From the Bookshelf

When I was in fifth grade back in the early '60's, my best friend Linda gave me a book for my birthday.  I was a voracious reader then - just as I am now - and books were just about the best gift I could receive.  The book she gave me was Trixie Belden and the Gatehouse Mystery. I absolutely loved it. I was able to amass many others in the long running series over the next few years and I read them often. I don't know if it's being retired or being sick or whatever, but recently I had an urge to read them all again.  The first, Trixie Belden and the Secret of the Mansion, was written in 1948 and the books have a charming vintage feel. I've owned the first six (in the old original Whitman cello versions)  throughout my life, so I started my Trixie Marathon with those.  Then I was able to find the later paperback versions in lots on eBay for not much per book.  There are 39 all together and I now have the first 32.  I am really having a blast revisiting these.  Talk about literary escapism.  Hey - it keeps me off the streets and it's lots cheaper than drugs!!

Armistice Day

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

Life on the Coast

It's been quite hot inland the last few days, so we've had fog.  

Uncharacteristic for November but very atmospheric!

Guy Fawkes Day

Gunpowder, treason, and plot!

If you're not an anglophile - here's the whole story!

Feels so Good!

After almost a month of feeling like crap,

it's been so wonderful to get back into
the studio the last few days!

A little organizing, cleaning up and beginning a new project -

so much better than being under the weather!

Dia del Muertos

Busy weekend -sugar skulls, calaveras, altars, 

and remembering all those who have gone before

I'm a Winner!

A few weeks ago one of my favourite artists, Angela Smythe, had a contest on faceBook.
The winner would receive a print of her wonderful Mr. Fox entitled "Take that Leap of Faith", along with several other goodies featuring her delicious artwork.

To enter the contest one wrote of their own personal "leap of faith". 

I told of my daily leaps during the last year, 

dealing with my diagnosis of cancer.

Imagine my surprise and delight when Angela

 notified me I was one of three winners!

My package arrived a few days ago and 

you can see what marvelous artwork it contained.  

I'm still blown away and a very happy recipient!  

Thank you Angela! 

Hunting and Gathering

Back to feeling normal!! And - back in the studio!

This is an idea that's been rolling around 

in my head for awhile now.

So I started "hunting and gathering"
 through my stash yesterday,

 and came up with vintage watercoloured
postcards from Cornwall, 

cabinet card photos from the late 1800's,

a few tiny frozen Charlottes, a blue gear, small hinges,

a glass vial, a rusty key and some handmade paper.

Something will emerge - a quasi travel journal 

from the turn of the last century?

I'll keep you posted!

Ciao to Venice - for Now

Well - Murphy's Law, the best laid plans, etc., etc.  The last couple of weeks I've not been feeling great which culminated in a trip to the emergency room on Friday.  Had to have the billiary drain put back in, so instead of flying off to Venice in two days, will spend a few weeks recovering and getting my strength back.  If I could  just have cancer without all the side dishes, it would be so much easier!
We plan to reschedule, hopefully soon after the new year. I am so blessed to be married to the most wonderful woman in the world.  Margot is getting us through this latest setback with grace and aplomb and so much love.

Art Show Wrap-Up

Great show! Happy Art Girlz!