Monday, August 31, 2009

Don't forget!!!

Tomorrow is Tuesday everyone...
It's our Tell ALL Tuesdays, and we have lovely Miss Amy from the blog "Mostly Mod" coming to visit us for our Tuesday Interview...

It's also September 1st...already!
I made a very spontaneous purchase yesterday from an amazing artist, called Yaelfran who has a little Etsy Store .

Yaelfran has put together a collaboration of many Esty artists,illustrators and each one has drawn a picture to go into this book...they're all black and white.

Here's the list of TALENT who made it into "We are Strong"::
Corid
Gumballgrenade
Christinaromeo
Lertsis
Thisisalliknow
Zukzuk
Badbird
Seasprayblue
Marmeecraft
Restlessthings
Essimar
Jessgonacha
Laurageorge
Yumiyumi
Kwilson544
Yaelfran

OH...so many favourites, and I know it`s a little colouring book...and could have been for our girls...BUT I think it's REALLY for me...CAN't wait to receive it.

See you tomorrow!
Sleep well.

Char,On

English cousins...


we miss them all terribly!
It's funny to think that one day all their age differences won't determine their relative size.
I have a feeling Tristan (far left) and our Jordan (with the pompoms) will tower over all the other cousins.
Things could change...my brother was always tiny, very similar to Ashley's frame...and at 15 he sprouted to 6ft 2inches...we have a lot of height in our Family...Scandinavians seem to be naturally tall. My Dad is 6ft 2 and Mum is 5,11, Aunt is 6,2...my grandparents were tall too...and what did my sister and I get...a mere 5ft 4.5 inches.
Stick around...hey, in a few years this sketch could look VERY different.

We had a wonderful weekend...celebrating Birthdays, visiting wonderful cities...and spending quality time together...my kind of weekend!
We went to Kingston again because hubbie was scuba diving out there.
Kingston is one of the oldest cities in Canada, and has so many beautiful Century homes...I would have loved to have taken pictures but it poured yesterday...the girls and I spent most of the morning running for cover from those OH so LARGE raindrops...you know the ones where if you step out in the rain you feel like someone just dumped a bucket full of water on you...
We still managed to catch the Antique's market and buy a few TinTin comic books and a few Dr.Suess books for the girls. Classics seem to be treasured here in this home. Ashley loves comics...and the TinTin books captured her imagination for a good few hours on our trip yesterday...that's when you know you've bought something worthwhile.

I'm cleaning the house today, getting ready for the start of school next week...I feel like I need to purge a little.
I realized that I use maybe a 1/3 of my wardrobe(I have T-shirts still from 9 years ago), and the girls are growing out of their clothes...
I'd like to keep some of the girls fabrics for future craft projects...but what to do?

Any ideas friends? Have you saved your kids pretty dresses or tops because you couldn't part with the memory?
I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Char,On

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Saturday's Celebrations...

We're off to celebrate a friend's Birthday tonight...the above painting is the commission which I couldn't show you a couple of weeks ago...Dale's(the Mum in the picture)mother called me and asked if I would paint something for Dale.
She gave me pictures from Dale's past and a list of words which had significant meaning to different stages of her life.I placed the majority of her pictures on the side of the painting...and just used her immediate family ones on the front.
Here's a close up...the words I scratched into the paint as it was just drying...She LOVED this painting...hope she likes the one from me...

This is the gift for Dale which I am giving her on behalf of my husband and I...we have to find a frame for it...I didn't use any photo references for the portraits...as I wanted to use my memory and give more of an impression.
I hope she loves it...and also am crossing my fingers that she doesn't take a wander over to our blog today...if not the surprise will come early!
Have a great Saturday...are you celebrating anything this weekend?
Char,On

Friday, August 28, 2009

Day trips...

It's been a busy week...look at those shoes...LOTS of walking...running, and tripping...of course not me but the girls.
ALL the photos were taken with my phone(either by me or by Jordan....the above is hers), as I have lost the battery charger for our camera!(ouch)
I didn't edit them...so they are as they were taken.
We have spent a whole week going on day trips.
The Toronto Zoo...apparently one of the largest "natural enclosed habitats" in the whole of North America(and Canada is HUGE...don't forget!)
They just opened the Tundra section of the Zoo where they completely renovated the Polar Bear's living quarters.The girls were pretty upset that they couldn't see them swimming underwater, but due to the 17 degrees outside, I don't think they were remotely warm enough to take a plunge....maybe next time!
Jordi reminds me of the Polar Bear...does what she wishes when she wishes...is stunningly beautiful(in our eyes) and a little bit of an exhibitionist...very special!
We took the GO train to get into town one day, and met up with *Daddy*...they were SO excited to see him, and such a special treat for him to see us all for lunch.
The weather was perfect, we bought a take-out lunch and sat by the fountain and people watched.
Here's our Lunch view...that's the old City Hall...and this pond area gets transformed into an ice-rink in the winter...it's such a great square.

