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Another Spring, A Slower Pace

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Another Spring, A Slower Pace

Yet another spring, but not quite like anything I have ever known before. The breath of anticipation, watching the movement from afar.  Another birthday in isolation. How quickly the time goes, even while confined. My priority has been my mental hygiene. Although I enjoy my alone time, and solitude which is necessary for creating, I also need a balance. I miss connecting.

The slower pace has been welcome though. The world is changing rapidly, more evident, as we view it from our own private spaces. Another pandemic was inevitable, and overdue, and we were unprepared. Human nature revealed once more as another spring emerges. Greenery & blossoms & feral bunnies, bobcats and lots of birds are part of my new landscape. I am a five-minute walk from the river.

On the Move

I had to move recently. It was difficult because it was not by choice,  but by gentrification.  Characteristics of the artist life, I have been the last to live in many a fine antiquated property. So, not a first for me, yet this was a very big change. Imperfections became apparent after moving in, so, I am seeking a way to make this place feel like home. More modern than what I am used to, it is a work in progress. I am still not fully unpacked. The kitchen is nice, the bathtub, a disappointment. It is not only more narrow, but a bit shorter. Someday I will have a soaker tub.

Adjusting to a new neighbourhood, looking for the pulse, I am in Erlton now. I am almost downtown, as this is one of the most inner city residential neighbourhoods. Downtown is where I started my journey in this city precisely twenty-five years ago. May 26, 1996, I arrived here after a twelve-year stint in the Arctic, preceded by my life in Vancouver.

New Creative Life

I need to get it to the point where I can indulge in my creative work once more. I have a lot of artwork, it was a lot to move. Check out my galleries, and let me know if anything interests you. This pandemic has given me a chance to reset my focus, and explore what is and isn’t working in my life. Also, I have been paring down, allowing what is important to remain. I donated a truckload of items, and now that I am in the new place, I am letting of more things. Stuff that was once for comfort becomes a burden.

Nature is healing

Perhaps too much introspection becomes ridiculous. So I went out into nature which always rejuvenates me. Nature is healing and inspires me and is definitely not optional. But I confess, I have been lazy and doing the absolute minimum. Sleep rejuvenates me too. I have needed time for healing. The longer I stay inside, the harder it is to go out, even for things I enjoy. I was able to take a few photos, which always cheers me up. My new camera lens allows me to capture some special moments in nature, and it gets me out walking.

For the Birds

My affinity for nature and birds is evident in the pictures I took, mostly for the birds this time. Here is a yellow-headed blackbird. I have seen a lot of these this year. Previous to this,  I had only ever seen red-winged blackbirds. And there is an abundance of these yellow-headed blackbirds this year.
Another Spring, a Slower Pace
An American Avocet, which is a premier sighting for me. There are a variety of species at Frank Lake, depending on when you go. Happy to have a camera again to capture these.
Another Spring, a Slower Pace
These black-necked stilts are also new to me.
Another Spring, a Slower Pace
Of course the pelicans are always a welcome sight to see, along with their faithful companions the cormorants. As I drove in to Wyndam-Carseland Provincial Park, I saw the white forms, like sculptures on the still water, barely believable. I arrived during their inactive time.
Another Spring, a Slower Pace
The water looks crisp, fresh and inviting.
Another Spring, a Slower Pace
Pelican coming in for a landing.
Another Spring, A Slower Pace
Pelican in flight. I love the reflection of this one. It happened so fast, I wasn’t sure if I had gotten the shot at first, and was pleasantly surprised.
Pelican in Flight with Reflection

Sauntering Through Life

Our existence on this planet is finite. My pace is slowed, it took me decades to find a slower pace. Now I am faced with younger beings impatient with my casual affair with time. Another spring, a slower pace, but starting again in a new way. I am aware I have a lot of work to do to fulfill my promise to myself and I will be shown the way. My circle has narrowed. Like pruning a tree, I am redefining & refining my life, so I can come back healthy and strong. As we come into this world alone, so shall we go out. A line from a song, which I am composing; “We are the wing of spirit on the wind.”

