Shelley's Musings

Best Christmas ever

2011-12-26T11:54:00.007-05:00

It could've been worse. Really?! It could've been a catastrophe.

We held Christmas dinner for my family (a dozen of us this year). Food bought, house cleaned, good part of food prep done the day before Christmas, table set. An almost 25 pound turkey. Dinner scheduled for 2 p.m. So that means turkey needs to go in the oven around 5 a.m.

Alarm set for 4:45 a.m. I get up and stumble to the kitchen to turn the oven on then continue to the basement fridge to pull the turkey out and prep it for the roasting pan. Come upstairs and... notice "light" coming from the oven. Hmmmm, still in a bit of a fog but I register that's just not right. Put turkey on counter, open oven and... kinda flame/sparks and sizzling coming from the bottom element which lies in pieces on the bottom of the oven floor.

Are you kidding me?!

Breathe. Walk upstairs to wake hubby and say "Honey, Merry Christmas... can you come and help me with the BBQ 'cause the oven is broken". He wakes up fast (always does anyway, but I think he realized I WASN'T kidding). Outside into the snowy morning he goes to pull the BBQ closer to the stairs, take out the racks and get it lit. Then a lightbulb moment. We can't call anyone at 5 in the morning. It's an emergency but it's not a death or illness so we don't want to freak anyone out... hmmm, his Mom is out for the day and we have keys. Off goes the BBQ... for now... we'll need it later for the stuffing and pies, and we hurriedly get dressed and load the turkey in the car and take off into the cold, snowy morning. All is well, we're in a good frame of mind and figure we'll just "run with it" and do what we can. Hey... it'll make a good story... someday, lol. We set the turkey to cooking in his mom's oven and go back two more times to check on it (at least a 40 minute plus round trip [not including the time spent there] each time. And the steadily falling wet and heavy snow along with the wind makes the driving steadily worse each trip - we pass more than a few cars in the ditch). Need to make sure it's cooking, pour off the drippings so they don't overflow the pan and get back to our place to get the rest of the meal cooking. Our last trip was 1'ish to pick up the turkey and bring it home. Kinda like meals on wheels, lol.

My best friend calls around 9 to wish us a Merry Christmas. We chat and of course share our fun/predicament. They have two portable roasting "ovens". Yahoo. Of course we won't say no. She's saved the day. We probably could've managed with the stove top, BBQ and microwave but this is even better. And she delivers, lol!

Dinner was just about perfect as was the company. My hubby spoiled me rotten (as usual) and was there by my side sharing all the load (mental and physical). The extra "spice" of having an oven break at a totally inopportune moment just made for an interesting day and table conversation. This will be the Christmas to remember and it was actually the "bestest" for me as I was home and believe-it-or-not relaxed and enjoying.

30 years and our first Christmas at home. But you know what? We still haven't cooked a turkey for Christmas dinner at home! So... we HAVE to do it again next year at the very least.

And me? Well, I'm going to kick back and relax with my brand new Keurig coffeemaker (WOOHOO! as the guy in the commercial exclaims) and my new scrapbooking dies and puzzles and magazines and... yes, I am spoiled and loved. It was a good day.

~Shelley

Visitor

2011-12-03T16:17:00.005-05:00

We had a welcomed visitor yesterday morning. One of our friends, Derry, came to visit with his "new addition".

Derry was the proud owner of Domino and Checkers, two of our "babies" (from Ripley, Hunter's mom; and Hunter respectively). Sadly, they have passed to the Rainbow Bridge and after several months of an empty house, Derry and Patty brought Sammy home.

What a sweetie (Derry too, lol). Now, while my gang is not so used to puppies anymore, they tolerated Sammy pretty well with only a couple leaps outta the way and snaps when he got too silly with them. The "photo shoot" went off without a hitch and we actually got about 7 or 8 shots before Sammy had had enough, lol.

Derry, thanks so much for sharing and bringing a new furbaby to see us. So looking forward to watching Sammy grow up.

~Shelley

Recalculating...

2011-12-03T12:04:00.008-05:00

Jeannie let me down.

Yup. Good thing I printed from "Google Maps" 'cause my new GPS didn't seem to have an "app for it", lol.

Armed with my print out and secure in the knowledge I had my "Jeannie", I headed off for a stamping technique day an hour and a half away last weekend. I knew about where I was to go, so felt pretty confident. But of course, I also had my new toy (GPS) to keep me company.

"We" argued the first half of the trip, lol. I was determined to head East and South and she was darn-well-determined to have me go East and North before heading a bit South. Oh well. It was nice thinking I wasn't just "talking to myself" but to something that would kibbitz back, lol.

So, finally having won the battle (I thought), Jeannie directed me to the correct off ramp and in the direction I "knew" was right. Until we got to Vankleek Hill, about 20 minutes from my destination, lol. It was rather funny. I "thought" I should go straight through the town; however, "she" felt I needed to start turning north. 'Kkkkkkk, I'll humour "her" but I think she's wrong. So, turn left she says. Turn left again. Turn left again. Turn left again. And of course "she's" actually indicating the streets by name and they ARE correct, but... yup, you've got it, "she" was in an endless loop, lol. Wanted to keep taking me "'round the block".

Okay... "she" had her chance so I ignore the chatter coming out of the GPS and head off in the direction I want to go. Then "she" tries to tell me to head back onto a ramp which indicates it's going to send me back the way I came? Nope, I am NOT gonna listen to "her" anymore . I head off where Google Maps has told me and reach my destination no problem (Jeannie also picked up about a couple kilometers from the destination and was fine with that, lol). Told my hostess what had happened and apparently my "Jeannie" is not the only GPS that has had this hiccup, lol. Many of her past visitors have cited the same issues.

Took the "other" way home and Jeannie was quiet most of the way. Happy with the fact I was following "her" way. Go figure.

I did have a good day. Created a whole album of 20 different stamping techniques and just enjoyed my creative get-away. Would I do it again? Absolutely. Jeannie or no Jeannie, lol. It was comic relief.

All this to say, don't necessarily trust yourself to the technology of a GPS.

~Shelley

Paper and Fun

2011-11-26T12:37:00.007-05:00

Well this week I had a few friends over and we played with paper. It's such instant gratification. We made an evening out of it with a meal and dessert and chatting and just having a good time.

They were good so I've told them we can play with glitter this week, lol. I'm a little of a control freak 'bout the glitter. Do so love it but it can be messy and likes to travel so... I'll limit the cards and hopefully the mess [grin]. We didn't get the Pennant Parade Christmas Tree Card done so we'll snick that in before we play with the glitter.

I took some time in between creating "class projects" and played with some future ideas for a "girls' class". Think my friends are game for this one too :-).

~Shelley

She had ants in her pants!

2011-11-20T18:06:00.005-05:00

Yes, she did.

Casey came for her "spa" treatment on Thursday. She's the last of my Hunter's pups and is now about 8ish.

She fits in well here, although she's more of an onlooker than a participant with the games the other dogs play. Always in for a game of tag tho' and today was no exception as I went out in the yard with my small group and they went zinging around the yard, Casey in "hot pursuit" (the registered name of her mom, by the way, lol). Close but not too close.

Then it was time for grooming. First the nails and the trimming of the feet. She has such stinkin' cute, perfect little paws. I always get silly delight in trimming them up and making them looking prettier. Then a trim of her ears, head, hocks and feathering. Then it was onto her petite little body.

Patience flew out the window (hers, not mine, lol). Normally I groom the dogs while they lie on their sides on the tool bench or grooming table. A nice soft towel or bath mat under them so they feel more secure and don't slip. I generally just gently take ahold of them, lay them on their sides and say "dead dog, do your dead dog routine", lol. And they do. Rarely protesting.

All was fine. For about 5 minutes. I was into the hind leg area of one side when her head popped up and she proceeded to get up. Dead dog, I said. Nope. So, she gets a pet and a chat and we start again. The next hour and a half plus (should've taken a steady hour this time as I'd already completed the trimming and thinning and manicuring) was like a comedy. Few brushstrokes, spray of watered down conditioner, and buck, buck, buck. Settle. Stroke, stroke, spray... buck, buck, buck. Twas funny really. Casey had ants in her pants. Or a bee in her bonnet or whatever cliche fits. The princess had something to say and the last word.

In hindsight, a maybe... about 1/2 way thru our session, I finally found the source of the "whistling" that had permeated the house all morning. The darn CO detector was obviously warning us that the batteries were dying. It broke into a shrill screech that had me lifting it literally off the wall and prying open the battery compartment to shut--it--up. Hmmmmm.... maybe, just maybe, that audible noise (and any of the inaudible to human ear components of it) had thrown Casey off her game/good grooming behaviour?

Okay... I'll give her that. This time, lol. We'll see when next she comes back.

What I did noticeably miss this time? Hunter. Not just because Casey is her pup. She ALWAYS came downstairs with me when a visitor came for grooming. Always. And she'd plant herself literally touching my feet the whole time that I'd be grooming. The others? Close, but not too close, lol. Just outside the doorway. Close enough they can run for treats that every dog gets after grooming; not so close that they can't runaway upstairs if they think their turn might be next .

Pics are of Casey "before" and "after". Cute either way.

~Shelley

Boring?

2011-11-20T11:26:00.009-05:00

Facebook is a wondrous place. But it can be scary, lol. You reconnect with old friends and they ask after you and your life. How to describe it? Will you come up lesser in their eyes? Will you be judged if you're not a rocket scientist, a published author, a doctor, a nurse, a...?

I am proud to be a mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a friend. I live a quiet, secure and comfy life. I am with the love-of-my-life and we are rather "settled" in our ways. We go out for dinner and drinks, the odd movie, away for a few days (together [wink]), out for a drive, visit with friends (often at home), but we both enjoy our homelife.

Boring? Maybe for some as we don't "party" or reconnect a lot with old friends. We have each other and a full life. A good home, great kids and a largish family. Most of our family (brothers, sisters and parents) are in the immediate area.

My husband is the main breadwinner. I originally worked outside the home as a Health Record Administrator and then as a Property Manager. Then came our two boys, now aged 24 and 20. My husband supported me as a stay-at-home, full-time Mom. It was/is a good life. I was there, and still am, for my husband and kids. I run the home. For some years, I bred Shetland Sheepdogs (20 years) and showed them in conformation and obedience. I also joined a couple of women's groups and dabbled in decorative painting and now papercrafting. I get out to the painting conventions with friends and work closely with a good friend managing a large booth. Here I get to reconnect with old and make new friends. I teach decorative painting occasionally and also papercrafting techniques. These are my hobbies and give me a creative release, fun and socializing time.

Boring? No. Anything but. My life is full and fulfilled. My best friend is my husband of almost 30 years and I look forward to growing very old with him. There aren't enough hours in the day, lol. We will continue to pursue our own hobbies (the above for me and RC Cars, Slot Cars and photography for him) but at the end of the day... we will sit comfortably side-by-side, watching must-see t.v. and talking about our days and just basking in the glow of a continued romance.

No fairytale, just very real and very fulfilling, and no boring life here .

~Shelley

What is wrong with this picture?

2011-11-11T17:19:00.008-05:00

We bought a new dog bed for the dogs. A little on the small side, but it was inexpensive ($6.00!!) and cute and we thought, "what the hey, one of 'em might use it - probably little 'Squeak".

So... Molson really doesn't use any of the pet beds. We originally bought a few for the older dogs, Hunter and then Whisper. Hunter mainly. But then Whisper decided she really wanted Hunter's so we bought one for Whisper who then staked the new one out as hers and wouldn't let anyone else near it, lol. So off we went to get another and she staked it out too and would almost have a hissy fit when either of the two newer ones were occupied, lol. She'd huff and puff and stomp and stare and then throw herself to the floor in front of the occupied one and block whoever was on it - even while the one a few feet away was empty! If she got to the prime one first (whichever one would change on a whim) she'd growl and snarl to warn the others away. I think ONCE we actually caught all of 'em on the same bed at once and that was only because Whisper pushed her way onto one occupied by 'Squeak and Shimmer and lay almost on top of them. Ya, really. But they all left Hunter and her bed alone. She had the prime spot right beside the kitchen table where I'd sit with my 'puter.

Fast forward to now. No bed beside the kitchen table. Two in the familyroom a few feet apart. We cycle them around and now have extras to replace those that are destined for the wash.

Molson does his own thing. 'Squeak loves company. Shimmer gets tired of sharing with her daughter any spot she has laid claim to first. She gets too warm and 'Squeak is just too chummy and cloying, lol. So Shimmer has decided that the little pet bed is quite perfect as there is no room for 'Squeak (Shimmer barely fits). 'Squeak has taken to her Grandmother's ways of stomping and huffing and puffing and staring if Shimmer won't share the small bed. Until now... hubby and I watched in shock and awe as the little weasel pushed her way onto the TINY pet bed with her mother. She just 'bout pushed Shimmer off, lol. I grabbed my camera in
disbelief as Shimmer put her head up as if to implore me to save her. What a sight. The big pet bed, usually shared, remains empty. Molson snores blissfully unawares in his own little world elsewhere.

~Shelley

Hmmmm... waz up?

2011-11-08T19:31:00.008-05:00

Well, I did go to the Quebec painting convention. Salon des Arts Decoratifs. It was, indeed, spectacular. Apart from the communication and culture shock, the people are by far, the friendliest, neatest, chiquest (my new, made-up word, lol), youngest group of painters by far. It is just... well... energizing.

I was tired (and still oh-so-sore) from the show the previous week, but I tell you, you don't have time to let your feet grow roots, lol. My French language skills were a tad lacking this year (I claim the aforementioned tiredness ) but most people were so patient and appreciative of any attempt, however much you massacred the French language ;-).

The show was in St. Hyacinth this year. It's about a 1/2 hour east of Montreal. Beautiful area. I used my friend's GPS and dubbed it "Jeannie" (for genie in a bottle/box, lol). I tell you, if someone had heard me talking back to that little piece of modern technology, I would've been committed, lol. You should've heard me when "she" would tell me to make a "legal" U turn, lol. Not. I really enjoyed it, though, and "she" sure helped me. Since then, my sweet hubby has bought me my own GPS.

The show was so busy, the four days passed in a blur. It was sad to say goodbye to my friends (new and old) but good to get home.

New. Not much. My oldest has come to stay for a couple weeks. Something about needing a break? Whatever. It's new and different and... okay, I'll say it... strange, lol. 24 is so grown up and mature and adult and a mom is not s'posed to question every little thing. Right? As if. We'll give him that space and privacy. For now .

Am still playing with the papercrafts. So satisfying. Instant gratification. I'm just in the midst of controlling some of my chaos so that I can plan a little workshop for some friends and create some Stampin Up cards and gifts for Christmas.

Have also been doing some painting and just finished a set of 4 winter landscapes adapted from a Dorothy Dent design. Will post a pic when I touch up a couple. Tomorrow I'm going to start a Kelly Hoernig design of a little "Jingle Bear". Colour Pencils. Do you hear me singing "Jingle Bells", lol?

Any-who... can't think of what else to say right now, so I'm just gonna hit "publish", lol.

~Shelley

Just playing, lol...

2011-10-29T20:41:00.002-04:00

Been playing on my favourite time-waster site . Jigzone. Love the puzzle-a-day and their archived puzzles. Can make them as hard or easy as you want and just have fun without taking up a horizontal surface, lol. Found out, if I make an account, that I can "make" my own puzzles. Too much fun!

~Shelley

Convention News

2011-10-11T21:38:00.004-04:00

Well, I got to the New England Traditions (NET) Painting Convention on Thursday, October 6... but my checked bag did not!

That also meant… no undies, no toiletries (which I paid a king’s ransom for at the tiny store in the lobby before it closed), no medication (my blood pressure meds, lol) and NO MAKE-UP or face cream.

The worst part?! They KNEW where our (myself and one other nice lady) bags were! They were circling endlessly on the WRONG carousel, but they figured they couldn’t get them up to us on time! And we weren't allowed to go down to the PUBLIC carousel and get them ourselves. Chain of custody?! So they sent us thru Customs who said “no way, we can’t let you in without luggage”! So… I left Customs (at 11:50 a.m. – flight to leave at 12:10) and went all the way back to the Westjet Desk, grabbed a nice lady (literally - yes I did, lol) who told me to go back it wouldn’t be a problem and I said “not without your escort, lol”. She walked us thru Customs' initial check-in and vouched for our bags (the fact that they were somewhere in the Toronto International Airport and would follow "later"), but couldn’t do anything at the actual check point/conveyor belt to hurry us thru (U.S. Customs were on "work to rule" so we were advised to "make nice"), then waited on the other side, talked to the Am.Eagle flight crew and had them hold it. We knew there were later scheduled flights to Boston but they said probably won’t get stuff ‘til sometime Friday. Grrr. Oh well. No use crying over it and stressing. Shit happens. After a hot two days in the same clothes, my bag arrived about 6 pm at the Best Western Marlborough, MA. I ripped into that bag sooooo fast for clean, dry clothes, lol. Never felt so good, lol.

The show venue for the New England Traditions Painting Convention was beautiful. People were wonderful, hotel comfortable, apparently the classes (rooms and experiences) were great. The only drawback was the loooooong jaunt to the Trade Show, but what a beautiful set-up for the Exhibitors and the customers! This chapter has done a wonderful job of putting on a show for all. Gawd forbid if there had been inclement weather, though. The distance, in my opinion, of the hotel and classes from the Trade/Exhibit Building is prohibitive. We saw few registrants come on lunchbreaks or breaks as we would at other shows with classes and exhibit areas housed under the same roof.

Our booth (Willow Wolfe and Princeton Brushes) included Rebecca Trimble this show, one of our Signature Artists. What a doll and a fantabulous artist http://www.rebeccatrimble.com/ ! It was so nice to finally meet her in person and see her artwork, watch her paint and just get-to-know her. Her style is folksy and clean with limited colours and I picked up a couple packets and can't wait to do 'em. She'd brought quite a few of her new book, Rebecca's Collections Vol 2, and it was a sell out.

I had little opportunity to leisurely browse the floor, but what I did see was awesome. There were at least 50+ booths and I tell you, it was a shopping mecca for the convention goers.

The service and food in the hotel restaurant was sub-par. One word – indifferent. They didn’t seem to care. Rebecca Trimble and I met in the main restaurant for dinner on Friday night and sat, and sat, and sat. It wasn't busy. Anything but. Most everyone was at the show's Banquet which was sold out. We were still sitting, trying to get someone's attention when Willow arrived from the airport. We waited a bit longer, again trying to politely enquire as to when we might be served when I decided to be proactive, lol. Got up and went over to the salad bar and grabbed a plateload of buns and butter and brought it back to the table! Got their attention then... they weren't happy, lol. So dinner finally arrived and was plunked onto the table. No one bothered to follow-up whether everything was fine. Halfway thru our meal, we finally nabbed the indifferent waitress and pointed out that my steak didn't have the mushrooms that were s'posed to be with it. I got lectured because I was only letting her know now?! Then, the waitress went away and came back with her order book that she plunked on the table beside me and proceeded to tap with her finger and say "see? I did NOT write "no mushrooms" ". Huh? I said we weren't implying she was in the wrong but maybe she might like to let the kitchen staff know? She said no she wasn't going to tell the kitchen staff that tonight. Huh? Let me tell you... it didn't get better, lol. In fact, this same surly, indifferent waitress was in the other restaurant for brekkie the next morning. Argh... she's stalking me, lol? None of us were looking forward to having our next meal there, but with little choice and no transportation... Let me tell you, I wasn't comfortable and just the thought of pulling up a chair in that restaurant made me queasy.

Saturday night we got a “get outta jail free card” and a nice lady, Ginny, who was in Willow's class drove us off the hotel site to a local Italian place, Allora. What a huge difference. Great food, great company, great location and service. It was energizing. I had Ch. Parmesan. Yummy.

At the end of the final day, after packing up the booth and ensuring that all the boxes would arrive safely at their next destination, I took the long walk up the hill to the hotel, not looking forward to eating in the restaurant there, but feeling too tired to ask the hotel shuttle to take me elsewhere. Donna Scully was packing up her car when she saw me dragging my butt up to the hotel and surprised me with the offer of dinner somewhere and a chance to visit before she hit the road. I thought… another git outta jail free card! With no hesitation I said yes and we had a lovely couple hours.

My van showed up on time the next morning and whisked me to the airport (only about 45 minutes, as my ride in on the Thursday was - some registrants and teachers had taken 2 hours or more to get to Marlborough from Logan International in Boston because of traffic). I checked in early and decided to go thru security to just sit and rest in the Air Canada lounge. Of course I had to go thru the full check because the buzzers went off - my bracelets. The lady screener was friendly and explained everything as she went about her business. I kibitzed with her and she thought I was a riot... heehee. I commented on this and she basically said my mantra, "life's too short to get your short's in a knot...". Told her she was terrific. One of the men on the line was fascinated with the commentary we carried on, lol, and then asked about the Pandora bracelets I had on. So of course I had to share about them . Then it was time to relax and await the flight. It was a cramped little puddle jumper and booked solid but the flight was only just over an hour so it was manageable. Just. Although the initial taxiing was taking so long, my seatmate and I thought sure we were maybe just taking the highway to Ottawa. It was a bumpy ride the first half (new pilot? 'Cause sure wasn't the weather) but I was able to tamp my queasiness down.

Home. So nice to be home. Had a nap then a great meal out at Swiss Chalet. Did groceries today, laundry tomorrow and updating my books/booth schedule etc... off to the Quebec show on Thursday and back Monday. Whew. Salon des Arts Decoratifs http://www.salonartsdecoratifs.com/ . I will be driving so no chance of losing my luggage, lol.

~Shelley

A little lost

2011-09-12T10:57:00.012-04:00

I'm a little numb and bruised today. It's not really a bad day, if you call saying goodbye to a furry friend and helping them move onto a less confusing, painfree life is a blessing and a gift we can give them. It's just kinda the speed it took, like a snowball rolling down a mountain. It's with a sad heart that I write her obit today.

Whisper: December 29, 1997 - September 12, 2011

Yes, she was aging fast. They always do once that process starts. Didn't mind carrying her up and downstairs; she'd actually resolved herself to her new role of demanding mistress of the house, lol. Take her out, plunk her onto the soft grass, give her behind a pat and gentle push and she'd do "her business", maybe run 'round for a bit and sniff all the neat yard smells, check the back gate area and warn the construction workers and passersby that she was the Queen of all she surveyed, then wander back to the patio and yip or whine until her servant appeared to usher her into her abode. She wanted her "dues" when and how she wanted them, lol.

Her arthritic discomfort was getting worse and the pills gave limited relief. Her hind end was getting weaker and she'd softly collapse occasionally then look a little befuddled. Her sleeps were longer and deeper. But boy, could that tail still wag and that body still enjoy the petting and scratching. And she was always right there at the door pushing her way thru the others and demanding her share.

Saturday night we went out to dinner and when we came back I thought she was "listing" a little. Her behaviour was a little more clingy and she was a little more unsteady on her feet. We both voiced our thoughts that her time was getting nearer and time for serious monitoring. The next day she seemed back to "her normal". I met with my eldest and tried to pave the way. I was met with denial and a cold statement that I'd never been forgiven for the passing of another favourite from about 7 years ago, Sheena. Sheena, the matriarch, was 17 years and one week when I had to make the decision for her/us. I was hurt. I've always tried to be honest with the kids (and myself) and do the best for the furries and them and pave the way for the facts of life and the gift (yes, it is that; as hard as it is and it HAS been hard over the years) of being able to help them to the Rainbow Bridge. Oh well. He (my eldest) and I went birthday shopping for something for his girlfriend and had a good day and I made sure I convinced him to factor in time to come home and make a card for his girlfriend and I'd drop him to work on time. It was my way of ensuring he see "his dog" while the opportunity was still there. Whisper was as good and healthy as an old, arthritic dog could be and was very happy to see him and get extra attention and treats. That tail was a-waggin'.