The girls were so sad to see Toronto go...but happy to be back on the train...they loved being on the top deck of the double-decker train!
We went to the Rocket Ship Park...always a wonderful way to exercise those little bodies of theirs...I think they should invent ADULT parks though too...we could do with a few stairs and slides once in a while!

I love this picture...if Ash was an animal, she would be a Flamingo.
She's delicate and shy bu can be bright and vibrant at the same time...she's slender and has excellent balance...and loves her family and friends.
Whilst we were passing through the Polar Bear enclosure she says"Mummy, when will they be making a new house for the Unicorns?" I'm sure she believes there are Unicorns...and why burst that "bubble dream" as I call it...children have wonderful imaginations...and dreams...I love how the joy of those thoughts fill her heart and give her the LARGEST smile ever!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Hugs.
Char, On

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

TELL all TUESDAYS :: Charlane from Ramblins...

Today we're introducing you all to Char...short for Charlane from the ever gorgeous photography blog "Ramblins..."
She said she's a little shy about taking pictures of herself...but gave me this picture of her converse Chucks (below)it made me smile. I do believe she has a wonderful sense of humour....and is a blogger who I would LOVE to meet one day in person!
I adore her photography style...and is able to capture nature in such a romantic way...beautiful.
ENJOY getting to know her and seeing a few of her photographs::Tell us a little about the Town you live in... & have you always lived there?

I currently live in Montgomery, Alabama. It is the capital of Alabama so it is steeped in history as being the cradle of the civil rights movement. Montgomery is the city where Rosa Park made her stand. It is where Dr. King preached on Dexter Avenue. In juxtaposition, it was the cradle of the confederacy.

I lived her from the first grade until I got divorced. I moved back here in February 2009 after living in Birmingham for a few years.


If you could move anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?

The Barrier Islands of North Carolina. I love it there.

How structured is your day usually?

Currently, my days are rather unstructured as I’m looking for a job. But, when I’m working I’m very much a structure girl as I believe organization makes for a faster day.

What did you do today?

Today I had a play date with my oldest niece – we ate Krispy Kreme doughnuts, crafted together (made “I love you” cards for family members) and came to my house to visit the pugs. I also played car pool mom for my youngest nephew.


Are you a cat or dog person?
I have both – I always thought of myself as a cat person, but I moved in with my brother who has two pugs. I have found I adore them and love spoiling them rotten.
Are you a breakfast, lunch or dinner girl?
Dinner – I love cooking dinner for family and friends. I rarely eat more than a quick bite at breakfast and forget lunch until it’s time to still making preparations for dinner.
If you had 6 friends over for Dinner what would you make for them?
Tough one – depends on the friends really. The most recent dinner we had together was family and we made hot wings and cheese fries. Last Saturday I made shrimp tacos. However, my go to “impress” someone dinner is chicken parmesan.

How old were you when you knew you were on the right path in your Life?

*laugh* is there a right path really – I find myself starting over again and pondering that question. I’ve had days where I really thought I was doing the right thing and it blew up in my face and I’ve had days where I thought my life was crap and I did okay. I think the trick lately is, enjoy the moments and be prepared to adjust as life throws the curveballs.


Who /what drove & inspired your love to create?
My mother has always painted since I was a young girl – ceramics at first and then later tole and other wooden cut-outs (she was a day care teacher). My grandmother was a seamstress that could make the most beautiful clothes just by looking at a magazine – too bad I did not realize what she did until she was unable to sew like that anymore.

Tell us something not too many people know about you.

Lord, I’m a blogger so I feel like I tell everything. Hmmmm, how about I was once a competitive spades player that played every night with the same partner. But I got tired of the stress of such high level competition so I quit.

Shoe choice::flats or heels?

Flats!! Actually, whenever possible converse all stars (Chucks) or flip flops.


What was the last book you read?
Julie and Julia.

What advice would you give others just starting out?

In blogging, I say stay true to “your” voice and enjoy it just for yourself. In photography, read your camera’s manual and practice, practice, practice. It’s such a basic thing, but do as they advise and take at least one photograph a day – even if you don’t share it with the world.

Name 5 blogs you love visiting, and tell us why.

Be Yourself (http://moredoors.blogspot.com/) – I love Beth’s positive outlook on life and I look forward to her photography. I would love to hear her laugh as I imagine it’s one of the happiest sounds.

Chronicles of a Country Girl (http://chroniclesofacountrygirl.blogspot.com/) – her photography is wonderful.

Ink on my Fingers (http://inkonmyfingers.typepad.com/ink_on_my_fingers/) – She is my current heroine of photography. I love her style and her effortless looking composition. Truly inspirational.

