barton originals

Pages and Pins

2012-01-16T13:16:00.000-05:00

Books...love them! Bless my two daughters because they know that books are high on my wish list whenever gifts are called for. This year I received several wonderful books - a large tome on contemporary fashion/designers; a beautiful coffee table book on historical gowns - all made of paper; and...

... my favorite, hands down is Savage Beauty, which was published by the MET in conjunction with their Alexander McQueen exhibit.

The book grabs you from the cover, which is a holographic image of a skull, which morphs into McQueen's face. In light of his tragic passing last year, I find this cover poignant, and just a touch creepy.

above image courtesy of Amazon.ca (I could NOT capture this with my camera last night)

Tilt the book slightly and Alexander's face appears

I find this image haunting, perhaps because of his death by suicide, but the pain and conflict he must have been going through seems so apparent.

The body of this large (240 pages) book is packed with stunning images of his genius in design. There is also text, however I confess that I have not read any of it yet. Here is just a tiny sampling:

The second book that I wanted to mention was given to me this weekend by my daughter Keara. She and her bf just returned from a week in Vegas where they took in a Cirque du Soleil show. If you have never seen one of C du S's shows, do yourself a favour and go! And, if you do go to one, pick up this book as it is packed full of inspiration for figures and costumes...

25 Years of Costumes ...152 pages profiling the extravagant costuming in their various shows over the past 25 years. Eye candy!

My passion for books like this is two fold. They feed my love of fashion (particularly vintage which influences so much of contemporary fashion) and they also provide so much inspiration for my dolls.

As to the "Pins" part of my blog title. Yesterday I joined Pinterest. Amazing, amazing site! There is so much to see and be warned that time will quickly slip away from you. It is addicting. The great thing is that if you see an image or idea on the internet, you can 'pin' it to your own personal virtual bulletin board(s) so that you have instant access to it. I often see things that I bookmark, and then have trouble finding since my list is so long (and NOT very organized). You can also view 1,000's of other members Pins from everything from food to art to decorating to crafts, and repin to your own board if you wish. Very, very cool! Check it out. :)

♥

I'm Having Fun.....However.......

2012-01-12T10:20:00.000-05:00

At this rate, I will be purging, tossing, sorting and shifting my 'new' studio space for the next couple of months.

I'm stumbling on items that I had totally forgotten about. Just in one basket tucked at the side of a closet yesterday, I found...

this beautiful beaded antique bag. It was packed in an old stationary box that I was about to turf, when I realized that there was something in the box. I don't even remember when I got this bag, but am sure glad I found it! LOL

A ziploc baggie with these hanks of antique bugle beads and seed beads. Such a pretty bronze colour! Not sure why I got these or what I will do with them, but they certainly do appeal to my 'magpie' eye!

This tiny fabric covered matchbox sized box (again, I had no recollection what if anything was inside it). Opened it up, and ....

nestled inside was an antique minature china doll's head. So cute.

I'm totally surprised this was not in pieces. Part of a wasp's nest that I (at some point in time) stuck in a baggie and then for some reason placed it in this basket - and promptly forgot about it. I know at the time I found it, I had plans to do a woodland faerie piece and I will definitely have to revisit that!

I keep finding things that I totally forgot I had - an old 50s wedding gown, packed in a bag at the back of the closet; a bag of antique baby gowns that are basically trashed, but fabric and trims can be salvaged. Some old bags of lace ...and this is all just from the bottom of the closet in the room I want to move into.

Has my self-created mess decreased at all? No, not really, but I sure am having fun finding all this 'new' stuff!

♥

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T17:05:00.000-05:00

(it's been so long since I've posted on a Wednesday, I almost forgot about Wordless Wednesday)

♥

From Cave to........This????

2012-01-10T15:33:00.000-05:00

I have written before about my tiny, 8 x 8 windowless cave/closet of creativity that I call my "studio". "Studio" sounds so artsy, high-falutin', and almost posh doesn't it? In reality, my little area is anything but!

If you are a messy worker (like me), it is impossible to keep tidy, and if you are the least bit claustrophobic (like me), it is also not very conducive to creative thoughts and actions.

....taken from the cave doorway this morning - the one advantage? Everything is within reaching distance!

Now that both daughters have moved out, my plan is to take over one of the spare rooms (which at the moment is being used as a catchall/storage place) and convert it into a proper studio space. I will have approx. 3x the room footage I have now AND I will have a nice big window! Let there be light!

In order to empty proposed studio room so I can do the studio shift, I have to find room for all the stuff that is currently in it. For the past couple of days, I have been clearing things out of another spare bedroom to make room for bins, etc. while still keeping a few fundamentally important pieces of furniture (bed, bookcase, dresser) in that room. Deciding what should be trashed and donated is time consuming! LOL

This is what that room looks like this morning.

Boxes are Paul's stuff, bins are vintage clothing and linens from my days selling on Ebay and Etsy. I still plan at some point getting back to my Etsy vintage shop, so don't want to really get rid of too much of what is in the bins. This room will obviously be a redo project at some time in the future ("some time" being the operative words LOL)

On Facebook this morning, I mentioned that I was getting ready to don my suit of armour to venture into my planned studio room to tackle the monstrous, chaotic mess that I created there yesterday.

I'm not kidding.......

This shows just part of the room. The cat, that is not usually allowed in this room and of course always wants in, sauntered in and promptly left in disgust.

A job that I thought I could tackle in a couple of days is now looking just a bit more daunting. Previously, I thought the biggest part of my planned move would be lugging stuff from my downstairs cave up to the second floor. That could turn out to be the easiest!

I also wanted to strip the wallpaper and paint, build some shelves and have everything looking just like it should be featured in "Where Women Create". I think just getting things moved and organized will be all I will get done at first.

For now? I'm going to venture into 'the cave' and play with some clay.

The dump run can wait until tomorrow.

♥

Finally Got Off My Butt

2012-01-06T21:14:00.000-05:00

I finally listed a couple of items in my Etsy shop this week. It was bad enough that I hardly did any creating at all last year, but when I finally did get back to it, I hesitated offering the pieces for sale. Not sure why, but I had this fear that I had

1. forgotten how to sculpt

2. forgotten how to 'use' Etsy

3. the pieces were stale

4. I hate taking pictures

(because I really need some photo tips!)

I was much more positive feeling about the gift items I was working on.

Anyway, I thought "enough!" and put two Kindreds and one full body sculpt art doll up this week. Like riding a bike, it wasn't that scary or difficult once I actually got my butt on the seat.

Zara, a Ghost Kindred

A Place In Time

Sophia Isabella - A Kindred

I'm thrilled to say that Sophia Isabella is traveling Stateside to live with Pearl. Thank you so much Pearl - your purchase of this piece gave the boost to my confidence that I desperately needed!

I had planned on starting a couple pieces for Valentine's Day today, but got sidetracked cleaning my work table and sorting through some trims. It doesn't take much to throw me off course LOL. Tomorrow for sure I'm getting back to work!!

♥

Some of the Giftee Things I Made for Christmas

2012-01-04T16:37:00.000-05:00

I have a lot of fun making small little figures and ornaments for gifts and thought I would share some of the pieces I made this December.

These two little guys were sculpted from paperclay over a lightbulb base for the body and a styrofoam ball for the head. I may make some (and maybe some owls too) for my etsy shop next year. They certainly were fun!

For this version of a belsnickle, I used an old paper mache yarn cone as the base and covered it in polymer clay - sculpted the face and arms and then painted and glittered.......fun! Also hoping to make some variations of this for my Etsy shop next year.

These two little guys have styrofoam balls as the base for their heads and bodies, dowels for their legs and chopped-in-half styrofoam balls for their feet. Covered in paperclay, painted and glittered. Their 'twig' arms are cut from some veiny stuff I purchased last year from Michaels and are actually wire coated to look like twigs.

My little 'music man' was sculpted from polymer clay. I love the work of Surya O'Shea and have used his enchanting illustrations as inspiration for two pieces that I've done - both of which have been for gifts.

♥

A Couple of Give Aways

2012-01-02T23:17:00.001-05:00

Who doesn't love the chance to win a wonderful giveaway?

I'm sure most of us do (and if you don't, well don't read any further).

Two of my artist friends are offering a sample of their creativity and we all have a chance at owning a piece of their work.

This lovely art quilt, by Lisa Lectura is offered to celebrate her 4th year BloGIVErsary:

For a chance to own this, please go to her blog:

Go HERE

The other wonderful giveaway is from Jo at Cart Before The Horse. To welcome in the New Year, Jo and Dylan are offering a chance for you (although I hope I am one of them), to win one of three of these adorable little Alice figures.