She had lots more smelly dog treats than normal that day, ate a huge dinner drenched in chicken bouillon and looked for more. Had her evening scratch and pet and outing and after two extra special dog cookies (rather than the 1/2 the dogs usually got for "bedtime-cookietime"), we all retired for the night.

I was awakened by my youngest son sometime around 1 a.m. Whisper was seizing. It was not her "normal" short epileptic episode (she'd started having small seizures at about age 8 and they lasted mere seconds to a couple minutes; they occurred sporadically about every few months and were not too momentous for her or us). This was something more and not pretty. I got her settled some, hubby awoke and looked after the both of us and we determined it was time. No time to wait 'til "regular hours".

Her last couple hours were calmer and with her favourite people and we said goodbye and let her go peacefully to the Rainbow Bridge. I am sure she is smiling and running freely again and painfree and lording it over all the others. The Queen Bee.

There is a hole in the household today. The three young-uns are a little unsettled as am I but we will carry on and each day will get better. Should be interesting what happens with the furbaby hierarchy now that the Queen Bee has passed on the torch. Very interesting .

Whisper? Waggy tail? Where's that waggy tail? Gooooood girl. We'll miss you, but know that you're painfree and happy and wagging that tail madly, dancin' and lookin' for your "dues".

~Shelley

Whisper

2011-09-02T23:18:00.004-04:00

She's getting old, lol. The arthritis is getting the upperhand. We're now carrying her up stairs almost all the time. Very few exceptions. She can still make it downstairs most of the time. But she doesn't like to. And she doesn't like to get her feet wet in dewy grass or rainy grass, so she mostly goes on the patio stones. Each stone is 18" square, so by my calculations, the pic I took (one of her shorter trails, lol) is about 15'. Please let me decide on the signs for her needing to be a "downstairs" dog before she breaks her housetraining due to old age! Argh.

We had a four-legged visitor for a few days in August. He was busy as 6 month old pups are. The younger ones got used to him and would "tune him up" periodically. Pebbles just shrugged these times off and went about his merry way. He's a good pup. Whisper is 13-1/2+; she doesn't have to "put up with it" and doesn't. The photo shows her greeting Pebbles, lol. Thank goodness she is much slower moving as she ages .

~Shelley

Addendum to the A/C Saga

2011-06-24T15:07:00.003-04:00

Eureka! Coolness! Sigh, what a feeling.

3 hours almost to the minute and they've packed up and left. Just in time, literally, for the torrential downpour that made me run to close the windows and the little bit of cool that wafted in from the sauna-like conditions outdoors.

I know... what a weany I've become, lol. Spoiled with my central a/c! Cool baby coooool. It's muggy and stifling in here. Mama's gonna melt .

~Shelley

It's hot!

2011-06-24T12:51:00.002-04:00

There IS a difference between dry heat and moist heat. No doubt about it.

My central air has been broken, kaput, shot, dead, destroyed... busted, for just over 2 weeks now. It's been warm in the house, but with cooler nights, lots of room fans, closing everything down during the day, opening windows wide to catch any breeze... it's been bearable. Most days.

Fast forward to this week. Rainy and warm. Not too hot, but just enough to make a sauna with the moisture and the sun. As I type this, the sweat is glistening on my skin and trickling down my back. And I think it's only 20 degrees celsius outside and by the thermostat, 24 in here. Lordy! At some points over the last couple weeks, it got up to 26 and 27 degrees celsius in the house. Not great for sleeping even though it cooled down, but it seemed "livable". Weird.

But my saviours have finally come. The a/c installers are here and working away installing a new unit. Just in time 'cause it promises to be like this the next couple of days. YIPPEE! Never thought I'd be so happy to see a couple of sweaty guys, lol.

~Shelley

Gone...

2011-05-30T13:49:00.004-04:00

In 60 seconds (or less, lol).

No email contacts. None. Zip, zero, nada, rien, blank, nothing, zilch, naught, nix, nil... BIG goose egg, lol. A rose by any other name.

Well, this could be a good thing, lol. I can't "talk" to anybody. Might get some stuff done. No news is good news...

ARGGGGGGH! It might mean... I've gotta pick up the phone!? Yup. That hardly-used "thing" on the wall. That chewer-upper of time. That prehistoric talking machine. Yes, I will have to do that as I have a Stampin' Up Party to decide upon (whether it runs or I cancel) and it's coming up... FAST.

Good news is my machine is back up and running and better than ever. There is a LOT that I must get used to, but baby steps. Brand new Microsoft 2010 Suite (including Outlook - full version, yikes; Word 2010 - do you have ANY idea how very different it is than the 2007?! And to think some are still using the version before that!?; etc.); full Windows 7 Pro version; Firefox... and the list goes on. Make me more efficient? Harrumph/choke/cough... we'll see . Oh ya, and the latest Adobe Reader, version 10. Wowsers... now that is different! Ooooh-la-la... all this for a woman who doesn't "do" change well, lol. Think I'm handling this quite well says she as she pats herself on the back .

~Shelley

And it begins...

2011-05-28T13:57:00.005-04:00

ARGGGGGGGGH!

Well, I "rescued" my computer for a nominal fee instead of close to the $200 it would've taken to "fix" it at the computer "doctor". It was so badly infected, they couldn't even get it to connect to the internet.

So... nothing else but to strip it down and start over. Think my son was rubbing his hands together in glee (while also not-so-quietly smirking). I learned from one of the gurus there that my son was also right (sigh, lol). It IS possible to get Windows 7 working on the laptop despite what Dell has on it's site. I can say goodbye to the Windows Vista now.

Ya but... the changes! Most for the good. But some, well some, I think my son is just being punitive with me, lol. The list (and speech) of what I "can't" do with my computer is longer than what I "can" do (what is "allowable" by said son the "Technician"), lol. But... I will bow to his superior knowledge (for now) and try to work with what he's "allowing" me to have.

I am NOT allowed to use Internet Explorer as my browser 'cause he says it's too "hackable" or somethin' to that affect. Something to do with some angry "active x"?! Whatever, lol. So... I'm permitted to play with Mozilla's Firefox. Hey, it's kinda cute but the display... oooh-la-la it will take some getting used to.

I have no mail server 'cause he hated the old one (Windows Live Mail). Hey, I didn't like it either, having previously used Outlook Express, but danged if I can remember now what I didn't like about it heehee. Whatever, I need mail. As it is, ALL my emails that I've been "banking" are gone. All my passwords, memberships, stored "business"... gone. Sigh. No biggie. Good way to start fresh, right?! So, if someone reading this post knows they've sent me an email in the last while that's gone unanswered... send it away again, lol. We "think" he may have saved all my contacts (over 300) so here's hoping... crossing fingers 'til he gets home.

I've just spent the better part of a day downloading, reloading, finding... programs that I would like re-installed. That's a process in itself. I really should make a better list for future, lol. I also "played" online and tried to watch/download a couple videos. One I cannot capture 'cause it's Flowplayer and so I need to "use" the lesson now as it's disappearing to me by tomorrow (will be taken offline). Do you know how hard it is to follow along with a video lesson and NO SOUND?! OMGaaaaawd, I thought maybe my 'puter DID have an incompatability then with moving from Vista to the Windows 7 (Pro version might I add, lol). No drivers for the audio?! Argh!!! Nope, no worries. Son just hadn't got around to installing that particular driver. Whew. Will work on that one shortly.

So, so far so good. I've got my Adobe Photoshop Elements working, Adobe Reader, RealPlayer (that is one of the no-no's, lol, but my "hafta have" ). I've got the Microsoft Office suite installed. The anti-virus. The spy/malware programs I'm off to download now. Then I've got to put my "games" back on (Jewel and Solitaire) and my Painter Library program and hope that I didn't lose all that data. I did lose the Tips & Ideas Database, but no biggie, not sure I would've used it anyway (haven't to this point so... no sense in going back to it's creator to try to get new copy).

Yup, so far, so good. The sighs emitting from my chest as I do all this playing, well... just me talking and cursing and showering my 'puter with affection so it loves me again and behaves, lol.

~Shelley

My apologies to my "perfect husband", but...

2011-05-25T15:45:00.007-04:00

Computers must be male. As soon as you commit to one you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have obtained a better model. In order to get their attention, you have to turn them on. Big power surges knock them out for the rest of the day. ~Author Unknown

Sigh, I'm not having much luck the last couple days so thought I'd give y'all a pick-me-up, lol. Now, you must understand, that my husband is excluded from the above statement as in my eyes, and that of a couple of my friends (so it must be so)... he's perfect. Yup. Not going to turn "that" model in, lol.

Now to my 'puter woes. My "pink, Vista" Dell 'puter is very sick. It (okay, "I") got a nasty piece of malware and it's invaded my poor sweet computer and messed up just about every little nook and cranny on it. So... it was off to the Computer Doctor (The Trailing Edge) yesterday for a complete head to toe clean-up that they assure me will fix my problem. The darn piece of malware I got? The Windows Vista Recovery evil little (cannot call it what I really want in public) piece of garbage. Have learned that hitting that little red "x" to get rid of the screen only encourages it! Sigh. Control-alt-delete is my new mantra and as quick as humanly possible. However, that being said, it is so NOT going to happen again. Right?! Could've got the dang thing anywhere. Even, I am told, on the most innocent of blogs just like this one. Sigh. These buggers are getting craftier and craftier. Sure hoping the mantra what "goes around comes around" is most assuredly so for the idiots who think these up.

And to my continued woes... I am using my old IBM T41. It used to be fine for me even tho' everyone said it was slow. Hmmmm, they have a point. I am over-typing the dang thing and my typing is not even half of what it used to be. It's clicking and growling away at me. It's not charging. It wouldn't turn on earlier. Just stayed in a vicious loop of the Windows Screen to lull me into believing it was just "loading". A plea to my computer-literate son got some mercy and clicking in the "bios", whatever that is, and he got it up and running with a crooked grin implying "geesh, Mom, do I have to do everything". Grrr, lol. It hates me. So... I am typing this quick post thinking it might be my last for awhile 'cause when this poor machine dies... I don't think anyone in the house is going to let me NEAR another computer [grin]. The computers hate me, lol.

This is going to be the longest next few days of my life, lol, until my laptop is back with me in working order. Sigh. It can't be soon enough.

~Shelley

Sweat...

2011-05-20T13:27:00.008-04:00

Women "glisten" and men sweat. Right?! Not! Today, I'm sweating, and huffing like Kirsty Alley on Dancing with the Stars after one of her dances, lol. Now that my breathing has re-set to a manageable level [grin], it's time for me to post (hubby was exclaiming 'bout my lack of new posts t'other day - yes, we do "talk"; however, he's a regular reader of the blog and well...).

It's been raining for several days. I just cut the grass last week, but it's growing like the proverbial weed on steroids. The weeds are even worse. It's become impossible for me to find all the landmines left by the dogs. Hubby has been very busy at work and oh-so-tired when he gets home. Much as he's gonna give me right sh#\!* when he gets home, I figure I have a few hours of blessed ignorance and hope that he won't read the blog before then heehee.

Mowing the lawn is tough work. Not-so-bad when it's a little overgrown. But really, really hard on you when it's, like, 6" long, lol. Couple that with the fact we have a honking big gas mower. Wonderful to chug through the heavy stuff, but hard work. I pull it out of the shed and hang the grass catcher on it. Then I top up the gas. I think the hardest part is the initial start-up. Pump the prime button a few times. Just the right amount mind you. More than the 3 it tells you, but less than what it takes to flood it, lol. Then, while holding the starting bar engaged, pull that honking long cord a couple times. Hard! Try not to dislocate your shoulder, lol. Crap. Okay, tie down the starting bar, put foot on wheel so it doesn't roll and pull. Whew. Success.

So, I am puttering around the yard and stopping periodically to empty the bag before it gets too full and heavy for me (gets full far too fast and the grass is too long to leave on the ground). In my own little world I am when I hear something. Just 'bout jump outta my skin, lol. It's the neighbour offering to do the front lawns with the gas mower when I'm done. Who am I to argue as the sweat (yes... s-w-e-a-t) pours down my back and my hair comes loose of the clip I've put it up in? I finish and gladly hand it over. When neighbour is done, he exclaims how freakin' heavy the lawnmower is (but it does a great job). Ya think?! And I've done the hard part of getting it started, lol. Any stoppage after the initial shoulder-dislocating cord pulls is a piece-of-cake to start it up again. It's almost more a light tug of that damn cable, lol. I take off the grass catcher and finish up outside our yard where the city has made a right mess working on some housing across from us. Can't wait 'til that's finished.

So... now that my system is back to normal, I feel quite good 'bout my accomplishment. Take that hubby [grin].

I'm just waiting for my chauffeur duties to begin for my youngest (he's almost 20 now). He's off to escort his girlfriend to her prom. Can't wait to see the two of them all dressed up. Hope he'll let me take/get a pic (without him rolling his eyes, lol).

Oh, and the convention went well. It's always nice to go to and re-connect with old friends (not in the chronologic sense, but that too, lol) and see what's new. It's a nice show but I have to say I was disappointed with the attendance this year.
Those that were there were excited and really wanted to be there, but the numbers are a-dwindling. New things are in the works for next year to attract more attendees and we will do our best to spread the word. I stayed Sunday night as it's a long drive back for me and driving alone, in the dark, especially during a storm... well, not the most optimum or safe conditions. So I wandered home on the Monday and stopped to stretch my legs... in Shannonville (about the 1/2 way point for me) so I could "just have a peek at Ecstasy Crafts", lol. Well, really... I needed to stretch my legs and what better place?! Yes, I did do some retail therapy, lol.

~Shelley

It's that time again

2011-04-24T12:57:00.003-04:00

What time? Well, painting convention time. This week I will drive to Mississauga for the Coast to Coast (C2C) Painting Convention and set-up and man (woman?) the booth for my friend, Willow.

Today is Easter Sunday. I will shortly put on a small turkey roast for the family. And then I will probably start to panic about what I DON'T have ready, lol. No list, no booth supplies gathered, no packing, no laundry done, piles that I had vowed to remove from my hubby's eyesight still there...

OMG...oodness! LOL! Well, I shall take a breath and handle what I can, as I can, and go away and have a damn good, but exhausting time, come back with a smile on my face and... knuckle in to everything I left undone . And life goes on. Oh, but I WILL get my nails done before I take off on Wednesday. Priorities, lol.

~Shelley

And then there were four...

2011-04-24T12:30:00.006-04:00

Yup, it's, unbelievably, been almost 2 months since we said goodbye to Hunter. The dogs and I are moving on with life and making new paths. Whisper has become my shadow, Molson yappier, Shimmer and 'Squeak no noticeable change. I still occasionally find myself looking for Hunter. Counting dogs in and out and finding it hard not to count to five .

Whisper is 13 and I just took her into the vet to get some more arthritis medication for her. This time we'll try the Deramaxx rather than the Rimadyl to see if it offers a little more comfort. It's also s'posed to be a tad more cost-effective. Ya right, lol. At, still, $1.00 per day for a 30 pound dog... I thank goodness she is not a big newfoundlander, lol.

The visit to the vet. I have to talk about that. Whisper is the Alpha Dog. She can be quite cranky with other dogs that invade, what she calls, her "space". Like our past matriarch, Sheena, who we aptly named "the Shark" in old age, you can never be too sure if the "space" is 2" or 20' lol. Whisper likes to be in control of the situation. She doesn't like changes and she HATES the car. Always has, always will. All you have to do is call her to the front door and she happily comes thinking it might mean an unrestrained wander to the mailbox or to accompany you out around the yard. Pick up those car keys tho' and she becomes a cowering mass under the kitchen table and no amount of cajoling or ordering can get her out. She must be dragged kicking and yes, sometimes, literally, screaming.

So... I digress. The visit to the vet. Laid back, that was an understatement, lol. The car ride was all that was expected... chattering teeth, shaking body, drooling (from her not me, lol). Short trip later she was out of the car like nothing happened, waltzed into the vet ...and just lay on the floor patiently, when I directed her to, while everyone fawned over her. Her tail wagging constantly. She loved the vet (but all those who know him adore the man too, lol) and made google eyes at him, followed him around, begged for cookies and stood perfectly calm under his examination and fond attention. Then, while waiting to pay the bill, she broke her down stay in the waiting area afterwards to mark the floor for a young male pup that was looking her way (she's in heat - looking for a man at this age, lol)! Why don't dogs have menopause!? Geesh. That's my girl. Tough as nails but a marshmallow (and shall we say "tart"?) at heart. Vet thought she was in great shape and a sweetie (are we talking 'bout the same alpha dog with the selective hearing?) apart from her backend getting weaker in old age.

So our pack gets a little smaller. The dynamics change. But some things still stay the same. And where is this marshamallow right now? Well, right at my feet as I type this missive. Baring her teeth at the others if they come too close. They must lie elsewhere (the other side of the table is quite fine).

~Shelley

A long goodbye

2011-02-25T10:57:00.011-05:00

Well, yesterday I decided it was "the" day.

As mentioned, once Hunter's body decided to age, it was a rapid decline. My once perpetual puppy was decidedly old. Her body was not co-operating. She had more bad days than good days. She was always known for the smile on her face. She wasn't smiling like she used to. Last week I decided it was a day-to-day. Stop greeting me I said with a lopsided smile. Stop following me. Stop bouncing up the stairs from outside (with a hitch in her step, but my once bouncy dog continued with a little spring in her step - she NEVER walked where she could run, and she continued to try to do so). Stop eating. Show me a "big" sign.

Wednesday night she was a little more restless. She went out to do her duty and got lost. I had to get her and guide her. She followed me around the kitchen for her bedtime treat but with less gusto and I had to hold it in front of her and show her where it was; however, she did snap it up when she found it. I figured I'd call the vet the next morning. She lay in "different than usual" spots in the downstairs area; this was unusual. Apparently she went out for hubby in the morning but was even more lost and confused. When I got up she was lying in another "different than usual" area. She went out for me and when she came in, she just couldn't seem to get warm. She had tremors.

I gave her some juicy treats. She snapped them up. But I knew it was time and called my favourite vet. Hated to keep getting him to "do the dirty" on my dogs, but... he made it easier for all of us.

Hunter and I spent our last hours together. I locked out the other dogs and just pet and cuddled and treated my shadow of many years. When I took her to the vet's for the last time, we were both more than ready. It was time. I gave her a few
more special treats and the vet was s'prised at her appetite... and the strength of her vital organs even tho' her body was betraying her. She was very peaceful and, I do believe, thankful. She had a good life and she rested with her favourite person by her side. No tears. It was a good time and we had the best of times. I know she's running and jumping and yapping up a storm at the Rainbow Bridge. She was always the happiest, friendliest and smiliest dog I ever had or met... I hope she's smiling again.

~Shelley

Okay, she's not 105

2011-01-12T20:26:00.005-05:00

But she's old, lol.

Dog years. Aging. It sucks. The old rule of thumb was 7 human years = one dog year. That has been revamped. Partially because a one year old dog is capable of reproduction while a 7 year old human is not... no kidding.

Whatever, my Hunter is still old. She's over 15 now and I guess, then, that by the chart, she'd be in her mid-80's. Funny. You don't notice the big changes in the first year or two. Well, let's be realistic... you do notice your pup gets bigger, a tad smarter, housebroken and hopefully integrates well into the household. But this all takes place over the first year or two and the time in between that and "old age" is not as dramatic.

However, since telling Hunter in late summer that she could not have the run of the house anymore (she was getting a bit forgetful of where the backdoor was), the changes ARE dramatic. She has AGED. The dog that approached her 15th birthday was old by the calendar, but still spry and aware. The changes in the last few months have taken that spry old dog to a slower, more confused, less aware of her surroundings shadow. It sucks. The path to that final time is FAST. Changes measured sometimes daily rather than by weeks or months.

She goes outside still, but it takes her a loooooong time from her pillow bed to the backdoor and she sometimes gets "lost" in the backyard. She eventually finds the door to come in, but... it's noticeable the change. She doesn't do laps of the yard as much. She doesn't move about the house as much. She doesn't see well, her hearing is almost non-existent and her sense of smell is dulled. She gets incredibly cold, right to her bones, and needs a blanket (loves the "towel blanket"
we drape her with and wears it proudly). But she still looks forward to her food dish (still once a day) and her treats. Oh those treats. Woe to the silly human who forgets that bedtime cookie (and it must be a marrowbone or beef-basted cookie [grin]). She can still get up the "fight" for the right to her bedtime cookie and will throw herself against the glass kitchen door if you forget, lol. Better, too, that you put it on the floor in front of her as that "pacman-like snap" is deadly, lol. And when she does wake up to greet you, that tail still wags, even tho' the body is a little less steady and wobbly, and there is still a slight smile to her face.

She's not ready (and truth-be-told, nor am I) to let go yet.

No, she's not 105, but she's OLD and losing more ground each day. Sigh.

~Shelley

It's Official

2011-01-03T14:12:00.004-05:00

Yup... I am now a Stampin' Up Demonstrator. So make sure you keep me in mind when you're thinking of ordering anything related to papercrafting [wink]. You can see all the products on the Stampin' Up website.

So now you know why I also need to do a clean-up and out as mentioned in the previous post, lol?!

About three years ago, I decided to create an album for my parents' 50th Anniversary. Looking back, I know I was nuts to create a 70 some page album spanning their entire life together, including their "growing up" years and also pages from many family members. I had never scrapped a day in my life and in fact, thought it was a rather silly and expensive hobby. I mean... why spend all that time on pretty papers, sayings, journalling and a book when you could buy ready-made photo sheets and just plunk pics into those or get little photo corners or those albums where you could lift the clear sheet and just stick pics in?! However, I had so much freakin' fun experimenting and playing with papers, glues, embellishments and basic techniques that... the rest, as they say, is history. Why not just jump in with both feet?! I was hooked. Hook, line and sinker.

Then came the cards. I will NEVER make "homemade" cards I said. I didn't understand why anyone would spend all that time, energy and not-to-mention money on a card that will just be thrown out?! I mean, really, it is so easy just to buy one at the myriad of stores... especially dollar stores. Geesh, what did I know?! Never say never. They may get thrown out, but the process... the creating, the playing... just puts a smile on my face. It's the journey, right?

I was hooked. Paper. Embellishments. Ink. Diecutting machines (my latest and I think greatest is the Big Shot Pro that my husband bought me for Christmas - but it is honking HUGE [grin]). Ribbon. And the STAMPS! Good, golly, gosh... I was/am addicted.

So... what better way to feed my passion than to sign up with a company that gets a lot of my money anyway, lol. A company that has all the above and more. Something to feed my passion.

So... the craft area. It's so gotta get organized, lol!

~Shelley

Be afraid... be very, very afraid...

2011-01-03T13:07:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year!

With the New Year comes New Year's resolutions and while I am so not a fan of making New Year's resolutions (yes... because I break them, lol), this year, I have made one for my own (and hubby's) well-being.

