DragonFibre Studios

A Sunny Day in February

2012-02-04T00:09:00.001-08:00

This poem was written over the past few days.

Wind

outside my bedroom windows
the wind blows - stops - blows
rain slashes against the walls
gushes down the road out front

rain imitates my tears
falling by buckets
as
watching my favorite Brit dramas
war and death
grief more profound
than when dear friends died

the wind blows and blows
outside my bedroom windows

copyright Ann Blackwell

a day in the life of...

2011-08-30T22:59:00.000-07:00

an artist, mother, grandmother, chief cook and bottle washer, and more! This morning I went to the Koffee Klatch here at the strata clubhouse, which I am coming to really enjoy, as I get to know and be known by the women and today, one guy! I found out that there is a Friday afternoon happy hour behind Judy and Ian's and everyone from the KK is invited, so I am going this Friday afternoon! This afternoon I went to the Fibro Support Group, which is also growing in that today there were three men and four women. At first there were only women and then one man would come and maybe not come back because there weren't any other men. So this is also a good thing, although I am quite content if there are only women!!!!
Anyway, this evening Gaby called me, which was really nice. We had a terrific chat. She tore her achilles tendon dancing! That must be very painful, but how she did it is really cool!!!

I have only the tiniest twitch of discomfort in my right hip. I have mostly no back pain, occasional neck discomfort - mostly related to trying to carry on a conversation with someone beside me. I am running out of groceries and tonight I broke my diet by heating up some stale tortilla chips and opening a can of refried beans and mixing in some salsa. Not on my diet - corn chips and beans. But I am having trouble getting to sleep because I am so hungry. I just have to space out my grocery money week by week, so I have money the last week for groceries - meat, fish and eggs for protein and veggies for bulk. I am even out of canned tuna and down to 4 eggs to last until Sept 3. I have one cooked chicken thigh and two frozen ones, some cooked fish left over from last night, one frozen sausage (the big kind) and a package of frozen breakfast sausages. Also some pasta sauce and a can of diced tomatoes, so I can have spaghetti on rice noodles and still not be eating wheat even though I will be eating carbs. I have part of a package of frozen green beans - had some tonight and they were awesome good! I have a whole package of frozen corn which is actually a grain and not a vegetable, but I may eat it anyway. I have three boxes of frozen spinach and two large cans of saag. I am not about to starve but very light on the protein. and FRESH veggies.I do have a huge unopened jar of peanut butter, and although nuts are on my diet I think peanut butter not so much. I have about 1/3 of a jar of almond butter which is on my diet and I took a bunch of stale almonds and made Tamari Almonds and they are quite good. So I am spending a lot of energy and time and thought to working out my end of the pay period diet! And that's a day in my life!!!

NEEDED!!!

2011-08-29T23:45:00.000-07:00

Help Blog friends. My dryer has stopped working and I need a drying rack to dry my clothes on. The dryer still tumbles but no heat, and apparently it needs heat even on low to dry things. Perhaps just a minor repair but my funds do not extend even that far. I am currently doing laundry by counting items - three towel racks, shower curtain rod, lid of washer raised. That's two Tshirts, one pair of shorts, a towel, and one pair of undies - or whatever. Probably not an energy effecient way to do my laundry. So if anyone has or knows of someone who has a drying rack, please help me out here. Thanks.

Rag Curls

2011-08-23T23:25:00.000-07:00

I set my hair on rag curlers for my wedding to Bear. He took my photograph. I like how I look.

Image on Watercolor I

2011-08-22T23:27:00.000-07:00

This is my usual drawing with a watercolor background. Unfortunately added after the drawing was completed. The next one started with the watercolor and will grow on top of that.

Today I went over to Tammy's to see her new kittens and her new art. New art is fantastic. Only saw one of two new kittens as the other one proved too shy and we couldn't find him. The one I saw is Eartha Kitten. She is an absolute little love. How many times can I say cute?!?!

And we finally got rain. It came down by the bucketsful, then tapered off to a gentle summer rain. We needed it. It hadn't rained in weeks. And it was nice to have a cooler day. Just not for the rest of the summer!!!

a good day

2011-08-18T23:31:00.000-07:00

I had a good day today. I went shopping with friends Laura C. and Brenda this morning until time to see Dr. Nima, my chiropractor. Had a really good time with friends and realize I just don't go out enough! Then Dr. Nima did the after-12-visits muscle check and the improvements from the first time I went in were drastic and amazing. Then this evening Laurie G. and I went to Dr. Nima's lecture and we both really enjoyed it. Then Laurie and I went to Baskin Robbins for ice cream - my cheat for this week. No dark chocolate Sunday, but it was awesome. I just haven't been seeing Laurie much and I have really missed her a lot. She has picked out some craft projects for Christmas to do and I really hope we will be able to get together and do some of them.

9 more postcards

2011-08-16T23:49:00.000-07:00

Nine more post cards at the rate of one a day. I am starting a larger drawing next. And need to start working on the tags for the tag book for swap at ATCs. There are 22 of us participating, so not a possibility of procrastinating! My favorite postcards are the one of my hand, cropped, and the last one with the women and crows and the sun and sky and puffy clouds. Enjoy my friends!

A Field of Pears

2011-08-04T23:18:00.000-07:00

Inspired by an online article from Cloth Paper Scissors. I made this at a summer art camp for autistic children, where I was teaching some basic collage ideas. I am quite drawn to images of pears.

6 Post Cards

2011-07-30T23:34:00.000-07:00

I have been making post cards lately to complete a swap. She only wants three but I want her to have a choice, and I left my drawing pad and pens in Seattle and am too compulsive to start in a new pad before I finish this one!!!! What can I say?! I like some of these more than others, but that does not always reflect in what other folks like, so I will let her choose, next month at the fibro group.

Friday

2011-07-29T23:14:00.000-07:00

I have been making postcards, with drawings on them. A fun size to work on - I got some post card blanks on sale at Blick's, in Seattle, when I was there last week. And today I wore my rhinestone studded denim shorts that I bought at Ross's also in Seattle. It finally got good and hot out. A pleasure to have some summer clothes. And an even greater pleasure to have some summer!!! I spent most of today with Laurie, and it was such a pleasure to be with her - it seems like a really long time since we had some time together.

Tuesday

2011-07-26T23:16:00.000-07:00

I went to a chiropractor today. He took some measurements and did some treatments, and tomorrow I go back for the results of the Xrays, and to set up a treatment plan, within the limitations of my income. My goals are to get off the drugs and lose weight by increased exercise. Less pain being primary. In spite of all the drugs I am on I am still in pain. My hip feels better after one treatment! I am easily walking upstairs, faster than in forever! I went to his lecture on posture and stretching - and I did a little too much knee bending, but still up and down stairs easily!

Young Ann by Bear

2011-07-25T23:28:00.000-07:00

My second husband was a photographer, and this is a portrait he took of my in my twenties. I had a great visit with Jean in Seattle and his last wife had given Jean some things of his for our daughter Judy. I found a few photos I really wanted and Jean said to take them, as Judy would end up getting them anyway. It is really nice to see these photographs of myself from so many years ago. I never realized how pretty I was.

Jagged Lines

2011-07-15T23:13:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Jean is coming to town, and Sunday we are going to Seattle for a week with Riley. I am the Visiting Artist at her camp for kids with autism.

Identical Twins

2011-07-13T23:18:00.000-07:00

This is a puzzle. How can these two women be identical twins?