Please visit Cart Before The Horse blog

Two separate different giveaways from two very talented artists. So what are you waiting for?

♥

Welcome 2012

2012-01-01T10:57:00.000-05:00

2012....a brand new year

A time for a fresh start, new beginnings and hopes that this year will be the best ever!

Best New Year Wishes to Everyone!

Who IS This?

2011-12-31T11:51:00.000-05:00

Yes, tis me

Popping in quickly to extend a warm thank you to all who are still following my very neglected blog... especially as there has been nothing to follow in the past 6 - 7 months! Thank you so much for hanging in there!

I'm happy to report that after a rather tumultuous year, things are going well. I'm looking forward to the New Year, new opportunities, challenges and experiences.

Nicole's health is still up and down, but the very positive thing is that there has been no recurrence of the cancer. She celebrated one year cancer free on Dec. 16! Big WHOOOOHOOO!!!

In April of this year, I started weaning myself off of Cymbalta (taken for depression), as it obviously was not helping. I resisted going on the new Rx that the doc had given me for Prestiq. I have been on one kind or another of serotonin type meds for over 10 years and made the decision to see how I felt without any of this type of drug. It took several months to get the drug out of my system (these are not easy drugs to stop!), but I feel so much better now. Much more energy, back to feeling positive about things and finally back to creating.

I have felt horrible about not blogging. I've actually started several entries (counted 11) that I put into draft to finish at another time. Not a good idea - should have finished and posted immediately. This one I am finishing NOW and posting NOW!

I'm looking forward in this New Year that is almost upon us to blogging regularly and also getting back to following everyone's entries.

2012 is going to be my year for 'doing'

Before this becomes too long, a final thought - if you are out celebrating and ringing in the New Year tonight, have a joyous time....and stay safe!

♥♥♥

Rolling Along

2011-05-10T13:14:00.000-04:00

I didn't want another month to go by without a post. I also did not want to do an all-text post, but unfortunately have no pics to add....so I will keep this short.

Still feeling overall 'blah' and aside from emails and checking/posting on Facebook, my computer time has been limited. I just don't have the energy or the motivation at the moment to do much else as far as the computer goes.

I'm working on several sculpts however it is slow going - some days, I just don't feel like picking up the clay. I have an appointment with a psychologist on May 19 and will also have meds reviewed at that time. Hoping that will be the first step of getting back into the swing of things. I'm so looking forward to once again not looking at every little thing like a huge effort!

I have been viewing many of your blogs, but have rarely commented. The whole blogger word verification thing just seemed too much for me - how silly is that?!

Hope everyone enjoyed Mother's Day and continues to enjoy the beautiful Spring weather

I will be back as soon as possible with hopefully, a more interesting post

♥

OKAY............so

2011-04-19T14:08:00.000-04:00

I've been a rotten blogger, really and truly crappy.

It's not that I haven't thought about blogging, in fact I usually think about it several times a day but, obviously for over a month thinking has not meant doing!

For months now, I have felt my life becoming increasingly ...

getty images

cluttered.

This feeling has led to further feelings of lack of motivation, inertia and being overwhelmed. I've missed blogging, but I have also purposely stayed away.

In speaking with several other blogger friends, I realize that what I'm feeling is not unique so I decided today to ....

let down my hair.

I know that I am suffering from depression, part of it caused by not fully acknowledging my Dad's passing which unfortunately happened right when Nicole was dealing with her melanoma diagnosis. Nicole has had several scares since, but is doing fine.

Since late last year I have gained a large amount of weight which has added to my feeling of gloom and doom. In February when I finally decided to do something about it, I tore a ligament in my knee. It has been a slow recovery, and exercise has been nil (no exercise, makes for little energy).

I could list a bunch of reasons for my current feelings, but the last thing I want to do is come across as Sappy Sad-sack Sue. Deep down, that is NOT me. That is not my 'normal' day-to-day existence, so while I realize it will be an ...

Arthur Tress

uphill battle....

I am starting to work on some things that I know I can control and that are positive.

So, this is my update for today. I do love blogging and love all the friends I have made here in blogland and I vow to not be gone for over a month again.

♥

Faerie Work for St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T10:46:00.000-04:00

Wonderful artwork of Jean-Baptiste Monge

from Funnychix.com

Have a happy day!!!

Looking Back

2011-03-09T12:00:00.000-05:00

My First Polymer Sculpt - Early '90s

I was going through an old album the other day and came across this image. I had been creating cloth dolls from my own design for a number of years, but wanted to try polymer clay. This piece was sculpted from cernit (head) and fimo (hands). The body was wire, padded and wrapped.

I can still remember how gorgeous I thought she was. Gosh I was proud of this piece and given everything I see wrong with her now ('flat' face, tiny mouth, too wide spaced eyes, large gnarly hands), I still have fond memories of my "first-born".

I named her Niamh, and she went to live with a couple here in Ontario who purchased subsequent pieces from me over the years.

My sister is attempting to clear out my Dad's house in Vancouver and has a large box full of mainly cloth dolls to send to me that I had sent Mom and Dad over the years. I only have a couple of cloth pieces from those years, and I'm looking forward to receiving these.

I love to see pics of the evolution of an artist, so thought I would share my first polymer piece with you.

♥

I Am Woman

2011-03-08T12:01:00.000-05:00

International Women's Day

Yes, we have come a long way, but there is still quite a journey before us

Celebrate the women in your life today

♥♥♥

Neglect

2011-02-24T12:52:00.001-05:00

I have not purposely been neglecting my blog and blog-hopping lately, but have found it increasingly hard to juggle my time between blogging, Facebook and several forums I am on. I was worried that this would happen when I joined FB just before Christmas. The advantage of FB is that it is relatively fast to catch up and stay current with others. As a consequence though, when I visit my blog, I often don't feel like I have the energy to post or follow all the blogs I do enjoy reading.

I'm really feeling like the computer is taking up way too much of my time (i.e. my studio time has diminished greatly). I see other artists that happily do blogs, Facebook, studio, housework, events, etc., without seeming to have any problems at all.

Please.....how do you manage this???

On a lighter note, my daughter sent me the following via email this morning. For my Juno and Finley,

and all the other furry family members out there....

The following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door.

Dear Dogs and Cats: The dishes on the floor with the paw prints are yours and contain your food The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate does not mean that is is suddenly your food, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the top of the stairs is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It Is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space that you are taking up, is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.

The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough.

Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:

TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:

(1) They live here. You don't.

(2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.

(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.

(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.

Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:

(1) eat less,

(2) don't ask for money all the time,

(3) are easier to train,

(4) normally come when called,

(5) never ask to drive the car,

(6) don't hang out with drug-using people;

(7) don't smoke or drink,

(8) don't want to wear your clothes,

(9) don't have to buy the latest fashions,

(10) don't need a gazillion dollars for college and

(11) if they get pregnant, you can sell their children.....(*_*)

I'm sure that so many of us can identify with the above!

P.S. I think the bathroom statement above is the funniest

♥

Wordless Wednesday ...Feb. 16, 2011

2011-02-16T13:12:00.001-05:00

mrsInman collection - FlickrFree

♥♥♥

How Do I Love Thee

2011-02-14T12:44:00.001-05:00

Regardless if your love is

a young love.....

an old love....

shorpy.com

tragic love.......

Sibling love....

MrsInmanCollection - FlickrFree

family love....

shorpy.com

friend love....

Florence Ward

or even puppy love...

I'm wishing everyone a

Very Happy..

♥

Funk a Junk

2011-02-08T17:23:00.001-05:00

Been in a bit of a funk lately. Can't put my finger on just what is sapping my energy so that I feel like this..

I have so much to do, but things seem overwhelming.

One would think that after being so focussed on Nicole for several months, and then being so relieved at her prognosis I would feel totally rejuvenated. I did for several weeks, but then seemed to slip into this grey funk. I have tried to self-analyze myself, and I realize that part of my problem is clutter.

I am feeling overwhelmed with clutter. Clutter in the house, clutter with the computer, clutter in my body. Okay the body part isn't really clutter, but fat. Excess baggage that I have packed on over the last year or so. I feel larger than Mr. Polar Bear above, which has led to much of my lack of energy. Lack of energy has led to lack of exercise, and thus a vicious cycle of sluggishness ensues.

From past experience I know when I feel like this, exercise is a key to banishing the funk, so starting today, I am resuming regular exercise. I have not been doing much sculpting due to my wrist (carpal tunnel) acting up again, but I have been doing a lot of surfing around on the internet. My new plan will mean not sitting on my butt at this computer so much and actually starting to MOVE.

