Going Backwards in Time. Post #4

Southampton

I went to Southampton Ontario with my fam for the first week of August. My family has been going there for years. Since I was a kid we have rented cottages for a week or two during the summer, even if we did miss a summer or two.

This year I was able to go for the whole week (yay!)

I had just finished doing the Master Cleanse so I felt GREAT.

It was a week full of fun, sun, and Monopoly Deal.

I didn't take too many photos, but here is what I have!

"The Fam"

A bum touch

Feeties

I like swings!

Nothing quite like a swing on a sandy beach

Going Backwards in Time. Post #3

Square Foot 2009

This year I had a piece in the 'Square Foot' show in Toronto. The show took place from August 15th - September 6th. The idea of this show is that all the pieces are 12 by 12 inches, hence, a square foot! The pieces were by artists of all different mediums, and from all over the world. In total, there were 700 artists involved, and about 1300 pieces. CRAZY! It was such a cool show. Fiona came with me to the opening (thanks Fi!) It was SO busy! We had to wait in line for over 30 minutes - to see my own work!! We didn't stay for too long in the gallery, because it was SO packed in there it felt like a pack of sardines in the microwave... not to mention it was super hot that day outside. The work ranged from what looked like highschool art to super amazing. (We all know where mine was in this range ;) hehe) SO! For those of you who didn't make it to the show, have a look at some shots I snapped. And come by next year - I plan on applying again.

Here is my piece amongst others. Can you guess which one mine is? Did I mention I love buttons?

Proud mama with my baby. (and a glass of cold refreshing wine)

Onlookers.

Look how packed! SO many people! Also, look how much art there was! WOAH art overload!

The light of God shining over the art.

Going Backwards in Time. Post #2

Joey's Surprise Birthday Party:

Joey's birthday was in August, and for his birthday - his boyfriend Jeff threw him a surprise party. How fun! Considering I hadn't seen Joey in about 2 years - I thought I had better attend. I went with Fiona and we were late so we missed the whole 'Surprise!' part - but the look on Joey's face when we arrived was priceless - we sure were a surprise for him! Fi and I stayed well after everyone else left - chatting with Joey and Jeff into the wee hours of the morning. Oh how I missed those boys! :) I can't wait to see them again soon. Here are some photos from the super cute super fun super wonderful night.

Look at all those people from school! Most of which I hadn't seen for 2 years. Fantastic :D

A close-up of the birthday boy himself!

Fiona and Joey. Cute friends :)

Tasty Fakes! Jeff made these FANTASTIC cupcake hamburgers. AMAZING.

Joey and Jeff's dog - looks like a fraggle! She is such a good dog.

Fiona shows off the super awesome Tasty Fakes. We cut one in half to share :)

Going Backwards in Time. Post #1

I am going to start posting the things I have been meaning to post - starting with the most recent, and going backwards. Enjoy :)

Cutesy Xander!

Here are some photos of my amazing little "nephew" Xander. Xander is 2. He is my friend Michelle's son. I babysit him a couple days a week - to help her out with getting her life and business in order. I am so happy to help because I love him so much! Here are a few snapshots of our most recent adventures.

This is Xander chasing ducks. It's pretty much his favourite thing to do these days when I take him to the park. He gets very winded when he does it, and it makes me laugh outloud even though I am alone. He is the best :)

Here he is - very proud of his duck chasing abilities.

Xander wearing his glasses. Well - they actually belong to Mr. Potato Head but try telling him that.

p.s. Does anyone know of a good way to upload mutliple photos onto blogger? I find this way very irritating.

Heart and Hand Festival

Hello everyone!

I have a show coming up in a couple weeks, and thought I would give
you all a heads up about it.

It's called the Heart and Hand festival. It is an outdoor celebration
of traditional handicrafts, music, and storytelling. I took part last
year, and am happy and excited to take part again. I hope you can stop
by and say hello - I'd love the company!

Heart and Hand Festival
Saturday September 19th
10am till 5pm
Joseph Schneider Haus
466 Queen Street South
Kitchener, Ont.

The Master Cleanse - The After

Ok, so I know this is about 3 million years late, but better late than never right?!

