Category Archives: Art

Wherever you go – it may be raining

06 Saturday May 2017

Posted by in Art, Food and Cooking, Health, pets, therapy, Travel

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Spring travel whisked me away from the rainy Ottawa Valley to Vancouver Island.

It rained there too. 

My objectives were made months in advance:

  • Travel somewhere within Canada
  • Push my air travel anxiety limits – further than before
  • Visit with family
  • Do touristy things
  • Do not think about work

My destination was Vancouver Island, just off the coast of British Columbia. The long stretches of flying, sitting, waiting, flying, sitting, etc. tired me out. At various destinations I welcomed opportunities for walking tours and restaurant outings. Soon that tired me out too!

I practiced mindfulness as much as I could, savouring moments and reminding myself to breathe.

One family member took me for a drive up the east coast of Vancouver Island, humoured my request to stop where I could dip my toes into the Pacific Ocean.

Theresa dipping her toes into the west coast ocean waters

Pacific Ocean (well… some inlet) I am in you!

Soon I was on a bus then another bus to the beautiful city of Victoria. I was happy and comforted that relatives were waiting for me, extra umbrellas in hand to provide an escort to my hotel.

While in Victoria, I was treated to sufficient walking excursions, visited a castle and tried food from different restaurants. We had one sunny, windy day.

I spent one rainy afternoon by myself, enjoying bright flower gardens and inhaling the scent of trees in full blossom.

Flowers rain Victoria

A rainy tourist outing in downtown Victoria

A wet park bench

A wet bench and colourful flowers

Soon one of my adult children joined me after his own cross-country tour by train, ferry and bus. He got to meet one set of cousins for the first time. He accompanied me for a walk by the docks, an appropriate lunch and a walking tour up to Emily Carr House.

Lunch at Red Fish Blue Fish – Victoria

As with my tour of the castle a couple of days earlier, we exited through the gift shop and I picked up a few souvenirs.

Blonde Lady sitting at tea table in Emily Carr house

A chance to sit down during a tour of Emily Carr house

Did I achieve my objectives?  Yes! I practiced mindfulness moments wherever I was, taking in the experiences, breathing in and breathing out.

After a long day of travel east, I returned to Ottawa in the rain. I observed the local news about severe spring flooding in our region.

I was glad to be home, to have the chance to do laundry and rest in my creature comforts.

Snuggles was glad to see me too and perform his morning routine of waking me up to serve breakfast and read the online news together. Creatures of habit…

Black cat on lap

“Good. You’re back where you belong – with me!”

Thanks for dropping by.

T

When you were ten

09 Sunday Apr 2017

Posted by in Art, Health, philosophy, writing

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , ,

What did you enjoy doing when you were a child?

Did you like to run and play ball in your big backyard or in the park with other kids? Did you like to colour, to play in the dirt or puddles? Did you try to run away into the nearby forest but return home in time for dinner?

I think that the age range between 8 and 11 years old is one of innocence, adventure and discovery.

This deep thought has been brought to you by page 106 in a book of daily inspirations. I think it is a good reminder for ambitious, jaded adults.

Quote from book invisible force

Good advice: observe babies

…except for the part about pooping in your pants.

When I was ten, I enjoyed playing in big puddles, engineering canals and small towns. I enjoyed playing with Barbie dolls, playing school with my siblings and friends.  I enjoyed drawing pictures. As I matured, I had dreams of creating greeting cards or children’s books.

I didn’t care about fashion or boys. I didn’t know our family was poor. I was oblivious to the inhumanity happening in our country, in our world.

I didn’t even know I was fat until it was pointed out by a friend’s older brother.

The jerk.

 

Segmented sleep and creativity

10 Sunday Apr 2016

Posted by in Art, Health, pets, philosophy, writing

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

I think there may be benefits to waking in the middle of the night with hot flashes and a damp nightgown. 