Usually I have grand ideas and start out too big, this time I am going to plan and pace myself so that I don't end up giving up.

Baby steps...

Bliss Boutique Photography

The house? One drawer at a time. Sort and purge is the plan. My scheme here (body/house) may take several months, several years - but I know that I will feel so much better.

Time to start!!!

♥

Don't Miss Out!

2011-01-31T16:13:00.000-05:00

On the fifth and final annual OWOH Blog Event!

Want Info On This Event?

Are you participating this year? It is such a fun event and you meet so many diverse people from all over the world. You discover art and talents that you may not even be aware of, and you have a chance at winning a special treasure from each blogger. I enjoyed this so much last year!

Haven't heard of this? Click yourself over to the amazing Lisa's (The Whimsical Bohemian) site for all the nitty and gritty on OWOH

Due to mitigating (do people really use that word? Other than me, I mean LOL). Anyway, due to circumstances beyond my control I will not be participating this year, although I will be visiting some of the blogs that are participating (as time permits).

I would like to thank Lisa for creating and hosting OWOH! What a huge amount of time and work over the past five years, and I know so many people that appreciate this.

♥

Aftermath

2011-01-21T17:25:00.000-05:00

Nicole moved back to Toronto earlier this week, after almost 3 months of being here at home. She is doing well, has had some further tests and we are awaiting results, but the plan is that she returns to work on Monday.

Before she left, I was looking forward to getting back to my routine. I was looking forward to a return of normality. After saying goodbye to her though, I felt sad.

I missed having coffee with Nicole, chatting about different art projects, even watching tv (something I rarely do). I even miss her two cats, Mordecai (the Statesman)...

and Edward (the Terminator)

These two formed a weird dynamic with my kitty Juno and my dog Finley. Juno seemed to have 'a thing' for Mordy, who would hiss and spit at her. Edward had 'a thing' for Juno who would hiss and spit at him and Finley wanted to play with all of them. Unfortunately,

because the felines had their own strange threesome going on, they were not interested in including a smelly, panting, tail wagging canine.

I'm actually missing having four animals tear around this house - well maybe not when I'm trying to sleep!

I am looking forward to getting my studio back in order and finishing a Kindred (that I should have finished before Christmas) and starting on some new pieces. I want to try my hand at making some eyes and also an idea I have for wings. I also have to get back to an exercise routine. I have not exercised (or watched my diet) for three months now. I don't look quite like this (and I don't mean because I am female)
...

but I soon will if I don't get movin'!

So, I need to shake this feeling of listlessness

and regain my energy and motivation

Hoping everyone has an awesome weekend!

♥

Imagine

2011-01-09T00:51:00.001-05:00

The past week has been very busy and I've had little time for my studio or the computer. I have been on Facebook a bit, but my blog and blogger friends have been terribly ignored.

Next week should be better as far as time goes and I'm looking forward to getting caught up.

For now though I want to leave you all with this.........

A timeless, beautiful song and a timely, powerful message.

♥ PEACE ♥

Welcome 2011

2011-01-01T12:22:00.000-05:00

Stardust wishes to all for a most awesome

*~* 2011 *~*

♥

December 21.......Shortest Day of the Year and Winter Solstice

2010-12-21T22:51:00.002-05:00

A Christmas carol, yes ....but it has a solstice-y feel to it

P.S. I'm starting to catch up on some of the blogs I've missed the past couple of weeks....so much interesting stuff to read and see, I think it will take me awhile

♥

NED........Best Acronym Ever!!!

2010-12-16T21:18:00.002-05:00

NED

No Evidence of Disease

!!!!!!!!!!!

Nicole's pathology report of her two surgeries showed no further spread of melanoma cells to the underlying tissue or the lymph nodes. All margins were clear and all 9 lymph nodes that were removed were negative.

Tears were shed, but healthy, happy tears and we are all feeling emotionally drained at the moment, but OH WHAT A FEELING (and even though I feel like breaking into song...I won't. LOL)

Nicole has to continue to be vigilant due to melanoma's tendency to recur, however going to the oncologist and dermatologist periodically throughout the year is not even an issue in our minds.

Nicole's 'war' wound

Again, a very huge and heartfelt thank you to everyone for their support, prayers and positive thoughts. I know I could not have handled this without you all.

I am now looking forward to getting back to some normality (hahaha), enjoying Christmas and making dolls

but first? gonna have a good night's sleep!

♥

Sofia Isabela, A New Kindred

2010-12-11T22:45:00.002-05:00

Sofia Isabela wanted to have hair the same as her older brother's, Prince Rafael. She lopped off her long, thick braid and then had second thoughts. She wondered if praying would help.

I was hoping to get this little gal done at the end of November, but unfortunately 'life' kind of got in the way. Anyway, she is done now and I will put her up on Etsy tomorrow.

I now have less than two weeks to get several pieces done as gifts......yikes! I feel like Halloween was just yesterday.

I have just started using NetworkedBlogs on Facebook...if anyone here wants to add me, that would be great! I'm still trying to figure it out, but it seems like a great idea.

♥

A No News Day

2010-12-08T23:08:00.000-05:00

Well, yesterday was an exercise in frustration.

We drove into Toronto (the drive to T.O. wasn't bad - it was once we got into the city.....I would never drive in Toronto and am just glad my hubby is used to it or our taxi fees would be ridiculous).

Arrived at Princess Margaret Hospital and went to Nicole's oncologist's office only to be told that her appointment was cancelled because the pathology report was not back yet. Yes, they HAD tried to contact Nicole but had a couple of numbers of her cell phone reversed and by the time they tried our house, we had left.

The wait from her surgery until yesterday has been nerve-wracking on all of us, most of all Nicole, and

to be mentally prepared for basically anything and then to be told - come back next week was a huge disappointment.

Nicole says she feels like she is hanging on by a thread at the moment. She's trying to stay positive, but yesterday set her back a bit mentally.

Our appointment now is set for next Thursday, early morning....and so, the wait continues.

Thank you to everyone for your heartfelt messages.

Being in a situation like this, it means so much to me, Nicole and our family to realize the support of people, most of whom I have never met in 'real' life. I consider you all true friends and love you for being there and for your thoughtfulness. You may feel that your posts on my blog and emails are not much, however they mean the world to us.

Thank you!

♥

A Wedding and a Birthday

2010-12-07T10:46:00.001-05:00

I've been scanning some old family photos to send to my sis who is planning a memorial service in Vancouver for my Dad. This photo is my Dad's father and mother on their wedding day. Not typical wedding attire, but it was during WWI. My grandmother was around 18 years here. Think they look so cute!

Nicole celebrated her 31st birthday yesterday - we had a nice day and surprisingly did not stress too much over having to go to the oncologist today for her pathology report.

We leave for Toronto early afternoon and are keeping positive thoughts first and foremost.

♥

Wordless Wednesday....Dec. 1, 2010

2010-12-01T13:43:00.003-05:00

click to enlarge

♥

I swear that the text/picture area on my blog has progressively become more narrow over the past few months! Anyone know an easy fix to increase this space? (and when I say "easy" I mean "really" easy!)

My Dad

2010-11-28T11:08:00.000-05:00


Jim Manley Mar. 6,1924 - Nov. 27, 2010

My dad, after suffering a decline in health over the past year, passed away yesterday evening. He was a talented artist and a man full of humour, grace and dignity. One in a million, and I will miss him very much.

♥Love you Dad♥

Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T22:56:00.002-05:00


shorpy.com

Sending Happy Thanksgiving wishes to all my US friends.

Be happy, safe, have fun, be thankful of the food you are eating (and be thankful you don't have to catch and pluck the bird like the little girl above!)

A quick update on Nicole - her surgery went well and she is home with us recuperating. Her left arm that had the wide local excision and the lymph node (4 of them) removal done is quite painful, but she has

painkillers that take the edge off. We now wait until Dec. 7 for the pathology report.

It is not Thanksgiving in Canada, but I am so thankful for all my friends here that have offered and continue to offer prayers, positive thoughts and support.

Love

♥

Be Gone for a Couple of Days

2010-11-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

I will be away from any blogging for a couple of days while Nicole has her surgery - should be back by Tuesday. I will have access to Keara's laptop and will probably check my Facebook as it is pretty fast and easy, but I don't think I will have too much time computerwise.

An artist friend posted this video on her facebook and I thought it was so cute. There is no way my cat would ever even attempt this!

Hoping everyone is having a fabulous weekend!

♥

I Almost Forgot - Wordless Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010

2010-11-17T19:13:00.000-05:00

♥

Back Home

2010-11-16T18:14:00.001-05:00

Got back home around 1:00 a.m. this morning and have been doing "stuff" (you know, laundry, dishes ... fun stuff like that all day).

