Have you made resolutions?

I have the same resolutions I’ve had for the last few years, so are they resolutions if you make them every year? More time for creative pursuits, eat better, get more sleep, take time to stop and smell the flowers- those are the sort of things on my list. All the usual ones, but definitely worth reminding myself of again. For me the word “reminders” comes with allot less pressure, resolutions sound far too official and unattainable.  I think I’ll  add being more organized to the reminders list this year – once I find the darned thing!

Wishing you a happy, healthy and creative 2012!

Catherine

With all best wishes for a peaceful Christmas and a creative New year,

Catherine

I have come to the conclusion that blogging and renovating your house just don’t mix well, unless of course there is absolutely nothing else going on other than renovating or you were blogging about renovating only. Maybe it would work then or maybe it’s just me! I have been dancing as fast as I can (to borrow a phrase from someone I can’t remember) but haven’t done a very good job keeping up with things.

Even though  I have been a lousy blogger the last little while, I have been a hard-working renovator and I can let you know the renovation is almost complete (there should be a short fanfare of trumpets that plays as you read that) There are a few things left to do, the tile back-splash in the kitchen, which has been promised for this week coming and the fireplace mantle are still being finished  but that’s all.

Don’t let the step-ladder fool you, the bathroom is done. Just a bit of cleaning ( OK allot of cleaning) and  finding a better place to keep the loo roll!  and I can hang towels and put out the pretty soap.

Thank heavens it was a nice day when the counter-tops arrived. These gentlemen drilled the holes in the counter for the taps outside in the front garden. It was a bit cold but the yellow ear protectors were for the noise not the cold, the drill was deafening.

The counters are installed and I have appliances!

So… more cleaning and a few evenings spent reading the  manuals ( I’m one of those people who read manuals and operating instructions, a bit sad isn’t it)  and we will be up and running and maybe even cooking.

My studio has been taken over for the finishing of the mantle piece so I haven’t gotten much done in there , the smell is so strong it has driven me out and it’s too cold to have the door open for long. But I have been doing a bit of prep work for a Paper and Stitch workshop I am giving in January for the Vancouver Guild of Fibre Arts.

I’ve been having  a great time adding a bit of pen and ink to these copies of pages from my sketchbook. It’s my renovation therapy to have something to stitch and draw on!

There’s not much happening in the way of Christmas around here, there’s just nowhere safe to put it. I did manage some lights in the garden and the outside of the house so the neighbors won’t think the Grinch lives here but short of a beautiful poinsettia that it for this year. With the exception of Bart’s Santa hat, which much to his chagrin I manged to find and he “agreed” to wear for a quick photo.

Happy almost Christmas, hope all your preparations are going to plan!

Bye for now, Catherine

another wild and wonderful week has flown by, actually it’s been nearly 2 weeks since I caught up with this blog and there is so much to share.

My house is coming along , seems like I’ve been saying that for weeks now, but really it is starting to come together. Allot of the “stuff” has been cleared out and found a home. The vanity is actually in the bathroom, not hooked up or in the right place but still… in the right room is a good start! The toilet continues to reside in the living room… sigh….

The vanity will swing around and line up under the hole in the center of the wall that will be the light fixture! The kitchen cabinets are installed, no counter tops yet ( next week -fingers crossed)

The broom and garbage bag are the first clue of how I spent Saturday, all day, trying to lower the dust level, not wholly successful but a whole lot better!

Almost looks livable, doesn’t it?

One of the most exciting things to happen this past week is the creation of a new and exciting  blog called SiX and Friends. The blog is designed for all 9 of the artists to chat    and share with each other as we create work for the upcoming Orientation exhibition, but it’s so much more! For me being the far-flung Canadian it’s a wonderful chance to stay connected to the rest of the group and chat about the ideas and work that is developing.

members of the group are introducing themselves and talking a bit about where they are going ( or think they are!) The blog will be a great way to follow along the creative journey as work gets made for this touring exhibition.

I’m planning on creating my first post right after I get this one done so make sure to check out Six and Friends, the post will hopefully explain this collection of  bits, not sure quite where I am going with it all yet but the ideas are starting to circle!

Back to cleaning…

Bye for now, Catherine