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

Thursday, July 31, 2014

July 31, 2014

Jamie 

I went out for a run yesterday and on my cool-down walk I met this wonderful cat, Pickle. I know she looks, well, not so wonderful, but really she's just meowing at me. It was so hard to get a photo of her because she was so excited and ready for cuddles. What a treat to meet Pickle!


Shannon

So...this was a day where I had so much to do (and was late at Willow Tree-ing!), and I got a lot done and was totally overwhelmed, which means of course I had to do a quiz to find out my Spirit Animal that someone shared on Facebook. At least that's what I always do, when I have to much to do. And I'm...a BEAR! YAY!

 

Suzie

I just took this photograph for sitting down to record stART when the phone rang and I had to pack everything up and leave, again. I thought putting my laptop on the bottom of a pot was very clever to help raise it up. Oh well. I'm sure it was worth it but what a bummer.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

July 30, 2014

Jamie

While I ran some errands yesterday I had a wonderful time with this lovely little cat. I call her Glow because when I first saw her she was so bright my camera had a hard time capturing her. She had one blue eye, one green eye and was (though the picture makes this hard to believe) a bit hyper. We had a great visit and I got some great pictures. I love Cats in the Hood!


Shannon

I finally finished reading Hemlock Grove! It took me a few times, and I was so determined to get through it this time it became available at the library. It's odd, when I had read parts of it before, I thought the writing was confusing but on this go it was fine. Odd. And it reminded me how much I enjoy the characters, and the TV adaptation. The book covers all of season 1, so now I'm really looking forward to diving into season 2 and hope it's just as crazy.



Suzie

We had a long day of having to be out of the house so we went to a movie theatre closer to the city and were just in time to see Maleficent! I was thrilled since it disappeared from out little theatre a while ago. I loved it. I can see why some people didn't but I loved it and really thought Angelina was born for the role. A great distraction for a very long day.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

July 29, 2014

Jamie

Yesterday Justin and I went to have our eye exam. Nothing much has changed for either of us and that's great. Our optometrist is in a new neighbourhood, right above the Second Cup that we would go to en route to Mom's. It felt really sad to be there this time. The neighbourhood helps. I love this dahlia but omg in the picture it suddenly looks like it's going to snarf up any small dogs or children that walk by!


Shannon

I know this looks like a picture of the camera, but I was actually testing a primer I got that's suppose to make eyemake up set. This was supposed to be the 'before' to be compared with an after, however I totally got to take that after pic so I can't compare them! Oh well, next time!


Suzie

I had a wonderful lunch with my friend Miranda and her family at Tom's yesterday. She was visiting her sister and we had a blast talking about going to York together and catching up. I only made 2 friends at university and I am so glad we are still connected. I really adore her.

Woah, for some reason there is a serious gaussian blur going on with this photo that I didn't do! Love it.

July 29, 2014




Shannon

I know this looks like a picture of the camera, but I was actually testing a primer I got that's suppose to make eyemake up set. This was supposed to be the 'before' to be compared with an after, however I totally got to take that after pic so I can't compare them! Oh well, next time!


Suzie

I had a wonderful lunch with my friend Miranda and her family at Tom's yesterday. She was visiting her sister and we had a blast talking about going to York together and catching up. I only made 2 friends at university and I am so glad we are still connected. I really adore her.

Woah, for some reason there is a serious gaussian blur going on with this photo that I didn't do! Love it.

Monday, July 28, 2014

July 28, 2014

Jamie

Last night Justin and I were sitting in the living room when we heard a very close by chittering! A baby racoon was right on the fence outside our window. Justin shooed him away and he ran like crazy up into the tree, where he tucked himself in and seemed very content to wait out the rain, not bothered by us at all.


Shannon

I've been playing with the new backgrounds (read: paper) and the cards I use for vlogging. It's a lot of fun to play with the different colours and see what works (or doesn't!).


Suzie

I actually had a social weekend! Went for dim sum with my friend Emily on Saturday and saw Reg's parents yesterday. OMG, the dim sum was just as good as the company! :)

Sunday, July 27, 2014

July 27, 2014: Random Pic

Jamie 

Okay, not completely random because it's inspired by the theme of Shannon's birthday week! Here's where we celebrated in 2004 (Omg, 10 years ago!): Mitzi's Sister. And we always picked this table because it so reminded us of us!


Shannon

For this random we've got a up-close-and-personal pic of Mr.Man! I love these close blurry ones.