Rock of Ages, basically ROCKED. Such a fun show - high energy, hand-clapping, foot stomping theatre. I'm not a huge 80s fan but I... Loved it!

Yesterday was Nicole's pre op appointment - her surgery is next Monday. She has to be at Princess Margaret hospital at 7:00 a.m and will have the

sentinel lymph node mapping done around 8:00. This is where they inject radioactive dye into her shoulder area around the biopsied site. The dye shows the first lymph node(s) the cancer cells may have percolated to (if they did go anywhere else).

At 10:00 is her

surgery to remove the sentinel nodes and then

they will do the Wide Local Excision (WLE)

to remove a chunk of skin/tissue around where the mole was. A skin graft or flap-over procedue will

then be done.

And then it is on to recovery. She should be released

around supper time, unless there are some concerns about her diabetes (none expected).

We will be bringing Nicole home with us for at least a week to recover. On Dec. 7, she has an appointment with the oncologist to find out if the cancer has spread

and what the next steps are.

A blogger friend of mine, who has gone through a

similar situation (not melanoma) with her daughter wrote me that the waiting is the worse. I agree.

On a totally different note, a friend posted this on Facebook and I think it is sooooooo pretty.

I'm hoping tomorrow to get into my studio - haven't been near it for five days and going through clay withdrawal.

♥

Took The Plunge

2010-11-14T13:48:00.000-05:00

shorpy.com

After much hesitation and resistance, but with a lot of encouragement from my family and peers...

shorpy.com

I decided to join the masses...


shorpy.com

...and take the plunge.

Yep, I'm now on

Sue Patricia Barton on FB

My daughter, Nicole has been visiting for a couple of days and 'surprised' me with a page two days ago. I'm amazed at how much info and cool stuff is on Facebook. I've found some amazing artists and made some new

friends already.

I hope to set up a page for my work soon, but in the meantime if you are on FB and want to 'friend me', I would love to hear from you!

****

We are off to Toronto today to take in the Rock of Ages show

and I am staying over at Nicole's so I can go to her pre op appointment with her tomorrow.

♥

Remembrance

2010-11-11T12:16:00.000-05:00

November 11, 2010

Canada.......Remembrance Day

United States....Veteran's Day

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

We stop and remember and honour our brave men and women who fought, and still fight, that we may live in freedom.

May we never forget

Wordless Wednesday...Nov. 10 Inspiration?

2010-11-10T17:52:00.004-05:00

Warhol

♥♥♥

Have been super busy with "things" and have not been on the computer/blog much - hope to catch up with everyone's blogs soon!

Hugs!

Wordless Wednesday ...Nov 3

2010-11-03T12:47:00.000-04:00

Morris Engel 1949

♥

This Is Halloween

2010-10-30T12:55:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow, Oct. 31, is Halloween.

People (especially here in North America), from big ones...

to wee ones....

love Halloween

Wishing everyone a spookily fun and safe Halloween weekend. To send you on your way some Halloween classics....

The amazing Tim Curry

What is Halloween without monsters...

Ghosts, goblins and the brilliant Tim Burton

♥

Wordless Wednesday.......

2010-10-27T22:44:00.002-04:00

♥

Fluffy and Crisp

2010-10-22T21:45:00.000-04:00

Fluffy as in the first snow that hit parts of Ontario overnight and early this morning...

Cheryl McIssac, Barrie, ON Oct. 22, 2010, Weather Network

No snow here, in my little corner yet - just crisp, cool, beautiful Fall weather.

Skip Pothier, Port Perry, ON. The Weather Network

There is so much about Autumn that I love. The air is so fresh (none of that horrid summer humidity), cool and crisp. The turning colours of the leaves is stunning and the heady, unique scent of fallen leaves always makes me smile.

How many of you remember scenes like this, from when you were younger? When we moved to this small town over 20 years ago, people were still allowed to burn their leaves. Sadly for us, (but better for the air quality), we are no longer permitted.

Shorpy.com

Speaking of crisp ....can anything beat the taste of an early Fall apple? Not only super yummy, but so healthy for you!

An Apple A Day by Bird Doodle on Etsy

Apples are a perfect snack - portable, handy and delicious.

shorpy.com

And apples are readily available (no need to resort to 'stealing' one - this is NOT what is meant by picking apples)

shorpy.com

Delight in the fun of going to an orchard and picking your own.

Pati Bannister Art

No orchard close by? An open air farmer's market is the next best thing.

shorpy.com

And failing that, you just know at this time of year there will be a huge selection at your local grocer's.

shorpy.com

Whatever you have planned for this weekend, enjoy the weather and also an apple (or two).

If you are jonesing for

"fluffy", have a marshmallow! I like winter and find the first snow fall very enchanting, but it is still just a bit too early!

♥

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-20T10:33:00.001-04:00

♥

Interrupting Regular Programming

2010-10-13T16:24:00.001-04:00

To bring you this public service message

how many of us remember getting bad, blistering sunburns as children? how many of us have used, or still use tanning beds? how many of us are not

very diligent about using sunscreen?

I have never used a tanning bed, however I can answer "Yes" to the other two questions and even answering Yes to one of the above puts you at added risk for skin cancer.

Before Nicole was diagnosed with Melanoma, I rarely, if ever gave skin cancer a thought and even when I did, I had little knowledge of what skin cancer is. And Melanoma? I knew it was a type of skin cancer, but ignorantly assumed, if you had a funny mole, you had it removed and all was jolly.

Of all the skin cancers, melanoma is the one you don't want to make acquaintance with . It is a nasty, flighty, unpredictable bedfellow that can turn deadly.

Please take a few minutes to read the following facts, as this cancer is serious and is striking more and more people with increasing frequency.

The following is from Miss Melanoma (one of the best sites on this topic on the internet). This was a post done in 2008.

What to Watch For:

A change in size, shape or color. The features of change to watch for in moles are the A, B, C, D and E’s of detection.
Asymmetry — Two halves of a lesion that are not the same
Border — Borders of a lesion are irregular, scalloped or vague
Color — Color varies from one area to another, including shades of tan or brown as well as black, blue, red and white
Diameter — A lesion that is greater than 6 millimeters in diameter, about the size of a pencil eraser
Evolution — Lesions that change or evolve, or is ELEVATED or raised above the skin and has a rough surface

You should also watch for the following skin changes:A mole that bleeds
A fast-growing mole
A scaly or crusted growth on the skin
A sore that won't heal
A mole that itches
A place on your skin that feels rough, like sandpaper

The facts:

*Skin cancer is the #1 diagnosed cancer, and the third most commonly diagnosed cancer among women 20-39 years of age.
*More than 90% of skin cancer is caused by sun and tanning bed exposure.
*Each hour, one person dies from skin cancer.
*One in 5 people will be diagnosed with it.
*One in 41 men and one in 61 women will develop melanoma in their lifetime.
*The rate of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, has more than doubled between 1973 and 1996.
*Melanoma is more common than any non-skin cancer among people between 25 and 29 years old.
*An estimated 7,400 deaths from melanoma and 2,200 from other skin cancers were expected in 2002 and more than 7,800 died from melanoma alone.
*The death rate from melanoma for men is almost twice that of women due to late detection *Melanoma is now the fastest growing cancer in the U.S. There have been no significant advances in the medical treatment or survival rate in the last 30 years.
* One blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life.
* Exposure to tanning beds before age 35 increases melanoma risk by 75 percent.
* On an average day, more than one million Americans use tanning salons.
* New high-pressure sunlamps emit doses of UVR that can be as much as 12 times that of the sun.

And for our finale....

*In women 25-29, melanoma is the primary cause of cancer death, and in women 30-34 it is the second most common cause of cancer death.
*In the U.S. your chance of getting melanoma in 1940 was 1 in 1500. By 2004, it was 1 in 67. By 2010, scientists predict it will be 1 in 50.
*The incidence of melanoma has increased 690 percent from 1950 to 2001, and the overall mortality rate increased 165 percent during this same period.
*If caught in the earliest stages, melanoma is entirely treatable with a survival rate of nearly 100%. If untreated and allowed to spread, there is no known treatment or cure.

Being aware could save your life

.........I consider myself pretty well informed about medical issues, however I was totally uninformed about this particular subject as I fear many are. I promise my next post will be back to my normal doll, etc., related topics. This however is too important to
ignore.

♥♥♥

WIP, Update And Cat Box

2010-10-08T17:46:00.000-04:00

I finished my little play piece the other night and was happy how she turned out. She was going to go on Etsy, but someone saw her before that she will be travelling Stateside shortly.

