April 30, 2015

Jamie 

I had a truly wonderful time out at choir Wednesday night. What fun to step out into the street and sing!

 

Suzie

It has begun...

April 29, 2015

Jamie

Yesterday I made a new friend! I was out in the garden checking on the tulips and I heard a "Mew!" I looked up and there was this little guy standing on the fence. He immediately jumped down and started hanging out with me. What a treat. If I was able to read his collar right, his name is Beau.

Suzie

I had these cute little bow charms for wine glasses and decided to put them on my skull container of salt.

April 28, 2015

Suzie

It was a pretty wet Monday but the sun did try and come out just like the neighbourhood roses. I went out and got groceries, picked up Reg's coffee and filmed this Instant Pot video. Then I crashed!!!

April 27, 2015

Jamie

Well, yesterday the day arrived! I taught this group about keeping a journal. I was beyond thrilled at the response of these girls!  They were enthusiastic, generous, thoughtful and totally, totally engaged! I hope we planted some magic and that a meaningful experience with journals has begun!

Suzie

Made Quaker Honey Bran muffins yesterday for brunch. I was doing a photoshoot for some kitchen gear Simply Orange sent me. Man, I LOVE those muffins! Always reminds me of being home with you both.

April 25, 2015

Suzie

I think the whole sleep apnea thing ended up being a mess but they say they have enough intel but I seriously doubt it. Totally wiped me out so I decided to take on embroidery (the thing I have resisted the most lately) and use my light board and a very fine graphic pen to put on a Hello Kitty design onto fabric as a test. Screw traditional methods! This is my method and I'm going to try and make it work.

April 24, 2015

Jamie 

This entire week is really about feeling better and getting ready to share journaling with a large group of girls this Sunday for GDay Toronto! I've finished my presentation, created some lovely pics for it and yesterday did a run-through with Shannon and Justin being my audience! I'm feeling pretty good but also a little nervous - it's just so very important to me to transmit some magic to this beautiful girls! Wish me luck :)

 

Suzie

I have been taking photos via my computer recently (mostly laziness) and this is the next salad I am going to recipe test. As you saw Jamie, the last one was boring! I love all these things (although I am not sure when I am going to find pistachios around here) so hopefully I will like it. I love that you ca see my Salad Broccoli shirt in the image. I love that shirt.

April 23, 2015

Jamie 

Yesterday I was on the phone with my friend Tanya, sharing with her an idea that I've been against for years that I'm actually considering pursuing and when I looked out the window I saw this big bird head directly my way and land in the tree outside the window. This beautiful hawk sat there for a good while. Even when I opened the door to take a picture, he just looked at me. If that's not a blessing, I don't know what is!

Shannon
I know you both saw this yesterday on Facebook, but I had to share again as I'm SO EXCITED to finally have a return date for The Deadliest Catch. I will say, I'm not impressed this year we are 3 weeks behind the US airing. I'll have to go unfollow all the fan pages on Facebook for the show and the ships to avoid spoilers but it will be worth it. I was getting leery we wouldn't get to see it at all! But I'm glad we will :)

Suzie

Well at least Wednesday was a little different! Reg took me to get the home sleeping test. Not sure I am going to need a CPAC yet but it wouldn't surprise me. Last hole in my head to plug up when I sleep. Tonight Reg is going to help me put on all the gear and they want me to get at least six hours sleep. If I don't, I have to walk around the house wearing it which would be extra weird. So hope I sleep tonight.

April 22, 2015

Jamie 

When I was sick, I joined Teesha Moore's Artstronauts Club and immersed myself in videos about art journaling. I was so inspired when she used Pan Pastels for shading her mixed media journals. The colours were beautiful and the impact huge. I love, love, love chalk pastels and so thought it likely I'd love these too. I ordered some from Deserres and they arrived yesterday. Don't they look like makeup? And you even apply them with a tool like a makeup applicator! I can't wait to give these a go!

Shannon
I didn't take a lot of pictures as I'm trying to rest up, and actually this might be a cheat from a different day, but it's always a good day for a cute cat pic.

Suzie

And the tech issues just continue! My computer is packed with movies and photos and so I bought a 3 TB hard drive that was supposed to be compatible and apparently it is not. Argh!!!

April 21, 2015

Jamie

I've been so sick and that's made me so restless. I was thrilled to get out for a little walk around the block and that trip was made all the better by a ton of cats in the hood! This is one of my favourite pics of one of my favourite cats, Shortie the Tortie. I was delighted to see her coming out of a house this week so that I know she actually does have a home. Phew!

Shannon
It was a bit of a weird day, being rainy and very quiet and as such I didn't take that many pictures. BUT I did remember to take one of making dinner. It's been a while since I had made Green Curry so it was time to have it, especially for a hot dish on a cold-ish rainy day.

