Skinny book for Altered Abbey

I finally finished this week. Thank goodness. I really enjoyed working on this book (Book #1). I'd like to do another one.

Here is a peek... (click on the photo to enlarge)

This is the back pages.

This is the front pages.

I hope everyone enjoys/likes my page contribution. I can't wait to see the finished book.

OK. I'm gonna let you laugh with me (or at me)

I'm not a painter. I don't understand colour theory - its on my list of things to learn.

I have been using watercolours recently and having a terrible time blending them. I finally figured out why. I have been trying to blend them on the paper instead of the palette.

I did have to laugh at myself when I finally clued in.

p.s. The new Frank Warren book "A Lifetime of Secrets" is available now. I plan to purchase it online as I refuse to pay the Canadian price. I'd rather wait a few extra days a purchase it from the States.

For Eddie

Wherever you are tonight, I sincerely hope you are feeling much better and are safe with your family.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy thanksgiving to everyone.

I hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving today.

Arrived Safe! (again)

It does feel good to be home.

It feels especially good to be at home in my own bed.

What a flight home. My son was an angel (who did not sleep).

My issue was with the 'men' (and I use the term loosely) that surrounded us. They wanted to order drinks within minutes of being seated. I settled in for a long trip when I overheard their demands for alcohol. "We want quantity over quality". They intended to get as drunk as quickly as possible. Oh no.

They were loud, boastful and foul-mouthed. Obnoxious.

As they got louder and the F-bomb became every second word. I finally leaned over and asked if they could please not swear in front of my young son. Thankfully they complied with my request for the most part. The flight attendant handled them pretty well for the most part. It could have easily been much worse.

I'll post more soon. But now I'm heading to bed.

Heading home

I'm happy and sad to be heading home. I'll miss my Mom and Dad.

My mission today? Making the little guy as tired as possible. He's walking, heading to the park and maybe even missing his nap. I'm taking a chance that could result in a rough flight home.

p.s. I've gone overweight on the suitcase again! How?

Turkey day

We headed over to my aunt and uncle's house last night.

Turkey and all the trimmings. Yummy. My aunt is a wonderful cook and they are both excellent hosts. It's always fun to visit.

Sadly, there was no Uno game.

Will post photos when I get back.

Shopping and class day!

My aunt came to pick up us up this morning and after a few errands we headed to a fabric wholesaler. Which was kinda cool. I bought some fun, sparkly fabric.

Then a quick shopping trip and a bite to eat at T&T Market in WestEd Mall. It was a fun place to visit. I will need to get to the Cherry beach location when I get home. It is worth a second look.

I had read that a local store was going out of business after 40 years of business. Sounded like it might be interesting. It was a scavenger hunt! I think some of the stuff they had might have been from the day they opened. lol.

We headed home for a quick rest before heading to Bosch for the Hearty Soups and Chowders class. It was fun, informative and the soups/chowder (4) that they made were delicious. I have photos and will post when I get back. (they thought I was crazy!)

daddy flew east

Rowan seems to be dealing with his dad's departure. He is a little sad and definitely misses him.

It made me sad to hear his little voice say, "Daddy, daddy. Don't leave me."

Getting very nervous

Silly me forgot most of my skinny book stuff.

I'm going to very busy when I get back. I headed to Michaels to get some watercolour paints.

I really wanted to stamp first though. I have the main stamp but no ink or embossing powder. On the upside the lack of materials have sent me in an entirely different direction.

I don't recommend dismantling your work space if a big project is due soon.

Arrived safe

I shut off my alarm.

Sooooo that meant that I woke up exactly six minutes before my cab was to arrive. I said something like 'Oh shoot'. Likely much less PG.

He charges me for being late (over ten minutes - I wasn't) and for stopping at the cash machine. I didn't expect that. It made me decidedly grumpy. It also ate up his tip. I feel strongly about tipping, so now you know how grumpy I was. I was a little uneasy about my tipping karma. I should have tipped him.

