To Europe or not to Europe

This is my question.

Coming off my 2 months in Europe, I knew I would return one day to continue to soak up all the world has to offer.

I now have been planning a trip with Daiv to spend 3 weeks this summer ( short I know, but what can ya do when trying to get time off together) see Amsterdam and Spain with a stop in London and Norwich.

However, there is the big airline issue over a frothy ash.

I see airlines starting to take off once more, but am wondering if the travel goddess may be pointing us towards a road trip closer to home this summer.... Daiv says Arizona and the painted desert and turquoise/silver artistry?

Hmmm ponder ponder..........what think you all?

day 45 give or take a few in between...

I would just like to take a moment and thank John Fluevog for continuing to make such artful and fabulous footware so I could finally have a pair of my own.

In honor of the furries, a little night music...

It occurs to me that animals should have their own theme songs.

Looking at my gang, I have come up with the following for your listening pleasure...

What would your furries' be?

click on their names for youtube links....

Nessa and she would wear ear wing dread locks

Harlo and she would wear a man's tuxedo jacket, and nothing else.

Flame and she would wear flak jacket and helmut, in red however...

Sage and she would wear.."

ummm nothing thanks....no collars, no leashes..don't fence me in man!"

Niko and he would wear a bandana and a English cap

Snickers has a home...

Thank you to all for networking and helping to find this fantastic kitty a loving home.

Snickers, needs a home....yours?

***Please help 'Snickers' find his home. Currently being fostered with friends who found him on their new doorstep, abandoned by previous homeowners.

Short hair male kitty white with orange splotches......adorable. We are not sure if he has been neutered.

He is fully litterbox faithful.

Young, about 7-9 months or so, great age to bond with people.

Ridiculously, friendly, gentle and playful, a real joy. He has an untraceable tattoo in one ear. Healthy no obvious sign of fleas.

He is not scared of dogs in the

neighborhood, curious about other cats, extremely social, not fussy about food, eats well.

Would love to be indoor/outdoor I believe, but could adapt to anything.

He says..

" Hi, I am Snickers....

I am really adorable and

would love a warm home and a lap to call my own. I started with a family but it seems they moved out of my house and left me behind.

I don't know why, but I am looking forward to meeting you and starting fresh.

I have a really cute and inquisitve pink nose and wide happy golden eyes

I have never been caught spraying and love to chase all manner of things and get rubs and love.

I like being scooped and cuddled and am also happy to just hang.

I will entertain you and

make you giggle and smile. Would you consider bringing me home and helping get over the feelings of abandonment with your love?

I don't have much baggage"

Contact me through the comments section to meet and adopt Snickers:

Hi, day ??????

I can not believe we are looking April in the face all of a sudden. I mean wasn't it just Christmas a blink ago?

I am truly enjoying the early blooming season however. Yay for happy daffodils, pussywillows and magnolia blossoms.

My grateful thought for the day is the happiness felt when sharing it with friends. Share the laughter, the smiles, it simply feels good :)....now pass it on :)

day 44 Daiv and Harlo

Hard to believe this little pussycat only found us a year ago.

She and Daiv have become very tight as you can see, and she continues to show us her goofy, silly and wonderful self, while hanging with her BFF, Nessa.

I am very thankful Harlo came into our world and lightened the mood in our house even further with her hunour.

Day 43 ( a little late ..lol )

It truly appears that my 365 days of Gratitude can not possibly be consecutive days.

However, even though time may pass between posts, I think about this everyday..that counts right?

Today after a busy couple of weeks of show prep, audition prep and performance,

I am grateful that fairies and dragons can co exist in my garden, spreading a little magic through the hollows.

day 42-comments

Thank you everyone for dropping by and leaving comments. It is thrilling to see that someone has read and taken the time to offer their thoughts.

Today......whoot....grateful to you!

Day 41- the Ocean

Really, it is hard to feel anything but happy and grateful to live on Vancouver Island on a day like this.

Pictures say it all..glorious.

Day 40-Sunshine and Daffodils

Sun beaming bold,

yellow

daffodil bright.

I say a quiet thank you to the sky.

day39- Hair-Vagina Monologues

I have been directing theatre for a long time.

