Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Countdown has started!



Looking forward to this day very much. I am in Strand One with Ruth Booth and Susan Williamson (Yay!).

Morning session A: Ruth Booth - The Gestural Stroke
I am nervous about this session. I'll actually have to do something new and people might see!
Morning Session B: Susan Williamson - Collage and the ATC
I have to admit the middle session is the reason I signed up for this strand.
Afternoon Session: Ruth Booth - The Origami Pocket Book
I can handle this, I recall doing this as a child. I liked making cranes but I don't think I could do one now! If I recall this was very relaxing activity for me.

Sunday, February 25, 2007

What kind of card to make? Part 2

I caved.

I purchased an animal stamp. Three actually. I let my son pick them out. I'm mystified as to why he was adamant about not getting the giraffe.


Here is my card.

And here is my little hidden 'zoo'

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Not a good day to be a TTC employee

What a day! I wish I was saying it in a good way.

I took what should have been a quick trip. It took 3 1/2 hours.

I have to admit that I could have shaved off almost an hour if I hadn't taken pity on a poor man who was hopelessly lost. Proving that no good deed goes unpunished.

If I understood him - his name was Choosaun. (Apologies for the spelling). I think he had been going in circles because he was confused by the all the trains at Museum station. Three directions on one track and southbound Y/U trains on the other track. I imagine if you didn't speak English it was confusing.

I'm here to tell you the TCC instructions stunk. The staff were very patient and polite even though you could tell they were extremely stressed. They were grouchy to each other though!

Museum station was a zoo. I tell you it was a little disconcerting to hear a different answer from everyone. The train driver (his trains sign), the conductor, the TTC guy on the platform and the PA system all providing contradictory information. Add confused, frustrated and angry riders. Quite a volatile combination.

There were a least three problems that I could identify.

1. Train switch problem (result of the construction detour) that slowed down and eventually caused a service disruption between Ossington and Broadview.

2. To few shuttle buses to accommodate the exodus of subway patrons (Six buses passed us before we were able to get on). Someone actually reached out and pushed my bum onto the bus - I kid you not. Thanks I think. Don't forget I still had the 'lost' guy with me (he was in front of me and not the 'pusher'). And finally our bus driver relied on her passengers for directions to Broadview station.

3. A near riot at Broadview station. There must have been seven fire trucks, who knows how many police cars, paramedics and of course the media. The queue of riders waiting to get back onto the subway platform was backed up to the collectors level. Congestion indeed.

I like to thank a sweet girl named Amanda for translating (Cantonese - made even more challenging because they did speak the same dialect) and making sure that 'Choosaun' reached his destination. I was really touched because I probably would have taken him myself if she hadn't offered. I hope you ace your accounting exam tomorrow Amanda. p.s. Take the street car...

Friday, February 23, 2007

Late for day care pick up

I was a bad mommy today. I was late picking up my son. A dollar a minute. Ouch.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

What kind of card to make?

I had misgivings about this month's theme. I signed up anyhow. I considered it a challenge.

I don't have any animal stamps. I don't need any animal stamps.

Dilemma.

Still here

I have just been doing off line stuff and my better half is semi-addicted to an online game. If I don't snag the computer quick - its gone!

I miss posting.

Monday, February 12, 2007

Just what I like

My class tonight was just what I needed. I had a great time. A nice casual, relaxed atmosphere. I got permanent red ink on my light blue blouse. I swear I need an apron for any class. I even gave myself homework. Which I will post by the end of the week. You can hold me to it.

A little package was waiting at the store for me. Thanks Martha!

I test drove (OK showed off) my arty! My RED arty. More importantly, I remembered to remove it before I threw the cup away. I would be digging in the garbage can to retrieve it - you can be certain of that!

5000 year old embrace

An amazing image.

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Art Seer

I'll have to take his word for it. My son decided to paint at the drop-in this morning.


Excitedly telling me each animal as he painted.




"I paint a giraffe mommy!"

"I paint a snake mommy!"

"Another page mommy!"




He saw a giraffe, a gorilla, a donkey, a tiger, a cow, a horse and several snakes.


Each subsequent animal layered over the prior one.

Oh to be a seer too.

