Sandra's Creative Studio

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-09T13:44:00.002-08:00

I am sorry for not making an appearance here for so long! I have been busy with computer software upgrades and various other things. I am celebrating a little bit of joyful studio freedom time as I have an empty house :( for the first time in many, many months.

We have been very lucky to enjoy some mild and sunny West Coast weather, and I have been taking every opportunity to get outside and pretend it is Spring and walk and bike ride. But, alas, today, it is raining very hard, and it is not so appealing to get out for my walk.

I have lots of creative projects on the go...and finally a little bit of solitude, so I really will get some of them done! Check back next week for a few updates!

Meanwhile, happy Valentine's Day!

Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!

2011-12-22T11:25:00.000-08:00

Wishing you the beauty and joy of Christmas shared with family and friends!

Along with blessings for a creative and prosperous New Year 2012!

Sandra

Preparing for Christmas Craft Nite

2011-12-18T11:42:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of excitement getting ready for my friends to come over for a Christmas crafty nite, I dressed up these lanterns with cedar, painted pine cones, ribbon and sparkly glitter for my front entrance. Then I realized that maybe they might be a fire hazard? Oh well, they look really pretty even if the candles aren't lit!

We had fun, laughter, and were surrounded by the twinkling Christmas lights, glowing candles, Christmas music, while working on a few last minute cards, and other surprises. I am so grateful for the friendship of these beautiful ladies! All creative and passionate in their own areas of expertise!

Visit Violette's blog for tons and tons of colourful inspiration! Lucky me to live just a hop, skip and a jump from Violette's magic cottage!

And my friend Paula the writer, and Brenda, the music teacher! I hope to have another relaxed evening like this very, very soon! I am truly in the Christmas spirit after our very festive and fun crafty evening.

Preparing for Homecoming

2011-12-06T12:41:00.000-08:00

Only two more days before my daughter arrives home! It's been a long year without her here and we are so excited she will be home for the holidays. It will be a merry Christmas indeed!

Happy creating,
Sandra

First Week of December

2011-12-02T16:13:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe it is the first week of December! Today was so mild and sunny, that I took my camera and went for a wonderful walk in the sunshine. The sun kept playing in and out of the clouds with me, making great shadows and high contrasts. I took a lot of nature photos which I had hoped to upload, but for some reason, I cannot upload any photos right now.

I woke up so early, excited for the day, and wanting to take full advantage of the light while it is here. The days do seem to short right now, I look forward to the Solstice already.

Slowly, slowly, I am gearing up for the Christmas season. Only a few more days until my daughter arrives home from Norway. She has been in Europe now for almost a full year! I want to make sure her room is nice and welcoming for her when she arrives!

Can Christmas be coming in just over three weeks??????

Lots to do and create between now and then.

Happy creating!

Sandra

Vintage Turkey

2011-11-23T15:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Giving thanks for wonderful family, friends, good health, and the beginnings of the holiday season!

Have a wonderful holiday, wherever you may be during this season...

Watercolour and Waterlogged

2011-10-28T14:53:00.000-07:00

What's a girl to do? It's Friday, and I am waiting, waiting, waiting for a return phone call. So, although the rain is pouring outside, I have some wonderful music playing, a cup of tea steeping, and a pile of art supplies.

This is the best way to spend a rainy Friday afternoon!

Creatively yours,

Sandra

Just How I Feel

2011-10-26T10:44:00.000-07:00

How quickly my moods change! Yesterday, the sun was shining and it was brisk and cold, but I knew the weather was turning, so I bundled up and dashed out for a walk before the sun went down, and today it is back to cold, gray drizzle. I was feeling all optimistic and energized after that great power walk in the sunshine. But, now, the weather is affecting my mood. I feel a bit isolated and dreary. Can't help it...it's just how I feel. Maybe a little poetry will put me back in the frame of mind I was in yesterday. Can't hurt?

The Autumn Sonnets

If I can let you go as trees let go
Their leaves, so casually, one by one,
If I can come to know what they do know,
That fall is the release, the consummation,
Then fear of time and the uncertain fruit
Would not distemper the great lucid skies
This strangest autumn, mellow and acute.
If I can take the dark with open eyes
And call it seasonal, not harsh or strange
(For love itself may need a time of sleep),
And, treelike, stand unmoved before the change,
Lose what I lose to keep what I can keep,
The strong root still alive under the snow,
Love will endure -- if I can let you go.

by May Sarton, from "Selected Poems of May Sarton" 1978

or maybe Anne Lamott will shake me out of the doldrums.

“Writing and reading decrease our sense of isolation. They deepen and widen and expand our sense of life: they feed the soul. When writers make us shake our heads with the exactness of their prose and their truths, and even make us laugh about ourselves or life, our buoyancy is restored. We are given a shot at dancing with, or at least clapping along with, the absurdity of life, instead of being squashed by it over and over again. It's like singing on a boat during a terrible storm at sea. You can't stop the raging storm, but singing can change the hearts and spirits of the people who are together on that ship.”

― Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Mid October

2011-10-18T13:17:00.000-07:00

It is an absolutely glorious day here in beautiful British Columbia. Blue sky, crisp and cold autumn day. I was immersed in my journals last week, and had some time to work out some issues about my freelance business.

It always feel like being in transition when you freelance. You finish one job, and then you worry about where the next bit of work is going to come from, and then you make contacts and then you wait for responses, and you think...hmmmm, will I ever get another contract? How will I pay the bills? And then...whoosh, out of the blue, in comes the next contract and you're off and running again.

