I am deviating from my normal posting categories. We had some great news this week when we heard that my father's kidney cancer is not worsening and the frequency of the CT Scans will be reduced to every 6 months from 5. So my parents were getting busy sorting out their travel insurance for their upcoming Europe trip in September and then I got urgent some calls and an email.
My father, Joe had a stroke yesterday at about 4:00 pm. He was in emergency at VGH until 10:00 pm. He was settled into a room in NICU at about 11:00 pm. When I left the hospital at 11:00 pm my father was stable. He could move both legs and one arm. He understood everything we said but had difficulty responding in words.
Life is full of twists and turns. Live each moment fully.
Sunday 23 June 2013
Sunday 16 June 2013
Week 10
This was an intentionally quiet week.
Swimming - once, physio is taking a lot of much time!
Physio - Still working on strengthening my ankle, knee and hip joints to alleviate the pain in my foot and calf.
Life Drawing - Haven't been in 2 weeks. Went surprisingly well given I hadn't practiced figure drawing in over 2 weeks.
Lunch with my Mum and Dad to celebrate her birthday and father's day.
Had a terrific night of dancing with Paul Friday night to the band "Tainted Lovers". We had so much fun.
Art History Class - Got my first assignment back. Made some stupid technical mistakes on my essay. Have really forgotten the rules of essay writing! The Prof said the content was good and well researched though.
Some of this week's art.
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| Inspired by Sumerian Art |
 |
| Inspired by Minoan Art |
 |
| Inspired by Egyptian Art |
The semi-abstract flower is inspired by a technique I observed when watching Nita Leland's DVD on creativity. She takes an old slide frame and looks at a scaled down part of an image in a magazine. Then enlarges it as a sketch and uses it for art inspiration. Believe it or not but these flowers were inspired by the wet tendrils of some fashion model's hair.
The next 2 are random faces from my imagination. And the last was painted in ink and water colour inspired by an image of a cupcake that was portrayed in a similar way on one of my birthday cards. 
Lows - Feeling down
Misses - No dance classes this week.
Near Misses - none
Monday 10 June 2013
Week 9
Highs
Swimming
again! Twice And enjoying it each time.
A great coffee
catch up with a friend.
Walking
with a friend.
Dinner with
my Aunts and Uncles on my mother’s side and my parents. I hadn’t seen my Aunts and Uncles in years.
Book Club - We read "The Night Carnival". I enjoyed some of the visual imagery however had a really difficult time getting through the book because it had no plot in my opinion. One of my book club mates surprised me with some lovely tarts for my birthday.
Birthday Dinner at Amarosa with Paul. Had my favourite lasagna!
Country
Line Dance hoe down at Marpole/Oakridge Community Centre. What a group of energetic seniors from ages 50 to mid-80s! One lady was about 85 and still instructing. 2 of our classmates from our line dance lessons made us feel most welcome and tried to teach us.
Watched 8 hours of art history DVDs. I decided I needed something that brought the art to life as the textbook from my course is really dry. One of the DVDs was particularly interesting and very much focused on culture and politics. It's a BBC production called "How Art Made the World". It shared information about how art was used as a to honour of the gods, how art depicted the gods as granting ruling rights to some and how rulers used art for political agendas covering from Paleolithic to Roman times. The other DVD called "This is Civilization" focused more on the Medieval, Renaissance and Modern art. It was interesting to hear the description of modern art reflecting a time of uncertainty, change and absence of a defined direction or rules.
Watched 8 hours of art history DVDs. I decided I needed something that brought the art to life as the textbook from my course is really dry. One of the DVDs was particularly interesting and very much focused on culture and politics. It's a BBC production called "How Art Made the World". It shared information about how art was used as a to honour of the gods, how art depicted the gods as granting ruling rights to some and how rulers used art for political agendas covering from Paleolithic to Roman times. The other DVD called "This is Civilization" focused more on the Medieval, Renaissance and Modern art. It was interesting to hear the description of modern art reflecting a time of uncertainty, change and absence of a defined direction or rules.
I tried my hand at a bit of abstract collage art this week.
 |
| Honouring |
 |
| Urban Jungle |
 |
| Sunrise |
Lows
I’m not
allowed to jog for 4 weeks due to physio recovery. I know for some people this wouldn't be a low but I love jogging early in the morning when hardly anyone is around and with the sound of the birds in one ear and my Ipod plugged in the other.
Misses
Life
Drawing again due to a book club conflict.
