Caught deep in the twirling depths of a novel I must finish. why oh why am I doing this to myself the very same month that I started a new job at a new barn? my first time back to work after almost three years of being a full time mom and the extra weight I'm carrying around is not making the physical labour enjoyable. Although the sleep deprivation is something I'm used to I'd say that all four kids getting chicken pox a couple migraines and strep throat all within the past three weeks don't make for the happy camper I normally am. aside from all that I really do think that the stereotypically weirdo/insane/scruffy writer image that pops into people's heads has finally become a reality for me. I finally understand that its roots come from spending so much time substituting the world we've created for the one we are supposed to be living in. Maybe it might be the excessive coffee?
It's the American thanksgiving weekend starting tomorrow and it got me thinking of my little list. I'm currently thankful for: Advil liquigels, the Tim Horton's staff who keep me fueled all hours of the night while I work, having a boss who raised half a dozen children herself and is therefore understanding, the fact that I work with animals not people, and last but not least, goats who spend more time outside than in so leave less poop for me to scoop out of their pens. :)
I have so much I want to share but I think it is just going to have to wait until AFTER the book is done! Mainly because I started blogging right around the same time I started the rest of my crazy activities. OH the things I have to share!!! can't wait until next time.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
NANOWRIMO
I for my part have been an admirer of this process for a long time and have been waiting for this month for a long time. Last year I was in the process of moving so although I did write it wasn't a completed book by the end of the month. I did hit my word count but I hadn't wrapped up my story. That book has been stored away with a couple others I had put pen to paper on but never really knew where to take them.
So here we are on another novel writing month and I had a whole day of quiet. no work and kids are off at school and I found myself scouring the net procrastinating and eating left over Halloween candy. My major weakness has always been my unending distraction on the Internet and my lack of ability to write anything before 3am. Tonight I think I might make a trip to Tim Horton's and park myself in the corner. My room mate who works there has promised to keep me fueled with endless amounts of coffee and the lack of wifi I think will help. Lets not forget the endlessly uncomfortable chairs they have for no reason I can comprehend beyond their high traffic flow. I think I'd live there if only they had dimmer lighting and couches.
Beyond all that though, if you are a writer but haven't heard of the nanwrimo then get thee to the web page now and check it out! There is also a book called No Plot No Problem by Chris Baty who started it all (which is what got me going) that you should definitely check out as well. If you have heard of Nanowrimo and are participating this year well then good luck and see you all at the finish line! Now off to go attempt some writing for the day. If I don't get distracted by something else first that is.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Trick or Treat
Halloween weekend and from carving pumpkins to picking up costumes and roasting seeds its been busy busy with charged up kids on a sugar high since Friday. Since we have recently moved out to the country we decided to take the kids to our old neighbourhood to let them trick or treat with their friends. It was a long night but well worth the drive. A laundry basket full of candy later we packed a reaper, a serial killer, a pirate and a lamb into the back of the car and other then the sound of wrappers for the first ten minutes there wasn't a peep beyond snoring by the end of the ride home.
We had a chance to catch up with some old neighbours and traded phone numbers so hopefully the kids can have a sleep over or something some time soon. The one disadvantage to moving to the country is that there isn't a lot of other kids to play with out here. I think it would have been easier for them had they been born out here because they wouldn't know what they were missing but having lived in the city first, well, they miss their friends. We still stand by the decision as when we were living in the city we didn't have enough control over who they were playing with and what they were getting up to so it's nice to have reined that in but it's definitely been a transition for them.
On our way down I got a good laugh as one of the radio station wished everyone a happy Halloween and then encouraged everyone to go get some candy from strangers. It made me laugh so hard to think of the fact that we spend every day of the year teaching and preaching at our kids not to talk to strangers, take anything from strangers and definitely never approach a strangers house but then on Halloween night its a huge party to run from house to house with a pillowcase demanding candy. lol. I hope every country has some ridiculous tradition they stick with that's as much fun as this one. I wouldn't have it any other way.
We had a chance to catch up with some old neighbours and traded phone numbers so hopefully the kids can have a sleep over or something some time soon. The one disadvantage to moving to the country is that there isn't a lot of other kids to play with out here. I think it would have been easier for them had they been born out here because they wouldn't know what they were missing but having lived in the city first, well, they miss their friends. We still stand by the decision as when we were living in the city we didn't have enough control over who they were playing with and what they were getting up to so it's nice to have reined that in but it's definitely been a transition for them.
On our way down I got a good laugh as one of the radio station wished everyone a happy Halloween and then encouraged everyone to go get some candy from strangers. It made me laugh so hard to think of the fact that we spend every day of the year teaching and preaching at our kids not to talk to strangers, take anything from strangers and definitely never approach a strangers house but then on Halloween night its a huge party to run from house to house with a pillowcase demanding candy. lol. I hope every country has some ridiculous tradition they stick with that's as much fun as this one. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Dirty Dancing!!