Some days I just long for a steady job...one where I know I don't have to worry about what is next. And then along comes a day like today, where I am in charge of my own schedule. I can take in the glorious weather, and I truly am my own boss.

Well, it's always a trade-off. Some days like today. I am the winner.

Creative Leap

2011-10-10T16:59:00.000-07:00

I have the luxury of a few days where my work projects are all completed, I have the time, the art supplies and the freedom to really focus some attention on a few creative projects that I have been wanting to start for some time now. My house is empty and it's a little bit stormy. What more could I ask for?

But now, oh the possibilities, making decisions and taking action becomes the challenge. So many ideas! I need to get clear, make a plan, and get busy...I'll report back, and let you know how it's all going.

Creatively yours,

Sandra

Cloth Paper Scissors Studios Magazine and Creative Gatherings

2011-09-26T15:26:00.000-07:00

This is exciting! My friend Nicci was one of the featured studio artists in Cloth Paper Scissors Studios Magazine.
And I was pleased to be asked to photograph her studio for the article! And our friend, Jeni brought her camera to help with all the fun.

Here are some of the original photos from our photo session.

And here are the actual published pages...

Last week, we gathered in Nicci's studio for a little artful lunch. I made blueberry muffins. This is probably the last batch of fresh blueberries I will have to use in baking this year. But happily, I have frozen some for later.

Here is a photo of a few of the original members of our creative artists group. We've been gathering and creating for over 8 years! These ladies always provide me with lots of inspiration and cool ideas.

Thanks for hosting us Nicci! Your studio is beautiful and it is always fun to get together there!

Happy creating...

Sandra

Mail Art Fun

2011-09-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

A little while ago, I saw a posting in an email group posting, from an artist saying that if you sent your mailing address, she would send you a hand-painted envelope! Having seen so many blog-posts from various people saying they get cool art in the mail, I thought it would be fun to send in my address to see what happened!

Well, imagine my delight when I received this lovely piece of art in the mail...with Norway maples, (having just returned from Norway, I thought perhaps someone was reading my mind!) and Horse chestnut leaves (with my horsey daughter, this couldn't be more perfect), I had to rack my brain to see if I had given any clues about myself. Nope. Nada. No clues, just wonderful serendipity!

Here is the link to M.H. Dunaway's blog.

And here is the post about her mail art project!

I love real mail, snail mail, handwritten letters, love letters, valentines, birthday cards and more! I really, sincerely hope that mail is not a dying art! If you feel the same way too, maybe you can participate in a mail art project like this too!

Enclosed in the beautifully decorated envelope, was a fortune too! I love this! Thanks Missy...you made my day...

Traveling Art Journal

2011-09-15T13:07:00.000-07:00

My travel journal is bulging at the seams. Nearby are some alphabet letter stamps that I have been trying out. They worked great!I am adding details to my journal now that I am home again. For my trip, I did carry a miniature set of alphabet stamps in my bag that I found at Michael's for $1.00. Luggage allowances are getting smaller and smaller, so I really had to think about the size of journal I wanted to carry, and how many art supplies I would really use. I had a smaller zippered bag, filled with pens, a travel size watercolour set, a tiny set of alphabet stamps, and a glue stick. That seemed to be all I really needed. I also carried a child's set of fiskers scissors, but they had to go separately in my checked luggage. Some security checkpoints would probably allow them, but I didn't really want to have them seized in case they weren't allowed through security. No big deal. I could always tear out bits and pieces from magazines or brochures along the way until I had my luggage again.

The funny thing on the trip was passing through security in Paris at CDG Airport. My security checker made me unpack my entire carry-on daypack. This was where I had my art supplies stowed. The art pens were of the most interest to her! She asked me "Are you an artist?", and she indicated that my Micron pens were very, very expensive to buy in France. We laughed together and i told her she should come and visit N. America where the art supplies are so much cheaper! She agreed. I had the feeling that she didn't need to check my bag as much as she needed to check out my art supplies!!! :)

Artists always love to exchange ideas about their favourite tools and techniques!

Happy creating,

Sandra

The Write Time

2011-09-06T17:04:00.000-07:00

I love vintage typewriters. But that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the ease of current technology. I cannot imagine having to go back to using "white-out" and "correction tape". Oh yeah, I am old enough to remember the agony of making corrections manually after typing an almost perfect document.

Sometimes I think that writing a piece with pen and paper stimulates a different part of the brain than does using a computer.

It's all good...all the tools have a place in my repertoire.

Happy creating,

Sandra

The Power of Art to Heal

2011-09-02T10:53:00.001-07:00

I recently returned from traveling to Oslo, Norway. This is one of the most beautiful places in the world. So vibrant, fresh, wonderful.

Oslo suffered a terrible tragedy on July 22, 2011, where a madman perpetuated a bombing and horrific attack by shooting and killing more than 77 people, including many young people who were at a summer camp.

This senseless act of violence saddens and sickens me, as it does everyone all over the world.

Many people in Oslo asked me if I was afraid to go to Oslo after this happened. And my answer was, no, of course not. If anything, it determined my resolve to go to a place that I love and that I will not allow this terrible tragedy to taint the incredible love I feel for Norway.

I spent a great deal of time in the Oslo cathedral, several visits over many days, praying for the people that died and for their families and loved ones.

In one section of the cathedral, there were numerous drawings from children, with prayers, poems, wishes, and thoughts about what had happened. The floor was an art area with blank papers and crayons.