I finished the cleanse on August 1st. On August 2nd, I had some freshly squeezed orange juice first thing. It made my taste buds tingle - not even kidding! My mouth was so excited to have something different to taste. I was also allowed to eat oranges, but honestly I am not a fan - even 10 days of not eating couldn't make me crave an orange. So, I ate about 5 pieces of bacon - don't panic! Each piece was about a square millimetre. Next, I had a few raspberries. Oh my - they were ever so yummy. For lunch I had some vegetable soup broth with SALT. Woah! Flavor city! Not the texture I was craving, but good nonetheless. I had some skinny sticks in the afternoon and they were WONDERFUL! Dinner came around - I was feeling fine so I ventured out and ate a seafood wrap with fresh vegetables and yummy fish for dinner. I ate about half the wrap before I became super stuffed. My stomach had definitely shrank over the 10 days.

As for before and after - there was quite the difference. I lost 10 pounds, and a total of 4.5 inches off my body. I felt great after the cleanse. The first day that I had coffee (a very small cup mind you) I was buzzing around cleaning like a maniac. This it not like me - I generally feel sluggish all the time because of my sleep disorder.

My 'stomach' issues were thought to be cured, as I had NO symptoms after doing the cleanse... until...... this past Saturday I had a pretty bad attack. It was a very stressful and upsetting day so I believe that is what triggered it. It didn't last for very long, but it was VERY painful. My sleep has been a bit better - but not even close to where it should be. I still need work on these areas.

For interest's sake, this is what I purchased/consumed over the 10 days:

-40 lemons. That's right. 40!

-2.5 litres of real maple syrup

Therefore - the cleanse isn't super cheap - especially considering the cost of lemons these days. If you are planning on doing the cleanse at any point, I would recommend buying organic lemons - I found small organic lemons had much more juice. They were also the same price as regular lemons. Buying real maple syrup at the market saved me a TON of money. It's costs twice as much at the supermarket - which was a surprise to me.

So! Overall I enjoyed the results of the cleanse. I would do it again, and next time I think I will do 14 days instead of 10. I feel I could get better results this way. If you are planning on doing this cleanse please ask me questions - I now have so much advice to give since I have done it.

But who's kidding who - it was HARD. :)

Day 8 and 9 - The HOME stretch!!

I am almost done!!!

Tomorrow is the last day. I have almost made it! Oh how excited I am to eat again! Oh to chew.... it will be such a delight :)

I am super interested to see how I feel AFTER this whole thing is over. You are supposed to feel healthier, have less cravings for bad food, sleep better, have more energy, amongst lots of other great points. I am also curious to see how much my body has changed. I measured and weighed myself before starting, and will do the same when I am done. I know I have lost some weight and inches, but am very curious to see how much.

Doing this has made me feel healthier so far. In fact, I am going to a cottage for a week tomorrow, and I am getting really pumped to run every day (it's supposed to be a vacation!) I think of it as a really great kick start to a healthier lifestyle.

Not much different to report on how I have been feeling. Pretty much the same. And I am bored of this drink. Boy I can't wait for some variety in flavor!!

See you all in a week :)

Day 6 and 7

To be honest I can't even remember yesterday.... what happened? How was it? I have no idea! Fine I bet...

Today was interesting. I did an internal salt water bath this morning. This was the first time I have done anything like this... look it up if you want more details. Anyway - I did it expecting to feel fantastic afterwards and I didn't :( How sad! It actually made me feel quite tired, lethargic and lazy. Today was the first day I actually felt tired. Many people are surprised by the fact that I haven't been tired (considering I haven't eaten in 7 days) but I have felt quite energized!

I tell ya though - I am glad I am doing this because it is completely refreshing my thoughts and feelings about food. I have a new found respect for food. I can't wait to start eating again just so I can savour the taste of food - to enjoy every last moment of indulging in some delicious treat. At some point food became a necessity for me - and nothing else. I got bored in the kitchen, not really cooking anything exciting at all. After going through this I am SO excited to get back into the kitchen and make some wonderful, new, delicious, and possibly complicated dishes! I can't wait to savour the tastes :)

Anyways - 3 more days to go! I get to eat on Sunday!!!

Day 4 and 5

Day 4 was by far my hungriest day yet. My stomach was making audible grumbles!!! I kept silencing it with lemonade, but it kept creeping back up on me. Otherwise I was fine. It is challenging working in a restaurant and having to enter the kitchen quite often and smelling delicious meals being prepared....mmmm.....sorry, where was I?!

Today was day 5. Half way there!!! :D I haven't seen the type of 'results' (as I will call them so not to offend y'all) that I expected by this point. It better happen soon!!! I was hungry today as well. I found I am getting hungrier more often - so I am drinking more of the lemonade. I am hoping drinking more of it will also help me see 'results'. I bought some delicious chocolatey chai herbal tea today (I am allowed to drink herbal tea as well) and it is SO yummy! Such a refreshing change from the monotony that is the lemonade. I also got to hang out with my favourite little bug Xander today, which helps everything :) He is such a charmer.

