The Cat is now out of the bag..

The Cat being this painting of some of my fellow Gym members with our Gym Manager in the center in red. I have had this painting on and off my easel for almost a year ,keeping it secret except for a few seeing it. She knew I was working on something but had no idea it eventually was to be given to her on her retirement.After finding out that she was retiring and not going on to the New fitness center to work but only to work out. I decided it should be hers.My plan and reason in the very beginning for doing the painting was to have it made into blank greeting cards and I may still do that. I have small 5x7 matted prints here of this painting I am selling for $5.00 but the original painting I hope will be appreciated by a very deserving Person. Thank you from us all. The new fitness center will be opening before Christmas this year. I am signed on until July 2012,I dread the longer distance from here ,right now I am maybe 2 blocks from my morning workout, I get on my bike and blink and I am there,what will I do? Maybe those days when the roads aren't the best I will attempt to walk instead of taking the car, sounds easy but isn't for me, I workout, bike as well do some easy yoga and still walking any distance is very difficult for me,bad arthritis, so wish me luck with the new walking trail at the new Queens fitness center and it's shock absorbent track I hope to conquer my little problem. So if you see a feeble old Lady walking with two walking sticks across the Bridge mornings why,that might be me:-) I am Woman ,I am strong!!!yeah!!easy to say :-)

Last night we had our gym Christmas ,goodbye /retirement party ,Liz was presented the painting and the dancing began, we left rather early.I danced twice ,two beers and then home to a good nights sleep, I know how to party.

I have been needle felting everyday since the show last week, doing up dog pocket Pets for Folks to give as gifts, I love doing these Pets, especially from a photo of the dog because when looking at the picture I see the Spirit of the Animal and enjoy capturing it in wool. Today I am doing a sweet 10 year old, can't tell you of who,he is a gift. You should see them all lined up here waiting to go to their new homes. I love it.

My house because I have been so busy looks like a bomb went off, and now I have a new toilet in my change room waiting to be installed,always something. Bucks in bucks out..so anyone out there who is still looking for that unique affordable gift, let me know, I may have it here. I only have 3 of my books left as of today but will receive my latest printing early this week.

So off I go to have a quiet day of needle felting and TV.

Spirit and goodwill in the air.

This past weekend here in Liverpool Dec. 2,3 the streets were a buzz with people, young and old. For a Small struggling Town with it's recent news of the loss of jobs with the White Point fire and lay offs with Bowater Paper Mill we were surprised to see so much Spirit, amazing how true it is about hard times bringing People together understanding what is happening with the economy and knowing we have to support our local sheriff as I like to put it . There was standing room only at a few points in the Artisans Gift Gallery those two evenings,everybody had a smile and light in and on their Hearts and faces. We couldn't have wished for better weather. Hugs were being given freely old Friend's were reuniting ,new one's being made and good feeling and cheer were in the air. Saturday evening I anticipated a slower evening so came prepared with the words to Christmas Carols thinking we could do a sing along Christmas Karaoke thing to entertain ourselves if it were slow, it could have been fun.But not the case or needed because there was a steady flow of people in and out all evening long. So to all those who worked at putting this together , you did a great service for our Town as well as those of us there selling. I for one believe the town maybe needed this and it responded by attending. Folks saw what the so many talented People in our area have to offer, I myself was so impressed with what I saw there , not doing shows anymore these days I have been out of the loop and to get all of this Local talent in one room..here in our Town ,Wow!!!we all know where to find what we are looking for without leaving home. As well being with all you fellow Artisans was so inspiring and we had a lot of great laughs. Thank you all very much Merry Christmas, best in 2012, we will survive and be stronger.


I personally had a great show, thank you all and even had a lovely lady call me the next morning to tell me how happy she was with her purchase, I have said it before many times ,it is always nice to meet the Artist who's work you buy as well it is so nice for the Artist to meet the Person who Loves the piece as much as you who created it. Again thank you .


My feltings sold well but I do still have a couple interesting characters left one being a needle felted Santa scene a Mermaid as well as paintings ,antique barnboard painted Santa's that hang on a wall inside or out. Santa Clause small hookings. Anything here in my Studio/Gallery with the exception of a few canvas paintings will be still offered under my this years Christmas Special..I decided to do this when I heard of the job losses in the area and thought I would pass along a savings ,we all can benefit and you get to give an original and unique piece of art and I get to be warm this Winter :-)


So if you saw something at the show that interested you or if you would like to see what I do have here as well as my Children's Book Lu Lu Belle the Happy Puppy email me or call 354-3690 and I would be happy to be here for you .


