you are the prize

its going to be a blue ribbon kind of day. heres what I've been working on for the upcoming toque craft fair at the western front! I have made my usual books and cards, and these are my new wearable text based art. I made them from scratch and I love the over the top color and fanfare but the 'awards' are for things like "ok".

If you are in the neighbourhood: western front gallery (vancouver), saturday November 28th 11-5

true vancouver artisans- great variety of local hand made. and I know for a fact there will also be cupcakes for sale...

heres cooking at you kid

my mom pretty much always made home cooked dinners. she worked full time, took care of kids, the house and still made meals ever night for dinner. my dad did too, but his area of expertise was the bbq and pizza night probably once every couple of weeks. And since I have been taking care of myself now for almost as long as my parents took care of me, I really appreciate it more than ever. In the last year I am finding that I am craving meals from the past. domestic inspiration? nostalgic appetite? I wanted to make the things I remembered and loved- but make it better. it started with my moms spaghetti recipe: I loved it the way it was, but feeding your family on a budget and in a town where fresh produce was a foreign concept I thought I might be able to improve it a bit. no can of tomatoes for me- fresh tomatoes. instead of the lump of green pepper- crisp red or orange. safeway special lb of hamburger- grain fed alberta lean beef. I am pleased with myself and although I guess opening a can of tomatoes might take a little less than cleaning and chopping some vegetables, I feel good eating it. Last night I tried another: beef stroganoff. I had never made it before, but it turned out really well. organic beef and 3 types of mushrooms (white, brown and shiitake). like moms, only different.... (I love you mom!)

she's crafty

it is november. my goodness! the school year is ticking along and here we are half way to christmas. I have been feeling particularly domestic these days and wanting to make things. wanting to cook, sew, knit and general crafty. last weekend was very productive: made dinner 2 nights, worked on a new upcoming sculpture/wearable art project, hit the knit shop, sorted materials for book making and compiled the do-do list for an upcoming craft fair and christmas. will keep you posted as things progress...

owl update

update: we called the vet to check on our patient. he's in for observation: he had a concussion, so good thing we took him in! apparently they have had a few reports about owls- they seem to be having trouble on their migration this year! he was also eating (we did not ask) but hope it was a little frisky mouse (sorry mice lovers!)

feathered friend

my work had a cute little guest- we had a baby (or very small) owl banging against our front doors of the building at about 10am... crows were attacking him so our receptionist went out and caught him in a box, and now he is sitting up at reception. people keep coming to check him out... so cute. he seems calm in the box... not flapping around. we have called the SPCA/wildlife people to come and rescue him. we wished we had something to feed him... too bad we can't capture the mice which are such a problem here at the school! we want to keep him. when I was asked to cover the phones, which I often do, today instead I was asked to babysit the owl.

hail ceaser and bring on the whiskey, jack

had a late season camping trip this weekend. it was fabulous! went again with E + M and GK (who are camping superstars). this time we went up towards Harrison. the site was closer to the suburbs, so it was a bit busier, and my heading reflects
a shout out to the campsite rowdies this weekend. there were however no bugs so I guess the annoyances evens out. the weather was perfect. sunny and warm and totally blue, blue skies. our site was on a pretty little lake and there were a couple other parks and lakes very near by so we checked out all of them. the other girls went swimming as well as the lakes were cool yet refreshing. highlights include: setting up in the dark, our curious Whiskey Jacks, visits from toads, no mosquitoes, big fires, Oyama sausages, marshmallows and dark chocolate, all terrain bocce, sunshine, cozy tent, peach lambic, ice cream run, fresh air, naps in the afternoon.

Thank you crew for a lovely time. I am so buying a tent next summer!

what a difference a year makes

just back from a most lovely weekend away visiting miss B in Saskatoon. same weekend last year I helped her move there... this time she is so set up and good to go- beautiful new apartment, wonderful friends, knows all the hot spots and stories behind them.
highlights include: getting hugs at the airport, ms. N arriving too, football, skateshop, pasta dishes, crepes for brunch, breakfast nook, late night nook, girl time, slumber parties, farm land, studio visit, walking lots, river, blue skies, new friends, nice boys, lattes twice a day, party dresses and party girls.