A vigilant type can tour the humble abode, check the perimeters and be satisfied that all is secure.  A creative type can take a few minutes to write down in her dream journal, jot journal or make a crude illustration.

According to an article I recently read, there are benefits to segmented sleep and due to our modern habits and lighting, we may be losing out on times for reflection.

“But though we may feel perfectly happy with our modern consolidated sleep, we’ve now lost that midnight hour between sleeps, a time when we can be awake and alone with our thoughts.

“I think we’re missing out on a time of intimacy and privacy, a time of self-reflection,” says Ekirch. “We’ve lost a traditional avenue to our dreams, our subconscious.””

Read the full article here:  http://qz.com/658571/the-many-forgotten-benefits-of-segmented-sleep/

Black cat in front of Mac computer

Snuggles the cat justifies his early morning wakeup calls

This prompted me to pull out my copy of Seven Sacred Pauses: Living Mindfully Through the Hours of the Day, to revisit and appreciate the Night Watch and Dawn segments without fighting the realities of hormonal changes and asshole cats.

book seven sacred pauses

Book: Seven Sacred Pauses…

I wonder if I can train my body to practise segmented sleep. Will I remember to drink more water before retiring so my body will force me to get up once or twice during the night? In a few years, my bladder will likely perform that task for me anyway!

I also wonder if segmented sleep can help me train my body and mind to embrace Hypnogogia, to capture, remember the dreams and visions, to record them for later inspection and creative expansion.

“In the borderlands between wakefulness and rest is a strange and fascinating state of consciousness characterized by dream-like visions and strange sensory occurrences. Psychologists call this stage “hypnagogia,” but centuries before they created a term for it, artists were using the hypnagogic state to tap into some of their best ideas. “

Full article:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/hypnogogia-dreams-creativity_us_56c5d16ce4b0c3c55053de38

I am intrigued by the bridging of sleep and awakening, of the subconscious and consciousness. I also have an appreciation for afternoon naps.

Thanks for dropping by and staying alert while reading this entry.  You can also see what my pen name Flo is offering at her blog. She has so many ideas about more Seguin Sound childhood stories but needs more free time during our waking and working hours to transcribe them.

T

 

Bridges

08 Monday Feb 2016

Posted by in Art, Health, philosophy, photography, Travel, writing

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

There has been a bridge theme occupying my mind for many months. 

A few weeks ago, we Canadians were surprised to hear of structural damage to a bridge in Northern Ontario that joined the east to the west. People were concerned that our vast, beautiful country seemed split in half if only for a couple of days.

This weekend, one of the artistic young adults and I visited Monet, A Bridge to Modernity an exhibit at the National Gallery.  It was beautiful and inspirational. I was glad to have splurged the extra $6 for the audio tour. I also spent a little more money to bring some of the exhibit back to le petit apartment.

Monet art work and book

A little Monet display in our home

The prints and poster were an appropriate addition to the bare walls in the new dining corner setup.  They dissolve the winter blues, fitting the recommended Feng Shui arrangement and colour pallet to welcome the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Monkey.

The felines are still getting used to some of the recent changes.

Tabby cat inspecting a Feng Shui water fountain

Geneva Tabby Cat inspects the new water fountain

The Monet experience makes me want to try my hand at water colour painting again and in the impressionist style “en plain air“. Maybe when the weather is more agreeable, yes? Perhaps during the summer, along a river bank.  

Ah, river banks.  

I grew up near a river that fed into the refreshing Georgian Bay. There were many different bridges that crossed the Seguin River. One was the Canadian Pacific Rail (CPR) bridge that rose above our neighbourhood, spanning the river to the richer side of town. It also marked the division of our side bordering on the Townies from that of the Harbour Bums.

CP rail bridge over the Seguin River, Parry Sound

CP rail bridge over the Seguin River, Parry Sound 2015

During a journey to the home town last summer, I got to revisit the bridge’s domain and witness much rebuilding activity along the rails.

repair truck on railway bridge

Reparation activities along the CPR trestle

These experiences reinforced the theme of building, capturing the beauty of and repairing bridges in the corporeal world.

