. So much was a disaster! Other things kind of worked but I got so frustrated I came down with the headache. There are days I do wonder why I am so fascinated by this kind of thing because so much goes wrong. Must be the mad scientist in me.

January 22, 2013

Jamie

So, I know this doesn't look tremendously different than yesterday's picture but it is progress. My old desk is now back in the room but on the other side. It looks like it will become my writing/art table. Yesterday was also the first day that I have been able to do any work in the Studio since the end of the year! A new wonderful group of Circe's Circle started and I led the call from this room.

Happy Birthday to Suzie!!!!!

I admit, I'm perplexed at the cake decorated as "Happy Birthday Sue", but I know it was a cake for YOU! At your awesome 16th Bday Hawaiian Party! And I know it isn't a Bday pick, but I couldn't resist also sharing this holiday pic back from the Halloween where we all got little tiny pumpkins to carve individually. Suzie of course went with this super stylin' sunglass wearing pumpkin! I hope that makes you smile on your B-day Suzie

I decided to fast and furiously put up a whole whack of items up on my Etsy store. So today on my birthday there will be a big giveaway and a sale going on too. People can buy stuff and all the money will go towards getting the Dutch oven I want. It was fun but next time I definitely have to give myself more time, it was too much work all at once but at least it's done!

January 21, 2013

Jamie

Big progress in the Studio Refresh this weekend! After our paint missteps, we ended up with exactly the right colour. I'll be sharing that story on my blog soon. Justin  painted on Saturday and it looks so wonderful. Then Sunday we cleared everything out. I mean, everything. I'm attached to this 'bought at the auction" kitchen table but it's moving out and my old desk is taking its place. It takes up a lot of room so I thought I'd have to give up my grey chair by the window but I just couldn't do it! As a complete surprise to me, I've decided to give up a bookcase and keep the chair. I have no idea how I'm going to deal with that but I knew in my heart I had to keep the chair.

Shannon
I've been catching up on some films recently and one of the ones I finally saw was Resident Evil: Retribution. And on Rogers On Demand it denotes the 'genre' as 'Canadian'. Because that's the first thing people thing about when they think 'Resident Evil'. I know they recent ones are, but I know I'm in the minority. Too funny.

Suzie

Yesterday I actually got out of the house! Saturday we had the worst weather, couldn't even go out to walk to a new restaurant because we were falling on ice (no way we were driving). Sunday was better and I got out shopping and with Valentine's day coming up, so many cute heartsy items that I love. I got these stickers which I am going to try to turn into resin pendants, knock on wood.

Rewind: January 20, 2013

Jamie

Inspired by Suzie's birthday and the upcoming changes, I'm rewinding to a visit way back in 2008. On this cold day down at the beach, Suzie made a wish. Now, years later, it just might be coming true.

Shannon
With a certain birthday right around the corner I thought it would be perfect timing to share a rewind with Suzie's visit back in 2008 and the bizarre we went to by my place which had all kinds of creepy and crafty goodies. Such a fun trip, I remember it well :)

Suzie

This was my kitchen when I lived on Vancouver Island. It was pretty darn tiny. This photo was taken before we got a dishwasher which helped give me some counter space! I couldn't stand in front of the oven door to get food out because it was so narrow, I had to stand to the side. Still, I made some of the best food of my life there and loved all that natural light. I do hope for a bigger kitchen than this when we move but I know I will be OK as long as I have light. Man, I was so happy in this kitchen and in our little PMQ. But it's time to say good-bye.

January 19, 2013

Jamie

I really got the benefit of Shannon's Library Loot this week! We were able to watch Katy Perry's Part of Me together. What a joy! Nothing like sitting on the floor, Mr. Man purring as you falls asleep on my shoulder (literally) and enjoying an inspiration infusion like this! What a great night.

Suzie

I had a mini photoshoot day yesterday for items I have put up for sale on Etsy. I really love doing photography and always look forward to a new subject. I don't know if anything will sell but I'm giving it a shot. It was fun. I did want to do crafty stuff but this just kind of took over. I am trying to follow the energy and this is where it took me.

January 18, 2013

Jamie

Yesterday was an amazing day. I really feel like I did the thing I thought I couldn't do by tackling all kinds of tech stuff that was a real stretch. It's really empowering to not be overwhelmed with fear that you're going to break something (which, of course, is possible but I didn't do, hehe). Finally, after putting in lots of time and attention, there are tangible signs of progress. My site is now 2 columns, I have an "inside the studio" area that can now be built and a new header is on the way. I'm excited!

Suzie

Since Reg had to work I got to hang out on the computer and play my new "Muushee" Panda character on WoW. I really like her but there is something KISS clown-like about the pandas that scares me a bit. So I turned her into an herbalist and am going to play with less aggression than some other characters. Here she is taking a cart to a farm. Lots of fun. Can't wait to start farming! (OK, did I just type that?!)

January 17, 2013

Jamie

Yesterday it was such a treat to be back to co-working at Tanya's for the first time since the New Year. When I saw this sweet little chairs, they represented exactly how it feels to be co-working with my dear friend.

