Welcome to My World!

Summer 2011 in 20 Pictures

2011-08-13T12:04:00.002-04:00

Wonderful Summer:

Knitting

Starting a new quilt.

Swimming.

Relaxing on the patio.

Painting this mirror frame.

Stripping this vintage dressing table (not finished).

Preparing Alizée's 20th birthday party.

Spending a great week in Maine with hubby.

Encouraging hubby with the major bathroom renos.

Reading.

Going back to my Gratitude Journal.

Sleeping well (except for the mosquitoes episode ;-)

Sewing new stuff for myself.

Working on my first granny squares blanket.

Staying in contact.

Watching movies and TV series.

Enjoying ice cream sandwiches (THE summer 2011 dessert ;-)

Going back to powerwalking (and even running!).

Practising what Maya taught me at Squam last June.

Living surrounded by hilarious people.

What about your summer?

Alizée Turned 20

2011-08-11T09:25:00.002-04:00

Alizée turned 20 last Monday.
20. Years. Old.

A concept: 20 presents, 20 cupcakes. Each present had a number on it and on 20 pieces of paper (also numbered) I wrote sentences to be completed. Alizée picked a piece of paper, completed the sentence and unwrapped the corresponding present. A very simple idea, but we spent a lovely moment together. And we also learned more about her!

The cupcakes were delicious. I took the inspiration from the wrapping paper to decorate them (concept, concept). A little food coloring, coconut, Smarties and there you go.

A great evening!

Here are the 20 sentences if you feel like doing something similar:
1. The next place you want to visit...
2. What you like the most about yourself...
3. Something you learned about yourself recently...
4. Your favorite piece of clothing ever...
5. A dream you know will become true eventually...
6. A souvenir from your childhood that still makes you smile...
7. The most beautiful song...
8. Your extreme odors (the one you like the most and the one you can't stand)...
9. In 5 years, you...
10. Something crazy you'd like to do...
11. The most beautiful place you've ever been...
12. One thing you want to accomplish before you turn 21...
13. A flaw in others you don't mind...
14. THE movie you watch again and again...
15. What makes you laugh...
16. Your biggest accomplishment this year...
17. What you like to hear...
18. 20 years old is...
19. The most wonderful machine/invention...
20. Something you didn't know before this year...

My First...

2011-06-11T17:34:00.001-04:00

This is my first, my very first sock! I am so happy, the pattern wasn't too complicated, though there was a little "lace" on top... Very happy with the result. I kinda have to knit the 2nd now... ;-)

2011-05-31T21:30:00.001-04:00

Leaving tomorrow morning... It's gonna be awesome. Again.

Blogmania

2011-03-31T13:24:00.002-04:00

I visit A LOT of blogs. Sometimes I stop for a quick look, but for the following blogs, I always spend more time...

Fourmi rose: So that I stay in touch with my art partner.
Vie de merde: Because laughing is good. GOOOOOOD.
Motherhood is not for Whimps: A mother who makes me laugh. And think.
My Milk Toof: Too creative. I am officially jalous.
One Sentence: Same kind of blog as Vie de merde, with serious stuff instead.
Dottie Angel: Gorgeous photos!!! I love the fabrics, the feminine stuff, the embroidery, the knitting, the crochetted blankets. One day, I will go to one of her workshops. It's on my life list.
Habit: A sentence, a photo. Capturing the essence of the day.
Ma vie est tout à fait fascinante: A young author/illustrator I am really fond of.
Whole Self: A creative mother who is not afraid to get dirty.
Yarn Harlot: One of the teachers who will be at Squam Art Workshops in June and who is, "live" extremely funny.

I Have Something to Say...

2011-03-28T20:25:00.002-04:00

I don't know. It was like blogging wasn't as fun as it used to.

To tell the truth, I've been pretty busy:
knitting
crocheting
sewing
working
reading
watching good movies/TV series
going places...

I knit hats and scarves for my sock monkeys. Too cute, hey?

So, less time. Less interest for writing too I guess.

But today, two separate events:

• A waitress where I had lunch said something terrible about teens. I have something to say about that...

•I discovered Squam Art Workshops teachers' blogs and I took the time to read some of their posts. I smiled. I laughed. I said a couple of "Me too!". It made me realize I also have something to say...

Sometimes I think I have nothing interesting to say. But, seriously, why should I worry about that? My blog was never created to attract readers. It has always been a place for me to write positive, pleasant, personal stuff.

A couple of years ago I went to a workshop where we were asked why we were blogging. For us? For the others? For a specific topic? Well, I blog for myself. Because it makes ME feel good. If YOU feel good reading it, well, Welcome to My World!

Miranda: 13 Personality Traits

2011-02-11T14:49:00.003-05:00

My dear Miranda is turning 15 today...

1. Incredible empathy
2. Creative
3. Great communication skills
4. Generous
5. Funny (sometimes without realizing it ;-)
6. Smart
7. Curious
8. Artistic
9. Surprising
10. Knows her limits
11. Full of life
12. Foodie
13. Resourceful

"Man About Town" starring Kilian Martin

2011-02-01T09:22:00.005-05:00

Not usually a fan of skateboarding,
but can I change my mind for a moment?

13 Observations

2011-01-07T16:30:00.002-05:00

1. I am quite slow at making decisions.
2. I am well surrounded.
3. I really have the possibility to do all sorts of things.
4. I am a list freak. And I think it has to change.
5. I loooooove cinema.
6. I need music in my life. Almost everywhere. Almost all the time.
7. I hate exercising. But I love the feeling after exercising.
8. I have done a pretty good job as a mother.
9. I am never bored.
10. I am a spring/summer girl.
11. I always have lots of ideas. Lots. And some more.
12. I am very sensitive.
13. I found my soulmate.

