Streamlining & Cleaning House

With a busy life caring for 9 rabbits, almost constant pain to contend with,
always tons going on in the studio
and everything else that life brings, big and small...
I really need to start streamlining and making days easier wherever possible
so I am starting with my online presence & my computer!

After 9 years of using Facebook, with both a personal profile and an artist page,
the negatives always outweighed the positives for me, but because it was there,
I kept using it even though it always left me grumpy, so I finally deleted it.

I never really saw the point of LinkedIn but I had a profile there too
and now knowing it's a major leak and seller of everyone's info including passwords,
and because it's never ever led to anything positive for my business, I've deleted that too.

I've also long ago stopped using Twitter
and hardly anyone there conversed with me anyhow so I doubt I'll be missed.
It was time to clear that account out and delete it as well
and this week I'll likely be getting rid of my Pinterest too.

I apologize if you've enjoyed following me on any of these places that I won't be using any longer...
But trying to connect with everyone everywhere just hasn't been working for me.
These places I've let go lend no positivity to me personally or professionally...
Especially when I realized just how much time I was loosing to social media I don't enjoy...
Days are short, I'd rather spend those precious few minutes on my family and artwork.

You'll still be able to find me here on my beloved blog, I adore the ease of Instagram
and I still love to upload once a month to my Flickr albums & share in the groups on there.
Even though I am hopefully going to find a new custom home for my art shop,
it will stay, for the time being, on the tried and true Etsy platform.

Allowing myself to streamline my online house has felt super good and positive
it can only be positive, because who wants me in a space that I am simply not enjoying right!
Nothing was deleted on a whim, trust me.
And I am trusting that whoever is interested enough in what I am doing,
that they will find me in the above mentioned places
or that they will sign up for my newsletter, which is lovely way to keep in touch with me.

I am making room in my routines so that fluidity has more space to work it's magic.
I am making it so that I have more time to spend in the places that I want to nurture.
 

First of 2017

The first painting of 2017 has to be a rabbit of course...

 

 

I am doing this one on a wood block in acrylic, it should be pretty sweet.

Fluid

I don't make lists of New Years resolutions...I never stick to them,

life is too unpredictable to be 100% successfully from my experience in making lists.

But every New Year, I pick a word that will apply spherically to how I want that new year to be.

Something I can whisper, shout, repeat to myself whenever I need a reminder of how to be better.

 

 

I don't see the harm in telling you my word, it's not a secret...it'll be my mantra...

This year my word is

FLUID

I love the simplicity of it & how it applies to all the facets that I want to navigate with more grace.

I need and want to find more fluidity in everyday life, in the pain, in my art, in life with the rabbits.

 

What is your power word may I ask???

I Wish For You

I hope that you had a week so rich in beauty

 

 

that you feel completely wrapped up and warmed by it XO

The Gift Of Colours

I have my very first box of 120 Polychromos from Faber-Castell, a top notch German brand.

Thanks to my honey who bought them for me as a birthday present

because really they are a small fortune

and I don't know that I would have treated myself to them.

But I am so excited and nervous to try them...I've been a Prisma girl forever!

What if I like them more than my beloved Prismas! oh my goodness!

 

 

Apparently the Polychromos are way better; pure pigmented colours therefore no wax bloom...

wax bloom with Prismas is always present but not a problem once your apply your fixative.

The Polychromos have the colour core binded to the wood which means a lot less breakage...

though I have finally learnt if I sharpen my Prismas with an electric sharpener they break a lot less.

The points of Poly's stay longer because they are harder whereas

Prismas are super soft so the points dull a lot faster meaning you eat through your pencils faster....

Well it'll be a new adventure for 2017 and I can't wait to see if I fall deeply irrevocably in love!!!

Luzia

So this is going back to last year, end of September I think it was but I just forgot to post about it.

We went to see our 3rd Cirque Du Soleil show called "Luzia"

Oh my oh my, it was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G

it literally brought tears to my ears and at one point I was so overcome with emotion at the beauty

of it all that I was physically shaking all over and I couldn't stop.
If you've seen it you'll understand when I mention
the galloping horse at the beginning with the fairy riding on top of it with her wings flowing
and the people running alongside them waving the flowers in joy and happiness etc...
AMAZING!

 

 

I had a screaming bad monster migraine for three days before the show & on the day of the show,

so the 4-5 hours drive to get there was really difficult for me.

(I don't do well in vehicles when I have a sore head, mind you, our Jeep is the best one to be in if I have to be because of it's perfectly placed and super strong heater that I can hold my head up to!)

But if anything could make me temporarily forget about the excruciating pain in my head,

it would be this show, ha ha.  Pretty much for the duration, I was fully immersed and away from

the pain in my head for the most part...although intermission was no piece of cake ha ha!

 

It's not super often that something literally takes my breath away!

Shows like these, it's really just human beings at their most beautiful, tenacious, talented best...

to think of the endless work these performers and artists put into what they do.

Not to mention the visual splendor...all of the color and whimsical intricate design...

the whimsy of it all struck a deep chord and reminded me to keep doing what I do

because color, enchantment and whimsy are transporting and immersing & well just plain magical! 





Happy Weekend

Hi There, I hope your having the most amazing weekend (we are fighting a flu).

 

 

 I hope that your comfy and cozy and warmly embraced by the amazing beauty of Winter.

