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

Sunday, May 31, 2015

May 31, 2015: Random


Shannon

Although this isn't what I would normally share for Random, and it's rather ordered, technically it probably looks Random. It's my capsule wardrobe! Although I thought there would be a simpler colour story, it literally has every colour in the rainbow...and a rainbow shirt. But, it is only 33 items (that blossomed to 34) and it ALL fits in my dresser which was totally a goal I had in mind. I'm very curious to see how a week on this wardrobe goes.


Suzie

I found it and I bought it! If this doesn't make my eyes "pop" on my videos, nothing will, LOL.

Saturday, May 30, 2015

May 30, 2015

Jamie

Despite a challenging morning and a long to-do list, I worked stayed devoted to the idea of getting down to the beach to do some writing. It was good to have that break away and to have some time to commune with the breeze and the trees. This beauty stopped me in my tracks. I went over and immersed myself in her rings. I wonder what stories that spiral tells. When I put my hand on her trunk there was a great sense of peace.


Shannon

Capsule wardrobe official has begun, and of course I have to have (at least) 1 T-shirt that is going to be tons of fun to wear. And that blue is likely officially my main colour, and it is almost the same colour as denim. OH my. I hope I don't end up too matchy-poo!



Suzie

I had this crazy craving to get a drum set on Friday. We had seen this one at London Drugs at Christmas and Reg really has been wanting me to drum for a while so we can jam together. I always said no because it would take up too much room. But this one is quite small and cute but sounds great and it was on sale. It was the last one in the store too. I carried it home which was stupid because I have hurt my back but Reg wanted to go later in the weekend and I said no. I want it now!!! He set it up for me though which was awesome. Only played a little so far but it sounds amazing and I can wear head phones and no one will hear but me. I can't believe I did this!

Friday, May 29, 2015

May 29, 2015


Shannon

Dinner in process pic! I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to make this while you were here Suzie, although this time it turned out mighty spicy so it wouldn't have been the best one to share with you. Next time :)


Suzie

I walked to my doctor's appointment yesterday and knew I was home when I saw these palm trees. Vancouver is such a wild place. Too bad I have to do the sleep trial again though but at least it was a gorgeous walk.

Thursday, May 28, 2015

May 28, 2015

Jamie

A great night out at choir though I totally missed you, Suzie! We sang The Weight by The Band. I even had someone say to me, "Hey, are you the person who wrote that article?" It was so nice to have that as a conversation starter!


Shannon

I got back to my doing 100 random drawing exercises project. Oh, or is it an exercise? Most likely an experiment! Anyhow, I did 2 inspired by Lynda Barry's Syllabus, and this one wasn't even from an exercise she talked about but rather from a page that posed a question about what originality has to do with the original digital device. But I went somewhere with it, which was fun so it goes in the "win" pile. I don't actually have piles, but that was fun to write.



Suzie

Yesterday was mostly about sharing photos from the past on FB (I had to do it while the energy was there) but Reg took me into the backyard and showed me our little plot of radishes and carrots! The idea of him growing us food is just so awesome. Farmer Reg. Who knew?!

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

May 27, 2015

Jamie

Yesterday I took some time to get out in the backyard with my camera. Suzie, you'd be so proud of me. I tried this setting and that. I found the WB button and figured out how to use it. I found out how to change where the focus is and played with that. I was so much more fearless because of the time you spent with me and the DSLR. Thank you so much for opening this door!

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

May 26, 2015

Jamie 

Whoa, how did Suzie's visit go so quickly! It seems like just yesterday you arrived - but then that's not possible too because we went on so many adventures and created so many memories! I'm so glad we have this willow tree space to connect every day. ((bighugs))


Shannon

I can't believe the time of Suzie's visit flew so fast! Well, I can believe it because it was all such a good time! So many new memories, fun times, laughter and tears. A great visit indeed.


Suzie

I actually slept on the plane a little but it was an emotional flight back west. I am grateful for having sisters like you and saying good-bye is always so hard. I am so glad we still connect here and are always together in spirit.

Saturday, May 9, 2015

May 9, 2015


Suzie

My friend from the island Fran and I got to go out for dinner Friday night together, spontaneously! We haven't seen each other in around 7 years. I consider her one of the dearest people in my world and we talked and talked and I am already hoarse! Looks like socializing is on the agenda early for me, LOL.

Friday, May 8, 2015

May 8, 2015

Jamie 

Yesterday I had a fabulous day at Tanya's, including this purr-filled bonding moment with one of her cats! This wasn't the only animal sighting. As we ate lunch on her deck, we noticed a racoon tucked high up in a tree watching us. And then (you won't believe this) a hawk flew overhead!! It was amazing. We got together to chat through the stories that underlie what we're writing about in our books. It was insightful and incredibly helpful. I feel so inspired to help other people in this way!