Granny Christman Tree

2010-12-20T20:35:00.002-05:00

This year, a vintage Christmas tree. I love using vintage items, especially textiles. I feel closer to those women who made everything themselves, now that I am making some stuff myself. My granny Christmas tree is kind of an homage in a way.

The "lacy" decorations were part of a crocheted center piece that I separated into different elements. Absolutely lovely...

The "beast" ;-)

And, gifts... Craft paper, a fantastic friend of mine, allows so many possibilities that I couldn't resist to use it again this year. For each gift, a large black letter, butcher's twine and a little ribbon to give them a more festive look and... Voilà!

Actor/Actress

2010-12-13T11:10:00.001-05:00

Being an actor/actress...

Etsy.com, my Friend

2010-12-12T15:40:00.002-05:00

I have a superb orange popsicle dining room. Clear, refreshing, imagine the energy boost when you are in that room. But, nothing on the walls. Yet. I found an old kitsch mirror I painted white. Looks nice. Still, something was missing, something artsy. I went through an extreme search on the wonderful etsy site, where artists sell their art online.

Here is what I bought:Sur la route vers Natashquan / Carol-Anne Pedneault (bought in Montreal, but available online)

Sanctuary / Cathy Nichols

Polaroid - Bunting / Amy Blackwell

Suitcases / Amy Blackwell

Green Nesting Bird / Bernadette Sipkes

Little Flats / Shelli Dorfe

Spot the Spurtle / Jill Bogart

Airplane Nursery / Sarah Knight
Spring Owl Tree / Aline

Town Archival Print / Lisa Congdon

I just need to find interesting frames (vintage of course), it's gonna be grand!

Thanks

2010-11-27T10:53:00.003-05:00

I've been tagged by Valérie so here's a list of things I am thankful for:

1. My husband and daughters. Great people. My life is so wonderful because of them.
2. A cosy, homy place to live, where everyone is happy.
3. Having a job.
4. The freedom to create without being judged by those who are close to me.
5. Fascinating hobbies, inspiring books, great music.
6. My friends. Those who are close to me, those I almost never see, those I'm in contact through social media, those I haven't met in person yet, the new ones, those who've been there for a long time, the funny ones, those who are serious, inspiring, the smart ones, those from around here and those who live far away...
7. The strength I've discovered within myself to fight for what's important for me.
8. The risks I take even if it's a bit scary or they do not end up the way I wanted them to.
9. The philosophy I have adopted that helps me go through the not-so-good parts of life.
10. Vacation time, holidays, days off, free time. Because hey, that's when I have the most fun.
11. Technology. We live in a wonderful time. Really. And I can't wait to see what's coming next...
12. All those projects and ideas I have in my head. All the time.
13. An okay health that even without being "top" allows me to do whatever I want.

Irresistible

2010-11-24T19:47:00.002-05:00

When a little boy has that effect on Santa, do we really think we can resist him? I have the feeling that he'll have his "Thomas le petit train" for Xmas...

Milk Toof

2010-10-19T10:44:00.001-04:00

Love this blog... So creative and funny!

Knitting

2010-10-14T22:32:00.002-04:00

When fall comes, I feel the urge to knit. Not really a good knitter, but I love it. This year, I'm doing something new: I won't knit alone, all by myself at home. There's this nice little boutique in my hometown. Can't wait to go back. I even have a meeting with a coach very soon. Yay!

Friday = Brown!

2010-10-08T19:50:00.000-04:00

And a last one...

Thursday = Red

2010-10-07T21:25:00.001-04:00

Nicely said by the lovely Hula: "I never get tired of color week. never. not ever."
Me neither. I just can't resist.

Wednesday = Orange

2010-10-06T08:01:00.000-04:00

Autumn Colour Week is back, via Poppytalk. Join the Flickr group if you feel like it!

Tuesday = Yellow

2010-10-06T07:59:00.000-04:00

Autumn Colour Week is back, via Poppytalk. Join the Flickr group if you feel like it!

Monday = Green

2010-10-04T15:08:00.001-04:00

Autumn Colour Week is back, via Poppytalk. Join the Flickr group if you feel like it!

The Future of the Book

2010-09-23T19:32:00.000-04:00

Really? Wow...

The Future of the Book. from IDEO on Vimeo.

Life List

2010-09-21T20:06:00.002-04:00

I am in the process of writing a list, a life list; things I want to do in this life. I now have 26 items but I need to think a little bit more before I publish it. The goal not being to write a list, just for the sake of it but to go with stuff I really wish to do and that are realistic (so, no "swimming with dolphins" -yuk-, "seeing a unicorn", or "climbing the Everest").

Those who know me well know how much I love lists, how serious this one is ;-)

To be continued then...

Space

2010-09-02T20:12:00.003-04:00

No picture. I am just so very tired. I spent a long time during my summer vacation cleaning up. Making room. Throwing away stuff.

Now that Alizée has her own apartment in ze big city (yes, university life, already!), that Miranda decided to relocate in the basement, there is an extra room upstairs. So I made myself a studio. I can sew/paint/do all sort of crafts in there, it can get messy, no one will know!

So, Alizée did her share of the purging. Miranda was almost an expert (three huge garbage bags) and I did too. All over the house. The attic was filled, with stuff, looooots of stuff. The basement had too many things the girls didn't use anymore. The bookcases were accumulating so much dust, it was a shame. My CD collection wasn't used anymore (my music is all digital now). I emptied a big filing cabinet filled with my lesson plans from ten years ago. We needed that.

