Category Archives: Art

Creative reset revelations

08 Monday Sep 2025

Posted by in Art, community, creativity, economy, Health, therapy, writing

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“Comparison is the thief of joy” (widely attributed to Theodore Roosevelt)

Are you a creative type who sometimes feels like you need a reset, a boost, or supportive motivation? Does it feel like your world is off-kilter lately? I was looking for inspiration beyond my childlike doodles that kept me comforted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This too shall pass. COVID-19 doodle therapy from 2020

Perhaps you are a sensitive type, becoming saddened and overwhelmed by world events, disgusted by greedy billionaire men and cruel dictators. Do you turn off the news and turn to YouTube clips of your favourite late night hosts and interviews?

Well, a couple of weeks ago the Universe provided me with a YouTube ad by a chipper UK artist, offering a free, ten-day online “Creative Reset” art course. Sign me up!

Staring at the blank page

For the first couple of days, I was committed although the instructor did most of her demonstrations with acrylic paints and oddball materials. I tried my best with the dollar store water colours in my limited workspace. I was determined to create. The demos and assignments challenged my logic and aversion to waste. My chosen paints did not offer a good sense of flow and brilliant colour mixtures. I lacked workspace and storage space for the recommended output of copious practice pieces.

I appreciated the frequent check-in emails and Q&A sessions with the instructor and her coaches. Thousands of people from all over the world had registered. I embraced the shared interest and joy emanating from the group. I felt a sense of community.

I soon became distracted by the comments and reactions in the live video chats, which I learned how to hide from view. I became overwhelmed by the number of posts in the dedicated Facebook group, and the increased notifications in my profile. Agh!

Was this the result of my lack of focus, possible ADHD symptoms that developed during the pandemic – or undiagnosed neurodivergence? Why did I find it counterproductive to participate in this worldwide community?

The first few assignments

Around that time, I developed symptoms of a summer cold; my throat was sore, my nose was runny. I started to cough. And cough. And cough. I became disappointed with my outputs after viewing photographs of others’ work in the Facebook group.

“Comparison is the thief of joy”

I needed to take a break. I felt overstimulated and disheartened. My sides hurt from coughing. My head hurt too. I medicated and drank plenty of water. I slept. I forgave myself for quitting the course at the final assignment. I allowed myself to rest.

Lessons learned?

  1. Welcome interest in new endeavours but moderate your energy and attention;
  2. Resist comparing your art work with others’;
  3. Continue being a creative type on your own terms;
  4. Use that letter from your GP to get tested for the autism spectrum.

Thanks for stopping by. How are your creative pursuits going?

T

Birthday month 2025

18 Monday Aug 2025

Posted by in Art, community, Health, pets

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The past couple of weeks have brought small, joyous celebrations with friends to help me mark another orbit around the sun.

I am constantly aware of the struggles and injustices happening outside my little corner of the world, reassuring myself that I am helping in a small way with occasional charitable donations to humanitarian movements.

This birthday doesn’t mark a notable milestone in age yet it marks the completion of one year being retired from full-time work. What a year it has been with enjoying slow mornings, walks around the community, volunteer activities with purpose, and afternoon naps.

My favourite response when people ask how things are going with retirement is: Less responsibilities, less stress, and … less income.

During my birthday month, I have enjoyed light meals and catch-up chats with old work colleagues, Rotary club volunteers and close friends.

My favourite birthday gift: F*ck it blank journal and fine tip markers

At my advancing age, I don’t need more “stuff” yet some of the lovely birthday gifts have brought me joy, laughter and an obligation to release the inner artist child.

One of the best ways to help me celebrate is to share in a meal, tasty treats and engage in meaningful conversation. Getting out for “fart walks” after meals is also appreciated – depending on the comfort level with walking companions.

A bench in the evening haze near the Nepean Sailing Club walking path along the Ottawa River

When the weather conditions are kinder, I like to get out for walks around the community, walks with friends or solo walks that are longer than the usual grocery run. When I get too comfortable on the couch for too long, I motivate myself by repeating a fun quote to get up and “move it, move it”, to get the blood flowing while performing light housework and chores.

Tabby Cat peering out from her home office cubicle

Sometimes, when I am planted in the wee corner office at my laptop, the old Tabby Cat likes to observe and supervise me from her various perches or hiding places. Her timing is impeccable during Zoom meetings, mewing loudly and demanding attention.

What about you? What are you doing to ensure a healthy and enjoyable retirement?

Thanks for dropping by.

T

The bucket list

23 Sunday Jun 2024

Posted by in Art, Food and Cooking, libraries, photography, Travel, writing

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Is it safe to assume that most adults have a bucket list of things to see or do before they die?

My bucket list is very tame, containing no extreme sports or other risky activities. I had one item on my list in 2020, to visit East coast Canada and dip my toe into the Atlantic Ocean. I had already accomplished the west coast and Pacific Ocean toe dip during a trip in the spring of 2017. As you may remember, the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2022 cancelled travel plans for many people. I was heart-broken. Perhaps you were too.

