We’ve been traipsing all over Calgary these past few weeks. Particularly enjoying full days at the AP playgroup, at Sikome Lake, and at Stanley Park. Waking each morning, and packing a lunch, no matter what the weather or plans. It was nice to stay in pajamas till noon, and build an outdoor living room on the porch. The house is clean and all my doors are open. Feels good.
The boys are all ready for a pre-bed, and after dinner bike ride, in their PJ’s. So awesome to ride around the neighborhood in the evening. Makes me wish I had a bike-garage though. Dragging that trailer up the front steps every day is getting tiresome.
During nap we made this little monster pillow Marcel is holding. Super fun, and made from scraps around the house. We did cut up a bed-pillow for stuffing though. Some things just must be sacrificed when the creative urge hits. We also fill ed the bottom with rice so he stands up. Hes pretty cute, and well loved.
Marcel’s teacher said he needs to practice his writing over the summer. I don’t really agree that handwriting is really critical for a four year old boy, but I do see the joy he gets when he concentrates on something he is proud of. I also love encouraging him to develop skills, concentration and control. Its also nice to throw in some art, process and design.
During Em’s nap we worked on this project, that brought me so much delight…and is so much more fun than repetitious alphabets in a work book for Marcel! We started with choosing a subject matter, and printing out a photo of it. I chose a jack rabbit. Marcel chose Lightening McQueen. Then we drew a picture of it in pencil. Then we traced that picture using a ink pot and a old fashioned nib. Then we scanned that drawing, and put it into photoshop. We arranged our composition and then printed onto cardstock. We then coloured our drawing with watercolour pencils and painted it. Then we signed it and hung it up.
This process is one I do all the time for my work, and it was so fun to repeat with Marcel. I LOVE the results. His little drawing is so wonderful. Its very cubist the way he is trying to draw the car from the front, but including things like the side windows – because he knows they are there…
cleaned the kids play area all weekend. removed 4 large garbage bags of “stuff” to the thrift store. Excited for beautiful, quiet, creative time spent at this table this summer.
Last day of preschool yesterday. First day of summer today.
Listening to this song: “Alas I cannot swim” my Laura Marling. You can hear it on her Myspace.
It nearly made me cry. There is a message in this song that I need to hear. The “river” may not represent a place, but my own fears, apathy or lethargy. I gotta cross that river, and start living the life I am meant to live right now, right here.
Summer should include:
All this may yet be on the other side of the “river”. But I am determined to do whatever it takes to get there!
inspired by the first warm morning in a while, I made an outdoor – living room on the back porch.
I had been lamenting that we didnt have a gate out there to prevent Emery from wondering off. But then I realized our large bar-b-que is big enough to close the opening. I was down because we don’t have comfy patio furniture, but decided to sweep, lay out blankets and transfer the couch pillows outside. The boys spent all morning out there, reading, playing forts and eating snack. We even had a tea party. The mosquitoes tried to spoil the fun, but I dug out my home-made insect repellent and they seem to be repelled enough to hang back. I didnt make it, but bought it from a friend who is a herbalist. But I am sure you COULD make it, if you were so inclined. The ingredients are:
Neem Leaf
Grapeseed oil
Beeswax
Essential oils of:
Geranium
Cedarwood
Citronella
Lavender
Tea Tree
Patchouli
It smells wonderful, and does the job. I’d tell you where to buy it, except she doesn’t have a shop.
Good morning.
did you have a good sleep? Ours was about a 6 out of ten. Which means I actually slept…a bit. Remember that drawing I did way back when Marcel was little? I was so frustrated that I couldn’t find people that I could relate to with the whole attachment parenting thing. I started drawing a superhero mamma who was all powerful, to vent. I think it helped. Of all the images I did, this one had a style and feeling that I liked the best, but didn’t repeat. If I had I think I would be more popular. It is photoshop heavy and requires technology to reproduce, and I got tired of making art on my computer. You know?
Aren’t these photos incredible? I cant get them out of my head. they will become inspiration for paintings this spring. I have a whole series in mind.. I think it would be cool to do like a “spring collection” like they do in fashion. Then you can have build-up and sort of an event when you release the collection, and everyone oooohs and ahhhhs. It sort of diminishes the effect when you release an image one at a time over a long period of time. Then I could have beautiful models posing in old barns and stuff, while holding my paintings. That would be so awesome. I might just do it.
And this is the awesomest contemporary architecture/house Ive seen. this kills me. kills. I want one so bad. I just need a good old stone building that’s falling to pieces. I would totally live in this. I would want like ten of them in different places, and then I would hike between them, and have wild flower honey and green tea for snacks. Then I would sleep there, wearing hand-made white nighties, and read and sew into the night, with candles. And I’d bring my paints, my laptop and some really good graphic novels. You can bring the board games.