I felt that this was a powerful tool to help the children process this senseless crime. And the adults wandering around reading these messages of hope seemed to be receiving some semblance of healing at the same time.

Art heals. I truly believe that.

Creatively yours,

Sandra

June Full Moon

2011-06-16T16:29:00.001-07:00

I have missed blogging! So many life changes...family commitments, work obligations, fighting off a terrible bout of bronchitis, and here, suddenly, it is June.

Last night, I looked out the front window, and there in all it's huge orange glory, was the full moon rising.

I paused....taking in the view, and remembered, it's been awhile since I've just been able to relax and be "in the moment".

I intend to do more of that in the upcoming days. And to remember to breathe....and simply be.

And along with that, I intend to be a little kinder to myself, as increasing anxiety has been the main thing I've been feeling the past couple of weeks.

Hopefully, I'll be back blogging regularly now that I am feeling better.

Creatively yours,

Sandra

Be Happy...It's Friday!

2011-04-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

Oh I like the spectacular weather we are having today! And it's going to be the only day of sunshine we see for the next several days before rainstorm after rainstorm is expected all this upcoming week.

So, it's another day to post, sponsored by the letter "B".

And it's a perfect day for "B", because, today is my Book Club, and we read the book "Little Bee" by Chris Cleave, and I am looking forward to seeing my book buddies very much tonite.

Also, it's a perfect day because, I rode my Blue Bike through streets lined with Blossoms.

And a few fun "B" blogs from my bookmarks include:

bettymountaingirl.blogspot.comAn ultra cool designed bicycling blog.

Bari J. Fabric Beautiful fabrics and very cute sewing patterns!

Bliss Chick Very fun blog and wonderful free poster for the wild woman in you! Love this art!!!

And I think that I will leave the links at just those three for today.

Believe in yourself...

Sandra

"A" is for April Showers

2011-04-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

Twice I've been taken in by April Fool's jokes today! And it's raining, raining, raining outside, so time to play online! Who needs an excuse when it's Friday afternoon? Not me!

April 1st, and I thought it would be fun to post some of the Art Journaling inspiration links that come up in my browser when I start typing a word beginning with the letter "A". "A" is for...

Anahata's Papaya Blog

Alisa Burke

Alma Stoller

An Artful Journey

ABC Creativity

Art Junk

A Whimsical Bohemian

So, is that enough Artsy goodness to share on a drizzly gray Friday afternoon??? Maybe this can be a themed afternoon with nibbles of Apple streudel, Avocados, or Angel food cake?

Check back soon, and I will post another search from all my bookmarks for "B" creative goodies.

With Artsy April inspiration,

Sandra

Colour Makes My Day!

2011-03-13T13:39:00.000-07:00

This has been the darkest, most gray, rainy, windy Wet coast winter in a long time! I've been spending a lot of time commuting to downtown Vancouver, and like most people spend a lot of time looking down at my feet while riding the train to the city.

Usually that is not that exciting, everyone is suitably garbed in sensible black shoes or comfortable black rain boots...but, last week, I started to notice a couple of people who were wearing the craziest, most brightly coloured shoes ever!

I don't know why, but that just brought a huge grin to my face. One girl in particular, takes the same bus/train combo as I have been taking and wow, has she ever got a crazy shoe collection. Vintage, high heels, lace-covered, crazy coloured, not very sensible or easy to walk in from the looks of it! But hugely fun and creative! All I can say, is "thank-you" for that colour splash on an otherwise, dreary, depressing commute.

Fabulous Art Day

2010-12-08T09:48:00.001-08:00

On Saturday, I had the most fun day...such a gift...got to take part on the Peninsula Artist Studio Tour, in and around White Rock, BC. Above pictured my dear friend, Violette, snapped on my iPhone. Now, the great thing about iPhones is that you can instantly share photos. Although I have all the camera gear a girl could want, I'm finding the immediacy of the phone to be such fun, sending photos here and there, sharing on facebook, or here or wherever!

Well, Saturday turned out to be one of those sparkling, jewel-like Vancouver days, where the mountains glisten and the sun shines. What a treat to tour art studios, seeing beautiful art right in the locations where it is created. Inspiration everywhere!

It's been a crazy couple of work weeks, and I cannot remember the last time I had a fun day out with girlfriends, shopping and enjoying a wonderful lunch afterward. It was a MUCH needed, colourful inspiring breath of fresh air!

I particularly enjoyed seeing Violette's studio, as well as Jess Rice, a wonderful watercolour artist. I plan to take some lessons from Jess in the new year...and I am excited about that!

Another artist whose work I really enjoyed seeing was Mac Grieve

Well, actually ALL the artists were wonderful!

When I win the lottery, I plan to buy lots and lots of art!

Be inspired!

Sandra

Portable Travel Crafting!

2010-11-19T12:31:00.001-08:00

Last year, at JournalFest, I met a lady (thanks Marti!) who gifted me with a little package of materials for Handquilting. Since that time, I have made a few little pillows here and there, and enjoyed making them, especially when I am a passenger on long car trips. I have found the crafting to be therapeutic and soothing, and it helps me to not think about all the tons of heavy freeway traffic and semi trucks zooming past. It's a wonderful portable craft, not requiring too much intense thinking, and very forgiving in terms of being able to pack it up and go. I do have quite a stash of fat quarters and leftover bits of fabric which I can use up for this craft.

I have managed to make a "cool" palette quilt, which is going to be a soft book cover that I intend to hold a journal and some of my pens and art journal tools, and the "warm" palette quilt, I haven't quite figured out what it is going to ultimately be.