We did a yard sale, gave stuff to charity, recycled what we could and threw away the rest. So now there's more room, it's clean and I feel good. Better even. Getting rid of old stuff is so liberating and I wasn't even nostalgic! And, as a bonus, I have a studio*

*Yes, yes, pictures will come ;-)

13 Things To Do During My Summer Vacation

2010-07-09T13:20:00.002-04:00

1. Organize my studio
2. Continue ze big clean up (tidy, clean, recycle, give, throw away)
3. Give a second life to some of my furniture
4. Have no idea of what time it is, even what day it is (and take my time)
5. Paint (alone or wth others)
6. Take advantage of the pool (already done with that incredible heat wave)
7. Read in my new hammock
8. Continue to learn how to crochet
9. Sew, for fun
10. Mini road trips here and there
11. Style my hair (which is very long now) in many different ways (braids, buns, pigtails, ponytails)
12. Watch my TV series (DVD), late at night when everyone is asleep
13. Last but not least: relax, do nothing. Just. Because.

Caravan

2010-07-09T10:06:00.002-04:00

I dream of a little house for the rear end of our garden. A place to hide from neighbours and for a sweet escape, close to home. If not a little house, a small caravan like this one would do the job nicely. Tiny, teeny-weeny problem: huge trees and our beloved pool block the way. Sighs... That would have been so cute. More sighs...

The picture was taken here.

Corner View: Saturday

2010-07-08T09:30:00.001-04:00

Saturday... My favorite day of the week.
No need to hurry, I love staying in bed late.

Summer Colours Week: BLUE

2010-07-02T07:36:00.002-04:00

Summer Colours Week: RED & WHITE

2010-07-01T11:23:00.002-04:00

Summer Colours Week: GREEN

2010-07-01T11:21:00.001-04:00

Summer Colours Week: YELLOW

2010-06-29T17:35:00.000-04:00

Polka dots and me...

Summer Colours Week: PINK

2010-06-29T17:31:00.002-04:00

Poppytalk invited us to the Summer Colours Week. You know me, I couldn't resist. Especially since I have a little more free time.

I wanted to give the pictures a special theme as well so I went with perles et chiffons.(pearls and cloths). Here's how it goes:

Corner View: Summer

2010-06-28T15:53:00.001-04:00

Here. I. Come.

My Daughters...

2010-06-25T12:57:00.002-04:00

I am a Mom. A lucky one.

I have two wonderful daughters and I am very proud of them. Not only because they do well at school (they work really hard), but because they are so involved in their community. This year Miranda received a special award for her outstanding involvement at school (Alizée received the same award a couple of years ago). Isn't she lovely? (She's the one with the pink cardigan).

Last week, hubby and I went to set Alizée in her new appartment (University in the fall!). We homestaged it ;-) She wrote us a lovely note and bought some flowers to express her gratitude.

I think I did a good job raising them. Though it was not very difficult. Did I mention I am a lucky Mom?

Corner View: Noticing

2010-06-23T13:20:00.002-04:00

Walking in my backyard, I noticed...

That my first poppy is in full bloom,

that there is not enough sunlight today
(that is why these flowers look so sad),

that lavander is really, really beautiful,

that flowers I thought were gone forever can come back
(two years I haven't seen it),

that there is a big rock standing on the lawn
(not there anymore).

And you, what have you noticed this week?

Next week's Corner View's theme: summer!

Corner View: Daily

2010-06-17T18:18:00.002-04:00

Everyday, I take at least a few minutes here, at my computer. It's part of my daily routine; I tour the blogs I like (via Google Reader), I keep track of my friends via Facebook, I check if I have mail, I look at my agenda, I listen to music. Yes, I can spend time away from my computer. But I have the time. And I like it. So...

13 Things I Will Always Remember from Squam Art Workshops

2010-06-11T12:44:00.003-04:00

1. Being me, only me made me happy. Nothing to worry about except maybe where I put the darn flashlight (essential at night).
2. Laughter. So much of it. Everywhere. All the time. And a few tears too, the great ones when you let the emotions out and it feels fine.
3. The Mapleshade girls: Polly (hello roomate!), Tracy, Mona, Cheryl, Connie and Lesley.
4. The teachers: Marisa, Christine and Lizzy. I felt I was in a safe environment, where process was the thing, where trying, playing, changing your mind, doing stuff differently was welcomed.
5. The evenings. I was not expecting anything special, but hey. Just those evenings were worth the trip to New Hampshire. Jenny's speech (Elizabeth 's was fun too ;-), the music with Jonatha, the laughter with Stephanie, the storytelling with Jen, Jess and Casey. Not to mention the way back to our cabin which was really something, in the dark, expecting bears (or worse, skunks!) but ending up seeing fireflies only.
6. The whispering, late at night with my roomate (sorry girls about the noise, we REALLY had a lot to talk about ;-)
7. The place. So. Nice. I loved the old cabin. The scenery.
8. The odors. Mostly because we were in the woods. But also the popcorn at night, the glue and the paint during the workshops, the wood burning...
9. The respect. Everything was made so everyone would be satisfied with their experience. And everyone was very respectful of that. I never felt judged, looked at in a not so fun way. Yes.
10. Being surrounded by women. Great women. Fun, creative, nice, generous, beautiful women.
11. The general organization. I won't be able to name all the people who were involved, but special thanks to Elizabeth and Peg who made everything in their power to make my trip to Squam memorable.
12. The Squam Art Fair on Saturday night. I was so happy to be there.
13. The food! Everything was delicious.

