Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Grumpy drivers

The King and Dundas streetcar drivers are cranky lately. Really cranky.

We have several options to catch the streetcar home each night.

1. Last northbound stop before the subway station
2. First southbound stop out of the station (after 6 PM only)
3. From the streetcar platform inside the station

I have a metro pass - so it's really all the same option.

Add a determined, hungry and possibly grumpy toddler. Suddenly the first available streetcar is most attractive.

I have my son walk up the street car steps as much as possible. Most drivers are very unhappy about this. They have even angrily said 'Carry him up!' .

Take tonight for example.

As we boarded (using option 1) the street car the driver actually exhaled air between his teeth (you know the sound when someone feels put out) and then he grunted when I showed him my pass. Lovely.

We took our seats and settled in for the ride home.

I can feel that someone is behind me. I turn slightly to verify that it is the driver. Yup, it's him - sour look intact.

"Exactly what are you doing?" he asks.

"We are headed southbound. It's OK I have a metropass." I reply.

"Actually I didn't see your pass when you got on." he challenges.

"No problem sir." I reach into my pocket and pull out my metropass.

"The car in front of me is leaving right away."

"That's fine. We'll read."

"Why are you doing this?" he asks.

"Because it's much easier for me with a toddler."

I don't understand his attitude and objection to us being on his streetcar.

I make every effort to be a polite as possible in front of my son. I want to set a good example. I don't want to be one of those "do as I say but not as I do" parents. Also he is a sponge. If I make one tiny slip up - he's sure to repeat whatever I said. He still says 'little bugger' and that was months ago.

Monday, January 22, 2007

macaroni & cheese

My sweetie makes the best macaroni and cheese. I figure this is legitimate art related post, because, making delicious food is an art.

We asked our son what he wanted for supper tomorrow. A big smile spread across his face and he yelled "Macaroni and cheese!"

I couldn't agree more.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

It wasn't scary at all

Silly me. They didn't even bite.

I get so worked up about new situations. I had no luck finding the acrylic paint * eye roll *. Soooooo I bought some more on my way there.

I was to shy to actually work on my book. All those eyes would have freaked me out for sure. I was fun to participate (OK, talk with - there wasn't much work going on!) in a group of talented women. I'm starting to 'get' that you can't really make a mistake. Which is quite different from not liking what you have done. They were synonymous in my mind before.

Mary Ambrose did an altered book demo with the focus on Windows and Portals which I enjoyed very much.

I am going to work in my new book at least once each week until I can attend another ABC meeting.

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Typical reaction

for me.

I am finally able to attend a session of the Altered Book Club (ABC).

I have my book ready, bag packed (except for my acrylic paint - which is somewhere!) and I am irrationally nervous.

Friday, January 19, 2007

What fun! I've been tagged

by Carmi to reveal five little known things about me. My train trip to London gave me time to consider this.

Here goes!

1. I shaved my head for charity. In November. Man oh man it was COLD!

2. I refused to purchase furniture for almost 10 years because I was moving back West at 'anytime'. I still consider myself a westerner.

3. I'm passionate about the defence of the romance novel. It ticks me off when people look down on the genre. Romance fiction comprises 53.3% of ALL paperback fiction sold in North America. I even appeared on national TV - although even now I can only peek through my fingers to watch it.

4. I have a secret desire to be a superhero. ohmygoshi'msoembarrassednow (not so secret anymore)

5. I used to live with five guys. I was greatly amused by peoples' reaction once they found this out.
Surprise ... wait for it ...
Doubt and/or disbelief (as they not so subtly eyed me) ...wait for it ...
Disapproval (apparently they believed I was a very naughty girl)

I tag June, Marissa, Jenni, Jacqui and Caroline. If you don't have a blog just post in the comments section.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Art snobbery?

I find an art supply store a little bit overwhelming.

heavy body acrylic fluid acrylics coloured pencils pastels gel medium watercolour oil alkyds gouache cold pressed palettes brayers gesso solvents varnish gloss matte satin finish GAC 400 iridescent encaustic paper weights mixing medium walls of brushes palette paper canvas

It just sort of washes right over me. Like a tidal wave.

This time I brought a book with me to show the staff exactly what I was looking for. Because people who work in art stores assume you know what they are talking about.

One staff member commented that the artist made some "very cool" stuff. He asked me if the book was from the library. I said no, but that it likely would be as the artist, Claudine Hellmuth, is well known.

Then he turned to the other staff member and said, "Even though it's not real art".

Huh?

What exactly is 'real' art?

Monday, January 15, 2007

I guess it just wasn't for me

I had only glanced through a friend's copy. That glance made me believe it was going to be a perfect addition to my library.

I was wrong.

Once I actually sat down with 'Alphabetica', I discovered that it is essentially fluff. Very prettily wrapped fluff. Gorgeous photographs, lots of inspiration, VERY little instructional information. The Masters: Artist Workshops section was especially disappointing.

I'm confident that I will find a good home for it. Someone else will love it.

No thank you

I forgot to mention at the last ATC night (we need a name for our group!) that they tried to make me do it. I swear, I heard Martha's book scream.

It was unsuccessful I might add.

I'm gonna just have to get over myself.

My dictionaries await.

Sunday, January 14, 2007

crayon fun

I'm raiding my son's crayon stash. Shhhh. Don't tell.

