February 29, 2016

Jamie

This weekend was a powerful pivot point! All sorts of preparation, waiting and anticipation has gone into getting the rental house ready for tenants, including Shannon getting a new home! This weekend, Shannon moved the last of her stuff in and another tenant moved into the downstairs apartment. Yay! I've been so inspired, Shannon, by how you've been making powerful decisions about what to keep and what to let go. When things moved in you could feel the lightness and the happiness of having your right things fill your home. I'm really motivated to do the same and I'm so excited to feel you making home. It's awesome!

Shannon
This weekend was all about the move of my stuff from storage, and I am so happy that it all went very smoothly. The movers even gave me this checklist to play "bingo" and check off everything as it came it. Shannon with a checklist...equals a happy Shannon! Thanks Jamie for catching this moment :)

Suzie

Pretty quiet weekend here which I needed between constant medical appointments. I did get out to the bank and saw this daffodil with some wild beautiful floral bush behind it and took a moment to get out my camera. Spent most of the weekend on the couch resting.

February 27, 2016

Shannon
I didn't take many pictures today as it was the final pre-move day and I was doing lots of shifting, cleaning and clearing in anticipation of the arrival of my stuff. I can't quite believe it. I should have taken more pictures of how spacious it is, because it will become very full, very fast. One to the next step in this adventure!!

Suzie

Friday was all about the ultrasound which was very long, painful but at least it was thorough. I have no idea what these are pictures of but I sneaked a photo in to capture the big event of the day. Very grateful my morning appointments are now over. Still have a lot ahead but no more fasting!!!!

Feb 26, 2016

Shannon
One of the many reasons I love my new apartment. Look at that sunset!! It literally stopped me in my tracks. For serious.

Suzie

I can not believe how much fun I am having in my clay class and getting along with people too. People even asked me how I was feeling because I was away sick last week. We did glazing which I wasn't very good at so I am glad I only started with my little pinch pots to learn how to do it.

February 25, 2016

Shannon
I wrote a blog post! Omg, it's been so long. I'm wayyyy out of practice, therefore it was long winded. It really helped me process some of how it's feeling with being close to the end of a really long process, how it feels like things need to be different with the arrival of the stuff and those kinds of ponderings. Man, I'm really curious to see how it's going to be.

Suzie

I was so scared of sleeping through my appointment I put up notes for Reg to wake me up before he "go-go"s to set for the day. Like the WHAM! reference? There was no need. I was up when he was at like 5:30. Appointment was on the other side of the city and was long and tiring and I'm so glad it's over. Onto the next appointment...

February 24, 2016

Jamie

Yesterday I spent some lovely time putting packages together for Give a Girl a Journal and then going out to the post office. It's been taking a little while to find my groove, to play with different components until it feels just right, but I think I'm finally there. I was also a bit concerned about the cost of postage but it looks like if I keep the journals small enough to fit in an envelope, we'll be in the right price range, which is a relief. It is exciting to think some girls will be receiving journals maybe even this week!

Shannon
More of this thing called "food". It's been interesting to try and find a good regular rhythm of the everyday things like cooking in the new place, and I did recently make the first real-food meal of the mushroom/bacon thing that needs a name (because I have too many mushroom recipes to simply call it the mushrooms), but last night I made simple spaghetti. With penne, of course because.. that's what I bought last week for something else. Funny. It's still tastes good, no matter what the kind of pasta to go with the sauce!

Suzie

I have the sleep clinic tomorrow and a ton of other appointments coming up and am absolutely stressed and trying to find ways to keep my mind pre-occupied so I got back to the Culinary Institute of America's cooking class I signed up for ages ago. I have been saving it for when we cut back on cable but needed it today. I have a pot just like the one he is holding and the cast iron pan too!

February 23, 2016

Jamie

Last night Justin and I went out for drinks with our friends from guitar. We had a great time chatting about everything from travel to finance. I'm so glad we had a chance to catch up.

Shannon
My first *real* real meal in the new place! Mushrooms and bacon goodness. Was odd to cook on Monday and have it just be me though, to be honest. So many adjustments to make. I did end up timing it to watch X-Files, which was nice as my previous attempts have me still finishing cooking when my show is about to start. But this time I got it right, woohoo!

