January 31, 2015

Jamie 

Because the weather was a challenge, we decided to order Chinese food for Mom's birthday. We must have ordered a lot because they gave us a bunch of fortune cookies! After dinner I grabbed one and opened it to find no fortune inside, to which Shannon immediately said, "That must be Mom's. She's got it already." LOL! That was the best. I hope it was a great one, Mom!

Shannon
One of the things I hadn't been able to fit in recently, but really had wanted to do is work with words. Then I realized it would be a great thing to do on Friday, because it still feels like studious, but was fun... a perfect pairing for the end of week energy. This week I was inspired to look up a bunch of words I kept hearing in nail polish review videos (Oh YouTube, you supply us with so many things to get obsessed with...). Fun times. And shiny!

 

Suzie

I have had several people say that tights aren't pants. Like there is something wrong with just wearing tights. Personally, they are one of the best things for me and make me feel like a superhero instead of wearing big frumpy pants since nothing fits me well. I say if Superman can wear tights in public, I can too!

January 30, 2015

Jamie 

Despite the snow it was great to get out for a little coffee date with myself. Well, myself, May Sarton and Lynda Barry. Both of these ladies are great company! I can't believe I'm still reading Journal of a Solitude but at least I'm still enjoying it too. And I just love Syllabus. I'm reading it slowly too because there's so much to take in and think about!

Shannon
Feels like our very snowless January is coming to an end! Lots came down today and it's gonna be chilly out tomorrow. Sigh. So hard to plan stuff when the weather always gets to have ultimate say!

Suzie

Amazing how the search for a smoked ham hock turned into something so moving. I've been thinking of mom all week and making this soup (and finally having light to do a photoshoot of it) made me feel closer to her. It's from the Latvian Cooking cookbook. I don't have Mom's soup recipe on-hand and I think it has cabbage in it which Reg can not tolerate the smell of. I uploaded the video and wrote the post.

January 29, 2015

Jamie

I'm so glad that last night I went out to choir, where we sang this song. Suzie, you would have loved it. I'm really trying to make this a part of my regular routine, getting out to sing. It's a real treat every time.

Shannon
I finished Black Beauty! YAY! I think I'm more excited about finishing it because it's the first of the Book to Film Challenge books than about the book itself, when I only liked but didn't love. So funny. Now I have to think of what to say and/or how to review it in a book to film context. FUN!!!!

Suzie

I finally found a smoked ham hock and today I put it to good use in this GIANT pot of Best Bean Soup that is in the Latvian Cooking Cookbook. I want to post in on my blog on Friday for Mom's birthday.

January 28, 2015

Jamie 

Over the past few days my writing desk has been morphing from a a pile holder to an actual space that I'm using and also really enjoying. I've been having a fun time watching it come together, from the guitar to the oodles, from the weepign pussy willow to my framed bear. Not to mention my puppet Twinkle. I like the portrait it is of me right now.

Shannon
I've been really wanting to do my nails recently, and I just got a base/top coat and this awesome red so it was time to get it on! And I'm loving the colour. I'm so curious to how long it will hold up. Fingers crossed it lasts long enough to keep enjoying it!

Suzie

I don't think I took one photograph on Tuesday! I was so busy getting out doing errands, coming home and making cookies, then doing paperwork. So here's my bday popcorn post. I have come to realize that my mic is super strong in comparison to my video so I apologize for the garish intro.

January 27, 2015

Shannon
Meet my new timer! My chicken seems to have run away somewhere, but I really need a timer to make sure I switch off the computer so I picked up a new one. I could barely reach this one off the shelf and almost settled for a lemon, but kept reaching for this pear and finally got it! Woohoo!

Suzie

It was crazy-warm and beautiful on Monday! We broke records on Sunday too and the earth is responding. I couldn't believe it when I saw these snowdrop flowers. They usually bloom on Vancouver Island (which is always a bit ahead of us) in February. My eyes just teared up walking in the sunshine on the way home from the doctor's. I'm so very, very grateful for where I live.

