Halflife - a year's journey in photos

peony

2009-06-29T22:25:00.002-06:00

My peonies are out. Most years I compare my peonies with Charmaine's in the Eastern US. By the time I am going on and on - about how fabulous to have them out - and in bloom - and the great smell of peonies in the air - Charmaine's have been done for a month. I am very pleased by a seeming lack of ants with this year's crop. A good sign, I think. This full bloomed peony is hiding behind some very good looking raspberry leaves.

Milkriver

2009-06-28T16:21:00.002-06:00

Ken and I went down to Southern Alberta, to kayak the Milk River. We stayed the Friday night in a tent (!) at Writing on Stone Provincial Park. In the morning we got up and headed to Coffin Bridge, where we "put in". We floating to Weir Bridge with a lunch stop at Poverty Rock. Great trip. The water was more technical then I expected; given that I did not expect technical water - it was a bit of a shock. We didn't go in - but boy - we got soaked - you wouldn't know the difference. One of the best little surprises, was being taken to see some early Blackfoot people petroglyphes on the rocks. These are outside of the park - and without going with someone who knows where they are - you would never see them. This is a deer, which has been killed - the arrow can be seen in the deer's heart. My favorite picture of the weekend - is sage in bloom - but I thought I might spice up my blog - by foregoing yet another flower picture.

I've been in Victoria

2009-06-26T12:47:00.003-06:00

And while I take pictures in Victoria, and I am more than technically capable of blogging from Victoria - it didn't/doesn't happen. I am back. I am tired. And I go to Victoria - again on Tuesday.

garage sale

2009-06-21T17:16:00.003-06:00

For future reference, these are the flowers in Celeste's front yard - name to be determined at a later date. Since Thursday - dinner in Olds until today - it has been non-stop. A great day in Olds, followed by a day setting up the garage sale, followed by the garage sale, and today - catching up to fly to Victoria - barely time to catch my breath.

Lady Bug

2009-06-17T22:10:00.002-06:00

Today, I ran by myself, trying to catch up on some miles, because I was light training last week. I ran my route through the university, x Crowchild, down 24th - instead of turning at 19th St - all the way to 14th - start heading back - sure that I have run close to 10k - chart it out on google earth - 7.53km - Ugh! (Well on the positive side - all the way 5 and 1 - and a lot of sweat!)

Duck!

2009-06-16T22:15:00.003-06:00

Celeste and I ran into this good looking mallard, as we ran east from Eau Claire heading towards the zoo - on our optional Tuesday run - 6 kms - nbd!

Loreburn, Saskatchewan

2009-06-15T20:15:00.003-06:00

This is Ken's boathouse - at end of day 3 of construction. We spent last weekend, in the rain - working for one day. This weekend, there were 6 of us, and it was sunny and hot. Currently the boathouse is looking exactly like the plan. Looking forward to seeing the finished result.

does my fur make my butt look big?

2009-06-12T11:58:00.004-06:00

I walked into the bathroom and caught the cat sitting on the scale. As soon as I grabbed my camera, she did walk towards me, and I did have to coax her back on the scale - for the shot. She is strategically covering up the fact that we think she weighs in the neighborhood of 14 pounds. One of the ladies in my bookclub pointed out her weight, and when I tried to duck any responsiblity for the sloth-y-ness of my pet - she kindly reminded me - that I am the one feeding the cat!

wascally wabbit

2009-06-11T18:17:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, I came flying out of the garage, and straight into my friend the local rabbit, who has taken up residence in my vegetable garden. Apparently, this year, is going to be a bad year for gardens with an aggressive bunny population staking claim, early in the season. And talk about bold - this specimen, just ignored me, whilst I grabbed my camera and took multiple photos. In actuality, this is probably not a bunny, but a hare. And, it is either a snowshoe hare or a white-tailed jackrabbit. Apparently white-tailed jackrabbits are keen on the local university, and given my proximity to the university, I am going to go ahead and say - pesky white-tailed jackrabbit varmint.

nazar boncugu

2009-06-10T11:53:00.005-06:00

Nazar boncugu - the evil eye - from turkey. A gift from one of my ESL students! Love the evil eye symbol! Interested in more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evil_eye#Turkey

Hail storm after today's run

2009-06-09T18:03:00.003-06:00

Celeste and I ran at lunch - well it was 1:00pm - the regular route. It looked a little ominous - as we headed out there were some geniune raindrops; yet we made it through the whole route and had forgotten all about the threat of rain, until I was driving home and we had a hailstorm! Here is Sven surfing the storm on 16th Ave!

