In Ady's Footsteps

TIME

2012-02-22T18:46:00.000-08:00

Time. We all have 24 hours a day. And how I am able to spend that time has a lot to do with how I feel about myself, and life in general.Having a chronic illness makes functioning and achieving and setting goals a frustrating and disheartening experience.Enter Allyson, of Revive Organize. This afternoon she came over and helped me work on time management. Starting with answering questions about what is important to me in my life, in an hour and a half, she came up with a time schedule that will help me accomplish the things I want to do, with lots of needed downtime. Now instead of feeling frustrated and powerless to get on with life in spite of my daily struggles, I am feeling empowered that there are things I can accomplish and enjoy.Thanks Allyson!!!!!!!!!

Oh Happy Day...

2012-02-02T16:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Happy Joy Joy. Today, Daisy had her job interview. She became a part of our family 3 years ago with the mission of also being a therapy dog. Our breeder especially chose Daisy from the litter for this task.There is a senior's residence in our neighbourhood. This residence is a facility that also helps people with Alzheimers.Daisy and I met with a coordinator from the residence at the park up the street, and Daisy and the resident dog "Doug" had a chance to meet. Not surprisingly, they got along famously - gotta love Goldens! After a good round of running around ( mostly on Daisy's part ), the four of us went up to the residence. I was curious to see how Daisy would be around the residents and in the facility. I am so pleased to announce that she was very sweet with the other resident dog, and she was really lovely with the older residents. She could sense that an older person required gentleness on her part. The wonderful news is that we passed the "test" and will soon be going for visits!A highlight for me was when one of the residents came down the stairs and saw Daisy. Her entire face lit up, and she immediately came over to pat Daisy. I know the joy that being around dogs gives me, and what a gift to be able to share that joy with someone else! I was delighted that another lady came over and sat down quietly next to me, waiting for her turn to pat Daisy.Now the next step is a volunteer application to be filled out, with a medical check (for me), and we will be on our way to visiting regularly, after a good run in the park, so that Daisy isn't full of beans...

Oh Happy Day.

so..

2012-01-27T14:19:00.000-08:00

So I signed up for this online mixed media class. A Christmas gift from my DH. It's called Life Book 2012Now that my studio is more orderly, I have started the class, and here is my first page.This is my first attempt at drawing and painting a face, and thanks to the video lessons, I found this page easy to do , although I did spend almost 4 hours on it, watching video, and then copying the lesson.

Lots more progress in the studio!

2012-01-22T14:46:00.000-08:00

I have been nibbling away, a box at a time, a drawer at a time, and now the studio is 75% finished. The furniture is all in place, and there are some more boxes to go through. And an entire closet of boxes to go through. This room now calls to me every time I walk by, and I have started my creative endeavors again. The change in the feel of the space makes me feel so peaceful and free...

Happy New Year Week!

2012-01-07T17:38:00.000-08:00

Oh, I am so behind on my blogging :(However, I am making great progress on my studio, as I tackle it bit by bit.Babysteps is too big a jump for me, I am tackling things in little tiny nibbles.Going through each and every box of items before they are put away.There are a lot of boxes.This will take a long time.And the motivation I use to keep me going is that I will not allow myself to create until all the boxes are sorted and the room is finished.Needless to say, there is a huge creative pressure cooker building...Here is my desk, purposely covered with stuff so that I keep on sorting:

And here's the progress so far!The desk where the computer was and the book case behind the door have been moved:

The storage wall unit has been moved where the desk was.

The storage unit partially sorted :

All things considered, I have made tremendous progress, and the Salvation Army will be getting some very nice craft items :)

2011-12-13T18:34:00.000-08:00

I have been absent for a long time due to illness - enough said. I am getting stronger, and getting into the holiday spirit. Look at the cute little Incense smoker I received from my friend Izzy!I am not working on reorganizing until after the holidays, it's time to enjoy the spirit of the season.

Space and Light

2011-11-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

Such a simple solution, and one that never occurred to me - thanks Allyson! I am now at the stage where all the boxes on the floor have been cleared, and I am ready to start tackling the computer desk, which is going to be removed from this room.I am surprised by how wonderful I feel in this space with just small changes, and I have learned that my mantra needs to be "PUT IT AWAY"

Just because it is raining...