It’s Just How I See Things (http://itsjusthowiseethings.blogspot.com/) – I adore Georgia’s voice. I forget how I found her but I thank goodness that I did. She’s so very real and I am loving seeing her photography grow. She’s a girl that I would love to have a cup of coffee with everyday.

Soul Aperture (http://soulaperture.blogspot.com/) – Christina is one of my new reads. She has a quiet calmness that smoothes me and she radiates peace and joy.

But honestly, I love reading everyone on my blog roll. I get something from each – happiness, serenity, joy, support, inspiration, information, humor, thoughtfulness...and I could go on and on.

Thank you Char for taking part in our Tell All Tuesdays.

Have a great day everyone...and make sure you visit Ramblins...some time today to say hello to Char.

We're off Strawberry picking today.

Char, On

Monday, August 24, 2009

Monday's moments...

Hello fabulous readers...
Today has been a busy day...this is what we got up to::
  • Woke up and bathed the little ladies in the picture above...always takes at least 40 minutes plus another 20 to comb out their hair.
  • Drove to Home Depot because I had to pick up some varnish for the pond mural, little "N" took a marker to the wall...I should have thought about wear and tear from little ones...but the thought totally surpassed me. My faut.
  • From there we drove quickly(but not as fast as Daddy!) to our girl's doctor appointment.
  • Ash had a shot...she was brilliant. Very brave.
  • went up to LA and varnished 2 coats on the bathroom walls(one would never know-but I feel better about leaving their 2 year old in there alone.
  • **Jordan wanted to talk about how Men and Women's anatomy was SO different!
  • Drove back down to the Toy store...hence 2 EXTREMELY excited little girls.
  • Came home...and cleaned up their toys...feels good, the girls helped.
  • Made Dinner...stir fry vegetables,left over ribs(YUM) and chicken sausages,
  • Little ladies to bed...it takes at least 40 mins to an hour(reading 2 books before their bedtime)
  • Eat dinner
  • caught up on emails
  • ran FAST around the block...(only a 10 minute run)
  • and about to go and catch some Zzzzzzz's

Don't forget to check out our TELL all TUESDAYS tomorrow.

Charlane from Ramblins will be honouring us with some insights to whom she is...
Check back around 10amET.

HUGS

Char,ON

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Weekend commissions...

I think last week completely drained me because I am still exhausted...but I managed to finish the 2 paintings which I had promised to get done before Friday...deadline met...yay!
Then, this little guy on the whale was for Finn, a little neighbour who wanted to enter our World a little sooner than he was expected. He's definitely a fighter!
Welcome Finn.
We had a lovely BBQ at our friends this evening...now for some more work.
Thanks for all the very lovely comments you have been leaving, they're always MUCH appreciated!
Char,On

Friday, August 21, 2009

POND MURAL:: Finished!

YAY...finished,finally...not that it was really a HUGE project or that it took that long...but I was eager to see the finished result.
It's been hard photographing this, so you'll have to excuse the amount of pics I have taken...
I have to say thank you to LA for asking me to create this little hide away for their 2 little ones...their very own grassy pond bathroom...where they can go and hand out with their bunny,butterflies or the heron and frogs...
I'm SO pleased that this mirror was across the entire wall...it has allowed the feel of the room to be airy and not to feel overwhelming.
The lotus flowers add a touch of femininity...which softened the room greatly.
I can't wait to hear how their first bath went...I made sure to add as many different colour butterflies as I could...colour games are always great with 2 year olds!
I'm so happy that the trees worked out and weren't too over powering. It's hard sometimes to translate a sketch on paper to the proposed wall...
It did cross my mind to paint the whole room a light blue...but it only crossed it and left very quickly!
Painting is limitless...to your imagination.
I know my birch trees aren't as rugged and realistic as they should...but they're my birch trees, and they work for this bathroom environment.
This frog makes me smile...he looks like a deer caught in head-lights.
One of my favourite parts of the mural...the Blue Heron. He was the first "definite" subject LA wanted in the room.
Thanks for joining me on this weeks journey.
Have a great weekend...I'll pass by and see what you've been up to over the next couple of days...
Now...to sleep.
Night.
Char,On

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Pond Mural::Day 3...2 more to go!