Suzie

See that question mark? That's the corrupted file that lead to my meltdown. And yes, that's Hershel from Walking Dead there too. I wrote the company about the tech issues and they were so nice. They even offered to send me another box which just made me want to cry. But in a good way. I still feel so bad. Man, I hate letting people down. It's like one of my greatest issues. I'm not sure I am going to say yes to another box of candy. At least not until I'm back from Toronto. Maybe.

April 20, 2015

Jamie

I'm sorry that I have been absent over the past week. This has literally been my view for most of that time! I got sick on Monday and have spent so much time in bed! I'm finally starting to feel a bit better but wow, this knocked the stuffing out of me. I'm trying to gently ease back into things without overdoing it. My big journaling workshop is next Sunday and I want to be super ready and super healthy!


Shannon
Although we didn't do Art Day this week, I did end up working on so me bookmarks earlier in the week so it felt like it would be good to share in lieu of Art Day! This is the front and the back of the same set of bookmarks. I totally want to go back to VV to pick up more bookmarks because they were the base I used!

Suzie

It was a mostly at-home weekend but we did get out to D&D which is just so much fun. We had a huge group and our green ogre friend who died last week returned from the dead and we had to stop him. He was our friendly giant but it was scary to go up against him and sad. I tumbled between his legs, got up and attacked him from behind and rolled a D20 which is a critical hit. Everyone went crazy! And it made no difference and he knocked me unconscious on the next turn. It was awesome though. I got to be a ninja rogue for a moment and it felt amazing.

April 19, 2015: Random

Shannon
Another cat inspired random picture! I was really happy to be able to capture the moment, even though I geeked out a bit :)

April 18, 2015

Shannon
It was very exciting to receive both Titus and Streets of Fire from Amazon. I really was close to only picking one, but then serendipitously I was able to get both. WOOHOo! I've watched Titus and wow, it is such a rough one it's certainly not going to be a bit repeat-watcher, but I was happy to understand several of the key characters better.

April 17, 2015

Shannon
It was nice to get out and about a bit, and I've had on my errand list for quite some time to pick up some stamps so off to the post office I went! There were lots of options, and when I asked about the special ones they pulled them out and offered the flowers ones first. I was like...what's that eyeball one? And it was DINOSAURS! If dinosaurs are an option, I am definitely picking them! WOOHOO to choice :)

Suzie

I took this photo of Wednesday of our front window. We have been getting such beautiful weather here, it's crazy. Thursday we just went out and did errands and had a lunch Reg hated so I prefer to remember the nice weather and not the stress of grocery shopping and stuff like that.

April 16, 2015

Shannon
I'm officially onto (reading) the next Shakespeare play, and I'm diving into the history plays with Richard II. I don't really know anything about this one, but was inspired to read it because I bought a recent BBC set of films that has this one, along with Henry IV Part I & II, and Henry the V. I read a bit of it and wow, it feels pretty complicated and everyone has 2-3 different names when you add in their titles and lands. It will be interesting to see if I can follow it from the text.

Suzie

I had an oddly stressful day yesterday. I finally said to myself I was going to start embroidering so I got out these Hello Kitty tracings I did (aren't they adorable?) and tried to transfer one to fabric but the transfer pencil SUCKS! Now I have to go to a fabric store to get "the good stuff" which is made out of wax but man, I was pissed at the moment. I have really been trying to push myself to do stuff that I have been avoiding and then there was this big reminder about why I avoid stuff. Blocks like this one! I just sort of shrugged it off and made dinner and tried to let it go. Sometimes that is how you figure out the stuff that is really important. When not being able to do it pisses you off! At least it is in my case.

April 15, 2015

Shannon
My phone has stubbornly decided to take all pictures with a sideways point of view. After getting a little grumbly, I decided to stop fighting. We all have sideways days now and again!

Suzie

The other day I bought a papaya and then wanted to paint one. I found a photo online and tried my first painting of it. Very rudimentary and when I do a side-by-side I see all sorts of things wrong with it but I did it!

April 14, 2015

Shannon
I made crock pot leek soup for dinner tonight, French Onion Soup style with yummy bread and cheese on top. Thanks Jamie for the inspiration to make it happen.

Suzie

I hate that time when you realize library books have to go back and you're only halfway through them. I have been working through Make It Mighty Ugly which has been very emotionally tough but I made a breakthrough the other day. I started watching Downton Abbey and went through extreme depression and heartbreak and love as I watched it, which always happens. I realized that so much of who I used to want to be and who I was is caught up in this gremlin that makes me feel like my life today is worthless. I should be a poet and wear only skirts and be lost on the moors or something. It's an idealized version of me during a time I actually wasn't that happy. So now I can watch Downton and embrace the romantic in me without cutting myself down. That! Was a hard one.

April 13, 2015

Shannon
Art Day project! I'm had some challenges with this one, mostly with not feeling like it looked like how I anticipated to look. After chatting about it for a bit, it came to light that I don't usually start things with a strong expectation of how it will look, so when this didn't match if felt very uncomfortable. So odd. It's amazing the layers of thoughts, feelings, history, intention, reaction that can come up while making art!