2011-10-30T12:54:00.001-07:00

Just because it is rainingdoesn't meanthat there is no beauty out there.One only has to look!

Woo Hoo! Space to work!

2011-10-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

Wow, I didn't think this was possible! I have enough space to work on 10 cards with all my supplies out.Lots of changes yet to come, and interestingly enough, I find that going through this process has made me more organized as far as time management goes as well!

Autumn is here!

2011-10-25T10:04:00.000-07:00

What a great time of year - fresh local produce is still available, and the trees are bursting with colour. Add a little sunshine, and you have the recipe for a perfect day.

Another step accomplished!

2011-10-20T11:45:00.000-07:00

Here is the result of the second day of organizing. One of my goals was to be able to sit and craft with friends in my room. Thanks to the new floor plan, this has been accomplished. I am happy to say that after another 2 hours (broken up into half hours), this is how the space looks now!

Things I got rid of:

old magazines, let's face it, almost everything can be found on the internet, why store it?

The kimono - it sat on the back of the door for years, never worn.

Ahh, the freedom of less clutter, I always thought people were exaggerating, and now I see how really freeing it is. I feel as though I have lost weight, physically and emotionally!

The plan for the Studio

2011-10-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

Woo Hoo!!!!!

Allyson's plan has arrived - all 7 pages of it!

A clear and concise report on what needs to be done, steps to be taken, tools required, AND a procedure that is easy for me to follow. Am I STOKED???

So here is the "before" photo of my work desk space:

Here is a photo of the same space - it was taken after my first 30 minutes of attack. The results make me want to keep going.

I will take a bite out of this room, in 15 minute increments for two reasons.
Firstly, because of physical limitations.
Secondly, because I see such immediate results, I feel very motivated to keep going.

Revive

2011-10-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, so today is October 13th, and Allyson has come to look at the room of shame and take measurements. (And if you thought I didn't show you enough junk, just take a look at the book case behind the door! I can't remember the last time I wore the kimono!)
Allyson asked me a lot of thought provoking questions. Many of the questions made me rethink the space. I realized that I am really ready for a big change. Her visit left me excited and inspired.

After our initial consultation, I agreed to go ahead with the process. Allyson will make a plan, based on my budget and will send it to me.

A wonderful Thanksgiving

2011-10-10T09:39:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day it is! A perfect day to go to my favorite dog park with Daisy.
Then, to make the day absolute perfection, we had a family Thanksgiving dinner, everyone brought something. There were 13 of us, and the table was beautiful! The girls and their grandmother made everyone a place card with their name on it. Every place card had a little message inside. Mine said " You make the world a better place." On the back of the cards, we wrote what we were grateful for. I think we all pretty much wrote the same thing: that we were grateful to be together, and were grateful that everyone is healthy. There were small vases of flowers exquisitely arranged, and the atmosphere was full of love and gratitude.

Seems to me, it was the perfect Thanksgiving.

A new beginning

2011-10-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

I was not born organized.

Anyone who knows me would not use my name and the word "organized" in the same sentence.

I have decided to change that. I have enlisted the help of my friend Allyson who has started a new business. Click here to visit her page and get information about her services.

Today is the first day of change.

Allyson will be phoning me in a few minutes, and I will have my first consultation.

Using my camera to record the process of changing my creative space, I share photos of my current room of shame.

Join me, as I learn to make this space the creative sanctuary that I have always intended it to be.

Can a Bee become an overachiever?

2011-09-11T11:15:00.000-07:00

This busy bee was so covered in pollen, it could barely fly away!

High Tea

2011-08-19T09:31:00.000-07:00

It has been a coming of age summer for my niece Nicola. She got her ears pierced, and went for her first High Tea with her 3 aunties. New shoes, a new dress, High Tea, and a sleepover. What more could a 9 year old ask for?

So sad for my Sister Friend

2011-07-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

My friends and I are at the age where we are starting to lose our parents. My very dear Sister Friend Lorraine lost her mom yesterday.

Can you say ohhhhhh...?

2011-07-16T11:37:00.000-07:00

Chocolate raspberry torte from Nina's Place

Yup,even better than it looked!