Flickr

2009-06-04T17:24:00.004-06:00

Celeste and I ran today - the regular route - through Crescent Heights. We ran past a house with a great yard and the sprinklers on, and a flicker having a bath. He took off before I even had my camera out of my pocket. We ran on to the almost half way point, and there was another (the same?) flicker trying to get some food from the grass. There was enough time to get a decent photo while Celeste held off the rest of the walkers/runners from scaring the little guy and ruining the shot.

magical beans and...

2009-06-03T15:54:00.004-06:00

Every night this week, there has been a frost warning - not for Calgary - but for the surrounding area - how crazy is that - in June. So, for the first time ever, I started some of my seeds - in these little peat pots. And I have from right to left: Labrador beans - 2 rows, zucchini's - 1 row, pickling cucumbers - 2 rows, and ornamental pumpkins - 1 row. The biggest plant so far - is one pumpkin plant. The second runner up - is one massive bean plant. These need to be planted before the weekend - so here's hoping they survive - both until they get planted in the real garden - and once they are there!

I could just throw it away

2009-06-02T21:27:00.003-06:00

The Tervis Tumbler bag continues to provide significant pleasure to Samantha. Makes you wonder about all the money you pay out in toys for cats/pets/children.

Irises

2009-06-01T17:28:00.002-06:00

I have many things to say today. Like, yesterday, I forgot to post - and yesterday was a monumental day - in that I ran 9.18 km - yup - nbd. I think I immediately came home and lay on the couch and had a big sleep - but I did indeed run it - no stopping - no whining - no - I'll just walk this little bit here - and go back to running. (As I was focused on the running thing - no pictures were taken - even though their was picture worthy graffitti on one power pole that I ran past - twice). The second thing I want to say is that I did not take this picture today. I get all "tense" with myself, if the picture doesn't happen on the day - because as I work with this - this is about celebrating the small things - in any given day - that I can celebrate - and this picture was actually taken on Saturday. Now, about the irises - they bring me joy - each year, when they bloom. First, of course irises bring joy - look at them - what is not to love? The joy with these particular irises - is their color - they are purple. I bought these irises, by their name, with the expectation that they would be red - like the color of my house - red - not purple - clashing with the color of my house. Their name - "Berry Red Bearded Iris" and if you could see the picture - from when I bought them - RED! Yet, when they bloomed - PURPLE - I loved them - I loved that they were messed up - by me, by the greenhouse - whatever. These blooms peaked out on Friday - and were in full bloom Saturday - and it was crazy beautiful warm on Saturday and Sunday and so - they have bloomed - and been magnificent - on a very quick timetable - which is so fleeting - that it sometimes make me wonder about blooms - yet, I did smile - at the purpleness of it.

This Summer Dream the Impossible

2009-05-30T18:12:00.004-06:00

Last night we went to the opening night of Man of La Mancha, at Rosebud Theatre. Great play - great quotes. When we got into town - someone had put a lot of quotes on the road (and by road, I mean the numbered highway leading into this small town) and the sidewalk around the theatre. I really thought this one was great - and very true to the summer that I have planned. The other one - that was a contender for today's post was:

"Love not what thou art...
But only what thou may become."
Don Quioxte

This should go on my TeamInTraining page - but then there wouldn't be a picture of me! And the best part - is that the image was almost completely faded - from car traffic - by the time we left town today - there really only was one chance to get the photo - serendipity.

MayDay

2009-05-29T13:13:00.003-06:00

This is the MayDay tree in our backyard. And how appropriate - on almost the last day of May! I don't remember it ever being in this much flower before. Now, previously, there was a birch tree right beside this tree - so perhaps. we didn't notice it - because of the competing birch, or perhaps, until I focused on the simple things - it was always here lurking. Anyways, absolutely nothing getting accomplished at work today - just not feeling the love, so I went for a run at lunchtime to see if that would smarten me up - and - well - I got this pic and I am now going to hit the shower to see if THAT will make me feel the love for work - this Friday afternoon.

sublime

2009-05-28T22:24:00.002-06:00

Sublime - adj - of the most exalted, grand, or noble kind; awe-inspiring. Found this great panel on a new building site - on 11th ave se - downtown - driving back home from meeting with Barb and Susan at Fratello. I confess to having used the word sublime "from the sublime to the ridiculous" but not really knowing what it meant - til I looked it up today.

snake in the grass

2009-05-27T15:16:00.003-06:00

Today, I went walking in Edworthy park with Alice. As we started out - barely into the walk - there was a snake on the path. Of course, not anticipating anything picture worthy, my camera was in my pocket. And so we chased the snake into the woods - and of course - no good picture was to be had. Instead, we did come across some wild clematis - pictured above. There were also a few tired crocuses - didn't see much else - from a snake/wild flower perspective - thought the clemitis was early?