February 22, 2016

Jamie

This past week and a bit has been an incredibly demanding time. I think we're all rather exhausted and the work isn't done. Taking time to sit and create, to fill our well and enjoy each other's company is a good refresher.

Shannon
This are still really busy with setting in at the new place, but it was soooooo nice to back in the swing of things and enjoy an Art Day with Jamie!

Suzie

We ended up staying home yesterday (we usually go to D&D) and I played around with some graphics for a future post so I had my own art day (which I am not going to use) and wow, looks very similar to Jamie's pic! I must have channeled some of your energy.

February 20, 2016

Jamie

It really is all journals all the time right now in the studio. I'm not sure if it's a good thing that Shibumi wants to help!

February 19, 2016

Shannon
I'm continuing to set up my new place, and that includes stocking the kitchen! I think I'll try to do one recipe a week that's a pantry builder, and this week it's the mushrooms (bacon/mushrooms, not stuffed mushrooms). And as such, I needed to pick up flour, salt and pepper. It was really hard to not buy a larger, more economical size, but I can only carry so much so I went with the smaller versions. It was still a lot to carry, but I'm set for a bit. Oh, and the sugar is for guests :)

February 18, 2016

  Jamie  

Yesterday Justin and I went to see Polly Esther's Dammit, Jim, I'm a Comedienne not a Doctor! She shared her two-year mission of delving into Star Trek, culminating in some powerful moments at a convention. It was great to get out and support Polly and man, it has me wondering, if I was to do a one-woman show, what would it be?

 

 
Shannon
After I went through the last box (the dreaded mostly-outdated electronics box), I treated myself to a tea and banana bread. It took resistance to just eat this piece, and not like the rest of the loaf, but I did it!

Suzie

I was sick yesterday with a head cold so in some ways I was grateful for this frozen burrito but not a huge fan. I think I have to start getting much pickier about what I say yes to reviewing. Still, I was too sick to cook so glad it was there in my freezer.

February 17, 2016

Shannon
I'm continuing to do initiate the new place with normal-like stuff, and most recently that was with cooking "food"! It was more of a slap dash of easy-to-get-ready stuff, but it got me to test out the stove are as well as the much more exciting rice cooker which I got for my birthday! Turned out pretty well if I do say so myself! Next up... the oven!

Suzie

Been a while since I made lunch just for me so I had sundried tomato and almond pesto with bowtie pasta and chicken sausage. Yum!

February 16, 2016

Shannon
I'm starting to feel a bit more organized with my stuff, and I actually know where most things are now which is very exciting. Right now I have a bunch of little piles of project types stuff here, there, everywhere. Which makes me feel right at home :)

Suzie

Turns out taking photos of clip-on earrings is not easy, especially when they reflect you in the shiny ball at the bottom taking its photo. Ugh!!! And it's been so easy, getting this was tough. I also went to the doctor and did groceries. Freakin' long day.

February 15, 2015

Jamie

And we're up! This is why I have been so incognito. I've been 100% immersed in bringing this project to life. It's been wonderful and exhausting and emotional and rich and well... a huge project. This week I'm planning to take a bit of a rest to bring my energy levels back up after pouring my heart into Give a Girl a Journal.

Shannon
I spent the weekend organizing and going through all my bags of stuff. There was quite a lot of them. Funnily enough, most things ended up just going back into bags as I don't have any furniture to put stuff on! But now it's all organzied, included this huge array of stationary and art supplies. I shouldn't have to buy any notebooks, sketchbooks or journals for quite some time!

February 12, 2016

Shannon
The kitchen is shaping up! I even have my two plants, super big thank you to Jamie for taking care of them for me. I hope I can keep them alive from here on in. I've actually had them both for 10 or more years, if you can believe it. And I finally set up one of the most essential items: the coffeemaker! This should make mornings go smoother. Or whenever the day starts, be it morning .. or later :)

Suzie

It was really cool to see my pinch pots and sushi plates all fired up! Sadly I got quite nauseous in class and had to go home and lie down. Which helped me get to D&D which was lots of fun. Man, I hate having tummy problems. Go away now please!

February 11, 2016

Shannon
I think it's clear from this picture that I am starting to feel right at home here in the new apartment.

Suzie

I spent a long time making Pho yesterday and it ended up making me quite sick to my stomach. First time I have had to deal with nausea in a bit and I was not happy. I'm wondering if it was the star anise in it, it's the only thing that I don't usually use.