Enough said.

Nina's Garden

2011-07-07T18:31:00.000-07:00

If you are ever in Kimberley B.C., be sure to check out Nina's Place. This wonderful hillside garden and restaurant are amazing. There are beautiful wood carvings and plants and rocks on the walk up to the outdoor restaurant. A reservation is needed if you plan to eat there.

I will definitely be going back!

Back from Paradise

2011-07-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

We had the most wonderful, perfect vacation.

Off through Washington State, and Idaho, and over to stay with family who live on 3 acres just outside of Cranbrook.

Perfect weather, 2 hours of rain the entire week, including driving there and back!

We arrived on June 21st, and this was the sunset on the longest day of this year.

We were a little further north than home, and at 11:30 pm, it still wasn't dark! At 4 am, the sun was already rising, and the birds were singing.

Heaven.

Another little card

2011-05-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

This card was made using a couple of older stamp sets that I have had for a while.

Another card

2011-05-16T10:12:00.000-07:00

This card was made using my new texture dye, I was goofing around with the quilting technique that was on Splitcoast stampers, and this is what I came up with, using some leftover paper!

More mojo

2011-05-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

I CASED this card from Dawn Griffith, she has to be one of my all time favorite Stampin Up crafters. Her videos and enthusiasm always get me going!

Major Mogo Happening!

2011-05-14T10:07:00.000-07:00

Man oh man, a little sunshine, a little rain, some good photos, and I'm off to the races! I made some cards that I am really happy with, and will be posting a few of them here. I have some photos of the garden,which I will post on my photography blog and wow, the mojo is a flowin'!

Happy Mothers Day!

2011-05-08T18:05:00.000-07:00

To all you Moms out there, who do the most important job in the world - I salute you.

I am SO bored...

2011-05-06T18:05:00.000-07:00

Poor Daisy, she's just as sick of the rain as I am.

Who would have thought that a Golden Retriever wouldn't like water?

May 5th, 2011

2011-05-05T16:52:00.000-07:00

A new visitor

2011-05-04T15:02:00.000-07:00

This little bird is a new species that I haven't seen in the garden before. After many attempts, I finally got a photo. Anyone know what it is?

Time for a change in weather!

2011-05-02T23:31:00.000-07:00

Heavy spring rain during the sunshine.

The B Word

2011-03-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

B is for Biopsy.

B is also for Benign.

I got the good news today that my needle biopsy has come back benign.

I know of so many women who have breast cancer, and will endeavor to continue raising funds and offering support to those who are not as fortunate as I.

Be well.

I send healing thoughts to you all.

Last Day of Winter Today

2011-03-19T19:00:00.000-07:00

And good riddance!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

To all my dear Irish Friends!

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!

Raising Money For BC Children's Hospital

2011-03-07T16:22:00.000-08:00

This bracelet / anklet will be raffled off to raise money for the BC Crop for Kids.

Beader Babe strikes again!

2011-03-03T16:05:00.000-08:00

Earrings made as a Bat Mitzvah gift.

B + C + D = A happy Sue !

2011-02-26T16:05:00.000-08:00

Yup, Bentley, Daisy and Cara make Sue a happy girl.

Fun Fun Fun!!!

2011-02-20T17:40:00.000-08:00

My niece Naomi had her first sleepover last night and oh boy, did we ever have fun! We spent time face painting, and drawing, and played Rock Band, and played with the animals, and watched a movie and... well, let's just say that Auntie Sue could really use a good nap ;

)

Comfort and Gratitude

2011-02-14T14:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!

Today is another rainy day on the Wet Coast with high winds expected tonight. Ferry sailings are being cancelled as we speak.

Here is a picture of comfort, taken to remind me that there are sunny days ahead.

I am grateful I have a warm home.

The card nobody wants to send

2011-01-27T18:05:00.000-08:00

This is the card that none of us want to send, the card that makes it real. I am pleased with the way this card for Sue's husband turned out, somehow the design just feels right.

Comments - nobody can leave a comment, it's a glitch in the system, it's not you! Since I love the current template, please email your comments to me directly.

I am feeling a bit better today, and thank you to all my Friends for your wonderful messages and words of encouragement. I am so lucky to have you all in my life.