We can also explore bridges between the past and the present. It can be exciting and emotionally draining when you have reached back to the murky past, bravely transit the present and reach into the fogginess of the future.

Some bridges are worth the risk and energy to cross.

Some bridges (relationships, experiences, etc.) are not worth the toll on one’s health, psyche and sense of self-worth.

When you encounter those that seem cracked and unsupportive, you can choose a different route or tread lightly and keep a safety net handy.

Thanks for dropping by. May all of your bridges be sturdy, lead you to auspicious experiences and destinations. May they join and not divide.

bridge one dictionary definition

T

 

 

Whimsy of the pen

07 Monday Sep 2015

Posted by in Art, philosophy, writing

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Regular readers of this blog likely notice that my posts range from deep thinking and reflection to those attempting wit through lifestyle commentary.

Previously, I introduced you to the Wisdom of the Lens, an interesting book about philosophy through black and white photography.

In a relaxed Labour Day atmosphere and in-between communal laundry room trips, this intermittent writer lets whimsy take over and introduces you to one of my past loves – or once-loved pastimes: drawing.

While reorganizing le petit apartment this long weekend, I got distracted with that large white box containing my children’s sentimental craft work and my own creations from many years ago.

I chuckled at the cartoon-like pen and ink drawings.

Cartoon drawing of magician's rabbit

Revenge of the Bunny Pen and Ink Circa 1983

At one time in my creative, idealistic youth, I thought about writing and illustrating children’s books. I even had an idea for a farmyard environment.

What happened? 

drawing of cartoon milk cow

Bessy the uncooperative milk cow Pen and Ink circa 1982

Reality set in, I doubted my abilities after being rejected from a commercial arts college program, and soon put away my brushes and pens.

As a karmic compensation, I landed an office job that offered work and constant learning in the ever-evolving world of Information Technology. This option probably pays better than that for a starving artist. It sure helped with supporting my family, surviving as a single parent and raising three beautiful young people.

At least I got to satisfy my creative desires during craft time with my children. Those were the wonder years.

As I scan the distant horizon and plan for my retirement, I am letting myself dabble in water colours and embrace creative outlets for visual art.  In the meantime I can use my talent and resources to support young artists in their endeavours.

Regardless of the work you choose, or work that chose you, here’s wishing you a relaxing, reflective Labour Day.  Enjoy these work-related songs, thanks to CBCMusic.

Thanks for dropping by.

T

About me:  I work full time in an office environment. In my spare time I write, photograph my cats and dabble in water colour paints. In 2011 and under a pen name, I published a bittersweet novel through Smashwords titled The Year of the Rabbit; it’s a novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness.  It contains many themes like family, teenage pregnancy and belief systems.

Wisdom through the lens

23 Sunday Aug 2015

Posted by in Art, philosophy, photography, reading

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

During another bookcase sorting, filter and purge this weekend, a few dozen items eluded the donations box.

I am not doing very well with this purging concept.

It’s a difficult process, almost like saying goodbye to old friends – or acquaintances with whom you have yet to sit down and get to know better. 

It has been almost three months since I started on this endeavour. The objective was to tidy up the bookcases, to take a break from writing attempts and all the sitting at the computer it involves.

books on bookcase and in boxes

One section of the personal library, sorted, categorized and tagged for potential purging.

In-between five sweaty laundry room trips on a Saturday night, I tackled the non-fiction bookcase again, rearranging sections according to quantity of remaining books.  It became a curious exercise in space and logic.

During a bout of romantic whimsy, I was kinda hoping that Matthew McConaughey would show up.

Okay… Back to earth.  

Some of the remaining books “fit” into more than one category.  One seemed to fit into Art & hobbies, Philosophy and perhaps self help.

