tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101098342024-03-19T00:05:58.945-04:00Life in Stratfordand where I find myselfKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.comBlogger205125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-26123787330225476112015-04-13T18:24:00.000-04:002015-04-13T18:24:05.468-04:00Words<div style="text-align: center;">
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Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it.</div>
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Action has magic, grace and power in it.</div>
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....Goethe<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWcvH1bVsKFxFmuknQpGdz4Nm0nOyoMTz12_dt90JN2fE7PcBbVIn3_syjALX4jY_ZhuVvDlmwgnj4C0fhDNtZp_OiQxjCTRyKEkjcs3ug6gQQC1gxbhn6Quyuo7qixAQtGzO/s1600/light+009edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWcvH1bVsKFxFmuknQpGdz4Nm0nOyoMTz12_dt90JN2fE7PcBbVIn3_syjALX4jY_ZhuVvDlmwgnj4C0fhDNtZp_OiQxjCTRyKEkjcs3ug6gQQC1gxbhn6Quyuo7qixAQtGzO/s1600/light+009edit.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Again it has been along while since I have posted. Planning to change that! </div>
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Recently I have been working through Julia Cameron's book <b>The Artist's Way</b>. Oh yes I have started this many times in the past but this time I am doing it as part of a group. We check in via conference call every week. It is fun, it is intimidating and it is inspiring. And best of all I keep going. This is the furthest I have ever gone. I guess I am putting it out there to add another layer of commitment. </div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-18833247281685934562015-01-30T21:10:00.001-05:002015-01-30T21:13:58.241-05:00Artful <div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: cyan;">Artful</span> </i> is the work I have chosen for my intention in<i> <b>2015 </b></i> </div>
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I want this to to be my most artful year ever. Often I put art second after I get everything else done and of course what happens is I<i> <span style="color: cyan;">never</span></i> ever get everything else done!<br />
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Currently I am working on a watercolour that I had planned to create last year. One of the ways I plan keep going is making the commitment and posting a few photos on social media. There is something about going public that make me feel accountable. Fear is a big issue as well. I just want to paint a masterpiece, there is no room for failure here. I am getting over that by just picking up that brush and letting it happen. It feels good!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzLVd2dNmoPoQoAKS6ZEeavh3FSbFjixZn2VWrYN97jtU8haqcCXwltOrVAlh4PHuyU-TzFIZ3qn-sWRpNs8IhTZ6oSv5zZp3wGO6qAVzTa5Mtv7MrDrppWGv0elIphEdOXWi/s1600/trio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzLVd2dNmoPoQoAKS6ZEeavh3FSbFjixZn2VWrYN97jtU8haqcCXwltOrVAlh4PHuyU-TzFIZ3qn-sWRpNs8IhTZ6oSv5zZp3wGO6qAVzTa5Mtv7MrDrppWGv0elIphEdOXWi/s1600/trio.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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this is a photo trio of parts of my partially finished painting</div>
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Something else I am working on is a 365 photography project. I did one a few years ago using mostly my iPhone camera. This time I am using my<b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> </span><span style="color: cyan;">real </span></i></b>camera. Even better I am using manual settings and trying to learn to make this camera work for me. There is a prompt to follow each day which gets me thinking.<br />
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Capture Your 365 Photography Project</div>
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Day 3 Prompt</div>
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<b>Open Possibilities</b></div>
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This is a photo of a collage card that I created for 2015</div>
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<i>There are other things I am working towards as well and will cover in future posts.</i></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-72952990558633049322014-12-28T17:05:00.000-05:002014-12-28T17:05:23.368-05:00Another Christmas <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It came, it was fun, it went fast! Just a few pics taken using my brand new gift to myself an external flash for my camera. Still learning but happy with the results!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny, our daughter with her Dad</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Dad</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our eldest grandaughter Melaina</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"># 2 and 3 grandchildren Gabrielle and Isaac</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The youngest with her ombre hair, no flash</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our sin in law Stephen, the great father of these grandchildren</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls and Michael, Stephen's cousin<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gloria, Stephen's mom Melaina and Earl, Stepehen's cousin<br /><br /><br /><br />What a great day!</td></tr>