I always knew that directing was what I wanted to do, what I longed to do- but I also really love acting.

For me, the hardest part of acting is not being a part of the whole creative vision within the process.

It is like being one piece of a puzzle when you don't have all the puzzle pieces in front of you and trying to find out how you fit.

Directing gives you the whole box of puzzle pieces to play with.

The result of this is I do very little acting these days unless something really calls to me.

A show " The Vagina Monologues" is one that called loudly.

I started by simply auditioning, not knowing anyone involved and soon found myself not only performing, but ass't directing and participating as an acting coach.

All those beautiful pieces of the puzzle shared amongst us.

It was a life changing experience. The people involved, the words, the stories shared with such honesty....

I could go on and on, it was magic.

But that was two years ago...why am I writing this as part of my gratitude series today?

Recently it was brought to my attention that the youtube clip of my performance has been seen by over 22,000 people in the last year.

HOLY CRAP.

22,000 PEOPLE! tuning into to me, acting.......unbelievable.

Thank you to Sarah Kramer for posting it a year ago and wow, thank you to all the people who have watched this and beenopen to this amazing work by Eve Ensler.

For someone who considers herself a director first and an actress only something I visit, the validation you all have given me as an actress is amazing, and so graciously recieved.

I am so heartfully proud to have been able to be a part of this, to have the work carry forward through the likes of Youtube and to be involved in a global movement fighting to end all violence against women and children, forever.

Click on this sentence to view video if you wish...

day 38- Sun and Flowers

It is warm, really lovely.

I ventured outside today and noticed little crocus, snowdrops and even daffodils, starting their journey to springtime bloom.

This while the east is under record setting snow falls.

I even heard a few lawnmowers *laughs*.

We are a little more laid back about the growing grass, the lawnmower is still under winter wrappings.

I do like snow, but I am pretty happy about the sun.

Thank you Sun, for, shining down so warmly.

( My snow dance continues however, I can't help it, one good fall before the sun is here to stay )

Flowers and sunshine....a good day.

day 37- VDay

Thank you Daiv :)

The Olympic perspective from the east side...

This is not mine, but it is so eloquently photographed and narrated that I wanted to share.

Please click on the this sentence and read through the 7 pictures.

day 36- hedgehogs

While wallowing in my noisy frustration about Canada's overspending on this months Olympics, ( this involves status updates on FB of disgust, protests on the legislature lawn and yelling at the TV frequently ) I am grateful that something as creamy, hazelnutty-fabulous as a hedgehog exists to help wash away my angst.

Mmmmmmmm.......thanks for the Vday prezzie Mumzie.

day 35- Water

I am reminded today, after a conversation with friends about their bevvies of choice, that water is something not everyone can appreciate direct from their tap.

Indeed many walk miles upon miles to a watering hole, less than sanitary and fill up a bucket of this life giving fluid for the day.

We are lucky. This does not get said enough.

I love water and drink a good 3-4 large glasses a day. I pour it straight from my tap into my glass. The taste... clean, full and crisp. I do not drink pop, or most preprocessed juices.

Don't know why, never have really.

Water and fresh juice made with that same water.

Simply nothing else compares.

I am grateful to the water that I reach for in my own kitchen.

( I am also grateful to a fellow photographer who gave me the inspiratation for this photo )

day 34, Micha

Thank you Micha.

This post of yours made me smile the smile that was most needed.

Mary Tyler Moore Theme song...

day 33- Frnge

I am sci-fi geek sometimes and tonight is no exception.

This little show "Fringe" is what makes my Thursday complete.

Is it the alternate universe, the science of improbability or simply the dark and creepy locales?

I think perhaps a culmination of all, but I love this show and am grateful I was home in time, (with a warm fire burning and timbits) to take in yet another parallel Universe extravaganza.

:)

day 228, 29, 30 and 31- no guilt gratitude

It has been some days since my last post and I realized I was feeling guilty that I hadn't found the time to make it here and post. That won't do, it seriously hampers the ability to be in the moment and to be acknowledging what is in front of you.

I have now shaken my head, given myself a little talking to and remembered that finding something to be thankful for is not necessarily a spectator sport. *smile* and the reason these last few days will remain quiet-without guilt.

