On A Birthday Note…

A special day indeed.  One of the precious days when a certain "health nut" gives herself permission to eat anything she wants.  Decisions, decisions.  

Brett keenly asks me where he can take me out to that evening.  Excitedly, I spend a part of the morning pouring over menus of the best restaurants in the city trying to make a choice.  The selection is impressive.  However, at the back of my mind, I feel a small desire forming and as it makes it's way forward I realize I want to eat at home.  Sometimes a simple, basic meal prepared together IS the favourite food. For my birthday supper I had an amazing homemade cheeseburger with chips ( yes, people real chips from the bag…:) and a root beer.

Thanks Brett for a wonderful day!

P.S. Sorry , no pics.  Just dove right in and realized more than halfway through, I had not taken a photo of the feast.  Take my word, it was delish!

  

Dice

For us, a gathering with friends and family always means one thing.

Games!

One of our favourite games is simply called "dice". It is said to be a Brazilian dice game.  We do not know the name of this game, probably because it was  picked it up randomly by my nephew while he was travelling around the world.  

We were lucky enough to have the weather cooperate and  were able to play outside in a beautiful backyard surrounded by trees.

I'VE BEEN NAUGHTY

There they are quietly trying to blend in with the cabinets.  

Sssshhh don't tell Brett….

IN THE STUDIO

Creativity flows, engulfing me in an exquisite tempo of inventiveness, pushing me forward to produce a version of my vision.  In a flight of imagination, my arms start moving with eagerness following through in complete awareness of my mission.  Impressions left acutely on the canvas start blending together to present my concept.  Fully submerged in the process, deep in concentration, my breathing is even as I attend to the varying needs of each composition. Time goes by unnoticed as another day of artistry comes to an end leaving me flushed with satisfaction.

My Secret Dalliance

After much anticipation there we were, finally alone. Before I proceeded to undress the object of my affection, I tenderly looked at it standing there leaning against the wall wanting me to approach.  With a gentle tug I managed to undo the plastic wrap from the top and then using both hands strip down the wrapping simultaneously on either side. Finally freed from its covering the perfect glow of fresh white canvas is quite intoxicating.  Totally engulfed with excitement, I pick up the canvas, my arms lifting it up in the air so I can slowly lay it down on the table. At this point I don't know where to start…. but the latin rhythm playing in the background sways me to make a move.  With trembling hands, I gently stroke the canvas causing a blush to appear and inevitably lose myself in the process.  

Bon Appétit

This week-end, I was reminded of how French I really am when we visited "Cassis" a classy little french bistro.  I was enamoured with the "velo" that was parked just outside the front door.

Inside, the decor is chic, yet cozy and comfortable.  The French song playing resonated deeply in my heart.  I was home.

Good food and good company that is what being truly French means to me.

Happy girl.

Building Muscle

Going to art class is fun!  

That is, however, once you are in class and set up.

For three years now I have been schlepping all my tools from my studio ( in the basement ) to the car, from the car to the classroom ( it's really a long trek ) and then do it all again in reverse back home to my studio.  

Now you may think:  "So what?"  

Here's the deal.  I have a huge green storage plastic box, a box full of paint and a box packed with many different mediums.  Then there is canvas.  So you see, it's times four for every leg of the journey. 

I have happily done this many, many, many times.  I just wished for wheels to help carry my stuff.

Finally my vision has come true.  The new toy has little wheels and lots of compartments.  So, not only is it a breeze to roll into class, I am also now well organized!    

My first Bite

What is the first thing a girl does after finding out that she is NOT allergic to fish and seafood?

You guessed it!  Sushi !!!!!

The spread for initiation:

Do the very nice asian ladies sitting next to me laugh quietly between them at this grown woman trying desperately for 5 minutes to pick up the big sushi with her chop sticks cannot get a grip?

Does the woman sitting at the table on the other side looks on incredulously as I say to Brett "Take a picture, take a picture..." so excited with anticipation of my first taste?

Grasping (finally something..)  the top of the big sushi and directing it carefully to the desired destination (mouth wide open ), the fish lands evenly on top of my tongue feeling ( well... )  pretty much like a tongue itself.   Hmmmm?  Where did the rice go?   Can't we cut these in half?

OK. This is good.  I want another :)

THE LUCKY ARTIST!

All I needed was some time with my buddy :)  

It just happens.  We laugh, chat, brainstorm, share and dream.  Every time we get together we have a blast.   We can't help get excited and for an artist sometimes that is the best inspiration.