 

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Early May Days

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  Early May Days duck competition

 

Early May days are splendid for speculation and regrouping. The returning sun strains our eyes and shines light on anything which neglected over the darker months. When in contemplation I go to the river, like yesterday and today.

Lots of ducks and geese were actively creating their summer life. No babies yet but mating season is well underway. I was lucky to catch this guy in mid-air!  

Still a lot of mud yet, and ice on the banks. The lagoon restoration does not seem complete but the restaurant is open.  The reflections have always been wonderful in the lagoon at Bowness Park, depending on what time of day you go. Everything seems different post flood.

This is an interesting shot I took of a Canada goose, a portrait.  My sense was this guy was looking for his mate & going from being concerned to becoming irate causing a huge ruckus. I hope he found her.may-canada-goose-portrait

My plan is getting outside more this summer. Some walking, biking and plein air painting will be a grand start. Oh and of course outdoor yoga in the park which begins this Sunday! Fingers crossed the sunshine lasts. A herb garden is on my wish list.

I am reviving my journal writing.  Journaling is a tool I use to help me to shift my perceptions,  to break  old patterns, which in turn makes room to create something new. See how the water rolls off a goose’s belly. It doesn’t get under the skin. This is a lesson we humans can learn. My reminder this week to not take things personally. What is the message for you these days?

may-water-off-a-goose-belly

 

What’s on Deck; May & Beyond

On Sunday, June 4th, you can hear my music at the Leighton Centre for their Clothesline Festival and Art Sale! I will be performing from 2-4 pm. It is beautiful out there, so come out for a Sunday drive and enjoy some fine art & music. I am working on a couple of things at the moment. I will share as soon as I can. In the meantime have fun. Drop a comment to say hi. I would love to hear from you.

may-lagoon-shadows
 
WordCamp Calgary 2017 OrganizerOh and I am attending WORDCAMP this year. If you are a WordPress geek, or wanna be, you can come too! If you want a WordPress website, I can build one for you. See the web services I offer here.

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Embracing Change

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sunset-late

The winds of change have been blowing strong. I have a sense that I could not go back now, even if I wanted to.

Cool night wind on my skin one evening recently did not chill me. It only served to freshen my awareness of the changing landscape.

This magnificent sunset prompted me to pull over. Later that night the sky cleared revealing the big dipper directly above. The night sky sprinkled with sparkling mystery. Nothing could have foretold the natural disaster that followed.

The state of emergency in Calgary was lifted two weeks after it began. Flooding has resulted in much damage and a long road to recovery lies ahead. Much has been lost but the spirit of the people has really strengthened community. I am saddest about the many parks and natural areas which have been altered dramatically.

impressionist-sunset

People have stepped up in a big way and magic is occurring. Basements cleared of mud and silt, ruined appliances moved out and tons of garbage removed. We know what we can do under pressure.

Cooperation and collaboration allows us to do more than any one person could do on their own.

I am thinking of the opportunity the flood can bring. Perhaps the cleansing will help people to start fresh. It may prompt less emphasis on external and material things. More people now understand what it is like to be displaced and the evacuations did not favour any particular economic group. Having seen the speed with which temporary housing is being created, I wonder if we could end homelessness.

In my own life I have seen how nothing stays the same, not for a moment. And most things are temporary. I have been afraid to jump, and now that I have, I see the cause of pain and misery is resistance.

I am beginning to understand what free-falling feels like. I am creating my own life, making it up as I go along. An art project has come my way, a small mural. I have a music gig next weekend. It’s a start. I trust the universe will send me what I need.

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Happy Solstice

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Happy Solstice~Merry Christmas~Happy Holidays and welcome to the age of Aquarius. Who ever thought we would have made it this far?

ice-fog

We have had a a lot of icy fog and hoar frost this year and it is beautiful. Occasionally the sun breaks through.

And though I would like to be out taking more pictures, however other things have taken priority.

At the moment it seems I am going from deadline to deadline, pacing myself and somehow it all gets done. Everything I need comes to me, miraculously.

yellow_sm

I am getting bits and pieces of time in the studio in an attempt to finish some work. This is one of several oils I did late this summer, all 12 X 16. They are almost dry, still a bit wet in the darker areas.