Anyways - 5 down, 5 more to go!

Day 3

They say day 3 is the hardest day of the Master Cleanse. I think they're right! At least so far... we will see what the coming days bring.

I found today challenging. The drink is starting to get pretty boring - I am not enjoying so much anymore. I was happy to find some pure maple syrup for super cheap at the market though!

Sarah had a hard time of it today too - but we are both still going!

Thanks to R and K for keeping me entertained today.

:)

Master Cleanse Day 1

Well it is now the end of day one. I made it!

9 more to go :)

I have felt pretty good. Hungry for sure, but nothing ridiculous. I actually had a small, few second wave of dizziness in the afternoon - while I was sitting on a couch. Strange... Though I managed to go to work tonight and not have a problem.

The lemonade isn't bad. I had tasted it before so I knew what to expect. I find that the cayenne gets settled in the bottom of the glass sometimes so that isn't so much fun... it makes for a really spicy last gulp!

I shall report again!

The Master Cleanse

Well kidlets,

I am about to embark on a very exciting adventure along with my sister. An adventure simply known as 'The Master Cleanse'. This cleanse is also referred to as the 'Lemonade Cleanse'. Its goal is to completely cleanse every organ the body in 10 days (minimum). It is also effective for weight loss - though this is not the main reason why I am doing it. Sure, it will be nice to fit into my bathing suit a little easier, but basically I want to be healthier.

I seem to have too many health problems that doctors can't figure out. They can't quite diagnose me, therefore treatment is hard to come by. My goal with this cleanse is to rid my body of toxins, and flush my system, including whatever it is that is ailing me.

Tomorrow morning we will begin to drink the 'lemonade' - the main thing we will be consuming for the next 10 days. We are also allowed to consume water, and herbal tea.

I will post blogs updating you all on how I am coping with the cleanse. Let's go for making it past day 3! (they say it is the hardest day)

Wish us luck!!!!

Canada Arts Connect?

I am wondering what happened to Canada Arts Connect.... does anyone know?

I can't find it!

It's gone!

Canada Arts Connect - again!

Another piece of mine was featured on the Canada Arts Connect page. This time I didn't even know about it until my friend Tamara told me she saw my boob on their website.

Intruiged? Check it out:

http://canada-arts-connect.blogspot.com/2009/06/job-listings-for-monday-june-1-2009.html

Hot Yoga: 2, 3 and 4

Well I didn't keep up very well with my hot yoga updates... but here we go!

Class number 2 was on Saturday. I felt much better going into the class - still nervous, but better! The class was so much easier the second time around. I didn't have to sit out any poses at all, and I felt like I was more capable of enduring the heat. I felt great afterwords!

Class number 3 was on Tuesday. Oh my lord. This class was the hardest by far. I found it harder in the heat, the poses were harder, and I had to sit out a few. I felt lightheaded.... and so did Sarah! But in talking about it afterwords we decided we both didn't prepare for that session very well. Personally, I drank a glass and a half of wine the night before (on an empty stomach) and then had a really late not very healthy dinner... I think that had a LOT to do with why the class was so hard for me.

Class number 4 was today! I prepared much better for this class. I drank more water beforehand, I didn't have any alcohol last night, and I had a healthy meal at a reasonable time. Good class! I felt more flexible today and pushed myself harder. So did Sarah. We both found today's class to be really excellent. I can't wait to go again!!! 

I am really excited about the benefits of Hot Yoga. In doing this regularly I should become more flexible, lose weight, detox my body, tone my muscles, and generally feel happier and better about life in general. I could go on about the details of what it does to your body, but .... I won't! :P

I am super excited about this yoga helping me change my life.

Hot Yoga

Today Sarah and I went for our very first class of 'Hot Yoga'. For those of you who don't know what this is - it is yoga in a heated room - and I mean heated! I read somewhere that it is 40c in there. Basically you do 90 minutes of yoga in extreme heat - quite the challenge! I had no idea what to expect going in... I was really nervous - scared that I might pass out, or throw up, or god knows what.

In the end I found it to be a very challenging and wonderful experience. It was hard - I had to sit out of the last couple poses because I felt light headed. Also, I don't think I have ever sweat that much in my life! The instructor was great - he is actually the owner of the studio.