Suzie

Reg and I found out about a tavern called The Storm Crow and had to check it out. We rarely go out on the weekend but this place is specifically for geeks and check out the menu! Just like a D&D module. They even had Wrath of Khaaaaad!!! Fish Tacos! You can read my tale about it here. We LOVED it and can't wait to go back. But I think we'll go for Sunday brunch when we don't have to scream quite as loudly over the death metal music and gamers all around us. Although that was a lot of fun.

Random: April 12, 2015

Jamie

This actually is from Saturday but it's also pretty dang random! I went out for a few things and couldn't help but come home with this little tortoise. I popped Bruno (that's what I've named him) on the couch and within moments Jinx was all over him! Clearly he was meant to be a part of the family!

Shannon
I love this image, so much that it's my current desktop background. It's from a special episode of Vikings, I love how the fire looks and that it has a journal. So cool.

Suzie

I have always had a thing about mermaids. This is from the convention. There is an artist there who is also a deep sea diver. She is in love with octopus. I love it when art reflects our unusual lives.

April 11, 2015

Jamie 

I was so excited this week to get a ton of stuff done - more than I actually thought was possible! Maybe this time-off thing is a good idea! Yesterday I recorded the podcast and got the newsletter ready to go. It felt great to end off the week with so much complete!

 

Shannon
Ah, The Voice Lives have begun! It's so exciting, and it also is going to get more and more painful as the weeks go on as there are so many amazing singers but the cuts have started and they will keep going until only 1 wins. 20 singers enter,... 1 singer leaves!

Suzie

Before the convention insanity, I have been working so hard to save money and not buy anything if I can help it. But then the book Doodling for Foodies finally was published. It looks so perfect for me and to get the free shipping I invested in Ice Box Crochet which makes me giggle. Finding the time and energy is going to be the tough part but hopefully most of my doctor appointments are done for a bit and I can play a little while. I can't believe I seem to love fake food almost as much as real food!

April 10, 2015

Jamie 

It was so great to get out to hear Gretchen Rubin talk about her new book, Better than Before. Shannon and I were fascinated by all she's sharing about the power of habits. It was a treat to meet her in person, especially after interviewing her for the podcast. I told her I'd be sharing the book on the next Creative Living Bookshelf!

Shannon
It was so exciting to get out and hear Gretchen Rubin speak and get to get a signed copy of her new book. Fascinating to hear all about habits, I am such a fan of habit formation and she's so awesome at sharing not only what works but why. So cool.

Suzie

Reg took me to the doctor and then after lunch we went to Central Park near where we live. It was warm enough to not wear a coat and the air smelled heavenly of blossoms. I couldn't breathe it in enough, it was so wonderful. I think it helped me inside too. I feel better now and we even have a window open in the kitchen. Love it.

April 9, 2015

Jamie 

It's being a real joy to receive Akiyo's postcard project in my mailbox! Every day she is writing her gratitudes on a postcard and sending them in the mail. The colour alone is spreading joy all the way from Japan to Canada.

 

Shannon
I can't believe how much I enjoy this horrible VC Andrews adaptations that Lifetime does. I was watching today, and laughing all the way, and then I realize, nothing that I was laughing at was meant to be funny. I think I found my version of sarcasm....it's... melodrama. So funny. And it shouldn't be. They are doing another one next week, I'm not sure I'll be able to handle another one so quickly after this one. Oh boy.

Suzie

Yesterday was all about picking winners for my content and Jamie was one of them! Sorry Shannon, I was really hoping you would get a gift certificate or something cool too. I also went out quickly for some groceries but back home in bed. Migraine big time. I really should never have caffeine, even during conventions but I was desperate.

April 8, 2015

Jamie

It was so great to chat with you both for stART and to share my new little painting station in the studio. It's amazing to sit, listening to the birds, and just let the brushes move on the page.

Shannon
Thank you so much to both of you for encouraging me to share my comic, I decided to create a Tumblr for it and it's all up and running. It's kind of weird to have it out there, but I'm glad I did it. WoohoO!

Suzie

Oh I am just starting to get back into the swing of things but I am so glad we got together for stART!!! Sorry if I was in kind of a daze, I totally crashed TWICE after we recorded. I can't wait to get back to creativity!!! stART was a perfect way to begin.

April 7, 2015

Jamie

Yesterday was a rich and full day in the studio. I spent the entire day with wonderful clients and also celebrated the final session of Circe's Circle. What a phenomenal group of women to spend a season with! And what a blessing to work with such sensitive, creative, determined clients. I spent the day full of gratitude.

Shannon
It was so much fun to get out to the Value Village 50% off books & media sale, and I went crazy! I got so many books and I'm so excited about them. A few of "Those Books", some Shakespeare, some book to film adaptations and I even snuck in a movie too.