Organize and purge. Yup. I need to. For my own sake. I am trapped in a messy state of my own making. I am a crafter. I know the collecting and hoarding of stuff is part of our make-up, that our "stuff" encroaches on other spaces in the home and our lives in general. So many of us have shared this on online lists and we've triumphed that we're not alone [grin]. However, not only is this dampening my creativity, it is throwing me back into a depressive state that I need to (mentally and physically) climb out of. Many of us, when we hit that "wall" of realization, grab a partner, like in some of the t.v. shows or the businesses created to help re-organize homes and rooms, but I am finding I work much better on my own. When someone is there, even with good intentions, I feel judged and guilty and suspicious of their thoughts. I don't want someone else to label me as disorganized, a clutterer (which I own that I am) and wondering why in the world I would let my stuff come to this or why the need to have ALL that... lol. I beat myself up enough.

So... I have started with my craft area and vow to get it under control. Manageable chaos, lol. There are two small cupboards in the basement. One I had already laid claim to and the other that had old childrens' toys and games. Both have now been emptied. New shelving units have been installed and now begins the process of weeding out before some gets put back. Particularly the painting books, magazines and surfaces. I'd really like to purge some of these but realize it may be an ongoing project later as not only will it require time to go thru each piece, but also to spend computer time deleting entries in a database that holds all the information on those books and magazines. Baby steps. But need the boxes accessible and neat. So those I will put back in the far cupboard as I don't use them regularly.

The more accessible cupboard will get some of my scrapbooking stash. The "inventory" so-to-speak. The extra pads of paper and cardstock etc. so that the wall units installed by hubby a couple of years ago can be cleaned up and re-purposed for more go-to stuff.

Lofty plans, but I have begun to chip away. Slow and steady. Lots of breaks. It didn't happen overnight so I cannot expect to clean it up overnight. This is not a 1/2 hour t.v. show, lol.

Then maybe I can start tackling the other corners of my house and life. Those cupboards and drawers... hey, I know I'm not the only one who puts stuff outta sight, outta mind, lol.

Here are some "before" pictures. Wish me luck and hopefully I will soon post "after" pictures.

~Shelley

Don't ask how long

2010-12-03T16:56:00.002-05:00

LOL.

The actual card took no time at all. The process of "ripping off masks and applying glitter"... well, let's just say, it's not a dollar card, lol. It's priceless .

~Shelley

Torture by any other name

2010-12-03T15:52:00.003-05:00

Cruel and unusual punishment, make work project. Call it what you will, lol.

So why am I doing it? Maybe just to say "I can"?!

What am I talking about? Well... I've been cardmaking/crafting again. Went to a friend's yesterday. We'll call her the Glitter Queen, lol. That girl loves all that glitters. Made four cards. EVERYone had glitter of some sort. So... having learned a couple new techniques, I decided to play today.

Whew, gotta be patient (and/or certifiable). These are a LOT of work. You take a sheet of foil outline stickers, cut some "transfer tape" (makes a reverse image) and burnish the transfer tape to the sticker of choice, lift EVERYTHING (positive outline and negative "insides") onto the transfer tape, get some double-sided sticky sheet and put a suitably-sized piece onto cardstock, lift the protective top sheet, and burnish the sticker from the transfer tape onto the sticky sheet. Now comes the fun (ya, right, she says). Get some good tweezers and lift off portions of the stickers that are acting as "masks" and burnish some glitter onto the exposed portion with the fatty part of your finger pad. Repeat until it's all done to your satisfaction with multiple colours of glitter. Then you cut out the image and use it. Clear as mud? Easy-peasy she says.

I've definitely gone to the darkside. Me who is not a huge fan of glitter (the mess part, not the look, lol). Will now put my pieces together onto a card and post when done.

~Shelley

A blast from the past...

2010-11-18T18:07:00.004-05:00

A lot has happened since I last posted. A lot of "stuff" (errands; dog grooming - this I like as it gives me mad money, lol; housework - did I tell you this is a "hobby" of mine and therefore I don't have "time for hobbies"? LOL; cardmaking and a Stampin' Up Girls' Night Out party here;... life) and a lot of, well, nothing, lol. You know, busy making busy.

So, today I was on Facebook and Mo's Digital pencil is one of my "likes". She posted a couple digi-images (for those of you "not in the know", these are "stamps" on your 'puter that you can re-size and print out to your heart's content - no fuss, no muss, no mess!) of cute Christmas doggies. Yup, not shelties. A cute Lhasa with it's Santa Hat on and a cute lab pup with a Santa hat in it's mouth.

Now, I KNOW Mo has or did have a border collie. How do I know this? Well, I had previously bought an image from her that was "sheltie like" and she informed me it
was of her border collie. Knowing it probably wasn't too much of a stretch, having insider information about this border collie lol, I taunted about wanting a sheltie... Of course, dog people are breed specific, unlike cat people who just like any cute kitty item, and others were looking for their own breeds. This insider information brought out the devil in me, though, and I wouldn't let go. So she promptly produced (ya, within less than an hour no less) a cute collie-type image with a candycane in it's mouth. But the Santa hat is sooooo cute, I whined.

Gee, and with that, up popped a collie-type dog (close enough to a sheltie for me, lol) with a darn Santa hat tilted at a rakish angle on his head! So I had to buy it!

Devil made me do it.

Further conversation prompted Mo to declare HER border would never stoop to wearing a Santa hat. Just wouldn't stand for it. Well, I said, "my" shelties would and did and have and probably still will, lol. Found the blasts from the past and posted them for everyone that had been on Facebook and just felt I had to put them here.

So, without further adieu, I share with you a pic of Sheena and Cricket at the Obedience Club Christmas party some 22 years ago dressed up as Reindogs. Yes, they won, lol. And of course, as I was hunting for those old, scanned photos, I found one of dear Sheena with a Santa hat. Too freakin' cute.

Enjoy.

~Shelley

The end of an era

2010-10-26T10:16:00.005-04:00

It was a sad day today. Off went our almost 30 year old Roxton sofa into the garbage truck. It served us well. Aside from the foam backing in the cushions finally disintegrating, that sofa and chair stood the test of time well and solidly.

It saw us through our first years together as a couple. Then it proudly bore our weight as we added to our family. First came the cat, Tiffany; then the dog, Sheena; the second cat, Zonker; the kids, Daniel and Michael and many more pets and people.

It was spit up on, puked on, peed on (by one dog who shall remain nameless - mad at my husband one day, lol - okay, dear ol' Ripley. She was quite a character and we always knew where we stood with her... low on the totem pole [grin]). It held us as we celebrated each milestone - anniversaries, birthdays, baby and wedding showers...

It was a big sofa but we marched it to the curb last night thinking that the garbage men might take the chair and leave the sofa, which would mean we'd need to cut it up and put it out again. I heard the truck pull up so went out to meet the driver. I asked him if I helped him, could we put the sofa on the truck. No problem he said. So with a bit of a hitch in my stride and nostalgia in my heart, I picked up the big, handsome piece of furniture and said goodbye for the last time. However, it did not go without a fight, lol. The crushing mechanism needed to work over and over in order to crush the rockwood maple frame and steel springs. Finally, it had chewed it up enough to move on to the next pick-up. That bit of history has now moved onto the great furniture warehouse in the sky, lol.

~Shelley

The Quebec Show

2010-10-21T14:04:00.003-04:00

Held in Boucherville, Quebec (south shore of Montreal), it was well-attended by registrants and exhibitors.

Lots of familiar names:

Della and Company - wow Bill and Della have some awesome metalware. And their booth is magnificent. It's a long trek for them, but they made the trip from the New England Traditions show in Connecticut, staying one night with Sharon & Marty McNamara. Their trip home to Texas after the show would take them about 5 days. Whew. Della does a newsletter from the shows to update those painters "at home". Worthwhile going online and signing up for it.
Settler's Cabin - with Sharon McNamara Black and her husband Marty
Heather Redick
Mary Owens
Gladys Neilsen
Tracy Moreau
Sue Beckerton
Brenda Levert
Wendy Fahey
Holly Hanley - who was demoing in the Coup de Pinceau (store) booth
Debbie Cotton, Lydia Steeves and Willow in our booth

Lots of exhibitors from the Quebec scene. Country Bear Woodcrafts; Rue des Beaux Arts; Art & Hobby; Madame Pickwick; Coup de Pinceau (the magazine); Diffuzart; Montreal Area Decorative Painters Guild; and lots and LOTS more. Some AWESOME talent, artists and booths. I really, really liked the paintings of Anne Grenier and bought a packet. Sadly, she does not have a website (yet, lol), but I would describe her painting as kind of "shabby chic" or English country cottage. Very soft, lots of florals and birds but not "realism". Just beautiful.

In the Rue des Beaux Arts booth, Mitzart was demonstrating on the Terraskin paper. Okay, must say I hadn't really given this "new paper" a chance when I first heard of it. Paper made of rocks. Okay. Looks like white posterboard to me, lol. Big whup. Lots of nice surfaces out there like Mi-tientes, canvas, wood... Well, let me tell you... the possibilities are ENDLESS [grin]. There is no grain to fight with. It will take paint, watercolours, colour pencil, watercolour pencils, sprays, regular graphite, cheap pens... metal implements can be written with (yup... think keys, stylus', stones, etc.). It is water-resistant so can be dropped in water or taken out in the rain and you don't have to worry about your work being damaged. It can be diecut. It can be heated and then manipulated. You can erase on it or scrub off your paint and you do not take off or damage the surface like on paper. It can be off-set printed. It doesn't buckle. It can be rolled and when un-rolled it goes back to completely flat. Need I go on? Yup, I'm excited. And it's available through many of our artstores already (DeSerres, Curry's, Wallack's...). Gonna play with some, lol.

So yes, the show was great, the people were great, the art was great (still seems to be lots of interest in the Faux Vitraille painting - faux glass painting on solid surfaces as well as glass and glass-type surfaces; similar to Gallery Glass, Decoart Glass Stains and "leading"), demos... and we'll go back next year!

~Shelley

What was she thinking?

2010-10-18T22:43:00.009-04:00

Well, I made it home safe and sound from the Salon des Arts Decoratif painting convention despite the dingbat lady in the red pontiac sunbird who came onto the freeway thru Montreal from one of the inclined on-ramps hidden behind a "wall" and proceeded to shoot across my right front bumper. I was boxed in but had some freedom to brake lightly and managed to avoid a good thump and then woke her up with my horn. Grrr. She "started" and looked a little embarrassed but that didn't dissipate my shock and anger. Dingbat.

It was about 2 hours and 40 minutes door to door which included one "necessary" stop, lol. Sure beat the almost 4 hours it took to get there on the 13th. I got stuck on the highway when it was reduced to one lane at St.Albert through to Maxville (just before the Quebec border). That was an hour sitting in traffic. Funnily enough, it was surprisingly easy getting through Montreal at 2 in the afternoon. Go figure.

The show was awesome, despite the fact we couldn't start set-up 'til Thursday. We were hoping we could start on Wednesday night. That way we could at least lay out the booth and put stock under tables where we could pull from on the Thursday. Oh well, the best laid plans... everyone pitched in, though, and set-up went smoothly and was done by dinner. Yippee.

The show opened at 9 a.m. each of the three days. Ugh. 9-9 on the Friday (9-5 on Saturday and Sunday). Made for an incredibly long day. We were whacked. I'm not sure the foot traffic was as busy as last year, but it still never let up and we were kept hopping. We had translators in the booth this year which made it easier for those doing demos and for technical questions about product, etc. I was okay on cash and elsewhere as my "franglais" is passable and the customers were tremendous. They were happy, helpful with the language barrier and just so positive and friendly. It was a great
experience. Sunday, however, was slow and the couple of us in the booth were chatting (in English) and those coming into the booth quickly switched into English if they could. Mid-afternoon I was alone except for our translator who was tidying a corner when someone came into the booth and in rapid-fire French asked me something. Seen a deer caught in the headlights? Think that's probably what I looked like (and felt like), lol. I was horrified, lol. But the wonderful customer quickly realized what had happened and switched to English and we laughed about it and I gained my composure. I was at a total loss for any kind of language in that moment (believe it or not [grin]) I was so tired. Too funny.

Met lots of great people and artists and it was a great show.

~Shelley

P.S. - oh... and my soulmate brought me a bouquet of flowers (yellow carnations - my favourites) to welcome me home (and a PaintWorks magazine I had my eye on). I'm so spoiled!

Kolinsky Sable and Magpies

2010-10-12T19:35:00.006-04:00

Absolutely nothing to do with each other, lol. Nothing.

But... having just updated about my Calgary trip the other day, it was still on my mind and I was thinking of the beautiful black and white birds I'd seen swooping across the skies and landing in trees and on rooftops. The first sighting riveted my gaze. I had to find out what they were. Closer inspection... they were magpies. Fascinating birds to me and conjured up the Windex commercial where they are talking and laughing raucously at the humans who clean their windows so well they end up walking into them. Gee a bird wouldn't do that, lol. But annoying to Calgarians who would just as soon religate this bird to any other province that would have them [GBG]. They had beautiful long tails and were just, well, striking. Have always liked the "bad boys", lol. Guess they're kind of like our Blue Jays or starlings and crows. Annoying to other birds and people, but striking and smart as whips.

And today, I decided to get my nails done. Yup. Imagine my surprise when the manicurist pulled out a Kolinsky Sable brush to apply the acrylic with. Now, I really shouldn't have been surprised, as many of our decorative brush companies made their start in the cosmetic brush industry. When I commented on her choice in brush, she pulled out another company's "bargain" brand nylon bristle brush and proceeded to tell me all about why the Kolinsky was superior to the other, lol. Yes, I was amused. Too funny.

Okay... off to go finish packing and sorting out my stuff for the Quebec show. Will drop my doggies off at my friend's in the morning then back home to pack the car.

~Shelley

Update on Elgin's Crop

2010-10-08T22:36:00.004-04:00

It was fun. But it was 12 hours!

A 12 hour crop! Argh. Some of those ladies are REALLY focused, lol. I guess this is the "space" and time they get stuff done with families, etc. at home. Some just stayed at their own tables (full 3x6 rubbermaids for everyone) and kept their heads down and did layout after layout. Some, like one Stampin' Up rep, just cut and cut and cut... a whackload of assembly line cards, lol. Some looked for a little diversion and joined in on the classes. Tag, I was it, as no-one else followed thru for her (Victoria - the organizer of the charity crop). Good thing I did do all those last-minute cards/cutting/kits, lol (4 classes times 12 people per class times umpteen little pieces of paper, cardstock, chipboard, ribbon... I was cutting in my sleep, lol). It was really fun and the ladies really, really enjoyed and what was nicest? I got lots of compliments on projects and teaching style... Yup, definitely does leave a glow and feel good feeling. I pre-embossed a couple cards (easier for this situation). Just did basic, but fun cards to give them techniques and ideas that they could choose to "run with" on their own. You could hear and see the creative minds going on a couple of them for possibilities, lol. Too funny.

The following weekend (Oct 2) was World Cardmaking Day, so I taught a more-involved never-ending card plus a couple other simpler ones. Two pieces of cardstock and one piece of double-sided scrapbook paper and 3 cards later. An A2 Never-ending card... really complicated for scores but so freakin' cute!

I'll try to think of some other cards and do a few more classes for ScrapTease when the Quebec show is behind me. This is fun. Instant gratification almost with the papercrafts and happy attendees. Yup.

~Shelley

On the cusp of the next show

2010-10-08T21:52:00.013-04:00

... I thought I'd better quickly update on the last. Ya, it happened a month ago, but what the hey, lol.

Ya, I've been back awhile, but been busy, and busy making busy, lol. Don't kid yourself tho', this ain't all from memory, lol. Made some shorthand notes and if you know me, ya know that meant lots of little pieces of paper... all over the place [GBG].

Firstly...

pick a number...

Yuch. This bed is SOOOO not for me . I mean, really, once you've "found"
your number it's kinda not "useful" anymore right? And let me tell you... if your partner's side of the bed is any kind of difference, it's like there's a "bar" up between the sides! Yup, guess it's that "line in the sand", the masking tape across the floor when you were little and shared a room with a sibling... the "boundary" to not cross or infringe upon... so all you bed hogs get over it, lol.

What am I talking about? Well, the "Sleep Number" bed. Imagine my surprise and yes, delight, upon walking into my room at the Radisson Calgary and exclaiming about the cool remote control lying on the bed! Oooooh, I can pick a number and have the best sleep ever. Heeheehee. What the heck is my number?! Four nights is so NOT enough to have found it (altho' I seem to be a "medium" somewhere after 55 and so not 100). Kinda like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, lol. Too hot, too cold, just right. Nope... don't wanna play with my bed, just wanna sleep.

Speaking of hot, cold, just right. No water on the last morning of my hotel! ARGH! My roommate got off without a hitch to catch her flight, but when I got up (an hour later) and so ready for a wake-me-up shower... no freakin' water! ARGHHHHH! Oh well, had some bottled water to wash my face and brush my teeth and thank goodness, they worked miracles and I had water an hour and a half later. Good thing I wasn't on a schedule and had a couple extra hours buffer before my friend came to pick me up to do a little shopping before my flight. Also had to UPS some boxes. Apparently, someone on my floor (5th) turned their hot water knob on the shower on FULL and it got stuck. Yup. Apparently when maintenance entered the room a 1/2 hour later it was like a sauna. Ya think? So off went the water to the floor while they worked on it. No wonder the trickle that came out of the tap had been scalding.

Some of the people I reconnected with at the show:

Maureen Unland
Val Dickie, a ToleFriends' Member
Carrie Mashon
Leslie Mayer
Janet Hornsby
Sue Richardson, Lorraine Fletcher and daughter Holly...
Carol from Paint for Joy (awesome travel teachers scheduled)...
Cindy Ohama - known for her
published books Those Blooming Bears, Cindy slowed down in painting/publishing for awhile due to family priorities (read: wee children). She is now doing fabulous colour pencil pieces and we'll keep nagging her, lol, to get them up somewhere for all to see. Too good to keep hidden to only a few.
Deb Antonick...
Florence Blois - a delightful lady
many more than that, yup, I just can't bring to mind right now.

The show was very small. Just under 200 registrants; only about a dozen booths. But it was warm (literally and figuratively, lol) and friendly. One booth was noticeably short on stock - Tracy Moreau's shipment must've been lost or misdirected but she did a fabulous job of pulling her classes together. Wouldn't you know it but the shipment showed up at the front desk the day after the show closed and many of us were checking out! Next year the Coast to Coast Eventing Team will have a show in Moncton, New Brunswick and then the
following year will head back out west. The Mississauga show will still be a regularly held event in the spring. I've already signed up for a class. A teacher I really wanted to take with happens to have a class booked at a time when the Trade Show will be closed so... yippee, skippee, I'm so in [grin].

Picked up a couple colour pencil packets from Cindy Ohama and brought back a large wooden mailbox for a friend, but other than that and a few more, ahem, luminarte paints for me... nothing much.

Quebec show in Boucherville starts Thursday next week so after this Thanksgiving weekend celebrations it'll be time to pack and get ready. Looking forward to it and will try to be better about blogging about it sooner.

~Shelley

Landmines and leaves

2010-09-18T13:29:00.004-04:00

No... not THAT kind of landmine. Five dogs and fall leaves... need I say more?

Sadly, three of the dogs in the picture are no longer with us. This photo was taken last year and since, the dark dog in the back (Sheba) has passed to the Rainbow Bridge as have Dusty and Holly (top row left and middle row left). Sigh, they are with us such a short time yet have so much unconditional love to share.

~Shelley

She calls it a what?!

2010-09-15T22:36:00.010-04:00

A home studio. Yup. I guess, in reality, it's in her home. It's a place to paint. A place to hold classes. But... this is no ordinary studio. Not as we in the Decorative Art world know it.

This, this is a home studio like no other. Altered and morphed into an experience. As a friend called it... a hybrid. Yup, that word suits.

Sharlene Arseneau owns Artfully Toled in Calgary and I was honoured to be taken to and welcomed into her home to see this treasure. Oh my, I wish I lived closer and could take advantage of all she has to offer. The classes are varied and beautiful with something for everyone. The environment is welcoming and the inventory and supplies are organized and vast. Pattern packets, books, surfaces like no other, paints, mediums and a warm, inviting hostess and gifted artist.

Sharlene picked me up from the hotel on the Monday and went to the UPS Store to drop off the boxes of booth supplies destined for the Seattle Painting Convention, North
West Toleliners (and I dutifully filled out all the forms and customs forms, lol), then off to lunch and to visit Cactus Art Supplies. Wow, what a place. Everything my heart desires (but couldn't possibly buy 'cause no more room in my luggage [grin] - honey, you were safe, lol).

Then she took me to her home to show it off and continue our social girl chat [smile]. So glad to call Sharlene a friend. Thanks, Sharlene, I had the best visit and getting-to-know-you time.

~Shelley

I could get used to this

2010-09-15T21:31:00.004-04:00

Oh, he treats me like a Queen. I could get used to this.

Oh, wait... I AM used to this, lol.

I was tired. Had a long week. Enjoyed it, but it was time to come home. My flight left Calgary at 6 pm, arrived in Ottawa close to midnight. My man was there to meet and greet me.

What a welcome. He always makes me happy to come home. And he had a bouquet of flowers for me and a charm. Sigh. Spoiled and I know it.

The flowers were a wildflower mix. I love wildflowers and carnations. Beautiful and not fussy. The charm was a Pandora charm for my bracelet(s), he picked out the Breast Cancer dangle charm as I have had some close friends fighting this cancer and he thought it would be meaningful to me. He's so thoughtful, and so right. Yup, my man is a keeper.

I'm so glad to be home and in his loving, warm arms. I am blessed.

~Shelley

My new best friend

2010-09-06T14:36:00.005-04:00

My battery-operated personal fan! I would never take it out in public, but in the privacy of my own home... well, I embrace it, lol.

Top five reasons I LOVE menopause (which, by the way, has been occurring fairly regularly for the last 15 years and in ernest the last couple):

1. Several times a day I get to go on sizzling tropical vacations. For free!

2. My heating bills are way down. This would be good provided that the “power surges” would come when it’s cool out... but Murphy’s Law seems to prevail. That is, none or few in the cold months and LOTS so far during one of the hottest summers on record.

3. IF I make a New Year’s resolution, I have forgotten it by the next day. In fact, I forget if I even made any.

4. Getting dressed in the morning is like going to the Racetrack - do I bet on the skinny jeans because I sweated off 3 pounds of water weight in the night or do I bet it will be one of those mornings when only some elastic waisted track pants will fit?

5. I've no need to spend big bucks at the spa. I get steam baths many times every night (and day).

6. No need for an electric blanket to keep hubby warm. Or wait 5 minutes and he’s more likely to wake up shivering because my “surge” is over and I’ve now hogged all the sheets.

7. There is exciting new mystery in my marriage. The mystery is, my husband never knows from one minute to the next whether I will be a weeping mess or a screaming fishwife. One thing he can depend on, I will not be the boring, joyful, even-tempered woman he first met.

O.K., I realize I have now listed seven reasons, not five. In the interests of accuracy, I should go back in this post and change the number. Normally I would. But here's the eighth reason I love menopause: I don't give a shit about accuracy or much of anything else. I am a hot, cranky, depressed, brain-deranged harridan. I celebrate this b_ _ch!

(What else can I do?)

Comment... if you dare! Heeheehee!

~Shelley

The end of summer fun...

2010-09-06T13:07:00.005-04:00

It was a dark and windy night...

Nooooo, not that kind of story, lol.

Actually, it is Labour Day and kind of a cool, rainy, dreary day. So here I sit, me on my 'puter at the kitchen table and hubby on his 'puter in the familyroom, lol. Hey, we can message each other!