Island Warrior, You've Done Us Proud!

2011-01-26T11:10:00.000-08:00

I found out an hour ago that my dear former sister in law, my Island Warrior, Sue Gilbert has passed away. As hard as she fought, as positive as she remained, the cancer won.

Sue, I want you to know how much we all admired your strength and determination, how hard you fought, and how in the end, having more good days than bad became your priority. It is my hope that you had some amazing days.

To Sue's husband, family and friends, I know all of us will miss her wit, her charm, her brilliance and kindness. None of us will ever forget her lovely voice and her sunny laugh that got everyone going.

Another Angel on our shoulders, another star in the sky - taken from us much too soon.

Island Warrior, you've done us proud, and you will be deeply missed.

Notice the new Blinkie?

2011-01-17T13:02:00.000-08:00

I have dicovered THE coolest site - a site that paper crafters like me will absolutely love to have access to.

It is called the Paper Crafters Library, click on the blinkie and it will connect you.

This site has solved a lot of problems for me. It is full of ideas and video tutorials. Now, instead of ~~wasting~~ spending so much time surfing the internet looking for ideas and tutorials, they are all in one place! Another of my stumbling blocks was not feeling motivated, the mojo just isn't there sometimes. Well, no more. I will now use my stash of crafting items as well as collect them!

So, check back on my blog for photos of my latest paper creations. I am inspired and ready to craft!

A Promise

2011-01-16T14:36:00.000-08:00

Of things to come -

I am so grateful for today's brightness, and went for a long walk and then puttered a bit in the garden. There is nothing so healing as being out in nature. And I am very pleased to see many signs of spring.

Keeping things in perspective.

2011-01-15T16:31:00.000-08:00

I am having a hard time right now.

I am glad the days are getting longer. I just can't seem to get the smallest things done without mental confusion and fatigue setting in. Things that should come naturally, like not referring to a to do list, the same list, every morning, just don't come. This is the reality of fibromyalgia, getting up and not remembering to make the bed, or eat, not being able to organize simple things. Where to start? When to stop, how not to feel guilty for needing 15 hours of sleep in order to function.

Now, to put all that into perspective, I was able to spend time with my mom yesterday, and do some crafting and share creative ideas. She was so sick last year, that there was a real possibility that we would not have had yesterday.

Many of the plants in the garden have the promise of bloom on the tips. We are not facing flash floods, even if the back garden is looking like a swamp today. I am able to listen to people who need to bend an ear. I am able to walk my dog almost every day. I am able to create.

I AM able.

The amazing world of technology

2011-01-13T17:00:00.000-08:00

Technology never ceases to astound me, and once again, it does!

I had to pass this on, even though it's past Christmas:

A cold day with the dog who doesn't like water

2011-01-05T19:52:00.000-08:00

A cold day outside

A New Year and a new look

2011-01-04T20:53:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

I want to make many changes this year, starting with the look of my blog.

I have some wicked photos to download onto my photo blog and I am looking forward to sharing them with you.

I will also be starting up a new Etsy store, I am taking my time doing this.
I will be sure to post the link once I have it up and running.

Gingerbread Houses

2010-12-22T20:25:00.000-08:00

My Friend Diane and I met downtown yesterday and checked out the Gingerbread House competition at the Hyatt. The entries were charming, it was difficult to choose one picture for this post. I loved the entries submitted by the schools, and I relived many happy memories!

One more week...

2010-12-17T19:03:00.001-08:00

Time is just flying by - and the holiday season is fast approaching. A Christmas concert at my nieces' school - one of my favorite stories - The Grinch who Stole Christmas, wonderfully done, I might add! Every child in the school was included and had a chance to be on stage. What a fun beginning to the holidays! Then, meeting with friends, a cookie exchange, a concert with the Vancouver Chamber Choir, more meetings with friends, shopping, whew...!!!

I am happy to say that the shopping is finished, tomorrow the wrapping will be done, then more visiting...

My Island Warrior

2010-12-03T13:29:00.001-08:00

Meet our Island Warrior, one of the Club members I shaved my head for.

Hence, she has hair, I don't!

Happy Birthday British Invasion Pups!