Keeping Score

2009-05-25T21:40:00.003-06:00

I went to Erika's slowpitch games tonight - where they let me keep score. The first game was great - benches - nice weather - a family of geese came by - all good. The second game - no bench - and a big ole thunderstorm came by with a double rainbow - but this was the best that I could get - from Brandon's truck/keeping score.

Thief!

2009-05-24T19:36:00.002-06:00

GTS - group training session today - running from 4th St. SW to "Sandy Beach". First, I grew up - within 5 miles of Sandy Beach - and all I can say is "Who knew". Second, finding photos when running - is a great excuse - to rest. The first time past this graffiti today - my camera wouldn't work - the second time it was fine. I really like graffiti for many reasons. I don't seem to be able to take scenery shots - not my thing. But - the different graffiti on the different runs - that is something that I am all about. The thief part - that is what it says to the left of this photo - but I couldn't get it all in.

Saturday...all day

2009-05-23T21:31:00.002-06:00

While Ken was away, I stained the chairs and the table for the outside swing. And this morning, at 10:30am, I started painting the frame - and I finished at 6:30pm. The good news is - that it is done! And it was a beautiful day. And I can have my parking spot back in the garage - where the chair and tables were - so that I could stain in the rain! Hopefully it lasts - longer than one year!

grapevine

2009-05-22T16:55:00.003-06:00

I ran past a school today - and first - let's just acknowledge the run. Without Celeste. Even if it was more of a ralk than a run - I did it. And on my route was this elementary school, where a good portion of the sidewalk was decorated - some of it really well done. Never one to focus on the big picture - this one panel caught me eye. I did take a minute to think how much fun the kids probably had - with a big bucket of chalk - and all that area to cover.

chive

2009-05-21T21:03:00.003-06:00

A complete day of feeling out of sorts. Whilst trying to ignore said sorts. And accomplish anything. So, after driving to a meeting - and missing it - I came home - and at least began to plant my garden - progress - one step forward - three steps back. Ugh.

Life can be a ....

2009-05-20T20:23:00.002-06:00

... and I am running it as best I can - from tonight's training run - 35 minutes from Eau Claire - Center Street Bridge/hill - and back under the c-train - certainly sounds like a rat race to me!

Here's to personal growth...

2009-05-19T22:27:00.002-06:00

... and Icelandic Poppies and an enriching Mastermind meeting at Susan's house!

i heart hiking

2009-05-18T17:21:00.003-06:00

Spent the long weekend - with Anita and Heather and Agnes -at Goldeye - Northwest of Nordegg. Day one - straight up; Day two - a nice walk - all good! Oh yeah - and my back up picture was a tick -yup - another May long - and more encounters with ticks.

Training

2009-05-14T14:23:00.003-06:00

This picture looked way better - on the camera - right after I took it - here are Celeste and me - happy to be training for our half marathon in Maui in September in the SNOW!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-13T11:05:00.002-06:00

Here is a photo of my Mother's Day card from Erika - love love love it! Hence the photo of my computer screen - to capture for posterity. For more cards: www.someecards.com

How many?

2009-05-11T21:20:00.003-06:00

Five of us, are sharing a community garden this year in Olds. How would you know that? Why - we drove FIVE cars to the garden, silly!

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T19:24:00.002-06:00

Erika and I participated in the Forzani's Mother's Day 5K walk this morning. This is the 4th time Erika and I have done this for Mother's Day - and the second time with Celeste and her daughter Bret. This is the first time - we did it by "the book" - took up our positions - in the appropriate section of the race. All other times - we were slightly ahead of the race - and joined in - really at the beginning of the race. This starting with the mob is for the birds. It was very overwhelming with people. And we stayed with this great collection of people - for the full 5K. At a much slower pace - than our norm - over 1.5 hours - for the 5K. Oh well - it is all about the journey...

Peter Rabbit

2009-05-09T11:34:00.003-06:00

I interrupted him having lunch in the front rockery - and then as I was unlocking the back door - I saw him watching me. This is such a classic Beatrix Potter shot - I can almost see his little blue jacket.