Oh man! Le sigh......alright my guilty admission is this, I had never seen dirty dancing until today, and what a movie it is! I can't believe I waited so long. Now I see what all the fuss is about. It's funny though I mean as much as the dancing is great and Patrick Swayze (who I was never attracted to until this movie) is suddenly transformed into the man of every girl's dream, it's really the love story itself that I think sweeps people away.
In recent years they've tried to redo the dancing/love story movie into something more modern with the Step Up movies but they lack the real and true love story that's told in Dirty Dancing. I'm not quite sure of whats missing but I'm guessing it's the strength of the bond. I only come to this conclusion because of the recent almost fanatical obsession that is sweeping across North America like the flu. Of course I'm referring to Twilight.
There is a definite lack of true gentlemen left in this world but the fact remains that the hopes of meeting one who's willing to step out of the crowd and sweep us off our feet hasn't left our list of things to day dream about. There's a fight for equality going on out there for women but it seems that there's no lack of desire for romance. Why that seems to be flying out the window as we make more and more steps towards our goal of equality I'm not sure but one thing I do know is that it's nothing short of disappointing.
I'm not sure if this is something that's really supposed to go both ways, I mean splitting the cost on the dates is the modern way of doing it and really not something I'm against but it's definitely blurring the lines of how to really treat a lady for some of the boys out there. When was the last time someone held open a door or pulled out a chair for you? I know it seems almost over the top in formality but what happened to all of the little things guys used to do to make a girl feel special? And is the reciprocation of that limited solely to a woman taking up the traditional role of stepping into the kitchen and really "taking care of" her man? If it's limited to these gender stereotypes is it such a terrible thought to be made to participate in something that's viewed as so archaic as to undermine all our years of effort in the women's rights movement? I really don't think there's anything wrong with it some of the time, especially given it's still the women that are more often then not staying home with the children and taking care of the home anyway.
So is it starting to turn out that the fight for equality is leading to more and more men being let off the hook for making an effort while women end up still doing most of what they had to do in the first place and often times more when they are expected to see to the domestic matters and hold an outside job? Perhaps that's simply my experience but I do wonder if its becoming the norm out there. HRMPH!
Anyway back to topic, Dirty Dancing is a fabulous movie. I'm glad I finally got to see it as it was nice to be swept off my feet by Patrick Swayze even if it was just for a little while. Now if only I could find that in reality. Le sigh......
In recent years they've tried to redo the dancing/love story movie into something more modern with the Step Up movies but they lack the real and true love story that's told in Dirty Dancing. I'm not quite sure of whats missing but I'm guessing it's the strength of the bond. I only come to this conclusion because of the recent almost fanatical obsession that is sweeping across North America like the flu. Of course I'm referring to Twilight.
There is a definite lack of true gentlemen left in this world but the fact remains that the hopes of meeting one who's willing to step out of the crowd and sweep us off our feet hasn't left our list of things to day dream about. There's a fight for equality going on out there for women but it seems that there's no lack of desire for romance. Why that seems to be flying out the window as we make more and more steps towards our goal of equality I'm not sure but one thing I do know is that it's nothing short of disappointing.
I'm not sure if this is something that's really supposed to go both ways, I mean splitting the cost on the dates is the modern way of doing it and really not something I'm against but it's definitely blurring the lines of how to really treat a lady for some of the boys out there. When was the last time someone held open a door or pulled out a chair for you? I know it seems almost over the top in formality but what happened to all of the little things guys used to do to make a girl feel special? And is the reciprocation of that limited solely to a woman taking up the traditional role of stepping into the kitchen and really "taking care of" her man? If it's limited to these gender stereotypes is it such a terrible thought to be made to participate in something that's viewed as so archaic as to undermine all our years of effort in the women's rights movement? I really don't think there's anything wrong with it some of the time, especially given it's still the women that are more often then not staying home with the children and taking care of the home anyway.
So is it starting to turn out that the fight for equality is leading to more and more men being let off the hook for making an effort while women end up still doing most of what they had to do in the first place and often times more when they are expected to see to the domestic matters and hold an outside job? Perhaps that's simply my experience but I do wonder if its becoming the norm out there. HRMPH!
Anyway back to topic, Dirty Dancing is a fabulous movie. I'm glad I finally got to see it as it was nice to be swept off my feet by Patrick Swayze even if it was just for a little while. Now if only I could find that in reality. Le sigh......