And what a beautiful studio! It is very well maintained, clean and comfortable. 

Sarah and I got 3 for 1 passes. We have already paid, so now we can go 2 more times for free! I am really excited to go, and will report back on how those classes go.

To report on the first one, here's how I was/am feeling:

- SUPER nervous beforehand...

- a little jolted by the heat and humidity when I entered the studio

- found it to be not as bad as I had expected to start

- found it hard to hold onto my own body when required (holding my ankle, etc) because I was SO sweaty

- near the end started to feel lightheaded...

- sat out a couple poses and drank a lot of water

- could not wait for the coolness of the lobby when it was over

- I now feel super limber and relaxed

- feeling a bit drained and tired, but I still need to eat more food

- super excited to give it a second try! (and proud of myself for not passing out)

:)

I won't be so nervous next time!

Check out their website at: www.bikramyogakw.com

Canada Arts Connect

A piece of mine was featured on Canada Arts Connect!!!!

Check it out!!!

http://canada-arts-connect.blogspot.com/2009/05/job-listings-for-monday-may-18-2009.html

Cocoon Apothecary

I love Cocoon Apothecary. Here are the reasons why:

1) They are local! So local in fact, that these lovely products are made in the very city I live in.

2) They are pro recycling. So much so, that they are now packaging some of their items in glass. Mmmm. Glass is SO much nicer than plastic!

3) They are animal friendly.

4) They are purely plant based, natural and VEGAN! Not that I am vegan, but I appreciate the effort they put into making these products chemical and animal free.

5) The stuff works - I am either using or have used at some point pretty much all of their products. They are not all listed on their website right now, but there is quite a few items.

I just received a shipment from them today (hence my blog post). I ordered: 

Petal Purity - a facial cleanser that I simply cannot get enough of. It is so smooth and nice and leaves your skin feeling just lovely and clean.

Rose Dew - a facial toner that you spritz onto your face after cleansing. You have no idea how wonderful this feels until you try it.

Spotbuster - a roll on pimple treatment that really works. Let's face it - I've got pimples - we all know it. I am trying to do something about it :P

Magic Bean - a body creme. I have never had Magic Bean before, so this one is a first for me but I am super excited about it because it smells like a chocolate milkshake.

I was just so thrilled to receive my package today, because this is the first time I have ever had their facial cleanser and body creme packaged in glass! You have no idea how excited this makes me. The roll on's have always been in glass, but the cleanser and cremes were always in plastic. I am stoked. I hate plastic.

Anyways, please check them out. If you live in the KW area they are usually at the Stitch n' Kitsch shows which happen at First United Church a few times a year. They also sell at some stores in Toronto and Kitchener... not sure of the details but you can check them out on their website. 

http://www.cocoonapothecary.com/

Support local, natural, animal friendly, vegan, etc body products!!!!! Face it, they are better for you in the end!

:)

Upcoming Show!

Hello everyone!  

Just a little note to let you know about a show I will be participating in in one week. Here are the details, hope to see you there!  

'Afternoon Out With The Girls' Saturday May 2nd 1pm - 4pm Waterloo Mennonite Brethren Church (lower level) 245 Lexington Road, Waterloo. No admission - Free parking!  

This event is designed to help raise funds for the missions work of Carrie Elsden, with SIM Canada, as she departs for Zimbabwe this year. Please support her by coming out! 

And keep in mind you can always find my work at Rare Funk (8 Duke Street East Kitchener) and online at www.mekraatz.etsy.com.

My new boyfriend

As my friend Chao said to me this morning "Happy Jesus Day" everyone!

Good news! My computer is BACK! I must say, I think we both missed each other a lot. Now that it is back and set up and virus free (knock on wood) I am going to start posting those blogs with photos I have been talking about. Starting with...

Growing a boyfriend.

Because my sister is so cute and clever, she put a delightful little gift in my stocking at Christmas - A 'grow your own prince'. I totally forgot about it for a while, but during my computers down time I decided to give him a go. The kicker is, my little prince started out as a frog! The package claims 'Just add water! A growing prince hiding in a frog! Full grown after 72 hours!' A lot of exclamation points there... It also stated 'Not for consumption'. That one has no exclamation point... it's dead serious. Anyway - here is our progress:

Here he is, in all his ugly frogginess. I filled his container with water and waited with anticipation to see what would happen!

His green started melting off... ew creepy!

This is the box he came in, in case you are interested in picking one up for yourself, or a loved one. Oh, and he is now fading to white...

What is this!?! A little man??

