Branch Cleanup

The city will soon be making a final large branch pickup to clear broken tree branches since the big ice storm in the winter. We had one broken tree and finally got it to the curb. Husband M was able to do the job with a small handsaw and a large pruner.

Last week I spoke about my son K's friend's untimely passing at 18 years old. It seems he committed suicide due to school stress. He was seriously depressed. I had mentioned his mom passed away from cancer when the boy was about 8 years old. His family now feels he internalized a lot of issues and had mental health problems (depression) since then which went undetected. They thought he was just introverted. It underscores the need for mental health awareness so we can recognize it in our kids and know when/how to counsel them. I am going to do some research to learn and understand more about this topic myself.

The funeral was beautiful, with lots of family and friends present. The sun came out in the afternoon although it was cold.

Sunday Sketches - Cheese Please

This piece is done in my art journal (7"h x 5"w) in watercolour pencils. It's called 'Cheese Please!'. Happy Sunday Sketches!  I saw a nice photo in a magazine that inspired me with its clean lines.

I immediately liked her

Last weekend, I had an uncle visit with his girlfriend. I hadn't seen him since his wife (my mother's cousin) died 5 years ago. He would be somewhere in his seventies now, I think. He seems a lot more forgetful. Anyway, they mentioned that a major bank had contacted him recently. It seems a bunch of seniors' investments have been compromised. My uncle was missing upwards of $25,000 in his investments and he had no idea. So the bank is investigating this serious matter. Seniors have to be so careful as they are targets for fraud and theft. The interesting thing is that he had known his current girlfriend for many years from the bowling league they belonged to. She has never married. When my uncle's wife died, they developed a connection and seemed very close this past weekend. I am happy they have found companionship at this late age especially as this uncle never had children. He finally had a will made and will be leaving his assets to his wife's family and his family although he doesn't get along with either side. His girlfriend will be his executor. Life is complicated. Oh I liked his girlfriend immediately when she told me I didn't seem old enough to have a 21 year old daughter, lol.

Paint Party Friday - Swan

This is a greeting card done in acrylic on textured cardstock (5 1/2"w x 4 1/4"h). It's called 'Swan'. Happy PPF!

Envelope Free

So yesterday I went to the bank to use the bank machine. I was confused as I didn't see any envelopes anywhere. Then I read that it was an envelope free machine! So you just slide your cheque in, and it can also print a copy of the cheque on your receipt. You just slide your paper cash bills into the machine in the same way! It was neat trying something new although I found the process a bit slow for the moment.

One of my sisters who lives in California says she has a teller free bank! So you can just go to the back to get cash or change! Wonder how that feels. She says it's really weird.

I have to purchase some health and dental insurance for daughter L as she will not be covered for a couple of months under my husband's policy after she graduates and before she starts her new job. I got an online quote but I think I will just speak to a person on the phone to help me through the actual purchase.

Lucky Day

Last week, I found a dime on the pavement.  Shortly afterwards,  I sat in a McDonald's restaurant having a cup of coffee.  I put my coffee sticker on my coffee card.  A group of older men sitting beside me got up and one of them offered me his coffee sticker.  He must've seen me putting mine on my card.  7 stickers entitles you to a free hot drink, I usually get a medium latte when I fill a card out.  I was having a lucky day!   I had been to a Zumba class at the gym and I've figured out that it uplifts me, it must release those chemical endorphins!  So I was on a high to begin with.

Creative Tuesdays - Nursery Rhyme

Welcome to Creative Tuesdays and the month of April! I did 'Sing a Song of Sixpence' in honour of the current 'Nursery Rhyme' theme. You have until April 8th to submit your interpretation! My piece is done in my art journal in watercolour pencils (5"h x 7"w).

And on a very sad note, we learned yesterday that one of my son K's good friends passed away suddenly on March 28, 2014. He was 18 years old and at the beginning of his life. It is unimaginably sad, even more so because his mom passed away from cancer when the boy was just in grade 4. He leaves his brother and dad behind. K is still in shock himself. We will attend the funeral on the weekend.  They are saying it was a heart attack.  K has known the boy since kindergarten.  It was just last year that they both had their high school graduation proms.  My heart is heavy thinking about it all.

Read this post for an update on this boy's passing, turns out it was a suicide.