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Encaustic Painting
I have big plans to do this paper mosaic craft without a doubt but found some really cool stuff online while I was searching for inspiration. My brother in law just got married and I had it in my mind to make something really fancy as far as a frame goes. I had thought to do the paper mosaic but it somehow didn't seem like something that would fit in with their sense of personal taste. They just moved into a brand new upscale condo and have very modern tastes so it's one of those things where I have to steer clear of anything that's going to look to artsy fartsy. In reality I do like crafts and art but I certainly don't like things that LOOK like crafts or something that would be found in my grandmothers house.
Anyway I found something called encaustc painting and the stuff some of these people are producing is just beautiful. Basically they are painting with wax and creating different effects by using techniques involving embedding objects, using flow pens, scraping etc. You can see different examples and perhaps learn more about it at www.ecaustic.com .
I have gathered some images I liked of couples hands and feet entwined as well as a couple shots of people doing the tango, all in black and white and I'm trying to decide how to use them. There's a technique with the encaustic painting where they transfer black and white images onto a surface that has been waxed and then sort of clear coat it which looks like I might be able to do something with so I think I may give that a shot. So many ideas it's no wonder I take so long deciding which one to try first. It will still likely be the mosaic I try first as it's a cheaper option I can do with very little start up cost as opposed to having to go out and buy wax, but its something I definitely want to try in the future.
I have gathered some images I liked of couples hands and feet entwined as well as a couple shots of people doing the tango, all in black and white and I'm trying to decide how to use them. There's a technique with the encaustic painting where they transfer black and white images onto a surface that has been waxed and then sort of clear coat it which looks like I might be able to do something with so I think I may give that a shot. So many ideas it's no wonder I take so long deciding which one to try first. It will still likely be the mosaic I try first as it's a cheaper option I can do with very little start up cost as opposed to having to go out and buy wax, but its something I definitely want to try in the future.
Mosaic art anybody?
I have always had a love of art however my own painting or sketching ability has never really been quite up to par with what I'd like to express. That being said I believe anybody can create art, its simply a matter of finding the right medium. Writing is a good way to express what I'm thinking in words and has always come quite naturally but sometimes it's nice to be able to just let go mentally and absorb oneself in the creation of something beautiful. That being said I was recently at the site of an artist named Sonia King. She brings the world of mosaic art to a whole other level and you must check her out. http://www.mosaicworks.com/
Beyond the quality of a professional artist however I've always been attracted to mosaics for their free form beauty yet their lack of reliance on things like paintbrushes. I almost feel when I look at some of them as if I am looking at a complicated version of colouring in the lines of a colouring book which is perhaps what brings about the ability to stop demanding perfection of myself, halt the overly critical eye and simply create. I have hesitated for a long time before attempting mosaics for the simple fact that it seemed like a lot of work finding broken tiles, working through colours and dealing with grout. Fact is that it is a lot of work and it may not even be that but more the cost of starting out that's intimidating, but it doesn't have to prevent you from doing it. Do a quick google image search for "paper mosaics" and you will see what I am talking about. Obviously they are not the gorgeous textured masterpieces we drool over in high end stores but they do retain quite a bit of the beauty of their heavier counterparts and for a fraction of the cost. A thing to keep in mind when creating these is that adding a high gloss coating over top will not only protect them but also make them look very similar to some of the tile versions as well.
I have seen some paper mosaics that were absolutely gorgeous and I questioned the ability to create something so detailed out of any items other then paper. The best tip I have seen for collecting coloured paper is to go to the hardware store or paint supply store and pick up a bunch of free paint chips. when working with a given colour pick up as many different shades of that colour as possible and you'll be sure to surprise even yourself with how creative you can be.
I'm only just starting to gather a few ideas for images I'd like to try and will be picking up some paint chips myself this weekend so I will be sure to keep you posted on how it goes. I think what I'm going to aim for to start is just a few picture frames, or mirrors with well blended colour frames. I'll probably pick up some of those plain frames from the dollar store and work with those to begin until I get the hang of it and figure out any preferences.
I can't wait to post up some pictures of what I end up with and I'm hoping it will be something I can add to my Christmas baskets. If you haven't guessed it's all a trial run to see what I can make on a mass scale and decide if there's a way to market it somehow at a later point. There are step by step guides all over the net so if any of you decide to give it a go then I'd love to see some pictures or hear some feedback on how it went. As always tips, tricks and comments are welcome. :)
Beyond the quality of a professional artist however I've always been attracted to mosaics for their free form beauty yet their lack of reliance on things like paintbrushes. I almost feel when I look at some of them as if I am looking at a complicated version of colouring in the lines of a colouring book which is perhaps what brings about the ability to stop demanding perfection of myself, halt the overly critical eye and simply create. I have hesitated for a long time before attempting mosaics for the simple fact that it seemed like a lot of work finding broken tiles, working through colours and dealing with grout. Fact is that it is a lot of work and it may not even be that but more the cost of starting out that's intimidating, but it doesn't have to prevent you from doing it. Do a quick google image search for "paper mosaics" and you will see what I am talking about. Obviously they are not the gorgeous textured masterpieces we drool over in high end stores but they do retain quite a bit of the beauty of their heavier counterparts and for a fraction of the cost. A thing to keep in mind when creating these is that adding a high gloss coating over top will not only protect them but also make them look very similar to some of the tile versions as well.