Of course, credit must go to Teesha Moore, who I think is the originator of making this type of quilting popular. Anyway, thought I'd share my "works-in-progress" here.

Happy creating!
Sandra

Fall in Love

2010-11-18T11:35:00.000-08:00

I love Fall, it's definitely my favourite season...and what could possibly be cuter than gorgeous Golden Retriever puppies romping in fallen red maple leaves.... Here I am, cuddling and photographing one of the most adorable puppies.

Today, it's looking much grayer and we are hearing reports of our first potential SNOWSTORM! Woohoo. I love it when the local media goes crazy with snow reports. On the West Coast here, snow is a somewhat rare occurrence and creates all sorts of havoc on our hilly and slippery slopes. The funny thing is, the SNOWSTORM will probably not amount to anything more than a very small flurry of wet flakes or ice crystals that don't even last for more than an hour or two.

I have had a great and productive week...the paid work is flowing in! Which, in turn, makes me feel better and fuels my creativity. I need to explore why when my business is good, then I am flooded with creative ideas. And when business is slow, I feel too depressed to create! Ah well,

More updates here are definitely in the works.....

Creatively yours,
Sandra

Writing In a Secret Garden

2010-08-06T14:57:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just need to use your own words. Although someone else's poem will touch you or GRAB your heart in the deepest of ways, and you think-- I need to write down those words and remember how much they touch me...

BUT OTHER TIMES, the pen DEMANDS that you capture your own words and connect with your own thoughts and memories. And IT'S IMPORTANT, not to run away from your own words. AND IT'S IMPORTANT, not to ignore your own voice that begs to be heard. YOUR OWN VOICE, YOUR OWN DESIRES, YOUR OWN DREAMS, the wisdom from your own life and experience, garnered from a multitude of experiences. Your personal encounters and deeply held beliefs. Colliding in that, which is YOU, which is SELF, which is UNIQUE.

Begging 'give me a chance', 'let me be heard', And this opens a tiny crack in the foundation of the wall that separates you from the rest of the world. A torrent of expression pours and multiples...AND INTENSIFIES.

Sometimes you just need to use your own words.

My words.

© Sandra R. Tice

Focus on the Now

2010-07-19T10:17:00.000-07:00

Here's a quote on my desk..."Ask yourself two questions...what do you love to do...and why aren't you doing it?"

I've been giving some serious thought to that, and the answer is...create more, shoot more.

And putting myself out there more. The immediate result is a wonderful photo shoot I did last week, with new mom, Joanne and darling nine-week-old baby, Logan. I'm really, really pleased with the images, and I have scheduled a pregnancy photo shoot for tomorrow morning with Mom-to-be Kim.

This is definitely a direction I'm going to do more and more. So, the reminder to myself? "Focus on the now!".

New moms, new babies, precious.

Three Headed Monster

2010-06-16T15:36:00.000-07:00

Here we go into the second half of June, and I feel like a three-headed monster. I've been trying to make changes in my work path, and exploring any and ALL potential forks in the road.

This has made me into a three-headed monster. First, I've been working as a Communications specialist/graphic artist for a number of years. So, while I explore new directions, I have to continue trying to bring in income. Therefore, my business head is Monster Number 1.

Monster Number 2... I have been exploring the idea of returning to school and adding additional credentials to my degree. To do that, I have taken 2 of the 3 courses I need, just to even apply to the program. Just finished the final exam for course number 2. Monster Number 2 feels old and superfluous.

Monster Number 3, Exploring my art, writing and photography further. Can you guess which head on the monster is getting shorted? Monster number 3 really really really would like a bit more attention!

Sigh.

Risks and Inspiration

2010-05-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

I have always encouraged my children to go after their dreams. With those dreams come big risks. But also huge joys. My daughter received a nasty kick (from a horse) last week at work. She is a true professional and hasn't really been hurt before while doing the work she loves ( raising and training horses). But for a mother, what a scare! Keeping calm in the moment and trying not to, as my daughter says "freak out". Plus, with her being several states away from me, made it that much more tough. Ready to jump on the next plane to be with her.

But I knew in my heart she was going to be OK, and even through pain, she was describing the new foals being born every day on the ranch and I could hear the love in her voice.

So, the lesson is to me...to continue to take inspiration from someone like my daughter who works so hard to follow her dreams, and not to give up on your own dreams in spite of the huge risks you may face every day...even when you receive a huge unexpected kick. And the photo above? It's taken from the beautiful ranch where she works.

Thanks be for my daughter recovering nicely! Amen.

The Month of May

2010-05-05T15:51:00.000-07:00

I had a rough day yesterday. Suffice it to say, that I reached for something new, gave it my best shot, and I did not get the results I wanted. Oh well. I keep reminding myself, that sometimes it takes a lot of "no's" until you get a great big positive "yes!". But, in the short term. I feel discouraged. And it sucks. And I am allowing myself a little time to retreat, feel the feelings, and hopefully I will soon feel ready to try again. So, that's the way it is today. Tomorrow will be better.

Creative Day Inspirations

2010-03-23T15:07:00.000-07:00

I am having "Creative Day"...trying to do a few things that are self-nourishing and self-healing, because lately I having been feeling quite anxious and a little bit out of sorts. So I am trying to eat healthfully, ride my bike, connect with a few friends, and indulge in all my creative supplies.

Today a few beautiful blogs that inspire me :

ihanna's beautiful juicy blog from Sweden....a wonderful burst of colourful visual journaling inspiration...always creative, always pure delight, i love ihanna!