February 10, 2016

Shannon
The appliances arrived today and I have to say.... the kitchen is pretty freaking spectacular! I love everything! I have so many cupboards I don't even know what to do with them all. But don't worry, ... I's sure I will find things to put in all of them!

Suzie

An old friend from school asked me if I could make her a headband for her wedding using poppies. Here are three different styles and sizes I came up with. I'm not sure I like any of them but I can be so hard on myself. It was a gorgeous day so I got out for a long walk but not feeling super hot because I'm back to my insomnia.

February 9, 2016

Suzie

We finally had a gorgeous day! It was 14C and sunny! So we got in the car and drove out to Steveston which is by the ocean and is a fishing village. We went for a nice long walk, got hot coffees and even saw a seal fishing in the harbour and people flying kites. It is weird to be out on Family Day sometimes but for me, out here, BC is my family. And Reg too, of course. Plus we feel very much at home by the ocean.

February 6, 2016

Shannon
Happiness at IKEA with Jamie, what a great day. They had ALL the items I wanted. Then we got to have a nice lunch. It was a huge relief to get this part of the move sorted, and I can't wait to share more. I feel so happy!!

Suzie

I walked all the way to the library in the pouring rain and stopped by a beef noodle house to pick up some soup for lunch. We also went to see Pride & Prejudice & Zombies last night and it rocked!

February 5, 2016

Jamie

It was so wonderful to host the first ever studio forum yesterday. What a joy to be in creative conversation with such generous creatives about how they journal, why and more. It was a lively and fun hour that led to many great ideas and possibilities!

Shannon
The move is getting closer and closer!! Yesterday was a lot of finalizing, and here are the FINAL paint colours! When I see them in pictures they seem so light, but in the apartment they are perfect.

Suzie

Thursdays are awesome but tough. I have clay class and then D&D. I tried quitting D&D but I just couldn't do it. I really enjoy this group and I get the night off of making dinner. My friend Reuben used his 3D printer to print this base out for me and then I gave him the funds to pick up a female Tiefling! They are extremely hard to find, especially ones that aren't offensive. She isn't a sorcerer but she is damn cool.

February 4, 2016

Jamie

Well, I didn't get a great picture but I did have a great evening at the 5-year celebration night at choir. We sang I'm on Fire by Bruce Springsteen - and also Happy Birthday to Choir ;)

Shannon
I am going to miss waking up with kittens on me! Only a few more sleeps until moving, I can't quite believe it.

February 3, 2016

Jamie 

Justin and I had a lovely gentle day to celebrate our anniversary. It was so nice to sleep in a bit and just hang out all day! We went out to dinner at local spot and were surprised to have a wonderful time listening to a banjo performance!

 

Shannon
Not the best lighting, but it's my pick for a pic because I got out to the movies. Things are going to get crazy busy, but since I was out and about I thought I might as well take the opportunity to see something before I get to the moving and shifting and settling and painting and cleaning and... and... which will be what is I am sure going to keep me busy for quite some time.

Suzie

My friend Kris and I went to another thrift store for some treasure hunting and found a few more items! It was a fun day out but I think I over-did it. Gotta rest up a bit.

February 2, 2016

Jamie

To celebrate our wedding anniversary Justin and I took two days off to spend together. There's so much going on it really was hard to completely unplug but we did have a wonderful breakfast down in the beach and a great walk along the boardwalk.

Shannon
Mail day! I was so excited to receive this in the mail today, Marina sent it to me as she upgraded to the super-dooper collectors edition. I guess now I have no excuse not to finish the first season.

February 1, 2016

Jamie 

It was so great to get back to Art Day! Shannon and I are already having a great time with Carla's year-long Y is for Yellow class. We're in "B" which is about the colour blue. It was really interesting to work in layers with watercolours. Lots of learning going on!

Shannon
It was nice to have an Art Day Sunday with Jamie this week! This layering value study was really interesting and I learned a lot about my own preferences while we worked on them. Amazing how having the time to wait between layers turns into interesting art making discussions.

Suzie

My friend Kris and I decided to try and sell some stuff online and maybe at flea markets. I just picked up this gorgeous retro high quality resin bangle which I can't sell online because of the height but maybe at a flea market. It's the first time I have been excited about anything in a long time. I'm even thinking about getting back to making stuff myself.