Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Does anyone remember that song from the movie "Babes in Toyland" with a really young Drew Barrymore and Keanu Reeves? My s.o. and I are in Cincinnati. Here's a couple shots from our first day. This one is from a fountain in the main square downtown.

We went and saw a Shepard Fairey exhibit at the Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center. Amazing!!
And here we are chillin' outside...it's really warm here! Great weather. Great times.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Dingleberry

I'm a fan of the site regretsy. It makes me laugh. I'm also a sucker for cute/fun/unique plushies. Through my following of regretsy, as well as connecting with other etsy sellers who enjoy it, I purchased Dingleberry the Third from an awesome seller: absolutely small!! And he arrived today. Here he is in all his post travel glory. (Hmm, blogspot isn't accepting my pics for some reason, so here's his original shot from absolutely small's amazing shop).


And in other news...before I head up North I'm taking a little side trip with my s.o. to Cincinnati. So next time I post it'll be from that great city :) It's been awhile since I've traveled down to the States...glad the Canadian dollar's doing well! (such a grown-up thing to notice and comment on...sheesh!)

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Packbacking

Nothing but packing this weekend...
And overindulging in my addiction. No Starbucks in Fort Good Hope.

Worse than no cell phone coverage in my opinion! ;)

Friday, March 26, 2010

Last day of Work

I love last days of work.
And from this point on I vow to remain office-free for the rest of my days.
from Flapper Doodle (LOVE this shop)

Such a life is just not for me.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Just got my ticket. April 13, 2010 I land in Fort Good Hope, NWT!


I realize I haven't talked about my etsy shop in awhile. I plan to put it in vacation mode for a few months, and then decide if I'm gonna keep it goin while I'm up there.
So check it out now, before it takes a nap. ;) Here's some of my fave items:


Tuesday, March 23, 2010


I only got my first cell phone a year ago...begrudgingly...it was a gift. I never wanted to become one of "those" people. Fast forward a year. I am a text addict. Granted the only person I text is my s.o. (significant other). But now I just can't imagine a day where we don't yip back and forth to each other.

I just found out that Fort Good Hope, NWT does not have cellular service...at all! My s.o. and I will have to settle for talking whenever we can on a landline. Oh the burdens of life in a handheld technology addicted society! *sigh* ;) 

Monday, March 22, 2010

It's winter again in Edmonton! Cold and snowy this morning, but I guess I better get used to that.
I'm changing the name of my blog to reflect my upcoming change to the Northwest Territories. Maurice is still around tho, badgering away.
I got a great start on my packing this weekend - one goal accomplished.
And...here's some books I've read lately cuz I realized I haven't posted that in awhile:

Tangling up family at its finest! Such vivid and honest storytelling. A thought-provoking read.
Blunt, controversial and persuasive. This book doesn't beat around the bush, it takes you right to the centre, thorns and all, and makes a compelling argument. Wish it would have spent more time on ideas for solving the problem though, instead of just stating the problem from every angle.

Waters is definitely one of my favourite fiction authors. She draws you in so subtlely and before you know it your gasping with the thrill of it. One of those books you hate to see end, it's so good you want to stay awhile longer.

Friday, March 19, 2010

suitcases from VintageStatus
This weekend I plan to finish most of my packing. This may prove difficult because my sister lent me the fourth season of "Bones". *sigh* Yet, I remain hopeful. As I have packed and moved a dozen times, I consider myself pretty knowledgeable about the whole affair. Here's my list of some things you need to do to pack well:

1. Get rid of stuff, throw away, donate!, sell it if you have the time, but if you don't, visit the dumpster/good will shop often!
2. GET RID OF STUFF! I know those CDs/movies/shoes you bought 10 years ago that you never listen to/watch/wear may hold a special place in your heart, but do you really want to lug them around with you for the rest of your life? I know this may prove difficult for some...but you just gotta buckle down and do it. Eventually, you won't even remember the stuff you got rid of.
3. With everything, ask yourself: Do I really want to lug this around with me for the rest of my life?
4. Invest in some bankers boxes. I use mine over and over and they hold up well. Plus they're easy to transport - not too big, convenient handles, worth the money!
5. Pack your boxes according to rooms. This makes unpacking so much easier!
6. Double up - I wrap my breakables in my t-shirts.
7. Books are usually my heaviest things. Put a layer or two on the bottom of a box and lighter stuff on top. This way, you won't break your back.
8. Crank the music and get 'er done!
propeller from verabel

I'm very blessed that my Aunt has agreed to store all my stuff while I'm up North. Now I just have to decide what I'm going to take there. What does one take to the Arctic? During the summer? "Bug and bear spray" I've been told...eeeek!