2010-11-27T15:56:00.000-08:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Daisy and Bentley!
Hard to believe these gorgeous pups are two years old already!

In another year or two, they'll be mature dogs, and hopefully still goofy :)

Oh what fun!

2010-11-26T15:51:00.000-08:00

It is to be

a puppy in the snow!

Don't worry, Gloria's fine!

2010-11-25T09:04:00.000-08:00

In spite of heavy snowfall, Gloria has been coming to the feeder regularly this morning. There are lots of problems on the roads today, and we are expecting freezing rain tonight. Yikes!!!

Keep warm and be safe!

So Thankful

2010-11-24T08:42:00.000-08:00

Firstly and most importantly, I am thankful that nobody was seriously injured.

Secondly, I am thankful that the Vancouver Christmas market had not yet opened, or there would have been a big crowd, and someone would have been hurt.

Please read my friend Jo's blog , she talked about the first responders - she has such a gift with words, and I couldn't say it as well as she did

Thirdly, I am thankful for Mink.

Tallsocks, thanks for making me aware of this wonderful Vancouver chocolaterie.

The story:

Two of my dear Friends and I were meeting to go to the first Vancouver Christmas Market - a traditional German Christmas village. Today was the grand opening of what would hopefully be an annual tradition. Fifteen minutes before opening, on the very first day, there was an explosion. A propane tank exploded, and thankfully someone smelled the propane and everyone was evacuated as it exploded. I am so sorry for the merchants, many of whom came from Germany with their traditional food, drink, and crafts. The latest news is that they may be able to re-open next week. The market is to be open until December 24th.

So... what are scrapping chicks to do?

It was -5, cold, cold, cold. What better than chocolate? So, off we walked to Mink, and had a lovely cup of coffee with a chocolate fondue. Can you say Yummy?

200th Post !

2010-11-23T15:38:00.000-08:00

And the beginning of getting ready for Christmas!

Baby it's cold outside!

2010-11-22T19:12:00.000-08:00

Here's Gloria at the feeder, her feathers all puffed up to keep her warm. She spent the entire day at the feeder or on a branch beside the feeder.

we are expecting record cold tonight - a wind storm will drop temperatures to a wind chill factor of -19!

Another female hummingbird tried to feed at the feeder, and Gloria chased her away. I will try setting up a second feeder at another window, and see if I can help the second little hummingbird through the winter.

Keep warm everyone!

Little Gloria

2010-11-21T21:22:00.001-08:00

Not even a half hour passed before the hummingbird found the feeder. She came by for a feed at least 9 times today.

Could I be any happier with the results of putting the feeder out?

Of course not!

We have named her Gloria, after my dear Friend who introduced me to the delightful world of hummingbirds. My Friend has since passed away, but she will never be forgotten.

Here is a wonderful, heartwarming YouTube that my amazing Friend Sue F emailed me.

it's just not right...!

2010-11-20T13:19:00.001-08:00

The weather has been unseasonably warm - and then this morning, the snow came.

My trees and garden plants still have leaves - even the Mimosa, which is usually bare in mid October! My fuchsias are still blooming, and the basket with the geraniums and lobelia is still in full bloom.

Then, to top it off, while I was taking photos, a hummingbird came to the window!!!

What is going on?

I phoned the Wild Birds Unlimited store, as I had taken my feeders down a week ago.
Turns out the little hummingbird is a female Anna's Hummingbird, and she will stay here all winter. The males have done their job, and have flown down to Mexico. Typical males... ah, just kidding! Anyway, for anyone interested, the feeders can be put out during the daylight, take them in at night so that the syrup is at room temperature, and make the mixture 3 cups water to 1 part white sugar. That will keep them going. The nesting season for hummingbirds is in February.

As I was sitting at the kitchen table writing this, the little female flew to the window where the feeder was, looking for her food. Be patient little one, it will be out within the hour.

What is it?

2010-11-19T13:15:00.000-08:00

I see such a variety of birds in the garden, and am always astonished when a new species I haven't seen before appears.

Any idea what this is?

Gratitude

2010-11-02T20:35:00.000-07:00

When there is bad news, I focus on gratitude, and work on thinking of the positive aspect of things.

My Island Warrior - I am grateful that there are medications that will reduce her pain and give her quality of life.

