Happy Valentine's Day

       Happy Valentine's Day! I love- love. There really is nothing like good old fashioned treats and heart shaped paper sweet nothings- you know easy love- before it became complicated and expensive. The need to out do one another on Valentine's day has unfortunately soured a lot of people towards what can be a very fun holiday- I say lets reclaim Valentine's day and keep it simple folks!  Lets cut out paper hearts and bust out the stickers and markers- lets tell our loved ones how much we care by the trail of glitter that follows our card!

       Today's post is short & sweet folks- I have heart shaped scones to bake for breakfast and little ones to get out the door with a waterproofed bag of glue laden cards. It is Friday dear Friends and Thank Goodness for that! Every Friday an impromptu  play date erupts in our building- on our floor in particular- the parent's open up our doors and let the kids run up and down the hall- slipping in and out of each other's apartments- toys get traded- cats run by with a paranoid stare- kids dress up- strange games involving Indiana Jones & Ballerinas play out in the halls of a Gastown apartment building. It's like a 70's block party only inside- who ever says that community can't be found in a busy city is wrong.

     We have tried to live in so many parts of this city- we have accidentally found a home in the most unlikely of spots- and right now for this very moment in time we are blessed to have amazing neighbours who care about each other- a village- a village that happens to enjoy a fine boxed wine just as much as I do! Sometimes when you least expect it what you need is right under your nose- and it is simple just like construction paper valentines.

     Anyways I promised I would keep this short and sweet- I have a busy day- to be followed by yet another chill weekend- we have very few plans beyond recycling the old car seats! Happy Friday Friends!

ps- there have been rumours that our floor is the most fun floor in the building- and I can totally confirm that!

Merry Christmas!

          From our Family to yours we wish you the very best of the season- Merry Christmas - thank you so much for joining us on our adventures this year! Friends my wish for you today and every day is that you find peace and joy within yourselves and in your world- may your day be filled with love and your mug be filled with a hot latte! Warm hands means a warm heart- much love!

       

Feeling Grateful

        In Canada Thanksgiving is right around the corner- as in this weekend! I will go out on a limb and say that Thanksgiving is my most favourite holiday- the gathering of everyone I love with none of the expectations, stress or snow that accompanies Christmas. Combine the upcoming holiday with the influence of Rachel from Lusa Organics and you will find me currently filled with gratitude for life and living. Rachel often blogs about all that she is grateful for- choosing or seeking out seven things to list- finding seven things to be grateful for really puts all one's problems into perspective!

      Today I am Thankful For:

- the opportunity to quietly read alone in bed after the Littles were all snuggled up in bed last night- that doesn't happen often- I had to focus on my book as I kept thinking of a million things I could be doing

- the rain that did not arrive until after school pick up yesterday- The Boy went on his first field trip to the pumpkin patch and the weather was perfect- sunny and crisp- they played out in the field, had a picnic and visited the animals- each lugging home a sizable prize to carve in a few weeks

- a most delicious and gluten free meal that was cooked last night- this venture into less gluten (I'm not saying we are gluten free because- well- sometimes croissant call my name) is educational and a bit hit and miss- I am so happy the Littles like to eat mashed cauliflower- they are in fact willing to try anything at least once- I am grateful for good eaters

- tea tree oil- and an online community of veteran Mothers guiding my way through the public school lice situation- we do not have lice and I would like to keep it that way- therefor tea tree oil is our scent of choice right now

- awesome friends convincing me to sign up for a yoga class- and getting a great deal on said yoga class! I have been doing yoga in my own home for a few years- and with the exception of a few classes with my Mom at Peachland Community Centre I have always felt too intimidated to go to a real class- turns out I can hold my own

- my rekindled interest in embroidery- I love screen printing but my work was feeling a little lack luster of late- rediscovering the quiet work of embroidery has renewed my love of drawing and sewing- I am feeling excited about my work again

- finally I am grateful to be heading home this weekend- to sit around a bonfire with cousins and family- I love the week leading up to such a trip- it is always filled with excitement and anticipation! I can't wait to see my Great Niece and give her a snuggle- I can't wait to help my Mom and sister make dinner- it's going to be a good weekend

What are you grateful for today?

Coming Home: Vancouver

         My entire adult life my heart has lived in two places- half stays in the Okanagan and half I carry around with me in the city- I am not sure how it is possible to love two places so equally and miss them so equally when I am absent. This past weekend was a weekend of "one last time"- as in one last time picking green beans in the garden with Poppa- kale and broad beans too. Racing around to check every last thing in the yard before getting in the car- checking under beds to make sure nothing was missed- giving big hugs.

