Cool Days

Morning Glory, originally uploaded by girlcancreate.

And so, after such a wet summer, the cold air is coming. At night we have to walk around with jackets and scarves, and i must admit, i love it!

The garden is beautiful. I spent some time last week there taking photos that i thought i would share before it gets too cold!

Enjoy the last week of summer!

16: Moments - Wednesday We Share

A dear friend sent this to me and i must say it's beautiful.

And so for my sharing, i hope you enjoy Moments of Life.

What do you wish to acknowledge yourself for?

For the past year or so, i have been following the lovely Jamie Ridler and her brilliant Next Chapter Book Series which i thouroughly enjoy. I have to say that being part of her group made me feel so very connected with others via my blog which i am forever grateful!

I kept on seeing Jamie's Wishcrafting Wednesdays, and wasn't really sure if i was into it. But after reading Tisha's blog entry, i knew that indeed i must begin.

It's simple. Jamie asks a question of use, and then we respond. This weeks question is "What do i wish to acknowledge myself for?"

I breathe deeply, and here it goes. I wish to acknowledge...

* my dedication to my creative work, and the desire to put it out there!

* my ability to connect lovely creatives via parties, events and classes.

* my sense of humour

* my honesty and straight forwardness, that is sometimes a bit brutal, but an important aspect of me.

* my tenacity to continue to do what i wanted when i was thirteen, and still want at thirty seven.

* that i have had a very rough year with sickness, and miscarriage and sadness, and that i will one day be blessed with a baby, either mine or one adopted.

* my ability to eat two chocolate cupcakes and feel great about it.

* the fact that i am a smart lady even though i never went to university.

* the fact that i love others deeply, truly, madly, and i hope to be able to love myself like that one day as well.

* that i am allowing myself to take part in this, even if i thought it might be a bit too hokey. As i write, i am so relieved that it doesn't feel that way at all!

And finally, i acknowledge for myself that in two weeks today i will be going to sleep happy that i had the courage to put my visual art out into the world with a solo show! Can't wait.

Thank you dear lovelies, and as always to dear Jamie. As always, a pleasure!

In The Deep Lovely Mess

In two weeks, i will be having my first ever art opening. And until then i am in the deep mess of creativity. To me, the creative process is one of such discovery. Some days are good, others are a bit more of a challenge.

Yesterday was a challenge for sure. I woke up with some sort of sinus infection and slept for much of the day. But had this nagging obligation of what i had to get done, so i would wake myself to work, and that didn't go over so well with my sinuses.

For the most part, in what ever it is that i do, i improvise. I begin with and image and then look for the one that goes with it, as opposed to pre planning the whole canvas. For the most part this goes well. However, when i have a foggy mind, i have a foggy intuition.

I decided to take some photos, go to the garden, hang out with the cats and sleep as much as i can.

Today it's rainy. A perfect day to begin again. Wednesday We Share will be coming later this afternoon, after i get a bunch of art created.

Happy Wednesday!

Social Media Revolution

I just found this through a friend via twitter,and i must say that i am not sure what I think about it.

Although i participate on twitter, i have over a thousand friends on facebook and for the most part i know them all, and i have a blog, i am sad to think what life will look like in 20 years from now.

Will we be so busy with tweets, and blogs, and follows that we won't have time to actually see our friends and family face to face?

In the past while, i have notice amongst my friends, that even if i haven't seen them for a while, i know what is happening in their lives. Some times this is a beginning for a more private conversation, and yet, other times it is the beginning of a conversation about facebook, and twitter. hmmm...

As a storyteller, i am seeing pieces of everyone's stories, but none of them are complete. And we don't have to listen, and we can walk away if we get bored/tired/annoyed/etc.

Oh, technology. And yet, i have met some brilliant lovelies, that i never would have met otherwise.

I don't know. And i am bit scared. Does anyone else share the same sentiments?

Cake!

Now, i don't really cook, but a lovely friend made this Mango Cake that i think is soooo yummy!

Here is the recipe! I hope you like it! It's not the most healthiest recipe, but for once in a while, it's awesome!

Mango Cake

1 1/4 sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2 c. flour

1/2 tsp. ginger

1 1/2 baking soda

3/4 cups chopped nuts (optional)

2 1/2 cups diced mangoes, marinated in 1 tsp. lemon juice

3 eggs

1 1/2 tsp. ciinnamon

1/2 tsp. cloves

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup raisins

3/4 cup oil.

Beat together eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar. Add mangos. Sift dry ingredients together and mix in lightly and quickly. Gently add nuts and raisins. Pour into greased oblong cake pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes. Cool.

ICING:

1/2 cup butter

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

Powdered Sugar

2 tsp. milk

Nuts

Cream butter. Beat in enough powdered sugar to make stiff. Ad egg and beat. Add more sugar. Add milk and vanilla. Spread on cake and top with nuts.