Yes I believe it indeed IS a little man... Welcome to my humble home my little Prince! But it's not over yet...

Here he is full grown... and he grew so big that he ripped his pants!

My new boyfriend only lasted with me a few days... I grew tired of the fact that he lived in water so I drained him and pitched him in the trash. Well - it was fun while it lasted ;)

Just some thoughts

Well kids, I'm at the library.
Last week my computer went 'kaput' and now it is having a vacation at my brothers house - I hope it comes back happy and fresh and new and virus free :)

I have had so many ideas for blogs lately... it figures it happens when my computer is dead, right? Haha... oh well. I'll have to post them later - I won't right now because they require photos, and I didn't bring the cable for my phone...

About that art project I mentioned a while ago... it is slow going getting it organized. It requires permission from some people from my past, and it has been quite the adventure getting that permission! I actually decided to give up on it after a few uncomfortable instances ... but then after talking to a good friend about it I have decided to go about it anyway. Even if I can't get everyone involved, I think the project will be healthy for me to do in the end. I bet you're all just boiling with curiosity aren't you?!?!
Keep those seat belts buckled - you'll find out eventually :)

Some good news - I have been sewing! Nothing too creative, but sewing nonetheless. I finished some throw pillows for my brother and sister in law (they were in my possession for way too long waiting to be finished) and boy does it feel good to have those out of the house! I bet they look nice in their place too :) I haven't been over to visit them yet (the pillows, that is)
I also finished a quilt top for my friend Joe - it's almost done Joe! Top, finished - back, almost finished... now I just need batting. Poor Joe has been waiting for this quilt for months... is my face red? :P
One thing at a time... getting caught up, and with every item I finish I get more and more excited about doing artsy things for myself! Next on the list, repairing some items for a friend. After that is done, I am off to the races with my own work :D I am SO excited!!

It is also coming to show applying time... I am about to do my application for Art on the Street - I have done this show 3 times now... I think 3 times... yes 3...
I can't wait for 4! It's a great show.
I actually applied for a spring show recently... one that I have been wanting/trying to get into for a loooooong time - it's actually the only show I have never been accepted into. So, I sent my application off in the mail for this show, super excited because I thought this time, for SURE I'll get in! To my surprise, the next week, I get a package in the mail. The unfortunate part is that the package I received was my application! The stamp had fallen off, and it was returned to me. Can you BELIEVE it??? So, even though I knew it would be late, I sent it off in the mail again with a stamp taped on like crazy. I received an e-mail from a girl from the show the next week saying she got my application, but it was too late. Gah! I couldn't believe it. Oh well. I will try again for the winter show. :)

Some fun in my life lately - I went to see Sweet Thing for the third time in Toronto. My sister and her boyfriend and I went together. It was actually a 'Lights' concert, but Sweet Thing was opening - and I went purely for them :) They are SO good! I chatted with Owen (the lead singer) for a bit after their set. I talked to him the last time I saw them too. What a gem! I am going to see them yet again on the 21st at the Mod club in Toronto, and I am super excited :D They guarantee a great show - always super fun, super cute, and super good music!! Oh, and I may have a 'mild' crush on the entire band.... but especially on Owen ;)

Anywho - that's all for now folks! I will post another couple blogs soon once I get this photo thing figured out....

I'm back baby!

Ok, so it's been a while.

I have had some complaints about how I haven't updated my blog since the beginning of December. I was struggling with what to write on here, as I have not been feeling particularly inspired as of late. BUT - this week a lovely evening with a good friend and good wine sparked my creative lust (yes I'm calling it lust) and I now have some great ideas that I am excited to pursue.

The one I am most excited about I can't talk about yet...it involves getting permission from others before I can go about starting it. I have drawn out some ideas...and I think it has some great potential. It's about my past - involving some specific people...and that's all I'll say just now :) Hopefully it all works out, and I will be able to start!

I also tried to kick start my sewing last night by hemming a pair of pants that have been waiting to be hemmed for months...I know it's not creative, but it got me going on my machine again. Oh my poor machine... it missed me, and I, it!

I hadn't been sewing because my sewing space is no longer conducive to easy creativity. I had to get a room mate in November due to some lack of funds, and therefore had to hand over my lovely studio to someone else to live in :( My studio was moved into the dining room at the beginning of November, and yesterday was the first time I did any sewing in it since the move. I am so glad that I now have some good ideas to get the sewing going again!!

Anywho, wish me luck. If all goes well I'll be reporting back soon with progress!