I got shad beads

2009-05-07T11:00:00.002-06:00

Jobert from the office sent me shad beads from the Lambertville ShadFest! "Each year the festival highlights our region's arts community, the City of Lambertville, the Delaware River, and of course, our favorite fish, the Shad! The Shad Festival has evolved from a local art show into a nationally recognized award-winning event. Shad Fest features the area's finest artists and crafters, great food and family entertainment, but the two-day extravaganza also serves as a venue for local non-profit organizations to raise necessary operating funds."

past their prime

2009-05-06T22:52:00.002-06:00

I have a certain fascination for flowers past their prime. If I could paint, I would like to do a study of flowers just like these.

better than the gift

2009-05-05T23:02:00.002-06:00

My friend Jeanne was visiting from Florida, and she brought us 4 new tervis tumblers for the boat - they are great - take hot or cold liquids - don't break - don't shatter - perfect for the boat. She brought them in the above Tervis Tumbler bag. You saw the shot earlier - where we actually put the cat in the bag - how cute. Well yesterday - I heard the cat trying to get herself back into the Tervis Tumbler bag. You can see the bag is just a little bit small for the size that is Sammy. And it does remind you of the stories about kids on Christmas - who have more fun with the box that the present came in - than the present itself. Thanks Jeanne

Pussy Willows

2009-05-04T17:27:00.003-06:00

I have wanted pussy willows - in my house - for years. Many years. As far back as when I lived in Sundre - and that is almost 15 years ago. So, on Saturday, after we painted two bathrooms - and no one had the energy to argue - I got Heather and Agnes and Anita - to go hunting for pussy willows with me - and here they are. I perhaps took the WORST pictures ever - of these pussy willows. They are in this interesting vase that I made in ceramic class - and any of the pictures that include the vase - are painful. Hard to explain here - but trust me. The pussy willows made it into the vase last night - after spending 24 hours in quarantine - in the white bathtub - so any bugs/ants/ticks - could show themselves and be appropriately dealt with. The pussy willows are now in the living room - where they belong - and may be found - hanging out next Christmas - with little fairy lites - appropriately applied. When I came in the door with them - even Ken - had to touch them - says he hasn't see pussy willows in years. Wild ones - at that!

watch out for the van

2009-04-30T18:18:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, I was driving South on MacLeod Trail - heading to lunch with my friend Alice - at The Taj Mahal Restaurant. When I got to the intersection of 39th Ave and MacLeod Trail, I stopped at the red light - looked down - and say this little toy delivery van. I managed to snap a picture - that you can see - enhanced slightly - using Microsoft Publisher! I looked for the van on my way back North after lunch - it didn't look like it had made it through the lunch hour!

tervis tumbler

2009-04-29T10:41:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, a friend Jeanne dropped off four new tervis tumblers for the sailboat. Samantha was nosing around the bag today, so we were sure she wanted to get inside the bag. The bag is a little bit of a tight squeeze for the size of Samantha these days - but it is one of the best photos of Samantha - perhaps ever - no red eyes!

spring?

2009-04-27T21:20:00.003-06:00

I found this prarie crocus on the weekend. It was hard to see -you had to hunt them out - all fuzzy and struggling to overcome the snow and signal that spring has come to the prairie.

Retreat

2009-04-26T22:02:00.002-06:00

I spent the weekend with my friend Barb, at a Women's Retreat. One of the last things that we did - was release helium balloons. It was a nice ending to a nice weekend - and quite a scene - with 25 balloons taking off.

Snow Bunny

2009-04-24T11:53:00.003-06:00

I am a day out of sync - this should have been posted yesterday. When the snow was still around. The bunny and the crocodile got pressure washed on the weekend, when spring like yard work was happening -and since than it snowed again. While the snow is gone right now - it is in the forecast for Sunday - come on Spring.

Bird Bath

2009-04-22T17:29:00.002-06:00

Okay - if I am honest, I am a day behind. This is really yesterday's picture - all the more obvious - when you realize that it is currently snowing - and the lawn in this picture - is covered with snow. Yesteday - Brandon and I were treated to the best bird bath ever. This little robin - not caught in action - was totally all about his bird bath. Yes - you are right - that is the middle size mixing bowl - from the kitchen - which now - may never be able to be back in the kitchen - but - okay - it was worth it - if you could have seen the bath - that we got to see!

Door Prize

2009-04-18T22:10:00.002-06:00

Today I went to the Eagle Hill Community First Annual Ladies Day put on my the Eagle Hill Quilting Group - and while I probably do not have the name correct - the day was excellent - even if I hadn't won a marvelous door prize and I hope they made lots of money for their new community center.

Duck Mate

2009-04-17T23:00:00.002-06:00

This evening right at dinner time, what appeared to be the same mallard, that was in the front yard, brought his lady friend around to check out the real estate. We are not sure if they are moving in permanently - just real interesting to see them walking around and checking things out.