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-67421627019060582522014-11-15T20:37:00.000-05:002015-01-30T21:17:55.991-05:00Happy Saturday<br />
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Well it has certainly been such a long time since I have posted <i>anything</i>! Not entirely sure what happened. Actually things did happen. I lost my Mom on March 5, 2013. I think my heart broke, actually it did break for a while. I seemed to have lost much of my creativity, I feel now it is starting to come back.<br />
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Recently I have taken a photography course. This was to get me going again. I had become quite lazy, mostly taking quick iPhone pics. Some were pretty good, some ok and some dreadful. Now I am ready to do some creative stuff again.<br />
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I have two shows coming up to sell my cards. I have been happily getting ready for those.<br />
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<i>Happy Saturday!</i><br />
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-71542345658306188122013-01-05T21:49:00.001-05:002013-01-05T21:52:59.819-05:00First post of 2013, hopefully more to come<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ajcronin/8030380562/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8033/8030380562_03afd78ce3_m.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ajcronin/8030380562/">Just one Cornetto, give it to me !!</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ajcronin/">virtual_tony2000</a></span><br />
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Today I came across this photo on flickr and just had to share it!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-78791447382804408832012-11-04T22:34:00.001-05:002012-11-04T22:45:51.893-05:00Maddie with FlowerAt the moment I am battling with photoshop. No idea why I have so much trouble with it! I am just not good with the tech aspect of things. All I really want to do is just play and create without thinking about how to actually put it together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_Xm-AGUmv3ITqiZh4zhg-LQqbfN3g0fVT5mRislIXjB8ZBxrSoum6IcMjk2KtolsarYL4xE7m2NnEoWHygiSsBPClm0o_E0W7yLcQdl1ur0weaP9n0AUDjZF9WYpMeA3wG_G/s1600/maddie+with+flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_Xm-AGUmv3ITqiZh4zhg-LQqbfN3g0fVT5mRislIXjB8ZBxrSoum6IcMjk2KtolsarYL4xE7m2NnEoWHygiSsBPClm0o_E0W7yLcQdl1ur0weaP9n0AUDjZF9WYpMeA3wG_G/s400/maddie+with+flower.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Today I did manage to give Maddie a flower in her hair!</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-68617093181002609182012-09-04T14:35:00.000-04:002012-09-04T14:35:34.976-04:00September, Sadness and MysteryThere is something about September that always makes me sad. Even now when I no longer have little ones to let go as they head back to school, I still feel a loss. In spite of the fact that this was a very hot summer and there were times I wished for fall, I still feel sad today. Life just changes in September. More routine, coolness that leads to winter.<br />
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My life has changed in that I am no longer working outside the home. My husband will be retired within 2 months. Huge life changes! Kind of scary and it just feels way too soon.<br />
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On a positive note I will have time! Yes precious time to do what I wish to do. I can remember a number of years ago when I was working 4 days a week in a busy medical office, mothering two kids and all that goes with that, I was thinking one day about what would I like most in my life and it was time! So at that point I did cut my work hours back to give myself some time... to just be me and that was the best thing to do.<br />
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So here I am with that precious time.<br />
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Even though I am not a huge fan of TO Do lists I have some musts and for the most part that is ART! Any kind of art. painting, photography, collage, printmaking etc. My love at the moment is digital collage. I just get lost in that. I spent some time yesterday developing an Etsy site, soon to be launched to offer some of my cards for sale. Not sure what will happen with that! Fun to try something new.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TogTNrr1v5UocTADa18uGYQ36pJt6Yq96msKtEvQGLxXekpcpCfbp8UrsRZh3UaLYE5hQ4yrb155UrpRlXmXPaiESHxk3jo5bdHu9XDsO7nemAAkut18rldQ3GWCbvcH7O7D/s1600/mystery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TogTNrr1v5UocTADa18uGYQ36pJt6Yq96msKtEvQGLxXekpcpCfbp8UrsRZh3UaLYE5hQ4yrb155UrpRlXmXPaiESHxk3jo5bdHu9XDsO7nemAAkut18rldQ3GWCbvcH7O7D/s400/mystery.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This is an image I worked on last night and soon to be offered in a card. </i></div>