Wednesday, March 17, 2010

I recently won a giveaway on Little Gray Pixel's blog! My first blog giveaway win. It's soo much fun. And it arrived in the mail today! Here are the pics:

So beautiful!! Thank you Little Gray Pixel/Vanessa. I'm definitely going to use these after I move up North. People are going to wonder where I got such lovely summery images so close to the Arctic! :)
Go to her shop and buy her stuff everyone! Her photos are wonderful.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010


A gallery across the street from where I work. Bearclaw Gallery.
(Artwork by Maxine Noel.)
I decided it was about time I visited...I've only been working here a year and a half!
Stunning art, and some of the friendliest people in the world.
Right next door the whole time.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Leaving

It’s uncanny how when I am soon to depart a place (I move from Edmonton to the Northwest Territories in just under a month), I discover things about that place that leave me in awe. Perhaps it’s because when we know we’re leaving we become more nostalgic, more open to seeing what we may never get the chance to see again. Thing is, these things have been around us the whole time…and for me, I allow myself to get too bogged down in the day-to-day that I don’t see them. But this weekend I SAW the new Art Gallery of Alberta:

An exhibit featuring the stunning portrait work of Yousuf Karsh. "Karsh: Image Maker features original portraits, studio and darkroom artifacts, and archival material that build an unforgettable picture of the artist that was Karsh." Every single image told a story. It was a breathtaking experience.

Karsh, Estrellita Karsh, 1963. (MFA via Time.com)

An exhibit of sound by Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller. "Consisting of 98 speakers, The Murder of Crows is a complex interweaving of voice, music and sound that generates a profound physical impact on the listener." A complete mental, physical and emotional experience, this artistic piece stayed with me long after I left the gallery.

I encourage you all to see "your place" with fresh eyes. Be open to the treasures that are right next door.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

The Junque Cellar

A treasure hunting trip to Edmonton's Junque Cellar always makes me happy. Full of curios, antiques and retro fun, it's the perfect way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon. And since I'm always on the lookout for funky feminine finds for my etsy shop, I picked up these gems. Enjoy!

Friday, March 12, 2010


I found my hero while wandering around Warsaw, Poland with my bestest sister in 2008.

Funk for Friday

Yesterday I received an etsy purchase in the mail. All the way from Finland, these amazing leopard sleeves by vaisto. And I absolutely adore them. I'm wearing them today and have already gotten comments, "What are you wearing?!?" and I love it. It's the simple things in life, the added touches of fun and funk that I adore, and my new sleeves are just such a gem. So treat yourself to something fun and funky this weekend! You won't regret it.

Maurice: Maybe I'll treat myself to a big pile of mud to dig a hole in...

If mud makes you happy, treat yourself to mud!

Thursday, March 11, 2010


Wow. It's official. My next life adventure will be in Fort Good Hope, Northwest Territories, Canada. Who woulda thunk it?? I started out looking for a TEFL job across the ocean...in hot climates...like Guatemala! And now, I'm headed to the Arctic Circle! Well, like I said once before, one never knows where doors will open. Or, as my Grandpa used to say, "If you throw enough shit against the wall, eventually some of it will stick." And mine stuck on the NWT! lol. I'll be working with Frontiers Foundation on a recreation program. And again I say, wow!

I'll be blogging all the way there and back, so keep in touch for my Northern adventures.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Maurice: It appears that this is becoming a regular Wednesday feature...

1. The Northwest Territories, Canada. Since this may very well be where I'm headed for
my next adventure, I'm reading everything I can on the subject!!


2. Bon Iver/Justin Vernon. If you have not heard his music, find it now and listen! My significant other and I are headed to see Justin in Cincinnati at the end of March. I fear my s.o. may just pee his pants with excitement.



3. PassiveAgressiveNotes. Almost as funny as regretsy.com...almost. Check it out for a giggle or two when you're feeling crappy.




4. South Park Season 13. My friend recently sent this to me (thank you Wynne!) and it's so perfect for those 'turn off your brain and veg' times that I love! And c'mon, it's South Park!



