April 6, 2015

Jamie

This weekend Justin and I finished up the series of Ballroom Dance classes that we started on my birthday. We've learned the very basics of tango, rumba, east coast swing and now, foxtrot. I loved the foxtrot (think Fred and Ginger). It really moves across the floor and was so much fun. I am truly going to miss these lessons. Ballroom dance is definitely something I'd love to keep learning!

Shannon
Art Day! I had a lot of fun with Carla's warm up exercises, and I picked out a bunch of pictures for faces and really hope to try them all out. I also picked for a few different magazines, and it's amazing how frequently only looked at sort of 'beauty shots' in fashion mags, but looking in a few places it was cool to get shots that were different angles, different ages and guys too. Drawing beards is weird!

Random: April 5, 2015

Project 365 2013 for Vimeo from Jamie Ridler on Vimeo.

Jamie After a chat with Shannon this week I realized that my new computer could handle my Project 365s better than the laptop and so I immersed myself in completing 2012 and now, 2013. Of course, what will forever in my mind be known as The Year of Loss was very tender. Reliving it in this way was very healing for me and I think in the years to come I will be glad that I created this. I'm sharing it in case you feel the same but also know that you may not want to take yourself on this journey. It is entirely up to you. I hope I honoured Mom and this time in the video. For me, I saw how I turned to family, flowers and beauty, walks, solitude and the garden to nourish my heart during this difficult time.

April 4, 2015

Jamie 

I am so excited that spring finally seems to have a toehold. Yesterday I let myself have a really quiet day and spent a good long time just listening to the birds. I had a wonderful time first hanging out with the robins and then I was delighted to see the cardinals!

Shannon
Fun times watching The Voice! I think we are halfway though the season and I am still taking notes on each episode. I love that I've really come to know and enjoy new, and new-to-me music through the show and it feels like every episode there is yet another song and performance to love.

Suzie

I had the most bipolar day yesterday. Right before going to see the specialist I discovered Fan Expo Vancouver was THIS weekend! I thought it was months off but I was wrong and I went into a total tailspin and OMG, it was awful. But we got everything together and made it out and are going tomorrow too but it was so stressful. It was way worse than those nightmares when you discover you missed your exam. But it wasn't too late, there were still tickets and we were able to get in. And it was awesome! OMG, no more stress like that, please!!!

April 3, 2015

Jamie

It's taken me over a year to get to the spa and use my lovely birthday gift certificate from Justin but the timing was just right. I really experience the spa like a mini vacation. I get exactly the break away that I'm looking for. I spend the whole time as quietly as possible just letting my mind, body, heart and soul breath. It's like a meditation.

Shannon
I've been not-really-intentially taking selfies at different subway stops. I doubt I'll get every stop as there are so many I never go to, but I do like taking them when I am out and about.

Suzie

All day was about getting ready for my blog's big bday celebration, including taking photographs of prizes I am personally donating like this pendant. I hope it's a huge success!!!

April 2, 2015

Jamie

One of the blessings of living where we do is how close it is to the beach. It's one of my favourite quick jaunts that feels like a getaway, which is just what I'm looking for this vacation. The sky was blue, the sun was out but it was still nippy! That didn't seem to stop the constant array of dogs passing by or me from enjoying a few moments in the sun.

Shannon
Happy April All! I totally love this image in my April Calendar. I have no idea what it is, but it's got a lot of pa-pow!

Suzie

Our friend Emily was visiting in Vancouver from Halifax and wherever she goes, she has tons of friends. We all got together at a Japanese restaurant in our hood and feasted and caught up. We were sad to see her go but it was a super-fun lunch.

April 1, 2015

Jamie

Cats in the hood is back! I'm so thankful we've moved into a warmer time of year. When I met this little buddy he gave me a look like there was no chance in hell he was coming by to say hi. But he got a little closer, and a little closer until he let me touch his head and give him just a little cuddle.

Shannon
Inspired by a chat with Jamie yesterday about what it would look like to make your life a comic strip, I decided to give it a try. With the parameters of 3 boxes that set the stage, show an action and a result I came up with this 3 panel comic. Of course, it had to do with Star Trek and looking up words, because... that's what I'm up to these days! I would love to keep this practice up as a way to look at little stories in my day.

Suzie

I started (finally!) to feel more like myself yesterday and am getting back to some creative projects.

March 31, 2015

Jamie

A while ago Justin suggested that we put up some of my garden photography in the kitchen. That meant so much to me! This weekend we went out and got prints and frames and yesterday we worked on what will go where. Soon, they'll be up!

Shannon
I was very excited to see that Yes Please! by Amy Poehler had come through the long waiting list at the library. I started this book last year, but didn't finish it before it poofed! and returned to the library. I really enjoy the part that I had read, and think you would both probably like it. I'm really happy to be reading more non-fiction this year, with about one a month (up from 2 in the WHOLE year last year). Fun times.

Suzie

I was so excited to get Amanda Palmer's book but as I try and read it I realized, I don't have issues with asking for help. In fact, I asked for a lot of help for my blog's big giveaway and was very excited about it and invigorated. I don't like asking for help when I am sick but I do. I wish the book was more about just her and not this issue because I love her but I'm not interested in the issue. Still, it's Amanda Palmer. I love her!