Always something new …

It’s funny how learning works for me. I can’t seem to learn something, or at least retain the knowledge, if I don’t have an immediate and practical application for it. Take my camera for example. I have an amazing camera that can likely run the world with the push of a button, but I don’t know even a smidgen of what it does. So many options, menu settings, possibilities.

Last week, my friend Wendy (awesome photographer) came over to take some photos of me in the studio and garden, and during the shoot, she not only taught me more about my digital camera, she inspired me to discover how to work it to get what I want out of a photograph. Wow, it really helped me to kick things up a notch, and feel better about playing around with this power-packed tool.

Each day, I am reminded and inspired to ask other people what they know, and the results are quite wonderful!

compendium 7 is officially in the works.

Turns out, I have most of it collected, and now just need to sit down and put it all together. Hoping for an end of September roll out!

I want to thank all the people who have asked me when the new issue is coming out … it really helps me to get myself in gear and work on it, knowing there are people who are anxious to read it!

My wintertime plan

I know, the weather outside right now is incredible. Sunny and pretty perfect where I live … but winter will come, and I have realized that for the first time, I really need to prepare for that. 

It’s not the weather I need to prepare for, it’s the greater sense of isolation I am sure is coming. That, with the grey skies of the west coast winter … it’s a dangerous combination. I don’t want to binge watch tv or fall into the abyss of Facebook or the news. I realize, I need to be proactive and create a strategy for myself.

So, I have decided to learn something new. Dive deep into a subject that will educate and envelop me, keep me interested. The subject is Aromatherapy. It’s something I have been intrigued by for a long time, but only know such basic stuff about it. I yearn to know more.

I also needed something that wasn’t at the computer. So, this will be BOOK LEARNING. Yup … I am going back in time. Real books, pen and paper. I am pretty excited about it! And, as you likely know, I have the necessary pens and paper supplies that are required, without leaving the house!

Nesting … it’s a thing in these times

The getting ready for winter theme in my head, is also extending to my physical space. Looking around and seeing what will make our home the most comfortable it can be for the coming winter.  One aspect was realizing the need for new cushions for the chairs and sofa in the living room. Until I put the new ones in place, I really had no idea how dreadful the old ones were. Well, I did, but I didn’t, if you know what I mean.

I think we live with a lot of things as is, out of default. It’s there, it’s not bothering anyone, it’s not ripped or broken. But it’s not really working well anymore. That was exactly what was happening with the cushions.

Ahhhh … the new cushions are AMAZING. They don’t make us slouch. They are much better for our backs, and when we go to get up, we no longer look like seriously immobile old people! 😉

New to me shop ~ Millstone Artisan Gallery, Nanaimo

I had no idea there was a lovely artisan shop in the countryside of Nanaimo. It is called Millstone Artisan Gallery and is operated by Sue LaBerge, Potter, Painter, Artist.

“Millstone Artisan Gallery features unique handmade pottery, jewelry, driftwood art, photography and more reflecting the essence of West Coast living”, says the website.

Mary Ann and I took a run out there this week and it is beautiful. The setting, the gallery building and all the art inside. We met Sue and got a wonderful introduction to the artists in the gallery, most of whom are related to her, or close friends! Crazy amount of talent under one beautiful roof. (Yes, I admit to my serious building envy!!)

All of this, just a few minutes from town.

Check it out: www.millstoneartisangallery.com

2800 Shady Mile Way, Nanaimo … check the website for hours.

Always something new from the studio …

Last week was slow  but steady progress, and I am not sure why. But, it doesn’t matter. Things move along as they are meant to, and now I just accept that.

Here are four of the new vestiges pen/pencil holders I have created. Each has two original mandalas, so it is reversible, depending on your mood! I will be posting these in my shop in the next day or so, with better photos!

No new pens, ink or writing paper were acquired this week. I know, it’s amazing. But I did fill my most trusted fountain pen with the Ancient Copper ink I bought a few weeks ago … and now all I want to do is write and doodle with it. It’s wonderful to have a faithful twenty-one year old tool that still brings such joy to my heart!!