January 26, 2015

Jamie

We're managing to really get to Art Day each week and it's such a joy! I've been gesso-ing figures for glitter bombing in addition to playing with paint! This week we had a lot of fun continuing to create circles a la Lisa Congdon!

Shannon
I think those animals want to go right INTO the camera and have a great adventure!!

Suzie

Another wild night at D&D. It was supposed to be a mentorship night that went OK until we decided to let all hell break loose and fight amazon warriors. Reg is down (in front) and I am on the right trying to make my way to him to save him (which I did). That guy looking at me menacingly decided to go from a friendly to attacking me. It was brutal. We actually lost a party member, one of the new recruits! I'm amazed most of us got out of there alive. A night the newbies won't forget!

January 25, 2015: Random

Jamie 

Well, not really random because this is actually what we did do on Saturday but it's still feels pretty random to be out on a Saturday afternoon learning swing with my honey! It took us a while to figure out the rhythms and the moves but by the end of our time we had some really good passes at it. What a great birthday gift this ballroom exploration is!

Shannon
Sometimes even the palette from art day is picture worthy! Actually, probably most times it is!

Suzie

I was going through a lot of old stuff I have and this ad was in the one Isis comic book I have and I thought it was so surreal, considering it's aimed at boys and the gun is called Daisy. Totally random!

January 24, 2015

Jamie 

It's so awesome that Shannon and I got out to the movies on Friday and that Wild was still in the theatres! I liked it, though not as much as I might have thought. It's got some tough stuff for us but I'm still glad I saw it - and especially that Shannon and I succeeded at our first attempt to go to a movie a month! Gold star!!

Shannon
The first picture I picked was literally exactly the same as Jamie's! To switch it up I'll include a book that I read all in one go, which was a really big shock to me given that it's a mystery/thriller and that's so not what I normally go for. I just meant to read a little out of curiosity as it's being adapted for TV and before after 2 chapters I put the kettle on and then finished the whole thing! It's about a Chinese-Canadian woman who is a forensic accountant and from Richmond Hill. Obviously, it caught me!

 

Suzie

We had rainfall warnings here today but I was determined to walk to my library. I geared up and walked in that crazy rain. They had these cards that say, "Find Your Inner Soul Searcher" at the checkout counter. It had something to do with reading books online or something. But it really spoke to me. Gotta love Vancouver.

January 23, 2014

Shannon
It was awesome to get out today and work on Beta goodness. I had a great time! I did the journal questions, came up with a plan and of course...made lists. Feels like the wheels are being set in motion for sure. And, it's actually the first time I've gone out for coffee this year, and I really miss it when I don't do it. I would totally like to do this weekly. It helps clear the mind, get focused and just enjoy the world. Delightful.

Suzie

Hey Shannon, we have a similar (kind of) colour story! LOL. Oh yesterday was crazy! Crazy-awesome. Reg took me to Fabricland and Michaels. In the photo you can see the swatches of colour I will be using for my next T-shirt design. I'm very excited about it. Now I just have to find time to work on all my projects! It was a fantastic day. I even went out to VV on my own for some kitchen treats. It rocked.

January 22, 2015

Jamie

Okay.... so I didn't take this picture yesterday but I just had to celebrate Suzie with a birthday party!! You were awesome then and you're awesome now, Suzie! I love you!! Happy birthday. I'm celebrating YOU today!

Shannon
I've been having fun with Just Dance now that my controller has arrived, and I earned this trophy today. I have no idea what it means, but it makes me happy! BTW Suzie, if you feel like groovin' along to some of the Just Dance songs, I would recommend THIS one - especially for today ;).

Suzie

Apparently I am making an infinity hat because I have to keep undoing it over and over. I am no good at counting! I actually took this to an appointment of Reg's which was fun to do while I waited. But the bigs news is the launch of my new blog: www.suziethefoodie.com. I got it to work and even imported my blog so the content is there now. Photos don't look great but hey, I am not complaining. I got it all done just before midnight and now I can just celebrate my birthday and hope people update their feeds and bookmarks. What a day!