I have seen some paper mosaics that were absolutely gorgeous and I questioned the ability to create something so detailed out of any items other then paper. The best tip I have seen for collecting coloured paper is to go to the hardware store or paint supply store and pick up a bunch of free paint chips. when working with a given colour pick up as many different shades of that colour as possible and you'll be sure to surprise even yourself with how creative you can be.
I'm only just starting to gather a few ideas for images I'd like to try and will be picking up some paint chips myself this weekend so I will be sure to keep you posted on how it goes. I think what I'm going to aim for to start is just a few picture frames, or mirrors with well blended colour frames. I'll probably pick up some of those plain frames from the dollar store and work with those to begin until I get the hang of it and figure out any preferences.
Pumpkin seeds!!
I'm not really sure when I started such a crazy tradition but I do know it comes from something to do with the fact that by the time I was having children I wasn't much past being a child myself. Either way every Halloween instead of buying only a single pumpkin we have always bought one for every person in the family. In the beginning it was a little extra carving that was all in good fun but after our family has grown to include four little boys whose requests for amazing carvings is endless I'm starting to wonder what I was thinking. It's well worth the effort to see how happy it makes them but man o man talk about a time consuming, messy, hand cramping tradition! And let's not forget that where there is pumpkin carving (especially on such a mass scale)there is muck sorting and then seed roasting to be done!
I just got through sorting and washing and the first batch is in the oven. I never actually checked for methods or different seasoning ideas online before as I was always a fan of basic salted but I may try something different this year. I happen to have a small jar of spices left over from when I attempted to make apple chips so I might throw that on top of a batch and see how it goes. I'm hoping with all the nutmeg it might taste like pumpkin pie. The ones I have in right now I used fresh ground black pepper and sea salt, even the pepper is a new twist I haven't tried before so I guess I haven't been vary daring with my pumpkin seeds!
I'm looking forward to the finished product more this year then others for a different reason though. This year is our first year living in the country and although we are somewhat strapped for cash having just bought a new house, I'm looking forward to Christmas gift giving for the simple fact that I have not and will not buy anything for anyone. No I haven't turned into scrooge but I have made the decision to hand make (not including the kids) all of our gifts. More on that in another blog but for now I will definitely share the fact that these pumpkin seeds are going to be going out to family and friends as part of the holiday gift giving. Can't wait!
All the ideas that have been evolving since moving out to the country are phenomenal but I have to say there's few things that bring me right back to my childhood faster then carving pumpkins and roasting seeds. The best part is it's something that was passed to me by my parents that I'm sharing with my kids and I hope they will pass onto to their children. Nothing beats old fashioned traditions and with the face of modern families changing so much It's that much more important to keep things like this going. Roast away everyone, and feel free to share any tips tricks or recipes that you use for your pumpkin seeds at home.
I just got through sorting and washing and the first batch is in the oven. I never actually checked for methods or different seasoning ideas online before as I was always a fan of basic salted but I may try something different this year. I happen to have a small jar of spices left over from when I attempted to make apple chips so I might throw that on top of a batch and see how it goes. I'm hoping with all the nutmeg it might taste like pumpkin pie. The ones I have in right now I used fresh ground black pepper and sea salt, even the pepper is a new twist I haven't tried before so I guess I haven't been vary daring with my pumpkin seeds!
I'm looking forward to the finished product more this year then others for a different reason though. This year is our first year living in the country and although we are somewhat strapped for cash having just bought a new house, I'm looking forward to Christmas gift giving for the simple fact that I have not and will not buy anything for anyone. No I haven't turned into scrooge but I have made the decision to hand make (not including the kids) all of our gifts. More on that in another blog but for now I will definitely share the fact that these pumpkin seeds are going to be going out to family and friends as part of the holiday gift giving. Can't wait!
All the ideas that have been evolving since moving out to the country are phenomenal but I have to say there's few things that bring me right back to my childhood faster then carving pumpkins and roasting seeds. The best part is it's something that was passed to me by my parents that I'm sharing with my kids and I hope they will pass onto to their children. Nothing beats old fashioned traditions and with the face of modern families changing so much It's that much more important to keep things like this going. Roast away everyone, and feel free to share any tips tricks or recipes that you use for your pumpkin seeds at home.
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