A TRIP TO PUERTO VALLARTA

Here are some pictures from my vacation to Puerto Vallarta.

Paintings Completed!




I finished all three paintings. I am impressed with how they turned out. Now for my next subject? I have no idea, but maybe it will have to wait for next summer when I feel inspired again.

More Summer Reading!







The Count of Monte Cristo.

I just got back from Kamloops, where I had sometime to continue reading. This time I chose the classic, Count of Monte Cristo. I decided to read this novel because I loved the movie. I also get quite curious when books are made into movies, especially classic books. I loved the movie, so I thought, hey? Why not? So I picked up a copy and set to reading. I have to say, I was surprised. Although I still like the movie, I am somewhat disappointed that they changed some of the more important parts.

I have to say, I really enjoyed the novel. The ending was a bit of a letdown, but I guess not every novel is a fairy tale, just like life.

Creative Summer.




I am loving summer vacation. No where in my mind, am I worried about planning, marking, reporting or anything else that will weigh down my mind and prevent me from enjoying myself. So here I am working on my painting skills. I had forgotten how much I actually enjoyed painting. So here is the first result of my practices.

My Summer Reading Continues!








I have just finished reading A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry. I was an interesting read, I have to admit. At first I was hesitant to read it because I have very little background knowledge about India, but in the end that didn't really matter.

It takes place in Mumbai, India between 1975 and 1977 during the Emergency. It doesn't actually say where it takes place, but a little research clears this up. I think he purposely keeps this vague because then it doesn't focus on the history of The Emergency but on the characters who have to live through this period.

There are a number of themes that weave its way through this novel. There are of course the political, such as the effect of totaltarianism on regular people, and how far corruption can hurt people. There are also the themes of the role of women, the question of self-reliance and what is family. What I enjoyed was the question of the thin line between good and bad, and between vulnerability and fortitude.

Overall, reading this book was like wrapping myself in silk. It was beautiful to read, and I will suggest this book to everyone.

I have been doing tons of sewing lately. I figure it is the best way to keep out of trouble, even though a bit of trouble would be kinda nice right about now. As long as that trouble doesn't piss on my floor I might be welcome to it.

Here are some examples of the purses I have been working on. I have others as well, which I will take some pictures of and post later on.

Cheers!

Ya ya ya, I know. I haven't posted anything in a while. Well, I hope that will change. Here are some pictures from June 2nd. I was volunteering for the Skeena River Relay. It was a warm day and I got some great shots.

The Thirteenth Tale Part 2

I have finally finished reading The Thirteenth Tale, I shouldn't say finally because I enjoyed devouring this novel, and I have to say that it was one of the better books that I have ever read. Before I started the novel, I read a number of reviews just out of curiosity. All of them praised this novel, but I was skeptical for some reason. I tend to gravitate toward novels that are "happy" and I wasnt sure if I would enjoy this book. It was darker than other books that I have read, but darker in a good way.

It had a number of spiritual and mystical elements threading through the story. The magical connection of twinness, the mystery of family and secrets, and the pain of loneliness. Yes, it was "dark" but by the end of the novel it felt that the darkness had a purpose and there was a sense of hope coming from despair.

Bottom line: Read this book and you will also be gripped by the mystery.

My Latest Projects

I have abandoned the baby quilts, at least for a while. I now have enough baby quilts to last a lifetime.

My creativity is now focused on making bags and purses. I am finding it interesting to come up with an idea and see if I can create it. The tall bag on the left is a yoga mat bag. The other picture is a variety of purses. The cow print is my latest creation. I really like this one. I plan to sell these at the craft fair in November. Hopefully these will sell better than the baby quilts.

Right now I am reading The Thirteenth Tale. I am about half way through it and I am really enjoying it. It has been described as a Gothic novel, but I am not sure what that means. If it means that there is something dark about it, then it's true. There is a dark mystery surrounding the Anglefield family, and the protagonist Margaret has found herself in the middle of it. I am not sure where the Anglefield story is going to lead her and I can't wait to find out. Already I can recommend this book. Check it out.

I just finished reading The Other Side of the Story by Marian Keyes, and I really enjoyed it. The first Marian Keyes book I read was Sushi for Beginners and I really liked it so I bought The Other Side of the Story. I was not disappointed. It tells the story of three women. It was funny and engaging.

I am not sure what else to say about this book. It just appealed to me. I wouldn't say it was classic literature in any sense of the word, but does every book we read have to be classic lit? I don't think so. I like challenging myself to "harder" reads, but I also like to reqularly read a book because it is fun to read. I can just enjoy the story and not have to analyse every thing about it. With this book I was able to sit back, engage in the story and relate to the characters. Most of all, I could have a great laugh.

Scenes along the Skeena

These are pictures taken at Spring Break. I love the drive between Rupert and Terrace, there's nothing like it.

This is a photo of my car last Thursday morning. I had cleared the car on Wednesday afterschool and managed to make my way home. My car managed to be buried from 4:00 on. It was amazing! I haven't had to dig out my car in more than 10 years. It was amazing, and a whole lot of hard work.

Winter wonderland!

I thought that winter was over, but I guess it isn't in Prince Rupert. The snow is falling and it isn't stopping. Maybe it will be a snow day tomorrow. Here's hoping!

If it wasn't March this would be beautiful. Now it's just inconvienent. But the dogs are loving it.

Pretty Persistence

Here is a snapshot of my kitty Persistence. She is looking quite attractive here. Unfortunately I have had to shave parts of her. She managed to get some matts on her back due to the fact that she is too fat to properly groom herself. She is also unable to groom herself in other, more private areas, so I had to shave her bum. She didn't mind the electric shaver on her back, she thought is was a massage. She did not enjoy the other shaving, and frankly I didn not find it all that enjoyable either. Thankfully she doesn't seem vain in any sense of the word and doesn't hate me.

Spring Break is Over!!!!!

I am very sad that Spring Break is over. During my week of relaxation I went to Terrace. I brought my new camera to test it out. Here is a picture that I took. It wasn't the sunniest of days as you can see.

A Prince Rupert Eye

You are a Self-Discoverer

You're not religious, but you've created your own kind of spirituality. Introspective and thoughtful, you tend to look inward for the divine. You are distrusting of all forms of organized religion. You especially dislike religious gurus and leaders, who you feel are charlatans.

What's Your Religious Philosophy?

Obscure Pictures From Prince Rupert

Spring juxtaposed with winter. Only in Prince Rupert can this happen. Now where in Prince Rupert did I get this picture? Well, I didn't have to stoop to take this photo.

I give up!!!! The picture won't post. I'll try later.