Now on a different note ,lets talk just plan get in the Spirit of Christmas!!! our home is quite small and compact ,and like the recently past warm weekend when Chuck banned me and my drums to play outside on the deck ,when he ,so he thought wanted to watch Star Wars Movies after the second funeral in a week we had been to and I wanted to rejoice in life and he in mindless movies. At Christmas time he often wishes we had heat in our out building because I start singing Christmas Carols out of the blue, I can't help myself , anyway not so much because of bad singing I hope ,for I am sure I must be great...:-) but that he has no where to get away and watch TV ,being the one TV in the house , well often he will change his mind and join in with me, do you think maybe it has something to do with a small house and who wins out? Speaking of that , joining in ,makes me think of years ago when I lived in Lunenburg , I lived on Pelham Street just one block up from the water front and the streets went up hill from that, I was walking home one night from work near Christmas and I could hear the most wonderful voices Caroling from the streets above, as I walked along I would look up when at the street crossings and sure enough I saw them ,it was a group of 8 -12 people dressed in Period garb ,circa 17th century,they were not only pleasant to listen to but to look at as well . For years I have wanted to do this , so anyone out there who may be interested even if not for this year , it may be a bit late but some work could be done for next year, "Joy to the World"


I found a couple what I call props today at Frenchy's our local second hand clothing outlet for my Needle feltings , I get so excited when I find these little treasures that give me ideas as to what can and will be done with them.

Above is a picture of my Mermaid I have here for sale and a photo from the day I read my book to Hillview Acres, it was a wonderful good feeling day.
So off I go to relax and let my sugar Plums out to float.

even closer ,still!!!

This past week there has been heart break with Funerals . Things like this seem to knock us all off our pins and being so close to Christmas when our Hearts should be filled with joy we ache for those who have lost their loved ones. When we got home yesterday after our second funeral this week, I wanted to celebrate life with music ,Chuck felt that a couple Star Wars movies were more his cup of tea ,so I was ,you might say, banished from our tiny home to entertain myself on the deck. In the beginning as you can see here I was in gloves and a hat ,along with our House Guest Laura. This didn't last long because Chuck then got the bug and joined me, so we sat outside in the wonderful warm sun and entertained ourselves for a couple great hours.

The Artists Gift Gallery Main street Liverpool Dec. 2,3 evenings from 5-10 is coming upon us quickly and I have been getting ready ,realizing times are hard money wise I am offering some great savings on my Art.
To be perfectly honest ,I want to sell and feel everyone will win by passing on savings to local shoppers. So if you are interested in original one of a kind gifts this season for yourself or loved ones ,look no further. I may have what you are looking for. You can find me at this show next weekend or email or call and drop by my in home Gallery on 142 Payzant Street here in Liverpool. My Children's book has been doing well, Thank you all for your interest. I read it at the Mill Village school as well at Hillsview Acres to the older residents there along with the two Dogs , Lu Lu Belle and Laura who star in the book and their owners. Both gigs went very well with great response and energy.

I needed a Christmas garden Flag for in front of my house so I made a canvas painted one for myself and then decided to do a couple more for sale,above picture top left. I have barn Board Santa's,hooked Santa's ,wind Chimes ,needle feltings, of dogs and People hand painted floor and table mats.Paintings on canvas and boat parts and Antique Buoy Lamps. So look no further, check it all out. Today is to be again another lovely day here on the South Shore of our fine Nova Scotia. Last week everyone all around us had snow while we got rain, I like snow, well to play in it ,yes I am up there in years ,but grow up, never, I can and will always make snow Angel's and Snowmen, along with shovelling which I don't quite enjoy as much. We will take what is given to us and make the best of it. We have no choice, suck it up Soldier...it is what it is as I say. Make everyday the best day and better then the day before. Be kind to one another,whether you know someone or not, give them a little smile and a hello and feel your heart swell with goodness and healing. For this is what this Season and everyday should be about.

Merry Christmas and all the Best to you and yours in 2012.

Nearing Christmas,

Here are a couple paintings recently

completed and a few others ,as well this Elf needle felting and I do have others here. There will be a show on Dec. 2 and 3 from 5 -10 PM both nights during our Liverpool Christmas tree lighting ceremony ,it is being held in the old Value Plus building next to Home Hardware here in Town. "Artists gift Gallery"

Pop in for a visit those evenings , you may be impressed . There will be many Artisan's offering unique gifts for that someone special or yourself.

Yes believe it or NOT!!! Santa is on his way, at least in the stores . Here in Town the store windows are beautiful, The Moss Pot as always and Home Hardware WOW!!! very nice. Myself always on the other end trying to sell for the Holidays. But,I Love to stand and stare into the Christmas windows like a small Child day Dreaming with those darn Sugar Fairy's dancing in my head. Did I mention I so want a lap top ,whether it is from Santa or Chuck . So this brings me to why I write here today ,I need to sell. I am putting the finishing touches on a painted floor mat called "The Rock". I am taking into consideration this year,that money is hard found and I will be keeping my prices reasonable ,wanting to sell and understanding the fear People are having, concerned with our economy.This shopping Season stay home and look first for that wonderful gift. You just may save money and at least find something one of a kind and unique right here on your own doorstep.