This is Pumpkin.

A number of us have cats and/or dogs, I mean, life would not be complete without our little furry family members. Both have their own unique, special and often funny, quirks and characteristics.

Those of you who have kitties will enjoy this...

Check out YouTube for more of Simon's Cat vids.

Thank you to everyone for their thoughts and prayers for Nicole. Yesterday she had her appointment at Princess Margaret Hospital. Due to miscommunication or misunderstanding, this was not for the surgery but a preliminary consultation with the oncologist /surgeon.

The following is part of an email that I sent to a friend outlining some of what we found out (yes, I'm lazy when it comes to rewriting something)

Sometime in mid November (the surgeon is going on holidays for 3 weeks towards the end of this month),
Nicole will go in early in the morning and will have general anesthetic. They will
take a chunk out of her arm, send the tissue off to the lab and they will also do sentinel
lymph node biopsies which will also go to the lab. The doc drew a pic on her arm of how big it
would be - it was approx. the size of a tennis ball in diameter and could go as deep as
the muscle layer. She will then have a flap-over procedure
done rather than skin graft if possible. In the meantime she has to meet with the anesthesiologist.
with her records from her diabetic doctor and also get more blood work done.
The day before her surgery she has to go in and have some dye injected to map the sentinel node locations.
Depending on what they find during the surgery, she may have to go on a protocol of Interferon. (this stuff is nasty and I'm so hoping it isn't needed)

The name given to what she has is Superficial Spreading Melanoma and her mole is
classed (due to its size and thickness) as Stage 4. The stages go up to stage 5, so
4 is obviously not optimal, and while it can inticate the chance of spread, it does not
indicate the stage of cancer.

So that is basically where we are now - I'm sure I forgot some stuff however that
is the jest of it.

As I said earlier - please keep us in your thoughts and prayers over the next month or so.

♥♥♥

Big Pants, Dinner and WIP

2010-10-04T18:48:00.003-04:00

I planned on posting this earlier today, BUT, take one loose rug, add one clumsy person (moi) and one cup of coffee just as I'm ready to sit down at the computer, and yes, you guessed it......dumped coffee all over my keyboard.

Nothing was working four hours ago, but just got back on now and everything seems to be back to normal - whew!!!

Yesterday we drove into 'the city' (Toronto) to visit our girls, Nicole and Keara. We were looking forward to seeing both girls as it has been several weeks and we also wanted to meet Nicole's new little kitty Edward.

Nicole has a date for her surgery - this Thursday at 9:30 a.m. at Princess Margaret Hospital. Please keep those good thoughts coming!

Just before getting into Toronto we pass under this old bridge, which Keara ever since she was little, has called the "Big Pants Bridge".

I guess in a child's eyes, it could look like a pair of

pants, but she is now 23! I'm also beginning to think she is rather quirky about big pants because on her table was this.......

Mr. Salt 'n Pants

We had a lovely dinner, Honey Dijon Apple Chicken and Veggies and super delicious Squash soup to start. I always envy some of the food pics that I see people post on their blogs. Most of them end up making me very hungry. Thought I would do the same, but when I was taking the pic, Nicole told me that meals like this don't translate that well in images - they can very easily look like puke. (She is so eloquent, and unfortunately, she is right LOL).

It may not look it, but it was yummy!

On Saturday I had planned on working on the two Kindreds I have on the go, and also maybe starting my little Fall faerie. Instead I decided to play with a couple mashed up balls of aluminum foil (one was for a head, not sure what plans I had for the second one) and some wire.

I added some clay and this is what I ended up with...

and here he is 'baked' and partially painted....

I think I'm going to do something pumpkin themed with him/her, and hope to work on him/her tonight.

Hope everyone has had a great day!

♥

.......Don't Give Up...

2010-10-02T01:05:00.001-04:00

♥

Anna and Her Spider

2010-09-30T20:50:00.000-04:00

Anna and her Spider

After scalping this little gal two times, and being tempted to leave her bald, I finally got her hair done last night. This was the first time I have ever had

trouble with tibetan mohair. This stuff was horrible - the locks on 90% of the pelt are both curly and frizzy. On the pelt they didn't look bad, but once added to the head, looked horrid.

Anyway, finally got her done, and took the pics today and just got her listed in my Etsy shop

Anna is dressed in antique netting and lace and her little spider Weedo is polymer clay.

I have two more Kindred WIPs to wig and costume and then I think I will do a little autumn fae.

♥

A Witch, Pumpkin and Incomplete Ghostie

2010-09-28T20:04:00.000-04:00

I just listed Julia, my lil pumpkin carving Kindred from yesterday and also, Dorthea, a lil witch, in my Etsy shop.

Dorthea, like Julia, also loves Hallowe'en and was so happy to be a witch. Unfortunately, her hat did not

fit and she had to stand stock still so it would not fall off. Trick or Treating was not looking good.

I hope to list Anna, a little ghost Kindred, tomorrow.

Anna still needs her hair, her outfit, and her little pet

spider. I thought I would be able to finish her today, however I had a lot of errands to run and didn't get into my studio.

No news yet on when Nicole has her surgery. Will do any updates as I have them.

♥

Pumpkin

2010-09-27T15:40:00.001-04:00

Julia and her Pie Pumpkin

Julia loves Hallowe'en, but isn't too sure about the Jack-o-lantern she helped carve. The pie was great, but the pumpkin is so small!

***

Julia is one of several Kindreds that I will be listing in my Etsy shop within the next couple of days.

***

I wanted to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for your thoughtful and supportive responses to my last post.....♥♥♥

So It's Thursday

2010-09-23T15:19:00.002-04:00

Tress Flood Dreams

...and this has been one of those weeks.

Each day has felt like a bit of a balancing act and at times

like I've been straddling a chasm.

Lots of small annoyances and several larger things that have made the last four days a bit of an adventure. The two main serious things that happened was that my Dad finally moved to an extended care facility in BC. He seems to be failing rapidly and this is the best place for him, but it is much more tramatic than I thought it would be.

Closer to home, our daughter Nicole had a suspicious mole removed last week and found out yesterday that it is melanoma. What stage? We won't know until she has surgery which will be in the next couple of weeks. If you can, please say a prayer, or send a thought, that this was caught early enough and that it is in the very early stages. Also, please check your skin (whole body) for any changes to moles or suspicious looking bumps and don't hesitate to get them checked out if you find something. If caught early, this is very curable, however if not......well, it's not.

On a positive note, I have five Kindreds ready to paint, wig and costume

I hope to do a couple of these with a hallowe'en theme.

I periodically check out the Blogs of Note section of my dashboard and want to send congrats to my friend Pattee of Odd-Dolls

who recently made this list. Yaaaay Pattee!

I would also like to make mention of another blog that I recently discovered from Blogs of Note.

Hyperbole and a half.

I am now following this hilarious, compelling and enchanting blog. It has been my guilty pleasure the last few nights when I could not sleep to read various entries that the very clever Allie has posted. Her drawings that illustrate each post are super simplistic but somehow capture just about any emotion that is out there and combined with the text, I often find myself laughing out loud. And laughter is the best medicine!

Off to work on my Kindreds and hope to catch up on everyone's blogs this evening.

♥

UPDATE: One of the funniest things I have read yet - if you are a dog lover, you will love this (from Hyperbole and a half)

http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/07/dog.html

Because I Love Fairy Tales.........

2010-09-17T12:42:00.001-04:00

I'm thinking this just may be a cute movie.

♥

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-15T16:54:00.003-04:00

♥

Lost and Found.....

2010-09-14T10:45:00.008-04:00

....or, more accurately, found and lost.

Did some thrifting on Saturday and found some amazing antique and vintage lace, including a vintage tiered lace skirt from the 70s. The old cigar box was crammed with old lace and the very cool lace doilies were found at the same sale.

(click pic if you want to see larger)

My finds shown above....vintage skirt, crochet dresser/vanity set, antique buttons (these were in the cigar box with the lace pieces), wall parrot, lace doilies, antique tart/pastry tins. I've got an idea to use a couple of the pastry tins in a project and hope to try it out this week.

That was Saturday. On Sunday I decided to start work on a couple of Kindreds for my Etsy shop. Next to making the body armatures for these pieces, covering the body with clay is almost as boring and tedious

To speed up the process and also give a smoother finish, the ole pasta maker comes in handy. I set the thickness, plunked the clay in and got ready to 'roll' - literally.