F.O.O.L - festival of oral literatures! Call for Artists!

F.O.O.L. - festival of oral literatures

Call for Submissions!

F.O.O.L. - Festival of Oral Literatures is a celebration of the mouth almighty, from storytelling to spoken word. F.O.O.L features experiments in oral narrative, traditional folktelling, collaborative performances, solo word-dancers, and a myth remix. FOOL welcomes listeners and performers into spaces where the performance of oral stories opens an intimate connection between artist and audience.

F.O.O.L. is being co-produced by GirlCanCreate and The Tellery, under the artistic direction of Lisa Pijuan-Nomura and Dan Yashinsky. It takes place October 22 to October 25, 2009 at various locations in Toronto. F.O.O.L. features a wide range of storytellers, spoken word artists, and performers who use voice, movement, music, and story to create mind-movies for their audiences. Performances take place in house concerts, at the Artscape Wychwood Barns, and in Kensington Market.

For our inaugural festival we are seeking both emerging and established artists of all disciplines who are creating exciting work with stories. We are currently accepting submissions for a variety of different venues. We are especially interested in Sassy, Interdisciplinary, Bright, Innovative, Experimental, Edgy, Sexy Brilliant Story Pieces that are from 10 to 25 minutes in length.

F.O.O.L. will offer all artists honorariums.

Please send:

• Description of the piece
• Length of the piece
• Artist Bio
• Support Material – Scripts, Video, CD, press clippings, etc. Please include links to websites where applicable.
• Contact Person and Information

Deadline for submissions is September 3, 2009.

All applicants will be notified by September 15, 2009 via email.

Please send submissions to:

F.O.O.L.

c/o Lisa Pijuan-Nomura

to lisa@girlcancreate.com

We also accept snail mail applications at

F.O.O.L.

88 Hallam St.

Toronto. ON M6H 1W8

We look forward to hearing about your ideas and projects! If you have any questions please contact Lisa at lisa@girlcancreate.com or call 416-516-4925

Wednesday We Shares

Well, wow, what a beautiful day. I just walked the dog and felt so happy to be alive. Unlike yesterday. Yesterday was garbage day in the city and possibly the worst day to walk, to cycle or to breathe the air on our streets. City + Summer + Tuesday Garbage Day = Ick!

However today is clean and fresh and somehow the humidity vanished. I am not sure how that worked but it did! Yay!

And so, another Wednesday brings another list of my things favourite.

Sarah Selecky - Sarah is a friend. And yes she does write for the RED letter! And I think that she is undoubtably one of the finest writers, teachers of writing and people i have ever met. She runs this cool event called Writers Soup and i dream of the day that her and i together, run a workshop. Now that would be sweet. Here is her website. Check it out.

Golden Turtle Vietnamese Restaurant - Before Ossington became the too cool for school hangout, it was a run down street with Karaoke bars and Portuguese Bakery's. It was there that I found Golden Turtle. That was a long time ago. And now, they have a smaller restaurant, but the food is still yummy and reasonable. I highly recommend #92. And the mango smoothies are delicious.

Not Paper - A collection of interviews with collage artists. Stunning.

Wise Daughters - A Craft Market, Workshop Space and Art Gallery spun together in one. The owner Mary does such a great job in bringing together a diverse mix of local artists. This is also the space where i will have my first solo art show in September!

The Sunday Antique Market - If you have been following my blog you must know how much i love paper. And antiques. And old photos. My weekly fix is filled at St Lawrence Market on Sundays! I often find some cool things and meet some lovely eccentric folks.

Wagamama Cafe - Home of the best vanilla cream puffs in town. They are addictive. Don't say i didn't warn you!

Wednesday We Shares

Hey there everyone!

A wee bit late on this one, but have been having some dental work done so my week has been a bit off!

And so, this is what i would like to share with you this week!

Graphic Novels - As someone who loves both kids books and novels, graphic novels are something that make me incredibly happy! My most recent loves are The Rabbi's Cat by Joann Sfar and The Moonlight Chronicles by Daniel Price.

Blogs - Now, i love most blogs and my preferences tend toward artsy, intelligent make you think blogs. Some are just artsy, and many of my blogs are not all three, but, i forever look for all of those traits.

The Fluent Self Blog - I know that i have been going on about Havi Brooks since i met her two weeks ago in New Mexico, but she is one of the brightest lights i have seen in a long time. Her blog posts tend to be long and they push you to question and think about your life. It's pretty awesome.

Creative Every Day is Leah Piken Kolidas' blog about creativity, her art and inspirations.

Michael Nobbs is a lovely man who has hosts a great site and blog about art, and thoughts about art. His twitter feed is an amazing resource if you happen to be looking for artists and their work, specifically pencil sketches and journals! Amazing!