Near Misses
None
Tuesday 4 June 2013
Week 8
Highs
I finished my first essay in 20 years. After thinking and thinking and thinking about it for a while, I threw caution to the wind and just sent it in. Hopefully, the instructor's remarks will guide me for the future essays.
I had a wonderful lunch with a friend I haven't seen in 2 years. She is very pregnant with her first child at 41 years old. She looks amazing!
Also had a fun dinner out with a friend.
Went swimming for the first time in nearly 2 years. It felt really good!
Finally went to the physiotherapy after suffering from heel, ankle and calf pain for nearly 2.5 years. I'd been avoiding going because of how much time it takes up between travel and appointment time and hoping that I could cure it on my own. Now that I'm on sabbatical, I have time. I have to go twice a week for 4 weeks.
This week's art focused on two stencils that I purchase some time back. I had a lot of fun using the stencils as texture on a variety of paintings. Here are a few.
Also created a piece of art in Rojia's style, the abstract artist whose demo I attended a couple of weeks back.
And attempted some print making by rolling or painting acrylic paint on a plastic duo tang, then laying a page over top and burnishing the back so the paint transfers to the page.
Lows
Paul's had to start another court proceeding.
Misses
Life Drawing - I was too self critical to enjoy drawing this week.
Near Misses
None
I finished my first essay in 20 years. After thinking and thinking and thinking about it for a while, I threw caution to the wind and just sent it in. Hopefully, the instructor's remarks will guide me for the future essays.
I had a wonderful lunch with a friend I haven't seen in 2 years. She is very pregnant with her first child at 41 years old. She looks amazing!
Also had a fun dinner out with a friend.
Went swimming for the first time in nearly 2 years. It felt really good!
Finally went to the physiotherapy after suffering from heel, ankle and calf pain for nearly 2.5 years. I'd been avoiding going because of how much time it takes up between travel and appointment time and hoping that I could cure it on my own. Now that I'm on sabbatical, I have time. I have to go twice a week for 4 weeks.
I put up a
squirrel proof bird feeder and within 5 days, the birds had eaten all of the
seed. I large field mouse showed up as
well and ate a lot of the seed that was dropped by the birds.
Dancing at
Starlight to the Young Executives with Paul.
Last line
dancing class of this series. Was
invited to a hoe down
This week's art focused on two stencils that I purchase some time back. I had a lot of fun using the stencils as texture on a variety of paintings. Here are a few.
 |
| Arum Italicum |
 |
| Inspired by a wall in Turkey |
 |
| Tre Chic |
 |
| Under the Sea |
 |
| Rocking It |
Also created a piece of art in Rojia's style, the abstract artist whose demo I attended a couple of weeks back.
 |
| Blue Moon Sunset |
 |
| Penguin Fun |
 |
| Curious |
Lows
Paul's had to start another court proceeding.
Misses
Life Drawing - I was too self critical to enjoy drawing this week.
Near Misses
None
Monday 27 May 2013
Week 7
Highs
Visit to Vandusen Garden
What a great time of year to go to Vandusen Garden! There are still some azaela, rhododendron and tree peonies blooming and the Laburnum Arch with purple Allium at its feet is also in full bloom.
While wandering the garden and thinking about Paul still sleeping, I wrote the following poem. (He worked until 10 pm last night and has to work until 11 pm tonight.)
Visit to Vandusen Garden
What a great time of year to go to Vandusen Garden! There are still some azaela, rhododendron and tree peonies blooming and the Laburnum Arch with purple Allium at its feet is also in full bloom.
 |
| Camouflage |
 |
| Goldilocks |
 |
| Laburnum Arch |
The bloom of flowers is so fleeting
Their joyful nature can't be beaten
So don't just lay there sleeping
Times a ticking and the blooms aren't keeping
Hurry up or you'll be weeping
Life Drawing - Forgot to mention that the previous week's model was 6 months pregnant. She was absolutely glowing and extremely proud of her ample bosom. This past week, I was very frustrated with my attempts at life drawing. It has been a number of weeks since I've practiced drawing the human form outside of life drawing. I think it's time to practice again.
Dancing at Starlight with Paul to "Quickness". The band was ok. We had a blast! There were few people there during the first set. We ended up being the first to get up and dance and had the floor to ourselves for 4 songs. A little unnerving being part of the entertainment. I kept thinking "pretend their is nobody there".
Attended a retirement party for an extremely knowledgeable and well liked colleague. Had a great time chatting en route and back with two other colleagues.
