Hey Folks!

How are you all doing? Well, I hope!

Things are good here. I’ve been keeping busy with website redesigns, blog configurations and now I have a new distraction: Sketching on my ipod touch. I’ve had this thing for about a year and a half and not until recently did I know that you can pick up a stylus pen for about $15 at any tech store. Two applications that I’ve had for a while (but failed to use regularly because it’s a pain in the neck drawing with my finger) is Autodesk Sketchbook and Brushes. Read more ...

Meet Lumber Jacques the Lumberjack. He’s not your typical lumberjack, as he is trying to preserve our forests and at the s Read more ...

I’m proud to say that I’ve never suffered from a broken heart but this is what I picture one to look like.

Hope everyone Read more ...

Reggie and Mary were smitten with one another. They were inseparable. The two often took long strolls when the day was at it’s end. It was o Read more ...

Happy Mother’s Day to my Mother and ALL the Mother’s! (I used to be a blonde – and wear righteous pajamas!)

The other day, while sitting in my car, I witnessed someone in the truck in front of me push an empty cigarette package out their Read more ...

This is Cupcake T. Baker. She has always dreamed of owning her own Bakery—or as she likes to call it, “Treat Emporium”.

Meet my friend Hazel.

Hazel lives in Fredericton, New Brunswick, and has been a key figure in getting the city to allow backyard chickens (a.k.a. Urban Chickens). As of late, Hazel herself has submitted an application to be part of a pilot project allowing a few families to keep two to three chickens in well-maintained coops. This however does not come cheap. People who want to participate have to pay $250. Although I don’t argue with there being a fee (for serious chicken farmers), I do think $250 is $200 too much.

From what I can tell by keeping updated by the Fredericton City Chickens facebook page, is that it’s been long and difficult process for Hazel and other members of this movement. Many people have issues with the idea of chickens being raised in their community. Claims of chickens being noisy and attracting rats and coyotes are just a few of the ridiculous comments. Personally, I think some people don’t have enough to complain about, and this is just another topic for them to gripe about.

The fact of the matter is, is that keeping chickens provides sustainability, cheap protein, and apparently, they’re pretty great pets, too. So, in a world where there are rising food costs, growing protests over food shortages, and a movement towards a greener tomorrow, why not keep chickens!? Many cities throughout North America are considering moving in this direction, and hopefully Fredericton will soon be one of them.

All I have to say is, Way to Go, Hazel! If we ever get back to Fredericton for a visit, I do hope to meet your chickens!

To learn more about the Fredericton City Chickens, visit the website: http://frederictoncitychickens.com/

Here’s something I’ve had in the works for a number of weeks now. Since this week’s Illustration Friday theme was “Toy” I thought I would finish it up.

I had other toys when I was growing up but there were none I spent more time with than the record player. Everyday while my older sister was at school, I’d hang out in her room and listen to the various records we had around the house. Mostly compilation stuff, some classics and then my parents favorites: Nana Mouskouri and Roger Whitaker.

Aside from the record player, I can’t really think of many toys that has as much of an impact. The swing set and sandbox were always awesome but in general, playing outdoors and using my imagination was always key to having fun. And still is!

Here’s something I’ve had in the works for a number of weeks now. Since this week’s Illustration Friday theme was “Toy” I thought I would finish it up.

I had other toys when I was growing up but there were none I spent more time with than the record player. Everyday while my older sister was at school, I’d hang out in her room and listen to the various records we had around the house. Mostly compilation stuff, some classics and then my parents favorites: Nana Mouskouri and Roger Whitaker.

Aside from the record player, I can’t really think of many toys that has as much of an impact. The swing set and sandbox were always awesome but in general, playing outdoors and using my imagination was always key to having fun. And still is!

I never have, nor will I ever be hip. But if I was, I’m certain it would go a little something like this.

Blindly putting on the wrong color shoes can create such fantastic imagery in people’s minds.

- Thanks to Eben for the idea and thanks to Matt for the prompt!

*This image is only a representation of an idea. I do not smoke. I do however, on occasion wear different color sneakers when the mood strikes (or I just grab a mis-matched pair without looking).*

Frank Griffin is an auto mechanic and although he has a tough exterior, he is really quite a softy. Does what he can to help his senior customers and saves babies from burning buildings. He may be just your typical mechanic but to everyone else he’s a hero.

It’s that time of year again. Yep, it’s that time of year where I make you all vomit at my disgusting display of affection for my husband.

Honestly, we never really do anything for February 14th. Some years, we might go out for supper (like we might do any other typical evening). And sometimes for fun, we exchange cards. Other years, we don’t. We’re just practical people and don’t believe much in designating a day for loving each other.

However, that being said, sometimes I just can’t help but to turn my creative efforts into something so vile, so disgusting, so cute that it makes you turn green in the face.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Everyone!

Related Post: Last year’s vomit-inducing sentiment

I like the holidays. I do. However, it’s people like this that can make it almost unbearable. It’s the rude and ignorant people and bad drivers  that really make it difficult for everyone else. They just plain suck.

That is why Christmas Eve is my favorite thing about the season. Everything is closed. Most of those people are tucked away in their homes and so am I. It’s the most peace and quiet that will be had all year. I love it.

I hope you all have a most marvelous holiday season!

Take care and Happy New Year!  :)

This week’s Illustration Friday theme is Phenomenal. Well, Johnny is certainly that!  …and then some!

I hope you all are doing well and enjoying the season!

This seriously blows my mind. The photo on the left is my parents in 1973 (their engagement photo). The photo on the right is me: I am the same age as my Dad  was in the photo (30). I do not feel as old as they look. (No offense 1970s Mom & Dad!). Did our parents feel this way about our grandparents?

