Paint Party Friday - Fashion

This is a fashion piece inspired by Montreal's Martin Lim's new collection for Reitman. I love colour blocking and changed his design a bit to avoid copyright infringement. It's done in watercolour pencils on cardstock (4.5" x 6.5").

Linking to Paint Party Friday. Please visit some of the talented participants!

Also linking to Artists in Blogland !

Pretty as a Christmas Card

I took this photo in front of my house a couple of days ago. I heard all this twittering noise and looked up and there they were, pretty as a Christmas card!  It was an overcast day and cold with snow flurries.

A nice visit

Sushi Pizza

L was able to visit us this past weekend, she got a ride from a friend at university.  It was great to see her.  We all went out to a sushi dinner on Friday night.  Pictured above is some kind of sushi pizza we've never had before.  It was a bit spicy but L liked it.

We went shopping the next day.  They had some great sales at the mall so L got some attractive new winter boots.  M got some new dress shirts which he needed.  The kids spent a lot of time watching the converted camcorder tapes of when they were little.   They have been recording odd bits with their iphones and sharing them with family on Facebook.  So everyone has been enjoying great memories, birthdays, family gatherings, vacations over the years, reunions.

It's interesting, I didn't feel that sadness I usually get whenever L leaves again.  I must be adjusting to the fact that she is all grown up now and has a wonderful life of her own to live.  Either that, or it's because it was such a quick visit!  Indeed I have my own daily stresses to keep me busy!  Most of L's friends won't be home again until Christmas.  One mom will be driving over to visit her daughter this coming weekend.

The stores here seem to be all ready for Christmas, they are certainly selling Xmas decorations already!

A Snippet Worth Remembering

There is a teacher's strike looming in our region. It's such a scary thought as K is in his Grade 12 year and we want it to be a successful year culminating in his graduation from high school. The fact that he has a learning disability makes it even more stressful. As a parent, I can't sympathize with teachers at this point, as public servants, I think they have secure and well paying jobs with help from substitutes, etc. I believe they have good pensions. Children's lives shouldn't be put on the line to help settle the issues (with which I am not familiar, to be honest). Again I'm speaking just as an affected and concerned parent. I suppose we will manage, what choice do we have?

On a change of topic, once a month, I take my mom for a blood test to check her blood clotting factor, something to do with her blood thinners. Lately, I've been timing that with a monthly osteoporosis medicine that the doctor prescribed. She has to fast in the morning before taking that pill. Then I will take her for something to eat and perhaps a walk in the mall for a bit of exercise. I might buy her some extra wool as she likes to knit to pass the time. She lives nearby with my sister and her family.

It was a bit busy at the lab that morning, and a kind lady gave my mom her seat. I noticed they now have a DNA test for HPV, the human papilloma virus. As we sat there waiting for her blood test, I asked my mom what she thought about these new DNA tests. She said, 'in this case, I would probably have this test done as I think I would want to know as then something could be done about it'. I thought this was an excellent answer and have to say that I agree with her. Mom is suffering moderate memory loss and is repeating herself more and more these days, but these little snippets are worth taking note of, I think. She told me she remembers things that interest her, as opposed to every little thing. Hmm.

When I took mom home, there are a few steps she has to climb to get to her front door. She says quite seriously 'I'm acting like an old person, going so slowly up these steps'. Young at heart, that's my mom! We've had our disagreements in the past, but we have to take the present one day at a time don't we?

Some Fresh Guacamole

I found this interesting article in the newspaper last week, it discussed some interesting studies, such as  how exercising makes you happier.  It also touches on how positive thinking beats loneliness in seniors and how diabetes is linked to Alzheimers. 

They had some nice large avocados on sale at one of the grocery stores, so I was inspired to make some of my own fresh guacamole. I was surprised at how quick and easy it was to make. I found a nice recipe here.  I decided I liked it much better when it is chilled.  The added bonus of making it yourself is that you can use just one avocado if you want.  It's great with lightly salted tortilla chips.

Leaves by the curb of the road

Here are some "Leaves by the curb of the road" for you today, inspired by the season!  It's outlined with a black fineliner marker pen and coloured with watercolour pencils.  (6.5" x 4.5") cardstock.

Linking to Sunday Sketches, thanks to Alexandra for hosting!

Some Saturday Photos

I thought these trees looked so pretty the other day, I took these photos for you.

So have you been to any Christmas sales or craft shows yet?  They have already started!

I found this wonderful article in the newspaper where 'Girls learn skills, make friends at YWCA Girls Centre'  -  'Chicks rule at the YWCA Girls Centre in Scarborough where young ladies are speaking their minds, sharing opinions and exploring the world around them.'


Have a great Saturday!