Corner View: Bliss

2010-06-11T12:32:00.002-04:00

So many things make me happy, especially since I came back from SAW (more later). But love and being loved is the key to happiness & since I strongly believe that the more you give, the more you receive, then let's give love and find bliss!

Corner View: From Where I am Sitting

2010-06-11T12:29:00.002-04:00

Really behind for Corner View, so many great things happening at the same time!

So here's a section of my office where I spend long hours either working, reading, using the computer, writing, sewing, painting, doing all sorts of crafts....

13 Things to Bring to New Hampshire

2010-05-28T20:44:00.002-04:00

Leaving soon for New Hampshire to take part in Squam Art Workshops... In my blackmobile I'll have:

1. Art materials (I've got quite a list!)
2. Comfy clothes and shoes
3. Insect repellant (by the lakeshore, mosquitoes rule)
4. Great music for the long road
5. A warm blanket for the cooler nights and the evenings by the campfire
6. My camera
7. A road map (in case my iPhone's network isn't available in the mountains)
8. Personal toiletries (yes,yes, I'll wash myself, brush my teeths, etc ;-)
9. American money
10. Business cards (for contacts)
11. Fun notebooks and pens
12. Food (for the road, to share with my future friends)
13. The bags, sock monkeys, make-up pouches I want to sell at the Art Fair on Saturday!

June Squam Art Fair

2010-05-28T20:28:00.002-04:00

I'll be there next Saturday, come see me!

Corner View: The End of My Street

2010-05-26T10:48:00.003-04:00

The South end of my street. Huge trees, it's a nice street, especially since the major road works that took place two years ago.

And the North end... Less trees, it's a more recent part of the street.

13 Deco Books

2010-05-21T09:33:00.002-04:00

À la demande générale ;-)

13 deco books I read over and over. And over. And over.

Click on the photo to enlarge it

Photo Blogs

2010-05-21T09:31:00.002-04:00

I love beautiful photographs.
I find them extremely energizing.
Some photo blogs who stimulate me nowadays...

it's mary ruffle
Scrumtrulescent
Delikatissen
This world tonight is mine
Beautiful Stranger

Corner View: Collections

2010-05-19T17:54:00.002-04:00

Back with Corner View, a photo a week according to a theme (visit Jane's blog for the details). This week, collections. Hum. Hesitations. I am a girl who collects. Lots. Of stuff. Knick knacks. And so on.

Here is my collection of weeds (instead of the beautiful lawn my neighbours have).
There is also my collection of doors' pictures.

Or my numerous notebooks.
Well the photo above is a bit outdated, my notebooks look more like this now. (Yes, there are mooooore!)And right behing my notebooks, is a section of my deco books. I look at them often, it makes me feel good to see inspired, inspiring rooms.

Ladybug

2010-05-13T14:25:00.001-04:00

A recent creation for a ladybug...
A gift that will fly in a plane in June!

My Friend Tanja on Design Mom!

2010-05-13T14:20:00.001-04:00

My "partner in -art- crimes" Tanja is featured on Design Mom! And 'number two' is coming in August, how time flies...

13 Good Movies I've Seen Since the Beginning of 2010

2010-04-16T10:50:00.003-04:00

1. Mary and Max (Lovely music, Toni Collette's voice is soothing, and the story, wow)
2. The Boys are Back (How about a sad Clive Owen?)
3. Monsieur Batignole (Gérard Jugnot is great in a half-grumpy, half-nice man)
4. The Ghost Writer (Definitely didn't see the end coming)
5. The Blind Side (Yes, I cried, a lot. So much empathy is moving)
6. Up in the Air (Changing one's life isn't that easy)
7. Bright Star (For someone crazy about needlework like me, it was a real treat)
8. Broken Embraces (Falling in love, pretending to love)
9. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (Some children really have a pure heart)
10. Welcome (Help, even when it's illegal)
11. Adam (Love and being loved when you suffer from Asperger's Syndrome)
12. Easy Virtue (Naughty prude and hypocrite in-laws)
13. Les grandes chaleurs (Older woman, (really) younger man)

Berta, a Teacher from Amsterdam

2010-04-15T16:17:00.010-04:00

Oh Berta, Berta, Berta... Can't stop looking at your wonderful photos, especially your 500 x 500 set on flickr. Aren't those pictures to die for?

Corner View: Spring

2010-04-15T16:13:00.003-04:00

I know, I know, I am like three weeks late, but I like CV so much I can't just no do it...

Spring arrived a little earlier in Québec this year but I don't seem to be ready to take pictures of all the cute little bursting buds. I guess I still feel a little wintery somewhere inside of me.

Nevertheless, two days ago, I told myself that we make our own spring the way we want to. So here's my spring at the moment...

13 Actors I Like (Part 2)

2010-03-26T12:22:00.001-04:00

1. Liam Neeson
2. Guillaume Canet
3. Javier Bardem
4. Matt Damon
5. Gad Elmaleh
6.Mark Ruffalo
7. Brad Pitt
8. Jon Hamm
9. Jude Law
10. Joshua Jackson
11. Richard Geere
12. Peter Krause
13. David Sutcliffe

Red Velvet Cake

2010-03-25T15:05:00.003-04:00

For my darling's birthday, I baked a Red Velvet Cake (see recipe here). I knew it was a special cake, but hey, it was almost a chemistry experiment! There was food coloring all over the place and the mixture of vinegar with baking soda at the end, wow, impressive... Anyway, I'm glad I made it, it is dellllicious and the color is indeed very intriguing (some say it tastes a little cherryish, even though there are no cherries AT ALL in it ;-)

Corner View: Typical Architecture From Around Here

2010-03-25T15:03:00.003-04:00

That was not easy... Architecture in Québec is a little all over the place. Here are a few pictures I took in a village not too far from home where hundred year old houses are treated with respect... and color!