Today walked over to my doctor's office, which is also where I am seeing my psychiatrist for therapy. I like her and optimistic. Both she and my family doctor think I should be riding a bicycle. I used to love riding a bike, and she told me that they can be bought for very little at police sales. It would be excellent to have a means of transportation around town.

Spiralling On and On

2011-07-12T23:40:00.000-07:00

I am delighted to report that Riley is completely back to his normal sassy self!

Lines in Space

2011-07-11T23:34:00.000-07:00

Millie and I took Riley to the Vet today to make sure all is in order for going to the States later this month. He had some shots to update his immunizations, and has gained almost 3 pounds since February of last year. So no more people food and cutting back on dog treats.

We had a nap after we got home, then I got up and had lunch. Riley didn't join me, which is unusual. Later I went to the front door and fiddled with his leash - adding more poop bags. Still no Riley. Very unusual. Finally I called him - twice - and went to look for him. He was just standing in the door to the bedroom. I said let's go for a walk and he walked very slowly, limping a little, toward me. I leashed him and we walked out into the hall. Riley just stood at the top of the stairs looking down - then he sat down. I thought he had a tremor in his hind quarters and maybe his leg fell asleep - like happens in a movie. Anyway, I carried him down and out onto the grass and he wouldn't walk at all. His doggy friend downstairs came out and I carried him over to Buddy, but he still wouldn't walk. By now I was terrified, and I left him with my neighbor and went upstairs and called the vet, then called friends until I found someone home who could give us a ride to the vet.
Laurie gave us a ride and I carried him into the vets. The vet said it was just sore muscles from the injections, and to apply ice for 20 minutes and keep him inside until tomorrow evening.

Quadrants

2011-07-09T23:12:00.000-07:00

Another quiet day. Finished the drawing I started yesterday. Enjoyed my British shows for Saturday night - Heartbeat and A Touch of Frost. Bursitis still incapacitating - painful.

Good News

2011-07-08T23:22:00.000-07:00

I started a new drawing today! My friend Laura loaned be a big bag of books to read! And she took me to Save On to pick up a Rx refill. Very helpful! My eyes are bothering me beading with really tiny beads. I may have to put this one aside and work with slightly larger beads. Also, these beads are so small that some of them shatter when I pass multiple threads through them. So, while pondering beads I am drawing. I hope to finish tomorrow. Happy Weekend All!

Spiral Cord

2011-06-27T23:20:00.000-07:00

Laurie and I went to Fraser Valley Bead Club yesterday, and we learned a new technique called Spiral Cord. It is simple but very beautiful. I spent today working on the one Laurie started with slightly larger beads, and I now have 2 feet 5 inches done! Pictures when it's completed. Rest of week must be devoted to ATCs! I am well. Bursitis pain in my right hip still, which makes walking painful. Otherwise not much other pain, for which I rejoice!

Summer Flower

2011-06-24T23:43:00.000-07:00

This one took two days to finish. It captures the feel for me as I walk around and admire the bounty of summer flowers in my neighbors' gardens.

This afternoon I went to Laurie's daughter, Jasmine's high school graduation. It was really quite nice. Jasmine looked spectacular! All the girls wore formals or evening dresses. Jasmine wore purple and had her hair blond and in a very nice do. She looked like a fashion model!

It means so much to me to be a part of this loving family, as I am so outside my own son's family. As my granddaughter is in high school I find myself wondering if I will ever be invited to any of their meaningful events.

True Love

2011-06-22T23:32:00.000-07:00

Thinking about a Pat Boone song! Had a wonderful day!My friend Tammy invited me to go to Alouette Tree Farm for an ice cream and cookies sandwich. It was awesome! I had to use every ounce of self control not to go back for a second one!!! So for information the email is j_hildebrand@live.ca. They have a multitude of cookie flavors and a multitude of ice cream flavors. Then Tammy came home with me and helped me hang several items I could not safely reach. She is way taller than I am.

I'm a Star!

2011-06-21T23:23:00.000-07:00

Beautiful day! I went to the strata coffee hour which was fun and lots of laughs. I got a word in edgewise which was quite an accomplishment! But I told a funny story and got my share of laughs! This is the most positive group in the complex!

Took Riley out back and my downstairs neighbors were having a family party and they were very nice about my "intrusion" and introduced me to her 2 brothers and one bro's wife.

I called Laurie and asked to borrow the drill bit I knew she had as we used it a lot in taking apart the big sofa, and she offered to bring it over after they had dinner. Then she called to say Rob would stop by with it, and he came and screwed the legs from the old sofa onto the new small sofa.

Still have a way to go before I can claim the living room and craft area as useable and relaxing. I have a huge box of records which I cannot move, and obviously need to pack them into 2 or 3 smaller boxes, which I do not have. It would be worth it to create a list of every record I have and send it to Judy and have her let me know which ones she actually wants, but it seems like a lot of work right now.

ME: Alien Matron

2011-06-20T23:31:00.000-07:00

This is how I feel here. New neighbors help as they are friendly - at least they always say hi to Riley! Yesterday I swapped out the couch and coffee table - makes a better fit in the living room. Today I did the laundry. Went for our afternoon walk and Diane and Flo were sitting behind the clubhouse and I joined them. Flo has Maggie and Diane has Oreo. We told stories from our lives that made us laugh. It was fun. They are both going to the strata barbecue, and I am thinking of going with them. I wasn't going to go.

Black & White & Colors Too

2011-06-19T23:04:00.000-07:00

Moved the furniture around a bit. More room and the living room looks nicer. Still some work to do. Laurie came by for a short visit. Her daughter Jasmine reminds me a lot of my daughter Judy at the same age.

I called my son to wish him a Happy Father's Day. Wished I could call my son-in-law too!!! But I cannot be the one to add pressure. I just really hate for my daughter to miss out on the experience of pregnancy, childbirth, nursing, motherhood. There is just nothing in this lifetime that can be the same.

a sleepy day

2011-06-18T23:21:00.000-07:00

This fibromyalgia is really the pits. I went yesterday to a lecture on chronic fatigue syndrome. Apparently the main difference between the two is that with CFS fatigue is the major symptom and with fibro it's the pain. But there's fatigue and loss of energy with fibro. After the beginning of the lecture I couldn't keep my eyes open. Basically I dozed off and on for the rest of the hour.

Today I had breakfast and napped until 3 p.m. then had lunch and tried to read for awhile but just fell asleep. Around 5 or 6 I woke up and turned on the TV and at 6 Riley and I had supper. Oh, and I walked Riley between naps and meals. Very short walks but I must say that if I keep the walks short the hip pain is bearable. Riley is getting fat and I am very concerned about it. I really think that for both of us the answer is more exercise. If only my hip would ease up.

Last night my fridge was running for a long time and louder than usual. I was just terrified that it was going to be dead in the morning. I moved some things away from the fan area. It seems to still be working. Another worry - lions and tigers and bears - oh my!

Circles Within Circles

2011-06-17T23:24:00.000-07:00

I had a good day. Had dinner with Laurie and one of her daughters at their house. It was lovely to go there for dinner. Laurie loaned me a couple of books that are interesting to me. I loaned Jasmine a couple of colors of acrylic paint she needs to finish a painting she is creating. I got invited to Jasmine's high school graduation. That will be fun. Laurie's girls are my in locus childrenus! I miss my children and grandchildren almost unbearably sometimes.

From a Fragment of an Embroidery

2011-06-15T23:19:00.000-07:00

I saw a fragment of an embroidery on the cover of an art journal, and was inspired to start this drawing with simple marks on paper. Then it kind of drew itself.