Loving The Lino

I've been really enjoying some printmaking lately

 

 

I started picking up this old beloved medium again back in the Fall

(here's a couple shots when I was working out in the cool air with Jaks enjoying the yard)

 

 

I think I'll be able to show you some hand-pressed prints next week...wohooo, I can't wait.

Hello 2017

Hi again

How are you doing?

How is 2017 treating you so far?

Me??

Well 2016 kinda kicked my ass if I may be honest

and I know I have so much beauty and wonderful things to be thankful for admist the cruddy,

but still, I admit I am happy to see the other side of it...to start fresh with a positive attitude.

 

 

2017 is starting off slowly though I think...but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

I unfortunately haven't had a pain-free day yet in 2017 so that's not a super great start!

& whiles our buns are doing well & the 2 newbies seem really happy, I am still sore over Teela.

I find myself moving a smidge slowly in my studio...finding my footing after long holidays off.

I am not necessarily making resolutions but just trying to visualize where I want to go

in 2017, with my work and with my own self too.

I know already abunch of things I want to work on, professionally and personally

I'll keep the personal list close to my chest right now however.

 

 

I know I want to publish my very first book, finally!!!

I want to get better at putting original work and new items into my dear shop.

I want to get into weaving, do some sewing projects, make some paper & cloth dolls,
try some needle felting, dive into pastels again, kick it up with linos....
ahhhh sooo many things!

but really I just want to get way more work done than I did in 2016.

 

Are you ready for another year of blogging?  This will be my 9th!

I truly hope you'll continue to join me, I am always so honored when you spend time with me.

& a big huge welcome to anyone new, thank you SO much already XO

Let's Do This!

Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas to you all

I wish to you and yours the merriest of holidays and the loveliest of New Years

from myself and mine, bearded and furry!

May you be surrounded by light and love

XXXOOO

 

 

I'll be taking a bit of a blog break now until perhaps about January 10th or so

but before go I wanted to Thank you all so so much, for joining me here on my beloved blog

I blog for myself but I also blog for all of you too

and I am always honored when you spend time with me.

With all that said, the sweet 9 buns and I sure do hope to see you all again in 2017.



Winter Wonderland

I have a love hate relationship with where we live...

but when it's a Winter Wonderland, I LOVE it!

We've been out & about a lot, romping about in the snow, taking photos, eating noodles in the cold!

 

 

There's something extra fun in being able to adventure in snowy places where other vehicles can't...

We've been enjoying snowy vistas in our little city, trying to heal our hearts, gasping at the beauty.

Bracing ourselves for our first Christmas without Teela & Frenwyck...breathing deeply, together.

Simply Holidays

I worked a few holidays sketches even though I won't get colour to them until next season...

I don't have big plans for holidays this year, I just want to enjoy simple days and be happy.

 

 

So once I finished some custom pieces (that I unfortunately can't show you)

I decided to take my studio break a bit early to coincide with my honey's.

 

and I've been basking in a gorgeous guy who is so sweet and loving

and who cares for his bunnies like no one else, it's just so lovely to watch.

 

 

We've been settling in the two newbies and lavishing them with love...

and the other 7 so they don't get jealous...there's not enough time in a day that's for sure!

 

We're enjoying old tv like Buck Rogers, Wonder Woman & Thunderbirds with hot cocoas!

It's been nice & sweet & cozy...I hope your finding peace & warmth instead of stress too XO.



Snuggy Solstice

We started holidays...nine bunnies are being snugified, yummy food is being made...

 

 Twinkle lights are being enjoyed and presents are all wrapped...hope your doing well too.

 

Art Cards At The Framemakers

The Framemaker & Gallery has been carrying and selling my handmade Art Cards for years now

and I am so appreciative for them (dearest Michelle & Anna XO)

not just because the people there are lovely

but because I am honored to have my work in one of North Bay's best stores

that I've been going to for inspiration since I was a kid...

it's so full of beautiful and inspiring art and goodies.

 

 

 

The Framemaker & Gallery is located at 168 Main Street West, downtown North Bay.

So any of you local peeps out there do hop on in, grab a couple of my handmade archival art cards, and meet Anna & Michelle, if you haven't already done so, you'll love them & the shop.

I just brought in a big batch of brand new beautiful cards, there's 25 brand new designs to see

and all of the square ones have been glitterized (if that's not already a word, it should be, ha ha!).

Christmas Gratitude

I think about other people & other families a lot at this time of year
not all of us are embraced by big beautiful families...
not everyone is all cozy and snug within holiday sparkle and cheer.
Some of us face the holidays with great sadness,
some will be saying goodbye to loved ones & will be facing a New Years all alone...
For me, it's important to remember that because it makes me so much more grateful
for the family that I do have and for the cheer and beauty that does surround me.

 





  



 

 

So as much as we miss Teela & Frenwyck, which is like mad,
(and as we watch dear ones spend this Christmas for the last time ever with their loved ones)
we're still feeling so so grateful & embraced by each other & for the long-eared family we've made,
it might not be a normal family in everyone else's books but for us it is and it's everything.

We're enjoying a house decked out in red ribbons, twinkle lights & poinsettias
and I am truly hoping so hard everyone out there finds kindness and beauty
and compassion and warmth in some lovely way or another, no matter how small.

Well I will be taking a blog break really soon...
but I hope you'll join me for the rest of the week until than
XOXO