 

Suzie

I saw this image on the way to the library and couldn't help turning into a little cartoon. Random!

Saturday, July 26, 2014

July 26, 2014

Jamie

This week I finalized preparations for launching the Full Sturgeon Moon Dreamboard workshop and that included filming the welcome video. I wanted to create a little scrying bowl and dropped some ink in water and was captivated by the ever-changing look! I took tons of pictures and some video too. It's amazing how the simplest things can be a great inspiration.


Shannon

After being so completely taken by Begin Again I wanted the soundtrack RIGHT AWAY! Thank goodness iTunes had it and then I could it without having to wait much at all. Woohoo!


Suzie

The crobot revolution has begun! I slept a lot yesterday since life has been so insane but I did start my first crobot!! Very excited about that.

Friday, July 25, 2014

July 25, 2014

Jamie

After guitar class, Justin and I went for a great walk along Bloor Street. I love the ROM building (I know not everyone does!), including how you can get such interesting shots in it! You can see us right there in the centre with our guitars across our backs!


Shannon

Birthday possum! Yes, birthday week continues and I absolutely love this card Jamie made me. :)


Suzie

Books of empowerment keep coming via the library for me. I didn't realize that these two books were written by the same author. Yup, definitely a theme of trying to be strong and successful going on here.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

July 24, 2014

Jamie

So many amazing birthday photos to choose from for Shannon's big day! I love this portrait of the birthday girl at brunch. We had a great day, enjoying good food, an inspiring film and great company! Plus... there was dancing!


Shannon

Birthday Breakfast with Jamie! It was just the beginning of a full day of birthday goodness. *happy*


Suzie

Reg and I had a second showing last night so we went out for food and ended up at Dairy Queen! Reg got a classic banana split and I indulged in my favourite: caramel… When we got back to the house people were still outside chatting so we're taking that as a good sign. We just drove on of course, LOL.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

July 23, 2014

Jamie

I had such a wonderful time heading out for a patio drink with the lovely Amy and Kim, aka the Red Tent Sisters. We had such a great time catching up. I can't remember the last time I chatted with friends about movies and books! And, okay, yes, we talked entrepreneurship too! All under the most magnificent big willow tree! What a treat :)


Shannon

BIRTHDAY TIME!!!!!! I'm sooooooooooooooo excited it's my birthday! It's going to be an awesome day, I can just *feel* it :)



Suzie

I am so glad I got to celebrate your birthday early yesterday Shannon and that Mr. Man came to part-ay!!! Definitely the highlight of my day and I hope your birthday is fabulous Shannon. Love you!

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

July 22, 2014

Jamie

I think I'm falling in love with doing photo series. I love Cats in the Hood. I'm constantly doing On My Desk shots. I've started doing #goodmorninggarden every day too! Lately I've also been taking snapshots of the jewellery I wear. I wonder if one day I'll be absolutely able to tell the era based on these!


Shannon

It took me way longer than I expected, or would like to admit, but gosh darn it I finally finished watching all 9 seasons of The X-Files plus both the films. I am really happy I kept it up. I hadn't seen a lot of the final seasons, but I ended up liking them better than expected. I might to a vlog about the experience. Because...that's what I seem to be doing these days.



Suzie

Yesterday we had our first open house in almost two weeks. We worked so hard to get the house perfect complete with fresh sunflowers and a new rock garden in the backyard… I even washed the propane tanks so they look brand new. I have been through the terror of thinking we might not sell the house and then started really bonding with the house and not wanting to let it go. All of which was quite paralyzing.

Psychologically, it's been brutal but last night we took our exhausted butts to Starbucks and I had an iced cafe mocha. And didn't like it. I think I have officially tried everything on their menu and come to the realization I just don't like their coffee. Which is fine. I am hoping that whatever happens, like the coffee everything will be fine.

Monday, July 21, 2014

July 21, 2014

Jamie

I worked a lot of this weekend (that's what happens when you schedule two workshops for the same week!) but I did manage to pop out to the dollar store to get some ribbon for my Inner Alchemy cards. Sometimes they have great finds - like these smiley boxes! Though I'm not sure how the piles of stuff inside will impact those smiles and eyes!


Shannon

It was so nice to spend time this weekend reading, or as I like to call it Caturday-ing, although it doesn't exclusively have to be on Saturday with (and acting like) a cat it's certainly helps!