Enter the cold, dark days of winter 2024 when I started dreaming about spring and reviving my east coast plans. One sister offered to join me on a VIA Rail train journey to Halifax Nova Scotia, to spend a few days as walkabout tourists plus obtain photographic proof of my primary objective.

Those with little patience can skip to the recommendations section. I hope you will enjoy some of the photographs along the way.

My Atlantic Canada trip objectives

  • Dip my big toe into the Atlantic Ocean
  • Tour the Halifax sites of interest by foot
  • Visit the Halifax Central Library
  • Consume East Coast food
  • Purchase souvenirs and gifts for loved ones
  • Have catch up chats and creative times with my sister
  • Enjoy train travel

Main objective: Touching the Atlantic Ocean

Woman in sun hat dipping her toe into the shore waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
On June 17, 2024 I dipped my toe into the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It was a balancing act to admire as I toddled over rocks near the shore.

We toured sites of interest – within walking distance

We only got detoured twice during our visit to Halifax although we had printed maps and my sister followed the questionable directions from Google maps.

Halifax seaport cranes - Point Pleasant Park
Shipping cranes at the Halifax Seaport as viewed from Point Pleasant Park. They look like robot giraffes!
Park benches at the Halifax Public Gardens
Park benches at the Halifax Public Gardens. I never saw so many Rhododendron bushes. The park was colourful and dreamlike.

Visit the Halifax Central Library

We were impressed with the Halifax Central Library building exterior, interior, as well as the rooftop patio view of the harbour. We visited TWICE. I would go back again but maybe fly down east instead of taking the train. How would one compensate for contributing to polluting airline emissions?

Halifax Central Library building
My first encounter with the Halifax Central Library building. I was immediately attracted. I wanted to visit this building since it was opened in 2014.
Blonde tourist beside the big L of the Halifax Central Library building
Theresa posing with the giant L of the Halifax Central Library building
View of the Halifax seaport harbour from the rooftop patio of the Halifax Central Library
View of the Halifax seaport harbour from the rooftop patio of the Halifax Central Library during our second visit. This was my favourite part of the site seeing activities.

Enjoy east coast foods

After a disappointing second walkabout to the near-deserted wharf and nonexistent Farmer’s Market, we enjoyed an early lunch of the award winning lobster rolls at Tomavino’s. We enjoyed other foods but I don’t want to burden readers with the photos. That’s what Instagram is for 😀

Award winning lobster rolls at Tomovino's Halifax
After a disappointing second walkabout to the near-deserted wharf and nonexistent Farmer’s Market, we enjoyed an early lunch of the award winning lobster rolls at Tomavino’s.

Quality time

My sister brought water colour pencils and special paper for us to create renditions of the seashore photos we took during the daytime tours. I chose instead to do a painting of a black cat in the style of Maud Lewis with influences from Bill the Cat (Bloom County).

Watercolour painting black cat in the style of Maud Lewis, influenced by Bill the Cat
Theresa’s painting of a black cat in the style of Maud Lewis with influences from Bill the Cat (Bloom County).

During our walkabouts to Spring Garden Road area, I picked up many souvenirs and gifts from local shops, especially items with reprints of paintings by Nova Scotia’s darling, Maud Lewis. I can relate to her and some of her life struggles in many ways.

Travel options

We took the ViaRail “Ocean” train tour from Montreal to Halifax with intentions of walking to sites in the area. The train trip was supposed to take one day and one night (21 hours). It took us much longer travelling through eastern Quebec where we had to drive slow to avoid derailment on heat-buckled rails or poorly maintained CN Rail tracks.

This was NOT in the travel brochure!

Next time, I may choose to fly.

ViaRail sleeper car cabin on The Ocean line between Montreal and Halifax.
An example of a ViaRail two-person sleeper car cabin (in daytime seating mode) on The Ocean line between Montreal and Halifax.

Recommendations

  • If you plan to travel by VIA Rail and you choose the pricey sleeper cabin option, confirm with the provider that your car built before 1970 has working air conditioners.
  • Even if travelling with a companion, choose the Cabin for one option so you each can have your personal space. There will be plenty of opportunities to socialize in the lounge / service car, the dining car and seats of the cooler coach car. Make sure you are wearing your “Multi-pass” bracelet.
  • Get up and walk around to encourage circulation, especially when stopped in major stations and you’re not bouncing off the walls due to the rocking motions.
  • Bring the Gravol.
  • If you are a smoker, be prepared for only 3 stops of 15 minutes to step outside to satisfy your addition.
  • Chat with other passengers, get to know where they’re from, where they’re going and why they are taking this trip. You can meet many interesting people.
  • Bring a book and a hobby to keep your hands and mind busy.
  • If you plan on doing most of your destination tours by foot, wear comfortable shoes, pack a jacket, water bottle and map. Pack some curiosity, patience and empathy too.
  • Get to some of the beautiful, natural places in your country before they are spoiled by the effects of climate change.

Thank you for reading this far. Keep practising kindness and patience with those you encounter along your life’s journey. I have to keep reminding myself of that.

Feel free to share some of your east coast travel experiences in the comments below.

T