In order to 'roll', I needed the arm (which has an annoying habit of
falling out of the side hole in my machine). Checked the floor where I often find it resting - no arm. (notice the proximity of the m/c to the edge of my table). I then spent almost two hours moving small plastic cabinets, bins, materials and assorted other debris searching for my machine's handle. Made a huge mess, but no sign of the arm.

I've come to the conclusion that when my hubby emptied the waste basket in my room while I was away in Vancouver, the missing arm had probably fallen into the basket and is now residing at the town dump. I usually gather the garbage from this room and automatically watch as the basket contents enter the large green plastic bag. Forgot to mention this to hubby. :(

(apologize for poor lighting, but was too frustrated by this point to retake the pic)

Hopefully I will find another pasta maker at a yard sale or thrift shop but in the meantime I will be rolling out the clay the old way (brute strength).

I don't know about the rest of you, but when something throws a glitch in my creative working plans, I quickly lose interest in tackling that project for awhile (usually a day). I did want to accomplish something though and sculpted this face. I'm thinking I will make a jointed doll with it.

Yesterday I returned to my Kindred bodies and worked on them until my wrist started to hurt (another plus of the pasta maker, not only is it faster, it saves my wrist). I hope to continue with them today but first I have to go downtown and run some errands.

Wishing everyone a creative and wonderful day!

♥

A New Week

2010-09-13T11:28:00.002-04:00

Monday, the beginning of a new week. What is it about Mondays that can sometimes make us feel lethargic and uninspired? When I was younger I knew it was from too much weekend partying, however now I'm not quite sure why I seem to drag my butt on Mondays. Often music will help and this little song from one of the best smile-inducing movies of all time is perfect for getting the beginning of the week back on track.

Have a happy Monday and a great week!

♥

Not Really A Troll

2010-09-10T13:16:00.009-04:00

We were giving Keara a couple of Troll charms (similar to the Pandora charms) for her birthday and I decided to create a little "troll" as the gift giver. I didn't want to make a typical troll (i.e. kind of ugly) and decided to go with something a little lighter.

As often happens with my pieces, this little guy had his own mind, and in the Troll world, (as we know it) he is a complete misfit.

Sculpted head

"Makeup" added (I use matte, unmetallic blushes and shadows)

Starting to flesh out the armature. Not sure about the standing pose

Finished. I liked him better sitting and decided against the basket. I made a small soft leather bag for the charms and included the sunflower as this is Keara's favorite flower. She loves him and agrees with me that he really doesn't look too troll-like.

Just finished some Kindred armatures and also some bust armatures. Not sure what I'm going to do next. I actually feel like making a very simple jointed doll, so I may just play around with that this weekend.

Wishing everyone a great weekend!

♥

♥Oh POPPYCOCK!!♥

2010-09-08T12:33:00.006-04:00

Waiting for my camera batteries to charge and wanted to share my new 'crush' with everyone. I rarely watch tv, however have recently started exercising in the evening - and of course, when I am on the eliptical, I like to be watching something on tv. This is the first year that I have watched America's Got Talent and one contestant has totally captured my heart......

Prince Poppycock

Last week's performance. This incredibly talented young man
(John Quale in 'real life') sings, dances and totally entertains. His audition piece, he sang opera, last week he channeled Freddie Mercury and last night he paid tribute to America.

Several years ago, he recorded some original songs that are not Prince Poppycock, but under his real name and I have listened to them on his site (check out the Music section)

and I am equally impressed by them.
He is one of those performers that I would love to meet some day

Poppycock is FUN and FABULOUS and I'm pretty sure that tonight he will be picked as one of the top 4 finalists

UPDATE:

On Wednesday evening, the fabulous Prince P joined Michael Grimm (soul singer), Jackie Evancho (10 yr old opera singer) and Fighting Gravity (group of frat brothers that do illusions with black light and lasers), as one of the 4 finalists. Next Tuesday they will all give their last performance and on Wednesday (after America votes), the winner will be announced.

♥

Labour/Labor Day

2010-09-03T17:07:00.004-04:00

Along with children trooping off to school, a sure sign of summer coming to an end is the arrival of Labour Day weekend.

1900 Labour Day Parade in Toronto

However you are spending the next three days, have a safe and happy holiday!!

♥

GLAD TO BE BACK

2010-09-01T15:35:00.011-04:00

I had a lovely visit with my Dad and it was so great to see him again! Unfortunately since the last time I had seen him, his health has really taken a downward turn. Very, very sad to see and it was hard to say goodbye, knowing the distance that separates us.

My Dad still lives on his own, however has homecare coming in three times a day to prepare his meals and give him his meds. He gets lonely as he is on the Sunshine coast in BC, a 40 minute ferry ride away from friends and other family. Thank goodness for Karmi, his little pooch!

Unfortunately, I did not see many of Vancouver's wonderful sites while I was visiting (spent 98% of my time with Dad in his home). I did spend time in his beautiful backyard however and watched the large assortment of birds that visited the many feeders he has.

I also enjoyed the beauty of his many flowers. His backyard was like a sanctuary, I could go to and just chill when the need arose

Dad can't drive anymore, and a couple of times we packed his walker, walking stick, some water, and a few other essentials in the car for a short drive. Karmi, who always went anywere with Dad when he was driving, was the first one in the car!

On Thursday of last week, I was out with Karmi for his morning walk and ventured down a very narrow path lined with blackberry bramble bushes.
Unbeknownst to me, the bushes on the left hand side of the path were growing out of a six foot deep storm drain - and the edge of the path dropped off dramatically. The bushes were so dense and thick, it was impossible to know that there was no solid ground on the left hand side.

I soon discovered why alot of the blackberries on the right hand side of the path were picked, but there were still a fair number of berries on the left hand side.

Spotting a very luscious looking berry on the left, I went to pick it, got too close to the edge (where ground became JUST brambles and air) and fell into the brambles. Considering my weight and the depth of the storm drain from which they were growing, I was trapped....head down, face up, on my back at an almost 90 degree angle.

So, with Karmi whining on the ledge (path) above me, gravity working against me, bramble thorns on everything I touched (and lay on), I was thinking this morning walk had turned into a bit of a disaster. I could NOT right myself and felt and looked like this.....

Fortunately, within about five minutes (it felt like 60!) a couple came along the path and fortunately, Karmi had a super long leash on. The man had the foresight to use the leash to haul/hoist me up. I returned to my Dad's
(after my legs stopped shaking), with my arms and hands covered in scratches and blood, and the back of one of my favorite tee shirts covered in squished blackberries and blood. My poor Dad! He was ready to give me 'what-for' for being longer than I said I would be (he didn't like me being out of the house for long) and then he took a look at me.

Suffice it to say, I have developed a strong adversion to blackberries

♥

LEAVING ON A JET PLANE

2010-08-20T13:17:00.008-04:00

I have planned since Wednesday on a completely different post than this - I want to share some goodies I received recently in the mail and also a new little piece I completed..........HOWEVER that post will have to wait for a week or so.

Tomorrow I fly from Ontario to Vancouver (I am SUCH a nervous
flyer and coming and going is definitely the part of a trip like this that I dread. Ativan, here I come!)

Nicole, our eldest daughter will be accompanying me. She lived in Vancouver for six years and will be spending some of the time getting caught up with old friends. Keara and her boyfriend just returned from Vancouver after attending her cousin's wedding, seeing her grandpa and showing off all the marvels of this beautiful province to her boyfriend (who absolutely loved it).

By 4:00 pm Eastern time tomorrow, I will be in the land of enchanted forests,

tranquil waters and majestic mountains! Love Vancover!

My main reason for visiting however is to see my Dad. He is now 87 and within the last year he has become rather frail. It is really sad that a five hour flight separates us. He is pictured above on July 22, at my niece's wedding.

I'm borrowing Keara's laptop, however am not sure just what the wireless situation will be like once I am over in Gibson's (Sunshine Coast) where my Dad lives. If I can post I will.

When I return I hope to get back to posting regularly and also leaving comments on all my friends' blogs! (I have been reading them!)

♥

Oh Gosh

2010-08-04T16:27:00.005-04:00

I've been avoiding the computer for the last few days in an effort to promote healing of my wrist and shoulder. It IS working and both are starting to feel better and I do have more mobility. I desperately want to get back to my sculpting, and doing all the other things (washing hair, getting dressed, pulling self out of pool, driving without gritting my teeth, etc) I have have totally taken for granted before having these problems.

Sooooo, I've been taking it easy and laying low.

Russell Lee 1939

Unfortunately, I am way behind in catching up with all the blogs I follow.

I don't want to overdo it, but do hope to get back to abit of blog following today. It's extremely hot and humid here (feels like 108F with the humidity) and because I can't go in the pool, sitting in the a/c and blog following sounds like a great idea.