Sorry...too tired to write. I just prepped and served dinner to friends...my husband cleaned the house and got the girls ready for bed, whilst I finished prepping at setting the table.
Our guests just left.
So, I'm on target...finished the trees and some of the flowers...tomorrow(or today rather) butterflies and dragonflies!
Thanks for stopping by.
Char,On

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Pond Mural:: So far...

this is what I have done...I'm working daily on the Pond Mural in a bathroom...hoping to finish on Friday.
Yesterday I sketched it all out...in watercolour...this way it's easy to correct.
I was a little concerned that it may feel a little overwhelming because it's not a very large bathroom...but the mirror gives a lot of depth.
My daily Tim Horton's Earl Grey Tea...yum!
Today I started to add colour...or GREEN...should I say.
I'm excited about this project...it's fun painting such a large scale painting...
So, we have 3 frogs,a Blue Heron,a rabbit,2 birds and lots of butterflies and dragonflies.
Tomorrow I'm working on the birch trees...and the leaves of the trees...
perhaps also the rocks at the floor of all the reeds.
Hope all is well with you...sorry I haven't been visiting recently, I'll catch up at the end of the week.
Maybe I'll get more than 5 hours sleep tonight...
Goodnight.
Char,ON

TELL all TUESDAYS...

Don't forget to read all about our TELL all TUESDAY interview with YELLOWGOAT Design.(posted earlier today!)

Also I'll be back later with an update to how the "Pond Mural" is taking shape...

Until then...
Char,Ontario

Monday, August 17, 2009

TELL all TUESDAYS:: Yellowgoat Design

Hi everyone...it's Tell All Tuesdays again...

We're introducing you to a very dear and talented Jeweller,artist,designer and friend blogger....Yellowgoat...who's first name is actually Petula(very pretty name)
Such a talent...I wish everyone was so much closer so that we could all meet up and chat over a cup of Tea!
Drum roll.....here's Petula from Yellogoat Design::

Tell us a little about the Town you live in... & have you always lived there?
I grew up in Hong Kong and live here most of my life. It's a vibrant
city if you like to go out and have night life and plenty of shopping,
basically most of the major apartment complex has their own malls.
Fun fact, my apartment building has a 70th floor....weird for most,
but becoming normal for us who cramp into small spaces and call it
home.
If you could move anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?
San Francisco. I lived there for some years, I have to say I miss it
all the time.

How structured is your day usually?
One thing I learned about working at your own time and at home is that
you really need a schedule. I wake up between 6 -7 am and check emails
for orders and other business related things. If I have many orders, I
spend the day with my little dinning area "studio". If not, I will
either catch up with blogs or do some creative works.
Usually I rest in the evening to watch a bit of news then it's
computer time again for blogging and twittering till I sleep.

Though, some days when I am just really sick or tire, I will take the
liberty to rest a bit, or just go out to browse the supply stores.
Weekend I rest on Sat, but Sunday usually involve some works. Either
fill orders for the weekend orders or computer work.

What did you do today?
I just woke up, check email, and replying to this email while having
my breakfast. ;D

Are you a cat or dog person?

I recently got myself a kitty. I think that says it all.
But I like dogs, it's just I don't have time or patience to train them
or take them or a walk, and my small apartment isn't really dog
friendly.

Are you a breakfast, lunch or dinner girl?
Breakfast, definitely. Most days I can do without much of a dinner and
I love weekend brunch
.

If you had 6 friends over for Dinner what would you make for them?
A vegan feast, I have many recipes book and loads of stuff I want to
make...but most of my friends are carnivores...so they heard the word
vegan and just give me an "hm...." face.

How old were you when you knew you were on the right path in your Life?
Never! It's hard to figure out a path, let alone a "right" path. I am
those people who keep second guessing myself and just keep changing my
mind.
But I really like what I am doing now, even though it's not exactly
financially rewarding at the moment, but if I can keep doing this till
I retire, I am really blessed.

Who /what drove & inspired your love to create?
Anything or everything, from nature to human behaviors, or a
conversation...I don't have a very set mind of I only want to do just
a certain thing or style. I take my experience and turn them into
ideas and then when I have time, I give them a try. There many
failed ones. ;P

Tell us something not too many people know about you.
Hm...that I am really silly? I don't know. I think I share quite a bit
of myself through my blog and my work.

Shoe choice::flats or heels?
Right now, flats. Though I have many 4 inches heels...they are collecting dust.

What was the last book you read?
I am embarrassed to say it's "Complete Metalsmithing"...I don't read
it through and through, but I keep reading it when I have free time.
I am a practical book and non fiction kind of girl.

What advice would you give others just starting out?
Have passion, and trust your guts, other may tell you you can't, but
you have to believe you can.

Name 5 blogs you love visiting, and tell us why.
Creatures Comfort - Ez is just amazing in every way possible
A cup of Jo - Joanna is just super nice and cute
Melissa love - She's really enthusiastic and she giving me lots of encouragement
Fine little day - The simplicity of the posts is just luring.
Seth's Blog - When I have time, I do some catching up for his thoughts
on marketing and business, they are very intriguing.

The list goes on...I can't just pick 5 or 10...I read them all if time allows.
Cheers,
Yellowgoat

Thanks Petula for taking part in our Tell all Tuesdays...I'm sure all your Fabulous readers and fans will love reading this , please visit her blog and her Etsy site...
Yellogoat Shop:: Click HERE
Char,Ontario

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