May 31, 2016

Shannon
I did not take many today as there was tons of stuff to do, but I started off the day with a different beverage ... cardamon tea! With the a/c only just taking the bite off the heat this was a nice treat to start the day (yay for having awesome landlords!). And by end of they the a/c was working nicely which was great because the summer has really arrived.

Suzie

I'm feeling so rough and only had enough energy to get to open studio on Monday that I did not take one photograph. You know I'm off my game when that happens. So here is a photo of me getting organized in the kitchen. Reg took me to Bulk Barn a while ago and I finally have skim milk powder and buttermilk powder again!

May 30, 2016

Jamie

I'm sorry I have been so not present. It has been a crazy time for me but I hope I'm settling into a more regular schedule now. It was great to get back to Art Day with Shannon this week. I so loved the watercolour grids we worked on for Y is for Yellow. Zooming was so fun that we couldn't help but think this would be great to stream or record and share! Suzie, we could totally do an art day with you this way too! 

Shannon
I made it through The Iliad! 16 hours and 41 minutes for the audiobook, and I feel asleep so many times and had to re-listen so it was probably more like 20 hours. It is brutal that only in the last 3 chapters did I feel like I finally understood it consistently, whereas earlier in the book it was hit or miss if I got what was going on. I'm looking forward to diving into the Coles notes or at least the Wikipedia page to actually understand what happened. Even though I didn't "get" it all, it was cool to go on the journey through the story, hear about the Greek Gods (they were often mischievous!), and do my best with listening to an audiobook. I'm super ready for some lighthearted stuff for a while to get back to less intensive reading experience.

Suzie

What a weekend! I went absolutely nowhere but did everything. I slept a total of maybe six hours because my mind would not shut the hell up. I found out there is such a think as season-induced hypomania and think I might have it. As a result, I was incredibly productive. I got all my sparklies in one container. It isn't much, beads are expensive, but they are now altogether and I don't have to go searching container after container.

May 27, 2016

Shannon
OMG! I did it! I streamed playing Tomb Raider! I forgot how brutal the beginning is. Thank you both for checking it out yesterday, I sooooo appreciate it. I also figured out how to export it to YouTube so it's now also on my channel here. Aie!!! Now to catch up to where I am in my first run of the game!

Suzie

It was all about getting the Crispy Minis post up today and that's about all because I got a flare in my left hip socket on my walk. I had no idea that was possible! Only 2 hours sleep last night and I am in trouble. Gotta start easing down and get some rest. I tried napping but I was in so much pain I couldn't sleep. Time for meds... Big time. (sigh)

May 26, 2016

Shannon
Very full day yesterday, but I was happy that I was able to get some vlogging in, especially a bit about gaming which has been on my mind a lot recently and I am *this* close to doing some streaming of playing games. I ran out of steam to do it yesterday but maybe I'll be up for it today!

Suzie

It was a busy day! I went out for a walk, bought food, saw this stunningly monstrous rose with mini rose minions, did a photoshoot of Crispy Minis, made a roast in the Instant Pot... Also napped a long time due to lack of sleep.

May 25, 2016

Shannon
Another successful catching up with a show! This time, I caught up with Wayward Pines just in time for Season 2 which starts tonight. I am so surprized this one didn't get more buzz last summer, it was quite good! It definitely had a lot of tension, but it wasn't over the top or gratuitous. Maybe that's why I didn't hear anything about it! Anyhow, I'm glad I caught up wiht it, it was much better than I expected and now I'm looking forward to enjoying Season 2 throughout the summer.

Suzie

I have been wanting to take myself out on a foodie date forever! It was a bit harrowing to get to The Gourmet Warehouse (long story) but wow, what a store. It has EVERYTHING! I mean it. I wanted pistachio extract and blood orange extract and they had then. I needed a Le Creuset pot top for one of my casserole dishes and they had one! They even had paper chefs hats which I wanted but didn't have the guts to buy. It was incredible. I did some filming and took tons of photographs and also did an interview. It feels good to be back on my foodie feet again.

May 24, 2016

Shannon
It was nice to get outside on the holiday weekend and chat with the folks here and give some cuddles to this cute kitty! Okay, the mid-meow shot might not be the most flattering, but the demand to get back to giving cuddles merited less pictures than I would normally take. I think summer has officially arrived!

Suzie

More fun with the comic book app but very appropriate considering we finally got to the second location of the Storm Crow on the weekend. I finally got to celebrate my bday with Reg and a friend and it was great but so glad we like the closer location even better.