Have "laboured" (heehee, pun intended) over my arrangements and organization for this week's coming painting convention in Calgary, Alberta (PIA - Paint-in Alberta). Think I have everything under control. Willow and Debbie Cotton will be there with me but they will be so busy with their classes, that "tag" I'm it for the booth and any necessary demos, lol. Did I tell you I'll be cloning myself?

Labour Day brings with it the close of summer and it truly seems that way today. Tomorrow my better half ends his vacation time and heads off to work [pouting]. It's been nice having him 'round (yes, dear, I know you're reading this but it's true!). We've had together time and day trips but I guess it's back to reality.

This morning my dear old dog (Hunter) decided to gift us with another puddle on the floor. Yes... she'd already been out and no, she does not have a bladder infection 'cause she has now been following me around and at my feet for the last few hours. Sigh... is she "losing it" as this is about the 3rd or 4th "accident" in a couple weeks? Couple times I have literally been behind her beating it down the stairs to the back door and she has hung a right at the kitchen for the "splash proof" carpet of the diningroom instead of heading for the backdoor and outside. I mutter away as I sop it up and spray with vinegar and say maybe it's "time" before I don't like her anymore [lopsided smile]. Or... is it a "let's get back at you guys" for some unknown slight (yes, she has been known for this over the years... as her grandmother, Sheena, was well-known for and, dare I say, loved?)? I will monitor the situation for a couple days prior to my leaving and hope it is something I can put off (or reconsider) 'til I get back from Calgary. Yes... I will "warn" my friend who will be taking care of a few of my furbabies including Hunter.

Okay, 'nuff fooling around [grin], I'm off to do some laundry and a few other must-do's so my list won't be quite so long.

~Shelley

2010-08-31T23:36:00.002-04:00

When: Saturday, September 25, 2010
Time: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Carleton Place Arena
75 Neelin Street
Carleton Place, Ontario

You can read about this very worthy venture at Scraptease.ca . Victoria Fraser owns Scraptease in Carleton Place and organizes this charity crop each year. Elgin, the namesake for the event, was her son who lost his battle with neuroblastoma in 2007.

How could I not go? An awesome lady trying to run a LSS (local scrap store) so that us crafters can have a place to share our guilty pleasure and a very, very worthy cause in memory of her beloved son and all proceeds going to charity.

Hope I will see some of you there.

~Shelley

Anniversaries and scrapping

2010-08-22T22:37:00.009-04:00

Well, my anniversary is on the 28th of August. I didn't have time to create a card for my better half before I went to Columbus, Ohio for the HOOT convention. I'd really like to make one and/or a small album. One problem... hubby is on holidays and we do EVERYthing together.

I finally put together a small album for Willow's daughter, Nya, from June of this
year when I went to Winnipeg for Willow's Certification. Nya borrowed my camera (as she did last year in Edmonton when Willow brought her to the PIA - Paint-in Alberta - painting convention) and took pictures of us when we went out to our celebratory dinner at the end of the week. She's a fun little girl (8 years old). Quick and smart and precocious (in a good way). I just have to write a few things in the little album then I'll mail it to her as I'm sure she'd be more excited to get her own mail then have Mom deliver it ('cause I could wait and bring it to Calgary next month).

Where am I going with this detour in thought? Oh... the anniversary, lol. 28 years. I was hoping that maybe I could putz with something for hubby while putting together something for Nya. Nope. Dan's just too curious and proud of what I do. Not going to be able to slip in another project if I want it to be a surprise. Will have to think of something. I know exactly what I want to do, so it won't take long as the plans are already in my head, but...

I am not going to post this 'til AFTER Saturday. Why? 'Cause the Big Guy reads my blog, that's why!

The best laid plans... heeheehee. Will keep you posted.

~Shelley

August 27, 2010 Update: Have been able to sneak in a titchy bit of time to work on my "plans" (when my better half was at his Slot Car Night - whew, lol), BUT I only needed another hour or so to finish. Thought I'd do it this afternoon when he had a nap... NOPE. Guess where he decided to nap? On the livingroom sofa! Grrrr. My project is on the diningroom table right beside the livingroom. Oh well, lol.

Midnight on the 27th heeheehee... Hubby has gone to bed. I decided mid-evening that I HAD to work on my project. He KNEW I was up to something and it was like Christmas when he knows I'm wrapping in "plain sight" stuff for him but he won't look, lol, and he tiptoes around. Oh well. I had fun and now I can post 'cause by the time he reads this, he'll have my gift to him in his hot little hands. I made a Swing Card and a Paperbag Album with pictures of the two of us and love quotes.

Next conventions

2010-08-22T21:40:00.009-04:00

Okay, I've booked my flight for Calgary. Did I tell you I hate planes, lol? Paint- in Alberta is September 9-12, 2010. I'll fly out on Thursday the 9th and get in just before 10 a.m. and start setting up the booth sometime that afternoon. I'll fly out about 6 p.m. on Monday the 13th. Maybe there'll be something near the hotel to have a looksee/shopping. If nothing else I'll get a sleep-in, lol.

Classes are on the C2C Events site. I'm going to help in Willow's classes when I'm not in the booth but I'm hoping I'll have a couple volunteers to schedule for her classes, too. Saturday night, after the Trade Show, Willow has her Whimsical Hummer class so I'm hoping to putz and paint while giving some help in the class (ya right... and I think I'll have time because...? Hey, I can dream and plan, lol).

My next and last painting convention to work at will be the Salon des Arts Decoratifs in Boucherville, Quebec (east-end of Montreal on the South Shore I think). It will be October 14-17 and I'll probably drive up on Wednesday the 13th and leave on Monday the 18th. I'm really looking forward to this one, for a few reasons: 1) I get to empty my garage of the 7 boxes of inventory I brought back in May, lol, 2) I can drive - yippee, no air sickness and 3) it was one of the most exciting shows I went to last year. A lot of painters, younger than what we've seen at the regular, non-French painting conventions and they seem to have a hunger to paint, buy and learn. The only downside is, of course, the language barrier. I have some French education but the language is slow to come back for me as I don't use it; however, after the first day and a lot of sign language and apologies for not speaking fluently, it comes back in fits and starts, lol. By the end of the weekend it's not too bad [grin].

~Shelley

School's starting

2010-08-21T22:24:00.008-04:00

Good news! My oldest has made the decision to go to college! We've been asking him
since he moved out if he wouldn't like to go back to school and get some kind of degree or certificate and invest in his future. We said we'd help. Well, it's been two years and he made the decision... two weeks ago, lol. Yup. College starts in a couple more weeks and he decided now, lol.

He seems committed to going back and has chosen Business Administration. It won't be a cake walk but I know he can do it if he wants to. He's very, very smart. So... what did hubby and I do on this first week of his holidays from work? Paid for school for both our sons and the books. Argh. Oh well, it's an investment in their futures.

This is our youngest's second and final year. He's doing Internet Application and Web Development. My own techie right here at home, lol.

~Shelley

Memories from HOOT (Heart of Ohio Tole convention)

2010-08-20T13:17:00.020-04:00

Ya, this "report" is really long... was going to break it up, but thought "what the hay", lol. It'll give you something to read with your coffee.

Whew, well HOOT is but a memory for another year. The theme this year was "Painting is a Buzz". It is a well-run and fabulous week with tons to see and do: project room; art competition; charity of painted bras - seen in person they were dynamic and moving, especially when you learned that a couple of them had been painted by those who have personally and bravely won the battle with breast cancer - my friend, Donna Scully and also Barb Jenkins; HOOT Boutique; class sales area; memory box painting area; demo area; raffles; Trade Show; monitor/teacher room; banquet ticket table; registration table for registrants; table for teachers and vendors; info booth and more that I've probably over-looked in this senior moment.

Andy Jones did win the "People's Choice" award for his "play on art/words" watermelon bra, but in my eyes, each and everyone of those donations and artwork were winners. $1600 was raised through the silent auction and donations for the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research (Jamie Mills Price took home Andy's Watermelon Bra as the highest bidder)! Now I do have to say, I think Andy's rendition would've "won" regardless of whether we knew who painted it or not... it was great. But again, I think they were ALL winners and the "buzz" around the display was positive and "uplifting". Heeheehee. It was all in good fun, with lots of "pointed" jokes and innuendos and so well received.

I arrived via plane on the Sunday (August 8) and waited around for a bit for my friends to show up so I could join them in the room. I'd brought my own large checked bag, a large computer bag and a small carry-on suitcase full of miscellaneous booth supplies (cash box, pegs, sales books, lots of notes, bags, pens, etc., etc., etc.). Monday was my day to check out the convention area where the ladies of HOOT had done their organizational magic. I checked in and got my Exhibitor package after I'd told my roommates where they should register (in the hallway between the Hyatt and the Convention Center) and then checked out the book to mark down which classrooms "my" teachers would be in (so I'd know where to "run" and find them if needed, lol). Then I helped out in Willow's class (Basic Bluebird). One of the ladies in the class was 95 years young! She was an absolute doll and we spoke again as we met each other over the next several days. Sure hope she does get to come again next year. What an inspiration!

Tuesday we started to set-up our booth and I helped out in Willow's second class (Gentle Flight - Hummingbird). Wednesday, we finished putting the booth together then went to get a light meal before the Trade Show opened up for the registrants. It was a great opening night. I don't think I put my head up once, so if you came by our booth and I didn't notice you, I apologize. It was all a blur, lol. After the opening show, we went to the Hyatt Regency Ballroom for a reception and to celebrate Betsy Edwards' retirement.

Thursday was a really busy day, and this is where my awesome friends come in, Shirley Edmiston and Janet Thompson. I worked the booth 'til about noon then joined Willow in her classroom. Actually, two rooms that the divider had been rolled back to make room for close to 100 students! This was her Special Event. Janet and Shirley, bless their hearts, met me in the room and jumped in and helped set up each spot for the students with all they would need to make this a great class. After they'd done all the set-up, the doors were opened and the students rushed to take their seats. The monitor assigned by HOOT took the attendance and made the introductions of Willow and the class was on. Willow had divided the class up into sections and called up each section individually to step through the initial instructions. As she finished with each group, Janet, Shirley and I circulated to make sure all was well. Being a Willow Wolfe Certified Instructor, I was able to offer further assistance and clarification to some of the painters. The class couldn't have been better or run more smoothly (between the help and the awesome teacher). Almost each and every student came uber-close to finishing and at the end of the four hours, there were glows on their faces and they had nothing but compliments for Willow and the project. It was awesome. A truly amazing event that you had to experience.

I finished out the day in the booth (my home away from home, lol) and then we went to dinner at a local Italian Restaurant to discuss the day and sit back and relax. It was so nice to share it with my friend, Janet (Janet is from London, Ontario and flew in to help me with Willow's Special Event and take in all that is the atmosphere of HOOT; she was able to sign-up for a couple of classes that had openings).

Friday was not quite as busy on the Trade Show floor, but it was steady. I got a little bit of time to check out the other booths and pick up a couple things on my wishlist. Not a lot of time to visit with my fellow booth friends, but did manage to say quick hi's.

Classes for attendees were busy all week. I had short, but frequent conversations with friends as we passed in the corridors. Even peeked in on a couple classes to see what was going on. Sure wish I'd had some time to partake of a couple of the classes. Another time.

Friday night, the Trade Show closed early so we could all prepare for the Banquet. Dress code ranged from ultra casual to really dressy. It was awesome. I'm not sure how many were there, but my best "guess" would be about 500-600. I think the show's registration was just shy of 1000. The place was packed. The speeches and introductions from the Head Table were short but informative and the table decorations were simple but so-thoughtful. Everyone got a note clip (a wooden clothespin painted with flowers, bees and/or ladybugs painting the flowers) with a painting tip clipped to it and the oldest at the table won the centerpiece. Janet, Denise (friend of a friend who helped in our booth) and I sat with Lorie, MaryJo and Joan from the Gateway Decorative Artists in St.Louis, Missouri. The meal was very tasty and the service great. The company, conversation and ambiance were something you need to experience. Glad we went. And again, sharing with my list buddy from Tolefriends.com and friend, Janet, was the icing on the cake.

Saturday was very quiet on the Trade Show floor. I was able to split my time between the booth and Willow's last class (a repeat of Thursday's special event, but on a much smaller scale - about 30 students). When 2 pm came, we started the long pack up. 5 hours later we had everything inventoried and boxed and on it's way to it's destinations. Dinner and a relaxing evening then early to bed for the trek home on Sunday. Of course, it wasn't uneventful. Not as long as some of my friends (Kathy Swigon's 20 hour trip home), but an extra 2+ hours of trepidation on whether or not I would get home as they'd oversold the flight and my name was pulled. But... finally made it and have been playing catch up ever since. As an aside, picture me sitting on the floor in the Columbus airport handing over stuff I really didn't HAVE to take home (peanut butter, crackers, hair gel, honey, extra plastic bags I was saving for our next show...) and offloading from my checked bag to my two carryons, lol. Good thing I left plenty of time knowing this would probably be the scenario .

I got some brief time to meet some new-to-me faces and chat with some of the teachers in the monitor room where the class supplies are oh-so-organized. Met Earline Padgett and chatted away with her. I could listen to her melodic voice forever, lol. My friends were lucky enough to take one of her classes. Got re-acquainted with Shelley Hankins, from the UK. She was teaching a couple of classes (Sunflower in oils; single poppy in acrylics) and taking a bunch as well. What a fabulous painter and teacher. I took her double poppy class at the SDP Convention last year in Peoria and wrote then that she was one of the most relaxing teachers I have ever had the pleasure of painting with. Quite something when you can say that on the very last class of the very last day of a long convention when most of us have "hit" that wall, lol. Would take with her again in a New York minute. Lovely lady. Met Nancy Dale Kinney-Stout. What an elegant southern belle. She and my friend, Donna Scully, are best buds and Donna's always imitating Nancy's drawl. Too funny.

Of course Tina Norris, Pat Lentine, Janelle Johnson, Bobbie Takashima, Rebecca Baer, Maxine Thomas, Joan Dixon, Sharon McNamara Black (and hubby Marty) all got big hellos from me. Also, many more of my fellow exhibitors (Jo Lutness of Painters Paradise, Linda Heller and Brett Cohen of PaintWorks, Jamie Mills Price and Don of Between the Vines and Valhalla Wood - THAT was a busy booth, Brushes and More, Bear With Us...). I talked with many more when I could "escape", lol. Our booth was across from Robert Warren's booth so we talked and kibbitzed with Robert and his lovely family (wife Donna and daughter Amanda) and of course salivated over his paintings. I took home a couple of his packets and am anxious to play with one of them and while I don't have his talent (or the special mediums he has) I am looking forward to attempting them. He's definitely on my list of teachers I would like to take a class with someday and what a really, really nice person (as well as extremely talented).

There were a few new products, packets and books around the show. Our booth showcased the new "Twinks", lol. Love that name. Twinkling H2O's and Radiant Rain misters. Beautiful glittery results on our painted surfaces. Lydia Steeves has been playing with these products and creating beautiful backgrounds for her artwork. The results are stunning. Willow carries these products and they just flew outta our booth (along with Lydia's new book, Pause for Painting 4 and Willow's new book, Painting Home Decor, which is almost, what I'd describe, as a technique book as each project steps you thru an additional add-on, embellishment or technique to use in her paintings. I picked up a few extra of each book as per requests from friends "stuck" at home, lol). I will be making time soon to update Willow's site (as
soon as I'm a little more awake and can function, lol) so keep watch.

So much to see and do. Am looking forward to next year's HOOT Convention and the theme will be Painting is a HOOT (LOL). Can't believe in 30 years that they've never used that theme! Amazing.

Am still so very, very tired and trying to play catch-up. Next on my list is the painting convention in Calgary (PIA - Paint-in Alberta) September 9-12, 2010, then I'm off to Boucherville, Quebec for my final convention of the year October 14-17. Hope to see some of you there.

~Shelley

Of flowers, charms and especially CHARMERS!

2010-08-16T12:21:00.011-04:00

EXHAUSTED! EX-haus-TED! Hit the proverbial wall, lol. Back from HOOT (Heart of Ohio Tolepainters painting convention) and had all good intention of trying to do some updates, but... just no time and when I did have a few minutes that I could nab my 'puter I only had energy to "talk" to my DH (dear hubby) and that was it. Will update later. For now...

My trip back was, of course, eventful - Murphy's Law, lol. It was long (not as long as some, obviously, travelling by car to far destinations - some of my returning friend's were about a 12 hour drive), but a simple plane hop turned into a bit of an adventure. It was only a 1/2 hour plane from Ohio to Detroit. Didn't bother to check out duty free 'cause it was in another terminal and no shuttles to the different terminals (am so going to try to go thru Philly again next year - they have shuttles!) so I thought to heck with it... far too much walking and rushing with extra carry-ons. Had about an hour and a half between flights. Of course, they'd oversold my flight and then also had a weight alert/restriction 'cause of full fuel tanks and amount of people and luggage. Asked for volunteers and they'd give chits to be used on another flight. Not interested 'cause might never take with this airline again and has to be used within the year anyway. Think two volunteers came forward and everyone else wanted to go home. So... they decided to just pull luggage and decide who was not going to be permitted on the flight. Yup, my name and luggage got pulled along with 7 others. So I was not permitted to line-up.. they'd figure what to do with us later... maybe the 9:30 pm flight if there was room. They continued to re-jig and then I was lucky to finally get on (after plane already 1/2 hour late and I sat in terminal with other "rejects" waiting and hoping, lol). Then... they decided still too heavy after they let on a few more so maybe might have to re-boot some off again. Geesh. Well, they finally decided to dump some fuel so we sat on the tarmack running for another hour. Sigh. Then a further delay 'cause of storms. Got in close to 6 pm ('bout 2 hours later then it should've been) ... a long day. But I hate flying, lol. I get sick and nauseous and clammy. Nothing to do with the "fear of crashing" or anything like that... probably because of the pressure change, re-circulated air (or not... when you're sitting on the tarmack and the air isn't on full, grrrr) and my motion sickness. Feel like a limp dishrag.

Oh ya... all this was after I sat on the floor in the Columbus International Terminal and dumped and re-jigged my checked baggage to my computer bag (thank gawd my dad gave me his 'cause he didn't like that it was so big, lol) and little carry-on luggage with my booth supplies that were left. Hee hee, had to get rid of 10 lbs! Tubes of oil, modelling paste and stuff kinda weigh a lot more than you think heehee. Thank heavens I'd emptied my suitcase of stuff I no longer needed and sent it home with a
couple of friends travelling by car. Whew, lol!

My sweetheart met me at the airport with a bouquet of flowers, a new charm (a plane!) and an offer to take me out for a light dinner. Ahhhhh. He's a keeper. Told him that he shouldn't keep doing this 'cause maybe I'd find more times to go away to capitalize heehee. Rolled into bed at 10 pm after fighting to try to stay awake that last hour from 9 and don't think I've ever fallen asleep THAT fast. Don't remember even dreaming and didn't wake up 'til close to 9 am and now I'm on a snail's pace. It's amazing where I found the energy to go, go, go this week, lol. You just do when you hafta. I love coming home to my Better Half. My gawd he makes me feel like a million bucks and that I'm so valued. Sigh. Yes, I'm a lucky woman.

~Shelley

It's still here

2010-08-04T13:13:00.013-04:00

The Windows Vista AND the laptop, lol.

I have reached a tentative peace agreement with the VISTA. It's more trouble to try to go back "down" to the Windows XP (and my son will so frown at me) and to try to make it forward compatible to the new Windows 7, well, we're so not prepared to go there right now.

I've had few problems after hubby and computer-literate son wrestled a few of my existing programs. And I'm so capable and ready to "google" when I have a problem. I tell you... as soon as I start typing "xyz" compatible with or to work with... Windows Vista in the search box on my google page... I get all kinds of help, lol. Whatever problems/changes I encounter, dollars to donuts someone else before me as had it, lol. Yup. The last holdout/problem is that our colour printer is so NOT compatible with the Vista. Oh well, my flashdrive is at my fingertips and I have
access to another couple 'puters here so off I'll go if I want that printer. No biggie; life goes on. I'm having more problem getting used to the new-to-me Word 2007. ARGH!!!!

Until today. Grrrr. And I cannot blame it on the Vista. Nope. Not this time. It has to do with our power outage yesterday from a big storm that blew in. Happened before and it's a pain to bounce around the house from 'puter to 'puter and router, to modem to... Can't print from any of the 'puters. Have re-set the print server myself, cleared cache, powered down, turned off and re-set printers. Heehee... wait 'til the hubby gets home, lol. Remember that childhood song?

The toe bone's connected to the heel bone,
The heel bone's connected to the foot bone,
The foot bone's connected to the leg bone,
The leg bone's connected to the knee bone,
The knee bone's connected to the thigh bone,
The thigh bone's connected to the back bone,
The back bone's connected to the neck bone, ...

Think someone needs to re-visit it and refer to computer networks... the printer's connected to the computerOH, the computerOH's connected to the ethernetOH, the ethernetOH's connected to the main computerOH, the main computerOH's connected to the internetOH...

If you "google" (love that word and that site) why 'puters are like men, you'll nod your head in understanding:

Computers are Like Men...
In order to get their attention, you have to turn them on.
They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they are the problem.
They have a lot of data but are still clueless.
As soon as you commit to one, you realize that, if you had waited a little longer you could have had a better model.
They hear what you say, but not what you mean.

Now... I MUST put a disclosure statement here. My hubby is SO not like the above, but from what I hear from girlfriends... he's one-of-a-kind and one of my friends is quick to say, "he's perfect" (see? not even having to come from my lips [grin]). But I just love the above. It's how I feel about this computer/printer issue today.

Why especially today? Well, I have so gotta prepare my "binder" of materials for the upcoming painting convention. My "bible" with all the schedules for the booth and the teachers and price lists and orders and my plane reservations, hotel info and ... whew, just all the "stuff". Good thing I haven't TOTALLY left it 'til the last minute. Heehee (just about). So what am I going to do then? Well, go and get my small carryon case that I take the booth SUPPLIES in (sales books, pens, cash box, calculator, bags...) and inventory what I have and what I need. Intend to get all this stuff done by Friday. Then I can throw my clothes in a suitcase Saturday ready for the flight to Columbus, Ohio and the HOOT Painting Convention on Sunday.

It'll be a whirlwind week but I'll try to post about some of it. If not while I'm there, when I get back sometime. Hopefully it'll be sooner than later [wink].

~Shelley

It's so gotta go

2010-06-29T13:06:00.007-04:00

What? The VISTA of course [wink]. But you all knew that didn't you?

After trying to load a few of my tried and true favourite programs (games being the most important [grin]; Adobe Elements...) we've realized that the fact that Windows Vista doesn't make/play nice (network very well) with some of these old programs is, well, a problem. It also played a big role in not allowing me to wirelessly hook-up at my Dad's on the weekend. Even with the password.

Frustrating, baffling, head-scratching, depressing, discouraging, disheartening... I could go on, but you get the picture. All these emotions, well, I'm not experiencing them, lol, the hubby is. He wanted everything to be perfect for me, but life is perfect WITH HIM and it's only a computer. It'll all work out when...

We downgrade to Windows XP, lol. Yup. After only a few days, I say "uncle" as the machine does not have the drivers/support (?) for Windows 7, according to the guy at the computer store, and even if it does, there is no guarantee that our existing software will work and we'd rather not have to go and buy all new software. Gee, then the 'puter would not quite be the "deal", lol. The 'puter store did offer to take back this 'puter and find me a new one, but... I'm quite taken with this one.

