April 29, 2017

Suzie

Annual tax crunch nightmare day but somehow I managed to also make pickles. I would like life to go from sour to sweet now please.

April 28, 2017

Shannon
I'm coming into the home stretch for the Spring into Horror readathon, and I still haven't finished any books! I'm in the middle of about four that I hope to finish, but I had one false start and a few odd turns but I am still hoping I can finish strong.

Suzie

Today was mostly about buying groceries which took all my energy but I also got this giant heavy box from Rogers which I am very grateful for. Lots of baking ahead!

April 27, 2017

Shannon
Tax time again. One of the few times of year I feel my number skills get put to use!

Suzie

I thought the cherry blossoms were done in my hood but you go south a couple of blocks and these trees are JUST starting to bloom!

April 26, 2017

Jamie

Yesterday was a big day - the first day of my new class at art school. The class is paper-cutting and collage and already I love it! I had the normal first-day jitters, plus I'm so busy that it seemed ridiculous to go to class, but I did and I'm delighted. It's a small class and the teacher is lovely. I'm starting to think that I shold be doing one of these classes all the time!

Shannon
I took a mini-break from Spring into Horror to finish off reading 2001: A Space Odyssey, which was really great because I really wanted to finish it and I did! It was really wild to read it, especially because the film scared me so much. Now I understand the story a lot better (shocker!), and look forward to trying to watch the film again. I know some of it will still freak me out, but I'm willing to risk it!

Suzie

Rough day. Bad pain day in my back which I usually relieve by moving but I just couldn't go out for a walk today so I took pain meds and spent most of the day in bed. I did do some research on how to make pickles. Did you know that "real" kosher pickles don't use vinegar? Although it is hotly debated. OMG, just let me feel a little bit better tomorrow please. I want pickles now!

April 25, 2017

Shannon
Horror in the Afternoon! It was so much fun to get creeped out watching I Am The Pretty Thing That Lives In the House with Suzie this afternoon. And it is a Canadian film to boot! So much fun!

Suzie

Definitely the highlight of today was Horror in the Afternoon with Shannon! Despite it being so bright it was hard to see what was going on a lot of the time, it was fascinating to watch. Shannon, did you watch it on your TV? OMG, why didn't I think of that?! LOL. Also made short ribs for the first time and used the Instant Pot. Total treat.

April 24, 2017

Jamie

LOL, this totally fuzzy picture is my favourite of the day. It was a very busy Sunday. I spent the early day working on classes. Then we had a tree assessment to see about cutting down some branches to make it safer and whoa, it was expensive and a lot of work and worry. I'm not sure what we're gong to do - other than get a second estimate! Then Justin and I went downtown to do some clothes shopping. He really needed some spring/summer gear. We were pretty successful, which was great. I actually went out with my glasses on, as you can kind of see. My allergies have been so bad there was no putting my contacts in! Hopefully that will pass soon.

Shannon
It was nice to have company over! Jamie and Dad came by for a visit and it was nice to kick back, relax and hear (and tell) lots of stories. And eat, of course!

Suzie

Here is the crummy so-called "gourmet" mac & cheese I got at Make It! over the weekend which overall bored me to tears. There were some highlights though and none of them were food (pickles that burn your mouth, drinking vinegar by accident...). Wish I could say the rest of the weekend was an improvement but... it wasn't.

April 23, 2017

Suzie

I got through the sweet/baked goods part of my foodie bucket list on Friday! I was surprised that I had half on the "done" side which is pretty awesome. Still so many things to try and I still have to do the savoury one. Also make turkey broth and went out to a friend's for D&D. Wanted to get to the studio but that turkey had to be turned into broth ASAP.

April 21, 2017

Jamie

I drew this picture quite some time ago for one of Carla's classes but revisited it yesterday as one of my symbols for my Seven Soul Symbols class. From now until it's done, all my energy is pouring into the studio. Wish me luck!

Shannon
My Spring Into Horror Reading goes on the road! or ... on the subway. Initially I was all gr-rr because I am reading mostly physical books and I didn't want to carry one because... heavy... but then I started reading this book called Mongrels which is from a kid's perspective as he grows up with his family who are... werewolves. So far, it's really good. And pretty creepy!

Suzie

Thanks to Shannon's awesomely helpful instructions I ended up with a stunning turkey! Took most of the day to cook and had to start early so it would be done before Reg's night class... Wow! It's a good thing too because a) we got the turkey for free and b) we are completely out of food so this will go a long, long way. Tomorrow it's broth-making time! Gotta get those canned peas from the store.