Movie Critic

2009-04-15T22:13:00.002-06:00

Erika and I went to the movies to see Sunshine Cleaning - quirky - yet just lacking a little something.

Say it isn't snow!

2009-04-14T18:28:00.003-06:00

Yup. It snowed again. I think if the temperature could only have been a few degrees higher - this would have been rain. It was a cold wind. The lawn ornaments - that got washed yesterday - were not amused.

Easter Monday

2009-04-13T17:19:00.002-06:00

These bunnies are actually from Victoria - where there is a problem with the bunny population. I found these on a walk on the Lochside Trail with Suzanne. Today was all about a day off from work - and - getting caught up on STUFF. Success.

Happy Easter or there is a duck on the front yard

2009-04-12T20:12:00.003-06:00

I forgot to take my camera to the excellent Easter dinner at Anita and Gordon's house - so instead I share a photo of the live lawn ornament, that decorated our front yard two days ago.

Beautiful British Columbia

2009-04-11T14:18:00.002-06:00

I left last Sunday for BC - to spend some time with my Mom. I found a trail close to her house - and found this on a walk.

Vermiculture - or - I have worms

2009-04-04T21:22:00.004-06:00

For years, I have talked about composting with worms. Talked about it lots. An awful lot. Two weeks ago, I went and got the "stuff" to compost with worms - without the worms. Today, I went to a vermiculture class - and brought home the worms. I vacilate between being completely grossed out - and thinking this is incredibly cool. Having made their home - and fed them coffee - like any great hostess - I am feeling cool - talk to me next week - ahead of feeding.

Fortune Cookie

2009-04-03T21:25:00.002-06:00

Since the fortune rings true - I should probably play my lucky numbers!

Stamp Collecting

2009-04-02T22:39:00.003-06:00

I was cleaning up some papers today, and couldn't bring myself to part with the stamps on this envelope. This is the envelope from Derek's invitation to his ordination in Brazil. It is not really that I am a stamp collector - so - rather than hang on to paper that would just get in the way - I just added them to my photo collection.

Premium White

2009-04-01T22:58:00.002-06:00

"Alexander Keith's Premium White is an unfiltered ale brewed with citrus, spice and specially selected hops. The result is a uniquely refreshing ale with subtle notes of citrus and a slightly cloudy appearance". For a first beer in a long long time, it was nice. Not as citrusy as I anticipated - the unfiltered part - I always find a bit unsettling.

Antsy

2009-03-31T21:51:00.002-06:00

More snow in the forecast - I am so ready for spring.

RUUUUUUDY - The Amigurumi

2009-03-30T17:08:00.001-06:00

Amigurumi - is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals and anthropomorphic creatures. The word is derived from a combination of the Japanese words ami, meaning crocheted or knitted, and nuigurumi, meaning stuffed doll.

Caution...ice

2009-03-29T22:54:00.003-06:00

It won't stop snowing. And it won't warm up - so that the snow will actually go away. Today - it sort of warmed up - and there are icicles everywhere.

Expect a Miracle

2007-10-26T19:58:00.000-06:00

Do you remember when you were young, and you would go to the dentist, and at the end of your appointment, you could pick a "toy" - some small trinket, to take with you - for behaving at the dentist? I remember that I would usually pick a "gem stone" adjustable ring - and if I was lucky - the "gem stone" would stay in place long enough to go to school and show off your loot.
One of my favorite parts of my Friday yoga practice, is that at the end - we get these fabulous "yoga" party favors - I guess for good behavoir - that you open up and find a quote of the day. Each Friday that I attend, I take my quote and staple it to the verticle blinds that hang in my office. This is one of the great things that I like about my Friday practice. Today it was particularily difficult to get to yoga - I actually got in the car, started the car, turned the car off, got out of the car - and had to make myself get back into the car - to go to yoga. AND, none of my "gang" showed. But, it was exactly the right choice, and I was proud of myself for actually going - and I did not watch the clock the whole time - and I did a fabulous "eagle pose" and I learn a partridge pose (couldn't find an example) which was beyond amazing - and my quote today: "all things are possible once you make them so" - Johann Von Goethe

First Snow

2007-10-25T21:13:00.000-06:00

Last night, a cold front went through and we had our first snow of the season. Not enough that we had to shovel snow, but enough to surprise my late blooming flowers.

Even more surprising, was that all the snow and most of the cold was gone by 4:00 this afternoon. Such is fall and winter, in my next of the woods.