I got my boarding pass and proceeded to security. What do I find in my purse? Sharp, sharp scissors. "You can't take those on the plane." the security lady says sternly. I think to myself, "Oh, really? I hadn't figured that out yet." I smiled sheepishly and asked if I could mail them home to myself. Off I went to the mail kiosk. What can I say? I like those scissors.

Back to Security, I set off the alarms, sigh and assume 'the position'. The security guy asks if I have a metal belt on. I raise my shirt slightly and there is my Blackberry still affixed to my hip. Oops. Let's try that again.

Next stop. Coffee. The Tim Horton's line is very, very, very long. I arrive at the line at the same time as another women. She elbows me out of the way. It's a good thing this act rendered me speechless. I can't imagine that I would have said anything remotely nice. I just shook my head because I would have let her go ahead of me.

Coffee in hand, I head to the bookstore. I am anticipating my leisurely, child free flight, however, I'm disappointed by the book selection. I finally choose two books. "Kill the Messenger" by Tammy Hoag and "The Thirteenth Tale" by 'Diane Setterfield. I head to the till and discover that I've lost 20 dollars somewhere in the airport. See what I mean about tip karma?

The flight was great and I savor the free time.

As I get closer to Alberta, I am eagerly looking forward to seeing my guys. (Mom and Dad too!)

My son is happy to see me (what a squeaky voice he has -lol) and is looking around excitedly . Up, down, behind me. Finally he asks where his 'surprise' is. Thanks kid. It was me silly.

First meeting

I survived.

I was both excited and terrified to attend my very first meeting.

My project didn't turn out quite as I hoped. I did learn a lot though.

I wanted my project to be simple and quiet. What I didn't expect, was that it was going to end up looking so 'flat' (it definitely needed a three dimensional object) and frankly ugly. Even more embarrassingly (IMO) it looked as if I had thrown it together the night before. Not quite what I was going for. In reality, I spent many, many hours on it. Should I be admitting that out loud? I looked at my project and only one word came to mind. Expulsion. Immediate.

I think I went pale when the first cabinet was revealed. I know I forgot to breathe. Each cabinet was unique and more delightful than the one that preceeded it.

Then came mine. I truly wished the floor would open and swallow me whole. I believe I said "I don't wanna." Lovely use of the English language. I can only imagine how I looked.

I will eventually post a photo. I might smile or even laugh about it in the future. Today I can't.

New Up&Running w/Photoshop class w/Jessica

Just in case you were interested.

Jessica is offering a new beginner's class. Mark October 8th on your calendar and register on opening day.

This class fills up quick, quick, quick!!!

Details here.

Bright Shining Star!

My son is anyway!

My son is in the new issue of Canadian Family! The photo is on page 84.

OK - its a little picture.

How cool is that?

Coming up for Air

I fully understand how digital scrapbooking can become an obsession.

I work just as slow though and I have run into a few minor problems with it. I swear the folks at Adobe made "ease of use" a really low priority.

Here is another layout for this week.


p.s. Yes, I deliberately blurred his face.

Up&Running w/Photoshop rocks

I love, love, love this class.

I am learning so much. Things that just didn't click for me before this course, make (almost perfect) sense to me now.

Excuse me, I'm I just gonna dance around my computer chair for a sec.














Still with me? Yup, it was fun. The neighbors already think I'm weird. Now you probably do too!

I've done six 12 x12 layouts in less than two weeks! What is happening to me?
Here is another one...


Have I mentioned how much fun I am having?

breaking all my rules

I can't believe I am posting this. I am so breaking my big rule.

This is my second digital layout. My journaling is lame and the spacing is odd. I know I'll go fix it eventually.

My third layout is of me. I'm considering posting it.

Up&Running with Photoshop course update

I few of you have emailed my wondering how my course is going.

It has exceeded my expectations thus far. I am enjoying it immensely.