Molly Gordon (Life Coach) had a message I really needed to hear in my email in basket this morning. Because along with my racing anxiety is my "monkey mind" and in this brief little video, she talks about the benefits of "focus", which quietens the mind, leads to momentum, which in turn leads to confidence, resulting in increaed creativity and freedom. Yay, Molly, focus makes a difference!

Happy creative day to you too!

Spring Fills My Heart with Gladness

2010-03-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

Spring has arrived so early on the West Coast. The beautiful blossoms beckon me to venture out with my trusty camera.

Vancouver Olympic Village

2010-02-18T14:55:00.000-08:00

I am one lucky girl! I am Volunteering in the Vancouver Olympic Village this month, as a Workforce Communications Volunteer. Basically, this means I am producing a daily newsletter on-site, getting to meet so many wonderful people every day. The trek into town takes me about an hour and half each way, and I have worked 10 hour shifts, but I am having an absolute blast every time I am there! We are working hard to create a quiet "home" for all the athletes between their competitions. On Day 1 of the Olympics, two athletes burst out onto a high level balcony and shouted "Good morning Vancouver! Today is the FIRST day of the Olympics!" and gave each other a huge hug....

Woohoo! This is an amazing experience!!!!!

The Year 2010 - The Year of Taking Action

2010-01-07T14:02:00.000-08:00

Last year, I decided that I would focus on the word "Yes!" and say "Yes!" to new opportunities, travel and change. Now, we are at the beginning of the New Year, a New decade and a New time in my life, I have decided that 2010, as well as being a year of wonder and more possibilities....it will be a year of "ACTION!". I intend to plunge into the newness of life that lies ahead. I tend to be a thinker, a ponderer, and oftentimes a worrier, so my intention will be to not think so much, but to act upon my thoughts, to get busy and leap into action. This makes me feel full of fresh, powerful optimism for all that lies ahead.

My photo of this window into a secret garden symbolizes my commitment to stepping into that new world bravely and with certainty.

2010 has also been declared the year of the Pantone Colour Turquoise! One of my most favourite colours.....Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing. To read more see the following link here: Turquoise.

So, with those thoughts, best wishes to you for a Happy and Prosperous New Year! And I wish you great leaps of ACTION into all of the lovely Turquoise dreams that you desire!

Preparations - the One Week Countdown to Christmas

2009-12-18T15:24:00.000-08:00

Last night, we began putting up the Christmas tree, yes, a fresh one! Still holding out and not using an artificial tree. This is one part of the world where commercial Christmas tree growers still rely on sales for their family businesses, and the fresh smell of the tree is so much a part of the holiday 'senses' in our house. The lights are now on the tree, and this weekend we will decorate with so many ornaments collected from travels, and hand-made, including all the macaroni and glitter creations that the children have made at preschool, grade school, brownies and other activities throughout the years. Christmas is a magical time for us, as this is time of year we were married....we are celebrating our 27th wedding anniversary today!

Last year, I baked so many cookies, I think everyone in the family gained weight, especially me! This year, I haven't baked one single recipe, yet, although I plan to bake this weekend, just a little for my family arriving home on Monday, Winter Solstice. So here is a recipe I would like to share with you, from Canadian Living magazine. These shortbread bars are super easy to make, and they taste fantastic.

Meanwhile, I am still maintaining good eating habits, following the "Good Mood Diet", you can check that out on Amazon if you like. It's working really well for me. The protein component of each meal is keeping me sated and the absense of sugar and white carbs are something I have been wanting to try for a long time.

Merry merry Christmas preparations are fully underway! Enjoy the cookies and please let me know if you enjoy the recipe!

The 12 Days of Christmas Preparation!

2009-12-09T15:51:00.000-08:00

12 days until my nearly grown kids come home....and that gives me 12 days to scurry around trying to get some of the secret surprises done. Well....here is one of the very nostalgic projects I am working on. I have managed to save many of my family's Christmas wish lists in crazy places all over my office...I have gathered them up, and am making a visual journal of all these great letters to Santa.....

For anyone with little ones, you might think of keeping those precious notes, and doing something like this when your children are off at college and you are really feeling that empty nest!

I am trying all sorts of different journaling techniques and backgrounds in this project. I'll try and post a photo or two soon.

The Place I Want to Get Back To

2009-12-02T10:35:00.003-08:00

The Place I Want To Get Back To
by Mary Oliver
is where
in the pinewoods
in the moments between
the darkness

and first light
two deer
came walking down the hill
and when they saw me

they said to each other, okay,
this one is okay,
let's see who she is
and why she is sitting

on the ground like that,
so quiet, as if
asleep, or in a dream,
but, anyway, harmless;

and so they came
on their slender legs
and gazed upon me
not unlike the way

I go out to the dunes and look
and look and look
into the faces of the flowers;
and then one of them leaned forward

and nuzzled my hand, and what can my life
bring to me that could exceed
that brief moment?
For twenty years

I have gone every day to the same woods,
not waiting, exactly, just lingering.
Such gifts, bestowed,
can't be repeated.

If you want to talk about this
come to visit. I live in the house
near the corner, which I have named
Gratitude.
"The Place I Want To Get Back To" by Mary Oliver, from Thirst. © Beacon Press, 2006.