April 20, 2017

Jamie

Yesterday it was a joy to be back co-working with Tanya. We got a lot done and also found a new way to support each other with our writing, starting next month. I also did two interviews, including one with the author of Eat this Poem, a really interesting combination of poetry and recipes. You might enjoy it, Suzie! 

Shannon
So..... Spring Into Horror is going a little slowly. I'm not making tons of progress in the books I'm reading because I keep falling asleep. I may switch to a short title so I can get that WOOHOO rush of accomplishment. Fingers crossed that helps.

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Suzie

I had to go out to get food today and decided to try Starbucks' Unicorn Frappuccino, especially since the last of the cherry blossoms have fallen everywhere and it made for a great photoshoot. That said, I did not like the drink! But that's the fun of product testing. You just never know and apparently I am in the minority.

April 19, 2017

Jamie

I am 100% immersed in studio work right now, getting the classes ready, continuing to work on the yearbook, getting my taxes done. It's incredibly busy but a few quiet moments in the morning to write in my journal helps keep me grounded.

Shannon
I did tons of errands today but totally forgot to take any pictures! So here is my first picks for the Spring into Horror Readathon. Sorry for the shark picture, Suzie! I am really enjoying Meg (Megalodon = dinoshark pretty much). The creepy image at the back is 2001, which isn't actually horror but we all know it scares me! And I didn't finish it before the readalong started so I'm including it for now. Sharks and Space! All the creepy stuff!

Suzie

Going to events with other foodies is always so weird. In some ways it is beyond uncomfortable and then in some ways, it's totally hysterical and surreal. It was quite the event with fancy vans driving us to Shoppers past the worst neighbourhood in the city and then being catered to and finishing in Blood Alley at night. Thank goodness we finished early so it wasn't dark when we left.

April 18, 2017

Jamie

I just had to mark the stART doppleganger moment! It was great to connect with you both yesterday for the show. I'm so glad we have this regular time to talk with one another about our creative lives. I always look forward to it!

Shannon
I'll add an image later, but it will mark something I shared on stART: I'm starting the Spring into Horror Readathon! Two weeks of reading horror... oh my. I hope it doesn't keep me up at night!

Suzie

What a fun stART day! Thank you for the support and hanging out. I rested a bit and then also went to see David Lynch: The Art Life which seems perfect for a stART day although, woah, his stuff is way out there! Totally different approach to art. It was quite fascinating.

April 17, 2017

Jamie

I am a little surprised to say that during this lovely weather, I have gone out for a run - twice! Yesterday was just lovely. People were out, smiling and saying hi. I forgot how much I love the way my brain takes in the neighbourhood when I am out for a run. I always sit down at my desk and write for a bit when I come back because it fills me up with so much inspiration. That might be the real reason to get out there!

Shannon
I've been having some fun doing vlogs about film, including sharing how I'm randomly picking stuff to actual watch + reaction vlogs. I don't think I'm all that articulate in them, but I'm having a lot of fun doing them.

Suzie

Went down to Spanish Banks in the city and wow, the tide was OUT! Reg said it was extra "out there" because of the full moon in spring. People were all over the exposed "beach" as a result, way out in what is usually ocean. Lots of paddle borders were out and this one gave up on the paddling and just flew the kite instead.

April 16, 2017

Jamie

Yesterday was a very productive day. As we start to seriously consider doing a reno, we're both inspired to go through our things and really decide what we want to keep and what we want to let go of. (Don't worry, we're keeping the cats, lol. I only took cat pictures yesterday). I went through my clothes, which I have been having a hard time doing lately and managed to clear 1 1/2 bags full. We dropped some stuff at Value Village and did a little shop while we were there. I found some treasures, including an Escada dress that fits me like it was made for me. I am taking that as a good sign.

Suzie

Got out to Choir! Choir! Choir! which was so much fun. It was great to see Nobu in person this time. The patter between him and Daveed was hysterical, I laughed the entire time. It was so lovely to sing soprano too and let my crazy high voice just go! It inspired me to look into the rock choir here which will not be the same of course but it will give me a fun non-food activity to participate in which I have been looking for.