I completed my very first digital layout! I am very pleased with myself. I deserve a pat on the back. Don't worry I've already done it.

I do have to admit that it took my well over an hour and half to complete. lol.

We get an email every single day of the course. That was unexpected.

Hello again!

I didn't mean to neglect you.

I've been a little withdrawn for the past week. Just not in a good place.

I have not accepted my birthdays with anything close to grace once I entered my thirties. This past sunday was no exception.

I was listening to two blue collar guys conversing on my subway commute during this past week, I can't recall the date - I suppose it really doesn't matter. The first guy said to the other that he is moody and depressed because it was his birthday a few days ago. The second guy stared at him for a minute and then he agreed that the same thing happens to him.

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday Jacqui!

Hope you have a great day!

Everyone is the age of their heart.
~ Guatemalan Proverb

Whooohooooo!

I missed the first class this past June. I was able to register for an online photoshop class with Jessica Sprague.

I find photoshop very frustrating, I have high expectations for this class.

Registration opened at 12PM on Monday.

It's a wonder that I even remembered in time.

* happy dance!!!! *

Fabric collage

My collage (made by Martha last evening) deserves its very own post.

Don't you just love it? I do.

ATC Night! Really late for the meeting

I took my son for a quick walk and a bite to eat on the Danforth. The Taste of the Danforth is on this weekend.

These spontaneous outings always end of taking more time than I expected. Oh, well we had much fun!

I finally did make it to the meeting at about 9PM. Martha brought her sewing machine and we 'helped' *snicker* her make little fabric collages. I adore my Martha original. xoxoxo Martha!


Participants for this month were:
Traders: Martha, June, Jolanta, Susan V., Kris, Daniza and Cori
Absent Traders: Suzan, Florence (missed tonight due to family obligations - I can't wait to see what they came up with at the next meeting)
Observers: Colette, Jacqui

Marissa, Florence, Susan W., Diana, Barb, Sarah and Suzan we missed you!

My cards for ATC Night - Quotes

My newest obsessive interest (distress inks) has manifested in this month's ATCs.

I only made 9 ATCs. I hope there is enough for everyone. The turnout has been larger for the last few trades.
So looking forward to seeing everyone tonight.

Due Date: 10Aug07
Theme: Quotes

Supplies used:
Images: Vintage Images CD
Paper: unknown
Ink: Distress Inks (Worn Lipstick, Spiced Marmalade, Vintage Photo, Weathered Wood, Peeled Paint, Antique Linen, Tattered Rose, Milled Lavender)
Paint: Making Memories
Stamps: Hampton Arts
Quote sources:
Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.
-Amelia Burr

People living deeply have no fear of death.
-Anais Nin

If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.
-Buddha

Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live.
-Dorothy Thompson

Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.
-Henry James

Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.
- Marie Curie

To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.
-Oscar Wilde

After the game,the king and the pawn go into the same box.
-Italian proverb

Don't cry because its over, smile because it happened.
-unknown

My life has a superb cast but I can't figure out the plot.
- Ashleigh Brilliant

What I made at class

This is the book (the blue one) I made in class. You'll have to click on the photo to see it. I'm going to add some beads to the little tail.

Just one class. I'm still impressed.
Hey, it's ME - glacial pace girl.

Part of the reason I fell behind was that I was actually trying the techniques that Claire was teaching. Then I realized only a few people were actually doing what she asked us to do.

I am decidedly not a fan of the Ranger paint daubers after this class. They were maddening to use.

My weekend romance

Ciggy my love. I miss you already.

Yup, now you know I *am* just a tiny bit crazy.

I really, really, really wanted to bring this abandoned cigarette vending machine home.

It was just around the corner from our hotel.

I even made June stop the car, so I could have a closer look and take some photos.

Yummy!

June said that we absolutely had to go to The Cheesecake Factory while in Buffalo.

All she wanted was a slice of Key Lime Cheesecake.

I convinced her (unwisely) to get an entire original cheesecake.