Another day of mostly rest for me and my right hip and left knee! My back seems to be mostly recovered. I did make spaghetti sauce today. I had some whole wheat linguini, and it was good. I am trying to put some Turmeric in any kind of sauce or stew, for it's health benefits.

Not walking much yet. Bummer about that as I was walking so much for a short while, and it was wonderful.

There rioting in Vancouver after the home team lost the Stanley cup. Way to show support to the team who are probably feeling awful already. I like the kindergarden way - don't keep score. Everybody wins!

A summary

2011-06-13T23:32:00.000-07:00

This Saturday my friends Laurie and Rob came over and Rob dismantled the Entertainment Center and the China Cabinet. I had spent a couple of days working all day at packing away what needed packing and moving all the videos, CDs, and music tapes to the new (old) shelving, as well as the Cd/Tape player and speakers. I left the TV, DVD/Video Tape Player for Rob to move as the cable guy got it running and I didn't want to mess it up again. I carried stuff from the living room to the door, fetched things Rob needed and kept tea and ice water running for everyone. It was a really hot evening. Laurie carried everything downstairs, then packed it all in her van.

Sunday Laurie and I worked all day on dismantling the couch - which had two recliner seats built in. And I did my laundry!

Monday we finished taking it apart and loaded it into the van, took everything to the recycling (for steel) and the dump (for all the rest). I am exhausted but delighted! Tomorrow I want to put the living room back together, take a shower and do the dishes. And spend some quality time with my feet up and a good book!!!!

Summer Cometh

2011-06-10T23:29:00.000-07:00

Had a good and productive day today. Made the front for a painted mermaid commission, and cleared off the coffee table and moved some stuff around. Tomorrow I will move the coffee table over in front of the small sofa, and clear out the rest of the entertainment center, and the china hutch. Laurie has offered her husband and daughter's services for moving out those two pieces of furniture to the dump, and helping me move stuff around in the living room.

Geometry Rocks

2011-06-09T23:19:00.000-07:00

I've been noticing that my drawings are getting more and more geometric. I guess I will go with this as far as it takes me and hopefully then go back to drawings which are more organic. I go wherever the pen takes me!

Still having incapacitating hip pain. Barely able to take Riley out three times a day. Brutal pain going upstairs. But Laurie gave me a ride to a couple of stores today, and now I only lack fresh fruit and veggies. Well, I have apples and a cauliflower. Plan to stir fry cauliflower tomorrow. Um Yum!

Like Father Like Son

2011-06-08T23:19:00.001-07:00

Weaving with Color

2011-06-07T23:40:00.000-07:00

I've had a few days of not doing any art. Yesterday I finished the last of the wooden boxes. Today I returned to drawing on paper. I prefer the drawings that leave some open space. Saturday I went to ATCs, and then to Diana's 75th birthday party. I gave her a really nice necklace. In a tin box suitable for altering!

While at Haroldine's, where we meet for ATCs, I bought some more of the pens I use and some refill ink for 4 (it's expensive) of my dried up Copic markers, and some Eco-Friendly Acrylic Paints. I have one or two large canvases here that I brought with me from Ann Arbor, and a bunch of really small ones I bought in Detroit. I want to create some paintings, that refer to my drawings, or not. I will see.

Update

2011-06-06T23:26:00.000-07:00

I walked to Dr. Pattinson's office with my little box cart for groceries later. She is going to refer me to the Psychiatrist in her office. She is new there, and sees patients for medication and for counseling. And I can walk there! Awesome. My right hip is killing me. I don't know what happened but walking home with the little cart full of groceries was painful and exhausting. I noticed that pulling the cart behind me pulls on my hip - perhaps the source of my relapse hip-pain-wise.

Have been in a slump artistically for awhile now. Unable to tackle a beading project, or to get working on my etsy store. Decorated the outside of the last wooden box today. Sold one last Saturday for $10.

Riley looks so skinny since his haircut. He is definitely more handsome with his hair longer. Still the same dog, the same personality, but unrecognizable physically. His legs really look sturdy when his hair is long, but now they look like twigs!

Want to buy a bus pass. It is expensive to pay every time I ride the bus, plus I often don't have any money by the end of the month, and rarely have the right change. I want to be more mobile. I can't figure out how to get it. Putting out feelers to friends who might know how. I might have to live in Canada for 10 years to be eligible for a bus pass. It will be 10 years in September 2012.

Twelve Boxes

2011-06-02T23:20:00.000-07:00

I have 12 boxes painted, insides painted with plain acrylic paint, and a coat of gloss medium over the outside. I have my ATCs finished. Tomorrow I take Riley to the groomers, return recyclables, and do a small shop. It feels very liberating to think that I only need to buy what I need for the next few days now that I can walk to the store. When I get a ride I always feel like I have to get enough for a month! It's so cool!

Boxes and Life

2011-06-01T23:25:00.000-07:00

Well, I have gotten several more boxes finished on the outside and now I need to paint the insides, and maybe some velvet on the bottoms. Running out of ink in some of my favorite colors. Saturday is ATCs, and I will be able to replenish some supplies. Fortunately most of the pens are about $1.50 each.

I got refills for my printer and when I went to replace them I discovered that I was out of yellow! But the place is on the other side of town, so it's probably OK that I now have ink. It is almost exactly 1//2 price than the Epson online store! Go Mainland!!!

I took the bus home on Tuesday, and walked home from the bus, went upstairs and got Riley and took him for a walk. This morning I woke up with a little kink in the front of my right hip. Hoping I just slept wrong. It's definitely not the bursitis.

I made some nut bread today. When it's gone I think I should make some yeast bread. Riley and I really like these quick breads! For dinner tonight I used up a lot of the veggies in the fridge, and made a lovely stir fry. Two red bell peppers, one carrot, some broccoli. snow peas and snap peas. Added some spicy sausages and had brown rice. Yummy! Riley liked my dinner better than his, so I finally put some rice and stir fry over his food and he gobbled it up!

and two more boxes

2011-05-29T23:37:00.000-07:00

Box VIII: starry box

Box IX: box with mesh sides and top

A quiet day at home. Baked a loaf of whole wheat quick bread, and it's delicious! It called for 1/4 cup molasses, but I added part molasses and part honey. Riley loves it too! He and I really like homemade breads and muffins and biscuits! We are just little piggies.

No ill effects from all the walking except a little tired. We still walked more than previously usual, but not as much as yesterday. I am wishing for continued good weather, and more and more walking.

Painted Boxes: Quilt II

2011-05-28T23:45:00.000-07:00

I have been busy in the studio as well as lots of extra walking. This last injection of both hips was just amazing. I have almost no pain at all in my hips, and consequently, my knees seem to be better as well. Today I doubled our morning walk. Took a shower and washed the dishes, and walked over to McDonald's where I got a wonderful Tai salad for 50% off! Then to Save On Foods to pick up a couple of Rx refills. On my way home I stopped at the computer store, because I thought there was a refill cartridge place near there, but they told me it had moved. Walked on home. For our afternoon walk, which is usually a token walk to the main box so Riley can pee, we walked all the way to 207th. Then this evening we just doubled our usual walk. It is so amazing to be able to do all this walking. It is like the summer before I came here when Jock and I walked all over Ann Arbor. I had forgotten how much I love to walk!