Basic Grey

2007-10-24T21:46:00.001-06:00

I was busy knitting a pair of socks for Ken - in basic grey. And I was doing really good - with the whole boring grey thing - until suddenly at the end - there was this moment where I decided that the basic grey - needed some life - and if I added it to the toe - well - it would still look basic grey - in a shoe. So sock one is complete. Sometimes sock two is much harder - being a complete repeat of sock one - so in a month or two - there may be yet one more photo - of the complete pair.

NOT an Artist's Date

2007-10-19T21:50:00.000-06:00

Tonight, I should have been at "David Hickey's Crystal Journey". "Experience the pulsating sound vibrations from David Hickey's 20-plus quartz bowls. When David adds his Paiste gongs and chakra chimes, the room comes even more alive with energy. Each person's listening experience is unique..."

Instead, I found myself at the local community center - playing bingo.

I knew this might happen, because my bingo "partner", Erika, had hinted that maybe she would be available to go to bingo - an event that happens a few times a year. This is usually something that happens when neither of us can think of anything else to do. When Erika was in school, we used to have to volunteer ALL THE TIME at Bingo's - as a fund raising event - and we always said we should be playing instead of working - and now, occasionally we do.

I justify this event, by explaining that the monies raised from the community bingo - supports the local arena and other activities for kids in the community - so my gambling is for a good cause. And besides, where else can you go and not drink alcohol, and come home smelling like you smoked a full pack of cigarettes?

I tried to "sell" my friend Alice on the concept that bingo could be an Artist's date - but she was not biting. Her vote was for my bingo "partner" to join me at the crystal journey.

But I ask you - can you clear $20 CAD on a crystal journey?

Perspective

2007-10-18T21:16:00.001-06:00

Tonight was the first session of my second English as a Second Language Conversation Club. It is very inspiring and daunting - to see 19 people who want to learn english so much, they are at the library for 2 hours in the evening - playing games and practising using english - with the likes of me. It makes me really think about what it takes - to leave home - far behind you - and come to a strange land - where the food tastes different - and you don't know the language - and you don't have your family close by - and everyday is a struggle. Could I do it? Would I be as successful as these individuals? That would be a real test.

City Garden, Country Garden

2007-10-17T20:28:00.000-06:00

Today, I harvested my city garden. I also shared (if sharing means - threw the seeds in the ground - and than showed up to harvest) in a community garden (with Anita, Heather and Agnes) - in Olds. The "country" garden was planted at the end of April - the "city" garden was planted about a week later. The "country" garden was harvested September 15th - the "city" garden - today. The veggies on top - Country - the veggies below - City.

The biggest difference between the two gardens - the country garden is planted in a community garden at Olds Agricultural College. I am thinking they know just a little bit more about soil composition than I do.

However, this weekend 3 cubic yards of sand - is being delivered - and I hope to be showing off the city garden next year.

Learning to leave IKEA behind

2007-10-16T12:09:00.001-06:00

My decorating "style" if what I do in putting furniture together - in a room - can be described as "style" - would be "bargain" IKEA. It resembles the type of furnishings that you might find in any university dorm room - and to be honest - some of the furniture that I do use - may have come from that era.

So - I have had this spot - in the foyer of the house - that I have invisioned having a "chest" where I can put photos on top - and as an added bonus - shove junk on the shelves - if I hear someone coming up to visit! I have been wanting to "do" framed photos on something since I "learned" about it on Oprah. (I am guessing that is where I learned about it). And this concept was cemented for me - at Anita's house on Thanksgiving - where I admired many framed photos on many different flat surfaces.

The hunt for the right "dresser" at the right price point - cheap - has been long and exhaustive - and what I feel is the perfect piece - came home with me last night.

Without meaning to - we have ended up with a Southeast Asia theme happening in the front entryway - and this I feel - works with the other pieces. I strategically took this photo - so that you can appreciate the teak bench from Bali - that is a feature - on the other side of the foyer. There was no good way to incorporate the silk from Thailand - that hangs on the east wall - of the second story of the foyer.

Having successfully found the chest/dresser - now it is off to get photos - and a move on to the next project - replacing the IKEA lighting from university - in the livingroom - with something just a tad more sophisticated.

Oh yeah - and after looking at the photo above - I have noticed two things. The "table" that was in this corner - was a very basic IKEA piece - that is in the bottom right corner of the photo - and my rugs need to match better! It is a work in progress.