May 23, 2016

Shannon
Although my brain keeps wanting to focus on getting the apartment super settled and perfect, I have also felt the pull to get back to some regular habits. I know, I know... I watch a lot of TV at any given time, but the magic here was pairing watching stuff with getting back to physio. In just a week I've gotten back into the habit of physio in the morning *and* I finished Season 1 of The Shannara Chronicles. And now that I've established the habit, I can just pick another show to watch as I stretch, strength, balance all that good stuff. Total win-win! And I really enjoyed the show. It was nice to have something lighter to enjoy.

Suzie

If I didn't think I was a perfectionist before, I do now! I made about 10 different versions of the thumbnail for my photo studio unboxing video. I am trying to bring in a little superhero-theme and start the transition but without going overboard, since the video itself doesn't feel that way yet. I figured out how to setup with studio and now have to figure out how to use it. It already feels weird to think of doing foodie photos not in the kitchen but I have to realize I am a creature of habit. It's not a bad thing, it is just a different thing.

May 20, 2016

Shannon
More fun with Tomb Raider. I was having trouble finding where to go, so I adjusted the brightness settings so that it wasn't so dark. Amazing, that after that I noticed things like the arrows here. Gee. I wonder which way you are supposed to go? lol.

Suzie

I had a few minutes to work on making jewelry which is good because the rest of the day kind of sucked.

May 19, 2016

Shannon
A bumpy first time playing Tomb Raider wasn't enough to scare me away from coming back for more and trying to keep Lara alive! It ain't easy! There are lots of elements of the game I'm unfamiliar with, but after watching some YouTube vids and streams on Twitch of other games I'm getting a better sense of how to play. I'm not watched anything that's Tomb Raider because I want to see if I can get through myself with out any tips/walkthroughs. But in classic Shannon Style, I've fallen off many ledges and bridges so it's true that some things truly never change!

Suzie

I had to rest because of a migraine but afterwards I tried to get back to getting stuff done and it included getting my drill press out which is the first time since the move. I had zero success drilling holes in my ceramic pendants because they are so tough! I'm going to try again tomorrow, only had enough energy for one attempt. I'm feeling claustrophobic just looking at this photo. OMG, the projects! All the projects...

May 18, 2016

Shannon
I'm in a bit of a tired and sore stint, so didn't take many pictures today although I did have lots of fun chatting during stART! Definitely the most fun part of the day.

Suzie

What a busy day with stART! Then my walk, making lunch, dinner and then... I tried to sew! I always have to relearn everything about the sewing machine when I get it out and I tried to make my first mask and it was a bit of a disaster and ended up looking weird so I have to get more felt, LOL. But it was easy, everyone would be doing it, right? Thanks for believing in me being a foodie superhero. I am pretty terrified of it so I guess it's the right decision.

May 17, 2016

Jamie

I had an incredibly productive day in the studio yesterday. It must be the good company. I love the way that Scout sits in the chair and looks outside. He just relaxes his whole body on the arm. Sometimes he does it with just his head. LOL. The cats sure give me lots of moments of joy throughout the day.

Shannon
Ah,... exciting times. This week is when the US Networks announce their Fall schedules including new shows. And that means pen and paper time for me to look at them all. I think there will be shows both of you will like .. This is Us for Jamie and The Good Place for Suzie. And that's only from 1 of the 5 Networks. For me, I'll be curious to see what they do with the new Prison Break series. I can't wait what the rest of the week will bring.

Suzie

We had a members meeting at the studio which was interesting and I got to pick up stuff that was glazed last Friday. People really loved my little pendant and I was thrilled with my plate with matching dipping bowl. I can finally make the soba noodle with dipping sauce recipe! I just wish I had more time in the studio. I can't seem to get enough!

May 16, 2016

Jamie

Yesterday Justin and I thought we would combine some exercise with some errands by walking up to Home Depot. When we left the house their were blue skies but before we were even halfway there it started to rain and, can you believe this, hail!! We decided to turn back and were only walking a minute or two before it cleared up. We decided to brave it and no matter what get to the store. The rain did show up again so we were wet, cold but we sure got our exercise! 

Shannon
I had a bit of hit-n-missing with trying to work my gaming mojo, but I did get to playing the new Tomb Raider and wow... it's tough. I know I haven't flexed my gaming muscles for quite some time but it took me a while to even realize I was working through a mini tutorial before the wide open space of the game. I'll be very curious to see how I like it. So far, it's actually pretty.. scary, in a survivalist kind of way. We'll see!