Actors I Like (Part 1)

2010-03-19T14:17:00.002-04:00

1. Matthew Macfadyen
2. Colin Firth
3. Alan Rickman
4. Edward Norton
5. Clive Owen
6. Bryan Greenberg
7. Peter Sarsgaard
8. Mads Mikkelsen
9. James McAvoy
10. Hugh Dancy
11. Simon Baker
12. Hugh Grant
13. Michael C. Hall

Something New!

2010-03-19T14:15:00.003-04:00

Last car I bought was 14 years ago. Now, I drive a Ford (insert Kiefer Sutherland's voice here)...

Corner View: Front Doors

2010-03-16T21:08:00.002-04:00

That's a theme I like! I have a passion for special, colorful front doors. Here are a few pictures I took during my trip to Paris in 2007 (it's been too long, gotta go back...)

13 Actresses I Like (Part 2)

2010-03-13T10:37:00.000-05:00

1. Sally Field
2. Audrey Hepburn
3. Jodi Foster
4. Cameron Diaz
5. Juliette Binoche
6. Salma Hayek
7. January Jones
8. Elisabeth Moss
9. Cate Blanchet
10. Rachel Griffiths
11. Jennifer Aniston
12. Keira Knightley
13.Penélope Cruz ;-)

From Me, To Me...

2010-03-11T16:22:00.001-05:00

A gift I'll offer myself very soon:

Corner View: Miniature Worlds

2010-03-11T16:15:00.001-05:00

Guess who's the boss of this miniature world?

A collection of miniatures, found objects that all have in common the fact that they're tiny. Inspired by a roomate I had first year at Ottawa University. Hi Françoise wherever you are!

Corner View, next week: Front door (I have so many pictures, which one will I pick?)

I Am Ready!

2010-03-04T18:03:00.003-05:00

My documents are completed (contract, invoice, portfolio, list of advice, report template, business cards, and all), I am ready for the next step: meeting real estate agents. A few phone calls and here I come!

My name is Dominique Plourde and I am a certified Home Staging specialist, how can I help you?

Great logo, hey?

Olivier Bruel made it for me.

Corner View: Coffee Companion

2010-03-03T09:22:00.002-05:00

Let's start with the most important thing: I am not a coffee drinker. At all. In fact, I don't drink anything hot. But if... If I were to drink coffee, of course I'd accompany it with one of the marvelous breads made by Claude especially since his bakery class at l'Académie culinaire (a great gift idea from Roxane).

13 Actresses I Like

2010-02-26T15:22:00.002-05:00

1. Emma Thompson
2. Kate Winslet
3. Zooey Deschanel
4. Rachel McAdams
5. Rose Byrne
6. Rosamund Pike
7. Audrey Tautou
8. Toni Collette
9. Jennifer Gardner
10. Naomi Watts
11. Sandra Bullock
12. Reese Witherspoon
13. Renée Zellweger

Color, Please!

2010-02-26T15:18:00.002-05:00

Winter is far from being over, that's why I put flowers in cute little vases here and there to give the house a dash of spring colors.

What about you? What to do you to trick winter and patiently await spring to come?

Corner View: Street Photography

2010-02-24T11:31:00.002-05:00

Found some old pictures from previous trips...
New York. Paris.

I am so jet-set.

Pedestrians in a hurry, Central Park, NY.

Pedestrians not such in a hurry, close to Jardin des Tuileries, Paris.

Hot-dog with mustard, 5th Avenue, NY.

Early evening traffic at les Champs-Elysées, Paris.

13 Songs I Listen to A Lot Nowadays

2010-02-19T17:37:00.001-05:00

1. The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us! / Sufjan Stevens
2. A Lack of Color / Death Cab for Cutie
3. Sweet Darlin' / She & Him
4. Master's Hand / Charlotte Gainsbourg
5. Saviour /LIGHTS
6. Heartbreak Warfare / John Mayer
7. Don't Misunderstand Me / Bahia
8. Love / Jimmy Darling
9. Ain't No Sunshine / Bill Withers
10. Goodnight And Go / Imogen Heap
11. Fire & Rain / Mat Kearney
12. Fireflies / Owl City
13. Set the Fire to the Third Bar / Snow Patrol featuring Martha Wainwright

Corner View: Wisdom From an Elder

2010-02-18T12:08:00.003-05:00

Someone close to me keeps saying: zero stress. That is my motto at the moment. I find it very wise...

Effervescence

2010-02-18T12:04:00.002-05:00

Saying that lots of stuff is buzzing in my head, in my life would not reflect reality. The good news is that all that is happening is extremely positive and making me so happy. Sorry, I don't have time to tell you more right now, too much going on!

Corner View: Repurposed

2010-02-11T21:08:00.002-05:00

I had a scrapbooking phase that did not last. What to do with the paper I bought then? Since it is quite sturdy, why not turn them into business cards? Yeah, why not? A variety of colors and patterns in my purse. Love...

A New Career: Home Staging!

2010-02-11T20:35:00.002-05:00

In a few hours, I'll officially be a home staging specialist! A new motivating career, interesting challenges, I am so happy I decided to do it. The training session I am taking is very complete: how to start your business, home staging techniques, useful relationships to develop, and hands-on situations.