For today however, I turn my thoughts to the female artists that have come before, and to whom I am full of gratitude.

Just take a moment and think about what it must have been like for the women in theatre before the the early 1900s. What they must have struggled with to free their art.

Isadora Duncan, Sarah Bernhardt, and even back further with female writers, Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, George Sands et al.

Without those passionate and determined women, blasting through stereotypes and obstacles, life as we know it in the arts would look much more grim.

One of these women truly speaks to me and has for years. Sarah Bernhardt, one of the leading ladies of theatre, and whom Mucha used as his muse to paint allowing greater exposure for Sarah and her art.

I was lucky enough to wander through a museum of Mucha's works in Prague and brought home a beautiful silk of a painting of Sarah Bernhardt as she appeared for Tosca.

It hangs beside my bed, shining on as a reminder to how far women in the arts have come.

day 27 of 365 days of gratitude- JD Salinger

It seems appropriate that a moment should be taken to reflect upon J.D. Salinger and what he has given the world.

I am forever grateful to the characters I have met, the worlds explored and introspection provoked thanks to the talents of this author.

No picture today, rather I look to you to form a picture in your mind's eye of a character of Salinger's that has left their impression upon you and to share it, if you wish, in the comments.

I like this quote a lot and am sad I will never be able to call him up and have a chat about his latest novel now.

"What really knocks me out is a book that, when you're all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it." - J.D. Salinger

Thank you JD Salinger......RIP

day 26 of 365 days of gratitude- a guy who loves his dog

There is something to be said about a guy who cares about animals.

I am grateful I have one of them.

Our menagerie has grown with room in our hearts for a few very special furries who have found us over the years.

Niko, pictured, was a rescue. I found him at the SPCA after 3 months of dog jail when he was just 8 months old.

He put his head in my hand, with all the weight and sadness of the world in it, and I knew he was supposed to come home. Luckilly so did Daiv. No convincing necessary.

They have been best friends ever since.

day 25 of 365 days of gratitude- Talents of Friends

I am very priviliged to be surrounded by friends with an abundance of creativity energy and talent. I have no doubt they will show up here more than once through this year long gratitude challenge.

I am thankful that they are in my life to bounce ideas with, exchange support and encouragement and generally keep the creative juices flowing.

Today I would like to appreciate the talents of the artistry of Gothic Glass Studio seen here at Etsy.

My friend Issy has been hard at work creating beautiful stained glass art, pendants and more.

I am showing off my most recent purchase here... a little piece of Paris, close to my heart.

Lucky for me, it will not be my last, and it joins a collection :)

the crow feather, my own personal snow fo when the snow dance does not work, and Paris.

Thanks Issy, your work is awesome!

.

day 24- the world of the thumb

Do you ever take a moment and appreciate some of the things that make us so unique, and yet are simply a part of our make up?

I am talking about thumbs today.

Just the act of taking a photo is easier with thumbs.

I am going to list all the things a thumb can do and I hope you will add to my list..

A thumb can;

grab

bend

clasp

fold

wiggle

push

scratch

pull

gesture

okay, that is a good start, what else?

*A thank you to the Thumb!

day 23-carrots

It is amazing that a simple food such as the carrot, makes a couple of dogs so very happy.

Every night, the carrots come out and the dogs, ( looking like they are talking while they chew, crunch and demolish their carrots) appreciate the benefits of a crispy raw carrot.

How can you not appreciate such a perfect food?

Tonight, I raise a glass and toast " the carrot"

day 22-Doggy style

You know you have good friends, when you can call them up at the spur of the moment and ask them to be your model for the evening, while you practice your photography.

Bottle of wine later, and many giggles...you have what you need.

He is beyond a good sport and a terrific model, even on all fours.

Thank you Brent :)

day 21-Cereal

Thank you Jerry Seinfeld, for making cereal the perfect bedtime snack.

day 20- Don't Piss off the Fairies!

I really need to get out with my camera more and branch out from my home pictures ( but I do love my home) however this plaque good friends gave me, who know me VERY well, sums my thoughts up well today.