The First of December in Beautiful White Rock, BC, Canada

2009-12-01T14:13:00.000-08:00

Oh how the seasons change...I heard the "s" word used for the first time today, the possibility of "snow" exists for us on Thursday, and we had a lovely frost this morning. On the West coast, we tend to get very little snow, but last year was the one exceptional year to that rule, with snowstorm after snowstorm after snowstorm. It was horrible for holiday travel, and for my kids trying to make it home from University and from Britain, and definitely put a damper on lots of our family plans for Christmas. Hopefully, any of that white stuff that we see this year, makes a very light appearance and is quickly washed away by rain, as that is how it should be here on the West Coast! Here is a photo from the beach during our snowy season last year. It is beautiful, though, isn't it? The above photo is of the white rock at White Rock beach, in beautiful British Columbia, which is where I live.

*On another serious note--please join me in saying prayers for my JournalFest friend, Barbara, who has been in a very serious accident and is facing a lengthy and intensive recovery following multiple surgeries. Our prayers are with you Barbara.

Thankful for Grace and Abundance

2009-11-26T15:22:00.001-08:00

Today, on this day of giving thanks and appreciating the abundance in our lives, I am grateful for a warm and loving home, and supportive husband, and two healthy (grown-up) children, who are out in the world, doing amazing things with their lives. I am thankful for two fat, beautiful lazy cats, and the freedom to learn and appreciate and grow. I am astonished at the vastness of the sky and the earth and the oceans, and breathe in their spell-binding beauty.

I am thankful for dear friends, and for the health of my extended family. I am thankful for the joy in connecting with others in so many ways, in person, by letter, through technology, and through prayer.

I am ever thankful for this beautiful life and for the awareness of our fragility in the world.

Amen.

Extreme Craftiness

2009-11-19T16:03:00.001-08:00

Today while we are experiencing a heavy rainfall and high winds, I am happy to pull out my lovely gift bag of fabrics from Marty from JournalFest....this juicy colourful blend of colours helps to counteract the gray dreary day. I am inspired to pull out other vibrant and funky pieces of scrap fabrics.....I wonder where this will all lead?

Thank goodness for this rainbow of colours....I need it today!

Vancouver-Whistler 2010 Olympic Games

2009-11-17T14:09:00.003-08:00

Vancouver is getting ready to welcome the world to the Olympic Games in February. I am so excited to be a volunteer for the games! Last weekend, we ventured into the city to see how the preparations are beginning to look...here are a couple of photos from the downtown area. Things really seem to be shaping up!

Creative Craftiness for this Weekend

2009-11-13T12:53:00.003-08:00

Creative Crafty-Goodness for this weekend...don't miss my friend Nicci's Creative Finds Craft Fair at Sullivan Hall in South Surrey on 152nd Street....She personally ensures every vendor in her craft fair has unique and high quality goods from around Vancouver. Hurray for shopping local!

From lovely jewelry to hand-made cards and prints, fibre crafts and wood-turnings, paintings, yummy eats and more!

11-11-11

2009-11-13T09:10:00.000-08:00

I belong to a creative artist group called "Eleven-–A Creative Artist Collective", with the name based on the significance of the number "11". Many people believe that when you see the number "11", it means STOP and pay attention, and it has many associations with creativity and spirituality. One of my friends from my group was married on the beach on November 11, at 11:11am. May all the good associations and happiness from "eleven" carry forward to Joanna and her new husband, Mark. The sun came out and many friends and family celebrated this happy day. We were able to capture some beautiful photographs of the lovely bride and groom. Best wishes for a wonderful life together, Joanna and Mark!

To find out more about my photography, you can visit Solstice Design and Photo Studio at Solstice Design and Photo Studio

Birthday Girl

2009-11-11T08:57:00.003-08:00

Today is my birthday....I'm off to play as it is a holiday here in British Columbia, Canada.....and the sun is out! I believe the beach is calling my name......

Finding the Beauty in Spite of Mistakes

2009-11-10T09:38:00.003-08:00

When I shoot photos, I'm not afraid to fail, I shoot a lot, try to capture what I see as well as what I envision, but sometimes the photos turn out to be something I am not happy with. But they are not a total loss. Pump up the contrast, correct the exposure, and play in PhotoShop, and something that was destined for the trash, becomes a piece I actually like. Like this photo above. It was underexposed, way too dark, but now.....I kind of like it.

Art is like that, take the risk, try it anyway, and work with it until it becomes something you are happy with. And that is my plan for today...take a risk, try it anyway, and make today something I am happy with.....

Finding Yellow - A Colour Walk

2009-11-09T11:45:00.000-08:00

It's a gloomy and dark November day today.The wind is powerful and whipping the branches every which way. Most of the leaves have now fallen.

I wish to hang on to the vivid autumn yellows and golds.I'm not ready for endless rainy and gray days. So here are a few photos from my "Finding Yellow" walk from Port Townsend. If you look hard, you can find colour everywhere. It just seems to pop out once you are open to it. I told myself...look for yellow...and this is what I found.

A yellow fire hydrant.

In the distance, A yellow lab in a park photo shoot.

First yellow winter pansies.

Autumn leaves...

Looking skyward.

Drifting on the ground.

Yellow Fungi embedded in the tree bark.

A flaming torch in the middle of the park.

Everywhere yellow for me to hang onto, to carry into the depths of winter.

Lovely Gifts Make My Heart Full

2009-11-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

I was SO excited for a couple of things this week.....first, I received a wonderful response from people who actually commented here! Thank-you Violette, Wendy Lee, Jonna (hi Jonna, we did meet briefly, when I was admiring your amazing little journal that you made on the first day!), Maj....I was pretty happy to hear from each of you sweet souls.