January 21, 2015

Jamie

We were back to guitar class last night - and that often also turns into an excuse for a bit of a date night out and about. Despite the bitter cold, we went out for a bite and a beer and also got some blues!  I loved watching this guy play the bass! It was a great night out.

Shannon
I almost feel like I should have left this for random, but it really stuck with me today. It's just filler/packing paper that was in a bag I bought, but I loved the colour combination. Amazing how close it is to the rug too! I also loved all the crinkles in the paper. I would love to draw them. Drawing on the brain for sure!

Suzie

I went over to Value Village yesterday to look at beads and came home with a pink briefcase for crafting supplies for only $3. I don't mean to keep buying stuff that is pink, it is just what is coming to me so I'll take it.

January 20, 2015

Jamie

Yesterday felt like the real beginning of this season. The beta is now up and running. It's very exciting to see it come to life. And Circe's Circle starts next week. Yesterday I prepped the welcome packages. I love bringing a guide of some sort to each circle to ground our energy and give a creative perspective to what we're working on.  It always fascinates me how the "just right" guide shows up.

Shannon
I was very excited to receive my Playstation Move Controller in the mail today! It's technically for the PS3 but I was thrilled to find out it also works with the PS4. Playing just dance with this controller is so much better for me than going via the camera. I can't wait to get on the dancefloor!

Suzie

Oddly, this is the only photo I took on Monday. It was a busy day with another doctor's appointment and then we went grocery shopping. Thankfully she checked out my ankle and I didn't break anything, just sprained it. So walking was OK which is good because we had zero in the house. We're only going shopping once every two weeks and it is really making me plan and budget which I guess is a good thing. BTW, I actually really enjoyed that Campbell's Creamy Chicken Thai Soup, LOL.

January 19, 2015

Jamie 

Art Day! I am so loving working Art Day into the regular schedule. I'm also loving Carla Sonheim's Year of the Spark class. We've been doing "one-liners", one-line drawings of a variety of subjects. I worked with "bear" yesterday and had so much fun! We were developing our drawings into two-medium explorations. This bear started with a very thick chiseled Sharpie and then was filled in with those bright chalk pastels. Fun!

Shannon
Art Day! It's so exciting to have the practice and I look forward to it every week! I'm also loving this crazy manilla paper scrapbook to draw in, I love how ballpoint pen feels on it, it's so smooth and feels super no-stress to work with.

Suzie

My barbarian was promoted to officer! Not only that, she didn't kill any of her party members. She tried her best to save them from a gelatinous cube and this changeling that pretended to be a treasure chest. Because we are actually learning how to play D&D via the store, it may be time to retire her for a while and start a new character. Although being a demonic barbarian has been so much fun.

January 18, 2015: Random

Shannon
I often like to have a light watch or a rewatch at night when I journal, and recently started randomly (that's the random connect) watching Beauty and the Beast Season 2 on Showcase.ca. I fell out of watching it last year, but do enjoy it and maybe this way I'll be caught up when it comes back...which is simply "soon". Heh. Bit of an odd random, but I only had so many pics to pick from as I'm testing out a different computer!

Suzie

Cutest zamboni ever! And, it has a fin on top.

January 17, 2015

Jamie 

I love it when this card shows up! For me it always means, "Now is a time you're going to feel like yourself!" And I did. I'm having such a good time putting together the beta program and my new schedule is feeling so good. I even got my newsletter done during the week so it was all set to go by the end of the week. Sweet! On to the weekend :)

 

Shannon
Here is a little behind the scenes of vlogomania that happened Friday. I was determined to get my 2015 Book to Film Challenge video done, and it took a lot of takes. Mr. Man decided to visit me for some of it. I'm shocked he sat on my lap when I was sitting on the ground! I am not sure he's ever done that before. He must of been the lucky charm to finally getting it done!