So... we shall see.

~Shelley

It's s'posed to be easy...

2010-06-28T16:35:00.006-04:00

Nyah. Murphy's Law always come into play.

Hubby bought me a new computer. A Dell Inspiron. It's new, but was a "deal" price at our local go-to computer store. Probably because... it's PINK and the operating system is... Vista. The latter probably being the main reason. I love the pink. I am so not a pink gal, but every once in awhile, I just have to do the "girly" thing, lol. Makes life interesting.

We thought that the extra power/ram whatever-it's-called would be fine for Vista and uploading programs... hubby is finding out differently and not liking it, lol. I loaded some stuff to the new computer but I rely on my significant other as well as my computer-savvy son to do most of it. I'm lucky for these two. Vista isn't agreeable to several of the programs (as many people know) and you need to find "patches" and "backdoors". Not fun. And NOT quick.

Hmmmm, we'll keep you posted, lol.

And remember that patio? Well, the picture you see is the "after"... after my wonderful man spent a lot of time scraping the weeds out and then washing it down. Yup, he's a keeper.

More pics of my garden. Enjoy.

~Shelley

Make hay while the sunshines...

2010-06-24T12:49:00.008-04:00

Maybe literally, lol.

Back to reality. Weeds. Lots of them. Big, monstrous, plant-eating weeds. It's absolutely amazing how much they can take over in a week. My patio looks like a jungle and is swallowing up my dogs, lol. The bird feeder is beside it and of course all the cast-offs need to grow and prosper . Now, to be fair, there were a "few" before I left, but they were, like, little bits of grass here and there. Now they've transformed and seem possessed. I wouldn't be s'prised to see a fly-eating or dog-eating plant there, lol. Got into a couple corners of my garden before the rain and cleaned out the 2 foot high thistles, but the patio has yet to be done. Just too warm to stay outside for long. More like a sauna with the moisture and clouds moving in. It'll be there tomorrow (and the day after, and the day after that, lol).

And I'm under siege. Least it feels that way. There is a small parcel of land behind me that was left when they moved the main road back a few hundred feet (I didn't want a four-lane major route behind me and so quite a few years ago, I put a petition together and made an argument for it to be relocated. We succeeded.), so it was purchased by developers for some homes. Well, their construction crews are now in and ripping up the old road to make room for new sewers, etc. Feels like they are right in my backyard. The big power shovel was parked behind my shed at end of day yesterday and looked like a new, but rather obscene, garden ornament. House is shaking and rattling and the hydraulic hammer on the end of the shovel is pounding away the old pavement. Argh. And it'll be over when?

Today my wonderfully awesome hubby brought me home my new favourite drink! Strawberry Daiquiri Bacardi Breezer. Yummy. Night, night, lol.

~Shelley

Paint 'til you faint...

2010-06-23T21:00:00.014-04:00

Wowsers... and I almost did, lol.

I, along with 5 others, joined Willow for her first ever certification seminar. Five (5) days of total immersion in painting.

LOVED IT!

The first day, we prepped all 8 canvasses we would be painting over the next four days. Then we got homework: creation of colour worksheets; writing out instructions for a painting; creating an original and unique background to a painting; business plan; catching up on the day's work each day, etc. It was fabulous.

We had wonderful lunches each day, short breaks, product testing, shopping. We went out as a group for dinner on most nights (that's when I learned I LOVE Daiquiries, lol - they were the "special" at Earl's one night. Oh my, my... next stop, Winnipeg's version of the LCBO to pick-up Bacardi Breezer Strawberry Daiquiri. Mmmmmmm). Got to see the Artists' Emporium in Winnipeg, a little bit of shopping (I had to hit the Urban Barn which I've just learned has opened a store here in Ottawa! Yeah!) and a lot of visiting with new friends.

One of the girls, Marion (who had arranged to come and paint for a couple days, but not partake of the intensive "study" and learning that the other 6 of us were embarking on), took my roommate, Sharlene, and I to the Club Regent Casino. What an atmosphere. Sharlene was in 7th heaven as she hit the machines. Marion and I mostly people-watched and I was in awe of the design and decor (and people). My most favourite part was the walk-through aquarium. Wow. It was like a small hallway with a huge salt water aquarium on both sides AND THE ROOF overhead. The colours of the salt water sea life and the layout of the seafloor were fabulous. The girls had to pull me away. The machines? Well, I guess they're okay, lol. But I just don't "get" it. The draw. Putting my money in and pushing a couple of buttons and not really making a "choice" on how the games were played... well, not to be a wet blanket, but... I just don't get it, lol. S'pose that's a good thing, heehee, but my lack of enthusiasm for the money eating monsters didn't dampen my awe of the whole experience. Told my husband that I'd like to go to Vegas someday for the scenery and fantastical displays and architecture. He informed me that if you "play", even a teeny bit, on the machines, you get free drinks... Vegas here I come, lol.

I'm still glowing from a comment Willow made to me at the end of the week. Gonna hold it close. She was behind me when she exclaimed "Shelley!" "What?", I jumped thinking maybe I was painting something incorrectly, lol. "Don't jump", she said, "I just wanted to say I didn't realize what an incredibly beautiful painter you are". Wow. And WOW again. She had seen my paintings before, but we hadn't painted in a "classroom" setting for several years so you don't get the feel or watch what someone is (or isn't) doing. And those were big, busy and distracting classes. I was thrilled and warmed with her praise.

Willow was an awesome hostess and a wonderful, giving teacher. We learned so very much from our week of painting and lessons and notes. And, I have been certified as a Willow Wolfe Instructor. I'm humbled as this designation wasn't bestowed lightly. It is something to honour.

My plane trip home was a tad long and tested my tummy. It was s'posed to be a 2 hour and 5 minute trip (guess the wind was at our backsides, lol, as the trip out to Winnipeg was 3 hours+). It turned out to be close to 5 hours. Argh. Apparently there was a weather "trough" over Ottawa. My stomach can attest to that. Nearly had to avail myself of the little bag in the forward seat pocket. We circled for a bit in the turbulence trying to wait our turn to land. Not enough fuel. So off we went to Montreal to fuel up. Then back to the skies to wait again. Eventually touched down and my friend, bless her soul, was still waiting for me altho' I'd called around trying to track down her cell to tell her to go ahead home. I've definitely learned I'm a "fair weather" traveler as I am prone to motion sickness. I do a whole lot of talking myself "well" when in the skies, lol.

Well, I still need to complete my paintings and will try to do that within the next week. Then I will post them to my Webshots.

~Shelley

The Dark Side...

2010-05-24T19:04:00.005-04:00

I visited a friend recently and noticed a small paint sampler box sitting on one of her shelves. "Whaddya have that for?" I asked. "Oh, thaaaat, well, someone just gave it to me. You want it?" "Oh, I couldn't", I said. "Well, I won't use it", she said.

Hmmmmmm... I'm painting a piece right now done with those very paints. Might be helpful and kinda fun to putz with 'em and see if they make a difference. Ha. Remember, the magic is in the hand holding the brush. Not the brush/tools, not the paint.

I looked left. I looked right. I looked behind me. I think my friend thought I was losing it. I quickly grabbed the small box and stuck it under my arm and said "if you breathe a word of this to ANYone...".

LOL! I've been to the dark side and lived to tell.

~ Shelley

Happiest making a mess

2010-05-12T15:05:00.005-04:00

Yup, right now I'm covered in sealer, lol. I mean, really, adhering paper (or fabric) to a surface using sealer one must get their fingers in it. Right?! You've got to apply the sealer to the back side of your paper, then smooth it down. Then all over the top as well. Yes, I use a burnishing tool (old credit card or gift card, paint scraper, palette knife, brayer, piece of siding... whatever's at hand, lol), but it's best if you get your fingers in it so you can feel the ripples that need gentle coaxing . Oh, I'm in process of starting a new Carol Forsyth design, Hidden in the Spring Garden. It's so cute. Can't wait to get to the painting. So far the prep has gone well. Will show n' tell when I'm done.

I'm being extra careful not to get any on my 'puter, Honey .

Speaking of my honey. I'm happily married to Dan, who supports my crafting by taking me or sending me to crafty workshops, acting as the waiter when my crafty friends come over, and finding me new supplies that I didn't know I needed. Case in point, stopped at my friend Cindy's shop this week with husband in tow. Off he goes to check out the offerings while I gab with Cindy (the Painted Pony). Over he comes with some embossing folders and asks if I have this one or that one 'cause they're neat (and he knows I love 'em [and him more]). Yup, we left with a two-pack of Sizzix Animal Print folders. Now I need to figure out how best to use them. Thinking... heehee.

I arrived home from the show last Monday after almost a week away. He walked in the door shortly thereafter with a big bouquet of cut flowers to welcome me home. On Mother's Day, not only did he gift me with a new bracelet for my Pandora beads and a couple of beads for it, but one of the beads was a beautiful bouquet of flowers that will last FOREVER and remind me of my man! He's the bestest. A real keeper. I know when I'm blessed.

~ Shelley

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...

2010-05-08T21:24:00.007-04:00

... or not, lol. My hubby has no sense of humour [VBEG]. At least not where this photo is concerned. I mean, really, dontcha just love the character of this 'puter keyboard?!

No, it's not mine, teehee (the hubby is breathing a sigh of relief, while shaking a finger at me and thinking "don't you dare", lol. As if. He'd kill me [grin].). It belongs to a very good artist friend. We had previously corresponded and got to meet each other in person during our week in Toronto at the show. It felt like we'd known each other forever. Wish she were closer. Not only is this wonderful lady a very accomplished artist (just love her stuff), but she is one of the most grounded, caring, giving people I've ever met. Donna Scully is her name. She's been through more than many people I know, but handles it all with grace, dignity and a huge desire to stay positive and smiling and share her journey with others. She handles these speedbumps in life like no other. Yes, Donna has fought and won her battle with breast cancer.

The C2C Painting Convention in Mississauga (Toronto) was great. You leave the convention TOTALLY exhausted, but energized and inspired. You work your tail off (least I did) setting up, taking down and working in between, but you meet old friends and make new ones. It's totally invigorating and yes... fun! The convention goers were excited to be there. Excited to be painting and taking classes and excited to hit the Trade Show floor. Friday was a blur. Kitty and Chuck Gorrell were in the booth directly across from ours. On Saturday, Chuck said to me that he hadn't seen me all day Friday. Whaddya mean, I said, I was there the whole day 'cept for about 10 minutes (9 a.m. right thru 'til 5 p.m.). He laughed and said he didn't SEE me as I was always blocked by a swarm of people at our booth, lol.

Noticeably missing from the show this year were a few of the bigger, American booths. Bear with Us and Brushes n' More didn't attend this year. However, there was still much to see and do and help us part with our money. Many of the teachers had "teacher booths"; DecoArt was represented; lots of awesome canvasses from Gwartzmann's; Sterling Wood Products was there and they have awesome and unique woodpieces; lots of books; packets; supplies... There was no shortage of exciting booths, including our own. Princeton Brush Co., Willow, Speedball, Debbie Cotton and Donna Scully all in our booth. Holly Hanley was right beside us with another very busy booth. I was able to pick up a few donations to send down for the ToleFriends party at SDP. Hopefully it'll get there on time.

I drove home on Monday. This week I just "hit a wall". Total exhaustion. Have been sleeping away much of the week. So next week I'll have to put the pedal to the metal and get some stuff done.

My calf has healed but I still have a raspy voice. Sigh. It's getting there, but still a struggle.

Will post again soon.

~ Shelley

Procrastination... thy name is Shelley

2010-04-26T10:30:00.007-04:00

Yup. I have been a very bad blogger, lol. But... because I am being a PROCRASTINATOR right now, ie putting off work, I will give you a brief update on what I'm up to.

Been doing a lot of cardmaking. Such instant gratification and satisfaction in playing with pretty papers, colours and shapes and creating something someone loves for the work that went into it.

Also, managed to get a few paintings done. Finished my parrot triptych. Willow had done a series of two beautiful parrot heads and in my wisdom, lol, I thought it needed a third. So I adapted one of her past designs and added the red macaw head study. Now to hang them together... when I get back.

Back? Well, I'm off to Toronto (Mississauga specifically) to the Coast to Coast Painting Convention to set-up and manage a booth. Right now I should be packing and organizing, but I heard the sparrows and finches twittering in the trees in the backyard, so thought it an optimal time to fill their feeder and see what I could attract. Off I went. No sooner had I put it up, when the trees filled and the twittering began in earnest and as soon as I was securely indoors, the smaller birds descended on the feeder. Beats the raucous noise that those grackles make which is the bird that takes over in my yard. So far this morning... no sign of them. They seem to congregate in and around the yard midday. I am not going to fill the more open feeder for now as they and the squirrels will just empty it within minutes. But in a bit, I will go out and fill the finch feeder with niger.

So... guess I've procrastinated enough for now. I'm going to close this quick post so I can print off some schedules for the booth and price lists and start organizing. Just wanted to let y'all know I'm still alive and kicking. Barely, lol. Still in the midst (almost 2 weeks now) of a major case of laryngitis - only got a little croaky voice back the last couple days, and recovering from a ripped muscle in my calf. How did I do either of those? Well, the "voice" was from a day of shopping in the states in and out of warm, stuffy, dry, smelly (perfumes, air sprays, etc) stores. Asthma set in and didn't move from my vocal cords. The calf? Well, chasing the dogs up the back steps on Monday last week I heard/felt a "pop" that dropped me to my knees. Yup, ripped a muscle in the back of my calf. Ouch. It's healing okay, but will take time. At least I can walk reasonably well on it now with minimal discomfort so should be able to get around the show. Some might've thought I was "faking", but the huge, livid bruise on my calf kinda blew that theory, lol.

Okay... off I go and I'll try to be better at posting.

~ Shelley

P.S. - the picture of me is a recent one, a "self-portrait" if you like, lol. It's a little grainy, but not a bad pic. Whatever did we do before digital cameras when we wanted to goof around, lol?

Gone

2010-02-05T07:53:00.009-05:00

January is but a memory. Where did it go? It was a busy month for me, but still seemed to fly by quicker than normal.

I've been having a ball playing with papercrafts/cards. Instant gratification and the feel and sight of pretty papers. Also created a cute pop-up invitation for a Stampin' Up Party I'm hosting in March. Love those free-standing pop-ups. Wouldn't they be neat design for a dinner party with the menu displayed?

Busy planning my painting convention get-aways. Just four "working" vacations this year (I work for Willow Wolfe and Princeton Brush at these shows), but I'm toying with the idea of an intense certification seminar with Willow in June. Still trying to strike a balance between decorative painting and the papercrafts, lol.

I did sign-up for and complete (well, still haven't speckled the piece, but that doesn't count, lol) an evening painting workshop at our local decorative painting shop. Seem to have found my mojo as then, this week, not only did I teach Willow's Cockatoo design to over a dozen of our guild members (with resounding success, I might add [smile]), but I started a gorgeous poppy designed by Peggy Harris and featured on the cover of one of the PaintWorks magazines last year. What made this particular painting even better was using a Lunar Blender from the 3750 Select series by Princeton. Can you tell I love this brush? It's my new favourite-can't-do-without-and-need-several-in-my-painting-kit-brush [grin]. Wet or dry application, I love, love, love what it can do. It's similar (but different) to the Loew Cornell Crescent Brush but the price point is much more justifiable to stock up, lol. You can see them on Willow's site .

My mother-in-law is still waxing poetic (read: she loves it!) about her album that I created for her 80th birthday. The family organized a party and invited all her friends and relatives and I appointed myself official photographer and snapped close to 400 photos. Then I went through the photos and made sure I had each person attending represented, printed those pics and added them to the album. We presented it to her the week after the event and she was almost in tears (I admonished her not to cry, lol). I will admit, it is a pretty neat little album and I did enjoy creating it. I am thrilled that she is so thrilled. It makes for great memories.

Well, I should try to update some more, but today a friend and I are having a Girls Only shopping day to the states (upper New York - probably Watertown). Looking forward to it.

~ Shelley

Hunter

2010-01-30T23:10:00.008-05:00

Of late (really, her whole life, but more apparent now) she should've been called "Shadow", as "me and my Shadow". I cannot go anywhere in the house without her seeking ("hunting", lol) me out. If I get up to make a cup of tea, go downstairs, to the front door, to get the vacuum... to pick up a piece of fluff - she's moving and following me.

This is no mean feat. Hunter is over 14 years old now and when she sleeps, it is very soundly. I find myself having to hunch down and pet her first thing in the morning and look for a "pulse". Sometimes I can even roll her over (with concern) before she stirs. But... during the day, her job is to not let me outta her sight.

Sometimes it's a great feeling to be adored that much. Sometimes, it's claustrophobic as she is so worried she won't "hear or see" me move, so she lies against my feet or directly in my path and I cannot move for fear of tripping. Or, I get cramped for not moving and not wanting to disturb her.

Each day is a gift. She is really slowing down and we notice it especially this last couple weeks. She has a growth on her belly which has gotten bigger and at some point might interfere with movement or encroach on her organs. Sigh. We have our four-legged companions for such a short while. I treasure each day now and try not to get cranky as I maneuver around her and/or almost fall (literally) over her. She doesn't see as well either. Her senses are failing her.

All this is more apparent today as my friends have made that difficult and painful decision to send their four-legged friend to the Rainbow Bridge. They have scheduled "that" final appointment for the morning. Sally will be at peace. They have made the right decision. But I am here for the living. They will need me and my menagerie to help them through it.

~ Shelley

Do ya think a winter coat might've helped?

2009-12-29T10:38:00.006-05:00

12:10 a.m. phone rings. It's my eldest. He's finished work and "closed" and ready to go home (he lives on his own). Bus hasn't come. He's freezing, says he feels like an ice cube, lol. I believe him. It's -27 degrees celsius and dropping. Nevermind the "windchill". Where are you, I say, and I'll come pick you up and take you home. Really? he says. And he called me because...?

So, I get dressed and off I go to pick him up. He's shivering in the bus shelter and looking rather pathetic, and yes, like an ice cube. He's wearing a thin hoodie over his t-shirt and jeans. No hat, no gloves, no boots, no winter coat. Where's your coat? At home, he says. He didn't think he'd be that cold or standing outside for any length of time. Geesh. Youth.

He warms up quickly in the car as the heat is on full, I take him home through the whited out night (visibility sometimes dangerously low due to all the blowing snow and the moisture icing over on the roads) and he's happy. Thanks, Mom. Yup, I'd do it again.

~ Shelley

December in review

2009-12-26T21:52:00.013-05:00

Whew, I have been negligent in posting (as pointed out by my wonderful husband) and thought I'd try to make a synopsis of the month. December just zoomed by me.

After fighting with my surface, I completed the Bobbie Takashima Santa for my husband's secretary. I am quite pleased with it. It's a lovely piece. I had problems (again) with the mdf surface and the JoSonja paints. I'm thinking it's the "type" of mdf. I liken the particular piece to masonite. The paint seemed to stay active and just "slide" despite glazing layers etc. (I had this same problem in June with a piece on the same type of surface that I did with Sharon McNamara Black). It finally cured and I completed and varnished the piece. Apparently the recipient loved it. Gives me a nice glow. Now to finish my own, lol.

My youngest went to a work party. Imbibed a little too much... again. Picture a young bull moose ping-ponging up the driveway and into the house, lol. Needless to say, his dad and I had little sympathy when he was a little green the next morning and talking to the commode, lol. We just relayed that we hoped this wouldn't become a habit and was just a "rite of youthful passage".

Held a full turkey dinner for my painting group executive members. We had a great time. I gave them each personalized brush roll-ups and a collapsible water bucket and they gifted me with a most awesome giftcard to the art store, DeSerres. Yippee Skippee! I love an excuse to go shopping!

I had a card making day for a couple friends and we made the TriShutter cards and had lunch and fun catching up.

Mother-in law will be 80 on New Year's Day so with the help of my sister-in-law, we prepared a couple of display boards of pictures and then I created a small album with the pictures and it can be added to with family pictures and photos from the planned party. Hope she likes it.

Christmas shopping took up a good part of the month. A lot of fruitless trips and searches, but ultimately success and everyone had a great day. Especially me...

My husband SPOILED me (again). No complaints. I love it. He is the most caring, generous, thoughtful, loving guy I know. He's mine. I say all this not because I know he will read this, but because it is true.

My very SPECIAL, FAVOURITE gift? He created a book from one of the online book creators. The theme? My beloved shelties through the years with little captions throughout. Wow. I was so touched. It is beautiful and a real treasure - for what it holds and for the thought that went into this touching, priceless gift. Wow. Yes, hubby is a keeper.

Of course I received other gifts, charms for my bracelet, Trans-Siberian Orchestra CD's (love the instrumental music), scrapbooking stuff, battery operated Ott-Light, magazines, giftcards, toiletries, a cool red high heel tape dispenser, chocolate... a lot more goodies.

My youngest gave me a McDonald's giftcard and a really cute little welcome dog figurine. My oldest gave me a small replica of the Roman Coliseum (he and his girlfriend visited Rome in early December) and a beautiful sheltie figurine. He went over the top and both my boys were so thoughtful.

We had dinner with my parents and brother and his family and my aunt at a downtown restaurant. That way no one has kitchen duties and we can go back to my parents for coffee and a leisurely gift exchange and more visiting.

Of course a couple days were taken up with grooming dogs (visiting dogs - a "tad" bit of hair, lol), driving my neighbour to her radiation treatments, visiting friends, giving my parents' cats their "pedicure" , visiting family, baking cookies for home and hubby's work, doctor appointments...

The dogs got dressed up by my youngest (ya, I know he's 18 but...). Not sure they were completely happy about it but they were good sports and one is still roaming the house with a "jingle" collar on. Poor things.

So... that is a little bit (well, okay... a lot) of the last few weeks. Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends and wishing you all the very best for a happy and blessed New Year.

~ Shelley

Dog day afternoon

2009-12-01T22:54:00.003-05:00

Well, it started innocently enough. I'd planned to get some painting done (I'm a class behind as I missed last week and am painting a Bobbie Takashima Santa), laundry and start cleaning up the diningroom from my cardmaking extravaganza (okaaaay... CHAOS, lol).

However, I've been experiencing some computer problems and decided I better download and offload a whackload of files and extraneous "stuff". Holy hannah that takes time. Did I tell you I've always hated "filing"? Well, it rates right up there.

So, the dogs, sensing I was not going to play, pet or otherwise entertain them, settled in at my feet. Three literally touching and two on the soft couch. Yup, right couch potatoes they are. The pic shows Molson in his favourite position. Totally lacking in any inhibitions, lol. That's our Molson.

The mailman brought a welcomed s'prise for me! Yup, my stamps from Impression Obsession! Yippee skippee! They're awesome. However did I miss that company? I got three chickadees and a various assortment of Christmas stamps. Super price, super service and super product. I'm a happy camper. Cards tomorrow after painting class!

~ Shelley

Youthful rites of passage and grey hairs...

2009-11-29T11:16:00.009-05:00

Weird. That's what he said. We're weird.

My 18 year old is a reliable sort. Goes to work. Comes home. Goes to school. Comes home. Goes to the movies... tells us. Goes to a friend's... leaves a note.

He often works "close" at his job. This means he gets home sometimes just after midnight. 12:30 a.m. at the latest. He's not home by the time I go to bed this morning and I think that's a little (in his terms)... weird, but expect he'll walk in shortly as maybe there was more to do this time, but I don't sleep soundly. I'm listening.