Suzie

Reg and I had a wild day going out to Unique Lawn Garden Statues yesterday and bought this little sleeping dragon. It's a long story but we turned a little corner of our backyard into a rock garden to add visual appeal and wake up people's imaginations when it comes to what can be done back there. This place was amazing and the people were fantastic. We had such a great time and now the garden is looking amazing:


We also got that urn there. It's perfect timing because we have a showing tonight. BTW, all those stones came out of this spot.

Sunday, July 20, 2014

July 20, 2014: Random Pic

Jamie 

I'm loving putting a date into my picture folder and searching for a random photo! What's wild is this picture from Shannon and my trip to Cape Cod was actually in October but, what the hey! I love this moment! Shannon, I think you actually took this one. That was such an awesome trip. I can't believe it was 7 years ago!


Shannon

Random cat pic for Random time! I know, I know... it's an old stand by but I haven't been super random these days.


Suzie

I actually bought San Marzano tomatoes for a rock star foodie sauce by Gordie Johnson. Now I just need to find time to make it.

Saturday, July 19, 2014

July 19, 2014

Jamie

I'm proud to say that I went on a couple of runs this week. I am likely the most inconsistent runner in the world but I keep trying. I've started carrying my iPhone when I run and that's awesome because now I can take pics during my cool down! This type of flower has become a signature of this neighbourhood to me. I had never seen them before living out here and if you walk around here, they're everywhere! They grow tall and plentiful and are just so simple and happy.


Shannon

Totally loving Neil Gaiman these days. Although I have only read 2 of his books, I think I will have to read them all! Although right now might not have been the best time to read about a story about a boy who grows up in a graveyard, perhaps the whimsical tone of this book made it the perfect read right now.


Suzie

The rain and humidity broke and I finally got out for a walk and decided to go to my thrift store. I picked up some fun treats including this cute short skirt with the label "vamp" on it. I continue to find skirts that I love but have few shirts that I like on me. Maybe I'll just start wearing my funny t-shirts with cool skirts? It was wonderful to get out for a walk, regardless. I just needed a break.

Friday, July 18, 2014

July 18, 2014

Jamie

Thursday night guitar was cancelled so Justin and I took advantage of the free evening and went to the movies instead! We caught the X-men film right before it was gone, thank goodness! Afterwards we scored a great window seat at a local pub that had about a gazillion craft beers to choose from. It was a great summer night out!


Shannon

I quite quickly got too much of a good thing with my awesome new desk space....being at it too much! Time to change things up and kick back with some popcorn and TV catch up.


Suzie

I couldn't take it anymore. We have had days and days of darkness and rain and I've been stuck at home with nothing to do so I got out my serger and attacked a pair of paints that were too long and now they fit much better. Just put the serger on the floor, serged and put it back. Closest thing to liberation I have felt in a long time.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

July 17, 2014

Jamie

I am in love with this cat. You can barely see her, right? What great camouflage! She went from this to literally sitting on my lap, purring and rubbing her nose across my face.  We had such good cuddles! I wish I'd had my camera-camera with me!


Shannon

After quite a dry spell of vlogging I am totally back in the game and one thing I'm happy to get back to is my "Those Books" reviews. I've read 2 more and was thrilled to get the vlog for Goosebumps: Welcome to Dead House up. It's wild that about 20 years after selling hundreds of these kids horror novels, I finally read one! You never know when something will come back to you. And, inspired by Jamie's post from Michaels, I rustled up some coloured paper to use as a background for pictures. Totally loving that - thanks, Jamie!


Suzie

Reg and I haven't had any viewings in a week. As a result, we have had some time on our hands to think about the backyard. I love our little wild and magical backyard and really wanted to add this toad stool under our maple tree as a place to sit and read a book. But then we got this gnome with a solar lantern and he looks perfect there so I am going to put the stool somewhere else. It is shocking just how much is scares me that having a gnome in the backyard could hurt our sales prospect. But then I saw him from the bedroom window keeping watch for us at night and I just have to leave him there. My real estate agent would freak so I am only showing it here for now. It's a little woodland out there and I think people need help seeing that.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

July 16, 2014

Jamie

My desk was piled with things to share for stART this week! I love how pictures of what's on my desk pretty much tell a story of what's going on in my life.


Shannon

Had some meow-ing last night that got me up to investigate and lookie what I found. At least it was *only* meowing.


Suzie

After stART Reg and I went to a few garden nurseries since the flowers in our hanging baskets didn't make it through Tropical Storm Arthur. I was proud that instead of just buying more (way too expensive) I would buy petunias and plant them in the hanger myself. I think Mom would be proud.