More Painted Boxes

2011-05-28T23:37:00.000-07:00

Painted Quilt I

Box with Handle

Box with Star Cut-outs

Many sided box

A Celebration of Women

2011-05-24T23:34:00.000-07:00

You can have a gaggle of geese, a pod of whales, a pack of wolves or a covey of quail. I now present you with a celebration of women! I hope you like my newly coined meaning for an existing word, and my own celebration of women!

Today I printed a lot of stuff from the "Cloth, Paper, Scissors" newsletter which I had downloaded, and almost all of a digital magazine which I accidentally ordered when I meant to order the paper version. I cannot sit at the computer for hours reading a magazine.

I ran out of ink about 10 pages before finishing printing the magazine. Now I am trying to decide whether to buy ink locally, new cartridges, refilled cartridges locally, new cartridges online, or figure out how to refill my own cartridges. Anyone feel free to weigh in on this.

Box II: Red Pigs in Wheat Fields

2011-05-22T23:18:00.000-07:00

This is my second painted box. It came with the wooden pig cut out attached. I was planning to add designs on the pig but after I painted her red I just wanted to leave her that way. I saw a program on TV about pig races and the lovely red pig won!

From the Painted Boxes Series: Abstract Box I

2011-05-22T23:14:00.000-07:00

I am having some fun painting wooden boxes. They are quite nice and hopefully will sell.

I found out that there is a very severe gastrintestinal flu going around here, and I have stepped up my hand washing - which I do regularly, but now every time I come back from going out. I am feeling better but still a little stomach ache every time I eat.

Three Bright Doors

2011-05-21T23:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I am back from yet another period of GI upset. I am beginning to suspect food poisoning. The only possibility I can think of is not washing fresh fruit sufficiently. So I purchased some detergent for washing fresh fruit and will try that. If that doesn't work I'm back to my doctor for a referral to a gastoenterologist. I can't think what else to do. I have been off and on sick for about 4 to 5 months now.

Today I painted a small wooden box. I like how it looks. I used the metallic and shimmer pens. Nice affect.

Self Portrait III: Face

2011-05-17T23:20:00.000-07:00

Not sure about this one. Got all the stains out of the rug - I am pleased about that. Had some general household cleaner - orange scented - it did almost as good a job as the rug cleaner. I may try a redo on the face self portrait. I really like the hand and feet.

Self Portrait: My Feet

2011-05-15T23:12:00.000-07:00

Number two in my self portrait series. I am sure having fun with these. My hands and feet are my favorite body parts, visually! It's gonna get harder now.

I went to Friends Worship Group this morning. Got little sleep last night, and got up early for Meeting. Took a half hour nap, and stayed up the rest of the day. It is great to have cable again, as I get PBS and Knowledge which I sorely missed. And the thing is that after I cancelled cable they offered me a deal so I get cable again for about $7 a month more than no cable! Go figure!

Self Portrait I: My Right Hand

2011-05-14T23:46:00.000-07:00

feeling better - wise enough not to overdo today. Walked Riley to the corner in the morning, cleaned up the dishes, showered and shampooed. Took the rest of the day off. Tomorrow is Quaker Worship Group in Coquitlam, which means an early start tomorrow. I finally found Fringe on at 11 p.m. tonight. I started watching it while having a small snack and my bedtime meds, and I was strong enough to turn it off and go to bed!!!

I see this as the first in a series of self portraits. Drawing is so much fun! Maybe Thursday I will go over to Laurie's and make cards with her and her mom. I have a couple of new toys we can play with - with which we can play!!!

Guardian Angel

2011-05-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

Drawn using metallic and glittering Sakura pens, this drawing gleams from the page.

Today getting over the stomach flu of Thursday night, left mostly with some very sore ribs. I drew this on Thursday before I got so sick in the evening.

We're Sisters

2011-05-11T23:13:00.000-07:00

Another cold gray rainy day. Happy Spring. I have been having insomnia, with dat sleeping. I got an offer for shaw phone, TV and modem for $74.00 for 6 months, so I signed up. I ned to start beading and need something better than this drivel I have been "watching" to work by. I'm ready to throw a rock through the TV! And I only have the TV on when I'm drawing right now. and unless I am up doing something, I am asleep unless the TV is on. I tried drawing without the TV and I fell asleep repeatedly, with whatever pen was in hand at the time dragging across the paper as I slipped away! The cable guy is coming tomorrow afternoon!

Inspired by a Stamp

2011-05-10T22:50:00.000-07:00

This drawing is inspired by a stamp from a note my daughter sent me. I had a lot of fun doing it, and I rather like how it turned out. I think that this is my first drawing to incorporate collage.

Today I mailed in my income tax return. I finally got it done. It is much like the ones in USA, or else I did it all wrong!

Mother and Daughter

2011-05-09T23:26:00.000-07:00

I made this for Mothers Day but didn't finish it on time. It was supposed to be mother and child but I made the girly eyelashes before I remembered. Today I got a Mother's Day card from Judy. I got started on my taxes but couldn't finish because I can't figure out the exchange rate for all of 2010. I ended up sending an email to bank of Canada inquiring. I can add up all my checking entries, but they include a fee to the credit union so will not be accurate. If I cannot get help from B of C I will go down to my credit union and ask for help. If they can't help me I will just send in the figures I have and tell Revenue Canada I did the best I could!!!

The Queen and Her Sister

2011-05-08T00:10:00.000-07:00

Had a great day! I went to Artist's Trading Cards this morning and then with friends from ATCs to Tim Horton's for lunch. I got a Tim Horton's gift card for my birthday, and finally got to use it!

Then came home and cleaned up the kitchen from the great spaghetti making yesterday, and walked Riley a bit earlier than usual, but we got up early today. Saw massive black clouds to the west. Shortly after we got back home an amazing rain and hail storm swept in and came down in floods. The drive in front of my house was like river rapids. When the rain slowed down the drive and part of my balcony were white with hailstones. I heard thunder off in the distance but nothing close.

Laurie picked me up after an early dinner and we went to Jasmine's play, based on Little Women and the life of Louisa May Alcott. It was very good, and I enjoyed it immensely. Laurie and I worked tickets and concessions. It was fun and I am tired!

The Green Star Nebula

2011-05-06T23:17:00.000-07:00

Had a poor night's sleep last night but an active and productive day! Shopped for fruit and veggies, set up my new printer, made a lot of spaghetti sauce, mailed cards to Betsy for our trade, and a fairy card to Zemirah and a card to Judy. Getting on the ball!!! Two more pages to go to finish the green journal. Then seriously, drawings to sell.

Something funny happened with setting up the printer. Got it all done and successfully printed their test print. Worked on Photoshop making ATCs from my magnolia photographs, and when I tried to print I couldn't even turn the printer on. So I unloaded the printer software and re-did it all. Then went over to the printer and noticed that the power cord had fallen out. No electricity = no print! It is very hard to plug in and doesn't feel very secure. But it prints. Unfortunately, it doesn't print photo quality at the present settings. I will try to fiddle around with it. It was pretty expensive, and the salesman really tried to sell me the more expensive model. Perhaps I should have listened to him!!!

Mom and Dad

2011-05-05T23:24:00.000-07:00

With both Mother's day and Father's day looming on the horizon, it seemed like the thing to do. I got up and walked Riley, ate breakfast, and fell asleep for an hour or more in my chair, then went to bed and dragged myself out of bed at 2:30 p.m. What is going on? I did get showered and shampooed, and got a couple of things ready to mail, so a couple of things on list crossed off. I am finding this incomprehensible after all the energy I had up until Monday.