And I got two followers, also pretty cool, I'm not entirely sure how the "following" works, but thanks "TxFunLadi"....this is all so new!

Then, if that wasn't enough fun, I had TWO wonderful surprises in my mailbox....juicy, quilty, journal goodness from Marty of Seattle, and some gorgeous poems from Joan of Yakima. The idea to share poetry from our class came from Joannie and wow, I am swooning with her beautiful writing. The photo above is of Marty's very cool bag, which was inspired from FibreArtFest and I now hopefully am going to learn this great technique.

If I wasn't inspired already, (which I AM!), now I am even more jazzed. You ladies are the best. Thank-you! Thank-you! Thank-you!

Happy Friday......Sandra

JournalFest 2009 - Day 3 with Stephanie Lee

2009-11-04T13:58:00.000-08:00

The deepest writing I did was saved for Day 3 of JournalFest....."Unraveling Word" with Stephanie Lee. My days were like a wonderful cookie sandwich, quietude creamy vanilla wafer on the outside with Lisa Cheney-Jorgensen, scrumptious scribbleous strawberry jam in the middle with Traci Bunkers (I LOVE her vibrant fibres and art), and satisfying soul-food angelfood cake on day 3 with Stephanie Lee. You see what I mean, softer days on the outside, and zingy high energy day in the middle!

But my heart is left so full after writing for a full day, my day 3. I cannot remember the last time I poured words on the page so freely. I've done writing partner sessions before, which probably helped me a little, but I was jazzed to jump right back in and GO. Just as a little warm-up exercise we did these acrostic name poems for fun.

I was so lucky to sit next to the "Whimsical, Energetic, Noteworthy, Dynamic, Yippee-Skippee.....Wendy Lee", for a great start to partner writing.

Wendy gifted me with "Sandra is....Sensitive/Solitary...Articulate/Astute....Nice/Nourisher...Dearhearted/Dedicated...Realistic/Reflective...Assuring".....

Thank-you Wendy! I had the chance to get to know Wendy a little better during our writing day and more as we shared the ferry ride across the sound on the way home.

The fun news from Stephanie is that she will be offering her writing course online, sometime very soon.

"Unraveling Word" with Stephanie Lee was the catalyst I needed for jumping back into my writing with both feet, wildly waving a banner exclaiming "hurray for my writing and journaling practice!".

Stephanie as an instructor is a joy... Her thoughtfulness and ability to create a positive, supportive environment was great, and created a writing day which became one of the best I have experienced. She brought a wealth of materials, background reference books and exercises, and structured the class in such a way, so that everyone felt comfortable to participate and to open up enough to share their personal writing.

The pace was appropriate and allowed for highs and lows throughout the day. Humour was encouraged, and whatever limb we crawled out on with our writing allowed us to take risks and try new ways of writing both together and individually, and then, she was able to reel us back in and move to the next level.

It is not easy to wrangle with a group of energized, creative artists and writers and draw out deep thoughts, but Stephanie accomplished that with ease, and I left the day feeling ready to plunge with renewed passion back to my writing.

The stellar idea that came out of the day, was that we give little gifts of art as trades, so why not gift little trades of our writing??????

So, we did that and the little trade that I received was as follows...

"Don't be afraid to be yourself. You are beautiful just as you are...and have much to give. Step out--be BOLD! You might find that it is easier than you think... I look forward to the changes in the world that your BOLD action makes possible!!!!"

Isn't that great? I LOVE this....everyone in the class seemed to receive a perfect little gift of writing that seemed destined to fall in the perfect person's hands.

So....here is the challenge, can you send a little piece of writing out into the world, maybe in the form of a "trade" that might just make someone's day?

JournalFest 2009 - Day 2 with Traci Bunkers

2009-11-04T10:26:00.000-08:00

"Love and Fear" with Traci Bunkers, was a much faster moving workshop for me, than Day 1 was. After a lovely quiet first day, I was ready for more energy, and I got it in this workshop! We came prepared with lots of magazine images and photographs of various things to incorporate into journals, and we prepared triptych pages (double-page spreads with a single foldout). One of the best little tricks I learned during the day, was so simple!!!! Using baby wipes to apply acrylic paint makes AWESOME backgrounds, and very smooth and nice colour to work on. The basic premise of the day was to think of a topic, for example, goals and dreams, to write a list, and then from that list, choose images that speak to you, and begin to play with art materials. During quiet contemplation with the images and delving in deeply, to see what comes up for you during the process. Layer upon layer upon layer, we tried covering up words, adding words, adding images and much more.Or you could write a letter to yourself, and place it in a hidden envelope or pocket, using that a start for a page. We made a lot of pages throughout the day, it will be fun to go back and use these techniques. Traci shared so many of her amazing journals..... Overall, this was an awesome day!

JournalFest 2009 - Day 1 with Lisa Cheney-Jorgensen

2009-11-04T09:59:00.000-08:00

All i can say, is that Lisa is just the sweetest instructor ever....what a quiet and gentle start to the whirlwind of classes. The class was entitled "With One Stone", and we concentrated on drawing techniques, including pen and ink and watercolour, with touches of colour pencil. We also practiced some image transfers. Basically, the idea of slowing down, really trying to "see" and draw what we see, but in pen rather than sketching with pencil. No erasers allowed!

After lunch, we brought in an object to draw, and began a single journal page. Of course, the leaves were irresistable, and I came back with a beautiful leaf. I think sometimes journal pages can be too complex, too many images, too many thoughts, so I liked the idea of keeping it very simple and concentrating on just one thing.