Suzie

Most of the weekend was me staying at home getting some projects done but we did manage to get out and see Civil War. For the most part I liked it but as with all Avengers movies, not enough female content. And I'm feeling particularly sensitive around it considering Agent Carter got cancelled. GRR!!!

May 13, 2016

Jamie

I decided to brave putting my entire series up at the studio. I even started to do a bit of research about creating prints. I think that would be so cool. It was nice to get something done because, honestly, I was feeling so exhausted that all I could do in the middle of the day was take a nap. I wonder if it's allergies.

Shannon
I was so excited to have my Superman T-Shirt arrive! It has this awesome retro pixalated style to it that I didn't notice when ordering it, but I love it! I got it as an incentive from Entertainment Weekly to renew my subscription, and approach that totally, and happily, worked on me. Now I have this one *and* a Super Friends T-Shirt.

Suzie

Wow. I was so busy yesterday, did not nap and was so tired and didn't sleep. Up from 4 am and on. This is getting crazy. Reg got up late and to be quiet and wake him I did a lot of crafting including painting the wooden cutout and glittering it up. I tried working on a shirt too but I was tired and a hurry and I am thinking that is not a good combo when you are working with puff paint. Wore my Walking Dead shirt today because that is kind of how I'm feeling... At least I am getting fun stuff done.

May 12, 2016

Jamie

My phone takes photos at the weirdest porportions! I was very excited to get this 48-set of Fiskar gel pens for only $20 on Amazon. I have no idea how good they are or how well they work but I am excited to give them a try. Yesterday I started working with them in my colouring book and so far I enjoy being able to include metallics and neon! 

   

Shannon
Today was mostly a rest day, although I did get a blog post up (thank you both for reading and commenting!). But I really tried to take it a bit easy as I've had a busy few days and that has taken it's toll. One of the things I did while resting was watch some TVO (thanks for the recommend, Jamie!), and this awesome lion was playing a game call ROAR and RUN. Where he'd ROAR, and his friends would coming RUNNING. It had me giggling big time.

Suzie

What a day I had! I wrote a post on becoming a more confident public transit traveller (inspired by Jamie of course) because I finally got my butt to Michaels. Sadly, it was rough. And the store didn't have much that I wanted so I came home and ordered what I needed online, LOL. I did get some goodies though. Felicia Day kept me company on the trip there and back. I came home to do a Twitter party and now I have a small flare in my left ankle. Oh well. I survived.

May 11, 2016

Shannon
I have started The Iliad! Oh my, this is one heavy text! I am actually listening to it via audiobook and the narrator has a wonderful voice with great pacing which makes it so much easier to understand. One of my favourite quotes so far is "Standing near him, Aprodite spoke. Her words had wings." Her words had wings. They actually use that phrase a lot, but this was the first time I heard it and it stuck with me. What are words like, when they have wings?

Suzie

We finally got to the grocery store. It's been almost a month. I had these gift cards for groceries for work I did and I bought myself some treats at the store to product review, including these new chips. I checked everywhere in my hood and nobody had them. I have heard astoundingly delicious things about them and can't wait to photograph everything with my real camera so I can dig in.

May 10, 2016

Jamie

This is month is my favourite time in the garden. Everything is coming to life! It's also when I get to put in a few new treasures, like I did this weekend. Now, if it would only just warm up a bit! I'm looking forward to sitting out back and doing some reading. 

Shannon
Today was a bit of a do, plan and organizing day. There we a few lists, but I actually tried to more strongly focus on the doing. It's amazing that... that gets more done! World-shattering news for a lister like me!

Suzie

It was a bit of an odd day at Open Studio. I am on my seventh day of not sleeping so I just wanted to sit and glaze but sometimes being with other people can be a bit rough. I really need an iPod.

May 9, 2016

Jamie

Mother's Day felt like a major turning point this year. It was so good to see the monument in place, knowing it has been years in the making. It was also, for me, an important marker as I can now put the role of executor down and finally be complete. Thank you so very much for all the support on the journey. It made all the difference on the long road.

Shannon
One of the bigs this weekend was completing and handing in my series that I did for the Y is for Yellow class. Taking pictures of the drawings and mini-editing them and uploading them was a big task to itself! And a big reminder that the work isn't done when you put down the pencil. It was a lot of work, but I feel really good about it. I am planning on sharing the drawings on Facebook 1/day as a treat for everyone who was so sweet and supportive to when I kept on putting up pics of showing up to the blank page. Might as well share how it all turned out!