Shoes of Different Colors

2011-05-04T23:15:00.000-07:00

Had a rather slow day today. Flo came over to see my beaded dolls, then I ate lunch and had a nap. Then I got up but without much energy today. Maybe tired from shopping yesterday. I have several things I just have to do tomorrow, and I hope nothing else happens!

Three Tailed Armadillo

2011-05-03T22:44:00.000-07:00

Can you find the armadillo?

I went shopping with Flo today, at Superstore, and got most of what I need today. I still need some fruit and veggies, but I prefer to shop for them at Langley Farm Mkt. Also need some multi-grains for my mornings, and only find those at Roots Health Food Store or Organic World. Finally the sun came out in the mid afternoon, and Riley and I went for a short walk - my knees were bothering me. I came home and put heat on them. Better now. Sue downstairs has sold her place, and another neighbor next building over told me tonight that they have also sold.

BFFs

2011-05-02T23:34:00.000-07:00

Had a sleepy rainy day. Cold out too. Still eating food cooked this weekend - nice! I read the directions for setting up my printer, and will do it tomorrow. I just couldn't stay awake today. Both stations that might tall me who won in the election today are based in the US. Bummer. I tried some station I never watch and found out that a woman from the Green Party is the first Green Party MP. I think she's from maybe the Sunshine Coast. I listened to her speech for awhile and it didn't seem like the program was ever going to move on to anything else. If I don't find out anything when I check face book I will try to find out online.

Guardian Angel of the Studio

2011-05-01T22:49:00.000-07:00

So today was May Day and a more beautiful day has never been. After the rotten cold cloudy rainy sleety cruddy weather, today was warm and radiant! Jean and I tried to watch "Black Swan" on her laptop and it kept quitting, and she had to re-start then start the movie back at the beginning, and s l o w l y "fast forward" to the place we were watching. After a couple of times we bailed and went out on the town. Jean took me out to lunch and we went to the Pantry (I think) and had most excellent salads. Then we returned the DVDs and went to London Drugs and I looked at printers while Jean did some other shopping. I picked out a less expensive Epson Printer. Came home and Jean headed back to Seattle and I settled in to draw and "watch" TV.

Proof of Life on Mars

2011-05-01T22:41:00.000-07:00

April 30 drawing finished today. Last night when Jean got back from her conference we rented a couple of movies on DVD only to get home and discover that my DVD player does not work! I bought it new the year we had the really big snow and Judy and Keith came for Christmas and we watched a couple of movies. That is the only time it has ever been used!!!!! So we watched "The King's Speech" on Jean's laptop, and could barely hear it. Interesting to watch a movie about someone who had difficulty speaking and not be able to hear it very well! So I am up for watching it with anyone who wants to rent it and have a movie party! Also rented "The Black Swan".

What a great day!

2011-05-01T00:38:00.000-07:00

Jean is here until Sunday, and today was the second day of her conference in Vancouver. At home I made potato salad and deviled eggs. I had a large bowl of aduki bean salad, and then sliced a nice vine ripened tomato and a red bell pepper. It was such a summery meal, and I do love my deviled eggs! We rented 2 DVDs and got home and my Video/DVD player wouldn't work. We watched "The King's Speech on her little laptop. sitting on the edge of our seats to be able to hear most of the dialogue!!! Great movie. Makes me want to read up on British history.

The New Dress

2011-04-30T00:14:00.000-07:00

Had an amazing day! I was going to make split pea soup with a huge ham hock I bought at Organic World and discovered I didn't have any split peas! So I called my neighbor Flo as it looked like it was about to really pour out and she agreed to take me to Save On Foods and I rushed out and got my split peas - the soup is great by the way!

Then my friend Laura from my fibro group called and invited me to go shopping in Langley with her. I got amazing purple with white polka dots knee high rubber boots - good for heavy rain walking Riley, and with warm socks good for deep snow, which we do sometimes have - and I only have ankle leather boots - not so great for snow - I get snow inside boots - yuck!
Also got awesome runners - black, magenta and silver from Dr. Scholls, with gel insoles! For longer walks with Riley!!! And to the doctor, dentist and grocery store. I can't wait to see if they help with the knee and hip pain - and maybe even the toe pain! The clogs I wear in inclement weather have no arch support and are old, very old!

Came home and finished the soup and Jean got back from her conference and we had a great talk, as usual!

Long Tall Sally x 2

2011-04-28T23:55:00.000-07:00

Jean's here! She came down from Seattle for a 2 day conference. I managed to fix up her room to be within acceptable limits, fresh clean sheets and blanket, clean towels laid out for her, a bedside lamp and cleaned to dog poo out of the carpet from when the room was full to the brim and it had dried before I found it. I picked it up when I found it but the dried part I couldn't scrub out because of my pain and constant exhaustion. I was totally sweaty and tired after making up the mattress and scrubbing the rug and moving out and clearing out a cupboard I wanted in the kitchen. Cleared out the one in the kitchen and exchanged it with the one from the spare room. Scrubbed off to dust and stains and put away the stuff from the kitchen in the good cupboard and parked the other one in the hall outside the bathroom until I can get more stuff cleared out of the spare room and figure out how to have my sewing room and spare bedroom in there!!!

It was a good day.

Everyone's Wearing Purple Shoes

2011-04-27T23:26:00.000-07:00

Had a good day today. Got the last load of laundry washed and into the dryer before I left to go to my doctor's appointment. Got refills on my prescriptions. Went to Save On Foods and filled the one I needed to fill. Picked up some fruit and veggies, and spinach tortillas - big ones. I was all set to make something the other day and didn't have big tortillas. Lucked into running into Heather's daughter, and she gave me a ride home. It was pouring down rain! Gratitude, thy name is a ride home from the grocery store in the rain!

Polly and Molly

2011-04-26T23:38:00.000-07:00

More from the little journal I traded for. The pages have been somewhat painted - that's the brown brush strokes at top and edges. Polly and Molly are best friends and get together to make art and crafts, and their wonderful clothes!

Today was the fibro group - last Tuesday of the month. I couldn't seem to get a word in edgewise.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T23:14:00.001-07:00

Well, the Easter bunny came here in the form of my friend Laurie, who called this afternoon to invite me to Easter dinner. Her daughter, a senior in high school asked her wasn't I coming for dinner with the family, and she said she thought I had company this weekend, and her daughter suggested inviting both of us! Turns out Jean is coming next week, so I was really thrilled to go to their house for dinner. Laurie's immediate family and her mom and me! It was so nice, especially as it has become rather a tradition for me to spend holidays with their family. I hope everyone had a lovely Easter weekend. For the rest of the weekend I watched the Big Bang marathon!!!!!

What's Up?

2011-04-22T22:34:00.000-07:00

Did this drawing yesterday but could not get my scanner to work. Tonight I changed the plug-in and re-started the computer. When all else fails - re-start the computer! Yesterday I walked Riley to 203rd and today I left him at home (oh so sad) and walked to Shoppers Drug Mart Post Office and picked up the forms to file my taxes, then to Save On Foods and got dome foodstuffs, and walked home. Oh my knees and hips hurt, but I put on some heat and took a pain pill, as I was actually having a hard time walking. But then I gave Riley a nice walk in the afternoon, and our usual walk in the evening. Definitely getting more done. Had canned Saag with saffron long grain brown rice for supper. Oh my I like saag a lot! Next time I am definitely going to pay the few pennies more for brown basmati rice. I just like it more!

Magnolia Blossoms

2011-04-21T23:31:00.000-07:00

This is the magnolia tree outside my bedroom window, photographed from my back balcony. The magnolias have been quite lovely this year, in spite of wind and rain and very chilly nights. We got a sunny day today, so I took some shots!