Welcome back. How are you guys? I have been painting a little this week. BUt i cant share one with you as its a surprise. I have so many painting ideas – you know? “Never enough time” never felt more true.
Hey! I found three bands you might like. “Angus and Julia Stone”, “Jonsi” and “Broken Bells”. Do you like that sort of indie, pretty music? It sort of gets under Mark’s skin. He hates it. Makes him play the AC/DC so much LOUDER! I wonder if all guys are like that. Because I cant get enough of it. I play it in the morning, and it makes me feel like living. It gets me all tingly and inspired. It makes me think I might live in New York, and have a loft studio and lots of arty friends.
Here’s another question. Does facebook have some sort of freaky search/popularity engine in it? I always wonder the difference between “most recent” and “Top news”. I think it rates comments on how popular they are, and then shows you. That’s why I see the same people over and over, and their the ones that have, like, 16 comments. Yesterday I made a random post about putting whip cream on macaroni and got like 15 comments, and lots from people I never hear from. That makes me think I might have jumped up a notch, and that I should quickly post some art on there.
I am a daydreaming wreck recently. I’m having a spring-life crisis. I am panicking that Im not making enough, not living my dreams, not serving AHHHH! Take me to to Kenya with Jenipher Waseke, at her school for local agriculture, and forget all this Angst! Put me to good use – please! SOMEBODY!!
That or give me a job at an art college, a second job doing architecture – with either a small office or for the city, a gang of hippies to build my straw bale with, my own art school with a successful gallery, time every year overseas with my kids, a good school for them to go to, a job for the husband that he loves, a great band of friends, and spare time with expanses of water, trees, birds… somewhere gorgeous….please?
And then I remember, I’m looking after and raising two big boys. I know. I know. But then, there’s my architectural certification that’s getting moldy, and a thousands of paintings yet to do, and my art school to run, and a passion for making things – especially out of paper. Designing books/layouts/presentations/workshops. Yeah, I gotta get on that.
Oh man. We gotta stop meeting like this. You want a matcha to chill out on the back porch a little? perhaps some Xi Gong too. “Get yourself Healthy” (Micheal Tse)
Hehe. OOps. I actually started this conversation because I wanted to link back to my very own Camping list, from last year. I am so excited I put it on the blog, or it would be lost by now. How great is that. My camping list is already made. Don’t you want to go camping with us? Its going to be so fun. I cant wait to sit, watching the kids throw rock in the creek, chatting with my friend, enjoying the smells and mosquitoes. eeeek. ecstatic.
We had a wonderful mother’s day. We dont really do special occasions very well over here. I have been trying to put a little pizazz into things, but so often life has a way of getting to be too much, and I simplify to the point of, well, not doing anything at all. But yesterday was just a perfect combo of simplicity, family and special times.
The night before I made an apple cake/tart and candy corn for gifts. Both from Molly’s blog, that I adore. I invited my parents and the neighbours over for brunch. Mark made waffles and we had a feast.
The afternoon was spent at TnT (our local Asian market) trying to buy what I need to make matcha at home. It was probably pretty comical to watch from afar. We were like bumbling foreigners trying to figure stuff out, without offending, or looking too ignorant. But really being quite ignorant. Anyways, we found a whisk, and then had to decide between all the green tea powders we found. One kind lady explained the difference between A,B and C grades.
Apparently the B grade is the lowest grade you would want to drink by itself. C grade is for baking and mixing lattes etc. A grade has the youngest leaves, whereas the B grade mixes the old and new ones. The younger leaves are better for you, and less bitter. So. there was a big price difference ranging from $30.00 for 50g and $6.50 for 100gr. or even $19.99 for 600g! After a little debate mom bought me the expensive one. I would link it for you but I cant find in online. They have the grade B one, that was in the Ten Ren store… but not the one I got. Perhaps I got shafted, or maybe this one is exclusive, or well, I dont know.
Anyways, making the matcha is fun. I watched a couple utube videos – thanks Mat and Chris! I just used a cereal bowl. I found a bigger bowl helps avoid spillage. I need a little practice whisking as its not easy to get it super frothy. Also, I found if I warm the bowl before-hand its much nicer, because it tends to cool quickly. I use my yogurt thermometer to measure the temperature to 170 degrees F. I make 1/4 cup of water to 1 scoop of powder. I drank three bowls of it yesterday, and one this morning. I am wondering if it is going to affect my sleep with the caffeine.
One interesting thing is that the matcha at Starbucks (that got me hooked) has a distinct fishy smell. Like strong sushi Nori. This tea is not fishy AT ALL. Which makes me wonder – is is supposed to be? This one simply has a distinctly green flavor that is slightly bitter, but pleasantly mild. If you don’t like the Matcha at Starbucks because of the fishy taste, I would definitely recommend making it yourself…(or come over and I’ll make it for you!)