A couple of weeks ago, I auditioned for a band and the experience was great. I felt good about the energy I took there, and was relaxed and calm. Feeling good about being in my element though it had been a long time and an opportunity to perform. It did not turn out to be the right situation but it feels like a bridge. A couple more situations are just on the horizon.

icy-trees

Currently I am writing new music, on piano mostly. My goal is to create an album, a CD, and once I have done that I will find a way to record it.

So I am carrying my notebook with me everywhere, as I always did before. The music is coming quicker than the lyrics. That has not always been the case. Creative thoughts must incubate before we can birth them. Much growth has been taking place under the surface.

I am spending this time to set intentions for the New Year, and to prioritize. Included in the repertoire will be lots of art, music, web design and writing. I am re-branding myself to integrate all that I do, and am determined that will provide me a way to sustain myself. In the meantime, let’s set an intention to make 2013 the best year ever!

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Chaos & Creativity

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Crow-mtn

The mighty Bow River is high and wide, swollen to it’s maximum, breaching the banks in some areas. We have had heavy rains, and the large mountain snow-pack is still melting. I was in Canmore recently, and some of the paths we walked on have been closed due to flooding.

I started this blog post many times, and was unable to complete it until now. This is primarily due to a challenge in what Maslow’s hierarchy of needs refers to as satisfying lower level basic needs before progressing on to meet higher level growth. I have proven progress is often disrupted by failure to meet lower level needs. Oh to become fully self-actualized. My Master Level Reiki training will have to wait until I can stabilize my income.

perspective

I am still undergoing major life transition. Despite the amount of chaos going on, I have decided my current position is advantageous. It is like the perfect storm for creativity. It is exciting to see what will happen next. My whole life has been a bit like this, but this feels bigger than what I have gone through before.

Still, I try to tie the invisible threads together to understand what is really developing here. I have a sense that I am on the right path, but not a clear picture of how things will transpire. One of the barriers may be that I think I need to know how to get where I am going. All that is really required is vision and desire. It is slowly formulating, like a pressure cooker builds up steam. I have discerned the precise details of how, are most likely not up to me.

Stampede-Clinic

stampede-horse_sm

The centennial of the Stampede was bigger than ever and has come and gone. A celebration of western heritage, it is a tradition here. Attendance records were broken. I painted another set of Stampede windows. Most stampede windows are very cartoon like, but I try to add a little something different in mine. I love the closeup of this horse. Too bad it’s not permanent.

Window painting is fun, though challenging to paint on glass and it also fills in the gaps financially. What I would really like to find is a mural job. Also, I am looking for someone to collaborate with musically. I did perform at a wedding, and just last weekend at a party. Both were well received, and now I will go to some jams and open stages to connect with others. I have been using positive affirmations and so I am saying, “The perfect job finds me.” I am intent on following my heart, and trusting the process to set me on the correct path.

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My Life is a Work in Progress

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Swans

My birthday was amazing and all because of a random drive I took. Slightly lost on the range road I spotted a pond full of swans. What fantastic luck!

The first thing that came to mind was the symbolism, particularly in alchemy, where the white swan is the beginning etheric light-filled phase. No doubt in my mind, that coming upon this sight was no accident. Thank you fellow bloggers for sending all your birthday wishes!

Artist for Hire

By now I could have sworn I would have a full time job. Not so. I just have not figured it out yet. I know for certain age is playing a factor. The general mindset needs to change out there, because I am certainly not ready for the pasture!

And so I am seeking any kind of work, small jobs, big jobs, and of course mural work in Calgary and surrounding areas. I am submitting a proposal for painting on the traffic control boxes. The City of Calgary is hiring artists to paint them. Wish me luck! My Reiki Level III training has been postponed due to my budget, and I do hope I will be able to attend in June.

swan dance

The business part of art is very time consuming, research, writing proposals, updating the portfolio, and sometimes it can feel like there is no time left over to paint. In trying to establish myself as a professional artist, there is much to be done.

I cannot say looking to the art galleries is the answer anymore at least as a mainstay. So I am thrilled to announce, I have signed with an art consultant. AdoptanArtist is a joint venture, between local artists and businesses and it does not cost the business anything. A self representing artist needs support as it is too big a task to manage without being part of a larger group. So if you are a business in Calgary who has room to hang some original art in your offices, please contact AdoptanArtist. It won’t cost you anything, and you can support local artists.