This week's Thursday Love is dedicated to Josée from tréa design, our teacher from the Académie supérieure de Home Staging Le Blanc-Limoges who is the queen of patience (questions, questions, questions and many more questions from all of us), sincerely kind, respectful and unbelievably professional.

Tomorrow is D-day: with my partner Geneviève, we will stage a room in a house that has been on the market for a couple of months and hasn't sold yet. Our budget is almost non-existant, what a challenge. I can't wait...

Next I'll have to expand my network, find real estate agents with whom I can collaborate and start my business!

Thanks to Guylaine, who mentioned today this link on colors on her blog. Very useful for me right now...

13 Items to Buy at Marché Jean-Talon and Adonis Grocery

2010-02-05T21:39:00.002-05:00

With a list like this, I'm getting hungry!
1. Greek feta cheese
2. various pastas
3. fresh pitas
4. tzatziki
5. eggplants (fresh and marinated)
6. olive oil
7. black peppercorns
8. sesame bagels (we'll stop by Fairmount Street)
9. various cheeses for a fondue
10. Côte d'or chocolates (the little elephants...)
11. olives (for Claude, olives are definitely not for me!)
12. chocolat churros for me, capuccino for Claude
13. Italian cookies (for the girls)

She & Him

2010-02-05T17:55:00.000-05:00

Love, love, love them!

Corner View: Sweets

2010-02-05T17:54:00.001-05:00

How about a lot of sugar?

* Pictures taken at La Gourmandine des Galeries Saint-Hyacinthe *

Corner View: Favorite Hangout

2010-01-31T09:46:00.008-05:00

Hangout? You mean out of the house? My wonderful, comfortable, colorful home sweet home? I think the concept of hanging out is less about the place than it is about the people for me. Here are a few people I love to hangout with...

The filmmaker

The actress

The two clowns

The artist/partner in crime

Miranda Celebrates her 14th Birthday!

2010-01-31T09:38:00.002-05:00

A rainbow birthday party...

A wish...

A six layer cake...

A colorful decor...

A ribboned and starred lamp...

A rainbow of ribbons as table runner...

And we shall not forget the delicious sushis, the friends who came over -the girls dressed up (hence the huge black glasses on the first picture), sang, danced, made a couple of video clips and slept over. I work hard to give my daughters a birthday with a special touch; Ii's another way of telling them how much I love them, with a bonus: hours of fun and creativity for me!

Corner View: My Style

2010-01-22T21:47:00.002-05:00

A collage (made at Tanja's, during one of our arts 'n crafts evenings) of stuff I like, even if I don't necessarily wear them...

13 New Pouches

2010-01-15T13:42:00.000-05:00

10$ each, sold here : http://monrendez-vous.qc.ca

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Wrapping Gifts

2010-01-14T10:28:00.003-05:00

I have always enjoyed wrapping gifts very much. This year, I started with brown craft paper (simple, cheap) and added a touch of red, white and silver. I made my own name tags (inspired by the blog A Creative Mint who also gave me the idea of using doilies).

It was a fastidious thing to glue all those sequins, but the effet was fantastic.
Yeah for sparkles!

Some of the stuff I used to decorate the gifts.

The many mini gifts for my nephew and niece: each one had a sentence from a Christmas carol. They had to find out the missing word and sing the sentence before opening the gifts. A nice family activity, because, you can guess, everyone participated...

When all gifts were wrapped and decorated, I put them in a transparent paper, attaching their Christmas ornament to it (it's a tradition I started 3 years ago, every year I offer them an ornament according to a theme. This year's theme was creatures from the forest).

Corner View: Holidays

2010-01-14T10:04:00.003-05:00

I had a wonderful during the holidays. Won. Der. Ful. Two parties. Lots of free time. Cinema, reading, music, a little reno in the dining room, lots of lazy mornings in bed.

Lovely Alizée...

Lovely Miranda...

Dear hubby and I...

One of my gifts.

My dad in his kitchen.

The new dining room color: orange popsicle!

13 Blogs to Visit (Part 2)

2010-01-08T20:26:00.002-05:00

1. A Collection a Day (It's collection extravaganza by Lisa Congdon)
2. A Creative Mint (Colorful. Adorable pictures.)
3. Anahata Katkin (A friend of Sabrina Ward Harrison. Another lovely artist.)
4. Artsyville (I love her illustrations; fresh, fun!)
5. Christine Clemmensen (Lots of stuff...)
6. Desire to Inspire (Home decor that ARE inspiring)
7. Dress, Design & Decor (Vavoom! Femmes fatales with girly, girly clothes, jewels and decor)
8. Happy Together (A lovely family, a sewing and crafting mama)
9. Huffmania (Pictures of remarkable quality. Very touching.)
10. In Over Your Head (Interesting reflections)
11. Krisatomic (Great pictures & illustrations)
12. Mademoiselle Sarah (A friend I met at Creacamp who has a wonderful life)
13. Pam Garrison (She sews images instead of glueing them I LOVE it!)
Okay, a bonus: Souvenirs (SO girly. Irresistible. )

As Girly as Can Be...

2009-12-31T17:21:00.003-05:00

This book was on my Amazon wish list. I had the opportunity to have a look at it in a bookstore. I couldn't resist. Now as I turn the pages I sigh; I am a girl, a girly-girl and well, that's who I am. All the blings and the sparkles, the pinks, the laces and ruffles, the flowers, the whites and creams, the vintage stuff and the romantic feel: LOVE!

A Single Man

2009-12-25T20:37:00.001-05:00

A film on beauty, that is exceptionally beautiful.