I'm still listening at 2:50 a.m. so get up. He's not been home. I'm a tad concerned. Okay... a lot. So I wake up my main man. He, too, is concerned so hops in the car to go check the area and see if maybe he can find our son. Nope.

What to do? This is highly unusual. Has something happened (again) in our small community and maybe my son is hurt or been swarmed or...? Call the police to find out. They can't divulge any information without cause. Geesh. I'm just a mom looking for my good son. Well, if you want to file a Missing Person's report, then we can check the system and put the word out. Okay. Can I "de-list" him easily if he walks through my front door? Yes, ma'am, but if you don't cancel the case number, we can have him arrested and detained until we can get in touch with you. Hmmmm. Okay. So, my son becomes a case number. Then I check with the hospitals. Nope, not there. Whew.

Husband goes out again to double-check. Manages to get in the front door of where our son works as someone didn't lock up. Uh-oh... are they tied up in the back? Nope... but the alarm goes off, lol. So I get a call that he'll just wait around for someone to show up about the alarm and explain his presence there. I tell him I'll take a taxi to the precinct to bail him out [grin]. Alarm re-sets after a bit and I call my husband at 4:30 a.m. to say "the son" just walked through the door as if nothing happened; however he's a little sheepish to see me sitting there waiting. Hubby comes home as no one has showed up for the alarm.

We have a little quiet chat, no big fanfair, but we want him to know that he should've contacted us and/or told us of his plans. We were worried as he just has never done anything like this. We're weird, lol. But he takes the chat well and seems to know he messed up. He just "forgot". Geesh.

Where was he? Well at one of his co-worker's homes in the area. We don't know the co-workers so... couldn't check. They were just chillin' out after work and introducing our son to the intricacies of a mixed drink with vodka. Yes, he was feelin' no pain. This is only the second time that he's had alcohol; the first being his cousin's wedding a couple months ago. And yes... I did consider NOT cancelling the Missing Person's report, lol. Somehow, the image of him in the back of a police cruiser gave me a twisted sense of justice. Okay... I did call and cancel the report.

Fast forward to a couple hours ago and he needs to get up for work. He's got SEVERAL alarms going off in his room. Sounds like an air raid alert. No reaction. I holler and he gets up to start his day. Still saying we're "weird". If the shoe fits...

~ Shelley

Guilty

2009-11-12T12:10:00.009-05:00

Sadly, I've allowed myself to be pulled in too many directions this last couple weeks. Nothing earth-shattering or bad, but just lots of 'stuff. Something had to give. It was my 'puter, lol.

I'm still attempting to make sense of my cluttered craft table. I did have a rather large space cleared; however, it quickly got filled with more "stuff". Solution: need another cabinet. It's on the agenda for this week. But you know what happens; more space = more stuff to fill it, lol. I'll keep you posted. 'Course, the hubby doesn't help. He complains about my collections however, he continues to feed my passion. Case in point: down to Watertown for a day trip and he says let's go to Michael's. I say I don't "need" anything. Kindly takes me there anyway and uses my coupons to buy me more paper. Geesh. Love him! Of course, now I've taken over the diningroom table to make some Christmas cards, but am having a ball!

Kidney stone attack (we think). Lasted 3 hours and of course I decided to tough it out knowing the E.R.'s would be full to the brim of people thinking they had H1N1, etc. Left me weak as a puppy and begging for mercy, lol. Still have some lingering pain (kinda limited my staying in anyone spot for a few days, thus not much 'puter time, crafting time or anything time, lol) but it's abated and I have an abdominal ultrasound scheduled and prescription and finger shaking to up my fluid intake, lol (doctor and hubby nagging me, lol). No biggie. And life goes on.

Guild meeting and elections and we have a few newbies on our Board and I get to sit back and play Past-Pres in the new year. Yippee Skippee. Still a few "holes" to fill on our Board, but we'll just muddle along. We, too, suffer from a shrinking membership and a few-too-many who want a group but don't want to "serve". Sign of the times and we just have to be inventive and try to attract new members. Those that are there tho' are very supportive and want to be there and it is a wonderful atmosphere. Baby steps. I will be teaching Willow's Cockatoo to my guild in February at our paint-in and look forward to this. I've only ever taught "strangers" in a small shop, so am a little nervous, but... I look forward to this and will have fun.

I've had another couple meetings with people the last couple weeks (minutes to write and newsletter update for our painting guild to do) and an evening card party that I prepared for and hosted and went beautifully. Couple more card events to come. Christmas luncheon for our painting group and then I want to host one for just the Board members.

Then I've been trying to fit in painting between all this cardmaking and other goings on. Wow, see what I mean 'bout being pulled in a few too many directions?

And of course there is family "stuff" going on, birthdays, doctor appointments... Isn't there always.

And hubby is currently on holidays for a couple weeks so we're having together time which rules out me sitting at the 'puter talking to everybody for any stretch. Between just "together time", day trips, home projects and yard work (did I tell you our weather has been unseasonably awesome?)... well, I know you understand.

Plus... when I do make time to do crafting or organizing in between all this and WANT to take my 'puter with me... I cannot. Grrrr. Something has changed on our 'puter network and for some reason it won't recognize my 'puter if I want to go wireless so can't bring it to my craft area or anywhere else in the house other that hardwired at the kitchen table. Haven't wanted to burden hubby with another 'puter "woe", lol. This is not a bad thing (for me), lol, because I'm trying to strike a balance of not spending all my waking hours, while at home, on this dang thing. It's an addiction and I obviously have an addictive personality (and/or I'm a born procrastinator and waster of time, lol).

So... off I go for some laundry and... cardmaking. What else, lol?

~ Shelley

I couldn't stand it anymore, lol!

2009-11-06T15:25:00.009-05:00

What?! Snowshoe feet! They don't belong on shelties. And they sure-as-shootin' don't belong on them in mucky, wet, cold, damp, leafy fall (or sticky snowball making winter, or muddy spring... not as big a problem in Summer, but...).

Well, almost two weeks ago now, 5 dogs plus the visitor for grooming got trimmed up. Whew, what a big improvement and nicer-for-my-house. It was worth the blood, sweat and tears (dogs, lol) and muscle aches and pains.

So today I have a couple extra four-legged guests. Their family is on a road-trip and not sure if they'll be gone a few hours or if something will pique their interest and it'll be an overnighter. No biggie. Sally is old. Older than my oldest sheltie by a year and a bit. So that makes her 15. And she's an old 15 so she just hobbles into a corner and sleeps like a log. Only waking up when the food bowls come out [grin]. Cooper is the youngster of the bunch. He's three and just a goof. His manners are impeccable in the house but when he gets outside, well, he just rips around and be-danged for anything or anydog to get in his way 'cause he'll just bulldoze it down with a big, sloppy grin on his face.

But it's damp outside. And he came complete with... snowshoes on his feet, lol. I know his owners think it's cute, but he's in my house, lol, so I took artistic license 'cause darned if the first go-see outdoors didn't bring in a multitude of unwelcome s'prises on those big hairy feet. He was patient as could be but decided he was going to lie down and not move (thus not the easiest to manipulate the scissors around the foot [chuckle]) while I did the deed then trimmed his nails.

So... now I'm happy. My house gets less of the outside in and Cooper got a big treat. We'll leave Sally alone 'cause she doesn't move enough to bring anything in, lol, although she'll get her nails trimmed later.

Wonder if his family will notice? Wonder if I'll be blacklisted? [VBEG]

~ Shelley

Sally (lying down) and Cooper (headshot)

While I'm telling on myself...

2009-11-05T16:56:00.004-05:00

I should fess-up now. I did vow that I'd never make/create cards. Yup. I thought it silly to spend that much time creating a one-of-a-kind card that was only destined for the recycle box, lol.

Well, I would like to take back that statement. It's the process and the journey and the enjoyment and the creativity and the release of stress while creating and, well dammit, it's just plain fun. And if I had all that fun and free stress relief while making them, well, then that's the ticket, right?

So, yup, I'm now creating MORE cards (last year I created/designed a few Iris Folding cards for my sheltie friends and family along with the other easily obtainable patterns).

Add craft-aholic to my list of weaknesses, lol.

~ Shelley

Noooooo, I can't believe I did THAT!

2009-11-05T16:43:00.005-05:00

Yup, unbelievable but true. Hanging my head in shame here. I bought two new brushes today.

Why would I hang my head in shame? Well, because I vowed another brush would not walk across the threshold of my home. Why? Well, because I admit, I am a Brush-aholic. Yup. Probably should find myself a 12-step program.

I do NOT need anymore brushes. I'm working for a lady (Willow) who can supply me with just about every brush imaginable and then some. And has, lol. But... sadly, I was swayed. Gullible? Not likely. But someone whom I respect very much, Lydia Steeves, told us we'd be sorry if we did NOT try to find an Ultra-Round brush by Loew Cornell to do our next week's project with. We are starting a Lynne Andrew's piece and from what I've heard/read, with Lynne's technique, we really would be frustrated with trying to make some of our other multitude of brushes behave the way the Ultra-Round does.

Sigh... I know she's (Lydia) right, but it just irks me to think that I just couldn't make one of my other brushes "do the deed", and felt the need to cave [chuckle]. Oh well, I'm sure I'll be much happier with the learning of the techniques if I start off with the correct tools of the trade. Shhhhh, you don't have to tell on me do you?

~ Shelley

Facebook is a wonderous place...

2009-10-31T00:14:00.005-04:00

Well... a searchin' I did go. It's been about 20 years and I thought I'd plug in my old friend's name and see what I could come up with. First attempt, nothing. So... off I went to google and plugged in Kim Kearley Haynes and what appeared before my wondrous eyes... a Facebook account. Off I went and yup, I recognized that face so sent a note.

And the rest, as they say, is history. Kim, obviously knowing more about Facebook than I, sent me an IM. Up popped this little box and my first instinct was to get rid of it as I thought it was an annoying pop-up and I'd decided Facebook mustn't be such a neat place if I'm gonna get those! LOL

Up it popped again. This time I was ready for it and decided to try a note back. It worked! So Kim and I did a little catching up. Twas fun. Just might do it again, lol.

I did add my own photo to my Facebook page as I thought it was a very "useful tool", lol.

Wonder what other adventures I can get into on this world-wide web .

~ Shelley

Ta-dah!

2009-10-28T19:06:00.003-04:00

Yes, it's cause for celebration! I finished a painting. No UFO (unfinished object) for this piece. It's in oils and I loved doing it and just need to maybe put a few highlights (and a tint or two) on a few of the petals and paint the sides of the canvas. But I'll do this in a few days when the piece has tacked up some so I don't put my fingers in the wet paint. The original design is by Barbara Jenkins.

It was a fun and relatively easy piece. Very relaxing to just putz away at a few petals at a time and then smoosh the background in as you went along. First saw it at this year's HOOT (Heart of Ohio Tole) Painting Convention and lusted after it. Found out which booth Barbara Jenkins usually displayed some of her packets and lucked in to the only packet.

Snowmen next week in my weekly class.

~ Shelley

Whaddya do on a rainy day?

2009-10-24T15:13:00.017-04:00

Well, groom dogs [grin].

Usually I like to take the weekends off from heavy-duty work (okay... truth be told, I like to take everyday off from heavy-duty work, lol), but it's a miserable, cold, wet day outside and I had a four-legged guest dropped off for grooming this morning.

Casey's family has gone to Montreal for the day so it was a perfect time to see if I could look after her for the day and maybe give her the full "salon" treatment. No biggie. Huh... if I'd stuck to the plan and done only one dog...

Casey is a dream to groom. Like most of my visiting dogs, she's used to me and the "whole deal" (or ordeal as some of the critters think). So... up she went on the workbench in the basement, desk light on and I got to work. Lots of music on the radio so singing along and prattling to her as we go along. An hour and a half or so later, and I had morphed her from big furball to svelte little sheltie. Darn I have to start remembering to do before and after pictures, lol.

So... hubby is busy elsewhere and planning to go out and I'm on a roll. Getting tired of the dogs going out in the damp and then bringing in all kinds of yard refuse (leaves, twigs, grass... sometimes even larger branches [grimace]). They're way past their tune-up. I've been very negligent.

So... corral them one at a time and up they go on the bench (oh... why the bench? It's the perfect height and darned if I can get to my grooming tables in the far corner of the basement, lol). A couple hours later my tummy is protesting for lack of food. No more furry slipper feet and extra flyaway ear hair. I'm pleased as it will cut down on our housekeeping, lol. Haven't given them a full, to-the-skin grooming but a lick and a promise and at least trimmed the errant fur. Four more dogs completed and just have to hunt down the fifth holdout (Whisper of course... say grooming or car ride and she dives under the kitchen table into the far corner of the nook).

Need sustenance first. Cabbage rolls purchased as a treat for me. Yummy. Okay... time to get to work, but dang, there's Casey in the corner of the kitchen looking so adorable (she's in the corner because she can see everything from there... food dropping, dogs moving...). She's not got the prettiest mouth but dang she's an exquisite little thing, a sweetie and dang photogenic (unlike her mother. Her mother, Hunter, is really the prettiest and most structurally sound of my bunch, but she sees that camera coming and she gets hang dog and "Hunchback of Notre Dame look", lol). So out comes the camera for the photo op and take some great ones of Casey that her family will love. Need a group shot. Too mucky outside so I point to the couch in the familyroom. Up everybody goes except Casey (Whisper and Hunter need a bit of help - they're getting a little less agile with age). She's interested in what's happening but when she realizes my intent to put her with, well, "those" dogs, she hightails it [chuckle]. I nab her and take a few quick shots 'cause she's so outta there, lol. One decent one. Her family will be happy.

Off to give Whisper a quick trim and then rest my sore joints and muscles. Get to go to the Sens hockey game with my wonderful hubby tonight, courtesy of my awesome Dad and Mom. Boston's playing. The hubby's favourite team. Will be a great night. He'll cheer for Boston; me for the Sens, lol.

~ Shelley

Too much time on my hands?

2009-10-22T20:16:00.007-04:00

So... I was still thinking about all the mediums, including the "new" ones, that can make a glass-like texture/technique. Figured I should pull them out and play with them and see if they were all created equal, lol.

So... with that in mind, I pulled out the following mediums and applied them left to right onto some black cardstock:

1) Rebecca Baer's Clearly Elegant Stencil Gel
2) OmniGel (Speedball)
3) DecoArt Texture Glass
4) Golden Regular Gel (Matte)
5) DecoArt Glass Stain (clear)
6) Ranger Glossy Accents
7) DecoArt Triple Thick brush on varnish

The first pic is taken immediately after I applied each to the cardstock. As you can see, most took to the stencil quite well, all except the Glass Stain - too liquidy and it ran. It really needs to be "contained" in some leading or DecoArt Squiggle Writer (comes in gold, silver and bronze) or DecoArt Craft Twinkles in the writer format.

The OmniGel, Glass Stain, Ranger Glossy Accents and Triple Thick come in squeeze bottles. The Glass Stain and Glossy Accents with nozzles, the Triple Thick and OmniGel with pop tops. They work well for spreading. However, the Triple Thick also worked well with a palette knife.

The Rebecca Baer Stencil Gel, Texture Glass and Golden Gel all come in wide-mouth jars and are much thicker and "pastier" and must be applied with a palette knife.

All products dried clear and glossy. The Golden Gel I had dried with a matte finish (as was to be expected as I have the "matte gel" - duh, lol).

The Ranger Glossy Accents and Triple Thick have a more 3D "rounded" look.

So... for stenciling, the Rebecca Baer Stencil Gel, OmniGel and Texture Glass are all similar. The Golden Gel in matte is perfect too... just a different look. The DecoArt Glass Stain isn't any good for stenciling and the Glossy Accents and Triple Thick would be great if you want a more raised look, but not for stenciling for a background (least for me). None of the mediums buckled the paper. The Glossy Accents and Triple Thick were great for the Holly Hanley bears in the clear Christmas decorations. They'd also be good to highlight/magnify a special word or letter on a scrapbooking page.

Okay, experimented concluded [grin].

~ Shelley

Playtime

2009-10-20T21:05:00.002-04:00

The possibilities are endless, lol!

I've been playing with DecoArt Texture Glass. It is a relatively new product; however similar to some others already on the market (Omni Gel, Ranger Glossy Accents, Close To My Heart Glassy Accents, Triple Thick, Clear Glass Stain, Rebecca Baer's Clearly Elegant Stencil Gel... and YES, I think I have ALL of them, lol).

The Texture Glass is great for tone on tone stenciling. You do your project, place the stencil where you desire, take a palette knife and sweep the Texture Glass (or other product) across the stencil - at this point, you can sprinkle some diamond dust or glamour dust or other glimmer product if you like - carefully lift up stencil and let dry and it will dry clear, letting the underneath colour shine through. It works great on paper, too. What I like to do with it is stencil on cards. Tone on tone; glimmer and glitz added; OR take the DecoArt Glass Stains and after sweeping the Texture Glass across the stencil, drop glass stain colours here and there on top, then sweep your palette knife across and swirl and mix the colours of the glass stains very lightly, lift your stencil and let dry. When dry, it looks a little like stained glass...

I've attached a photo of a piece of watercolour paper I've been playing on. I used a "bug" stencil I had and had fun playing with it making different colour combinations. The bottom butterfly in the second column had some glitter sprinkled over the Texture Glass. The butterfly and dragonfly just above that one are just plain Texture Glass so have dried clear and the white watercolour paper is seen through. The others all had the Glass Stains (red, green and purple - more to come, lol) dripped onto the Texture Glass and then swirled. Fun. And it doesn't buckle the water colour paper.

The Texture Glass is stunning used by itself as a stenciled background over an already basecoated surface. Just enough of a texture that it adds depth to a piece.

~ Shelley

The Quebec Show - October 15-18, 2009

2009-10-20T17:37:00.007-04:00

Hi all! I have been so very, very busy lately and almost too busy and tired to post (yes, hanging head in shame here); however, my life has been filled with going to the painting convention trade shows with a large booth and painting and scrapping and cardmaking and family and ... well, life, lol. So... no excuses, but "reasons", lol.

I've just come back from a very successful "new" painting convention.

Wow and Wowsers! It was SOOOOOO very exciting. The Salon des Arts Decoratifs 2009.

This show "replaced" the "defunct" Passion Couleurs, previously held in Montreal (and a few other locations around Montreal the last few years). Natacha Watier, very able Editor of the Coup de Pinceau, and organizer supreme, and a few of her very close friends and colleagues, made the decision that should the Passion Couleurs show fold, they would put on their own painting convention. On the way home from the SDP in Tampa, the seeds were borne, lol.

Held in Boucherville, Quebec (east end Montreal), it was easy to get to and a fabulous venue. It was a CLASS act and event. The excitement was palpable and the exhibitors, attendees, teachers and public were treated to an A+ experience. Advertising was extensive in the area and Natacha 'bout wore herself out circulating throughout the event ensuring everything was as perfect as could be and that everyone was happy and had what they needed. She is VERY passionate about our industry and the Quebec show and it showed from beginning to end.

Yes, the language was a bit of a barrier, but not insurmountable. I spoke "franglais" (French/English), lol, most of the week and was 'bout wore out, but the registrants and public were so very helpful and patient. I don't think anyone was "in the dark" 'bout what was said or was going on [grin].

There were close to 10,000 people thru the event on the three Exhibit days! 10,000! Friday and Saturday were but a blur ('bout 7 to 8 thousand just on those two days). We even had a visit from one of THE biggest celebrity singers in Quebec... Ginette Reno (who just "happens" to be Natacha's mother). The show also happened to be planned on the weekend of a large Wood Show held up the street from our location. Kudos to Natacha and her crew (including her very able and handsome husband who also had an exhausting schedule of work).

The Quebec market is BOOMING. It is overwhelming and heartening to see the interest in decorative arts here. I don't think it is any bigger anywhere in the world right now than right here in Canada in the French-Canadian market (also spreading to France with a few people coming from France just for this very show). Also, the demographic profile of the average painter here is... young! Yes... the younger (maybe 30 something) crowd is alive and flourishing here. How exciting for our industry. I'm hoping that the excitement will roll out from this province/location and snowball across the country and border.

What was new: Faux Vitrail. Yup. Faux Stained Glass. It was EVERYwhere. I have been to 5 painting conventions this year (Mississauga, SDP, HOOT, Edmonton and Quebec) and nowhere was it a phenomenon until this show. And it is GORGEOUS and striking. They are using, almost exclusively, the Pebeo Vitrail paints plus the Gallery Glass crystal clear. I think this is kinda similar to what Jan Cumber was doing with her Gallery Glass projects that she debuted at a few of our conventions over the last couple years but in a much bigger way. I'm also thinkin' (ya it hurts, especially now I'm still so tired, lol) that perhaps the DecoArt glass stains and leading combined with the Gallery Glass might make a similar effect. In any case, it was widespread and beautiful and I think we will be seeing a lot more of it.

The Coast to Coast show in Mississauga April 28-May 2 is hoping to be able to offer some bilingual classes and attract some of those from the Quebec "French market". Audrey DeJong, Judy and Sonia were very visible promoting their upcoming spring show and had a lot of interest at their booth. I think this is a big step forward and hope it will encourage these painters to branch out into our conventions and perhaps imbue some new life and excitement for our art. By the way... they really don't advertise decorative art as "Decorative Art" or "Fine Art" in Quebec. It is ART only. A small terminology change, but seems important.

Many of the artists there were already familiar to me as I've been a regular "reader" of the French publication Coup de Pinceau (a very classy and professional decorative art publication). Meeting them in person was terrific. Whenever I "escaped" from the Princeton Brush/Willow Wolfe booth I wandered the Trade Show floor and checked out all the booths and the artists and introduced myself and told them I was gonna "talk up this show", lol. There were a lot of Quebec artists that you won't be familiar with, but I'm sure you will be seeing them in future throughout the country and at shows or magazines near you. Lise Rancourt was one of them. What a "pistol" this little lady. Just dynamic and fun and friendly. What a treasure. And a CDA that some from the SDP may be familiar with. I call her the French Strokework Queen. What a sweetie this woman is and a fabulous painter.

Other artists: Isabelle Desroches, Sandra Paul, Gisele Dumas, Manon Gagnon, Claire Marquis, Nathalie Lacrois, Marie-Claude Labbe (beautiful and really cute hangers for children in themes of princesses, firemen, hockey players, cowboys, etc), Gisele Bellem, Nicole Laurence, Marie-Claude Richer, Carole Marcotte, Suzie Fortin, Isabelle Desrochers (no, that's not a typo, lol... there was an Isabelle Desroches and Isabelle Desrochers), Johanne Morin, France Quirion and more. There were also booths/boutiques featuring several artists such as Atelier Plume et Pinceaux and DiffuzArt.

Some you would be more familiar with: Sue Beckerton, Tracy Moreau, Heather Redick, Joan Dixon, Willow Wolfe, Debbie Cotton, Holly Hanley, Lydia Steeves, Connie Clark, Gladys Neilsen, Mary Owens, Sharon McNamara Black, Wendy Fahey, Brenda Levert and Belinda Harris. Heather was looking elegant as always. She is such a fabulous artist. From strokework to die for to absolutely gorgeous children's designs and now seascapes in oils that are breathtaking. I was in the booth across from hers and got to gaze at the beautiful seascapes. Her art is more striking in person and her booth is well-turned-out. Della Wetterman was also there with her gorgeous tinware.

