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

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Rewind: September 8, 2013

Jamie

It was a treat to rediscover this artwork of mine when working through some of Mom's stuff this week. I love how detailed my dress is - and that I didn't know how to spell my middle name. It was just perfect timing too as I am so enjoying exploring our personal art history at the studio.

Saturday, September 7, 2013

September 7, 2013

Jamie

It was awesome to get out to the movies yesterday with Shannon! It's always a fun way to spend a Friday. It was a treat to see The Mortal Instruments though I have to say that I loved the book much more. Still, there was Shannon - and popcorn!


Shannon

Finally saw Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (oh wow, now I realized why they didn't amp up the subtitle) with Jamie! Had a great time at the movies, although I found the movie a bit clunky :( Still very shiny though. I'm not surprized there is a whole whack of clothing that's centred on the film (and I still love this tank top), it's cool to see runes in films, although I wish they actually talked about and how they work more.


Suzie

My knife sharpening guy (who rocks!) returned my Santoku knife and also fixed Mom's poultry shears. We have a spy-like system of leaving "the package" in my mailbox. Man, think I have been watching Burn Notice but really, how could that be possible? So happy to have Mom's poultry shears in usable condition again. I tried everything but nothing worked. This is definitely one of those "stuff" things I could not let go of.

Friday, September 6, 2013

September 6, 2013

Jamie

One of the things I'm trying to do right now is dial it right down. It's clear that every aspect of my life has been overtaxed for quite a long time and so I need to let myself rest and renew. Yesterday, even though it was quite chilly, I curled up on the deck for some popcorn, a good book, and even 10 winks or so. It was just what I needed.

Shannon

Really odd, I already added this but it POOFED.  Anyhow. Yesterday I tried using YouTube's video editor.  It was not very intuitive and adding some pics to a video too way too long.  I feel very committed to my decision to not spend hours at the computer, so this will not be something I'll keep doing.  I'm sure over time I could work it faster, but for now I would rather make marker-filled index cards to share, they are much more fun to create even if it's a less polished effect.


Suzie

I am trying to pace myself when it comes to getting the house ready. I really have to. One thing that is very helpful about painting is during the time I used to call Mom, I am usually doing something to fix the house at the time, usually a little painting. It reminds me of you painting the paper plates Jamie. For me it helps me feel productive and lightens the pain of a ritual that no longer exists. At this rate though, we are probably going to have to eventually call in professionals but for now, I will continue my afternoon painting therapy.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

September 5, 2013

Jamie

Yesterday I got back to co-working with Tanya. Well, truthfully, yesterday we caught up over coffee but next week, next week, we'll get back to working, hehe. She had these amazing gelatinous balls in a bowl (LOL, I'm frightened of the searches for that!) that she had gotten at the Ex. They start off as little spheres but when soaked in water they become this amazing feast of delight!
 

Shannon

I've been thinking (and handling) a lot of stuff lately.  Stuff as in tangible items.  What do I want?  What is mine?  What have I inherited, and if so from whom?  Where did they get it? And after thinking about all that I wonder how much actually thinking about it even matters.  This spoon is one I got from Mom.  I look in my cutlery drawer, and I don't know where any of my everyday utensils even came from, but when I pick up this bevel handled spoon, it feels different. I recognize it. I know it.  And it wasn't even mine.  And I keep grabbing it without even looking, when I got to make my tea. It's kind of wild how strongly we can resonate with items, without even knowing why.  At least I know it's a keeper!


Suzie

Yesterday, hanging out with Shannon recording Hexed was definitely the highlight of my day. Still struggling when it comes to energy (and sleep). I did tape some of the crafts room to prep for primer and attacked some weeds in our lawn. We had it assessed to get it professional help and were told to remove it and start fresh with new grass. So Reg and I are tackling it ourselves. Yes, Hexed was definitely the best part of my day!

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

September 4, 2013


Jamie

On the way home from art picnic yesterday I encountered some yarn bombing. Suzie, I thought youw ould appreciate the crochet skulls!


Shannon

Not too much to say about yesterday, except I actually felt relaxed which is why this picture feels appropriate!




Suzie

My annual health pilgrimage began yesterday. Remember the amount of rain we had to walk through when Toronto flooded? It was kind of close to that, thankfully on the way home. I won't be able to wear my shoes for days.

Good news is I found out yesterday that it has been 10 years since the nasty C word came into my life. I couldn't believe it! Now the testing to make sure I am still OK begins.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

September 3, 2013

Jamie

It's been a bit of a weird time lately. In some ways I feel like I'm getting so much done. In others, not at all. There was Justin's birthday on the weekend and then bang into planning September and getting that sorted and started and still there are piles of important to-dos still calling. All I can do is be gentle compassionate with myself and do the best I can.


Shannon

Amazing how even though I haven't been in school for years and years, September always feels like the beginning of the school year. I'm still thinking of it as a beginning, because beginnings are good things. It might seem odd that with beginnings in mind I'm returning to a previous project! That's right, the Star Trek: The Next Generation Re-watch is back. I actually watched this episode back in May, but it's the beginning of a 2-parter that's quite harsh ("There are FOUR stars!"), so I wasn't up for watching it then but I think I am now. I also really want to complete this re-watch in this calendar year, which means I have to get cracking as there are about 40 episodes left to enjoy.



Suzie

Going to see Mortal Instruments was definitely the highlight of our weekend. I knew nothing about it so everything was fresh, new and fun. So glad you are both going to see it soon. Other than that, I rested a lot. My body is not happy with being so busy and stressed but I am glad I could give it a break this weekend. It needed it!

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Rewind: September 1, 2013

Jamie

At the studio this month we're exploring our own art history so I just had to pull out a picture from my dance days! I don't have many pics but I love this one!


Suzie

I know this is a bit of a cheat because I took the photograph just a year ago but I keep dreaming about the house! Especially that the roof is falling apart which may be true because when I saw it last year it was clear the roof needed help. There are other unpleasant themes to being back in the house, most of the time I am having nightmares but even still, in the dreams I always fight to be there. I always claim that I belong there. It's been very weird.

BTW, you look awesome in this photo Jamie!!!