April 15, 2017

Jamie

Believe it or not, I went for a run yesterday.  The weather was so nice and the gym is closed for the holiday weekend. I forgot taht one of the things I loved about going out for a run was that I paid attention to everything around me, creating little word poems for myself to gather the little moments like seeing these crocuses or the little boy that was holding a y-shaped branch that was double his height or the silver squirrel sitting defiantly on top of the school's garbage bin. It's good for me in many ways - though my hip joints don't quite agree.

Jamie

Suzie

Michelle told me how she made a churn-free ice cream with only a few ingredients so I made a berry version today. Did house cleaning and then mostly rested. We keep going from rain to brief moments of sunshine and that barometric pressure change is playing basketball with my brain.

April 14, 2017

Jamie

Working from home, it is so nice to have the kittens as company though sometimes you get looks like this one from Shibumi, "What are you doing? You're meant to be playing avec moi!" It's been nice the past few days to have Shannon over too! This is a very busy month for me with taxes and setting up the spring/summer season, so it's lovely to have company when I take a rare and much-needed break.

Shannon
Ahhhh it's nice to be back to The Willow Tree! I've been taking a rest after the visit, and one of the nice things about that is having company! Including a very longer-than-arms-length-away Escher who kept me company at breakfast!

Suzie

Having the people I write about being happy about my article totally made my day. That and talking to Jason of course.

April 13, 2017

Jamie

Yesterday was a bit of an odd day, so, of course, it will mark my return here, under the willow tree. I dedicated myself to cleaning and tidying for the visit of an engineer who was going to give us some advice and potential drawings for some renovations on our house. During the cleaning, I knocked over and broke this stag that Dad & Julie gave me for Christmas and that I love so much. It hurt my heart. On a happier note, we got some very interesting advice and feedback and went out for dinner to discuss all the possibilities of what we can do with our home.

Suzie

The only photo I took and it was my third go.

April 12, 2017

Suzie

It has been a couple of months since I did some smudging and with the full moon figured it was a good time. Gotta get the crappy energy out of our apartment that has been here too long. Also got out to see Beauty and the Beast which was wonderful!!!

April 11, 2017

Suzie

This is the only shot I took and Jamie isn't in it! But Shannon with her lovely birds is in it. So glad we got together!

April 10, 2017

Shannon
After a long and very fun week of activity and family visiting, it was time for some major downtime and I tucked into a bunch of reading (and sleeping) for most of the weekend. I have a feeling I will be doing a lot of that for a while.

Suzie

I went out to a bakery for a featured post on Saturday and checked out this antiques fair on Sunday. Everything was a bit posh but there were fun little treasures like these Hummels and get this, Doc Martins! Apparently those are now collectors items.

April 8, 2017

Suzie

Been feeling so worn out and exhausted lately but really wanted to try this cafe that is just down The Drive from us. Oh and I also bought a microwave with birthday money. Long story. We also got hit with a wind storm. I hope those were the winds of change getting rid of the crummy energy that have been plaguing me for the last six months.

April 7, 2017

Suzie

I attempted to make the Latvian caraway buns but they are not quite right. I remember them being more cake-like and less bread-like. They turned out awesome though. I also went out with a friend to see stand up which was fun. Brightened my day.

April 6, 2017

Suzie

Finally got to a place (despite the awful weather, thank you rain pants) that I have been meaning to get to for at least a year. It's a glass store that teaches glass fusing. Super helpful although I did find out that I need to use a non-food microwave if I want to use my microwave kiln which has brought me to a complete stop. Rest of the day was depressing although I finished chapter 2. Need to create new content.

April 5, 2017

Suzie

Had just enough time to do a very short workout and then add frosting to the mini cupcakes before class. I was going to use my new piping tips but they require new bags which I didn't have time to figure out. Oh well, guess I gotta bake something else! Sad class is over. Came home with a migraine and rested. Been super stressed lately. I can't seem to get enough rest.

April 4, 2017

Suzie

Decided to spend Monday prepping mini chocolate cupcakes for our last drawing class tomorrow. It was sunny too so I got some photography done as well.

April 3, 2017

Suzie

Got out to do a lot of errands, pick up groceries and got a free turkey! I also got to do some art on the weekend for my next chapter which is almost done. I wanted to include Mom's turkey soup recipe in the book and voila! A turkey appears!

April 1, 2017

Suzie

So this is what shows up when you search for my site. My friend told me it should go away in time. I took no photographs today. Spent most of the day in bed.