Transparent Art

I am eagerly awaiting my class at BizzyB on Monday! The instructor is Marissa Decepida-Wong

Here's her class description:
Discover the world of Transparent Art also known as acetate in artwork. This is one of the hottest trends in papercarfts, scrapbooking and mixed media art. In this workshop, you will learn how to use transparent art in your cards, collages, jewellery, altered books & scrapbook page by incorporating the transparencies with stamped images, painted backgrounds, sewing & cutting, etc. Turn something simple into a work of art!

I hope there are handouts - I wouldn't want to forget everything I'll learn on Monday.

Can't hardly wait.

Aaaaaaaaaah bliss at ATC Night

It was over before I got there. *sigh*

Thankfully a few kind souls reserved some of their ATC's for June and I! Apparently it was a whirlwind trading session tonight.

Thank you, Martha, Sarah, Daniza, Susan V., Myrna, Marissa, Cheryl and Susan W.!

I have a couple of welcomes - which I will separate for clarity.

Welcome Susan! I was thrilled that you came to the trading session. I can't wait to see what you come up with for next month.

A warm welcome to Cheryl too. She made her very first ATC - a very lovely quilled one.

As an added bonus, I got to see Carmi too. I'm glad I arrived exactly when I did or I would have missed her. Thanks for delivery service and the gift. I love it! You are so sweet.

Sad news that Martha won't be able to attend the next session. Boo. I'm making an ATC for you anyway!

Jacqui was MIA. We missed her.

I'll be at the next one - just a little late again!

Friday, February 09, 2007

I'm a winner!

I'm so excited. I signed up and I won!!!!!!

Look here to see. I don't even have to wait 'cos I'll see her tonight!

*happy dance* (OK, so the dance wasn't pretty - cover your eyes next time...;)

Sunday, February 04, 2007

ATCs for 'Love'

My submission for this month is called: 'L * O * V * E'.


Due Date: 9FEB07
Theme: Love
Supplies used -Paper: Bazzill & plain white cardstock
Clip Art: Dover
Paint: generic acrylic

Ink: Tsukineko, Ranger
Glitter: Ranger Stickles
Stamp: Catslife press, Tin can mail, Inkadinkado, Rubber Stampede, PSX
Brads: American Crafts
Eyelets: American Tag
Status: Complete

NEXT!

Saturday, February 03, 2007

My transit adventure ...

I wasn't able to make it to the courier office to send the card exchange items out. I decided to do it today.

What an eye opener. They want serious money to deliver on the same day (if they do it at all).
Like about $150.00 dollars more than I was willing to spend.

So I started to investigate the alternatives. Imagine if you will...

dialing phone, ringing commences

"Go Transit, xxxxx speaking. How can I help you?"

"Yes, hello. My name is yyyyy. I was wondering if you could help me. I need to go to Bolton today."

"We only have limited service to Bolton on weekdays."

"Oh, uhm. Thanks."

click

Similar conversations with Greyhound, TTC, Go Transit (yes, again) and finally York Region Transit.

"YRT, xxxxx speaking. How can I help you?"

"Yes, hello. My name is yyyyy. I was wondering if you could help me. How close to Bolton can you get me today?"

"Oh, uhm. How close to Bolton?"

"Yes, I need to get there today. I'd like to get as close as possible then call a cab for the remainder of the trip."

The lady at York Transit was exceptionally helpful.

It took me five hours.

I kept my commitment, my cards are on time and I am happy. (if slightly bus sick)

Friday, February 02, 2007

I've always wondered ...

what I'd do when my son gets sick. I mean really sick. Erupting sick.

Apparently nothing.

I kind of just stared and thought "Well, we aren't stopping to get sour cream for dinner now."

Poor guy.

Unsuccessfully suppressing my gag reflex, I cleaned him (and surrounding area) up as best I could, bundled him up tight, scooped up his sobbing self into my arms and headed home.

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Phew! Monthly card exchange

is finished! Yay, me.

I just need to get these in the mail because I can't go again.

Superbowl Sunday. Who cares about football anyhow. *grump*

I forgot to scan one to share!

* updated on February 10*

I got my cards back - they are wonderful! This was my contribution.