A family member - I am grateful that her tumor has been found at a very early stage.

I am grateful for a wonderful group of friends that I will be spending the weekend with at my favorite retreat.

I am grateful for the support and love of friends and family.

I am Grateful.

It's been a while...

2010-10-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well, it's been a while since I posted.

Let's see - there have been a lot of beautiful days, today being one of them. Imagine, it's the 29th of October, and I walked Daisy wearing a Tshirt and bare feet in sandals!

A lovely warm day, and I sure hope that the weather holds for all the little kiddies entering out into the dark on Halloween!

The photo above was taken today, I am blessed, the little hummingbirds are still coming to the garden. Most of my friends have had to put the feeders away, as the little hummingbirds have left.

I also went for a lovely lunch with two girlfriends today, lovely salad, and an absolutely exquisite chocolate dessert, and pecan pie ( shared, ok? ) A quick walk with Miss Daisy to counteract the additional calories, and there you have it -

Another inch on the waistline!

A weekend ahead, a busy one, take care y'all!

Ten 10 Ten

2010-10-10T18:18:00.000-07:00

Today is the tenth day of the tenth month of the tenth year.

And a beautiful, warm, sunny day to boot!

A New Season

2010-10-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

The Juncos have arrived.

Whenever these little birds come, I know that fall and winter are not far behind.

The American goldfinches have lost their vibrant summer colours, and are feeding on the rudbeckias.

A sure sign of many cooler days to come.

Crazy weekend!

2010-10-04T20:00:00.001-07:00

My first Crop for Kids weekend was a great success!
We had lots of fun, laughed ourselves silly, dressed up, and most importantly of all, raised money for the BC Children's Hospital.

I am looking forward to hearing what the total raised this year is.

I took classes, took part in make n'takes, and had a wonderful "girly weekend with my pals.

A great break for a great cause.

Thanks buds!

Time for a little blog candy!

2010-09-14T16:56:00.000-07:00

Can you guess what this rainbow is reflecting off of?

The first person to send me the correct answer will win some blog candy.

Good luck!

Where did the summer go?

2010-09-06T15:33:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it's already September, and that kids are back in school tomorrow.
Holy moly, where did the time go?

Today is a rainy day, a good day for being creative and drinking lots of tea.

August 31st

2010-08-31T17:09:00.001-07:00

And it is raining. Great big juicy drops crashing down all day long. The garden so badly needs it. Everything is looking much fresher!

So that's where they went....!

2010-08-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

Now I know why there are no hummingbirds at the feeders. They are busy enjoying the nectar of the crocosmia!

Another lovely moment

2010-08-28T13:08:00.000-07:00

Another lovely moment in the garden. A movement at the edge of a shrub caught my eye.

It was a chickadee, taking a shower while the sprinkler was on! See how it stretches out its neck to get the top of its head wet?

These little moments make my heart sing.

Strange. Or Not.

2010-08-25T13:21:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am posting this a few days late, but this is another one of the many "interesting" things that happen. Diane, I know you can relate to this:

I was outside. I decided to go over to a patch of grass near the garage, the thought being that I would find a four leaf clover there.

The very first leaf I checked is pictured above.

Hmm...

Multiple use

2010-08-11T12:48:00.001-07:00

So, what else is a shaved head good for?

How about a blank canvas for painting?

After Peter painted a white line to make the canvas even, Nicola and Naomi pitched in and coloured my head!

Yes, I am definitely a silly Auntie.

And just like that...

2010-08-11T12:39:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was George's follow up appointment at the Cancer Clinic.

And I heard the words all Warriors and their families should hear:

"Congratulations, you're cured, and we don't need to see you any more."

I wept, and the sun shone a little brighter.

And just like that, I can picture us growing old together.

I am on YouTube!!!

2010-07-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, today is a great day.

I reached my goal of raising $1000.00 for the BC Cancer Foundation!

And, as promised, here is the video of the head shave.

What a happy day - I have done something good for others.

One more day...

2010-07-29T16:32:00.000-07:00

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Yup, as you can see, I did shave my head!
The link to the video will be posted tomorrow.

Only two more days!