Suzie

No photos on Thursday. Just went out to return Season 3 of Game of Thrones, pick up supplies for the next couple of days and start to dig out summer clothes for the trip. I am getting a little anxious but I know that is normal for me before a big trip and I know it's all going to be awesome. Still, I have been resting a lot too, trying to keep my batteries charged. This is my last post/video before I start blogging and vlogging on the road!

Thursday, May 7, 2015

May 7, 2015

Jamie 

I couldn't be more excited that my plant order from Botanus came in! Can you imagine that these live plants were shipped all the way from BC to Toronto?! I had an amazing time spending a beautiful, sunny afternoon getting these beauties in the garden. I admit I felt a bit of time pressure because when they arrive, they really have to be tended to, plus a lot of these are really new to me and I felt a bit nervous about getting the planting right. I talked my way through it, "Hey there, astilbe. I think you're really going to like it here," and found my mood shifting and more and more I was just experiencing joy in the garden.
 

Shannon

I'm so excited that Deadliest Catch is back. I can't believe they are in their 11th season. Wow. Looks like The Bait is also back, but they are airing it on Saturday (?), and then before the show next week. Oddly, last year I ended up enjoying The Bait a little more than the regular show! But I always watched it after I watched the regular show. It's hilarious the complicated rituals I have for some TV shows. I hope all the boats have great seasons. It looks like it will be an exciting year.


Suzie

I went into the city on Wednesday to pick up an important letter from my doctor. I thought it was just going to be a quick appointment but it wasn't but it was good. Looks like more tests ahead for me but if it helps me sleep, it's worth it. I just wish these appointments didn't exhaust the hell out of me. I really wanted to get this done before I head to Toronto though and now, it's done!

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

May 6, 2015



Shannon

More returning to practices today, which means more GOLD STARS! Or... in this case, a ladybug like creature that hangs out around mushrooms.



Suzie

Today was mostly a rest day but as I was working on my foodie blog post I noticed the sun was setting and outside our house there was this giant cloud behind the trees that was all pink! A weird peachy pink that I totally love.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

May 5, 2015


Shannon

I feel like I'm slowing getting back to normal practices after the challenging past little while. It was nice to get back to being centred with Morning Pages.



Suzie

Monday was all about trying to get up a comprehensive but not too-overwhelming post about Eat! Vancouver. I did not get to the Susur Lee video yet, I just couldn't do it all. I'm still nursing a convention hangover, hope I feel better soon because I have more adventures to come!

Monday, May 4, 2015

May 4, 2015



Shannon

It was very nice to get back to Art-Day-ing. And from a distance, it's very odd to see that this was my palette and colour choices! :)


Suzie

My big news from the weekend was winning tickets to Eat! Vancouver and unexpectedly getting to meet Anna Olson. A total dream come true for me! She immediately gave me a hug and said how glad she was to finally meet me. ME! LOL. I am still on cloud 9 about it. I wasn't even sure I was going to go and I did and heard her voice and there she was doing a demo.

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Random: May 3, 2015

Jamie

This week I was thinking about the old pub nights I used to throw. This is actually our DS Pub Night - our team that worked together went out the first Tuesday of every month to hang out and have a beer together. I wonder what they are all doing today. Well, I know what Shannon's doing ;)


Shannon

This was the closest I could find to random this week, and that is a book series that I'm am FLYING though as record pace. This is the first book, and I read 5 books and 2 novellas in less than 2 weeks. It's such a great series, following a ex-mercenary sword wielding woman who navigates through a messy near future that's has magic, shapeshifters as well as technology (although it's not very reliable). I read lots of the books with a sleeping cat in my lap, I wonder if I'll remember that when I remember the books later. I hope so.

Saturday, May 2, 2015

May 2, 2015

Jamie

I can't quite believe that Justin and I have celebrated so many anniversaries - many at this wonderful restaurant, Kalendars. We stopped here for dinner after a day at the Art Gallery of Toronto. We saw the wonderful Emily Carr exhibit (her trees made me cry) and also the popular Basquiat exhibit, which really inspired me to be more direct and brave in my own creative work. We had a wonderful, wonderful day!


Shannon

After a week of very little sleep plus lots of tears, I promptly got sick. Sigh. After everything, it was nice to have a rest.

Friday, May 1, 2015

May 1, 2015

Jamie

A sad, sad day as we said goodbye to this sweet soul. He was loved every day and he will continue to be in our hearts forever.


Shannon

This was truly one of the hardest days. I'm thankful for the calm moments like this, where I could hold him calmly as he slept before it was time to say goodbye. Lots of tears, but also so many wonderful memories throughout the years.