Finally, and Oh Gosh, am I ever starting to feel old. Silly limb injuries and aches......and my youngest daughter turned 24 yesterday. It seems like only yesterday that I was, like now, cursing the hot summer weather, and wishing for this baby to put in an appearance.

Happy Birthday Keara!

Some early surprises delivered to her office yesterday.

♥

Taking It On The Cuff

2010-07-25T12:05:00.011-04:00

Cuffs......found everywhere...

dresses......

gloves.....

pants....

coats.....

even cufflinks and...

Diane Knott

great wrist cuffs........

.....there are cuffs on hats, sweaters, socks and if you check on Etsy you can even find cuffs for coffee cups and boots.

One cuff I did not know about until last Thursday was the Rotator Cuff
If someone had mentioned this to me, I would have assumed it was something mechanical connected with a car. I was soon to find out that the four tendons that give your shoulder muscles, bones, socket etc mobility are called the Rotator Cuff - and if you injure this (through exercise as I did), it hurts like hell.

My right arm (of course!), the one with my carpal tunnel impaired hand, is now further 'embellished' with a torn rotator cuff. I'm chugging Advil (can't take anything with codeine), applying hot and cold, and trying to find new ways to brush my hair and even get dressed. And my potty-mouth is overflowing. Luckily my arm should get better over time, (some tears require surgery) and I'm hoping that means soon! The lack of mobility (can not raise my arm) and the constant pain especially when I am trying to sleep is horrible.

What is with me and my right arm/hand probs?

♥

Back Online

2010-07-21T11:15:00.004-04:00

.....and trying to juggle my time today in catching up with stuff after three days without internet.

A massive storm system ripped through our area very late on Sunday and knocked out internet service for most of the day. Unfortunately, when the internet came back - it was not restored to my computer. Power surge bar, etc., was no help with lightening that somehow fried part of my modem.

I'm back online now - gosh it feels weird when you can't access the internet - and will do my best today to catch up on various blog posts....although from the looks of the huge amount of posts I've missed, please understand if I don't leave any comments.

Wishing everyone a fabulous day ...I'm a bit wary as the forecast this afternoon is for more storms

♥

Ideas and Inertia

2010-07-13T23:43:00.005-04:00

Does this ever happen to you? You have a bunch of creative ideas that you want to get going on, however none of them are using the same materials and you just can't make up your mind
which to get started on first? The more you 'think on it', the more overwhelmed you become, so that it almost seems easier to not do anything?

I'm at this point at the moment. My work room is very small so I tend to work on one type of thing at a time. I don't have a lot of space to mess up ..... and invariably I DO make a huge mess.

Not helping is the return of very hot, very humid weather complete with thunder storms. I work in my little room with the door closed, something that seems to annoy my cat and dog <----- the reason for the closed door ~ my little studio is NOT their playroom. When it is hot and humid, the air conditioner does not reach into my room and when it is storming, my puppy insists on plastering himself to my legs. If I am in my room, the constant scratching at the door and barking to "let me in ma", tends to stifle any ounce of creativity.

(Finley hiding from a storm in a small alcove area last year.)

My creative juices are flowing, I have a strong urge to start something, but can't seem to take that first step. Frustrating.

♥

Swim Buddy

2010-07-11T17:03:00.007-04:00

The hot, humid weather is making its way back to Ontario and when I went out to the pool this afternoon I discovered this little guy dog paddling like crazy in the water. At first I thought it was a mouse then noticed the stripes on its fur. I fished him out with the skimmer thinking he would take off immediately, however he lie draped over the side for at least 20 minutes.

I think he was exhausted (don't know how long he had been trying to navigate around the pool with his little head above water and his little front paws paddling like mad). After approx. 10 minutes he started to shiver. The sun was beating down on him quite hot so maybe he was in shock? Would love to know how animals think.

Chipmunks around here are not overly friendly with people, however this little guy let me stroke his back without moving. Funnily enough, after stroking his back, his shivering seemed to settle down. After about 20 minutes I moved the skimmer abit and he seemed to come out of whatever trance state he was in.

Very wobbly, he clung to the sides of the skimmer and eventually at one end...

....pulled himself up on the edge, and (I guess) got up the nerve to leave his safety net.

He stayed in this position in the grass for quite awhile and finally I went in the house for lunch. I came out later, thinking I may find him still there with a nice, fluffy, dry coat but he had gone off (maybe to bigger adventures?).

I'm glad I was able to rescue this little fella. We often get small wildlife in the pool (last week it was a mouse and also a baby rabbit). Unfortunately by the time we see them, it is usually too late.

♥

Down Time - Literally

2010-07-10T16:14:00.006-04:00

Yesterday morning dawned cooler and very, very wet. It had rained most of the night and at 8:50 a.m. it was still coming down. I had grand plans to finish any computer work early and then spend most of the day in my studio. Didn't happen.

Just before 9:00 a.m. there was a large bang and the power went out. My computer room is in the basement (no windows), the same as my studio room (no windows). Everything was pitch dark and with the bang (and shaking) I thought something had come down on the house. The house was fine, however one of the 100 year old maples across the street had lost half of it's "body" due to the rain (and obviously rot).

I'm not sure what the bang was, however part of one of the transformers on the pole ended up across the street and at the top of our front lawn.

Yesterday was also garbage day and one of the garbage truck drivers decided rather than backing up and taking another street to get back on his collection route, he would careen around the hydro workers and use my neighbour's lawn as a speedway. He did the same thing on the way back down the street. Stupid.

Hydro was restored early afternoon, but for some reason, I had no internet until later last night. I did get some work done in my studio once the lights came back on though.

Today is gorgeous, sunny and hot, but not the unbearable, sweltering heat of last week, and NO humidity. Hope everyone is having a great day!

♥

HOT Stuff

2010-07-07T13:39:00.013-04:00

YES it's hot!! Just like the northern Eastern States, Ontario is blanketed by a torrid heat wave. We are in our fourth day of extreme heat and humidity. Currently the temp is 90F (32C), however with the humidity it feels like 106F (41C). The nights have not been cooling down like they should be either.

We had an overnight guest - this 5" long dragonfly decided to rest on our front door screen for over 24 hours. Opening and shutting the door and actually stroking his back would not budge him. I have a feeling that heat exhaustion must have got to him LOL.

It is so hot that you don't want to even sit and soak up the sun (especially if you are dressed in a wool bathingsuit!)

A dip in the local pool might refresh - but then again, leave the wool bathing suit at home! (Is there anything worse than wet wool against hot skin?!)

We have air conditioning and I am relatively comfortable if I stay inside however my little studio room is very warm and not conducive to working, soooooo I have been spending some time discovering new (to me) artists and blogs. The blogs I will share in another post, but because I thought the work of this artist was very 'cool', thought I would post about her now.

Kate MacDowell, hand builds her sculpts in porcelain. From her statement on her site:

These pieces are in part responses to environmental stressors including climate change, toxic pollution, and gm crops.

To see more of her intricately beautiful creations and learn about this very talented artist, please visit her website.

Yesterday was Frida Kahlo's birthday, and one of my favorite quotes by her is......

"Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?"

A happy belated birthday wish to a beautiful icon of the art world, and with the above quote in mind, I would like to share this inspiring video of a young Texas gal that has not let adversity cripple her in any way.

Lizzie is a 21 year old university student who weighs only 61 lbs - she eats constantly (up to 5,000 calories a day) but can not gain weight. She is also blind in one eye and she does not 'look like everyone else'. I think she is amazing.

Stay cool and enjoy the day!

♥

A State of Mind

2010-07-04T22:18:00.008-04:00

Alegria, means "jubilation" in Spanish and refers to a state of mind and mood in the highly entertaining Cirque du Soleil show. For my birthday in May, I received tickets to this show. Hubby and I went into 'the city' (Toronto) this afternoon, saw the show, loved it and then went to one of our daughter's for dessert and coffee. A super afternoon and a great way to end the Canadian long holiday weekend. Note: if you have never been to a Cirque du Soleil show, do yourself a favour and get tickets. Sheer entertainment!

Speaking of jubilation......

HAPPY July 4th to all my US friends!

Maybe not feeling 'jubilant', but feeling lucky?

Check out Julie's blog, My Curious Teaparty, for a visual treat and a chance to win one of three separate fabulous pieces of art from this talented artist.

Still feeling lucky - and charitable? Well....

...the very talented Abi Monroe has an art doll giveaway with a twist!
Please check out Abi's blog to get the particulars on this giveaway to benefit the Abilene Animal Rescue group.