Suzie

On Wednesday before a snowstorm came I rushed out and got groceries. Then I remembered Mom had said she wanted clothing for her birthday so I stopped by Joe Fresh and picked some up. I did not find what she wanted though so if you are looking for ideas... Mom would like a 3/4 sleeved (or shorter) royal purple cotton shirt and she prefers if the sleeves are more balloon-style than tight, if that's available, in XL. I couldn't find purple anywhere in my store so I got her pinks, blues and greys since there was a fabulous sale. She hasn't been able to get out clothing shopping so this would make great bday gift. Oh but she doesn't want white or yellow.

January 16, 2013

Jamie

Here's the core kit for Project Life that I talked about when we were recording stART. It's still giving me a lot to think about in terms of creativity, expression, design, packaging, ease, comfort... all sorts of things about creative living. I had no idea that it would give me so much to think about - as well as being quite lovely :)

Shannon
Even with so much new TV on I somehow managed to finished up Season 4 of The Deadliest Catch (I'm still working to seeing up to and including S7 by April this year for the new season). I still have the extras to watch, and I'm really looking forward to that as 5 are listed on the DVD packaging, and most of the earlier seasons are pretty no frills. So here's to frilly extras, hehe!

Suzie

These are all the things I molded! Yesterday I tried removing the Alpha Bits and they all disintegrated which sucks because F and Es are next to impossible to find in a box of Alpha Bits. I'm actually considering writing the company and asking why. Next step is heat curing them and then resining them!

January 15, 2013

Jamie

Okay, I'll try to make sure we don't all OD on Interloper pictures! It's just that with my head literally being tucked into the computer these days he really is a highlight. He didn't show up yesterday in the rain but did come by for breakfast today - at exactly 9:15. I am amazed by the internal clock of cats. Today he even curled up by the door for a bit and looked at me. That's progress!

Suzie

I have officially decided to donate my turkey platter and matching gravy boats. I really do want to downsize and be more practical and to be honest, when I bought the set I thought we were going to have a happy life with family gatherings here in Nova Scotia. And, it isn't really my style anymore. I have a glass gravy boat that I like more anyway and I sure don't need four! I feel good about letting go.

January 14, 2013

Jamie

It's quite a setup I now have at the kitchen table! I'm excited about getting the art stuff down here in the cedar chest aka Tickle Trunk and to getting everything else back up into the studio! I'm proud of myself that for the second Sunday in a row, I have sat down and let myself do some painting. Life Book is creating a great structure for that, giving me a specific project to work.

Shannon
This weekend I knew that I needed to take it easy. One way to do that, is to watch an entire TV season, which is what I did with Burn Notice Season 1. Although I had seen 2 of the episodes already, I watched them again. Now I have the guy's voice in my head and feel, which I think is translating to the tone of this blurb. Hah. Oh, except that last big, he never laughs in the voice over. I'm very much looking forward to watching S2, I hope it's waiting for me this week at the library.

Suzie

I finally got out of the house this weekend with my friend Jen. She helped me get some errands done and we went to Kelly's favourite restaurant, Moxies. She's going through a tough time right now and we wanted her to know we were with her in spirit supporting her. And the sticky toffee pudding is divine.

Rewind: January 13, 2013

Jamie

With my studio in disarray I don't have access to that far back for a rewind. So, out of curiosity, I thought I'd look back to this day last year. What a stark contrast! Youc an feel the cold and see the snow, clearly fresh by the wet on the windows. This day in Toronto in 2013 was very rainy and went up to 11 degrees. I even went outside to take pictures of me for an art project - without a jacket! What a difference a year makes.

January 11, 2013

Jamie

I loved filming stART so much that I showed up 2 times! It was so great to catch up and share our learnings and stories. I know I say this every time but it's true - I love doing this show!

Shannon

It was a really long day yesterday and at the end of it (actually way before the end of it...), I wanted to, and then finally did, crawl up and hide in the covers just like my cat had done earlier. He so smart. And I totally didn't stage this, actually I think I kind of threw the covers over him and he didn't even move. Funny kitty.

Suzie

I had the best time chatting with you both and looking back at 2012 together. Definitely the highlight of my day! It made me feel confident that I am going to be OK in 2013 and somehow I will still be creative in the kitchen and with my crafts no matter where we end up. Thank you! I can let go of that fear now. 

January 10, 2013

Jamie

This is cheating a little bit because it didn't happen yesterday but it didn't seem right to skip my first Life Book class. With my studio in disarray, I'm working at the kitchen table and I spent a lot of timing running upstairs for a pen and then running downstairs for a brush and then running upstairs for an eraser but even so it was wonderful. Our first assignment is to make our Fairy Art Mother. I had a wonderful time and will share her with you on stART! (I want it to be a surprise, hehe)



Shannon
I was so happy to have a treat of an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation yesterday, and one of my fave little characters of Alexander! He wasn't in it much but wow, I really love that little guy! It also had the awesome Klingon character Gowron and models could learn a thing or two from him about how to make the eyes 'pop'.

Suzie

I felt strong enough to do some yoga so I watched my favourite yoga guru Padma on the One Channel. She is a total mentor for me and Reg said the other day WHEN we go back to Vancouver I could take classes with her in person! Which freaked me out but in the most awesome way. This episode I learned about the Bundhi mind (sp?). The non-frenetic mind. The one that moves the body with purpose and without hesitation or stress. The mind that is at peace and calm. We did a breathing exercise which cleans the mind. Very cool! Again, shaky to get through it but I did! :)