        One last dip in the lake- none of us wanted to leave- the water was so warm and perfect and that rope swing made things very interesting! Our sweet niece paid us a visit with her wee babe- and oh what a bundle! Those legs and cheeks I could have just eaten them up! It was so nice to sit in the shade holding a new baby and chatting with our niece who is quite the Little Mother- oh how I wish we were closer to watch them both grow!

         Our final day was spent in Vernon- lots of treats from Oma and Opa- ice creams at D.Q. and a quick run in the park before loading back into the truck and turning our sights West- as we came over the mountains my thoughts turned to the week ahead. All that we have on the go became a bit overwhelming after not planning or doing anything for ten days!

        So here I sit on an early Monday morning- a familiar coffee cup in my hand full of my favourite Saltspring Island brew- in my regular writing spot- trying to wake two sleepy heads for the first day of Summer camp- if not for the photographic evidence it is almost like last week never happened! But for the photos and the feeling of contentment- having connected with so many dear people- missing so many we didn't get to see. The hugs, snuggles,sunshine, laughter, brightness and even the sunburns have seeped into our souls- to carry us through till next time!

If It Makes You Happy...

      Lately so many friends and family are bummed out- down, blue, in the dumps, depressed and just so tiered- I can relate because I am often in that head space as well. Every time I check Facebook some one (ahem- maybe me) is complaining about the rain or the snow (ahem- maybe friend Michelle) and everyone is talking about how excited they are that Spring- is- coming! We are all looking for the signs- see yesterday's post for me grasping at straws- and we are all desperately longing for those live long days of sunshine and summer!

     I would like to let you all in on a little secret- I am an optimist- yup one of those annoying glass three quarters full type people- I can find a silver lining to any cloud given half a chance- the alternative does not appeal to me. I am not sure who I inherited this unsinkable attitude from but it has held me in good stead over the years- and it has helped pull me through the dark days of Winter this year. Now I am not claiming to be perfect or happy all the time- that would be lying- which is just too much work- no what gets me through is a number of age old adages and strategies that I have packed away in my oversizes purse that gives me a sore neck- so I'm dumping that purse out on the table and sharing with you all.

#1- take care of yourself- sleep, eat well, get plenty of fresh air, exercise and stop to smell the flowers- simple and pretty straight forward this actually works- love life and embrace the Joie de vivre!

#2- do not over commit- learn to say no or schedule for the following week- now this could just be my laziness rearing it's adorable head but I learned a long time ago what my limits are and I like to have plenty of time to get where I am going- I also really like being alone so I make time for that too.

#3- be present- no matter what you are doing show up and be present in the moment- not worrying about all the other things that are not being done- by being present you will be more relaxed and able to give your full attention to what you are doing.

#4- everything happens for a reason- yes I read The Celestine Prophecy and I may be quoting from it- but if you pause and look at the situation you are facing it happened for a number of reasons- to teach you something- even in really terrible times I find comfort in seeking the lesson- and I have had my fair share of terrible things- even if that lesson is just grace or patience the lesson is there if it is sought after.

#5- tomorrow is a different day- every day you get to wake up and make a choice about your attitude- you can choose to be grateful for the things you have, you can chose to be happy for those goals you are working towards, you can chose to be miserable- you set the tone for your day

#6- this is a big one for all the ladies cause we have all been there at one time or another- find your happiness not in someone else but in yourself- it is easy to find your happiness and sense of self in a beautiful baby but that baby is a separate individual and they can not make you happy- find what makes you happy for you- find your bliss

#7- on a material note- clear the clutter- we all have way too much stuff- live simply- live well- buy things that will do the job and last a long time- leave the shopping malls people- you will not find happiness there- trust me I looked in every shoe store and happiness was not there!

#8- Fill your cup- with fine boxed wine- or what ever else tickles your fancy- surround yourself with positivity and love- friends and laughter- nature and beauty- music and dancing-ditch the negativity and differences and just accept people for who they are and what they offer up.

     This seems like a lengthy to-do list but this is what works for me- this grey and miserable weather won't last forever- neither will the toddler temper tantrum or any current situation- good or bad- life is always in a constant state of change- embrace the change. Now this is in no way medical advice- I am a painter not a psychiatrist and these steps will not solve any problems only perhaps help your load  be easier to bare.