Suzie

Another day off my ankle and this time I got all nice and cozy on the couch and watch my Craftsy hand embroidery class. What I lack for perfection I make up for in character which is just fine with me. They have a new class of beaded embroidery which is a dream of mine to learn how to do. I figure I should finally do this class to prep for that one. Which I will take. One day.

January 16, 2015

Jamie

Last night it was such a joy to get out to the opening night of Juli Lyons' photography exhibit. She's such a delight and a wonderful talent - and you'll both get to know here in the Beta!

Shanno
I can't believe it...I finally finished Burn Notice! 7 seasons, 1 made-for-TV movie, with lots of explosions, tough situations, creative solutions and of course...yogurt. I really enjoyed the series, and am glad I finally just bought it all to enjoy it at my own pace...and then of course powered through it. I was looking back and I actually started watching it 2 years ago almost to this day. What are the chances? That's when I snagged this shot from the first seasons, and I always thought it was a great character shot as it captures all three of Michael, Sam and Fiona in one go. Too bad it's a big fuzzy, but I still think the moment reads.

Suzie

I totally was a spazz and fell while I was out for a walk and sprained my ankle. I had to walk, very slowly, 10 blocks home and it is pretty swollen. As a result, I had an art day yesterday again, thanks to Lisa Congdon. But then the creative energy was gone. I did not like having to be in my crafts room because I had to stay off my ankle. It made it less fun. So I had a long nap instead.

January 15, 2015

Jamie

Yesterday on my way home from Tanya's, I popped into the grocery store to get stuff for dinner and as soon as I walked in I saw this weeping pussy willow with a tag on it that said, The Tree of Enchantment. I felt like Mom had put it right there where I could find it. The note on it says, "The weeping pussy willow is among the most graceful of trees. It is connected with all that is feminine: dreaming, intuition, emotion, enchantment, healing and revitalization. The willow has long been recognized as a sacred tree by poets, philosophers and religious leaders because of the flexibility of its twigs. The willow's flexibility symbolizes resilience and inspires us to move with life rather than resist what we are feeling." Thanks, Mom! Of course, I brought it home.

Shannon
I finally got my post up about the 2015 Book to Film Challenge! I'm not doing as a club this time, but people are still free to play along (or choose their own 12 books!). It's halfway through the month, but there is still a lot of the year left so I'm considering it a win-ish!

Suzie

I got a night's sleep so I was unusually productive. I even had a chance to go through my Latvian cookbook because I wanted to try making a soup recipe with a ham hock. I still have to find a place that sells them but there is a butcher that might have them so I am going to go exploring that possibility on Thursday. At least a phone call, it's not that super close.

January 14, 2015

Shannon
I've been trying to be careful with not going to much, and I find the best way to do that is to pull out the old timer. Usually 20 on, 5-10 off. It feels weird to switch up stuff so much but it does seem to help.

Suzie

I started that Sketchbook Explorations with Lisa Congdon class yesterday! I should have kept this for stART but it's really the only thing I photographed. I am not good at doing the marker designs, I keep forgetting which direction to go. I loved learning how to paint circles though. I adore polka dots.

January 13, 2015

Jamie

The arrival of this gardening catalogue is like the promise of spring! I've been loving looking through it, imagining. One caught my eye immediately - Star of Billion! What a wonderful name. And then, believe it or not, I was listening to CBC radio while making a tea and they were talking about the stars of your garden and someone called in and said, "Astrantia Major, which is also called Star of Billion." Now, that's a sign! I'm ordering it for sure.

Shannon
I do love that one of the things I can do that doesn't take too much effort is play Destiny. I recently leveled up (woohoo!) and got to go to the MOON! This is the town in the sky near earth though...I need to take some moon pictures. The moon!!!

Suzie

Another reason why I love living here. I took this photo from the parking lot of our closest Walmart! What you are looking at is what they call an "inversion" which used to happen to us when we lived on the mountain all the time. It is essentially fog but clouds you can see above at the same time. In fact that white rectangular piece on the mountain is the ski hill on Grouse Mountain and you can see specks of people in the photo if you look really close! What a place, nowhere else quite like it.