Life...

Down the Rabbit Hole

I remember the very first time I was exposed to Alice in Wonderland. I was 6 or 7 years old, curled up on my Grampa’s chair, grasping the novel in my hands. I too followed the rabbit into the fantasy of Wonderland... not too long afterwards I was sleeping overnight in my step-sister’s bed, at my parent’s new home – when I awoke, I stared at a strange euphoric illustration of Alice getting advice from the caterpillar...

Maybe it is all the hype of the recent release of Tim Burton’s version of Alice in Wonderland (which I plan to see soon) mixed with my fascination with bunnies and that Easter is fast approaching...no matter yesterday was the day I was going to start the creative process with this fantastic story in mind.

Almost done – still need a few finishing touches with my black pen...a little nervous that I will ruin it. But here it is...

A, B, and C

I have always been fond of cursive writing and hand lettering. When I was a little girl, I would sit for hours with my Mother Goose book, copying the stories to practise my penmanship. People often comment on my writing and ask me to write things out for them. There was also the time that my Father-in –Law asked me to write on photo-plaques, thanking sponsors for the soccer teams. I was certain that the guy’s name was Harry, he was Harry to me. His name wasn’t Harry. LOL.

Anyways, the whole point is that for the past year, I have been searching for book and on-line links to expand what I already know and haven’t had much luck. The Gods shone upon me last evening. As I was browsing through Chapters, I spotted a book on my way out – Hand Lettering, by Marci Donley & DeAnn Singh. There was a section on Celtic Alphabet to boot – SOLD!

From Green to Blue and everything in between!

Happy Monday Everyone!

Here is the past week in a nutshell...

Green - Scott and I attended the annual St Patty's Day Tea. This year was extra special as the Grade 5 class is the host. So Nick-Nack dressed up in his crisp new white shirt, donned a green hat and was eager to do a great job of serving and looking after his clients. This is really great for the kids as they wait for years for their turn for the tea. Many people kept dropping by to tell us what an outstanding job he did. In addition to the sandywiches, coffee, and yummy sweets - being pampered by our courteous server was the real treat!

Blue - Thursday evening, Nick was a bundle of nerves. After months and month of waiting and training endlessly, it was the night of belt testing. Mind over matter, patience, discipline, focus and determination were all factors that Nick tapped into while journeying through the gruelling belt test. After several hours of technique, (some butterflies) and an awesome circle -- Nick was awarded his blue belt. Way to go Buddy! we are so proud of you!

Everything Else!
Hale made the basketball team! Yay! Can't wait to watch some intense games.

Last week was my last with my old colleagues! They treated my like a princess - Breakfast with the gang, pho with Sara (and Buddha), godiva chocolates and flowers from my girls! Thanks you guys - I will miss you muchly!

Here is my newest page in my journal - it was a little crazy and wasn't sure where I was going with this, but am really pleased with the results.

Lastly, passports apps are in - we are that much closer to our Disney Holiday!

Have a fabulous Monday!
xoxo Dean

Not so lazy Sunday...

Despite the day started out with sunbeams playing across my bedroom, while I lay in bed listening to the birds singing - trying to pick out new and unfamiliar chirps (the odd agravating meow of a frustrated cat watching the birds...) Sunday was a not so lazy day.
Scott had to work (at least from home, but end of fiscal makes him frown) so I sat at the other end of the table and started to play.
Firstly, I boiled some water and placed 2 tea-bags of Tazo Passion Tea in a glass measuring cup, along with some muslin to let it soak. After several hours I wrung them out and hung them to dry. Perfect!

Secondly, I had a vision of a lemonade-violette colored cards that I had wanted to do with my new stamps. Very nice!

Thirdly, I finally finished my journal page I had "in progress" for a couple of weeks now. I am entering a new phase of creating, as previously mentioned, but still feeling tentative about it. It is coming, as is Spring.

Enjoy the day!
xo Dean

first sign of spring...

20+ years and still going strong.
It was the spring of 1989 and it just seems like yesterday that Scott and I started dating... not a day goes without the mention of how nice I look, or how his heart flutters when I walk in the room. He is my soulmate and I love him endlessly.
Today as I got in the car after work, he said that he had seen his favorite first sign of spring... "Dean in heels".

it's the little things...

Anyone who knows me is well aware that the smallest things make me ooohhhh and aaahhhh. I am really a little kid at heart and the world is my playground.

Today Sara and I set out for a lite-lunch...SUSHI, "sans poisson" as Luc would say :)

I ordered my usual avacado, and tried a Akanasu (sun-dried tomato pesto, light cream cheese and sesame seeds). Is your mouth watering yet? The first exciting thing was that this particular shop offers brown rice! Yay! Yum!

The second exciting thing was dessert: paradiso - mango, clementine, strawberry, dessert rice sushi! served with sucre à crème. This is so decadent, you have to try it to believe it.

Anyways, it is the little things that help us get through the day, and good friends, laughter, sunshine and Starbucks!