Joan, as you know, is battling cancer right now. But bless her heart, she did not want to disappoint her students and friends and came out with a full booth. Gladys helped her out with her Saturday evening class and Joan's husband, John, was there to support her and bully her into taking power naps for energy (bully is not really the word, lol. That man is a true keeper and loyal supporter of his soulmate). What a neat, neat lady. I was truly amazed and incredulous at her stamina and the fight she is giving this horrible disease that has invaded so many of our lives. If anyone can win this battle, it is this woman. My prayers and thoughts are with Joan and so many of our painting family that is fighting this. My hat is off to all of you and my great respect and admiration for the grace all of you meet this demon with.

Tracy brought her lovely daughter along. Her booth was always a busy hive of activity as Tracy demoed the DecoArt mediums and glass stains and showed how she is using them in her art.

Sharon McNamara Black was there with her husband Marty and friend Martha and their booth, too, was always hopping.

Our booth was incredibly busy as we had three artists present (Willow, Lydia Steeves and Debbie Cotton) as well as many Speedball products and a full line of the new Select Brushes by Princeton Art & Brush. Willow has worked alongside Princeton to design these and they are being very well received by students and teachers. They are a fabulous workhorse of a brush and the prices are phenomenal (if I may say so, lol). Their unique and eye-catching pale blue is also something that is being noticed and commented on positively. Can't miss 'em . Holly Hanley is also one of our Signature Artists however Coup de Pinceau (the store - no relation to the magazine, surprisingly) had made arrangements well-ahead of time to have her demonstrate in their booth as well as teach a seminar off-site. Holly was kept pretty busy and of course, was demoing with the Princeton Select Brushes which were flying out of our booth.

There were quite a few multi-media/altered art artists as well. Some were sculpting with a paper-clay type product that is truly incredible and interesting. I would love to take a class with one of them.

Madame Pickwick, one of the largest art stores in the Montreal area, was there, along with one of their other businesses, Studio Backstage. Apparently the artists from here have also done movie set make-up for many large productions. Wow. This you've gotta see. They did full body make-up/paint on a model on Saturday (with a body to die for, of course, lol). Wish I had had the time and the foresight to pull out my camera. She had the underwear "skin" on so of course was not nude, but if you didn't know... . They did her up like a beautiful lizard-type creature (ya, beautiful really is the word in a macabre type way, lol). She had medusa-type hair, forehead extension glued on and then was airbrushed and truly "vamped up", lol. Then she strutted around the Trade Show floor in her stillettos. You had to see it... what a work of ART. Really.

Willow was convinced to get her face painted up on the Sunday. Kind of like a beautiful dracula. She, too, was gorgeous in a macabre-type way. Now that was a photo op, lol. Hmmm, maybe my pics can be used for future bribery .

Natacha planned a Wine & Cheese get-together for the artists and exhibitors on the Friday night and it, too, was done with class. The wine, hors d'oeuvres, beer and conversation flowed and there was a draw for prizes (nope, didn't win anything, but had a really good time).

All in all, this was a terrific show and I am so very glad I got the opportunity to experience it. It is so very exciting for our future. Mark next October 15-18, 2010 and try to attend. I will venture to say that you will not be disappointed as it promises to be even bigger and better. Natacha mentioned that she hopes to be able to do the catalog with an English version. Also... google some of the artists and sites I mentioned above and get ready to experience some fabulous art.

That's it for now... I'm all "talked-out" (ya really ).

~ Shelley

Glass Stain, Triple Thick, Glossy Accents...

2009-10-01T12:05:00.007-04:00

Done. My piece is done and my experimenting is done. I'm a happy camper.

Let me share what I found.

In a previous post, I told you that I tested (on a very small area), the Glossy Accents by Ranger and the clear Glass Stain by DecoArt. For the 3D effect I wanted and needed, the Glossy Accents was a clear (no pun intended) winner.

So... I quickly painted up a couple of smaller pieces with an element of the design I was painting on a larger surface. I just didn't want to take a chance on messing up something I was taking more time on and wanting to display.

I used the Glossy Accents by Ranger on one of the doorknob hangers and Triple Thick brush-on varnish by DecoArt on the other.

The Glossy Accents was much easier to apply. Just used the nozzle on the squeeze bottle and spread it in using the nozzle to push it around. This medium stays put. I used a toothpick to pop any large bubbles. It dried well. There were a few small bubbles that appeared throughout, but they seemed to "add" to the glass effect.

The Triple Thick varnish is, in my opinion, a pain to apply with a brush. It is not forgiving and very "sticky". It needed a couple applications. Both products are self-levelling and so no "hills or valleys" appear. However, in comparing the two doorknob hangers, the Triple Thick application is much "clearer" then the Glossy accents application which has a yellowish tinge to it when they're side-by-each.

So... I hemmed and hawed 'bout what to do to my main piece. Yellow tinge that may or may not be noticeable, but will be an easy application and definitely give me the 3D effect I'm after; or clearer, "flatter", less 3D effect with the unforgiving, pain-to-apply Triple Thick?

Okay... I want to try something... I liked the clearer, less bubbled glass appearance, but I really wanted a 3D effect. What to do? Experiment, again, on my "good" piece, lol.

I used the Triple Thick varnish directly from the little 2 oz squeeze bottle (no nozzle) and "poured" it onto my "glass" Christmas balls (with trepidation, lol). Started in the centre and swirled out then took a little toothpick and kinda putzed and played and pushed it to the edges. It's thick. It worked fine that way and actually better than brushing it on and gave a more 3-D effect like the Glossy Accents 'cept a lot clearer. I had problems with one of the 3 "ornaments" on my piece when the Triple Thick got a mind of it's own (okay, I over applied it!) and ran out of the area I wanted it to stay put in, but I pushed it back with some cotton swabs.

Let it dry overnight and I must say, experiment is a success and I'm well-pleased. I don't think I will ever brush-apply this particular varnish again, lol.

~ Shelley

OhHungry!?... OhDusty!!

2009-10-01T09:09:00.011-04:00

I should've known. Should've thought. But... hindsight is 20/20, lol.

It's one of two dogs. Princess Holly or "Hoover" Dusty. I vote on the latter [chuckle]. However, you've seen their pics, how could I point a finger at either of those sweeties, lol?

When I go out, I separate the dogs. Too much house to play in. Too many windows to bark at. Too much chance to have a little skirmish and I not be here to intercede (this I am thinking of our "golden" dog, Whisper. Her nickname is "Grumpy". She likes her space and doesn't discriminate between her "own flock" or visitors and she sure as shootin' doesn't care if they're "old and hearing impaired" and don't hear her initial warning to clear out, lol).

So... my crew get the crates in the basement. Hunter is allowed house privileges (she's old enough now she goes to a corner - usually right behind the front door so we can't "sneak in", lol - and sleeps). Visitors get locked into the familyroom/kitchen area. All is happy and my house is in one piece.

Fast forward to greeting time. Guests first. Unlock the glass bi-fold door and... hello, what's this? The potato bin which houses the dog food is in the middle of the kitchen floor. Oh, no, hopefully Dusty and Holly didn't bang into it and hurt themselves while playing.

Closer inspection, as I slide it back against the end cupboard, shows some telltale nail and tooth marks. What?! This bin has been in the same spot with the same contents for nigh onto 11 years. It has been through puppies, visiting dogs, my crew... even Dusty and Holly.

Geesh. Guess I better feed those dogs... after I sand the damage on the potato bin, lol.

And oh, ya... the rubbermaid container filled with peanuts for the Blue Jays that I keep at the backdoor? We've moved it back to it's spot countless times since our "guests" arrived. We've just "assumed" that Holly and Dusty aren't used to navigating it when they look out the backdoor. Hello? What was I thinking? Picked it up, again, skittered across the floor and yes, there too are telltale teeth marks. Poor starving dogs (ya right).

~ Shelley

The Princess speaks

2009-09-28T00:46:00.001-04:00

Well, as I was writing my last entry (about my, ahem, "Craftroom"), my visiting doggies were slightly annoyed that it is well past their bedtime and I am still up.

Not sure exactly when their "usual" bedtime is, but they have been "telling" me in no uncertain terms all week that it is somewhere around 9-10 ish at night.

How do they tell me? Well, by stomping their feet, grrrrring and ruffing at me, whining, yapping, pawing me and generally being "busy" to get my attention. Did I tell you they won't go out at night for their "last call" unless I go with them?! I guess they (Dusty and Holly) are worried that my guys will ambush them in the dark. Or they've just got me trained, lol (probably a little of both).

What are my resident dogs doing while all this is going on? Well, they're trying to be better-than-perfect, lol. Really. Not harassing or being impatient or underfoot or begging or... I figure when Holly and Dusty go home, they'll be doing all the above... in spades, lol.

So... as I sit at my 'puter, stalling, Holly is looking perkily at me and ruffing to get my attention. I want my bedtime cookie and I want it NOW is what she'd say if she could talk. How soon they find routines, lol.

Well, Holly, your wish is about to be granted you spoiled little princess [grin].

~ Shelley

Organized chaos

2009-09-27T23:57:00.001-04:00

Well, I thought I should come clean... seeing as my craft area is not, lol.

I mentioned on the ToleFriends list that maybe we should share pics of our craftrooms. Horrors! The reason I mentioned this was because we're currently running a Tips Contest and from the sounds of some of these tips, I'm thinkin' the submitters must have the most organized craft/painting areas imaginable. I mean, really, I can think of all kinds of things to MAKE my creative space more manageable, but to actually implement them? So... I wouldn't post the ideas because someone might challenge me on them (especially those that know me [giggle]).

But... despite what my husband and non-creative people might think, I live in organized chaos, lol. I mostly know where EVERYthing is... just don't move the piles [grin].

So... I'm going to be one of the first to show a pic of my horribly cluttered craft area in the hopes that it will make some of my other list friends feel less guilty about their own. Hey, we're not all organized. I mean, my intentions are good and I do try to put things back where they belong, but then I get working on 1, 2... 6 projects at a time and... well, it just grows legs, lol. And of course, I do have a "life" (family, internet family/computer, dogs, crafting, friends, errands, painting associations/positions held, working for a friend at painting conventions, gardening, housework *cough, cough, sputter*...).

So... much as it will take away from my creative time, I am going to make every attempt to try to wrestle my craft area back into some semblance of order. I will not promise any "date", but I am going to go down there (it's in the basement) daily for the next while and work on it bits at a time. Hopefully I won't keep you waiting too long for the "after" picture.

My husband would love to have the kitchen table and diningroom back to their intended uses. Me? Well, honestly, they're little-used areas anyway, right? I'm re-purposing them, lol. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!.

~ Shelley

Jury's in

2009-09-24T23:28:00.001-04:00

Well, as I said I would do, I did some "homework", lol. I experimented with the DecoArt Glass Stain and the Ranger Glossy Accents.

I haven't finished my painted piece yet. Not 'til next week. But I thought I should try the different "glass" effects I had before I experimented on my finished piece.

So... to get the "glass ball" effect, I've decided that the Ranger Glossy Accents or the Triple Thick Brush-on will work best for what I need it for (the clear Christmas balls that the little bears are inside on Holly Hanley's Happy Holidays design).

The clear Glass Stain by DecoArt worked, but... it is very liquidy (is that a real word, lol?) so you cannot move the piece AT ALL until it sets up. However, it is also very flexible, so on canvas or another surface that had some "give", it wouldn't crack. That could be an advantage.

The Glossy Accents by Ranger is thicker and sets-up faster so isn't as temperamental. It gives a more 3D effect. However, when dry, if you flex the piece (I experimented on thick paper), it will crack. This could pose a problem on canvas. However, I will be using the product on a wood surface.

The advantage with both the above products over the DecoArt Texture Glass and Triple Thick is that they are self-levelling and can be used directly from the nozzle of the paint bottle and the area just "swooped" across and filled in. The Texture Glass and Triple Thick must be brushed on and are less forgiving if you over-work them.

So... for this particular piece, I would say that the Glossy Accents by Ranger or the Triple Thick are clear winners because of their more 3D effect and less inclination to "slide" and move once applied to the area you want the desired effect. I'll try the Texture Glass at a later date.

~ Shelley

Mooch...

2009-09-23T16:48:00.000-04:00

def'n: To obtain or try to obtain by begging

see: Dusty (lol)

Heeheehee

Now, my dogs know that they are not supposed to counter-surf (even tho' they cannot, technically, reach the counter; unlike a large dog) or beg in the kitchen. The guests know this too, however, they push the envelope, lol. And this is also where that "selective hearing", the seniors have, comes into play.

Whenever I'm working in the kitchen, my girl, Holly (guest along with Dusty), is right under me between the counter and my legs. Something might drop dontcha know [grin]. Dusty lies perfectly directly behind me as I might turn and drop something (and there's no room for him with said sister under me). If I turn away from the counter or cross the room, his snout is immediately in the air as he walks around the perimeter of the counter surfaces huffing the air for a whiff of food. Poor underfed and starving creature (ya, right). My crew of 5 usually hangs back and waits for me to send them scurrying from the room with a firm "out". If no such word leaves my lips, they close the circle until I do say something - usually from severe claustrophobia [chuckle].

The attached pic shows Dusty at his best. Now how can you resist thaaaaaat face?! Easy... 'cause if you give in, you've lost the war, lol, and a PACK of hungry dogs will descend upon you.

Today I had my weekly painting class. We're working on the Holly Hanley piece titled Happy Holidays. It's of little bears inside glass Christmas balls. Too cute.

The glass ball effect is done with Triple Thick brush-on varnish as the last step on the balls. You can also use the Glossy Accents by Ranger (a scrapbooking medium) and this will give a raised glass effect. I think the DecoArt Clear Glass Stain might also work (and maybe even the Texture Glass). It's amazing how many "different", but the "same" products there are. I will try the Glass Stain to see if it'll also work and report back here and to my class.

~ Shelley

Ron and Maggie... this one's for you

2009-09-22T13:46:00.001-04:00

Well, I know you're in Paris "pining" away for your furkids (you better not be... you'd better be enjoying that Parisien air and countryside, lol), so... here's a pic of your furkids with "the Gang".

From left to right top row: Dusty, Molson, Hunter, Domino, 'Squeak and Holly
Middle row: Shimmer
From left to right bottom row: Whisper and Checkers

Dusty and Domino are littermates (full brother and sister), age 13
Dusty, Domino, Checkers (12) and Holly (13) are all half brothers/sisters as they have the same sire (Dad, lol)
Hunter is Checkers "mom" (you can see the family resemblance)
Shimmer and Molson are from Whisper and are full brother and sister from different litters
'Squeak is Shimmer's pup.

So... now you know .

~ Shelley

One of these "things" is not like the others...

2009-09-21T12:48:00.000-04:00

Heeheehee, and then there were EIGHT! Well, only for a few hours, lol.

Sheba (top middle) came for grooming this morning so it was an opportunity to show everyone that all the dogs can be well-behaved and obedient. I just point at the steps and tell each one to get up and find a spot and they do. Only one problem, to get them all to look at the camera at the same time .

Ten pics or so later (ya, they basically stayed that whole time apart from a couple deciding they weren't sitting anymore, lol) and squealing all sorts of noises to get ears up and attention on me (thank goodness the neighbours on either side of me are at work )... got one decent one.

Five of the eight dogs are "seniors" so their hearing is very dulled. Whisper is 12 (the golden one in the middle of the middle row); Dusty (top left) and Holly (middle left) are 13; Sheba (middle top) is about 14, I think; and my Hunter (bottom right) is 14. Shimmer is 6 (top right); Molson is 5 (middle right); and Pipsqueak ('Squeak for short) is 4 and the one bottom row left.

Tomorrow, Dusty's littermate, Domino, and Checkers come for their grooming. Will try to get a pic but it's s'posed to rain. Domino is a tri-colour sheltie and has always been one of my favourites. She's a little pistol. 'Squeak is very like her.

~ Shelley

And then there were... SEVEN!

2009-09-19T10:21:00.000-04:00

Yup... SEVEN shelties in my house.

Dusty and Holly have come for their getaway whilst their parents jet-away to Paris for a special holiday.

So now I have 4 senior dogs in the house. Should be interesting trying to call them in from the great outdoors. Some of it's selective hearing as they do tune us out when they're wanting some extra freedom, but most of it is the effects of the aging process as certain sounds aren't as audible to them anymore. Betcha I won't have a problem calling them for dinner tho', lol.

Both of the visiting dogs are sweeties (as are their owners) and have been coming here since they were pups. Dusty is just a goofy male. Nothing bugs him as he lumbers his way around and under your hand for petting. Holly is the "princess" and expects the respect due her station, lol. She is also a master manipulator. As a young pup that we were weaning, she went on a food strike. As the rest of her littermates were chowing down on mash, she was figuratively crossing her arms and refusing anything but good ol' mom. She ended up literally making herself sick at about 5 weeks old. I was thunderstruck and after checking her over couldn't believe where my thoughts were going... a weanling actually "thinking" and "on strike"? A quick visit to the vet and a goodly bill later showed nothing wrong... my instincts WERE correct!... just stubbornness... a sign of things to come, lol.

To this day, you cannot make her do anything she doesn't want. When her owners are present, she is glued to them and she will shake and give a look that says "don't leave me". Guilts them she does. They leave and the sunny disposition comes out and she becomes my shadow, my bud. The other dogs are just nuisances and silly to her way of thinking. She literally lifts her nose and looks down on them as they run and play and do their antics. Funny Holly.

The two visitors are so good and so used to life here that we don't even notice the increase in numbers 'til you try to maneuver your way around them to get the remote control [grin].

I took a pic of all of 'em on the back steps. Sun was too bright so they're a little "squinty-eyed", lol. It's just the best spot to "tier" them for photos.

~ Shelley

The best laid plans...

2009-09-18T14:59:00.000-04:00

Well, I had every intention of posting regularly and tell you my experiences at the Paint-In Alberta (PIA) Convention in Edmonton. However, time and TIREDness got in the way, lol.

What was I thinking?!

I'll try to encapsulate my week.

Some scrapbook industry techniques are making there way into our Decorative Painting. Hey, why fight it, lol? Willow has long incorporated some scrapbook papers and stencilling/stamping into her pieces. Now we find Glimmer Mists and Glimmer Screens and seed beads (yes... I said SEED BEADS) appearing in some of the Artist's designs. Tracy Moreau is using glass stains and seed beads. Yes, I "had" to pick up a couple of these supplies and the packet to go along with them. Can't wait to try the technique and "show n' tell" at my guild.

This was a very small show. Probably only a couple hundred registrants. There was only about a dozen booths. Cozy. Divine's Designs (Diane Bunker was in this booth); Getsons Woodworking from Nova Scotia; Hearts Delight (Lorraine Fletcher, owner - Doxie Keller shared this booth); Heather Redick; Holly Hanley; Multi-Art/Scharff Brushes (where you could also find Moe Shier and Tracy Moreau); Paint for Joy; Shorthorn Arts Studio (Diana Steer - oils); Adrienne Weightman (Scratch Art); Gladys Neilsen; Wendy Fahey; and Willow Wolfe. A few artists shared booth space with some of the Exhibitors.

Gladys Neilsen brought along a beautiful canvas banner that was circulated so that we might write our "best wishes" on it to Joan Dixon who is currently battling cancer.

There was a demo area that ran daily with demos on the hour and Cash & Carry Classes on Saturday.

The girls who run C2C Events did a great job organizing and keeping things running smoothly.

The catalog for the Coast to Coast Convention in Mississauga (April 28-May 2, 2010) was released at the PIA show and garnered a lot of interest. I imagine I'll be "working the show" so won't have a lot of time to take in any classes, but ya never know .

It was busy and fun running the booth for Willow and I look forward to doing it again and again and again... I really enjoy getting to the conventions and schmoozing even if it's hard work setting-up and taking-down a booth (inventorying - ARGH!). Maybe I can even occasionally go a couple days ahead of a show and check out a few sites. Ya neva know. I love Willow and her art and don't have the slightest hesitation recommending her as a knowledgeable and friendly teacher. And I'm really excited with the new Princeton Art Brushes she has had a hand in designing. The price-point is bang on and they are real workhorses and a bargain for our industry. Debbie Cotton, Donna Scully, Lydia Steeves and Holly Hanley have also been using these brushes and are promoting them in their classes. I heard a lot of really positive feedback from attendees at the show.

Sunday afternoon was a blur of inventorying and packing up followed by a relaxing meal at Earl's (gosh I wish we had this chain restaurant around here - LOVE the warm potato salad and pan bread!) and a few drinks. I got to sleep in Monday morning and then wandered around Edmonton 'til the afternoon when I caught a shuttle to the airport and made my tired way home.

~ Shelley

Smooth Criminal?

2009-09-17T09:23:00.000-04:00

That's what I felt like on Monday as I went through Airport Security at Edmonton. I wasn't upset or worried, afterall, it's for our own safety that we have these measures, just couldn't believe the inconsistencies and/or more thoroughness through the different airports I've been through the last month.

I wear a sterling silver bracelet. We all know that jewellery will often set off the sensors at the airports. No biggie, the airport security are well aware of this and check pretty thoroughly. Case in point, American Customs last month at the Ottawa airport. They just have you hold your arms out like your flying, lol, and re-scan. Go ahead, m'am. Airport Security through Ohio... take off your jewellery and put it in the dish to go through the scanner. Whatever. No biggie. Through these two checkpoints, all that went off was my bracelet.

Airport Security at Ottawa on my trip out to Edmonton. Only bracelet "rings the bells". Go ahead, m'am.

Fast forward to Edmonton. Those wands make EVERYthing go off. Yup. Underwire bra, studs on pants (same pants I've worn through previous checkpoints), metal ring on shirt, every piece of jewellery I have on...

And the purse! The purse that's been through every checkpoint so far. They put it through the scanner x-rays THREE TIMES! They emptied it out. They turned it just about upside down and well... tossed almost everything in it out into a bucket. I stood there, patiently waiting (now there's an oxymoron), for about 10-15 minutes. Now there's a good example of WHY you need to show up EARLY for your flight, lol. I grinned evilly as the poor young man gingerly removed lady's products, heeheehee. Some poetic justice with that. He certainly looked amazed with the amount of "stuff" coming out of a lady's purse. You'd think after all this time the s'prise wouldn't show in his face. Maybe he's a newbie to lady's purses. Whatever, finally, finding nothing... they let me go. I will never be able to find anything in that purse again, lol.

The rest of my flight was uneventful and comfortable. I got the aisle seat on both flights home and an empty seat in the middle. Both seatmates were polite and friendly. The time passed quickly catching up on t.v. shows with the little t.v.'s in the headrests. Boeing 737's are much more to my liking.

~ Shelley

What's with thaaaat?

2009-09-17T08:55:00.000-04:00

Well, have been home for a few days now. Got in at midnight on Monday night from Edmonton. Tuesday was pretty good; Wednesday I hit a wall, lol, and here I still am, firmly embedded in that wall.

When I was in Edmonton, I didn't seem to be able to get to sleep much before midnight (which would've been 2 am Ottawa time); however, I darn well woke up at Ottawa time every single morning. So 7 am Ottawa time was 5 am wake up time in Edmonton! Follow?

I was SOOOOOO sleep deprived and running on fumes, but having so much fun (I probably do better on nervous energy and feeding off the energy of a show anyway).

Figured I'd be able to "sleep in" when I got home 'cause it'd be like "rolling the clock forward" (?) for daylight savings - only I'd gain 2 hours. No such luck. I seem to be waking up earlier... 6:30 am Ottawa time which works out to 4:30 am Edmonton time. Geesh. My body clock is totally discombobulated. I wanna sleeeeep - properly [grin]. Oh well, nap later.