2010-07-28T15:34:00.001-07:00

These two crows are often on the wire grooming each other. When this photo was taken, the crow on the right was grooming the neck of the one on the left.

Three...

2010-07-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Due dates, deadlines, schmedlines, blech.

Four ...

2010-07-26T08:11:00.000-07:00

Look at those cheeky little chipmunks getting their fill at the bird feeders. This photo was taken at paradise, outside of Cranbrook.

Five days. ..

2010-07-25T14:05:00.000-07:00

pffffttt... ever see a hummingbird tongue?

Six Days...

2010-07-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

Daisy is wondering what in the world is going on!

Seven days until the video...

2010-07-23T11:34:00.001-07:00

Another photo from outside Cranbrook. These birds are crossbills - if you enlarge the photo, you can see the way the beaks cross over. The lovely folks we stayed with were kindred spirits, birds, flowers, art... heaven for me!

Eight days...

2010-07-22T16:54:00.000-07:00

Until the YouTube video of the head shave!

A photo of the lovely place we stayed outside of Cranbrook - acreage right on the Kootenay River!

The Countdown Begins!

2010-07-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

Nine days until the "A Shave for the Warriors" video gets posted to YouTube!

Quote of the Day

2010-07-14T11:11:00.000-07:00

What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything new?

~ Vincent Van Gogh

Happy Birthday to a great Friend

2010-07-11T13:29:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to my very dear Friend Jo!

An Artist, a Mom, a Friend, an Old Soul with incredible talent and insight.
May peace and health be with you, today and always!

A Great Big Thank You !

2010-07-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

A great big THANK YOU to Yolanda of Tiny Seeds Scrapbooking for the fundraising sale July 4th.
Tiny Seeds has donated $222.00 to the BC Cancer Foundation in the name of my "A Shave for the Warriors" fundraiser.
Yolanda, thank you so much for all your time and effort. I believe we have done something that makes a difference.

A sale for a good cause - TODAY!

2010-07-04T00:28:00.000-07:00

Please consider checking out this sale - lots of scrapbooking supplies with proceeds going to my fundraisers "Shave for the Warriors'

Oh how nifty, all three of us over 50!

2010-07-03T20:41:00.000-07:00

My twin brothers turned 50 on Saturday, July 3rd.

Now all three of us are over 50 - I don't know where the time went!

One step at a time

2010-06-21T18:58:00.000-07:00

So. Mom will be in the hospital for at least another week. What a way to start her summer. On the other hand, no fever for the last few days, a good sign.

One of the most difficult things to do is to stay in the moment, and take one step at a time.

A new view

2010-06-20T13:17:00.001-07:00

Here's the view from my desk in my new studio. I love the view, the birds are constantly flying back and forth. I will be hanging a hummingbird feeder in the window to replace the wind chimes. I still have to clear out the closet, and move the headboard. Today I bought white paint, as this will reflect the most light when I am painting on canvas.

My mom is a bit better, she's stabilized, and still in hospital. Our guess is she caught an infection last time she was in the hospital, and now she is on IV antibiotics. Poor Mom, she's become a science experiment. Not fun for anyone.

Back in again.

2010-06-15T11:07:00.000-07:00

My mom is back in the hospital with a high fever.
Please send us healing thoughts.

Creativity strikes again!

2010-06-08T16:04:00.000-07:00

A sneak peek at a gift for a very special family member :)

Omi is back at home!

2010-06-05T21:32:00.000-07:00

Yay! Mom is back at home and resting - we are so grateful :)

Time for a smile

2010-05-29T17:24:00.001-07:00

Pffffffffffffffftttt.

click on the photo to enlarge :)

Tallsocks writes about me!

2010-05-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

My dear friend, Tallsocks, is an amazing photographer who has a wicked sense of humour, and a great writing style.

She has posted about me on her blog

Check it out :)

With A Little Help From My Blog Readers

2010-05-27T20:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening was BAD.

REALLY BAD.

My friend who was waiting for biopsy results has cancer.

Tears.

Burning RAGE.

Emotion is normal BUT it is not productive.

I have raised my goal for my fundraiser to $2,500.00.

Since I reached my original goal, I will shave my head, whether I meet my new goal or not. And I will post the head shave on YouTube.