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-67146300880376448802012-07-01T00:04:00.000-04:002012-07-01T00:04:39.156-04:00Happy Canada Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOIU5bN3En2haXrB7DkGmyMj1luzteDZ5OzMPJ6A2inVUlxphqrWnjRkhdl1wNNX8dE4F4C5FP1meVnTaqVwU0zepssARFU22mhiCNp7MC5_ORk4dAoJUZD2tzexlxhS83z_C/s1600/June+13+rally+162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOIU5bN3En2haXrB7DkGmyMj1luzteDZ5OzMPJ6A2inVUlxphqrWnjRkhdl1wNNX8dE4F4C5FP1meVnTaqVwU0zepssARFU22mhiCNp7MC5_ORk4dAoJUZD2tzexlxhS83z_C/s320/June+13+rally+162.jpg" vca="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
I actually took this photo a few weeks ago during a rally protesting the Omnibus Bill. About 95 concerned people joined in with signs and smiles. In spite of the state of the politics I am still a happy Canadian!<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-62990078620761603022012-06-26T21:04:00.000-04:002012-06-26T21:04:00.092-04:00Becoming more creativeFinally the creativity urge has returned, thankfully! For some reason I was again stuck. Yes stuck in the routine drudge aspect of life. If you have never been stuck in that place, I am happy for you! If you have been in that sticky place you will know exactly what I mean. <br />
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I have been playing with digital collage and what what fun! I am in love with it and have many plans. One of which is a line of cards. There is a new printer in my house that will print on art papers of all kinds, the inks are archival, lots of cool options. This afternoon I printed a test postcard and voila! It worked. The colours were gorgeous. Now I am hunting for a paper stock supplier etc. <br />
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Also I spent a little time today editing a few photos with the freebie Picasa. I liked that as well. I had been using Photoshop Elements but in a very limited way. My brain just can't seem to grasp the whole time consuming layers thing. So I am on a search for a program that will have cool effects with less effort. Simplicity is something I crave!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBnlE48iNfhzVMCufiRYHa9BNymJ9s7JtO46vKgv-ssyWUfeVnm1ZZotJzb77bpftIaHXk-YHY8Ndh_OtT-LAXJ9tTQuGdMulU-vikC58V1zKYAm6rSZu4QJ6CiEyukfPOb2D/s1600/getting+the+shot-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBnlE48iNfhzVMCufiRYHa9BNymJ9s7JtO46vKgv-ssyWUfeVnm1ZZotJzb77bpftIaHXk-YHY8Ndh_OtT-LAXJ9tTQuGdMulU-vikC58V1zKYAm6rSZu4QJ6CiEyukfPOb2D/s400/getting+the+shot-001.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>
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This is my youngest granddaughter, Maddie, a budding photographer. Here she is shooting beautiful Japanese cherry blossoms in April. The pic was taken with my small Nikon Coolpix camera. I did a crop and a holga effect edit in Picasa. Easy and fun. <br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-60906252059073333522012-06-10T20:50:00.001-04:002012-06-10T20:50:20.361-04:00it has been a long timeI know it has been forever since I have actually posted anything. <br />
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Recently I have discovered Polyvore, the result being the image in the previous post. Polyvore is a collage site mostly geared to fashion, but there are some cool art expression links as well. I found out about Polyvore after purchasing a Somerset Digital Studio publication. My goal is to learn how to make digital collages to print into cards etc. I am not sure yet as to the printing capability of this site but am certainly having fun exploring.<br />
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Last week was my first week not working. I have taken a leave of absence and one of the promises to myself was to create something beautiful every week. Now I don't want this to be a to do list or to be stressful so play is ok, for now. Hopefully this will lead to some drawing, painting, printmaking etc....<br />
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Then link to polyvore is below in case you feel like playing!<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/">www.polyvore.com</a><br />
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-12390439308384968142012-01-02T21:21:00.001-05:002012-01-02T21:21:19.652-05:00a word on Bukowski<em>After reading this:</em><br />
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<a href="http://susanzettell.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-year-2012.html">http://susanzettell.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-year-2012.html</a><br />
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<em>Just for fun I decided to post this:</em><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Where are the Alden Nowlans</span></strong><br />
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Enough Bukowski to create a love hate<br />
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with his bar fly music's two fisted songs.<br />
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A feigned ego and mental self flogging;<br />
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I think he should have married Ginsberg.<br />