I admit it, I'm a little bit of a cheesecake snob. You have to start with a plain cheesecake first.

Unfortunately, it was frozen and seemed to take forever to thaw.
I was unimpressed with the semi-thawed slice. It was just OK.

My mother would be appalled to know what I had for breakfast the next day.

Coffee and calories.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Yum.

I do love a fun class...

and anyone (xoxo June!) that will get me to Buffalo Stamps and Stuff! I *heart* that store. *sigh*

As you may know (or not) my very favorite stamp company is Hampton Arts. I was fortunate enough to attend a class instructed by the talented Claire Hampton this weekend.

I admit I was very skeptical of her claim that the whole class would complete an entire book. I am a notoriously (or maybe just in my own mind) slow worker. My classmates quickly left me in the dust, but she helped me (drum roll please) accomplish it.

I also have a new appreciation (or perhaps obsession) for Distress Inks. Thanks Claire!

She embraces her inner wonkyness. I would love for her to come to Toronto. Fun, fun and a little bit more fun!

More weekend details and photos soon!

Road trip!!!!

It's a girls weekend away! We are heading to Buffalo this weekend.

Our first stop will be a class at Buffalo Stamps and Stuff to take a Hampton Arts class.

I’ll be incommunicado for a couple of days.

Very un-Scientific poll

My question was...

Does copyright influence your image choices when creating your art?

Three people voted.

A million apologies...

I cringe even at the thought.

I mean, how could I forget that yesterday was your birthday?

Yes, I did forget your birthday, but, I'll never forget what a wonderful friend you are.

- You are a great listener
- You are always so wonderfully supportive
- You believe in me, especially when I don't
- You will put up with me when I'm in one of those moods (*lol*)

You are an amazing person, who is generous, funny and thoughtful. I am so glad that you are my friend.

I wish you much happiness, health and prosperity for coming year and many, many more years.

Happy belated birthday.

If every day was a musical...

I think I'd like the world a whole lot more.

Note: In my musical world everyone can sing well.

I recently went to see this movie and I loved it. I was dancing in my seat - until I caught myself anyway.

It was great fun and I highly recommend it.

p.s. Travolta is just a touch creepy though.

I declare War.

You may have to hold your nose for this post.

I've always paid the GST on items I've ordered from the States (mostly without complaint). Even if they aren't even available in our country.

I've never asked:
1. to have my item marked as a 'gift'
2 requested a false invoice be included
3. requested a lower amount be declared on the customs form

I just shrugged, figuring it was one of those inevitable, annoying things.

The brokerage fee always irritated me though. Thanks, but I've already paid for postage and now I'll have to travel out of my way to pick up my package.

They chose to cull my package from a mountain of mail and I imagine they already get paid very well to do so. Why should I be charged for this dubious honour?

I have been excitedly awaiting the arrival of my very first FAT book. It came today. Yippee right? Not exactly. It also arrived with a customs declaration slip requesting $6.88 before I could claim my package.

That's right. The government decided to collect a $1.88 from me. What enrages me is they also charged me $5.00 to collect it. This is nothing more than a hidden tax.

Yes, let's go after the packages labeled 'Art book'. Those suspicious, shifty, sneaky altered book artists. Ah yes, my tax dollars at work.

It also got me thinking - exactly how much money in brokerage fees does Canada Post collect annually? Where does the money go?

I smell something very rotten.

Fat book arrived!

I just love it. It is absolutely adorable.

I now understand how these books could become terribly addictive.

After seeing the backpage decorations - I'm even more mortified by my own.

I received pages from: Kim Bartlett, Jenny Heid, Holly Stinnet, Marianne Baugher, Kimber Kristina Holt, Heather Simpson-Bluhm, Heather Price, Chrysti Hydeck, Shoshannah Jennings, Snowrose, Darlene Maciuba-Koppel, Lizzy Mayorga, Beth Quinn, Amber Dawn, Martha Brown, Joanie Hoffman and Pam Kirshenbaum.