Spring Flower and The Queen Wears Purple Slippers

2011-04-19T22:31:00.000-07:00

Hard bites of ice plunge to the earth
Bounce on aluminum rain gutters
Sound like bamboo wind chimes.

My presentation went well, and was very much appreciated by all. Very satisfying. Fun for me too! And I got paid!!! Another chunk of credit card debt taken care of. A good thing.

Hannah and the Broom Tree

2011-04-17T23:28:00.000-07:00

Went to Meeting for Worship this morning with Chris and had to leave before fellowship because Laurie and I went to Bead Club. I was very excited about the demo of felted beads, but it turned out to be something I'm not really interested in! But I saw a book I definitely want to buy next month, and my love of bead embroidery has been awakened! Working on my Fairie again! Hurrah!

A Day of Art

2011-04-16T23:24:00.000-07:00

Today my neighbor, Flo, and I went on the Art Studios Tour. We only got to 5 places but one was the Maple Ridge Art Gallery, where there was a huge exhibition of Pottery. Some really nice pieces! All other studios were in artist's homes, and again, we saw some very nice art. We had lunch at Organic World, and it was good. I enjoyed my day with Flo. I started out by walking to my doctor's office to get a renewal Rx for one of my meds, getting it filled and walking home. Then I was coming down my stairs to meet Flo and my clog shoe slipped off and my right foot slipped down 3 steps. I caught my weight on my left leg, which is the one I have been having such terrible muscle pain in. Really gave another muscles a stretch. It was a ten on a scale of ten for a few minutes. Wow! So I just sat on the step I landed on until I could move. It calmed down to an 8 or 9, and Flo drove up, so I got up and got in her car. Had the keep both feet on the ground and sit in the car then slowly pivot around, lifting my left leg into the car. I should have iced it right away, but I really wanted this day out! And I had a grand time and was truly very careful of my leg. I can walk without the cane but am using it as a precaution while it is so painful. I did ice it when I got home. Also have more lower back pain - no doubt from the fall, just that the torn muscle was so excruciating I didn't notice a little wrenched back!!! So off to bed.

The Schoolmarm

2011-04-14T23:21:00.000-07:00

taught K thru 12 in a one room schoolhouse, carried water and chopped her firewood. Often she lived in a different pupil's house each month. She has to cope with kids who missed months of schooling due to working the crops or hunting and fishing to help feed their families. No dating was allowed, and marriage often ended her job. Of course, I am talking about the frontier schoolmarms. My grandmother was a widow with three children, living in Vicksburg, Mississippi. She taught in a one room school house, grades K thru 12. Her kids carried their shoes to school and they had meat for dinner one day and gravy the next. One of the kids favorite sandwiches was ketchup on home made bread. I imagine that the ketchup was home made too. This was in the early 20th century.

Wearing Handwoven Dresses

2011-04-13T23:25:00.000-07:00

Often my drawings of textiles remind me of South and Central American handwoven textiles. So I think that these two women are from Peru, with their babies on their backs. I spent some hours between yesterday and today, trying to make one buttonhole. So both sewing machines are needing a tune-up. Mark is picking up one or both Friday morning between 9 and 10 a.m. Millie is already gone to Cherryville. I thought we were going to Coquitlam today to J&G Asian grocery store. I am disappointed. I kept trying to get hold of her. Finally I called Old Doug and found out she had left already. So I swallowed my pride and asked Old Doug for a ride to Super Store because I can get my dog food cheaper there. I will ask him to drop me off at Dr. Pattinson's office because I need a refill on one of my meds, and then I can walk to Save On and get my Rx filled and pick up some yogurt. I will take my little box on wheels!

A Good Day

2011-04-12T22:49:00.000-07:00

Today Heather came over and we packed up 14 boxes of fabrics and clothes to give to The Hospital Thrift Shop and Salvation Army or Value Village. I have to find a way to get the ones not for HTS to VV or SA. Arnie is out of town but gets back Saturday and he may be willing to help me. Laurie is working for her political candidate. The room is now possible for a guest room. There is still a lot to do in there, and eventually I want to move my sewing room in there - as well as a guest room. And have a cleared out living room - I moved one wire shelving rack into the living room for the TV and radio. Then to get rid of the huge ugly entertainment center and china cabinet! It will be like having a new house. I swear I want to paint the rugs!!!! They are so gross and such dust makers.

Bringing Baby Home

2011-04-11T22:53:00.000-07:00

Oh gosh my face is red! I missed Riley's birthday. It was April 6 and he was 5 years old. Poor neglected dog!
I had a good day. Got started on a card, and while the paint was drying I decided to make the buttonhole on Tammy's pillowcase. I had the Viking set up but couldn't find the instruction manual. So I got out the Singer and the manual was packed with it. But then I couldn't find the box of attachments for the buttonhole foot. So in clearing off my sewing table to find the Singer attachments I found the Viking instruction manual, so tomorrow I will switch back to the Viking and make me a buttonhole!!!
Heather is coming over tomorrow to help me work on the spare room. I want to get it at least somewhat presentable for Jean's visit. I finished packing up the cups for my Judy's china and stored the box under the sewing table. I hope to move the sewing table into the spare room, but for now this is good.

Sir Riley Fluffybottom

2011-04-07T23:15:00.000-07:00

Not all colors completely accurate! I do think I caught something in his face, especially his ears, and his tail. I tried to get his feet the reddish tan, not having the right color. When his feet are wet they look like he has a cut on them.

Had a good day. Millie was able to give me a ride to pick up my prescriptions that were not in stock yesterday. Next week we are going to Coquitlam to an Asian grocery store!!! Color me excited!

The Kindergarten Teachers, Janie and Angie

2011-04-06T23:45:00.000-07:00

Saw both doctors today and resolved some things. Doing very well finally. More active and feeling generally better than I have in a long while. Hope it lasts.

The Elvis Impersonator

2011-04-05T22:49:00.000-07:00

Wearing his blue suede shoes!

What a day! I walked Riley to the corner. I made an apple pie. I made a macaroni and cheese casserole with home made white sauce, I did all the dishes, including a few from before. I went to my trauma survivors support group which Scott himself called me to tell me about, but which is not starting until late April or early May. Hmmm.

So I came home and put the mac and cheese in the oven, and it was great. For cheeses I used some Feta and some shredded TexMex mix with Jalapeno - mmm it is soo good. Two more servings left! I had some for dinner and some for bedtime snack. I have been having a hard time going to sleep because I was hungry. Now I may be too full. Oh, and the apple pie is wonderful!!!

All Dressed Up and Ready to Go!

2011-04-04T23:13:00.000-07:00

I love the alternating bands of color and black & white. They are wearing purple ankle boots.

I have Millie's car for a few days and I did all my shopping today. I went to the health food store since that is the only place I can find adzuki beans. Produce mkt, and save on and super store. And carried everything upstairs. And up and down to walk Riley too. He enjoyed running errands with me - of course he sleeps while I am shopping AND he does NOY help me carry the groceries upstairs! What a bum but what can I say, I love him!!!! Tomorrow I want to bake an apple pie, make mac and cheese and a big salad for dinner. Tonight I had frozen pizza - well, cooked.

Mary, does this dress make me look fat?