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Whiny, self loathing men crying out<br />
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for their mothers and their lost childhoods<br />
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or the loves they only thought they had;<br />
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players in a lottery without tickets.<br />
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Nothing wrong with their mechanics,<br />
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but there's no fish guts or slippery decks here,<br />
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just tired words down dusty old roads,<br />
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a never ending pain in the ass.<br />
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<br />
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A little tenderness might be nice<br />
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but I 'm too pissed<br />
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to scrape it off the floor.<br />
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If I could only talk to Alden Nowlan<br />
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<em>Tom Hemeon</em><br />
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-42798190819264704212011-12-02T11:24:00.001-05:002011-12-02T11:38:41.390-05:00Iris Study<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYnFhwVpvcTpjV4jX7jTIMHRLdDi3h4LVA2JYg6Qkav505nopUNuQL5-UZBrtf28l1vnHo-UPvN2T721XqYMlbFY6im-MIC8_1YUzlsjvJ6IVZI3s_HesXBRb0rN2eQdP51OA/s1600/irisstudy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYnFhwVpvcTpjV4jX7jTIMHRLdDi3h4LVA2JYg6Qkav505nopUNuQL5-UZBrtf28l1vnHo-UPvN2T721XqYMlbFY6im-MIC8_1YUzlsjvJ6IVZI3s_HesXBRb0rN2eQdP51OA/s640/irisstudy1.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<br />
This iris was painted from a photo that I took last summer. I actually painted 2 different versions, one a small 8 x 8 inches with lots of detail. Still have a little more work to do on the background which ended up being more challenging than the detail work. <br />
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The photo above is the painting that I enjoyed most of all. 12 x 18 inches, loose style, more of a study, monochromatic. Fun! I just used 2 colours Ultramarine and Alizarin Crimson, both Winsor and Newton Artist Colours. Enjoyed the mixing, getting different shades and strengths of blues and purples. <br />
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Will post photo of the "other" painting when finished. In the meantime off to the framers for this one!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-37184043590553114042011-11-25T12:53:00.001-05:002011-11-25T12:53:07.039-05:00Waiting<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7279921@N03/6399529133/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6399529133_997561b6f1_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7279921@N03/6399529133/">Waiting</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7279921@N03/">Maureclaire</a></span><br clear="all" /><p>Loving this photo that I came across on flickr today! The little girl is so cute in her mix of dots, stripes etc. Can' t help but wonder what is her relationship to the man next to her? Or is he a stranger ? Is the man holding a pencil? Are they waiting for a train, a bus? Just makes me wonder about so many things, a great slice of life photo!</p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-54767510038225306692011-10-16T22:54:00.001-04:002011-10-16T22:54:34.702-04:00Mixed Emotions<em>" Of all the prisons that human beings forge for themselves or are forced to suffer, not one , even today, seems as intolerable as the one in which we are confined by age"</em><br />
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Recently I read a wonderful book by Gabrielle Roy called <em><strong>Children of My Heart</strong></em> and this passage has stayed with me. Funny how when I read a book there is usually at least one sentence or perhaps a whole paragraph that stands out or speaks to me in some way. When that happens I just have to write it down. I do keep a written journal and that is usually where I record these special words, this one I really wanted to share, should someone come across this post. <br />
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In the book the protagonist, a young teacher takes one of her students, who is a wonderful singer to an old age home. She goes on to describe the condition of some of the elderly there and the joy that they received by having this young fellow sing for them. Many reached out for him, some thinking he was the child that they had lost or remembered from many years ago. <br />
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Beautiful, but sad and frightening at the same time.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-34754627007182447892011-09-15T14:16:00.000-04:002011-09-15T14:21:59.230-04:00September<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Q8cI2CN72Kg15jFswEoWBJcVNRpcw-JIfTLMN7nGp4qMx_UyESeLS3Gb9vTjVLtIzHeXcVCEQBA6lm9DKWuw3kH9YBXYcHqgirFVYsysMpnAmgDnG8zV65lYwILXXnIvr9_q/s1600/window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Q8cI2CN72Kg15jFswEoWBJcVNRpcw-JIfTLMN7nGp4qMx_UyESeLS3Gb9vTjVLtIzHeXcVCEQBA6lm9DKWuw3kH9YBXYcHqgirFVYsysMpnAmgDnG8zV65lYwILXXnIvr9_q/s400/window.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">in Ros and Sergei's garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