Thanks so much for hosting Heather - you did a wonderful job!

Harry Potter out today

This morning I stopped at Indigo on my way to the blood donor clinic to pick up my very own copy.

I didn't pre-order so I paid full price. It was discounted 20% - which is kind of absurd - it's already a best seller and should have been at a 40% discount. I digress.

I read a few chapters while giving blood. I hope to sneak in few more chapters while my son naps!

I already know from previous experience that I'll stay up late into the night to see how it ends.

It rained today.

Hard.

I got completely soaked. I ended up going to the mall to get dry clothes. I was that wet.

This soaking including my purse and all the contents inside. Which I didn't think was a big deal.

Until I remembered the ATCs that were in my purse waiting to be mailed. Outside of their protective plastic bag.

All reduced to a soggy, non salvageable mess.

New ATC back

I thought I'd share an ATC back I made. It still needs a little work (but nap time is over!)

Looking for tree stamps

I'm on the look out for rubber stamps (larger size) with a tree or trees. Does anyone have a recommendation?

Revisionist History

Update: I decided to go see it on a whim.

I misread the dates and thought the final performance was yesterday.

I enjoyed it. I laughed so hard at one point that I had to wipe tears away. I have an absurd sense of humour.

I really would have been interested to see this play at the fringe festival. An accident of history? Hysterical. To bad I only noticed it yesterday afternoon. Darn.

ATC night & hot women

Another large turnout last night! I adore ATC night and hate that I have to show up late on occasion.

Happy Birthday to Ludgera! Shall we sing one more time?

Thanks to Katie for making cupcakes. Yummy! (recipe was from Martha Stewart cookbook - I checked. :))

Welcome to the group - Florence and Suzan.

Participants for this month were:
Traders: Jacqui, Suzan, Florence, Martha, June, Marissa, Jolanta, Susan V., Barb, Kris, Diana and Cori
Observers: Colette, Daniza

Waving hi to Ray! It was a pleasure to meet you. Martha you never told me he had an accent.

Susan W., Sarah, Myrn, Beverley and Joanne we missed you.

Hot Women ATCs

My interpretation of tonight's exchange. Pretty tame women if you ask me. lol. I've kept the images posted here PG rated. I have others that are a little bit more racy.




Due Date: 13Jul07
Theme: Hot women
Supplies used:
Images: American Picture Gallery CD, bingo card
Paper: various cardstock (European Paper, Club Scrap)

A little progress

I made a (very) small dent in the pile of paper to cut up. It killed my cutting blade though.

Whilst sorting through my stash - I rediscovered these items. I think they are fun.

Snip, Slice and toss

I've decided to make my life easier. At least where ATCs are concerned.

I have loads and loads of 8 1/2 x 11 paper that I will likely never use for scrapbooking.

My solution?

It's all being sliced up for my ATC stash box.

Yep, it's all going in. Paper, embellishments, ephemera... All that good stuff.

Hopefully this will make me a little bit more prolific.

Now I just need to find the perfect box....

July Christmas Card Exchange

After class the Card Exchange group met for the big reveal.
As you can likely guess from the post title, this month's theme was Christmas.

I finally remembered to ask the ladies if they minded me posting their cards. I'd always felt bad about posting without asking first. It seems impolite.
You can click on the photo to view more detail for the last three exchanges. Enjoy!

I even stepped out of my comfort zone and submitted a less than perfect (IMHO) card for the store wall. Last night I was upset with it but today I embraced my mistake. I even think its kinda cool now.

Christmas in July

My very first ever Card Extravaganza was divine.

We were so spoiled today, it was like Christmas morning! Generous extra goodies (thanks Carmi&Elizabeth) and sweet home baked treats (thanks June!).

I kept up with the rest of the class for the most part. I think they heard a starters pistol I didn't. lol. These ladies didn't mess around and were quick to finish each card.