Oh. And this morning I “renovated” the kitchen with a box of nails and a hammer. I nailed the pots I use most often onto the wall next to the stove. This has been the least expensive and the most practical home renovation I have ever done. My counters are clear, and I am not digging banging pots and pans around every time I go to cook. I also nailed the lids to the wall. This may not end up being so practical, as they are a little bit dodgy, but I’ll let you know upon further use. (PS. many people are afraid of putting nails in their walls. This seems crazy to me. Dry wall was invented because its so easy to patch. We all have left over pots of paint to patch up mistakes… and a few nails here and there can make all the difference in the world! So I say: go nuts!)
we had a wonderful time at my brother’s wedding.
I heard many people say it was the most profound and moving wedding they had ever been too. I felt the same way.
Not just because its my brother getting married, but they did it in such a genuine and beautiful way. Being Baha’is, a new religion, we don’t have many traditions, and no rituals. There is no Minister or protocol to follow. We have a simple vow and that’s it. This leaves it all open to the couple to do as they wish. I have been to many Baha’i weddings, and though the opportunity is there, most people just dont know what to do other than what we see on TV, or in other religions. Not my brother and his fiance! The ceremony consisted almost entirely of a “Talking Circle”, where they handed the rings around the room and EVERYONE got a chance to say whatever was in their heart to the bride and groom before they got married.
This process may seem laborious, and it did make for a LONG ceremony, but I tell you, it was worth it. Everyone said the most beautiful things and we all cried more than we have in a long time. By the end of it we had all emptied our cup, having expressed all that we could about how happy and excited we were about these two coming together. Both families had a chance to bond, get to know each other, cry, and laugh together, and say all they wanted to. It was honest and moving, with advice, jokes, stories, words of strength and wisdom.
Then, by the reception we were all one big family, we ate together and laughed and the unity in the room was palpable. No need for much else. It was truly unique and a day we will all remember.
The painting is the gift I gave them, but I photographed it with glass in front, so there is a glare. The scene is from a photo of the place where they got engaged.
I am loving this new Elizabeth Shepherd album, and I know I am way past the times, but I am getting into all the previous Andrew Bird albums. I have his most recent (Noble Beast), but theres so much more. Plus, being a Bedouin Sound Clash fan, I am excited about Jay Malinowski’s new album. New music is so inspiring.
Im eating some re-toasted waffles, and waiting to steep some really dark tea to see if I can dye my raw canvas before writing more sacred scriptures on it.I should be doing some work searching for design jobs. I am working on building my network so I can return to doing architectural work in a way that fits my life. Yeah, it could be a long journey.
I am having a few internal debates. One that I have daily involves how much I should pick up after my family. I grew up in a home that embraced chaos, and I just feel out of my element when I try to keep a tidy home. I dont know how much to ask kids to help – I mean I always ASK, its just If I waited for them to help, I fear that the chaos will overwhelm us. I also feel that it is easier for them to understand and appreciate order if they experience it, then they can participate in a simpler way. My goal is to have a calm, clutter free home, that all of us participate in maintaining. I also want my children to grow up being able to look after their own things. I tolerate more chaos than many of my friends, but sometimes I feel that tolerance is what creates this cycle of me basically running around my home in circles, picking stuff up as fast as I can, before the tornado (two kids) catches up to me. Can you relate?
Hmm. Maybe this is a design issue.
I do edit what toys are out, but it doesnt seem to be enough. Plus, favorite activites are just messy. Maybe I need to be specific about what play activities will happen, where, and have specific supplies/toys for them. If I dont have toys out, then the kitchen pots and pans, food from the fridge, the flour and all the non-perishables become the toys. Thats cool, but maybe if I had a plan, it would be easier. I need to really take a firm grip on organizing the craft supplies. that would really help. I think.
OK. too much info. sorry. Just processing out loud. That probably makes for a lame blog post, but I am open to suggestions. I would love to be a fly on the wall of folks who seem to have all this together… is there someone with a whip getting kids to clean? how much is mom REALLY picking up after people? how many hours a day are spent cleaning in a home of two pre-schoolers? what are the patterns/habits/underlying conditions that exist to live in creativity as well as sanity? huh? just asking.
here is another little study for the devotion series. I guess I could call it “community devotion”, or “children’s neighborhood prayers”, or something like that. But I admit, it doesnt sound all that catchy.
I included text in this one, and went for the directly illustration thing. Im having fun feeling my way around. The whole idea of houses in the background sorta came out of this one. I need to take another photo of it though, because I think its out of focus in some parts.
