My handwriting changes all the time. 

I have never had my handwriting analyzed, because I wouldn’t know which sample I might use … unlike most people I know, my handwriting definitely changes based on the pen I am using, the paper that I am writing on, and for sure, the mood I am in. Consistency is not a word I can use to characterize my writing words!

Years ago, when someone saw that my writing is, for the most part, often quite nice and easy to read, suggested that I hand write a book sometime. No … couldn’t do it unless it was all in one sitting. But I do love to write, that’s for sure!

I am so excited to share these two books with you … both written by my life partner, Mary Ann Moore!

Yes I had a hand in designing them … Writing Home A Whole Life Practice I did cover to cover, and Fishing For Mermaids, I designed the front and back cover and spine. You can read more about these in the shop! This is the first time Writing Home A Whole Life Practice has been offered to the general public. Previously it was only used with Mary Ann’s mentoring clients. It very exciting for us both to see Mary Ann’s work out there in the larger world!

Currently beside my reading chair …

I am reading a lot more these days, and the diversity of what I am reading is sort of neat! Some of the books I dip into, like the Nick Bantok, which is always good for a creative boost! The Anatomy of the Spirit, by Caroline Myss, PhD., is one I am reading for the 2nd time … the first time was about 30 years ago. When the Body Says No by Gabor Maté, I just finished reading for the 4th time! It is such a good book!

The Lettering Manual book is one I am working through slowly … it’s like a University degree in lettering, but more fun! Professional level, but done very nicely. It’s for people who are pretty serious about lettering! (That would be me.)

The others are a bit of dipping in and out … between my main reading … The Inspired House, The Artful Dodger and Drawing on the Artist Within, came to me free, from a bookstore that was giving away all the things they couldn’t sell, before the closed their doors … a pretty sweet score, if I do say so. So people went out of there overloaded with books, and were coming back for more. YIKES! I was quite happy to pick a few. Books can be overwhelming!!

Did you know: Most of the “seagulls” found along the British Columbia coast nest on inland lakes far from the ocean? from Birds of Southwest British Columbia, 2005 Heritage.

I don’t think in all the years I have lived here, I’ve taken a photo of a gull … and it’s not like there aren’t a billion opportunities! But this feathered friend, just off the waterfront walkway, seemed to need to be acknowledged with a nice shot! I was happy to oblige!

Patterns of the Heart when exposed to music.

As someone who is fascinated by patterns, I was delighted to see this come up recently on Facebook.

Stanford University researchers, Cardiologist Sean Wu, MD, PhD, and  Utkan Demirci, PhD, an acoustic bioengineer and professor of radiology have been looking at the effect of music on heart cells.  “Utkan brought up this idea that we could use acoustics to pack the cells very densely and still maintain an ability to control and tune their organization — and we got really excited,” says Wu, associate professor of medicine.

You can read all about it here: https://stanmed.stanford.edu/listening/innovations-helping-harness-sound-acoustics-healing.html … it’s pretty amazing and hopeful for use in medicine I think. 

The image above shows the ‘cymatics’, or geometric patterns created in heart cells when applying various sounds. 

In and around the studio these days are the usual dozen or so projects. I have a cabinet that I think is next up to be completed. I picked up two round canvasses, about 20″ in diameter, which I have never worked on before, so that will be interesting. They are in the mid-stage of things.

There is the thinking and plotting of new projects, and how to start a few that are in my head. I’ve been inspired by a suggestion from a friend, about modifying something I have already created, so I will see if I am brave enough to go down that road.

I am always thinking about the little compendiumshop.ca and ways to make it even more fun!

All in all, it is a lively and lovely time here in the studio, and I wish the same for you, whatever you are doing!

~sarah