Democratic Right

2007-10-15T20:34:00.000-06:00

Today was the civic election. Local politics is sometimes hard to get involved in - and the campaign runs on a short schedule - and it is easy to be ambivalent to the process - the ole incumbents are going to get in anyway. I did manage to caste my vote today and to drag two other housemates along to the polls with me. I like to make my vote count - and for me - in today's election - that means making sure that the incumbent does not get elected on a landslide that I contributed to. So in this case - my vote was caste to do my part to make sure the incumbents don't have as big of a landslide.... as they may have been expecting - at least by the power of one.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-10-14T19:13:00.000-06:00

Today we celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving. The rest of Canada celebrated it last weekend, on the offical holiday date. We celebrated it this weekend with the family - because we were off sailing for the long weekend. The food - was as always - outstanding. The photo is of one of the desserts - Pavlova - that Heather whipped up. There was turkey of course, and lots of vegetables and salads and stuffing - all the trimmings - it was fabulous. We held the event at Anita and Gordon's new house - in Red Deer - and it is a beautiful, warm feeling home - I think we may be having some more family celebrations here. (At least that is my vote). And as an extra special treat - to the family Thanksgiving celebration - Jill flew out to spend it with us! Happy Thanksgiving.

Farmers' Market

2007-10-13T16:45:00.000-06:00

On Saturday - when I have nothing else planned, I like to wonder through the Calgary Farmer's Market . This is somewhat of a ritual for Erika and me. The main part of the ritual, is that we each only have $20 cash - to spend. This way - each of your purchases - are more important - you think about what you really want to buy - and you would be quite amazed at just how far you can make your $20 go. Today - it was actually hard to get all of our money spent. I think we may have been to the market - one too many times - recently. We were able to purchase quite a bit - with our pooled monies - and will be having a very organic/fresh dinner on Sunday - all from the Farmer's Market.

Artist's Date - 2

2007-10-12T18:11:00.000-06:00

The concept of an Artist's Date is quite simple. From Julia Cameron's book, The Artist Way, "An artist date is a block of time, perhaps two hours weekly, especially set aside and committed to nurturing your creative conscousness, your inner artist. In it's primary form, the Artist's Date is an excursion, a play date...." One of the rules, is that you do it alone. Simple - right. One a week.

For me - it is not easy. It is not that I don't have the time. It is perhaps that dilemma of "doing it right". Hence - a small current goal - to actually commit to an Artist's Date a week.

And that is how I find myself on a Friday afternoon - without a planned Artist's Date.

So I raid the local paper for Swerve Magazine, and find an event - very close by - "Bounty" - Fourth annual fall show and sale by the New Craft Collective - at Carpenter's Union Hall, Kensington.

I make it to the show - and there are lovely things - it is a small group of artists - about 6 - I study their work - one booth - is some fabulous fabric clutches - where the material on the outside is not the same as the material on the inside - quite lovely. Not me. Some ceramics, some prints, some jewelery - lots of jewelery - lots of clothes - that I wish I was cool enough and young enough to wear - and ummmm - my Artist's Date has now lasted about 15 minutes.

But hey, I still need to take some pictures - to spice up the blog - so I cross the street - feel very strange taking pictures of a building - (must learn to get over that) - than I keep walking - more picture taking - more is better - right - and than I see this cool looking store - and one of the mannequins in the window - is wearing mittens with little cherries on it - unfortunately - cherries will be a re-occuring theme - get used to it.

My observation skills - increase - so that I realize there is a cherry scarf, and a cherry hat - and I think - while I am getting comfortable with taking pictures - I will just go into the store - and take a picture of the hat in the store. And it I go - and the hat leaves the store in my possession - and after dropping a riduculous amount of money on the hat - I warn the sales lady - that I will indeed be outside taking pictures of the mannequin - that started my downfall.

Not so sure how Artist's Dates are going to work out - on my pocketbook!

Roche Harbor

2007-10-09T21:39:00.000-06:00

We made it back safely from sailing - quite remarkable, given we were 5 full size adults traveling 12 hours in a 4 runner - not to mention that the winds do blow - in October. We managed to tour to three new harbours - two in the US - we may have our border crossing down - much better than in the past.

I was not a good picture taker on this trip - I am absolutely going to have to get better at that - as the blog progresses - thank goodness for Erika and her camera and her need to have photos for Facebook.

This is day two - Roche Harbor - San Juan Islands. Fabulous tourist destination - great donuts - beautiful dock - really a great new destination. Also stayed at Point Roberts - where we mastered our border crossing techniques.

Given the close quarters for the weekend - we all came home - still speaking to each other - not a small feat.

Gone Sailing....

2007-10-04T12:53:00.001-06:00

We are heading out today - to Vancouver - to go sailing for Canadian Thanksgiving. We - is an incredible "truck-load" of family - 5 in total - driving 12 hours - starting at 6:00pm - ish tonight - to get to Vancouver for tomorrow morning - so that we can get as much sailing in - as possible. Fingers crossed that the weather is good sailing weather. Should be back with lots of photos. Anchors aweigh.