     I love you all- you wild and crazy bunch of Friends- there is something good coming just around the corner- there always is- Spring, new life, health, love- whatever you are looking for is out there. Make room in your life by getting rid of the negative and creating space for new good- send out an invitation to the universe who knows what will come back? OK now I sound like Oprah!
 

p.s.- this post is for two special ladies in my life that are really struggling right now- you know who you are- I love you and things can only get better- plus I will be home soon- we will then drink fine boxed wine-xox

On My Nightstand

    There are certain traits, loves or passions to every person that are constant through out their lives- for example I love coffee, sunshine and reading- I am passionate about these three things and aside from the coffee always have been. Reading informs who a person becomes- it fosters imagination and creativity- I would not be the person I am today with out the books I have read. My Mr. likes to read as well although our tastes differ immensely in literature- he really is into sci-fi escapism type books- I am really into non- fiction right now even though I do love a good novel! One thing we can always agree on is getting our kiddos involved in reading- not just bed time stories but an independent love of books- and so with out further delay is our picks for this month- AKA what's on our nightstands!

 Momma:
-Vancouver A History in Photographs by Aynsley Vogel & Dana Wyse- a photographic look at the constant changing face of our city- full of wonderful historical images and stories.
- Homegrown & Handmade by Deborah Niemann- this one is a constant reference guide for me weather I am planning seedlings or how to cast off a knitting project- basic and handy
-Handmade Home by Mark & Sally Bailey- a beautiful photo essay on living with handmade objects- a recent birthday gift full of inspiration
- Mother Earth News- an old favourite quarterly publication- chock full of practical advice an dreams of the country side

The Mr:
- The Vinyl Cafe Notebooks  by Stuart McLean- selections from fifteen years of radio show broadcasts- meditations on life to lighthearted opinions

Miss Lo:
-Mimi and Maty to the Rescue! Book 1- Rodger the Rat is on the Loose! by Brooke Smith- this is our bed time story right now- the one we are heading to her- the story is about a clever gal pet detective and her sidekick Maty the dog.
-Millie Fierce- by Jane Manning- Miss Lo's pick and her current fave about a quiet girl who longs to be noticed

The Boy:
- The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma by Trenton Lee Stewart- this is our bed time pick- about a gang of intrepid kids who must decipher clues to unravel a nefarious plot engulfing their town
- An Awesome Book! by Dallas Clayton- The Boy's current fave as it was read at his birthday party and is full of improbabilities and seemingly ridiculous scenarios- like owning matching silver ware- how crazy!

    I know I am not the only one who is fanatical about my reading- many of my friends are also book crazy- so what are you reading these days Friends? What is on your nightstand?

Happy New Year!

      Hello 2013- what will you bring to us this year? I do love New Years day- especially when I haven't imbibed too much the night before! This day is full of promise and brightness for us this year- I am so excited to get home and start in on a few new projects- stretch out creatively in new directions. Today we are heading home- we will be on the road quite soon after breakfast- so I will keep this short and sweet-hope you all have a super day!

Living With Art

     You can never go wrong when you live with art you love- or as one of my favourite stores so eloquently puts it on a tote bag " Love Where You Live"- thank you to The Cross for putting things in such simple and easily understood terms! I would consider myself a very choosy collector- I don't really go in for mass produced posters or cheep knock offs- I like the real deal or an artist's signed, limited edition print will do nicely as well!

    I do not buy art as an investment or because people will think it is "cool" I buy it because I love it- and I use the word "I" and in "we" my entire family. Because yes I buy art for the kids- they each have a tidy little collection that I like to imagine they will attempt to take with them one day when they set up house. Even before they were born I started their art collection after falling in love with two little bird paintings - I imagined them laying in their crib staring up at the birds in party hats- yes I  now know newborns can only see about 6 inches but I was a newly pregnant woman- give me a break!

    When the kids were babies and before toys became the preferred method of birthday payment I bought them art for their birthdays- Miss Lo received part of Jessica Bell's series Eighteen Pictures of November when she turned one. The Boy received a John Derian skull and cross bones plate for his second birthday- totally fitting for my little pirate in training! As I said art is easy when you buy what you love- both these items spoke to my heart and bring happiness to our walls.