So much time has passed since my last post. <br />
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September...sigh ..not a month that I love. I love June, the beginning of summer, the promise ahead of sunshine, long days, beautiful soft nights, star gazing and on and on. September arrives, summer is OVER! Everything feels different. Suddenly there are schedules, classes to attend, the urge to accomplish "something". Yes these can be positives for many, but not for me. Even as a child in September I only liked the first day of school, the new clothes, school supplies, seeing friends. I missed the long lazy days, the picnics, hanging out at the pool, camping with my family. When my children were young I felt the same. I was always sad to see them back at school. I missed them! So here we are half way through September, I am trying to look at the positive. What I do see is the birth of both of my children. September 14th our daughter, September 19th our son, 6 years apart. I so clearly remember both of those perfect beautiful sunny September days and the wonderful fall walks with baby in a carriage, you know those old fashioned navy blue and white carriages with big spokey wheels...sheer bliss. Does anyone even use those any more, does anyone have the time? <br />
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So what will I do this September...start some painting, get back to yoga, join a book club. I promise myself to look at this time in a positive way, to get myself more involved, to enjoy each and every day without regret. If perhaps I fall by the wayside and just spend some time gazing out the window or doing absolutely nothing that is OK too. A little part of me just will not follow the rules.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-38189286997497667002011-05-24T11:17:00.001-04:002011-05-24T11:26:04.558-04:00A New LoveFor the first time yesterday I experienced printmaking. I fell in love. What fun, what freedom and lucky me I was in the company of 2 very talented generous ladies, both artists, both wonderful.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmu9uAqIMi_gGQSyp-mBiruuqilnB_UJy4TVNUwGy4yM_uRJfCxbNTz-rbR9pjeR4WTNpbLDECewoTpIQkVmU74Cho2eHg_xOReo03UGxUStbf-VL4AsXJ3alERDrkgshD4x86/s1600/printmaking1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmu9uAqIMi_gGQSyp-mBiruuqilnB_UJy4TVNUwGy4yM_uRJfCxbNTz-rbR9pjeR4WTNpbLDECewoTpIQkVmU74Cho2eHg_xOReo03UGxUStbf-VL4AsXJ3alERDrkgshD4x86/s640/printmaking1.jpg" t8="true" width="488px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My very first print ever!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg903i5s_m-wQbSqK9zru-lw591JwQUoh1D453qhjqkwGhErhcVYntXXv-8nsNE_QGvfSnu27JpOqEJWbgnQj-vAQ5Lg6oegS_OQxBJyvcflI_4MvJDSZL5uwwGTkqzgyN5-A4J/s1600/snippet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg903i5s_m-wQbSqK9zru-lw591JwQUoh1D453qhjqkwGhErhcVYntXXv-8nsNE_QGvfSnu27JpOqEJWbgnQj-vAQ5Lg6oegS_OQxBJyvcflI_4MvJDSZL5uwwGTkqzgyN5-A4J/s400/snippet1.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
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<div align="center">a little colour<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirO2KkT542dCAgSfXCbvmrXLduh9qoqVcqxiTKlxhRUSC1q1bsZUj9D2o7KiuzvqLkWwqVznIEKM53ruL8CoIqYiZ5Xu9E6BNnBaC6uO75XOKeJvVGz59Fk6ptUN83_2Q_CdzW/s1600/snippet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirO2KkT542dCAgSfXCbvmrXLduh9qoqVcqxiTKlxhRUSC1q1bsZUj9D2o7KiuzvqLkWwqVznIEKM53ruL8CoIqYiZ5Xu9E6BNnBaC6uO75XOKeJvVGz59Fk6ptUN83_2Q_CdzW/s400/snippet2.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">some texture<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsldNcGNamNvHYryFrRW9I2WjCIu1Y0H1ODeueUN4oY3oi3oMUzDuDpYikxVOt7ZckWLMxct0NIkQqZU7hVmrAKH_r8OdnzaTvvHWGrfVZgujwt_QXNPHJe6jpIpeGV2j0Pq_/s1600/print2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsldNcGNamNvHYryFrRW9I2WjCIu1Y0H1ODeueUN4oY3oi3oMUzDuDpYikxVOt7ZckWLMxct0NIkQqZU7hVmrAKH_r8OdnzaTvvHWGrfVZgujwt_QXNPHJe6jpIpeGV2j0Pq_/s640/print2.jpg" t8="true" width="500px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Print # 2</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There are times when I wonder why oh why did I not explore this sort of thing when I was much younger, but on then other hand look what is new to me a little later in life which is a good thing too. Never shall I be bored! Now I see an online order coming up, of course I need some supplies, then when Tom and retire I will be ready!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you Ros and Johanna!</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-74654495611752743022011-05-01T17:32:00.001-04:002011-05-01T17:32:05.760-04:00sign says it all<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18377227@N00/5677500864/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5677500864_b72a854737_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18377227@N00/5677500864/">sign says it all</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18377227@N00/">hyacinth50</a></span><br clear="all" /><p>remember to vote tomoorrow May 2!</p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-27104946703346847912011-04-05T16:39:00.002-04:002011-04-05T16:45:29.844-04:00Tender Tending<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/carvermon/5581612702/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5109/5581612702_f1c85857a2_m.jpg" style="border-bottom: #000000 2px solid; border-left: #000000 2px solid; border-right: #000000 2px solid; border-top: #000000 2px solid;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/carvermon/5581612702/">Tender Tending</a> <br />
Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/carvermon/">carvermon</a></span><br />
As I was enjoying flickr I came across this lovely image...I just cannot stop looking at it. Somehow it takes me to a calm space. I can feel it in so many ways. This is exactly what I need right now since I am feeling a little overwhelmed, tense and needing to breathe.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-47613980798017323662011-04-04T12:23:00.001-04:002011-04-04T23:56:22.841-04:00Stratford Democracy Watch<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECkbu05dGffEs8wizreD_CIFgVMywoN2_F1HKFbHX746iYj3IT3gAFKIqcfuGMrToskqTWi2dHNIxKIyOsU9Cw6SzIjdFka7SDYNM9x1DB2eLq-gSvae05NA_lkABqnQ16C59/s1600/DSC_7346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECkbu05dGffEs8wizreD_CIFgVMywoN2_F1HKFbHX746iYj3IT3gAFKIqcfuGMrToskqTWi2dHNIxKIyOsU9Cw6SzIjdFka7SDYNM9x1DB2eLq-gSvae05NA_lkABqnQ16C59/s400/DSC_7346.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom setting up</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
As I was saying yesterday the democracy group that Tom belongs to was staging an info session on a street corner near the river. It was also Swan Parade Day so there were lots of people milling about. Swans are big in Stratford, I like swans but believe me there are the <strong><em>swan obsessed</em></strong> here in Stratford but that is a whole other story. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3_bcmxNKlnxQ2Ou1R_s08g9yvH_ahm5I2DMeu7bBbq0tbrevWkh2PEmS7fe5FVlxe-ykut3w2qO4QPWUfLizrGYTu9HdnkcfsIRQqkF9cHyvTa_tL8cRM25weFZFguDaExYc/s1600/DSC_7397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3_bcmxNKlnxQ2Ou1R_s08g9yvH_ahm5I2DMeu7bBbq0tbrevWkh2PEmS7fe5FVlxe-ykut3w2qO4QPWUfLizrGYTu9HdnkcfsIRQqkF9cHyvTa_tL8cRM25weFZFguDaExYc/s400/DSC_7397.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">info</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
My job was to take pics. I am not part of the group, in other words I am not into politics but I must admit that I learned something yesterday. This group is wonderful. They care about Canada and all Canadians. They do not have their own agenda, they believe in the greater good, democracy, freedom and fairness. This is a non partisan group which many people just don't get at all. I do admit it is confusing. Their mandate seems to be "Wake up Canada" "Be Informed" Get out there and vote. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJelbB2IMr1TwbYjio-T6X0pensVILKw-ynREDYzcBZlGRuyY6Vx7FC2W69-U1rhaC7zkOVmFXMeW4zqlw72WM3XiIEMbpAlSvwrVU09NMgPWncHqeWvrsUhHLOCMLajP9E2e2/s1600/DSC_7515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJelbB2IMr1TwbYjio-T6X0pensVILKw-ynREDYzcBZlGRuyY6Vx7FC2W69-U1rhaC7zkOVmFXMeW4zqlw72WM3XiIEMbpAlSvwrVU09NMgPWncHqeWvrsUhHLOCMLajP9E2e2/s400/DSC_7515.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dawn speaking from the heart</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdzWur_jVvFFZbh3ltWNu2Q2z5SNoi6nwulgGG4RvZo-iWHZTYymPxw5C5tpvz9QiY1TlwYpK45ZAmGiiLioSdO2vUnhxCOJIvB4vRIIr7uxThfa8Mv0EoA-VXVeJnShn0RfZ/s1600/DSC_7425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdzWur_jVvFFZbh3ltWNu2Q2z5SNoi6nwulgGG4RvZo-iWHZTYymPxw5C5tpvz9QiY1TlwYpK45ZAmGiiLioSdO2vUnhxCOJIvB4vRIIr7uxThfa8Mv0EoA-VXVeJnShn0RfZ/s400/DSC_7425.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dawn and Leslie<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
While I was hanging out, taking pics etc I heard so many many comments. Some very positive! Lots of thumbs up. As I was handing out pamphlets some people said thank you and I am proud of what you are doing. Others well not so nice! I heard people say "get a job" "get a life" "shut up" "f@#* off"' if you don't like it move". I was shocked! I had no idea how divided people seem to be. And this group was about democracy. One woman left me speechless! She asked me what party<span id="goog_1509221939"></span><span id="goog_1509221940"></span> we were representing. I informed her that we were representing democracy and were non partisan. Her comment was "well I think this is in very bad taste" then she walked away in a huff. I quietly said "I am sorry that you feel that way".<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAnGzjHr4x7Buy-GO_G0UmHk-4m0yjlAPP2fJ4OXlf1kbMg2e6m1e32twp8gtMGIeuWSsckco2lMJq3_J1YFJsTMHNh0mTpCxrG5ekWehIw1WSxViPqmEIWfRcB3uvgXRQetS/s1600/DSC_7561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAnGzjHr4x7Buy-GO_G0UmHk-4m0yjlAPP2fJ4OXlf1kbMg2e6m1e32twp8gtMGIeuWSsckco2lMJq3_J1YFJsTMHNh0mTpCxrG5ekWehIw1WSxViPqmEIWfRcB3uvgXRQetS/s400/DSC_7561.