5. Blogs, blogging, my blog, your blog, finding new blogs. I guess you could say I'm into the whole blogging thing.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Photo for Tuesday

Here's a slightly odd yet unique photo, for all you slightly odd and unique followers...who I love!! I took this at a puppet museum in Salzburg, Austria.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Today I've been working on the final edits for my first "real" published magazine piece for avenue magazine. And it's pretty darn exciting since I've always wanted to write for magazines (BUST magazine is the dream!) I've been published before, but usually it was tied to my job or a first-person opinion piece. This is my first official article. It's about parkour in Edmonton. Here are a couple shots I took so you can get the idea of what parkour actually is.


and in other thoughts...

Simplicity:
absence of complication/moments of breath with ease
I want to share them all with you.

This photo is from www.etsy.com/littlegraypixel. I won a giveaway on her blog and absolutely love her stuff!! Visit her shop and buy her stuff. :) Happy Monday!

Sunday, March 7, 2010


Well, it's looking more and more likely that I'll be heading to the Northwest Territories for my next adventure! Hard to believe!! This morning I had an amazing chat with Anouk - a gal from Belgium who is already up there working. She told me all about the community and what I'd be doing (working on a recreation program). Nothing is set in stone yet however (of course). But I cannot wait till things are confirmed.

This weekend I also helped my sister pick out her wedding outfit! What she's wearing is a huge secret, so I can't even post what kind of outfit it is. And in spite of the fact that I really cannot stand the whole "wedding fuss/traditions/etiquette" insanity, it was a real thrill to be there for her big choice.

Maurice: "The truth about stories is that that's all we are."

I was never very good at telling stories, but I always wanted to be. My latest read is "The Truth about Stories" by Thomas King. A wonderful little book that illustrates how stories are the key to, and only hope for, human understanding.

Friday, March 5, 2010

And I didn't even know it!! Wow. My shop was featured. It was actually featured on Etsy's front page. I'm so stunned I don't even know what to say! Putting it in my sidebar for all to see. :) And here's a screen capture:


And in other totally selfish news. Here's a sneak peek at a photoshoot I just did. I'm pretty excited cuz I've always wanted to do something like this.
So there's my encouragement to you on this fabulous Friday - pick something you've always wanted to do and do it!! It doesn't have to be big. It can be one of those small, silly things (like a sexy photoshoot!). But you're worth it so do it!


Thursday, March 4, 2010


Well, if you've been following my blog you know that I've been looking for a TEFL job. I taught English in Poland for a year from 2007-2008, loved it, and am now looking to head out into the world again!! I always thought I would be crossing an ocean (I had interviews for schools in Micronesia, Guatemala and Russia). But now an opportunity has come up - waaaaay up - in the North of Canada. I may have the chance to go and work with the community of Fort Providence or Fort Good Hope, NWT, assisting in their school. Wow!! It would be such a challenging experience...but one that I'm getting more and more excited about the more I think about it.

Maurice: Do you believe in synchronicity? (that odd experience where two or more events that are apparently unrelated occur together in a meaningful manner.)

I'd have to say yes, because the day I heard back from the organization I may be working with up there, was the same day I picked up my latest read: "Where the Pavement Ends. Canada's Aboriginal Recovery Movement and the Urgent Need for Reconciliation" The needs of Canada's First Nations are so numerous and seem so huge. Would I really be able to help in some small way? Am I really headed to the Northwest Territories??
Only time will tell.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

I obsess. These obsessions come and go, but when I'm into something I'm REALLY into it.
Here are 5 current ones:

1. Making art with vintage paper. It's like I'm a kid again, only now I can cut and paste much better.








2. Books about "Africa". I don't really like using the generalization "Africa" to describe such a vast and diverse continent. Nevertheless, the Congo, Libya and Nigeria are 3 countries I've read about recently.


3. Lady Gaga. Yes, I admit it. She's just so outrageous I can't not look! And "Bad Romance" is a fun song to dance to ok?! (why do I feel so ashamed??)









4. "Bones" the TV show starring Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz, and (my fave) Michaela Conlin. I won't try to describe it here...watch it yourself!










5. And, well, looking for the next TEFL job I guess. Sending my stuff out into the world and prayin that the right door will open. (p.s. I got this image from www.etsy.com/pixelwildchild it matched so well how I'm feeling about the job hunt today. Visit her shop the stuff is gorgeous!)