Dave an i have been going to the new Italian restaurant on Harbord called Terrazza and we love it. It has great pizzas and lovely staff, and the owners name is Frankie Lasagna. Really. It's true.

As far as music is concerned, i have been listening to a lot of my faves, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Prince, and Wyclef Jean. You should really check them out!

Lightning

Lightning, originally uploaded by dpnsan.

Today was a strange day full of rain and lightning. Here are some photos that Dave took while he was walking Beatrice. Unbelievable. Nature is strong and powerful and truly magnificent. Let's not forget her strength!

Wednesday We Shares

jesus buys folk art, originally uploaded by girlcancreate.

I have been thinking about my blog a lot lately. Wondering if i am really creating something that i would enjoy reading, or if it's just become a quick dumping group for photos.

In my quest to link to others more and give to the online community, i am going to try to create what i will call a weekly post with some of my new favourite things.

Wednesday We Shares will link to books, blogs, people, websites that i enjoy and hopefully will encourage others to share their faves as well.

I love folk art and was particularly please by this studio in Santa Fe on Canyon Road.

The Snarkout Boys and the Avocado of Death by Daniel Pinkwater

Pinkwater is the kookiest nut out there and his books are so brilliant. I read this when i was 15 with my friend Jamie. Perhaps the best book ever. Yes, i know it's a big claim, but read it..and let me know what you think.

Drawing from Life; The Journal as Art by Jennifer New.

I use this book a lot when teaching. It features about 20 different artists and how they journal. It's a book that i look at over and over again!

100 Demons by Lynda Barry

A graphic novel full of poignant stories that touch my heart. I think Lynda Barry is a freakin genius...Also her most recent book on writing is pretty brilliant as well...What It Is

This American Life

I feel like everyone knows this and it's just to obvious to include on this list. BUT in the past few weeks i have met a few people who don't know it. So, use the link and go, and listen to my most favourite podcast ever. I must admit that i have a bit of a talent crush on it's creator Ira Glass. Just sayin...

Radio Lab

Radio Lab is quirky goodness at it's best. Check it out..

Corin Raymond

Toronto based singer songwriter with the biggest heart ever. His songs are masterpieces that you can listen to over and over and over again. Disclaimer: Corin is a dear friend of mine, which really doesn't make a difference, cause he is still an awesome artist!

Lucinda Williams

When you are feeling sad, listen to Lucinda. It's sort of like connecting a wire from your heart to her voice....

Let the Right One In

It's a vampire movie. It's a love story. It's a coming of age tale, and it's beautiful. Truly truly, perhaps one of the best and most stunning films i have seen. Thanks to Corin for the recommendation!

Back Home

Back to life. Back to reality. (yes, the song is going through my brain right now!)

After a week of brilliant time with brilliant women, i am finding it a bit challenging to get back into the swing of things.

I just did the laundry, and unpacked my bags and now it's time to focus on the beginning of the day, and i must admit that i am overwhelmed by the amount of things that i have to do.

Catching up on important emails. (Maybe i should take an email sabbatical just like Havi!)

Rehearsing Little. Miss. Every. Thing. for Hot Soup on Thursday Night.

Collaging for Sleeping Cats and Other Stories. I have one month and 5 days to get show ready! I am so very excited!

That doesn't sound like a tonne of things, but then there are many little things that have to be done.

So, what my friends is one to do?

What do you do when faced with a mile long to do list?

Do you tackle one by one?

Do you do it all?

Or do you have tricky ways to make it happen smiling all the while?

I mentioned a few days ago, that i would mention some of the lovelies that i met at the Writer's Retreat and here they are.

How many times can i tell you how brilliant Havi is? Well, she's pretty freakin awesome.

Tisha is one of a kind. Heart of gold. Killer smile with just a touch of mischievousness...love it.

Shannon and i didn't talk a tonne, but i really felt her strength and power the whole week. She is a bright light for sure...

And of course Josiane, and Joyce and Joy!

The whole week was sort of like a Thelma and Louise film, only their were 14 Thelma's and 14 Louise's which makes for a kick ass week of laughter, thought and insight.

Writer's Retreat

Side of the Road, originally uploaded by girlcancreate.

I am writing from Albuquerque's Mauger Bed and Breakfast Inn.

I am here until Monday morning when i fly home to Toronto.

This past week i have spent with 28 women from across Canada and the United States at Mabel Dodge Luhan House. We participated in a writing retreat and i have to say that i am feeling good, and much more relaxed which will help with work in the next few months.

At the retreat i was introduced to the Brilliant Havi Brooks and her Dance of Shiva. Havi is an expert of Destuckification and she's pretty freakin brilliant. Udnish all the way..(heehee).

There were many brilliant women, and when i get home i am going to feature a bunch of them in a links page so that you can see how great these women were and how inspired i was.

Taos had a special energy for sure and i am feeling like i might return soon.