I think it helps if you understand all the directions. I admit it, sometimes I just nod my head and dive right in.

I love before and after pictures. I neglected to take the 'before' photo but this one is just after everyone cleared out for lunch.

More details and photos in the next few days.

Card Exchange - Christmas

Here is my submission for this month's card exchange group.

My better half's response was 'That's a CHRISTMAS card?".

I was going for something 'different'. It's different alright.

Must sleep soon! My ride to the Christmas Card Extravaganza will be here in less than 8 hours. Yikes!

More outbound ATCs

Paint chip swap ATC's

I've been busy getting ATCs ready for upcoming swaps.

Here are two from the paint chip swap.

I got out my sewing machine for this swap. Progress! It only took me 25 minutes to put in the bobbin this time. lol.

ATCs zoom right through the machine. I need driving lessons for my sewing machine. Evidently I need to practice more.

I find it a challenge to add embellishments to my work. I add them and hope for the best! I'd rather have the 'knack' for adding just the right thing.

Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day to our American neighbours!

I might be *little* crazy....

I just couldn't resist signing up for this skinny book swap. I know it will make me obsessive for a few months. lol.

I think it is the size that I find so intriguing.

I really enjoyed working (even if it stressed me out) on my circle fatbook. Of course, after the fact I would have done things quite differently today. Ahh, live and learn.

I'm nervous but excited about it. I'll keep you posted.

Happy Canada Day!!!!

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

Enjoy the long weekend!!!

Stamp Camp Mania!

What a fabulous day! It was billed as a "day dedicated for stampers to do what they love best - stamp!!"

It was that and oh so, so, so much more! Fun, lots of laughter, shopping, drama (thanks to Marissa unfortunately) and many friends dropping by.

It was a small group - Tina, Marissa, Lise, Jennifer, June and myself - also (at times) astonishingly quiet!

Much deserved thanks to Barb and Sarah for hosting such a wonderful day.
Tony contributed as tasty lunch (note to self: must ask for vegetarian sandwich option next time.)

As usual I packed waaaaay more than I could ever use. My main focus was to create multiple backgrounds for some upcoming commitments. I brought everything but the paper to create those backgrounds!

I did play with a Vintage Ephemera stamp set I purchased from Phillip from Lazar Studio Works. It stamps beautifully - you can always expect a quality product from this company. In fact, it might even be the first unmounted stamp sets I ever purchased.

The make and take by Sarah featured a new twinkling H2O product called Radiant Rain and the very fun featured stamp of the month 'Whimsy Flower" by Sunshine Designs.

June completed her ATC's for the next club meeting!

I had emailed Martha earlier in the day and asked her to stop by. I knew she was planning to work on several art commitments - so I was unsure if she could stop by. She happened to be in the neighborhood shopping for new shoes and then popped in to say hello.

Barb would like to start holding these every couple of months. I say bring it on!

The luxury of the written word

I was recently fortunate enough to obtain copies of past RSM articles written by Susan Williamson.

The only good part of my tedious daily commute is the fact that I can read uninterrupted. I finally remembered to pack these articles last week. I was enthralled. Seriously. She has a knack for drawing you in and generously sharing her experiences. Her pieces are well written, thoughtful, insightful (is that a word?) and inspiring.

I really enjoy her writing (RSM is a 'must' buy if she has written an article) and I am eagerly awaiting her upcoming book.

Artistic nudes versus well nude

The local ATC group's upcoming theme for July is "Hot Women".

I didn't think that I owned any images that fit this criteria. So I started searching the net, I do not recommend using the phrase 'hot women' in google image search. lol.

I finally ended up purchasing some digital images from e-Bay. My better half is highly amused by this recent purchase. He gleefully says I bought PORN.

I prefer to think that I purchased a collection of 'artistic' nudes (versus just plain nude.)

They arrived early this week - encased in brown and white paper wrapping. Yes, that's his laughter you hear. Well, at least I know customs didn't open it.