I would like to ask everyone who reads this post, to please pass on the link to my donation page. Encourage people to read the blog post of what motivated me to set up a donation page. The link to that post is on the donation page.

Help me to help.

If you can think of any other way to get the word out, please let me know.

Thanks for reading this.

A very welcome visitor

2010-05-25T17:31:00.001-07:00

Isn't she pretty?

I am so happy this little girl comes a few times a day for a drink of nectar.

In the second photo, I startled her, as you can see she has pulled her feathers tight.

And when she is content, and feels safe, she puffs out the feathers on her neck.

How cute is she?

For a really dear Friend

2010-05-23T21:02:00.000-07:00

My Friend Kathy and I were talking about a little yellow bird that we each saw at our homes and had never seen before.

This tiny wren was in the shrubs eating insects.

My garden is organic, safe bugs here for the birds!

I spent a half hour trying to get a good photo of this elusive bird, and this is the best I was able to get.

Kathy, this photo is for you.

Sunny Yellow

2010-05-18T15:19:00.000-07:00

I have surpassed my fundraising goal!

And in the process I managed to annoy and insult a few people by sending out a generic email asking for donations.

The one thing I learned as George and I walked the bumpy road at the "club nobody wants to belong to", was that nobody goes through cancer alone.

Thank you to every one of you who was there for us.

I hope in my own small way that my fundraiser will make it possible for someone else to be helped.

I leave you today with a photo of a lovely blossom on a tree I have - a sunny yellow for a rainy day.

Be well.

Four days later

2010-05-06T11:26:00.001-07:00

I started the "Shave for the Warriors" Fundraiser on Sunday, with a goal of raising $1000.00 by July 30th.

To my utter delight and astonishment, this morning $935.00 has been donated to the BC Cancer Foundation. This was donated in four days!!!

Thank you all so very much for reading my blog, and supporting my fundraiser.

Most importantly,thanks for helping the Warriors, and letting them and their families know that they are not alone in this.

Needless to say, my goal will be met.
My head will be shaved on July 30th, and the head shave will be posted on YouTube.

Nicola and Naomi, sharpen those scissors, you will be getting the honours of doing the pre-shave haircut!

Supporting the Warriors

2010-05-04T14:33:00.001-07:00

"Art is the transfer of emotion from one person to another"
- Leo Tolstoy

True that.

The photo above is of a pastel that I did - do you see the fighting? Do you see the strong fire colours that represent surviving and thriving? Do you see that health wins over disease? These are the emotions I felt as I created this piece. George had just finished 6 really difficult months of treatment, and I needed a way to express my feelings at the time.

It will be the picture that represents my Fundraiser.

My Fundraiser - I am GOBSMACKED!!!

My goal is to raise $1000.00 by July 30th, and this morning I woke up to find that after ONE DAY of having this site up, that I am already 1/3 of the way there!

To say thank you to those who are helping me support family and friends fighting this disease seems extremely inadequate.

The fundraiser website that I have set up is through the BC Cancer Foundation.

Your donation goes directly to the Foundation, and you will receive a tax receipt from them via email.

There's no doubt that I will reach my goal, and that I will exceed it. So, now to make some earrings to draw attention to my newly balded head this summer!

By the way, did you know that the head shave will be on my Birthday? What better gift than to help someone else.

A Start for "A Shave for the Warriors"

2010-05-03T17:54:00.000-07:00

I have decided to call my fundraiser "A Shave for the Warriors".

My husband George, was diagnosed with Head and Neck cancer five years ago, and is doing well. He went through very difficult treatments, and we expect that this summer will be his last checkup.

He met a woman a few months back who had a shaved head. He asked her if she was in treatment, and she responded that she had participated in a fundraiser for cancer research. He informed her that he was one of the people her fundraiser helped. I know how moved he was by what she had done for him and other Warriors and Survivors.

I will be shaving my head on July 30th, and will walk around bald-headed with great pride, in honour of George, and all the Warriors out there who are fighting cancer.

If you would like to support me, please visit my fundraising web site

The site is part of the BC Cancer Foundation, and your donation goes directly to the Foundation. They will issue you a tax receipt via email.

Oh, and I will post the head shave on YouTube!