Following ink drawing, came watercolour, cross-hatching, layering of colours with colour pencil, and a relaxing afternoon hanging out with everyone in the class drawing and listening to iPods.

Only lettering left to add at this point....

Tomorrow

2009-11-03T15:39:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I will post some photos from the classes I took, and some other thoughts I have about the things I loved about JournalFest.

The Most Amazing Fall Colour

2009-11-03T14:57:00.001-08:00

I had no voice when I arrived at the Fort, as I was fighting off the end of a very bad cold, so I had lots of time to wander and shoot solitary photos while I tried to get better. This made it a little difficult to meet people, because I just wasn't feeling the greatest, and didn't want to pass on any stray germs that were still hanging on. But the colour of autumn was everywhere, and it was SO GORGEOUS, and I think I learned that even if I wanted to be all happy and sociable, this time, it was OK just to be introspective. be quiet and learn. But next year I will have my normal energy and then......woohoo!!!!

Arrival at the Fort - Unlocking the Past

2009-11-03T14:35:00.001-08:00

I arrived on my own at the Fort very early on Wednesday afternoon and wandered down to the beach to explore. There were windswept vistas and raggedy trees. I ambled into the very deserted old bunkers with my camera. This was a contemplative visit for me, as I had so many memories of being here when I was just 12 years old, for my first "art and writing" retreat. I was amazed at how much I actually remembered. I remembered the "artist-in-residence", we called him Mr. Trethaway, and he led us on so many adventures through these old bunkers, he called it his "secret" place. We sat on bluffs and sketched and wrote poetry. I have vivid photos in my mind of producing our silkscreen and woodcut prints in the centre teaching rooms of dorm 225. How cool is that? I felt like a ghost of my own past. Wandering, soaking up the memories, seemingly nothing has changed. It somehow seems very important that I re-visit these memories, this place.

More from Fort Worden - My Cute Little Room

2009-11-03T14:25:00.001-08:00

This was my room in Dorm 225. A nice little single room with a desk and chair, dresser, and bed, and clothes rack for hanging up things. It came with sheets, 2 blankets, a pillow and towels. I took the advice of other attendees from ArtFest, and brought some extra warm blankets to put on bed, a big towel, and a little bedside "booklight" which all came in really handy. Since I drove to JournalFest, I also brought a kettle and mug for tea, along with a few snacks. I was very comfortable...the only thing I had to buy were earplugs as the walls were VERY THIN!!!!!!

Happy Howl-O-Ween

2009-10-30T13:48:00.001-07:00

To all the little ghouls and goblins....have a SAFE and fun Howl-o-Ween......now that my little ones are grown up and out of the nest, I had to resort to dressing up the cats.......they didn't seem to mind too much!

Now...if I could just resist eating all of the 'Oh Henry' bars out of the Halloween loot.

JournalFest 2009 - Coming Back to Earth

2009-10-28T11:54:00.000-07:00

JournalFest was a blast.....learned lots of new techniques, received inspiration and positive feedback, but most of all, it was WAY cool to be surrounded by so many other people who think that journaling is an important part of daily and artistic life. Everyone single person there had something to share and graciously did so...more photos to be posted soon. First, I've got to unpack all my new art stuff!

Port Townsend Photo Montage 2

2009-10-19T14:10:00.001-07:00

A few more photos taken mostly around Port Townsend. I'm still working on putting together my "trades" for JournalFest. If you click on the image, you can download and save a larger image to cut and use in your journals.

Port Townsend Montage 1

2009-10-19T14:07:00.000-07:00

This is a photo montage taken around Port Townsend. This is for part of my "trades" at JournalFest.

Countdown to JournalFest....

2009-10-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

Only three more days until JournalFest in Port Townsend. Am I packed?....No. Do I have art supplies prepared?....Not quite. So much to do, so little time! So.....I'm off to get things ready........see all you other JournalFesters there!

JournalFest 2009

2009-09-09T10:14:00.000-07:00

I am signed up to attend Journalfest in Port Townsend, Washington in October. I am pulling together supplies, looking for the pens, inks, collage materials that I want to take along.....I'll be taking "With One Stone" by Lisa Cheney-Jorgensen on Thursday, "Love and Fear" with Traci Bunkers on Friday, and "Unraveling Word" with Stephanie Lee on Saturday. I am SO excited....

I actually attended my very first writers'/artists' retreat at Fort Worden when I was in the sixth grade, through a Centrum Arts Funded program through the public school where I grew up. We created a book at that time called "Siftings", an anthology of writing and art during a week-long art intensive camp for sixth-graders. My contribution was a wood block print, titled "White Hollow".

We grow up, we create lives and careers, and looky- full circle, back to where we began! This is going to be a great experience, and I am really looking forward to it.

Photos Everywhere

2009-09-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

I love my digital camera because I can tuck it in a bag, take it everywhere and it costs absolutely nothing to develop photos as in the old days of film, so if you feel like snapping a million you can. My camera is a quick way to document the daily adventures and details of ordinary life. I am always amazed at the multitude of little scenes that I have captured as I look back through my photo files. The only problem is, I think every photo is worth saving, so it's difficult to cull out and edit the not-so-great shots.

End of Summer Already?

2009-08-28T20:00:00.000-07:00

Friday afternoon, and it's been a very productive week. Amazing what can get done when I have the house and studio all to myself for almost four whole days!

Looking forward to a quiet evening to relax and to seeing good friends on the weekend.

A bit of writing, a bit of art, and a little editing of a new project. All in all I am very happy with what I have gotten done this week.