Participated in my last Belly Fit class. I was the only participant. Sadly, the session is over.
Watched a demo on Mat Cutting at the Opus downtown. I hadn't realized there were so many different types of cuts or how much a tile and mat cutter are alike. I have experience with the former but not the latter. Got caught up in some police activity just outside the store afterwards. There were police everywhere hiding behind doors and in store fronts. Some with large guns (possibly a stun gun) with hands on the triggers. Not sure what was going on but we were in a slightly rough part of town right across from Victory Square.
Watched the movie "Mud" with Paul. It was a little slow at times however the story was very unique and we enjoyed the movie overall. The two young male actors were very good in their roles.
Some Art from This Week
The first two were inspired by my visit to Vandusen and the latter by memories of Greece in 1987. I really like the effect of the light in all three. I feel that I finally achieved some success defining light and shadows on a building in the last one.
Started and nearly finished my first assignment for Art History 1 including an essay. I can't believe how long it took me. I almost feel as nervous about sending it in as I did when I was working on my degree.
Line Dancing Class - We reviewed 5 dances and were taught a new one called, "Feeling Kinda Lonely Tonight" to which one of our classmates said, "that's me every night". Now we've got to find a country bar in Greater Vancouver that has line dancing so we can try out our moves.
Lows
Felt a little melancholy due to lack of social interaction.
Near Miss
Opus Mat Cutting demo because I felt horrible on Saturday with intense abdominal, nausea and dizzy-ness all day. And no I was not drunk from Starlight.
Miss
My lawn didn't get cut or edged since I felt so lousy much of the weekend.
Life Drawing - Forgot to mention that the previous week's model was 6 months pregnant. She was absolutely glowing and extremely proud of her ample bosom. This past week, I was very frustrated with my attempts at life drawing. It has been a number of weeks since I've practiced drawing the human form outside of life drawing. I think it's time to practice again.
Dancing at Starlight with Paul to "Quickness". The band was ok. We had a blast! There were few people there during the first set. We ended up being the first to get up and dance and had the floor to ourselves for 4 songs. A little unnerving being part of the entertainment. I kept thinking "pretend their is nobody there".
Attended a retirement party for an extremely knowledgeable and well liked colleague. Had a great time chatting en route and back with two other colleagues.
Participated in my last Belly Fit class. I was the only participant. Sadly, the session is over.Watched a demo on Mat Cutting at the Opus downtown. I hadn't realized there were so many different types of cuts or how much a tile and mat cutter are alike. I have experience with the former but not the latter. Got caught up in some police activity just outside the store afterwards. There were police everywhere hiding behind doors and in store fronts. Some with large guns (possibly a stun gun) with hands on the triggers. Not sure what was going on but we were in a slightly rough part of town right across from Victory Square.
Watched the movie "Mud" with Paul. It was a little slow at times however the story was very unique and we enjoyed the movie overall. The two young male actors were very good in their roles.
Some Art from This Week
The first two were inspired by my visit to Vandusen and the latter by memories of Greece in 1987. I really like the effect of the light in all three. I feel that I finally achieved some success defining light and shadows on a building in the last one.
 |
| Canna Lilies |
 |
| Poppies |
 |
| Greek Vacation |
Started and nearly finished my first assignment for Art History 1 including an essay. I can't believe how long it took me. I almost feel as nervous about sending it in as I did when I was working on my degree.
Line Dancing Class - We reviewed 5 dances and were taught a new one called, "Feeling Kinda Lonely Tonight" to which one of our classmates said, "that's me every night". Now we've got to find a country bar in Greater Vancouver that has line dancing so we can try out our moves.
Lows
Felt a little melancholy due to lack of social interaction.
Near Miss
Opus Mat Cutting demo because I felt horrible on Saturday with intense abdominal, nausea and dizzy-ness all day. And no I was not drunk from Starlight.
Miss
My lawn didn't get cut or edged since I felt so lousy much of the weekend.
Monday 20 May 2013
Week 6
Highs
Lunch with a friend. Great conversation and food!
Coffee with a friend. Lively conversation, full of updates!
Continued trip planing by booking 3 flights, 3 sets of hotels, french language school and a home-stay and exploring webpages on walking & cycling tours, museums and Giverny (Monet's Garden). I've going to Paris for a couple of days, then Montpellier to learn french for 3 weeks and then to Slovenia to be there with my Mum and Dad for their 50th wedding anniversary. I have never been to my father's home country with him and am so looking forward to seeing things through his eyes and learning about his life there prior to Canada.