2011-04-03T22:29:00.000-07:00

Ah, our ever increasing concern with appearance and especially with weight!!! Bad culture, go to your room!!!!
I had a really nice day. To start with I slept all night last night and awoke rested for the first time since I got sick. It was just awesome. Then Millie and I ran around doing some errands she needed to do. We went to dollar store and I was able to put back the two craft items I had put in my basket and leave the craft isle!!!! Good Ann, go to the head of the line!!
Then I took Millie home and Riley and I went in and we had a very nice visit - old Doug was there, and I hadn't seen him since I asked him to move his boat, so I especially wanted to make sure no hard feelings. He was his taciturn self, but things seemed OK.
Last night I was totally jonesing for ice cream and called a couple of friends. One was not feeling well and one was not home. Hung up and the phone rang - it was Arnie, Sal's widower. He asked me if I wanted to go out for dinner. I had just eaten but told him I would be delighted to eat dessert while he ate dinner. It was good - we talked a lot and I told him about his son, Adam's, prank and how much it upset me. It felt good to finally get that out in the open. I tried to talk to Adam after it happened and he made himself unavailable. So, all in all, I am feeling well, and thinking about starting a new project before I give the lecture to the Vancouver Embroiderers Club - something flat, based on one of my drawings.

Little Rainbow

2011-04-02T23:22:00.000-07:00

goes on a special outing with her Mom and her Auntie.

Had a good day in spite of no sleep last night. I literally never fell asleep for a moment. Ugh!

Went to ATCs in spite of the fact that I had not made any new ATCs for this month. What with being sick, it just crept up on me.
Was incredibly intimidated by how much a couple of the women get done every month.

Came home, ate lunch, took a 50 minute nap, and walked Riley.
Did two loads of laundry and made my bed with the clean sheet.
Read a while and did this drawing, made supper, and was calling around looking for someone to go out for ice cream or something, when Arnie called and asked me out to dinner. Bummer I had just finished dinner, but I went out and had strawberry-rhubarb pie with ice cream while he ate dinner. I enjoyed talking and wondered if my nosy neighbors will be talking tomorrow!!!

little butterfly, hidden

2011-03-31T23:17:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been very sick again. I plan to talk with the fibro doctor and my family doctor next week - the soonest I can get in to see either of them. I wish I could sit down and talk with both of them at once. Anyway, this recurring cycle of constipation and diarrhea are just killing me. And I get more pain relief from Tylenol and my Celebrex than from these terrible drugs. But I know the Tylenol is bad for me. But this is no life at all. When I am not too sick to function I am sleeping. It cannot go on!

Purple Rubber Boots

2011-03-27T23:29:00.000-07:00

are always in style in the Great Pacific Northwest!!! Yes, it's raining again. I wish I had rubber boots - preferably in a wild color or pattern.

These Quadruplets Are Fashion Models!

2011-03-26T23:20:00.000-07:00

Day one with new patch. Not expected to feel any relief for first 24 hours. Had a quiet day. Spilled a large glass of cold coffee and ice cream all over myself and a bit on the new recliner. It was the last coffee in the house. I am trying to drink just tea for awhile and see if it helps. Then from tea to herbal tea - caffeine free. It is supposed to help. I will see. I really do like coffee! I mostly drink water anyway.

I find myself trying to figure out where the outlines are for each woman. Interesting, huh?

Oh look, Gladys, the new cheer leader uniforms are in!"

2011-03-24T23:55:00.000-07:00

Sweaters and long skirts - what decade was this? Vote for your favorite uniform.

I have a new love seat and recliner - new to me. Millie's friend Larry gave them to me. He and a friends moved the sofa out onto the front balcony, and moved Millie's iron table and chairs over to Millie's. The recliner is very comfortable after the sofa/recliner. I guess that by the time things work their way down to me they are just in pretty bad shape. The love seat has foam cushions and is also pretty comfortable. I don't know about being long enough to sleep on. But I do have the foam cushion in the spare room.

I brought home some newspapers to wrap china and dragons and pigs for packing up. Tomorrow Millie and I are going to the recycling place - I with my record player. It isn't any great shakes, and Judy doesn't want it.

Is My Slip Showing?

2011-03-23T23:26:00.000-07:00

Went to Dr. Hyams today for trigger point injections. Got injections over the left anterior muscles which hurts so badly I am sometimes unable to climb the stairs. Also the left knee. So far so good - some pain relief already. While there I asked him about the patch, and he said he would send in a request again. I think I will try to email him a reminder next week. Also mentioned the constipation and he wrote a Rx for it which hopefully will help. It was nice hanging out with Tammy, who gave me a ride. She loves the pillow case. I asked her if she wanted a button and buttonhole and she does - maybe tomorrow. Today was a beautiful warm spring day. So nice to walk Riley when it is like this. This weather makes me happy!!!!

Two Tall Guys This Hot Mama Likes Purple

2011-03-22T22:25:00.000-07:00

Today I made the cat pillow case for Tammy. I made these two drawings. I cooked some chicken - it was awesome! Finished the turkey soup and the lentil salad. Tomorrow I plan to make chicken and gravy and mashed potatoes, and perhaps a pot of chili, and pack something away. Maybe I will soon be getting some canvases out of the closet!

Three Tall Women

2011-03-21T22:55:00.000-07:00

Today I did not get as much done as I had hoped, although I am reading a paper on printmaking and did make up a written list of things I want to do. I hope to check things off a I get done. Arranged with Tammy for a ride to Dr. Hyams on Wednesday.

Color Study #11

2011-03-20T23:23:00.000-07:00

Wonderful news! I finally got to go to Meeting for Worship today. It felt so good to settle into the silence. It's been months since I have gotten to go and it has been a real void in my life. Today instead of having food in the kitchen after meeting for worship and then going back into the living room for the discussion, Earl set the dining room table and we all sat around the table and ate and talked. It was just great. It really felt more natural, and everybody stayed for discussion! And Jane brought deviled eggs which were enjoyed by all.
When I came home Riley and I took a nap. He woke me up after 1 1/2 hours, which was just perfect! If I sleep more than that, or later in the day, I won't be able to go to sleep at night. But I wasn't tired during meeting and not after my nap either.
I made a salad with the lentils I cooked the other day - just like the aduki bean salad but with lentils because that's what I have in the house. It was delicious - almost as good as the aduki bean salad.

Little People

2011-03-19T22:42:00.000-07:00

The Little People in this drawing are from a set of ATCs I made to trade. I made and cut out the outline forms, and then drew one on each 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 card, the drew the patterning and colored them in. It took a long time to make enough for the trade. I was casting about in my mind and thought of these and decided to enter some new ones in this little journal. I am excited to be coming to the end of this project. As I didn't make the journal itself, I don't think I can do anything but place it in my collection of hand made books and journals.

Earth Goddess

2011-03-18T23:19:00.000-07:00

Feel really satisfied with this drawing, based on my beaded dolls. The pens I am using give the gloss of beads.

Spring is Coming

2011-03-17T23:24:00.000-07:00

Went out to lunch with Millie today. She was hungering for a Big Mac after 6 weeks "in the bush". So we went to MacDonald's and before we could get out of the car a gentleman knocked on the car window to tell us we had a flat tire. So she called her friend Larry who came over right away and changed her tire for her and we went to the tire place and she left off her tire to be repaired and dropped me off. I notice my empty parking spot. I don't usually. I got used to having a car after 6 weeks. It was awesome.

My right thigh in the front hurts so much I cannot climb one step with it. Have to go up like a little kid. Climb step with my right leg and bring my left leg up. Repeat to top of stairs.

I like my sun with all the plants reaching up to the light and warmth. Spring soon.