Some other stuff mark and I have been doing includes web design. He is learning to code, and well, I design, so it sort of goes together. We just finished our first project, for a designer friend that I went to school with. The website is here: www.thedesignhaus.ca. I will vouch for her, she is a fabulous designer, if you need a reno done. I mean, I’d hire her… and I’m almost an architect! Also it was fun working with my husband. Its so good when you can giggle about staying up late working on a project, just because it means you actually get to spend time with your spouse… alone! (Although, when its late, he does start singing 80’s pop-rock, and throwing the head around – while waiting for the jpeg to upload. … hang on a minute – I just remembered… that’s one of the reasons I married him! – my bad.)
Anyways, all is well in paint, poop and html. We really like all our new board games. LOOT is becoming a family favorite. Mark is so totally going to be into me, now that I linked to “board game geek.com” I am sooooo exposed right now.
its so warm. I opened the windows. I can hear BIRDS!! I get feeling all nostalgic. I try to soak it in and let the excitement and emotion permeate. I think you have to have moments like this in winter, or you wont make it through the year. Perhaps you don’t know what I am talking about. But, lets just put it this way. I’m feeling all “arty”, and “dreamy”, and even “angsty”. True.
Warm January days, made me wonder what I was doing this time last year. Thank goodness I keep a blog. I just poked on back to mammacomic, and found out we were sick with the flu, traveling to Vancouver, and prepping for some major February hiking trips. I was dealing with a teething babe, and painting up a storm.
Now, this blog has become a little detached from my family life. But I want to stay ever present in it, so I can come back and feel connected to who I am at different times.That picture above is from the day after Marcel’s birthday when we made pasta from his new pasta maker. That’s something I don’t want to forget.
I have a constant list of things that are on my mind. I thought I’d share it, as a sort of funny experiment. Its sort of personal, what ends up on these lists, but I am sure you have many common items, and perhaps its is telling as to what on my mind at this time in my life… I’d love to now whats on your list…
That was fun. I hope I get a kick out of reading this next year!
It was 8 degrees today. In January. Now that’s awesome! This little painting was done by an 8 year old girl.
I am looking forward to the water color workshop coming up.
I am doing a lot of house cleaning. Maybe its the warmer weather that gets me all domestic. I obsessing about putting shelves up all over the house. I need places for all my recipe books, for the kids doo-dads, and board games!
We got Marcel this book for his birthday. Its one I don’t mind reading as many times as he wants. We all love it.
cute, cute, cute.
First off, this painting was completed this winter by an adult student, who came to classes last semester. The dark shadows and moody washes create a real sense of mystery… don’t you think?
So. Our family got out cross country skiing yesterday.
If you have been following my blog since last year, you will know that winter is not my favorite season. Especially with kids. Especially living in suburbia. So, last winter I vowed to do everything in my power to make the most of it. We visited MEC (our favorite outdoor activity store) and got geared up. We did day hikes, all around Calgary. We used a little hiker’s stove to make hot chocolate, and make it special. We even rented snowshoes and hiked around West Bragg Creek a few times.
For those of you who live around here and love winter sports, this all may not be anything of a revelation, but for us who are new to it, it is an amazing discovery. This time round, we decided to rent skis. We rented them from MEC, and headed out to the Canmore Nordic Center. I cant tell you how awesome this is. The fact that there is a day lodge, and you can go inside with little kids, and still see everyone outside is so convenient. You pay a small fee for this, but after some freezing hiking experiences, with nowhere to warm cold toes, I can tell you, its worth it. We rented a tobogan for little Em, but are not good enough skiers to make it really worth while. Marcel loved his skis though, well worth renting at the Nordic Center.
OK, so that’s that. We had so much fun out there, I hope we do more of it soon. Apparently there is a day lodge at Kananaskis too, and we want to explore places to ski in the city. Maybe even a lesson or two!!
I hope you are all out there finding ways to enjoy this beautiful and exciting season. Warm wishes to you all.
We had a big day here yesterday. Oldest child turned four. Very exciting. For all of us.
The day was so sweet. We went sledding, ate cake, played new board and card games, and laughed a lot. The big surprise was a puppet theater that Mark and I made out of two card board boxes. We had a curtain, and a light inside to add drama. Then I made four shadow puppets from the story “where the wild things are”. I simply traced them from images I blew up and printed, then cut them from black paper. The bottle neck in making these though, was laminating them. When I was a kid in New Zealand we all had to cover our text books in what we called “sticky-back”. Transparent plastic thats sticky on one side and comes in a huge roll. I cant seem to find it any where. I found something similar in a small roll, that is very expensive, but would love it if some one can help me locate more of this stuff. Maybe I should import it from NZ.
Anyways, the puppet show was far more dramatic and lovely at night, and I imagine many evenings spent telling stories.
Everyone takes turns behind the scenes. I think we will start selling tickets for a season premier soon.