I'd better not do this in front of him. He's very possessive of his things right now. Sadly, he probably got that from me. ;)

I'll update this post with a background later tonight.

Saturday, January 13, 2007

ATC Night

These ladies bring joy into my life.

Daniza, Marissa, Martha, Diana, Jacqui, Susan and Myrna were trading tonight. I love each card I received. Mine, mine, mine!!!

I always forget to ask if I can publish the cards I receive!! Darn it. I know its okay for some but I would prefer permission from all.

There was a dramatic reading of 'Little Women' by Martha. Hot Little Women indeed.

Marissa demonstrated several techniques, my favorite was crayon resist with a Fiskars texture plate. I gotta remember how to do that!

My submission for this month was 'Snow Queen'.

Due Date: 12JAN07
Theme: Winter
Supplies used -Paper: Bazzill & plain white cardstock
Clip Art: Microsoft, Dover
Words: Hans Christian Andersen
Floss: DMC
Stitch: how ever it poked through the paper

Paint: Making Memories
Stamp: Catslife press (back)
Status: Complete

NEXT!

We missed you June.

I'm happy to report that she is back online!

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

They arrived!!

A pleasant suprise awaited when I arrived home today. My back issues of ATC Quarterly arrived today. I can't wait to sit and down and savour them.



Look what came in the mail today!


Sunday, January 07, 2007

A would be thief

While shopping today a salesgirl kindly offered me a free calendar. I declined because I wasn't completed my shopping.

"If you change your mind they are just over there". She said.

"Thank you. I might just get one when I'm done." I replied. As I was speaking I glanced over and thought to myself that they were nice calendars to be giving away. Maybe I would get one. Away I wandered in search of what I had come for.

Happily I was able to find my item, I brought it to the cash and paid.

Again the cashier urged me to take a free calendar. "Take as many as you like".

"Really? Are you sure? As many as I want?" I asked doubtfully. I selected two and left the store.

I hear a voice behind me.

"Excuse me, Ma'am. The cashier believes she forgot to cash out those calendars for you."

I turned back perplexed. I actually looked behind me. He couldn't possibly be speaking to me.

"No, I don't think so. I only bought one item today. The calendars were free. The cashier said so."

He anxiously asked me to come back into the store. I complied. Really that should have been a clue.

I walked back over to the cash. Now all the staff are staring at me. Expectantly. I gesture to the display of calendars and the sign. I open my mouth but nothing comes out. Not right away. My brain is just now connecting the dots.

The free calendars are rolled up in a basket above the display of calendars for sale. And I took two. Mortification.

"Oooooooooooh, those are the free calendars. I thought you meant these ones." It sounds lame even to me.

I look beseechingly at the cashier. "That's why I asked you again. I'm sorry..."

There is only one thing to do. I take them out of the bag and place them back on the display shelf. Why can't the floor just open up and swallow me?

I suppress the urge to flee and with my head down I apologize all the way out the door.

As I exit I hear the cashier say, "It's okay, everything is alright now".

I don't know if I should laugh or cry.

ATCs I made this week

I like some but not others.

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Reprieve

I'm trying to work up the nerve.

It's just sitting there innocently.

It has no idea what I have planned. 'It' being the book I am planning to cut up. For words.

I don't think I can do it.

Boxed mini albums

I made these for my son's daycare teachers.

I hope they like them.

Friday, January 05, 2007

A N T I C I P A T I O N

I could hardly wait to get home today. I knew they were here.

BUT I promised my son that we would go for a subway ride tonight. I didn't get home until after 8PM, by that time I forgotten about my books, I was simply grateful to be home. (it was an eventful and tantrum filled outing).

One of the books that arrived was 'Artist Trading Card Workshop' by Bernie Berlin. I am in awe. It is exquisite. I highly recommend this book. I'll have to remember to thank my aunt.

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Happy birthday to my nephew!

Hey Connor sweetie!

Wishing you a special day. Love ya.

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Odd that it doesn't bother me

I really thought that I would be one of those stampers who is fanatical about pristine rubber. I actually get anxious around people that must immediately clean and/or cover their ink pads.

It's oddly satisfying to see ink stains on my stamps.

Apparently I am difficult to shop for

I received six Indigo/Chapters gift cards for Christmas. lol. I likely would have received one more if I hadn't seriously hinted to my better half (OK, outright told) what I would like. Thanks hon!

I spent several hours leisurely searching the website offerings. I headed to the checkout once I decided on several selections.

It took me a few moments to figure out how to use my gift card online. I'm usually not this daft. I didn't realize that you could simply shop with a gift card instead of your credit card. As an added benefit you can immediately transfer any outstanding balance back to your gift card. The best of both worlds.

I just got an email telling me three of my items shipped. Wooo hoooo!

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

This is why I avoid new magazines

I deliberately requested magazines that I don't read for Christmas. OK, technically RSM is new - it's been a looong time since the last purchase. It's even a different size now.
  • The Stamper's Sampler
  • The Rubber Stamper
  • Cloth Paper Scissors
  • RubberStampMadness

I fell in love with Cloth Paper Scissors. It's a joy to read. I am a subscriber. I am so sad.

I feel guilty...

I didn't make any resolutions for 2007. I dislike doing it.

I bought a calendar instead. This year will be different - I might actually use it. I like the tulips.

The first thing I'm writing down is any local classes I'm interested in.

Monday, January 01, 2007

Happy New Year

Wishing you all health and happiness in the coming year!