Artist's Date - 1

2007-10-03T18:26:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, was the start of Artist's Dates - and I went to an EFT "borrowing benefits" workshop. For anyone who wants to understand more about EFT - I suggest the wikipedia article on Emotional Freedom Technique. I found the session extremely interesting and was very impressed with the practitioner who ran the sessions. As an Artist's Date - here's hoping that I can maintain this calibre for my weekly dates.

Today's photo - for yesterday's Artist's Date - I toyed with taking a photo of the ski jumps at COP - since the EFT session was taking place out by COP - and that would be so clever.

Instead you have a view of the City - from Edworthy Park - from my morning walk with Alice - and Sadie - I'm looking east at the downtown skyline - and the sky - looks chinook like - if only I wasn't facing east.

Yoga Practice

2007-10-01T19:55:00.001-06:00

So - my first dilemma today is - a picture every post? I want a picture with every post - and I don't want to be intrusive - with the people I am around - perfect strangers and friends and family - perhaps they don't want to be a part of my web journey.

And than there is the whole carrying the camera everywhere thing - so that I get a new pic every day (another reason to practise by blog - before the official blog start date.)

So - today I went to the local yoga studio - and did a 45 minute Ashtanga yoga class. I have been doing an awesome yoga practise - at a local dance studio on Friday's and I really like Glenda's style - she is very intuitive about where her students are at - and it is a gentle - wonderful practise.

Today - was a more intense 45 minutes - of course - yoga is non-competitive - and this class was at the end of the day - and I poured my heart and soul - and "issues" into the class - and wow - does it feel like my monies worth.

One of the key differences in the two yoga classes - this class - is with heat - so the benefit is that you can really move your stretch to new levels. The down side is how slippery my hands and feet get on my little plastic yoga mat.

This was to be this week's Artist Date but - wait for tomorrow.

And the plan is growing - I think the picture issue - will be a picture a day - and in the meantime, while I remember to bring my camera along wherever I go - you are enjoying a slightly uneven shot of building mosiacs from NYC - taken on tour with Les and Wils.

Room With a View

2007-09-30T11:52:00.001-06:00

The master bedroom in our house - has a beautiful sunroom off of it. It is a wonderful retreat - very private - very personal. It makes the master bedroom feel so much bigger. And on days like today - when the view outside the window is such a wonderful fall vision - it is even more of a treat.

Sunflowers

2007-09-25T18:01:00.000-06:00

Sunday night - Monday morning - there was a killing frost - when I got up at 7:00-ish - it was -3 Celsius. That did in - for the most part - what had been a pretty good garden - as my gardens go. I had successfully harvested: peas, carrots, zucchini, potatoes - and apparently - a bumber crop of sunflowers. While most of the garden is looking completely finished by the frost - the sunflowers were almost in their haydays. There are tons of new baby sunflowers - this big guy - and all sorts of broken sunflowers with brand new flowers. Quite the glorious site - I need to get some of the new flowers into the house - to see if I can extend the season.

Socks

2007-09-24T18:36:00.001-06:00

I knit socks. Only socks. With only one pattern. This pattern - in the picture - or this pattern -

http://www.patonsyarns.com/product.php?LGC=kroysocks - only. I joined a sock club - to push the limits - and I get wool - beautiful wool - delivered to my home - with very complicated sock making patterns - and yet - this is what I do - the same pattern. Perhaps - some day - I will attempt another pattern - but for right now - this pair of socks is on its way to Wils - the best Global Marketing Dude - EVER. Enjoy.

Photo Contest

2007-09-23T15:30:00.000-06:00

This summer I hiked with the Skyline Hikers in Sunset Pass. We hiked from a base camp - walked in on a Monday to camp - walked out on a Friday - this picture was taken on the Friday - as we were getting ready to leave. Today, I entered it into a photo contest - for the hikers - curious if it will win - I think it is one of the better photos I have ever taken. Most of the week of hiking was rainy weather - so - of course - it was clear and fabulous on the last day.

Why Blog?

2007-09-11T20:02:00.000-06:00

I have been playing with having a blog for the better part of a year. The concept began a la dooce - where I might discuss very inappropriate topics. With some sound coaching, I have moved on from that concept and have instead landed on a more virtous (read boring) concept. With my birthday fast approaching - and a new concept of capturing the upcoming year in photo - with the odd word or two - I need to figure this out. So is launched halflife50.