Baker Park Spring

The buds are bursting and our weather is super warm for this time of year. The late spring snows have greened things up. I have been thinking about doing more sketching. At one time, I did it a lot, and also did some pen and ink.

Will I find time to keep a sketchbook journal this summer? Join an outdoor group that does group hikes? Perhaps a Plein Air outdoor painting group would be fun too, or I may just go out on my own. I am getting out a bit more to network with people who have the same interests. I would love to collaborate on some art and music projects, so I am hoping to connect with those people.

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2012 … It’s Been Here a While Now

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newyears2012-trees

2012 is well underway, and I started this blog post in January. Hopefully some of you are still out there, and have not given up on me.

My feeling is that it will be a good year. So much is shifting and changing and I am going with the flow.

I have been striving to check off the unfinished tasks I began the year with. Tasks which I never imagined would have carried on so long. As I complete these, I move forward.

foothills

We have had a mild winter so far. A photo excursion to the Leighton Ranch was refreshing,former home of the artists A.C. Leighton, and his wife Barbara.

What a spectacular viewpoint of the mountains from the foothills! The Chinook winds were pounding me, a few pools of snow between trees in sheltered areas was the only evidence of winter.

I completed my Reiki Level One training, and I am slated to do Reiki Level II on the last weekend of March. So far, a permanent job has not shown up for me. I never dreamed I would be out of work so long, thinking my two year stint as Director of the Music Academy would help me to slide into another position easily. However that was not the case, and apparently I have not found my people or where I can add most value yet.

I have been taking this abundance course through the Daily Om. This course employs many Feng Shui cures, and assists one in shifting the energy to make way for new and wonderful things.

I have had time to study and meditate. Some of my time has been spent practicing my music and regaining my confidence as I intend to perform in the near future. I am teaching a couple of students privately. I am working on a painting that I did not finish in time for my last show, two years after the fact. Better late than never.

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Already December

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winter river trees

The river is not frozen over and we are well into December. I am overjoyed with the mild temperatures. Time to celebrate and decompress. If you want to find me on Christmas, I will be in the Rockies, soaking in the mineral springs, and dining in Banff.

As you can see by the meter on the left I finished NaNoWriMo a day early. I am planning to finish the book in January. This month has been busy, as I had a one month contract to take me through until the holidays. In one week I managed to manifest that, plus another car, and another interview. Still looking for work to start in January.

I have rented a keyboard, and hope to record some music for you soon. Have piano will travel. I have one gig booked for June and hope to find more. If you are looking for some blues-jazz for your function, please contact me.

The days are shorter now, and I find myself stumbling around in the dark quite a bit. The days will now begin to lengthen. Best wishes to all for the holidays and the coming year! I will leave you with one of my favourite Christmas songs.

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Writing A Book: NaNoWrimo

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Late Oct Sunset

I am more than halfway through writing my 50,000 words. I confess, in the beginning watching the meter at the side of this blog was a bit like watching paint dry. The process has been going pretty well, and I am a day ahead of schedule. This goes to show what one can accomplish when a decision is made and one commits to daily practise.

Of course this may not be optimal conditions for the professional writer, but it certainly does give one a kick start. Getting used to writing everyday seems to be the ticket. It is great to be able to set a goal and meet it. The one day I felt like giving up was on day 2. My brain was mush, and my thoughts seemed snarled into a tight knot I did not know that I could get out of.

With the help of a few word wars, I sailed through to week two surprising well, considering the stats say that this is the most common time that participants give up. So here we are in week three out of four and doing nicely. I feel happy I have taken on this project.

Sparrows

It is really only half of what I intend to write by the time I finish. So when November is over, I shall set another goal for myself to finish part two. Most novels are approximately 100,000 words. So I am off to a grand start.

Some people had doubled their daily quota to get a whole book written in November. Since this was the largest writing project I had taken on, I decided to be the tortoise; slow and steady wins the race.