And, we all know how giving makes one feel JUBILANT! My friend Linda from Nun of A Kind created delightful angel ornaments to sell in her Etsy shop with 100% of the proceeds going towards the Victorian Order of Nurses.

Please visit Linda's blog to read the heartwarming story that led to the creation of these adorable little angel ornies. Then visit her website or her Etsy shop to purchase a single ornament or a set of 4. I purchased a set of 4 and they are wonderful - will look lovely on the tree or attached to a gift or card for the holidays (or any occasion).

Lastly (for today) I would like to thank the very creative and talented Lynn Stevens from Trash to Treasure Art for bestowing the
Beautiful Blogger Award on me. Lynn thank you SO much!

One of the rules of this award is to list ten things about me, so here we go........

1. I'm addicted to red seedless grapes (this has replaced my addiction to chocolate.
2. I'm a very tactile person - I HAVE to touch things.
3. I'm fascinated by eagles, owls, bats and dragonflies (but I'm terrified of flying in a plane)
4. The heat and humidity of the summer just doesn't do it for me ..give me a brisk autumn day.
5. I collect (and occasionally sell) antique and vintage clothing.
6. I loathe gardening
7. I'm a sop - an amazing show, picture, commercial, etc., will choke me up.
8. I'm a nighthawk and don't like sleeping.
9. Chronological age doesn't mean anything to me (I was, am and will remain 25).
10. I have a passion for history and nostalgia (in which case the 25 years old does not apply).

Because I know a lot more than 10 beautiful bloggers, there is no way that I can pick between everyone to pass this award on to. If you wish, please grab this award for your blog. You ARE beautiful!

♥

Canada Day

2010-07-01T15:15:00.003-04:00

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!

Today, July 1st 2010 celebrates Canada's 143rd birthday and despite my dismay in some of the G20 shenanigans last weekend, I am so proud to live in this unique, diversified and wonderful country.

And because I think this is one of the most brilliant Canadian commercials of all time and certainly ties in with Canada Day...I end this post with "Joe"

Wishing my fellow Canucks a safe, fun and happy Canada Day and holiday weekend!!

♥

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-30T17:27:00.002-04:00

♥

Sad

2010-06-27T21:43:00.003-04:00

The G20 Summit was held in Toronto this weekend and leading up to this has been one major question - Why Toronto? One of the busiest cities in the world hosting an event such as this....????

Google G20 Toronto protests and many returns appear. Yesterday in Toronto was tense and unfortunately those 1,000s of peaceful protesters had their message overshadowed and lost by several splinter groups (Black Bloc) bent on vandalism and hooliganism, all in the name of anarchy. The very huge police and security force in Toronto responded, in many cases to a frightening degree. By the end of today approximately 600 people have been arrested and/or detained. After following the news today and several news sites, many of these arrests appear to be unwarranted and unnecessary.

Overreaction by the police/security forces? Definitely some questions will have to be answered and in the meantime I'm filled with a sense of sadness.

This is not the Canada and Toronto that I know and love. The video below, taken during a peaceful protest today made me want to cry. The protesters, completely hemmed in by police (some in riot gear) are singing "O Canada"..........and are charged by the police.

♥

Feeling the Earth Move

2010-06-23T15:59:00.004-04:00

5.0 (downgraded from 5.5) earthquake hits Ontario and parts of the US early this afternoon. At first I thought it was a large truck rumbling by but quickly realized that it wasn't.

Lots of confusion in the Toronto and greater Toronto area as we are not used to earth tremblors. No major damage was reported although some buildings in Ottawa (close to the epi-center) did report shattered windows. Some buildings in Toronto and other cities were evacuated until it could be determined there was no structural damage.

An interesting and thankfully benign event to experience.

♥

Feel Good Monday

2010-06-21T18:02:00.004-04:00

Hope to be back blogging regularly this week, in the meantime hope this little ditty by OK Go brings a smile to your face.

♥

Wet Wordless (Kind of) Wednesday

2010-06-16T12:22:00.003-04:00

Henri Cartier-Bressoni

My wrist is starting to feel better and I have been taking it easy. Hope to get back to regular blogging soon!

It really is a wet Wednesday here today - a great day to stay inside and 'putter'.

♥

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-09T10:51:00.002-04:00

♥

Sigh

2010-06-05T20:47:00.003-04:00

I've been off the computer as much as possible the last couple of days and am hoping tomorrow to catch up on my blogging. Had a migraine on Wednesday and then Thursday, yesterday and today........

Kidzdress.com

Yep, the carpal tunnel in my right wrist really started acting up again - aching, pain, numbness, tingling - the whole enchilada.

I have been reading blogs that I follow, just haven't been leaving comments and am hoping that with this rest (and the brace), I can get back to a bit of it tomorrow.

Hoping everyone is having an awesome weekend. Weather here today was gorgeous!

Another Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-02T10:38:00.002-04:00

Otto Wols 1950

♥

Weekend Wish

2010-05-29T10:46:00.003-04:00

Wishing all my friends south of the border a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend!

♥

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-26T23:38:00.002-04:00

"HOT" Tuesday Tidbits

2010-05-25T16:36:00.010-04:00

weather forecast - GTA Ontario

Yep, and that was in the shade yesterday - today is actually a tiny bit hotter, AND it is humid. YECK! I am definitely NOT a hot weather fan. Warm and sunny? Yes! Hot and humid? No!

We had a busy long weekend, mainly opening our pool and having a couple of bbqs. A lot of work outside, and I was a sweltering, wilted, sweaty mess. Hubby, on the other hand, seemed cool as a cucumber. Something not right there (and he definitely did a lot more work than I did).

Below is a pic of some of the boats on our lake yesterday - this looks cool and refreshing on a hot day! I would love to jump in our pool, however the water won't be at the right temp for a couple of weeks yet.

Weather Network, Skip Pothier, Port Perry

So.....because I was not feeling cool and jaunty like these guys below, (especially the one in the lower corner)...

.....I chilled on the porch with hubby in the evening and also did some exploring on the computer, enjoying the cool air conditioned temp in the house.

I'm always amazed at the scope and wealth of art on the internet. It really is never-ending

Below are some origami sculptures (most done by the ingenious folding of one piece of paper) by Sipho Mabona

Amazing!

I found some other cool sites and examples and will show them in the next couple of weeks

In the meantime, if it is hot and muggy where you are, I hope you were able to find some shade, relax and enjoy the day.

....and maybe enjoy some music. I found this delightful young singer last night and love the rather caberet sound that she has. If you go to Sarah Slean's website, check out some of her videos for other songs.

♥

barton originals

Pages and Pins

I'm Having Fun.....However.......

Wordless Wednesday

From Cave to........This????

Finally Got Off My Butt

Some of the Giftee Things I Made for Christmas

A Couple of Give Aways

Welcome 2012

Who IS This?

Rolling Along

OKAY............so

Faerie Work for St. Patrick's Day

Wonderful artwork of Jean-Baptiste Monge

from Funnychix.com

Have a happy day!!!

Looking Back

I Am Woman

Neglect

Wordless Wednesday ...Feb. 16, 2011

How Do I Love Thee

Funk a Junk

Don't Miss Out!

Aftermath

Imagine

Welcome 2011

December 21.......Shortest Day of the Year and Winter Solstice

NED........Best Acronym Ever!!!

Sofia Isabela, A New Kindred

A No News Day

A Wedding and a Birthday

Wordless Wednesday....Dec. 1, 2010

My Dad

Thanksgiving

Be Gone for a Couple of Days

I Almost Forgot - Wordless Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010

Back Home

Took The Plunge

Remembrance

Wordless Wednesday...Nov. 10 Inspiration?

Wordless Wednesday ...Nov 3

This Is Halloween

Wordless Wednesday.......

Fluffy and Crisp

Wordless Wednesday

Interrupting Regular Programming

WIP, Update And Cat Box

Big Pants, Dinner and WIP

.......Don't Give Up...

Anna and Her Spider

A Witch, Pumpkin and Incomplete Ghostie

Pumpkin

So It's Thursday

Because I Love Fairy Tales.........

Wordless Wednesday

Lost and Found.....

A New Week

Not Really A Troll

♥Oh POPPYCOCK!!♥

Labour/Labor Day

GLAD TO BE BACK

LEAVING ON A JET PLANE

Oh Gosh

Taking It On The Cuff

Back Online

Ideas and Inertia

Swim Buddy

Down Time - Literally

HOT Stuff

A State of Mind

Canada Day

Wordless Wednesday

Sad

Feeling the Earth Move

Feel Good Monday

Wet Wordless (Kind of) Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

*Sigh*

Another Wordless Wednesday

Weekend Wish

Sigh