Simply, I am grateful to a sense of humour that more often than naught, will get me through a day.

If you can't giggle, you are in big trouble, and not just with the fairies!

day 19- Chemical Thingy

I am supposed to be sleeping and yet, I realize I have not taken a moment or a picture for today.

Well you will have to create a picture in your head.

Picture a block full of fire engines, ambulances, cops, media and a HazMat team.

Lights and sirens going, people everywhere.

Imagine that grouping of vehicles sectioning off an entire city block.

Now imagine right in the middle of all that is your Grandma, cozily tucked in her room watching tv, oblivious to the mayhem and potential for disaster right outside her building.

"A chemical thingy"...this is what I am told by the police they are dealing with when I call them. "Your Grandma will not be evacuated and will be fine"

well that is a relief..I think...what constitutes a "chemical thingy" and shuts off a city block?

I am however, grateful the HazMat team and fire engines that blocked the road off to my Grandma's place, did not require Grandma to be evacuated and that she was not even aware anything was going on.

Now did you take a picture of all that in your head?

:)

Just tuning in....

Well hello, I am noticing that this blog is getting more hits than it used to, and just wanted to say thanks.

I am working on a challenge that started as a photo challenge ( take a creative photo of something you are grateful for every day for 365 days) that has become a blog with those images.

I am loving the time I spend mentally rehashing the day, or being more awake to a moment that I may want to acknowledge here. I encourage others to do the same. it helps you to really just be in the moment authentically, at least I am hoping that is what it is doing. It feels that way.

I realize it is "all about me" but it IS my blog..lololol.. so I suppose I am allowed a little free reign right?

If you start your own 365 days of gratitude, I would love to hear about it. Do let me know if you are doing this.

It is curious that the subject that has brought the most discussion however is a pair of jeans. Who knew people had such strong feelings about this.

That is the joy I get from this blog thing......you really do learn something everyday.

I have been close to home with a long suffering Cough since New Years, so much has been shot and appreciated around the house.

However, cough almost gone ( and I AM grateful for that too, but you don't want to see the picture ) and look forward to extending the boundaries of photos.

So thanks all, thanks for reading and for your comments, thanks for jumping in and trying this yourself and for the support.

Bloggety blog blog!

day 18- Mumzie!

I have the best mom in the world, it is true.

I get spoiled and supported and looked after, whether I need it or not.

Every Christmas she has made a wonderful practice of filling my stocking with the essentials of life for many years now, and this year those essentials were too big, ( yes I am talking about those underclothes we all need ) :)

Cut to today.

We go shopping and those essentials ( I do have a drawer full already )turned into a great pair of jeans.

Crisp, dark blue and looking like a pair of friends before I even tried them on. Just what was needed, an essential item that does not fit in a stocking.

Thank Mumzie.... as always....for doing what you do.

Day 17- sigh...Sundays!

Is there anything better than a lazy morning coffee, with the sun shining?

A pajama and slippers kind of morning and a great old black and white film to get lost in for just a little while.

Sigh...today was just such a day........a good Sunday, a day off- together with Daiv and the furries.

365 Days of Gratitude-Day 16- SUN

TODAY THE SUN SHONE! THANK YOU!

365 Days of Gratitude-Day 15, Brent and the History Boys

Tonight I saw a terrific play, "The History Boys."

Really beautifully drawn characters, global themes that challenge and push us into the uncomfortable and which provoked much after play discussion between myself and my friend Brent.

Tonight I am thankful that Brent chose to share his tickets with me.

A good friend, a great play and a wonderful evening.

He also has a really cute little dog. Seriously, cutest small dog with a big dog personality I have ever met.

365 Days of Gratitude-Day 14, Harlo

Todays thought is easy to find.

Harlo.

This quiet, dignified pussycat who had been rescued after saving herself and her kittens after being dumped on a very busy highway then surviving for two months on their own, found her way to our hearts and then our home last January 14.

All her kittens were homed and finally it was Harlo's turn.

She came in, made herself at home , befriended Nessa and all the furries and never looked back.

Now she is a goofy cat that runs instead of walking, pealing through the loose carpets and objects, sideways like a cartoon kitty.