 Curating a Collection:  I find that even when you have really dissimilar objects you can keep them cohesive and show them as a series by keeping your frames and mats really similar. In our dining area we have hung a grouping of artwork from a few of our favourite artists together- we kept the mats ( paper bit that acts as a barrier between the art and the glass) all one shade of white and the frames are either black, white or not at all. There is a heavy theme of the colour red used in many pieces of art work here which helps everything work well together.

from top left: Anna Coghlan, Jessica Bell,Tara Cooper, random card, Stephanie Frame, Sarah Lige,
Suzanne Summersgill & Heather Renney( photo of our kids)

Utilitarian Objects as Art:  Not all art work needs to be bought in a gallery or art sale- many of my favourite pieces have come from vintage stores or antique malls. We have the bold directive EAT hanging over our table and I find each letter beautiful in it's own way. The scruffy paint on the E, the shine on the blue. Every day house hold objects can be turned into a collection and hung together to create a pleasing vignette- a friend of mine has a collection of vintage rolling pins that is beautifully displayed in her kitchen. It really is whatever you find inspiration and beauty in- there is no right or wrong if done from the heart.

vintage letters such as these can be found at Stepback in Kitsilano as well as in abundance on Etsy

the bird that started it all!  Party Birds - Suzanne Summersgill

    I want to encourage everyone this year to think about buying some local art and supporting your local arts community. In Vancouver we are so lucky to have a variety of venues for local artists to sell their work- Emily Carr University of Art and Design has a student run sale every November - this year it is November 4-6- run - don't walk and buy some amazing art at amazing prices! Of course most famously here in Vancouver is the Eastside Culture Crawl which takes place November 16,17 & 18 in artist's studios across East Vancouver. Where ever you are these things are happening so get out there, drink some wine, take in a bit of culture and buy some original art!

May you find a pencil in your hands and a fresh ream of paper at your elbow- Happy Friday Friends!

8 Years and Counting...

    Eight years ago this invitation went out in the mail, in our typical style my Mr. and I decided to get engaged in May and have the wedding in July. I don't know how my mom pulled it off but she managed to put together a super special day for us including sewing my dress in under three months.

      July 31 2004 was a most beautiful Okanagan Saturday- clear skies and warm breezes- my parent's yard was in full bloom and we had need for very few decorations. I remember waking up in my old bedroom with my sister- we had a sleepover the night before, giggling way into the night, I feel we got very little sleep! The morning was fresh and new, coffee in my mug, surrounded by my mom, aunts, cousins and girlfriends. I remember looking at the list of things needing to be done and wondering what my Mr. was up to, missing him and looking forward to the party we were about to have.

My Bride's Maids- to my immediate right my sister Heather and next to her friend Stacey, to my left friend Michelle

     I remember thinking this day is going too fast- I wish it would slow down so I can hold onto every second. Then I was in my dress, Birkenstocks on my feet and walking with my dad towards my future.

The boys - from the left Brother in Law Kyle, Mark(my Mr.), Morley and Adam

     The ceremony is a bit of a blur- I do have it on good authority that I said "Fartner" by accident rather than "Partner" but there you go I was really nervous! I vividly remember hearing the song Sweet Home Alabama  and suddenly we are at the back door to my parent's house and someone is handing me a beer- and it was done! Let the party begin!

these guys- Tara,Don,Chris,Stacey and Adam- I think friend Heather took the picture

     In the eight years that have followed our wedding day I have learned to love this man of mine more than I thought possible. Watching him become a father to our babies, watching him work so hard in order for me to stay at home with those said babies- I have learned a marriage is not about the wedding day or the ring on my finger. It is so much more- our partner ship would have grown into what it is today regardless of a piece of paper. July 31 2004 was a perfect day with our friends and family but what has grown out of that day is even more perfect- a family that is so much more than my Mr and I.

    Next weekend my dear cousin Caitlin is getting hitched to her intended Kent. The weekend after that my sweet niece Kayla is getting married to her man Waylon. I can only wish for them to find a fraction of happiness in their marriage that we have found in ours. It is not always easy but really nothing worth while ever is! I hope they are content and happy with themselves so that they can bring a sense of confidence to their marriage. Above all though my wish for these lovely ladies is that they are loved and love back equally.

    For my dear husband- my fartner in crime- I love you still- madly- deeply. I always joked that I went to University to get a Mr. and although not evident at the time a Mr. is what I got! Who knew Art History would yield more than well art history? We have travelled around, then settled down, we became parents and now what- let's see where this adventure takes us next shall we?