As the old saying goes again, I will be burning it from both ends this next while and will have a good varity of paintings and product to choose from. Chuck is working on another Antique Buoy Lamp.

on a different note read below about my Great Day day last week.

This past Friday I was invited to the Mill Village school to read my book"Lu Lu Belle the Happy Puppy" to the whole school, they were divided into two groups and were so very well behaved. It was sweet after the first group one of the Children checked out the book which the school bought for the Library. I asked them if they had any questions after I read and yes they did, I was asked great and funny ones as well .To say I enjoyed myself that morning would be an understatement. Thank you Mill Village School . The Local Advance was there and this coming week there may be something about that day in it. Next Tuesday I will going to Hillsview Nurseing home to read my Book to the residents there along with the two Dogs who star in the book . It should be fun and the "Girl's" Lu Lu Belle and Laura so enjoy each others company, they are true Doggy Friend's. I will be taking the camera and will share some photos with you after. today I have painting to do and am thinking of some smaller Needle feltings to do up for the show,Winter themed. I can't burn out when I am doing what I LOVE.

Devasting Fire and loss of a Local Icon

November 12 2011 will be remembered for years to come in our Queens County Community as the day we lost one of our local Icons. White Point Beach Lodges Main building was lost to fire.

So many of us are devastated by this news from all over the World. We who had the privilege to have worked there years ago and still today can't quite believe what we see and hear of this sad news.

I worked at W.P. back in 1967 when Mr. and Mrs .Elliot ran it. As well we have done shows and workshops over the years with Children and Adults staying at the Lodge .And yes like many have memories and stories of those days gone by and if those ,now gone Kitchen walls could talk,oh what we would hear. My name was carved into the round wall in the Kitchen along with so many other's. Many years of laughter, song ,dance,good food, weddings ,special dinners ,lounging by the stone fire places,swimming in the pool, surfing on the waves. Sitting at the bar with old and new friend's.There is so much to say ,so much to remember. The loss of all the original photos from back when it first opened I believe in 1928.White Point Beach Lodge was always Home away from home for everyone who entered into that building. People always felt at ease and welcome by the warmth of the walls and Staff inside and out. Everyone felt special at White Point ,with Children and Rabbits hopping all around ,Guests being treated like Family. Those walls are now gone forever. We can only pray that new walls will be built, then we will have to fill those walls with new memories and warmth. Whenever I stop and let my minds eye bring back all the pictures in my head of those years past, I tear at the sadness of this loss. I just happen to have a tray from 1967 when I worked there and over the years I have considered doing a painting of White Point on it and returning it to the Lodge. I have teased Danny about this for sometime now.Well that day has come and when the new doors open to our new Lodge and I am sure that will happen, it must happen, it will happen and when it does I will be delivering this tray back to the new Lodge ,to be returned whence it came, but with a painting of our lost Lodge on it. Our Community lately has been struck with many shops closing,threat of our Paper Mill closing. It seems so much has been on this Little sleepy Towns mind this past many Months. This is hard for many of us to swallow and at times like this we find ourselves wanting to give up and seeing only darkness ,like Death we fear seeing an end, but we must persevere and we will ,no matter how bad this all looks right now and don't get me wrong it is bad, especially this time of year with so many people out of work, lost jobs for no fault of their own. Maybe it is time to simply stand back and be proud and say, "We will survive!" We will tighten our belts and make a point of getting through these trying times . We are still here and we will build from the ashes not only our treasured White Point but our Town and Community in general. Lets be strong and stand tall ,lets rebuild our Queen's County and make it shine and be better then ever, we still have so much to offer ,we are the hidden gem and will overcome these hard times. Now to our Men and Woman who fought this fire, who put their lives on the line every time they are called out. Ironically there was a contest just recently with votes being casted for different Fire Departments ,Liverpool did not win but they are winners in all of our eyes,actually just yesterday before the fire on Face Book it was suggested that everyone make a small donation for our Fire Department, I see this coming to be. I have been hearing Trucks return for hours now and one again just went by my house back to the Fire Hall, I am sure they were on standby and watch throughout the night. I was told that fire Fighters from as far away as Bridgewater and beyond and in the other direction Lockport came to the rescue,this fire will go down in History, a sad day and night to remember.But look for the Light at the end of the Tunnel, we may have to look hard right now, but keep your eyes open for it, for if we cloud over with too many tears right now we may not see what we should see and that just may be a postive outcome.

rain ,wind and getting work done

I started this Fisherman the other day when I was spending the day at a friend's house. She lives on the Sea Shore near a wharf and fishing boats and that is where I got my inspiration for this Needle Felted piece.