Book cover Wisdom through the lens - A practical guide for photography as a means for self transformation

Wisdom through the lens – A practical guide for photography as a means for self transformation by Pierre Poulain

I obtained this autographed copy after attending a Cultural Diversity event in Ottawa a couple of years ago. I think it deserves another look after my recent dabbling into smart phone photography and deep, urban reflections.

tree branches in january

Winter 2015 – Two trees with naked branches outstretched into fractals of themselves as they greet and mesh into each other.

I think I should get into photography more since it would get me outside often for fresh air and moderate exercise. I’d like to capture sharper images with devices other than my Windows Phone and the Canon Powershot.

What would you recommend as a simple camera?

Requirements:

  • Must be digital
  • Affordable
  • Idiot-proof (simple to use)
  • Display screen for previews
  • Good for outdoors

Thanks for dropping by, for your comments or recommendations.

T

1 park bench, 2 trees, 4 seasons

11 Tuesday Aug 2015

Posted by in Art, community, Health, photography

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

There is this bench in a downtown Ottawa park.

This spring someone painted it as well as its companions. This artistic act seemed to brighten up the park, making it more attractive. I think it was to encourage people to visit often, to absorb the urban nature and engage in conversation.

park bench painted spring

Dundonald Park bench Spring 2015

I enjoy visiting urban parks around Ottawa and learning about their history.  During vacation time in the Summer of 2013, I tried to visit as many as I could in one week:

It was an enjoyable, obsessive activity that got me out and about while exploring my city.

Wander back to Dundonald Park in the late summer of 2014.

I looked forward to sitting on this particular green bench during work day lunch breaks, during my attempts at exercise, fresh air and time for quiet reflection. It was also more pleasant since the Beer Store across Somerset Street was being demolished and there were less bottle and can collectors hanging about.

This bench was a familiar place to rest and observe my surroundings. It helped me review my life choices, smile at my accomplishments and ponder my future plans.

I would observe the passersby and occasionally watch the families with young children playing on the nearby swings and slides.

I would look down while deep in thought.

I would look up with gratitude for what relief and small fortunes came my way.

I admired the two tall trees that touched at their crowns and upper limbs.

Park trees September 2014

Park trees September 2014

In the late summer of 2014, I noticed the colours changing in the nearby trees. One lost its leaves quicker than the other did. I felt a connection with them and their transition through the seasons. Some whimsically obsessive part of me wanted to capture them each time I visited the park.

So, with my smart phone I would attempt to take photographs at least on a bi-weekly basis.

Autumn 2014 trees

Autumn 2014

Park trees Winter 2015

Park trees Winter 2015

park bench winter

Dundonald Park bench Winter 2015

I did not get any pictures during February. Fuck February. If I could, I would hibernate from January to the end of March. How about you? 

Park Trees Spring 2015

Park Trees Spring 2015

I missed one of my spring shots in early May because people were sitting on my favourite bench during one of my visits. I ran out of time waiting for them to move.

Would it have seemed strange for me to approach them and ask if they could move for one minute, so I could take a couple of pictures? 

Within two weeks, the trees were already bursting with bright green foliage. This was refreshing.

Park trees May 2015

Park Trees May 2015

During a rainy vacation day this week in late summer, I decided to create slideshows of different transitioning tree pictures while tinkering in iPhoto on my Mac. I created a very nice one of the two companion trees and exported to QuickTime Movie format.

Unfortunately, WordPress.com doesn’t allow .mov file uploads! That’s okay. I tinkered a bit longer with photographs I uploaded to a Media Gallery and created this slideshow instead.  I hope you enjoy it.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Thanks for dropping by.  I hope you’re having an enjoyable summer.

T

Can’t change the weather

08 Sunday Feb 2015

Posted by in Art, Mythology, pets, reading

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , ,

Good grief!  We’ve been getting our fair share of snow in Eastern Ontario.