Suzie

My weekend was very quiet except that I went to a Meet Up for Food in the Air with Jessica Smith, a local photographer. She supplied treats including this maple bacon donut for us to shoot in Gastown in downtown Vancouver. It was fun to be with other photographers who love food. I am so glad I was able to go and finally had a successful Meet Up experience!

May 6, 2016

Jamie

I am stretched a little thin this week but still enjoying all the amazing things that are happening. Yesterday started with an early morning workout and ended with my second photo shoot at Fresh Collective, this time out at their Roncesvalles store. I managed to come home with just one piece. I share it on today's BTS and I'm sure you'll see why I just couldn't resist! This hectic pace is going to continue through to next week. I'm just doing my best to make sure I get a good night's sleep (the kittens are NOT helping), eat well and show up to contribute and enjoy.

   

Shannon
I'm sure this picture comes as no surprize! The drawing today was a bit of a challenge, but at least it didn't take too long. I only have 1 more drawing to go, then it will time to decide if I'll include / share all of the drawings or an pick just some of them. So close!

Suzie

When I went to the market for supplies I saw that it had fresh herbs in stock and on sale! They were cheaper than buying a package of them for cooking so I brought some home. They don't even sell sage for cooking so I knew I had to take that one home for sure and the deal was for four plants for $10. I got sage, basil, thyme and put mint in a larger container hanging on our front porch. Now I can cook with them and make amulets! I usually have terrible luck with herbs but to have an east-facing window in the kitchen where they can keep me company feels so right. Totally makes me happy.

May 5, 2016

Jamie

Once again, I am sorry I've been so sporadic in posting. This has been such a demanding time! I am so thrown off by not having my regular computer set up and my regular routine going. The good news is that spring seems to have arrived and my data appears to be saved! I'm working really hard on getting my systems in place so that I never have that problem again! Plus I'm really focusing on supporting my energy and health. Yesterday I got out for a 30-minute walk and had a fun time seeing spring in the 'hood and also listening to Susan Piver's podcast episode about the basic elements of Buddhism :)

Shannon
I hope I won't be so boring as to have pretty much the same picture every day all week, but given the drive to finish this series it could certainly happen! Thankfully today it didn't take as long as yesterday to complete my piece (and pssst... you can see a smidge of yesterdays at the left side of the pic). Only 2 more to go!

Suzie

With the sale in less than two months away, I took inventory of the earrings I have to sell. I also took some time to play with clay. I haven't been sleeping so I did this during my usual nap time and am hoping it helps that I powered through my tired time of the day with some creative stuff. I am so glad I did. I haven't felt like I have accomplished much this week but now I feel better and am inspired to make more stuff for the sale!

May 4, 2016

Jamie

I have been having a really special time lately. I have been learning to better understand his body language and he's been actually looking for attention. I often take a break and sit with him on the cedar chest at the bedroom window just to be close and for a few cuddles. Yesterday he actually stood and put his paw on my leg for a moment. I'm hoping this is a sign that eventually he'll sit on my lap! For now, it lets me know we are making progress.

Shannon
It was so awesome to hang out together at stART! If was fun to break the giggle record :) Thank you both for listening as I am going through a bumpy period in my series, after we recorded I got back to the page which is a good thing. Not so good was what I did today took 4x as long as the others and way longer than I should have spent... but.. I did. Ah well! That's part of the experiementation, it doesn't always go as expected!

Suzie

Not sleeping really has screwed me up but I did have time to attach some earring posts to some rhinestones and a bail to the back of my air hardening clay thyme amulet pendant. Which I totally forgot to share at stART today! So awesome to see you both and laugh so much.

May 3, 2016

Jamie

It feels very special to me to have one of the daffodils I planted bloom. Last year I planted some under the lilac, in honour of how Mom planted them under our trees in Montreal, but none of them bloomed. In the fall I added many more to the mix. Botanus had a wonderful range of white ones, which you know I love. (Mom, totally would have wanted me to plant yellow, lol) I am so thrilled to see these beauties bloom!

Shannon
Triangle shaped glue sticks were the only ones I could find yesterday. Hmm, I imagine there must be a name for this shape, but when I googled "If a triangle was a cylinder" and didn't come up with anything. Wow, is not a first page result on Google now equal that's the end of the research willing to be done? Possibly, at least for simple curio moment. Anyhoo... I just hope these suckers do corners well.

Suzie

Went to a meeting at the studio to enrol in their summer sale! I will be their volunteer flyer person (door to door) and their photographer for the sale, on top of having my own 1/2 table. I'm planning on selling jewelry and was told not a lot of people sell jewelry so that rocks. I also checked in on some of my items that should be fired this Friday. Can't wait!