Happy 1 year anniversary Harlo.

365 Days of Gratitude-Day 13- appreciation

Oh dear, it seems a day went by and I missed it....sigh. I thought this would happen, but much later on in the year.

I shall just have to pick up and go on it seems.

Try to be extra thankful to make up for it for me okay? Maybe even add a comment and tell me what you are grateful for today.

So day 13.

Daiv and I have been doing some purging of stuff at our house and with running a theatre company, the animals, and 18 years together, we have accumulated a lot of stuff.

The things that never get purged however, are the little things that a student gives you as a thank you in appreciation for what you have shared together.

This little adorable friend came from such an acting student and I love it.

This represents many of these treasures, and I am grateful for them :)

365 Days of Gratitude-Day 11-Tim Hortens

It is quite easy to think upon things I am grateful for each day, it is another thing to create an image of this fairly abstract concept every single day.

Today's was a cynch however.

With evil aunt Flo lurking in the future, the call of Tim Hortens was strong and Daiv went off in search of the answer.

I suppose I should be grateful to Daiv as well, but for today, I am

thanking a little donut hole known as Tim Hortens :)

365 Days of Gratitude-Day 10 "JC Superstar"

I am a cheezeball.

I will admit it, and from the get go, this musical has been as much a part of me as breathing.

My mom took me to the movie 13 times in the theatre ( really she did, I was 5 ) and I grew up listening to the soundtrack, ( albums, with all the great album art, I was trying to get a better view of the "mass of blood" leper, weird little kid I was ) pretty much every evening.

As a young actress, I was able to perform it and share this experience with my mom who choreographed it and my now lifelong friends of cast mates ( waves to Micha, "Herod's favourite")

Tonight I was able to once more lose myself in this amazing musical journey, complete with Ted Neeley starring as Jesus.

It was amazing. I am very grateful to have been able to see this special show with the man who originated the role in Norman Jewwison's movie, and who has not lost anything vocally with age. Just brilliant.

This pic is not mine and I can not find the photgrapher to credit them...but thank you to who did take this.

365 Days of Gratitude-Day 9- the art of Daiv

My partner is a very talented artist but often this means others get beautiful art as gifts, while our own walls remain adorned with the talents of others.

A little like the shoemaker's wife if you know what I mean.

However, Daiv has completed my one request for a piece of art for me.

Sage , my noble beautiful 16 year old friend.

He has captured her spirit so brilliantly-I am very grateful for both the talents of Daiv and Sage, the inspiration.

365 Days of Gratitude-Day 8- kindness of strangers

I was looking through photos of my trek through Europe and while doing so, reminded about just how many strangers took the time help with directions, share travel tips, read a sign, etc for me and wanted to take today to show them my gratitude.

The Kindness of Strangers is alive and well and living in places where you least expect them :)

I do not have a picture of this.

In my mind's eye, it is very clear, but I will need to go back to Europe to snap it :)

365 Days of Gratitude-Day 7- bear essentials

It is often the little comforts that make me smile and appreciate a moment.

Today it is what I call the " Bear Essentials."

A bear given to me by a long time student and friend, a candle given to me by my mom, and the comfort of a place so familiar, the bedroom.

365 Days of Gratitude-Day 6- being here.

Today I had a harsh reminder of how tender and fragile our existance is.

Today's is easy, I am simply grateful to be able to stand up on my own two feet, look in the mirror and have the time to reflect on all this.

Life is precious, and fleeting, every moment counts.

365 Days of Gratitude-Day 5

As my nose finally clears and I can taste things once more, I am eternally grateful to the Aztec for their discovery of.....

Chocolate.

Where would we be without it?

Today's choice for your chocolate sensory pleasure is;

melt in your mouth, warm and chewy chocolate chip cookies -fresh from the oven

( made by me for Daiv, cause now HE has my cold.)

Day #4- I am grateful for...Fire

Dear Fire:

Thank you for the warmth you bring, your glow and the way you make the hearth dance.

Today, while water poured upon us from the skies, while the homeless gentleman down the way tries to keep his feet dry, while many do not have a place to stay warm and dry- I am grateful for a fire to chase away the cold and damp.