Painting - this week continued to be all about flowers.
For the next 2 sets of paintings, I painted similar objects with different coloured backgrounds. I was curious how the background colour would affect the painting. I enjoyed painting both sets.
Bellyfit - there was just 2 of us again and it sounds like I might be the only participant next week.
Receiving course material for Art History 1 at Thompson River University Open Learning (TRUOL). I haven't taken a university course sine 1992. Yikes! I was thankful that they sent an Essay and Bibliography manual along with the text and 7 other manuals for navigating the course. Now, I'll finally learn something about the ancient art I've seen on many of the vacations I've taken over the years.
Started and finished reading a book called "The Introvert Advantage". I took the long test and found out that I am much more introverted than I thought. I found out that introversion is not such a negative thing in spite of what our culture tells us and the clinical definition is quite different from the negative dictionary definition. Parts of the book are insightful but others are nothing new.
Watched a live webinar on making a living as an artist, not because I have any aspiration to do that but due to my curiosity. Mostly he marketed his gallery and new book.
Attended a mixed media abstract art demo at Opus on Granville Island led by Rojia Dadashzadeh. She was an extremely enjoyable demonstrator. So incredibly enthusiastic and full of ideas. You can see some of her art at the following web link. http://www.rojia.com/
Dancing at Starlight with Paul to the music of YVR. Some great guitar playing!
Paul taught me how to make broccoli in the typical Asian restaurant way that is usually made with beef. (I can never remember how to spell broccoli!!!)
Lows
None
Surprises
Do you know it is cheaper to fly from Paris to Montpellier then it is to take the train and it takes less time?
Weeding, mowing and general yard work are much more enjoyable when you have more time on your hands!
Misses
Watercolour class so I could be home for a courier delivery.
Near Misses
My lunch which I nearly burnt while writing much of this post.
Thanks for dropping by!
Lunch with a friend. Great conversation and food!
Coffee with a friend. Lively conversation, full of updates!
Continued trip planing by booking 3 flights, 3 sets of hotels, french language school and a home-stay and exploring webpages on walking & cycling tours, museums and Giverny (Monet's Garden). I've going to Paris for a couple of days, then Montpellier to learn french for 3 weeks and then to Slovenia to be there with my Mum and Dad for their 50th wedding anniversary. I have never been to my father's home country with him and am so looking forward to seeing things through his eyes and learning about his life there prior to Canada.
Painting - this week continued to be all about flowers.
 |
| Fritallarias - I'm not very happy with this one! |
For the next 2 sets of paintings, I painted similar objects with different coloured backgrounds. I was curious how the background colour would affect the painting. I enjoyed painting both sets.
 |
| Tulips in the style of Tim Fisher |
 |
| Tulips in the style of Tim Fisher |
 |
| Allium in My Garden |
 |
| Allium in My Garden |
Receiving course material for Art History 1 at Thompson River University Open Learning (TRUOL). I haven't taken a university course sine 1992. Yikes! I was thankful that they sent an Essay and Bibliography manual along with the text and 7 other manuals for navigating the course. Now, I'll finally learn something about the ancient art I've seen on many of the vacations I've taken over the years.
Started and finished reading a book called "The Introvert Advantage". I took the long test and found out that I am much more introverted than I thought. I found out that introversion is not such a negative thing in spite of what our culture tells us and the clinical definition is quite different from the negative dictionary definition. Parts of the book are insightful but others are nothing new.
Watched a live webinar on making a living as an artist, not because I have any aspiration to do that but due to my curiosity. Mostly he marketed his gallery and new book.
Walking at False Creek - It's all about bees, art and gelato (hazelnut, yum)!
 |
| California Lilac and Bee |
Attended a mixed media abstract art demo at Opus on Granville Island led by Rojia Dadashzadeh. She was an extremely enjoyable demonstrator. So incredibly enthusiastic and full of ideas. You can see some of her art at the following web link. http://www.rojia.com/
Dancing at Starlight with Paul to the music of YVR. Some great guitar playing!
Paul taught me how to make broccoli in the typical Asian restaurant way that is usually made with beef. (I can never remember how to spell broccoli!!!)
Lows
None
Surprises
Do you know it is cheaper to fly from Paris to Montpellier then it is to take the train and it takes less time?
Weeding, mowing and general yard work are much more enjoyable when you have more time on your hands!
Misses
Watercolour class so I could be home for a courier delivery.
Near Misses
My lunch which I nearly burnt while writing much of this post.
Thanks for dropping by!
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