On fear also, the one that makes us idiots and hinders us to do the most important thing we have to do: live.

13 Movies I Want to See

2009-12-18T16:15:00.003-05:00

1. A Single Man (Colin Firth & Julianne Moore in the same movie, oulala)
2. The Young Victoria (an er I adore)
3. Did you Hear About the Morgans? (romantic comedy, Hugh Grant...)
4. Broken Embraces (Penelope, Penelope, Penelope...)
5. An Education (early sixties, love, love, love!)
6. J'ai tué ma mère (GOTTA see this one)
7. The Boys are Back (even if it didn't play anywhere in Quebec)
8. The Invention of Lying (DVD?)
9. Cairo Time (too romantic...)
10. Up in the Air (no, no, not because of George...)
11. Peter and Vandy (seems a little like 500 Days of Summer)
12. Sherlock Holmes (Just finished one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's book, so I'm in the mood)
13. Paper Heart (DVD, maybe?)

Silver Tree

2009-12-17T14:33:00.003-05:00

I was planning on decorating our Christmas tree with powder pink decorations. Of course I couldn't find any, and I am a little late to make them. So our tree is silver this year. Silver all the way. It is very sparkly, I love it!

That would be me ;-)

Our Christmas tree at night...

Corner View: Books

2009-12-17T14:23:00.002-05:00

We read a lot around here. And we like it, a lot. And we like reading different kinds of books. And when we're done with a book, we hope for another one. We sometimes even read two in paralIel. We read in our bed. But we can read anywhere...

What I am reading at the moment (only a couple of pages left).

What I plan on reading next.

What Alizée -18 years old- is reading.

What Miranda -13 years old- is reading.

What Claude is reading.

What Justin will read soon (well he'll be read to, he's not even 2 years old ;-).

The notebook in which I list all the books I read. I've counted and I read approximately 22 books a year, 25 this year (maybe 26 if I have a reading day during the holidays).

Next theme for Corner View, for the week starting January 13th: Holidays.
Visit Jane's site for more Corner Views...

When I Was a Kid (another list of 13)...

2009-12-11T22:28:00.002-05:00

1. I played outside a lot
2. I enjoyed making shelters using the sofa's cushions
3. I was not allergic to cats
4. I loved getting dressed, doing my hair, putting on my mother's makeup
5. I spent my summers in the pool with my sisters and our neighbours (we also camped in the trailer-tent, it was greeeaaat!)
6. I was part of the church choir
7. I regularly lip synced in the living room, standing on one of the kitchen stools
8. I ate peanut butter by the spoon
9. I often moved furniture around in my bedroom
10. I adored bionic woman
11. I had a lot of fun looking for the toy in the cereal boxes
12. I walked on the snow banks when I came back from school, in the wintertime (they were enormous, of course)
13. I was pretty good at skipping rope

Corner View: Evening

2009-12-09T21:03:00.002-05:00

Sometimes, when the evening is too quiet, I wish I'd lived in my grand-mother's time for the pretty dresses, the classy shoes, the sparkly jewels, ballroom dancing and turquoise, tangerine or pink cars. Found in antique stores and garage sales: handkerchief, hairbrush, lovely cream jar, fantastic jewels, that I wear, sometimes, just because...

To learn more about Corner View, visit Jane's blog and enjoy!

13 Monkeys I Made

2009-12-04T15:48:00.002-05:00

1. Ani the strong-minded: If Ani has something in mind... Never tell her 'we'll see' thinking she'll forget.
2. Sam the night owl: Sam sleeps only a little, mostly during the day. He surfs the Internet when everyone is asleep and enjoys watching TV late at night. He loves to munch on chocolate Pop Tarts and pizza pockets. He knows it's bad for him but that's the way it is.
3. Liv, social media addicted: 4478 Facebook friends, 16946 Twitter followers, Liv sleeps with her iPhone and can update her status up to 30 times a day (night also).We can all reach her easily, anytime.
4. Tim the hyperactive: Yes, Tim is restless and it could get on some people's nerves but he is quite irresistible (and funny). BEWARE: Never give him chocolate after suppertime or... Well, you'll see!
5. Pia the wise girl: Pia always finds great ways (for her and her friends) to extricate herself from awkward situations. A must-have friend...
6. Bea the gossip girl: Tendancy to talk. A lot. All the time. Bea is also aware of everything going on in town.
7. Lea the beauty queen: Lea looks at her reflection in the mirror A LOT. She passionately loves makeup and dreams of being seen on the cover of People magazine one day.
8. Leo the ladies' man: A real charmer, Leo is loved by all the ladies. ALL ladies.
9. Kim the dynamo: Kim is never quiet, she has a lot of energy and excels in activities such as sweat pants and rainboots ballet, going down the stairs sitting on a pillow and of course, climbing countertops.
10. Ali the creative: Her head always filled with great ideas, Ali sees things differently and it's a good thing.
11. Lou the patient girl: Take your time, Lou is never in a hurry. She is calm and understands you. When she's older, Lou wants to be a kindergarten teacher.
12. Tom the lively boy: Tom is good at sports, especially going down the slide with rollerskates and acrobatic cycling in the living room.
13. Ken is so nice: Very gentle and sensitive, Ken is always happy. He has a lot of girl friends and enjoys shopping clothes.

You can buy any of these from my shop.
If you have trouble with something (since it is in French only, for now) contact me.