I'll write a little bit more later about the show and my experiences.

~ Shelley

Paint-In Alberta

2009-09-12T01:18:00.000-04:00

Game on!

Well, I made my flight with plenty of time to spare on Thursday. My wonderful neighbour, Loretta, drove me to the airport. It's so nice to have friends like that who you can count on and so willingly offer to help.

The flight was 4 hours in a Boeing 737 (via Westjet). Seats about 120 passengers with 3 seats on either side of the aisle. I had the window seat and decided it was rather comfortable for a couple reasons: you had something to lean against and didn't have to get up all the time to let your seatmates out. The view while it was light was pretty cool too. I sat beside a pleasant arab gentleman and his elderly mother. At one point, he moved to another open seat so she could curl up and sleep on the two seats. She was such a sweetie, worried when she bumped me and oh-so-appreciative when I was fine with it and told her (through him as she spoke no English) that she could even lean against me. While it was a tight fit, it was a pleasant 4 hour flight.

I was able to catch the Sky Shuttle from the airport to the Radisson Hotel. I had a very friendly and knowledgeable driver and 20 minutes past quickly (and at half the price a cab would've been). I was the only passenger as had caught the driver on his way back for his downtown to airport round trip.

I didn't get in 'til almost 10 pm Edmonton time (midnight my time) and was exhausted. Quickly caught up with Willow and then called it a night.

Friday's wake-up call came far too soon. I think I'd probably just nodded off when the 6 am call came. Argh. I was downstairs, continental breakfast (fruits, juice, muffins, toast, etc. and LOTS of coffee, lol) and to Willow's classroom by 7:10 am. Spent most of the morning helping out with class sales and running to and from the Exhibit Hall and reception hunting down stock and setting up the booth. Lunch break at 2 ish and back to the grind and ready to open for 4 pm 'til 8 pm for registrants of the show.

This is a very small show. Probably only about a couple hundred registrants and maybe a dozen exhibitors. Sales and "traffic" were slow but it was still a great time visiting with the painters, fellow exhibitors, artists/designers/teachers and friends.

I managed a short time off and swung through the booths and picked up a few items. I also spent some time in fascination at Adrienne Weightman's booth watching her do her Scratch Art (an old art form that is showing a great resurgence and interest especially amongst decorative artists). Her packets were lovely. So detailed and such a simple and low-cost art. Tempting... But no, I haven't succumbed to that temptation yet.

Well, I must turn-in as tomorrow is almost here and the morning will be here much too soon. The Exhibit Hall opens from 10 am to 5 pm Saturday. It'll be a long day then helping out Willow and maybe Debbie Cotton for their classes in the evening.

My one disappointment so far? I have not been able to touch base with my better half because of the miles between us (he still in Germany) and time difference. Did send a text and an email tho' so hopefully he knows I'm safe and sound and happy but missing him.

~ Shelley

It's all about the optics...

2009-09-10T14:00:00.000-04:00

So... here I sit, mid-afternoon on the 10th with nothing to do but rest, lol. When I looked at this scenario a couple of days ago, I was overwhelmed with all that needed to be done before I could leave for Paint-In Alberta.

Tuesday I had a meeting, Wednesday I had a painting class and running around to do for my college-bound son, dogs to drop off at my girlfriend's, laundry, packing, eye appointment for the college-bound son...

Wednesday evening I was getting to the list when a friend dropped in. I just couldn't turn her away, she needed to visit - and so did I (she is in the middle of cancer treatments and I've been dropping off meals for the family)... this was a good day and time for her. Her energy levels were flagging but spirits still buoyant after chemo last week and one more chemo treatment to go. No biggie. She wanted to thank me for the meals I've been dropping off (the least I can do for a friend). Was a nice visit and I said to myself "what gets done gets done". I actually needed this down time for just focusing on someone else and getting caught up with them. Felt so good and relaxed afterwards. Then off to drop dogs off for their "getaway", lol.

Now, at 2 in the afternoon... packing is done, groceries done, son has had his eye appointment, 4 loads of laundry have been completed and put away... and I'm breathing easy(er), lol. Now I can just putz and play for a few hours 'til my ride comes to take me to the airport (awesome neighbour has volunteered).

Ooooops, one last thing after this post... gotta do a quick write-up to submit to our painting guild's newsletter by tomorrow! That I can do.

So... update on my squinty-eyed son: his eyes are perfect. Yes, I said PERFECT! Yippee Skippee! Problem? Lack of sleep and resting said eyes. Lecture from optician, sigh of relief from son who did NOT want glasses (but methinks he secretly doth protest too much, lol) and BIG sigh of relief from Mom. So glad I persisted and called around 'til I could get him in somewhere. Now we know and it is a welcome relief. Would've worried about him 'til we could see an eye doctor because you sure don't want to be struggling with new classes and also having vision problems.

So, took him to lunch, then Future Shop to get an extended warranty for his new IPod Touch, got an extra credit because it had come down in price since last week (another yippee) and then home. Whew. I'm exhausted thinking of all that's been done in this short week while hubby's away.

Oh ya, my arm is healing. Doesn't hurt as it was a third degree burn and I'd obviously damaged the nerve ends, looks horrible, but it's healing nicely. I have some special non-stick pads and gauze to wrap it with while I'm away to make sure I keep the dirt out. I've tended it well, lol, with antibiotic cream and cleaning.

I'll try to give you an update on the show when I can make time. Might not be 'til I get home. Okay, off to do that write-up, clean up the yard and put some dishes away!

~ Shelley

One more sleep!

2009-09-09T18:21:00.000-04:00

Well, one more sleep and I'm off for my newest adventure. Paint-in Alberta.

I'm excited... and exhausted. Today I went to painting class for a couple hours to discuss ideas of what we'd like to get up to in our weekly class. Okay... we never reach a consensus, lol, but we have fun. Usually there are 2 to 3 projects on the go (sometimes more). And dollars to donuts, that project that someone turned down and now see being done... well, they want it too [grin].

I left our get-together (more like a social after "summer recess") to get home and pick-up my son to take to college. We needed to pick up another book that'd been missed in our first book run and that he had to have for this Friday, and it had to be done BEFORE his noon class. Whew. Also got the screen protector for his netbook. Hopefully we're done for now. 'Cept I hear from other parents that you're never done paying, lol.

Then I did a couple other errands and headed home. Got a few things done, but no packing yet. 'Course now I'm starting to panic 'cause I have a couple appointments tomorrow and I'll need to be home (and packed) before 5:30 pm to get to the airport. Oi vey, talk about leaving stuff to the last minute. Will also need to run the dogs out to my friend's tonight.

Said son informed me the other day that he was having trouble reading the overheads at college. Argh. We'd had a conversation awhile back about booking an optometrist appointment. No way, he argued, my eyes are fine and I'm NOT wearing glasses and I'm not going. Geesh. Well, I can see if I cup my fingers around my eyes and squint, he says. Argh. So now we're racing to try to fit him in somewhere 'cause he's feeling a tad sheepish. Well, I finessed one for tomorrow before his afternoon classes. It'll be tight for me, but it's got to be done. At least the process started. Does he or doesn't he, lol? Glasses or no.

So... understandably, I'm feeling a bit of pressure...

In fact, as I write this... I'm being tasked with measuring and cutting the darn screen protector, finding a darn end for the compressor so he can inflate his bike tires (just go ask the neighbours, lol), and a myriad other things that I'm tuning out (shhhh, don't tell him). Ya, okay... it's nice to be needed. When can I go drop the dogs off and get a bit of a break [smile]?

~ Shelley

Hyped, hyper, hyperactive...

2009-09-08T19:00:00.000-04:00

He's home, lol. And in the door like a whirlwind.

Bouncing is an understatement. My 18 year old, in his words, is "hyped".

Did he have a good day? Sure. Why are you so "hyped"? Two free energy drinks, one after the other he says. Oh, boy... and I'm home alone with him. Think I'd like to smack whoever is handing out "free" energy drinks and hooking our children [chuckle].

Is he hungry? Nope, just real thirsty. He also had 3 huge slices of pizza at the cafeteria. Geesh.

Bounce, bounce, bounce some more. Not sure if my house structure can handle this. He's not a small child anymore.

More rapid-fire information about his day. Not sure I caught all of it, but, hey, he's communicating. New hard-drive (part of the course and fees we already handed over); he's one of the youngest, if not "the" youngest in most of his courses - says that's "weird" and he feels so much smarter, lol; they couldn't put hard-drives together - he's feeling superior, lol; squirrels fighting (not sure if this was the energy drink talking, lol - no actually, saw a squabble between 3 of the little furry fiends on site while waiting between classes. An interesting and notable part of his day obviously, lol); number of pages he can print per term and being careful not to leave your account logged on so others don't "use your quota" ...

So... I asked him about the t.v. Geesh, maybe I shouldn't have, should've just pretended I was too sore to get up and could he just turn it on for me, lol. Huge "hyped" explanation of "the box" being on and the t.v. not and how you can trick it by covering the remote and pushing buttons or push the buttons manually on the t.v. and/or the box and... just turn the t.v. on for me pretty please [chuckle].

Then I got a lesson on the different parts of the hard-drive and cables and power supply and... testing me on what types of cables (sata and usb and...) and transferring capabilities and... And oh ya, the math is going to be a cakewalk (ya... right).

Okay, ya, my head is spinning, lol. But I love the little (big) guy. Oh ya... he's been home for the better part of an hour now and hasn't stopped... talking or moving, lol. He's walking back and forth, to and fro, up and down... and the volume. No kill switch, lol.

See what you're missing hubby? You owe me. Love ya and miss ya!

~ Shelley

Wait 'til your ... son (?!) gets home?!

2009-09-08T17:56:00.000-04:00

The t.v. hates me. Electronics hate me. What happened to the good ol' days when you actually went up to the instrument of torture in question and just hit a button and ... voila, it magically came to life?

We have a new(ish) t.v. Ya, some bells and whistles. The darn H.D. box etc. and ... it's temperamental. I was quite happy pre-cable/digital t.v. and with only channels 1 thru 20. Now we can jump to 500 and get full screen (I'm also quite happy with little black vertical bars on either side of the screen, lol. Just blends in with the colour of the frame). Sometimes it needs to be finessed, sometimes... it just needs a man, to understand all those fancy buttons and commands on the remote, lol.

Today is one of those times.

Now... those that know me, know I hardly ever turn the t.v. on, but when I want to... I want it now. All I wanted to do was watch the news while I cooked dinner, but no, it wouldn't oblige me. So... here I sit and wait for my son to come home from his first very loooooong day at college. I'll try not to let the first words outta my mouth be... fix the t.v. (please). I'll try to ask him how his day was and if I can get him some dinner...

So, meanwhile, I'll just make my dinner and go upstairs to the t.v. without bells and whistles and hope it turns on.

~ Shelley

Me complain?

2009-09-07T20:05:00.000-04:00

My friend called to tell me she fixed the problem I was complaining about.

Me complain? Not normally, so I was a tad confused (okay, confused is a normal state for me... more confused?).

So... I asked if I'd really been so bad and negative. She said "no" but I should now be happy and don't you get it yet? Hmmmm.

More clues followed (you'd have to know this friend - her blondness and my confused state mightn't be considered a reasonable combination, lol). Was she being "clear"? Hello... I'm calling you?

Hmmmm.

Oh! The phone! She got a new phone!? Well, yes... 'cause I complained. No, I didn't I said, I'd just tell her to stay still and stop moving when she called so I could hear her through the static [chuckle].

All good things come to those who wait. Or something to that effect. I was reminded of yesterday's above conversation when said friend called to say she was running late for our scrapbook craft time. She asked again "how she sounded", lol.

So... we had set a time of 2 pm so we could both get some things done around the house on this warm summer day (ya... I said summer, 'cause that's what it finally feels like). Needless to say, she called just after 2 to say she got sidetracked and asked if I ever had one of those days. Always, Karen, always. We're two peas in a pod, lol.

So, Karen arrived, two dogs in tow for their playdate with mine while we played with scrapbook papers. She also, considerate and thoughtful soul that she is, brought me one of her larger suitcases to use this week. Yes! Now I can pack the extra supplies I need for the booth.

We spent a delightful afternoon choosing papers for the small album she wanted to make for her son's grad. I'd picked up a BoBunny Word Album "Grade" and we just removed the "E". I'd re-printed, cropped and re-sized some pictures that I had borrowed from her quite a while ago and she had a grand time cutting up and using just 'bout EVERYone for the album, lol. In between her apologizing for "taking up my time" [GEESH! It was SOOOO nice just to sit and visit and not feel I HAD to do anything - sometimes we just try to do too much and fit too much in], we visited and laughed and caught up on life. She really is one of the nicest people I know.

Well, by the end of the afternoon, Karen had a totally awesome, complete album to either keep for herself , or as I told her, give to her son on "permanent loan", lol. She was thrilled and I think she'd do this again. I know I would.

~ Shelley

Note to self... don't do that!

2009-09-07T13:26:00.000-04:00

Well, first off... note to husband: I'm fine. Really. Feeling a tad stupid(er), but fine.

I decided to get a few things done 'round the house today. Couple loads of laundry in, scrapbook stuff out ready for my friend to arrive, lunch (quick frozen burger on the barby works for me, lol)... oh, grass, I'd like to cut the grass in the backyard so I can find the dogs [smile].

No biggie. Hubby doesn't like me doing it. Says it's not my "job". I really don't mind doing it as with the gas mower, it's quick and painless. Well... as you will hear... that's relative, lol.

Picked up the yard and checked for "foreign objects/missiles". Then changed to my hubby's "yard shoes" and primed the lawnmower in preparation to pulling that darn cord (the only hard part of the job, lol). Left dogs out as they know when it's me at the controls to back off and behave. With hubby, they'll just charge the mower, heeheehee. They were well-behaved and stayed on the patio the whole time (sorry, honey, but the boss rules!).

I'm less careful than my better half (on a lot of things - to my detriment [said sheepishly]). They're my plants/gardens in the backyard so if I kinda take out a few of the flora other than the unruly grass, well so be it. No biggie.

Job accomplished in record time and I turn off the mower. Oh look, a big phystostegia (obedient plant that's not, lol. Obedient that is) tangled in the left front wheel. Lean down to carefully pull it free (yes, I know the mower will be hot so I think I'm being careful and watching the distance). Sizzle. Did you know that skin sizzles like a drop of water or oil on a hot surface? Yikes. Pull arm away and notice a quarter-size hole thru my skin on the soft, lower, inner arm. Ouch. March into house and put a huge dollop of aloe on wound. Oh well, it'll heal and I'll remember next time ... don't do that. My soft inner arm barely grazed the machinery (and I mean BARELY... the heat from the mower acted like a magnet and just wicked the skin towards the hot silver motor [?]).

So... feeling pretty good 'bout the lawn mowing job. Not so good 'bout the lesson learned. But I'm fine honey... really. Love ya! The picture shows the before and after. See how well I looked after it and how fast I heal?

~ Shelley

Be careful what you say...

2009-09-06T17:14:00.000-04:00

Heeheehee. Just got off the phone from talking to my soulmate (husband). Just had to call and hear his voice. He went for a walk in Frankfurt this afternoon. Turned down a "wrong" street, lol (so he says)... hot looking "call" girl dragged him into one of the shops and wanted her way with him. That's his story and he's stickin' to it. And he worries 'bout what friends "I" entertain at home when he's away .

There's a 6 hour time difference. That means 5 pm here is 11 pm there. Guess what I'll be doing with my afternoons for the next few days [wink]?!

He reads my blog so already knew that I was missing him. Gosh, I knew that, but... guess I better watch what I say about all the fun I'm having while he's away [grin].

His flight was uneventful and cushy. He flew on a Boeing 767. He gets "business class" (aka First Class on some flights). Beds, t.v., space, service... what more could a man want? Me... I just hope my flight on Thursday is in something bigger than a tuna can (sardine ?) this time.

Next Monday night is a long way away before I can see him again. Guess I'll hafta "make hay while the sun shines, lol".

~ Shelley

Are we there yet?

2009-09-06T11:56:00.000-04:00

Well I tell you, the end of August, first part of September is always exhausting. Throw a couple extra events in and well, it's a free-for-all, lol. But, we're almost at the relax and sit back stage (ya, right).

Son #2 had his birthday on September 2. 18 years old already! Holy cats where does the time go? We have also been getting him ready for his first year of College and all that that entails (clothes, course registration [and payment!], book buying, bus passes and i.d.). Whew.

Bought our eldest a small apartment-size freezer so am off to buy some edibles to fill it with shortly (ya, the most important part - is this like buying someone a purse or wallet that you're s'posed to put a coin in? A knife or other sharp implement you're s'posed to include a coin for luck? - LOL).

Just took my better half to the airport yesterday for a business trip to Germany. Sigh, miss him already. I won't see him for a week and a half 'cause I'm off in another direction this week. Hope he can fit in some fun, though. Germany is a beautiful place and the beer...

So... four more sleeps and I'm off to another painting convention to help out. Where this time? Well, the Paint-in Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta. It's a very small show by show standards but I'm really looking forward to it and will report on my experiences later.

Tomorrow I'm hoping my friend can come over as I'd planned to help her put together a small "word album" for her son's graduation last year. We'll have fun (and yes, I'll be able to find a clear spot to work, lol... the diningroom table. Where else?).

Tuesday I have a meeting, Wednesday my painting class to make decisions for what we want to get into this year/season and Thursday I guess I better pack fast 'cause my flight leaves about 7 pm.

Oh gosh. Tons of stuff to do.

~ Shelley

I like (love) bling!

2009-08-28T15:57:00.000-04:00

Today is my anniversary. 27 years of wedded bliss with the same guy. Ya, really. Bliss. And same guy. How cool (and unusual in this day and age) is that?

So, I got spoiled. Ya really. I mean I get spoiled 365 days a year and 24/7, but today I got spoiled more. Bling. Another Pandora Charm Bracelet and FOUR charms. Wowsers. A gorgeous card. A day of togetherness. What more could a girl want?

Nope, not sharing my man, just my good fortune . I am blessed... and I KNOW IT!

~ Shelley

Addendum to "our day": Anniversary was wonderful. Spoilt rotten as per usual (24/7 and 365 days, lol). We went out for a nice dinner. Didn't book a reservation as these are usually not needed and tons of restaurant choices. First choice... we arrived and it was closed for a private party. Drive to next... moved to new location open in August... yada, yada. Drive to new location, park car, walk up street, that is closed for sewer repairs, and... not open yet! It's August 28 for goodness' sake, lol. Nice walk and looking at open road and old sewer - cistern style built of bricks. Oh the history it could tell. Off to next location we notice a "tavern" we've always been meaning to re-visit since high school days... u-turn and go there. What an atmosphere, lol. It was fun. We had a good time and got a story to tell.

No Excuse for Poor Behaviour

2009-08-18T15:44:00.000-04:00

Nope. That's what I always say. So... why did my emotions get the better of me today, then?

Maybe BECAUSE I am so in tune with the body language and vibes from my friend? She was chewing on something and I felt it... palpably; it permeated every pore of my being and left me on edge and worried. It was not the time or place to find out what. If I was offered an excuse, that's the one I'd hafta grasp at this time, lol.

Maybe because I was expecting opposition from other areas and this came outta left field (literally, lol)?

Maybe because I'm tired? When do you say enough is enough and know that it's time to move on in your "job"?

Maybe because I am feeling guilty we have not had "our time" for awhile and I've been busy making busy and have been missing our girl-time?

Maybe because last week was a real energy-sucker (but I'd do it again 'cause it was SO much fun)?

All the above and then some. But... no excuse for poor behaviour.

I over-reacted. So did she. Both of us were at fault. You seem to hurt the ones you love - ain't it true. I am devastated, depressed and crushed but I need to chill so I can talk about it. I am still shaking and on edge. I need to apologize for the delivery, but not for the message.

The message was clear and not something or a situation that I was trying to usurp. We needed more information and it wasn't forthcoming. I asked and had it thrown at me. That was wrong and hurtful; however... no excuse for poor behaviour... I over-reacted and need to say sorry... But I need to collect my thoughts. No more lashing out or hurt.

I am going to make a cup of tea. I am wounded, hurt and hurting. I need to let go of the hurt and find a way to mend myself and my friendship. I am fragile right now. It will be fine. It has to be.

~ Shelley

About Air Travel

2009-08-17T11:44:00.000-04:00

I've decided that even as a "little person" (5'4" and "average size"), I don't like Canadair CL65's, lol. They are like being in a city bus in the air (and seat less than 50 - like sardines). A little noisy, not much legroom (and so the gentleman's knees in my back the whole way from Philly to Ottawa on the trip home from HOOT), and by the luck-of-the-draw, the second time I've been in one and the gosh darn seat won't recline even a degree! The only bonus that I could see besides the pleasant crew?... the aisle armrest can be lifted to make getting in and out much easier.

The first leg of my trip to HOOT was begun in a CL65 and the thoughts that rolled thru my mind were not good, lol. Motion sickness. Yup. I'm not the best of travellers in a car and suffer mildly from motion/car sickness. But I was in the air and the thought of having to use that little bag in the seat pocket was not making me warm and fuzzy to my future plans for air travel. Touching down in Philly was very much welcome.

The Philly airport is HUGE. Thank goodness for shuttles and directions and nice people. There was not much chance of getting lost as I had almost 3 hours between flights so I just wanted to wander, people-watch and take it all in. And oh, ya, settle my tummy. Was not going to obsess about the next flight and my queasiness. Not going to go there, lol. These are only short hops afterall. A little over an hour from Ottawa to Philly (Philadelphia) and then an hour to Columbus, Ohio. I can do it .

The EMB170 to Ohio from Philly was a welcome relief. Still a small commuter/regional plane by airport standards, but more legroom, a little more sound-proof, seats about 70 and... much smoother in the air and along with the lower noise transfer (apart from passengers who, although using earbuds have to have their music so freakin' loud all you hear is "noise". Geesh)... was a much easier ride for me. Didn't have a lick of queasiness. Whew.

Touchdown in Ohio and time to find baggage claim and a taxi. Yippee, bag is there. I had not relished the thought of my checked bag not showing up at my destination. The way home, okay, but to start the week and hear all these horror stories... A good start, lol. Okay... so I was paranoid. So shoot me.

Find the taxi stand and happen upon a lady walking aimlessly thru the shuttle/taxi area. Ask her where she might be going (yes, I talk to strangers, lol) and find out it's also the Hyatt Regency, but for an Adoption Conference being held there, not the Painting Convention. Carolyn and I share the cab and a brief conversation. Money saved, $10.00 - $15.00 (cab ride is just under $24 plus an airport surcharge of $3.00). Good start to the week.

The way home was uneventful. I made all my connections no problem. Poor Willow couldn't make her Chicago flight for a hop to Winnipeg so luckily was able to transfer to another airline to be able to get home that night (Aug 16). What a nightmare for a single mom who's had a long working week and just wants to get home to her little girl. Happy ending. The only touchy part for me was finding my way to Terminal A from Terminal C in Philly to find the Duty-Free. Didn't I already say this airport is HUGE ? A bottle for a friend but no ciggies for my mom . Then back again to Terminal F all within a short hour to make my connection.

Touchdown in Ottawa was a welcome relief. Even the knees in my back couldn't douse my excitement of being home, lol. A long, tiring week, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

~ Shelley