Trying my best to get as much done for the Christmas selling Season, make hay while the Sun shines as the old saying goes. The Play The Full Monty has been postponed until February so as mentioned before the pressure is off just a bit regarding getting the set done by November 18th. So I can get back to some product. Loving what I do makes it very easy to be prolific. Yesterday November 11th was a nasty weather wise day,the wind and rain was terrible. We had a couple leaks here which made the day interesting moving furniture around and catching drips. We are waiting on roofers to get here and put a new roof on the house and it hopefully will be soon before the Snow flies. Although again this Year it may end up being a mild Winter for us here on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. Unlike the Winters we had when I was a kid growing up , we would always receive a sled from Santa for Christmas and would go coasting on Christmas Day.For years now we have not seen snow staying before January. Just the way it is with Global warming:-( sad really for those of us who still like to build Snowmen.My plan is to either start another needle Felting or maybe a painting this weekend, I will see as the day continues. My little Children's book has been doing well ,I am getting great response, Thank you all for that. I will be reading it to the Mill village School on the 18th and will be sharing it with the residents of Hills View on the 20th.

Busy with Paintings

here is the finished chair>>>>

This past while I have been busy painting up a storm. This is one of the two new canvases I have finished and here is a Lawn Chair I am painting for The Liverpool Midget B. Minor Hockey fundraiser coming up soon. Look for them out selling tickets at the Super Store ,Moss Pot and maybe in other locations. With the Full Monty being postponed until sometime in February because of a cast member with a back problem you might say the pressure has eased regarding getting the painting of the set done for the play by November 18th .So I Hope to work on a series of affordable paintings for an Artisans art show which will be held here in town Dec. 2,3 evenings from 5-10. It should be beautiful with lights, music and Christmas Spirit all around .There has been sad news of maybe a shut down of our Bowaters Paper Mill, but we need to be positive and think outside the box. Good will prevail in the end but we may all have to tighten our belts and one way to do that is be creative with gift giving this season and shop local,where unique gifts may be found right here under our noses. Like days gone by, underwear and socks ,sleds and simple homemade gifts were a treat and something special for all. Grandmas hand knit socks, Oh I wish I could knit, I remember trying in the past and did knit a sweater for Chuck with one sleeve longer then the other , Bless his heart ,he loved that sweater. And the time I was trying to knit socks ,what is with this turning the heel thing? wow!!!way hard for me, I am a tube sock knitter, as well don't ever buy a knitted dish cloth that I knit, mine are triangle shape, I remember a Dear since passed friend Jean laughing at my attempt at knitting one years ago and her Hubby saying that he wouldn't wash his truck with my attempt. He was joking of course. So I now look for those who sell these dishcloths that I love to use and those socks I love to wear, and you know, I can find them right here at our upcoming Liverpool Fire Hall Christmas Craft show as well at all the Church and fundraiser Teas and sales which will all be within the next weeks before Christmas and we don't have to gas up the car to attend any of these local Christmas sales.Our Little Town has so many Talented Artists and Crafts People ,we still can offer just about anything right here that we need.I noticed this morning as I rode by the Liverpool Home Hardware store on Main Street, the window has been decorated for Christmas and is Beautiful, very nice job.Chuck and I don't go all out with big time gift giving ourselves for Christmas ,all we need are new bodies.We love the feeling and Spirit of the Season and look forward to it and wish all out there a Peaceful Season and Winter. Sing and rejoice and give thanks for the Little overlooked things in life.

Well I better get back to the task at hand and that would be painting a lawn chair.

Chair update..it is finiahed..see above photo.

I stayed up late for me last night working on it and will share another photo after today's painting. I choose a happy Gnome and flower theme and have begun painting again this morning since my early frosty bike ride, and I do mean frosty, my cheeks are still burning and I had a scarf over my face. There were frozen leaves and acorns falling on my head as I was riding through Fort Point park.Very wonderful and nice besides the cold. I do find it takes way more effort then in in warm weather. Not many Folk out this morning unlike the other day when it was so warm in the Autumn sun with squirrels everywhere gathering nuts on a fine day hiding them here there and everywhere in preparation for a long,cold winter. We too are in a way hiding our nuts :-) getting ready for winter with putting up food and preparing to sit back in our little cozy house and this year make a spot for Chuck to get some painting done with me in my tiny Studio. I have mentioned before how small our House is and everything has to do double duty. Well today I have a wooden Adirondack Lawn chair sitting here in the middle of the room,this is why I am working long hours trying to get it finished ,so I can then get back to trying to make a space for Chuck's winter creative projects.