How I really feel about the TTC

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is my main source of transportation. Unless of course I am fortunate to have an actual car ride. (yes, you may insert the mental image of a dog hanging it's head out the window. Satisfied?)

You've only hear the bad.

I use transit almost every single day. I really can't complain about the service if I consider the entire picture.

The customer service department has been wonderful (and appalled) about the entire 'situation'. I am awaiting the resolution (in writing!). I feel a tiny bit bad about reporting him, even if he deserved it.

I'm still so angry that I'm tempted to actually write a letter to Adam Giambrone.

Wait wasn't I supposed to be saying something nice?

Here we go again

My son and I had a great time at the island yesterday. Really he would go every single day.

Getting there was a bit of a challenge. My son's left hand got caught in the elevator door at Broadview Station. (of course we were on the other side of the door.)

Thankfully I was able to pry his fingers from between the two sliding doors. We exited the elevator and I inspected his fingers on the westbound platform. Purple-red, swollen and scraped skin. Plus lots of tears.

I decided to take him back to the collector's booth to report the incident and obtain first-aid.

The TTC collectors response? Indifference. Our conversation went like this.

"My son just got his fingers caught in the elevator door."

"What do you expect me to do?" he replied.

I gave him a strange/annoyed look. "Do you have any ice?"

"Now, why would I have that?" he replied in a sarcastic tone.

I just stared at him stunned. "I'd like first-aid for my son. Do you have a first-aid kit?"

"Yes, I can only give you a couple of band-aids. I can't do anything else." he said shrugging.

Now I'm getting angry. "I'd like to file a report. "

"You can call 393-INFO on Monday to file a report."

"No, I'd like to file an accident report today."

"You can call 393-INFO on to file a report."

"That's it? Those supervisors over there at the streetcar platform can't help me?"

"No, they can't."

"Will someone answer my call at that number today?"

"Yup." he replied in a bored tone.

I left the station. I walked around the corner to the McDonald's where they were kind enough to give us ice and genuine concern for my son's well being.

I bought a yogurt to distract him while I applied the ice to his fingers (only moderately successful). I also called the TTC to report the incident. I was assured by Arlene that someone would call me on Monday morning to take my report.

My son had understandably tender fingers, but he seemed to be returning to his normal self. Now about 15-25 minutes have passed since we left in search of ice. We head back to the station.

Same collector. My son helps me swipe my metropass and I start to proceed with my son through the turnstile. The collector stops us. He now wants me to pay a fare for my son to get back into the station. (It wasn't an issue for this same collector when we entered the first time.)

"You want me to pay for my son?" I ask incredulously.

"Children over 2 need to pay to use the transit system" he responds with a smirk.

I am beyond angry. I purchase more children's tickets, deposit one and ask for his name.

"13552" rolled off his tongue effortlessly. I suspect it's been requested a lot.

Happy Father's Day

Happy (late) Father's Day!

An island kind of guy

We promised our son that he could go to the Island on Sunday.

He loves the island.

Without fail he asks to go every single week.

The little daredevil begged to go on the dragon roller coaster. And he liked it.

Me? Not so much.

Hanging with The Hive

Yup, we picked a name for our group. Finally.

Our 'official' name is The ATC Hive. Just so long as we don't get called the 'hives'.

Huge turnout tonight - I thought it would be a small group tonight. Go figure.

Susan W. was kind enough to consent to let me photograph and publish her ATC haul tonight.

Welcome Kris and Colette!

Participants for this month were:

Traders: Diana, Marissa, Barb, Sarah, Ludgera, Susan V. June, Kris, Susan W. and Colette
Observers: Martha, Daniza, Jolanta, Beverley and Cori

Due Date: 08June07
Theme: Italy
Supplies used - NONE. I did not make any. Bad girl! I regret it now - the ladies made some w * o * n * d * e * r * f * u * l ATCs.

Jacqui, Myrn and Joanne we missed you.