I am also grateful to daiv for packing socks in his bag to give to the gentleman down the way with wet feet.

Day #3- I am grateful for...

Still sick and feeling like crap therefore my grateful fors tend to the things that make recovery easier.

That would be Daiv.

Aside from cooking and generally taking care of me while I cough, splutter and look disgusting-today I am really grateful that Daiv, otherwise known as my laundry elf, is washing, drying and folding all our laundry.

I sit here blowing my nose and cheering him on,

Thanks Daiv.

Day #2- I am grateful for...

Here it is, only part way through Day 2 of the photo challenge and it is really easy to pinpoint what I am grateful for....

As I sit here with a scratchy throat, cough and sneezing like a machine- I am grateful for the invention of lotion combined with kleenex. I do not look like Rudolph because I have been blowing my nose :)

Thank you to whomever you are..the soft soft kleenex is much appreciated.

365 Grateful moments captured on film- Challenge

While participating in an online photo contest, one of the members put out a challenge to spend the next 365 days taking time in each day to think on what you are grateful for and taking a photograph of that one thing, no matter how big or small.

I love this idea and as we get ready for another year ahead, taking time to reflect daily is something I welcome. I will start this here, posting daily with a pic and what I am grateful for and hope that some of you will do the same. Let me know and I will follow your blog as well.

Let's spread the word about the simple things that we all are grateful for.

DAY 1- I am grateful for...

Today, as I recover from a sore throat, cough and the holidays...I look down at my oldest ( 16 year Chow/husky cross) and wisest dog Sage and am grateful that on lazy days, she is still here and can still enjoy some salmon and cuddles.

New year to write...

I am reasserting my efforts to a few words here each day. The Shadows Project took over most of my brain for a long time, but here I am, newly creative once more and wanting to be writing.

What gets you thinking creatively...daydreaming...feeling whinsical?

I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

They came....and they went

and in a blink that holiday we all gear up for, is over.

A new year beckons and I am soooooo full of good food.

I would love to write more and share pics, but I have turkey exhaustion and am going to sleep.

SNOW

It is here, my favourite thing in the world Snow!!!!!!!

Going out to play.

Thank you Snow Queen!

It is here....

Holidays come , they come quickly.

The rush, the cold, the shiny sparkly things everywhere.

I know I must sound about 5, but I love this time of year.

Now don't get me wrong, Il love it because I do not shop.

I do not go to malls.

I do not go out amongst all the shopping insanity.

I do however make things.

Cozy up by the fire, furries and Daiv around and baskets of wool, sewing, baking...you name it.

We started this tradition about 12 years ago, and it never becomes old. We grew weary of the commercialism and hallmark holiday. We did not have much money....we needed to change things up.....

First year we made Xmas ornaments for everyone and for our tree. We couldn't possibly afford all the things needed to decorate a tree.....so we made them, and shared those things, twig stars, plaster of paris poured into star molds and gold leafed, wax eggs, dipped and rubbed to a sheen.

Our making things have started traditions amongst our family and friends. Christmas morning for many now starts with sour dough muffins and Daiv's famous cashew butter ( and if we don't make it, we hear about it..lol ).

Fresh ground cashew butter is made for all friends and relations, along with caramel corn, and ginger bread cookies.

I have a few friends now who I get together with to bake and share the work through December....it is twice the fun.

These are what the holidays have come to mean to me....time with friends creating, laughing, and working towards sharing with even more friends and family.

It is cosy and loving and full of the sights, smells and sounds of an old fashioned Christmas.

I always wanted to live in the movie " Meet Me in St. Louis" and now I look around and realize we have sort of done exactly that.

We have brought an old fashioned sensibility to the the modern day holiday.

I still speak the words " Merry Christmas" , regardless of the " PCness" of it.

For me it has nothing to do with religion. It has everything to do with the sense of nostalgia those words evoke and the warmth and simplicity of holidays of yore.

So try it..when the holidays get hectic and you get lost in the modern bells and whistles, slow down...take a moment over a hot cocoa and think about the time off we have to connect with those whom we love ( even the dysfunctional parts ), maybe bake them some cookies.

Gotta run, hot chocolate calls me by the fire.