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melissa</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSoNWg6i52cKPRaeWBFLbBr7laEHEFlEup0mkhxqpPfgZ9bDGJW0ByikOZVGKSp1tYRW7SQKqR-96VAinZg0RkM-8w0b-oYR-gAtnGx_N1uzt7w5U4FI0xHAjQABCubeAIWnR/s1600/DSC_7591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSoNWg6i52cKPRaeWBFLbBr7laEHEFlEup0mkhxqpPfgZ9bDGJW0ByikOZVGKSp1tYRW7SQKqR-96VAinZg0RkM-8w0b-oYR-gAtnGx_N1uzt7w5U4FI0xHAjQABCubeAIWnR/s400/DSC_7591.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael and Fiona</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2x7D-DywAkID1YWze8CGhj-A_ZpxpzUV8PCakD_nb0p51119Vln3L9p-vn976FKLdBUwqJs8tIhm8aYxks2eB1ojPhV2pc8J_bK35bXw8QmX5WAcrppRvgxycdNgb0y7ULOz9/s1600/DSC_7487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2x7D-DywAkID1YWze8CGhj-A_ZpxpzUV8PCakD_nb0p51119Vln3L9p-vn976FKLdBUwqJs8tIhm8aYxks2eB1ojPhV2pc8J_bK35bXw8QmX5WAcrppRvgxycdNgb0y7ULOz9/s400/DSC_7487.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leslie<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqQKRJa1SAH4U9cuJ9VzGpMMCQqrvNmU8LxWat6dkTpzImCM-UTfXjY5gW6QK4zPKWcOG2fdfn9CpdXRo6UeiIEXGCOk_x8ZK8ZDfjCIhceGH7AToXxN5YAng97S0Xo3f6yxH/s1600/DSC_7402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqQKRJa1SAH4U9cuJ9VzGpMMCQqrvNmU8LxWat6dkTpzImCM-UTfXjY5gW6QK4zPKWcOG2fdfn9CpdXRo6UeiIEXGCOk_x8ZK8ZDfjCIhceGH7AToXxN5YAng97S0Xo3f6yxH/s400/DSC_7402.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">messages<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div align="left">What a fun informative day, I was happy to be part of it even though it is not something I would normally do. I guess it is a good thing to sometimes just put yourself out there. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">By the way the pj's were part of the message <strong><em><span style="color: red;">Wake Up Canada</span></em></strong></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-20493383024990598952011-04-03T22:32:00.000-04:002011-04-03T22:32:20.560-04:00If I Wasn't so Tired<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG07kCOf3BX6MgtVGhoyhpTQ7VRIxCCyqnC2AmEiS_Ju6_cHppa2QLgBe9d3JAwSNhXoovCa5BKexaFbPJVqeZn3RnOGUJOLakx_6LtXXoWftJQFxME3w9xCMzJHH3iRTleAqC/s1600/tom+with+signdit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG07kCOf3BX6MgtVGhoyhpTQ7VRIxCCyqnC2AmEiS_Ju6_cHppa2QLgBe9d3JAwSNhXoovCa5BKexaFbPJVqeZn3RnOGUJOLakx_6LtXXoWftJQFxME3w9xCMzJHH3iRTleAqC/s400/tom+with+signdit2.jpg" width="326" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom heading out with his sign</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I would post about my day hanging out with The Stratford Democracy Watch group. A new experience for me, an eye opening experience for sure. Will try to post tomorrow.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-19375612113355829322011-04-01T10:52:00.000-04:002011-04-01T10:52:36.542-04:00Getting Started<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcto-e9ag3RolWw18Lf5r54cNZZ5haVIyskhn9no32NWe1kXUAxmMCLRBuNp0pdvKReCBqBS1oENC69O6rKQFTDPL0gefTfftNLf5U9un05cGQiKDeFRO6xsjFmnbVd4fhfa6/s1600/studio1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcto-e9ag3RolWw18Lf5r54cNZZ5haVIyskhn9no32NWe1kXUAxmMCLRBuNp0pdvKReCBqBS1oENC69O6rKQFTDPL0gefTfftNLf5U9un05cGQiKDeFRO6xsjFmnbVd4fhfa6/s400/studio1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Sometimes it can just be so hard to begin a new project, especially when it involves something creative. When it comes to painting I am always full of self doubt.<br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: orange;">I don't know where to start...what if I make a mess of it... what if I can't do it... I don't know how to hold my brush...I don't know what colours to use...I don't even remember how to mix colour... or how much water...blah blah blah</span></em><br />
<br />
This was me about a month or so ago, then I met with Ros who has inspired me to get started. I have had a few sessions with her to give me the boost, push and shove that I need. So I have found that I can hold my brush and actually apply paint to that pristine sheet of white paper! I have a momentum going where painting has become part of my day and it feels so good.<br />
<br />
Last night while looking through a book on painting flowers I came accross this and loved it! <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">Loose this day loitering-t'will be</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">The same story tomorrow-and</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">The next day more dilatory.</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">Then indicision brings its own delays</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">And days are lost lamenting o'er lost days.</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">Are you in earnest? Seize this very minute.</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">What can you do or dream you can do, begin it:</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">Only imagine, then the mind grows heated.</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">Begin it, then the work will be completed.</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;"> GOETHE, Faust</span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-82700468123164979722011-03-31T13:27:00.002-04:002011-03-31T13:28:50.452-04:00looks like a fish<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18377227@N00/5576935349/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5576935349_5a5892c819_m.jpg" style="border-bottom: #000000 2px solid; border-left: #000000 2px solid; border-right: #000000 2px solid; border-top: #000000 2px solid;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18377227@N00/5576935349/">looks like a fish</a> <br />
Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18377227@N00/">hyacinth50</a></span><br />
I posted this still life on flickr today because when I look at this red onion, it makes me think of a fish, kind of a nice round plump fish!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-56143942190255366692011-03-28T15:26:00.001-04:002011-03-28T15:44:01.470-04:00Toys and EmotionsRecently I have been spending some time with toys! <br />
<br />
My toys! Dolls mostly. I love dolls, all kinds of dolls, baby dolls, barbie dolls, walking dolls, talking dolls, paper dolls and have always loved them. I was a girly girly for sure. <br />
<br />
I have been exploring emotions by photographing toy dolls in various ways. Not exactly sure why I am doing this other than emotions are very close to the surface for me andI love playing especially with a camera so here are a few examples of what I have been doing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OhoKo5Kav5QHx7znsOqGL2pKq1L8TejD7IDvgXr9IkDo0ZqPRJiOF9Pp2mx2dGnFkC5O6a_ishz0L0KF2K8poJgrdMBqNv-HiLJSmyLM5Oj124oeFjnPu0NjIGclSonx5Mfc/s1600/staregirlfeb8cold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OhoKo5Kav5QHx7znsOqGL2pKq1L8TejD7IDvgXr9IkDo0ZqPRJiOF9Pp2mx2dGnFkC5O6a_ishz0L0KF2K8poJgrdMBqNv-HiLJSmyLM5Oj124oeFjnPu0NjIGclSonx5Mfc/s400/staregirlfeb8cold.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lost</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYRw9EXzakOkMoADE4cTT4I23el4AXmy_qWtaQkrRja_uEixuUPoMdPdXFljcJjT-1YTjLgUfFfz3hacMwEu4jadkK4hB9874SFqZH8en_Xm1XMljKwLw0qAuYBhxro2BZb6J/s1600/feb191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYRw9EXzakOkMoADE4cTT4I23el4AXmy_qWtaQkrRja_uEixuUPoMdPdXFljcJjT-1YTjLgUfFfz3hacMwEu4jadkK4hB9874SFqZH8en_Xm1XMljKwLw0qAuYBhxro2BZb6J/s400/feb191.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">startled<br />
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</div>annoyed<br />
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</div>reflecting<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">diminished</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">stuck</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not sure where I am going with this but it is fun. All the dolls are Tim Burton creations other than the very last one which is a Blythe Pet Shop Doll. My daughter and her famly gave the Blythe Doll to me for my birthday which my son in law could just not figure out but I know he will! </div><div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They also gave me a street art stencil book, my son in law Steve picked this out and I promised him that at some place not sure when or where I will leave a little graffitti which on my <strong><em><span style="color: orange;">to do list</span></em></strong> before I am done! Notice how I did not give a time frame here or say before I die. </div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-69520912400249001142011-03-25T23:39:00.001-04:002011-03-25T23:39:49.808-04:00Rainy day in old and beautiful Ciutadella<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/visbeek/5559491870/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5559491870_4f840f89c8_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/visbeek/5559491870/">Rainy day in old and beautiful Ciutadella</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/visbeek/">B℮n</a></span><br clear="all" /><p>Oh how I love flickr! <br /><br />Imagine all of the photographers out there exploring their surroundings and then sharing with the world. It does not seem to matter where the images are taken, whether in your own place or in some distant land. For some, emotion just oozes from the scene captured, as in this one. I can feel this photo, the spring rain, by the light it must be spring, the solitude amid these beautiful old buildings. I love the rose coloured raincoat snug in the narrow street! <br /><br />Such beauty to be shared!</p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10109834.post-25043487097530592392011-03-25T21:17:00.000-04:002011-03-25T21:17:00.627-04:00Come Together Right Now and Vote Him Out<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3VnxL9am-ho?fs=1" width="425"></iframe><br />
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I am probably one of the least politcal people you could ever meet but when I came across this clip today I just had to share it!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05430869889304615340noreply@blogger.com0