The only way to start living your dreams is by taking action. Some people walk across the Arctic, some climb mountains, and I am writing a book. I needed to get my will back. Seems it becomes fainter with age, we do not have so much fire in the belly as we did when we were younger.

I have tried to coax the sparrows closer to the house and the feeders, but they do not seem to want to get that close. I had so many birds at the other house and I miss them.

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Indian Summer

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Fall-springbank

Golden leaves are scattered on the ground, like hundreds of mini suns. Thanksgiving has past, and we are still enjoying beautiful fall weather which is such a welcome rarity that I am grateful for. The hunter’s moon, the brightest of the year, spilled greenish grey pools of light, its penumbra shadows slipping between the beats of my heart.

me and guitar

The job search continues, and I hope I will find something permanent soon-in an area that is related to my to my passions. I really did not think it would take this long to find something suitable. There is a job out there for me somewhere where I can make a difference.

I am so enjoying teaching piano and guitar~it’s only part-time at the moment, but it is so thrilling to see the students learn and be excited about what they are doing. The gift of music is priceless, and one does not become a master at their trade, until they are able to pass it along to someone else. I am also rehearsing to re-enter the performance world, yet sorry to say the cats are not enthusiastic about my practice.

window-mural-triptych

I went back to do another window, and here are all three. I like how all three tie together. Must go by at night and see the glow of the moon with the solar paint.

It paid to put out a call on Twitter in my city thread. Great timing to be sure, and now I have another possible small mural lining up. Interesting things are beginning to happen. Stay tuned … I am laying a lot of groundwork at the moment. Also, I just wanted to send out a special thank you to my loyal visitors. I will try to make my response time to comments a little quicker. This blog post I had started nearly three weeks ago. Sometimes I get carried away.

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The Golden Hour

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golden-hour

This is the golden hour by the river in Bowness Park in my neighborhood. Shortly after this picture was taken many golden leaves scattered to the ground. Like hundreds of mini suns.

In the night trees swayed in the early autumn wind, giving the streetlamps the illusion of flickering. Nearby the groan of metal wheels on steel tracks heard in the distance quieted the sound of the coyotes. In this magical golden hour shadows slip between the cracks like forgotten thoughts.

halloweenwindows

As promised, here are the window murals I did this week at The Costume Shoppe for Halloween. Painted windows are difficult to photograph. This is the best shot I could get, but you get the idea. It was my first time painting on glass, so it was a challenge to understand how the paint would behave-or not.

brushextension

The sun was shining in my eyes for a large part of the time. I worked over a stairwell for the one, so I had to devise an extension for my brush, as no ladder could be used. It was a fun task, and I would do it again.

 

Painting the insides of the windows meant everything was reversed, which meant things are done in reverse. Frequent trips outside were required to see how it looked. Regular brushes cannot be used on their own, as they leave brush marks. I used glow in the dark solar paint for things like the moon, so it will glow at night.

haunted-house windowmoon-tree window

“Once in a golden hour,
I cast to earth a seed,
And up there grew a flower,
That others called a weed.”

~Alfred Lord Tennyson

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Late Summer Stroll

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lagoon-reflections

The weather has been phenomenal here in Western Canada. A blistering 30C at the end of September.

Tree tops tinged with yellow are starting to turn ever so slowly, leaves scattered on the ground like huge medallions. The kind of wind that jangles the nerves and rattles the joints swept through all the crevices and cracks thnige other night. The faint glow of early autumn sunset is reflected under the wings of the gulls overhead. The birds have not made up their minds about migration yet.

bowmont-rolling hills

I walked through the grass barefoot yesterday because I could. I wanted to feel myself connected to the earth. Along the path, I memorized the stones and formations.

The vastness of nature pointed out my insignificance. The river’s edges shiver, shade pools vanish into the shadows of the trees on the bank. Sometimes the state of the human condition is more than I can bear. I have been taking inventory of my own life. Exciting things are evolving.

Some movement forward is occurring in the form of new small contracts coming up this week including a fun project in the form of a window mural. I will post that project here. I can see the plan is unfolding and I am thankful to be allowing. We have so many beautiful parks in this city. Today I will enjoy another blissful day of sunshine. Life is good.