I miss my Dad. He passed away Dec. 23, 2003. I think of him everyday.

I miss my Mom, too. I don’t see her nearly as often as I should.

Much love to my parents for making me who I am.

xo

The next time you’re stressed, just jump in a big ‘ol puddle. Better yet, make sure to splash everyone nearby!

Kidding of course, but doesn’t jumping in a puddle make sense? To ward off stress, I mean.

Do you remember how good it felt? To jump into a puddle and make a mess? Adults choose not to do this. Why? Because it’s childish? We adults don’t know what we’re missing. I bet a good puddle is more therapeutic than yoga or aromatherapy or even meditation.

This illustration was inspired by a memory I have of myself as a kid—playing in our driveway in the rain. It was a fairly vivid memory and then I remembered that I actually had a photo of this. I searched through one of the photo albums I had (that I had stolen from my mother last year). And, there it was! A photo of little ol’ me playing in a puddle.

The next time you’re stressed, just jump in a big ‘ol puddle. Better yet, make sure to splash everyone nearby!

Kidding of course, but doesn’t jumping in a puddle make sense? To ward off stress, I mean.

Do you remember how good it felt? To jump into a puddle and make a mess? Adults choose not to do this. Why? Because it’s childish? We adults don’t know what we’re missing. I bet a good puddle is more therapeutic than yoga or aromatherapy or even meditation.

This illustration was inspired by a memory I have of myself as a kid—playing in our driveway in the rain. It was a fairly vivid memory and then I remembered that I actually had a photo of this. I searched through one of the photo albums I had (that I had stolen from my mother last year). And, there it was! A photo of little ol’ me playing in a puddle.

I’m a little late with this post, but better late than never, right? Especially when it concerns raising awareness for prostate cancer. They say that 1 in 6 men get prostate cancer. So, how do we get the word out? Everyone grows a mustache, obviously. Well, not women. Not myself, anyway. Rather, I chose to draw pictures of mustaches.

My husband (above) who regularly sports a beard (and proudly, I might add) was quite attached to his full facial hair. Not having much hair on top, he had grown fond of what he had left on his head (I joke—bald is beautiful), but on Monday, November 1st, he donned quite a different look. I had only met this clean shaven lad just once in the 5 years that we have been together. I was quite proud that he was willing to put concerns about his appearance aside in order to raise awareness for prostate cancer. He shaved both his head and face. I applauded his effort.

So, if you’ve jumped on board the Movember train, Bravo! If you’re like me and unable to grow one yourself, please feel free to download this high res 8.5″ x 11″ Movember poster.

My grandfather had prostate cancer. He passed away in 1994.

http://www.movember.com

http://www.prostatecancer.ca (Canada)

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/prostate (USA)

I’m a little late with this post, but better late than never, right? Especially when it concerns raising awareness for prostate cancer. They say that 1 in 6 men get prostate cancer. So, how do we get the word out? Everyone grows a mustache, obviously. Well, not women. Not myself, anyway. Rather, I chose to draw pictures of mustaches.

My husband (above) who regularly sports a beard (and proudly, I might add) was quite attached to his full facial hair. Not having much hair on top, he had grown fond of what he had left on his head (I joke—bald is beautiful), but on Monday, November 1st, he donned quite a different look. I had only met this clean shaven lad just once in the 5 years that we have been together. I was quite proud that he was willing to put concerns about his appearance aside in order to raise awareness for prostate cancer. He shaved both his head and face. I applauded his effort.

So, if you’ve jumped on board the Movember train, Bravo! If you’re like me and unable to grow one yourself, please feel free to download this high res 8.5″ x 11″ Movember poster.

My grandfather had prostate cancer. He passed away in 1994.

http://www.movember.com

http://www.prostatecancer.ca (Canada)

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/prostate (USA)

If you were a Superhero, what (who) would you be? I’m pretty sure that I would be Cardigan Woman - Avenging the (sometimes) damp, cold, and uncomfortable world. When you come home from a wet, rainy grocery shopping trip, I’ll be there to wrap a cardigan around your shivering shoulders. When you’re at the rink watching your son or daughter’s hockey game and you’ve gone and left yourself short of layers, I’ll be there to lend you some extra warmth. I’m CARDIGAN WOMAN!

Seriously though. I kind of have an addiction to these things. Anyone will tell you, that aside from blue jeans, they’re my favorite piece of clothing. I’ve been wearing cardigans since before they were cool. Viva le Cardi!

If you were a Superhero, what (who) would you be? I’m pretty sure that I would be Cardigan Woman - Avenging the (sometimes) damp, cold, and uncomfortable world. When you come home from a wet, rainy grocery shopping trip, I’ll be there to wrap a cardigan around your shivering shoulders. When you’re at the rink watching your son or daughter’s hockey game and you’ve gone and left yourself short of layers, I’ll be there to lend you some extra warmth. I’m CARDIGAN WOMAN!

Seriously though. I kind of have an addiction to these things. Anyone will tell you, that aside from blue jeans, they’re my favorite piece of clothing. I’ve been wearing cardigans since before they were cool. Viva le Cardi!

Twice in one weekend. Imagine that!

It’s pretty amazing how time is passing. Next weekend is halloween and following immediately after is… November? I just wish the winter months would pass as quickly as the warmer months. On second thought, no I don’t. There’s no need to rush. I’m having fun!

Twice in one weekend. Imagine that!

It’s pretty amazing how time is passing. Next weekend is halloween and following immediately after is… November? I just wish the winter months would pass as quickly as the warmer months. On second thought, no I don’t. There’s no need to rush. I’m having fun!

In the spirit of Halloween, here’s something new!

Poor Billy. He lacks the ability to show all emotion but one.