Tag Archives: spring

Another Spring, A Slower Pace

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.”

 

Early May Days

  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.

My Life is a Work in Progress

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.

Welcome Spring

Well spring is here Equinox has arrived and we have been having balmy temperatures to go with it. Imagine my dismay when I checked the weather report and found this!

WINTER STORM WARNING: City of Calgary Issued at 10:37 AM MDT SATURDAY 21 MARCH 2009

Ice Cacoon

HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW EXPECTED TONIGHT AND EARLY SUNDAY. THIS IS A WARNING THAT DANGEROUS WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE IMMINENT OR OCCURRING IN THESE REGIONS.

At Artpoint we will be ignoring the weather and having a spring studio clean-out. This is a great opportunity to pick up some quality fine art at reduced prices. Here is what is planned for April at ArtPoint:

April at Artpoint: OPENING Apr 3, 2009 from 5-9 pm. Apr 3-25, ‘09.

MAIN & RED GALLERY: Studio 18 presents, “Concrete vs Consciousness”, Simon Aitchison and Jacqulynn Mulyk. Jacqulynn is examining the world of the concrete through buildings and structure. Simon is exploring the realm of the subconscious through oils.

UPSTAIRS SALON: Annual Garden Party, with A View to the Garden. Spring Art Blow Out!!

I have a few that are gathering dust, so I will be offering super deals on some pieces. If you are in Calgary from April 3 on-please stop by. Openings are on the first Friday of every month. This one promises to be a swinging party. Come down and have a glass of wine and soak up some culture.

charcoal-drawing

Open Water

Open Water

Bits of open water are beginning to show at various spots along the Bow River. Yet the ice and snow hangs on with a powerful resistance to welcome the new season.

Am I seeing this as a mirror to my own reluctance?

Truth is change is going to happen, regardless of what our response is to it. So my reprieve has removed me from the inner cog of production, while the new structures are being put into place. And my job has been to do the footwork, and to align myself with the larger plan.

But like a child who wants to peek at and pinch gifts which are not to be opened yet, I cannot help but wonder where all of this is leading. So for the time being I will presume it is somewhere beyond my wildest dreams.

Bluebird Blessings

BluebirdSpring is sure to be close by. I spotted a flock of bluebirds this week while out on a walk.

Amazing how such tiny creatures can stay warm, upon their early arrival. What a dimension their azure color adds to the bland landscape which we have grown so weary of. This is the first time I have seen bluebirds.

Bluebird on BranchMythology and symbolism about the bluebird is ancient, transcending many cultures, its associations positive.

Bluebird said to me,
Get up, my grandchild.
It is dawn, it said to me.
~Navajo Bluebird Song

The Navajo bluebird song honors the rising sun, and the belief the bluebird is a great spirit in animal form. The bluebirds presence was a welcome surprise, like a special gift which unwrapped itself. I sat quietly astonished, revering my good fortune. The very best things come when you least expect a treasure to appear. Some say selfless seeking, without reward gives one the bluebird of happiness.

Ice CocoonIciclesSlow melts, buds are encased in their ice cocoons. Icicles form a lattice work, thinning out as they grow in length, water rolling off the tips, the wet snow below their destination.

 

Large ones eventually drop to the ground, sometimes in the middle of the night with a crash, announcing spring’s warmer days and the return of the sun.

Johnson Lake PaintingYou may remember the little canvas that wanted to be a landscape. Well here is the finished product Johnson Lake Acrylic/Canvas 10 X 20.

Since the art show I have been recharging my batteries. Now regrouping, my focus is on creating a vision for the next phase. Ideas for a series are mulling about, although they may not manifest immediately. Other paintings I have intentions for, will begin while I am work on ideas for the new series. Rehearsals are underway, preparing music for the musical duo.

Another BluebirdThe challenge, in whatever we are doing is to keep our vitality, raise the energy vibration, even when performing the not so popular tasks.

If one can accomplish that, then we will truly soar, like the bluebird over the rainbow. Wishing you all the wondrous blessings of the bluebird.

Melt Down

Melt Down
ThawEarly Spring Aroma

Don’t you just love the early spring, the day you first felt the sun’s warmth on your back in months. Birds are back, swooning over the rivers created by the rapid melt? Oh and let’s not forget the aroma of ‘Eau de doggie-do-do’ … its’ pungency permeating the air. ewwwwwwww … Well that’s the reality folks … shite ev’rywhere! Begin small rant – – >

Speaking of shite, the roommate experience/experiment has ended by mutual agreement. Too many cooks spoil the brew, not to mention the cast iron cookware. And now I can stop ironing my underwear.  And my Tupperware is no longer employed, not really keen on going to work in the first place.

Having outgrown my job, last week I began working in a new salon, only two blocks from the old. Heaven knows there is one on every corner around here. That’s right, the market is flooded. Sure way to get your heart rate up, if nothing else. Stress’ll do it, look at the plus side.

The rapid growth in the city has not significantly improved quality of life for many, even most. People are running around breathless, trying to keep pace with the insanity. Perhaps it is not the altitude after all, yet as an excuse it does suffice. Seems as though a boom produces far more casualties than success stories.

Shortages have appeared out of thin-air:good luck getting the kind of light-bulb-you-need, not to mention other staples. Empty shelves, I thought at first were due to staff shortages, no one to unpack things, then it turns out many things are back-ordered as well.

I waited almost two months for a pump for the kitties’ water fountain. Poor little darlings had to drink still water, when they are used to the running, fresh filtered kind. I told them, “I understand, it’s tough being a kitty.” Poor l’il fur babes.

So I am forging forward, doing what is in front of me at any particular moment, hoping I am on the right track. Determined. What I really need to do is sell some art! Another mural wouldn’t hurt either. Planning a strategy … but what to do first?! I will keep you posted. Oh, and don’t forget the time change this weekend … just when we finally get out of Mercury Retrograde. Let’s hope it works in our favour. Cheers!