Corner View: Corners of my Home

2009-12-02T09:40:00.002-05:00

I have decided to go literal, so here are the 4 corners of my home:

WEST, my cosy corner, where I watch TV, read, sew, surf the net, eat sometimes, talk a lot. With its cushions and quilts, it is the most comfortable area of my home, sweet home.
SOUTH, the dining room. In a couple of weeks, it'll go under a makeover. See the little bottles? They're filled with sand from beaches we've been to (there are more on the other side of the frame).

NORTH, next to my working table, my personal little mess: memos and inspiration on the wall, papers of all kinds, crafts and sewing supplies. Probably the messiest corner of my home, but it's going to stay like that; it works fine and a little mess is good for my creative soul.

Finally, EAST, our brand new kitchen...

I am getting addicted to Corner View. I am always eager to know what the next theme will be. It's a great creative challenge. Feel like joining? Visit Jane's blog for the list of other participants. Have fun and let me know if you decide to join us!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T19:23:00.003-05:00

Dear American friends,

Just wanted to wish you a lovely Thanksgiving. Here is a video of an actor I really, really, really like. He is thankful for the love of his life. (Shakespeare's Sonnet 29).

Enjoy!

Corner View: "menu del día"

2009-11-26T19:11:00.002-05:00

A nice idea, really: the daily menu of a typical restaurant where I live. I have been thinking about it for a while. My favorite restaurant in Saint-Hyacinthe is definitely le Café Zira, I have already talked about it. But to be honest, if you ask Maskoutains (that is how we are called because of the Yamaska river that runs through our town) the typical restaurant here is Restaurant Lussier.

It has been serving all kinds of food for nearly 50 years. At lunchtime, you better have a reservation, because it is really crowded. A typical meal? Well, we're in Quebec, so of course, we mean "poutine". Restaurant Lussier's is pretty awesome; my favorite (because there are many different kinds), is the Italian poutine. Special cheese (with the ideal texture that goes squish, squish), (delicious) fries and spaghetti sauce. I know, I know, it is junk food, but delicious junk food I must admit ;-)

Corner View: Cellphone Madness

2009-11-19T10:15:00.002-05:00

(I'd have so many things to say about these pictures taken on Monday with my cellphone but the idea is not to say a word. Not one. Niet. I'll let you guess, then!)

The idea: when your cellphone rings, you take a picture with it, for five calls. I cheated a little, I only had two calls, but hey...

Corner View: Favorite Dish

2009-11-10T20:17:00.002-05:00

So, my favorite dish, well, I don't know, really. I guess lots of cooked but still crunchy veggies, shrimps (those from La Côte-Nord, oh boy! SLUUUUURP), good fresh bread, a little cheese. But these are more things I like to eat, not a dish in itself. Well, I must admit that eating out at Tanja's place is always perfect. She cooks stuff I don't eat at home and it is always delicious, of course.

Otherwise, a (serving) dish I like? Well, bowls. I LOVE bowls. Eating in a bowl, small or large and it's fiesta time for me ;-)

Wild Flowers

2009-11-09T10:21:00.003-05:00

"None can have a healthy love for flowers unless he loves the wild ones."

Forbes Watson

Quote found here

Corner View: Contrast

2009-11-03T09:51:00.002-05:00

This picture is such a contrast with my life of the past few weeks. I didn't spend enough time creating, playing with colors, sewing, doing arts and crafts. My crazy weeks are behind me now, yay! Tonight, back to writing our book (with Tanja), that will make me feel so good!

Rainbow Cake

2009-10-29T09:24:00.002-04:00

Photo found in this blog

You know how much I love colors. Well when I found this picture this morning it made me even happier than I already was when I woke up. It tells you how much I've suceeded in staying calm in these stressful moments. Pressure is down, I'm breathing and breathing, I enjoyed wonderful moments and I even did a few unexpected things. I am proud of myself.

It is sunny, someone baked a rainbow cake, I'm listening to Mrs. Darcy (from my favorite film: Pride and Prejudice), all is quiet in here, I will be meeting passionate people tomorrow, I have new dreams. Life is, indeed, beautiful...

Corner View: Aqua

2009-10-28T20:00:00.003-04:00

Water. I spend the day with a glass of water. I sleep with a glass of water on my night table. When I leave home, I always carry my bottle of water (not a plastic one, a reusable one that keeps my water cold). I drink approximately 5-6 large glasses of water everyday. Except in the summer time. Then I can drink up to 9-10. I think I got thirsty writing this post!

Taking a Deep Breath

2009-10-22T17:42:00.003-04:00

I've been repeating that I can't wait for October 31st to finally relax a little. After talking to a good friend of mine, who is very patient and very nice to hear me complaining (too much, for nothing, in fact), I realized I was missing great moments because I had so much trouble dealing with what's happening in my life right now.

Because, yes, there's a lot going on, but hey, that's life! So I'm taking a deep breath and I will stop wishing time to go at the speed of light, so I get through these two weeks as quickly as possible.

Still, Halloween, is coming on pretty quickly, hey? ;-)

And hum, the picture, you ask yourself, "why this one"? Well, cupcakes are some of the most comforting things in life, aren't they?

Stop Waiting, Just Start!

2009-10-21T11:14:00.005-04:00

"Do not wait; the time will never be "just right". Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along."

~Napolean Hill

Found here

Corner View: My Dream

2009-10-20T13:18:00.002-04:00

A dream I am working on these days: that the book I am writing with my friend Tanja be published. We made a giant step ahead this week. If our book could become as inspiring for some women here in Quebec that the books on this photo had been for me...

Mondo Beyondo!

Corner View: Love

2009-10-13T23:19:00.001-04:00

A strawberry's lovely heart

Love rocks

"I love you."

Love found me

Lovers