The Hubba Bubba Girls

2011-03-17T00:15:00.000-07:00

Once again I colored their faces in Photoshop, because I forgot to do it before I scanned. The neat thing is that I can get exactly what I want this way. Millie is home and not feeling to good today, so I am taking her car back tomorrow. It's a long trip home by bus. So forewarned is forearmed, and I went to Langley Fruit and Veggie Mkt. and stocked up. I had $14 in checking and a little bit of change in my coin purse, and now I have about a Loonie in each place! And a passel of fresh produce. I baked a pork chop and a yam for dinner, with three little oranges, and some awesome Amish Friendship Bread that Millie gave me which is really like a cake, and very good. She gave me a nice sized piece - enough to have a piece for the next three days - or as it happens, for lunch, supper and bedtime snack!!! It is sooo good. She has the starter for it and the recipe, and I think she plans to share it with me, and I can share it with everyone I know in Maple Ridge!!! Can't wait to try it.

M'Lady's Perfume

2011-03-15T23:29:00.000-07:00

I really wanted to call this one Jitterbug Perfume, but am afraid of violating copyright. It's a good book by one of my favorite authors.

Definitely have the flu. Had fever and severe muscle pains starting last night - no sleep until 7 a.m. this morning. Went to pick up Rx at Save On and started crying on my way out of the store and had to sit in the cat for 10 or 20 minutes until I got some control. Then I managed to get home with just tears streaming down my face but not the violent sobbing. Then when I got the car parked at home started sobbing again.

Realized I cannot possible move to the apartment I want to live in. It will take me years to get everything sorted and get rid of as much stuff as possible. I cannot do it alone, and so much of the time I can't work. So I called Dethe to let him know and I started sobbing again and I was saying "I can't move" as in move to another apartment, and he could barely hear me and thought I was saying I can't move as in maybe I had fallen or something. It was just awful, and I hated to cry on the phone to Dethe.

Anyway, I called Laurie and she came over and made me some soup with the bones from a turkey I had in the fridge and a bunch of veggies. I have focused on really getting my fluids up and the fever seems to be coming down and the muscle pain is not so severe that I scream trying to stand from sitting. Laurie gave Riley a good walk as I was barely making it down the stairs with him. Tonight I was able to take him downstairs to pee, and now I have a bad pain in my chest under my sternum. I always think it might be a heart attack, especially when I have a hard time breathing! But the breathing has settled down some and the pain isn't getting any worse. One very hard thing for me is sorting out viral thing vs. fibromyalgia.

Woman Running

2011-03-13T23:22:00.000-07:00

I am feeling muggy. Sleeping a lot and not doing much of anything. This drawing took me two whole days. I am getting used to thawing something in time to cook dinner. Tonight's was fantastic! I had some leftover rice and some chicken thighs. I put 1T of olive oil in a small casserole and put hand ground sea salt and peppercorn on both sides of chicken and cooked at 325 for 40 minutes. Meanwhile I put 1T butter in a smaller casserole and addes ride. Added some feta with herbs and another T of butter on top. Put into oven when timer rang and cooked both for another 15 min. Made a salad to go with. Had a bite of dark chocolate for dessert!

Face Puzzle

2011-03-09T23:28:00.000-08:00

Things are going well. The baby beef liver I got at Organic Meat Mkt is tender and delicious. Got another birthday present today! It is very exciting. Riley got chilled in the car yesterday and I was just terrified he would get sick. But he is fine today. He liked the liver too. He only got liver - not onion and only the tiniest bit of bacon. I got the bacon at OMM too and it is just amazing - very meaty and cooked up perfectly! This is yesterday's drawing - shooting for something that refers back to my early drawings and also fits with the current series.

Walking Wanda

2011-03-06T23:37:00.000-08:00

I am getting close to finishing this journal, and I will be glad. Since I didn't make it, it can only be added to my collection. Today I did a huge load of dishes and pots and pans, took a shower and washed my hair, went shopping at Save On for various supplements and a few cans for when I don't feel like cooking! The bags were very heavy coming up the stairs and the fronts of my legs are complaining about it! Watched one program I like on Knowledge and a few I didn't care about while I was drawing - not watched so much as listened. I received a gift certificate at Be Creative and augmented my supply of metallic and sparkly gel pens. Even got a few new colors and had fun today playing with new colors.

Alice and her Tattooed Girlfriend

2011-03-03T23:29:00.000-08:00

I made spaghetti sauce yesterday and instead of my usual herbs I used Turmeric and Cumin and Asian hot sauce - with a Rooster on the plastic bottle. Wow! What a difference - and really good too. Riley absolutely loves it.
Today I visited Faye and she made an aduki bean salad. It was awesome! I haven't cooked aduke beans since I was married to Danny and lived in Carpenter, Ohio. They are so delicious! I am definitely going to make that salad! Her partner made an apple pie for my visit, which was so nice of him. And it was great! He added oats to the whole wheat crust which was terrific.
I have to make ATCs tomorrow! I was going to make them today but the visit to Faye was so important to me, and we just talked and talked.

The little old lady from Pasedena

2011-03-02T23:36:00.000-08:00

I have resorted to cutting out my drawings on card stock to get symmetry, as it has been frustrating to have my figures so off from one side to another. Still my own drawing from start to finish. This also allows me to place her on the page in exactly the way I want to in order to center her and allow room for hair and feet! I particularly like her hair and face and eyes. Having made her symmetrical I enjoy making her clothes asymmetrical.

Weird Ann thoughts say "if I eat the last piece of cake it will all be gone and out of the house so no more temptation". And so I did. It was a pretty big piece - I do feel a little bit sick.

Mask Visits the Heidleberg Project

2011-03-02T23:27:00.000-08:00

Three days work here. I am thinking a series of masks in different situations. The Heidleberg Project is an installation in inner city Detroit. It is amazing and wonderful. I was making a dress series one of the times I visited and he had arranged a line of dresses - the kind your grandmother might have work - or your great grandmother - depending on how old you are - on a fence marking the back line of a vacant lot. They were the Sunday morning go to church dresses of elderly women now discarded. I was just awestruck. The dresses were in varying stages of decay. The houses he owned and the street and the sidewalks and the cars he owned were all painted with brightly colored dots.

Pretty dress with a long vest

2011-03-01T23:31:00.000-08:00

I was consciously designing an outfit. You can see that the vest is separate and the sleeves belong to the dress. I went to Dr. Hyams today. He has changed the Rx from 3 mg q4-6h to 4 mg QID - so the total daily dosage is less. Color me confused because I thought from what he told me that he was trying to build up my tolerance for the patch. Meanwhile I was not getting much pain control at all. I do think that so far the 4 mg is helping more than the 3 mg ever did.

Today I signed up for a funeral plan and bought the forms for a will and a living will at Staples. I called Shaw and cancelled my cable TV.

3 Women, 1 Pair of Shoes

2011-02-28T23:25:00.000-08:00

It's cold out tonight. I slipped on the icy sidewalk and almost fell. No chance anyone would hear me if I yelled as bedrooms are on the back of the units. I think while it is so cold out maybe I should walk Riley around 9 or 10 p.m. and not wait until 11 p.m.

Still having major back and knee pain as a result of over doing getting ready for the party. Taking pain meds every 4 hours and not getting enough relief although beginning to notice a little relief this evening.

I am working on a larger drawing of a mask. I am liking it - just something a little different.

And A Magic Cape

2011-02-24T23:30:00.000-08:00

Drawing is so much fun!