Weather forecast Feb. 8

There’s more to come which would be appreciated if one liked to ski. Baaa!

snow mount on bistro table

I can’t change the weather – just my reaction to it.  

If one has the luxury and sufficient snack food preparations, there’s always the option to curl up and nap – or read a book.

cats napping winter outside

One could also give in to the soft, white fluffiness as we anticipate the Year of the Sheep.

Illustration Year of the Sheep by GiseleAww-wuh!

If you like this illustration, hop on over to another blog where we admire the resident artiste’s other work, consider Lunar New Year celebrations and I entice you into reading my novel.

Thanks for dropping by. Bundle up before you head out.

T

Femmes extraordinaires

15 Saturday Nov 2014

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

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , ,

I have been introduced to some interesting and extraordinary women over the past couple of months.

Our French conversation group consists of many artistic and philanthropic women who wish to expand their French language skills. Some want to improve due to Federal Government job security (a-hem) requirements.  Some wish to communicate better with in-laws, grandchildren and other relatives.  I am familiar with the latter.

I enjoy our weekly gatherings – mais Mon Dieu! – one is lucky to get in a few words if the “taking turns” concept is followed.  The discussions eventually detour down the road of culinary delights.  à chacun son goût

This week’s session skirted around religion, mutated bible interpretations, and language politics.  Thank goodness one member jumped the queue (and my turn to share) in order to change the subject, to describe an extraordinary woman named Anita Moorjani.  Anita is a former cancer patient and near-death survivor.  She came out of her coma with some very wise words based on simple advice.

 

Another inspiring survivor is Allison Woyiwada, co-author and subject of the book “Allison’s Brain“.  It was her love of music that brought Allison out of her muddled world.

 

I can relate to what happens to people who encounter near-death experiences, and the wisdom, the lessons they share after resurfacing.  

Sometimes we get bogged down in the day-to-day survival, raising a family and making ends meet over the years that we forget some of that simple advice.

Sometimes it takes one or two extraordinary individuals to make us marvel at the ability of our bodies and minds to overcome hurdles, to beat the odds and embrace a new love for life.

I think that if you are able to create new life and nurture it successfully, you’re pretty damned amazing.  If you are able to create art work, things of beauty, you’re pretty awesome too.

Who is your inspiration?  Qui est votre source d’inspiration ?

T

Small yet significant

05 Sunday Oct 2014

Posted by in Art, Health, Mythology

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

October 10 is World Egg Day 2014.

One may think that the egg is such a small and insignificant object to have its own day.  If you step back (and search the web) you will discover the egg’s significance to many cultures as the World Egg and the Cosmic Egg (not the band) – or Orphic egg.  Then there’s the significance during Easter celebrations in the Spring.

To me, an egg represents:

  • Creation
  • Sustenance
  • Balance
YinYanEgg1998-1

YinYegg 1998 TAJ

It is quite impressive that something so small can have such enduring meaning and a positive impact on human wellness. Even with our wonderful advances in science, there is a part of me that respects the primitive explanations for creation, the stars and the cosmos.  Way back then, we had no microscopes nor telescopes; we just needed to soothe our children, our communities with some explanation for things and celestial events.

Here are more photographs of a Yin Yang egg “YinYegg” that I created in/around 1998.  It was quite a feat to create a 3D model while suffering from a snotter of a cold shortly after reading about Feng Shui and its philosophies.

YinYanEgg1998-2 YinYanEgg1998-3

You may be intrigued to know that eggs make an appearance during a tearful celebration in The Year of the Rabbit – a Novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness.  So does a respectful exploration of different belief systems.

I like to learn about different traditions, mythologies and belief systems.  I do not subscribe to any although I was born and strictly raised in one.  In a nostalgic vein, I am hopeful for the Catholic Church to evolve with the times on some of its doctrines. With the new guy at the helm, walking the talk, setting a course, I think they just may do it.

Thanks for dropping by.

T