Here's my little work space. It's a cold sunny morning. Perfect for working, yet here I sit on the computer instead! Off I go.

This is yet another I've started. It's part of my "Kids Holding Disgusting Creatures" series. I'm thinking my next one will have a tarantula in it. I love spiders and can't leave them out!

I've accidentally worked this painting on the rough side of the paper. It sucks up a lot more pencil and takes more elbow grease, but will be different, so that's a good thing I guess. I'd like to think that sometimes great things happen through accidents, but since I'm a "glass half empty" kind of gal....well, I can't.

Hello again darlings,

I wasn't expecting to be posting again so soon! The next couple of weeks looks like a real thrill. I'll be heading out to Boston, England and possibly either Sweden or Switzerland. Wish me luck! Hopefully I'll look as fabulous there as I did in Korea!

Hugs and Kisses,

Vicki Stripes
xoxoxoxoxox

I've delivered my first portrait to a client for review. Big sigh. She was happy with it despite the fact that I had not yet chosen a colour to paint in for the background. I was expecting to consult with her and then complete the piece. She liked it just white the way it was. I forgot to photograph it. Live and learn. Once any touch ups are done that may be requested, it will hang in a business on the dark side of the river.

Now that I've started a new piece all of the feelings of self-doubt, uselessness and self-depreciating thoughts can resume until I approach the end stages of the next painting.

On to Day Three

Two of Four

The summer pictures paid off! I've started one of Two of Four. It's on "Madstone" paper. I'm thinking I may not use it again! I only bought it because they were out of Stonehenge at the local Wallack's. I hate to try to venture downtown with a vehicle just for a piece of paper at the other location, so, oh well. Better luck next time.

I'm finding my style has changed slightly to adapt to the new paper. This picture will be a more free, airy kind of painting. Not so photo-realistic.

Elections

Cannon at the back of Parliament Hill. Guess where it's pointing....(giggle) .... Quebec!

Yeah Harper!

I know adventurer, but, I couldn't vote for the Bloq. They're only in Quebec, for Quebec and I'm not French enough for that yet!

As Mr. P. says, "How can Elizabeth May be truely green when she doesn't look like she walks, bikes, or runs anywhere." There's a couch potato if ever there was one. Plus she's convinced that anyone that doesn't agree with her is just plain wrong. (I think that way about my beliefs, but in my case I'm right;-)

Ahhhh, dear, dear Stephane Dion. I couldn't understand him in French or English. I think that we're taxed enough without adding some bogus carbon tax boondoggle. Plus he was just so all round silly I had to giggle every time he popped up on t.v. The Preston Manning of the Liberals. Maybe he needs a makeover just like Preston.

Jack Layton, among other things, was promising more doctors and nurses. WHAT? Was he going to create them in his lab? How can you hire MORE doctors and nurses when there aren't any TO hire! Nice little trick that. Make a promise to do something that can't be done right now, but can't come back on you.

Above all else, if I hear one more person whining about carbon credits and environmental change (notice it's not called global warming anymore!) I'm going to have to slap them silly! I've been sitting here freezing my tata's off after one of the colder, wetter summers we've had of recent years while places like China and India are polluting the world and poisoning the people with their little chocolate coins(China). Go bug them first. I show no pitty for any country that poisons such important staples such as milk, grains and chocolate!

That's my rant.

Yeah Stephen!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Bike path under Parliament Hill. That's the Supreme Court (of very ridiculously ridiculous Liberal judges) of Canada on the Left. Quebec on the right.

Oh, and just because I can, a little plug for tomorrows election....GO STEPHEN HARPER!

Parliament Hill

After a humbling morning of expressive drawing of a nude figure in art class, I decided I needed to perk myself up. I haven't enjoyed the photography side of drawing until recently, but, now the bug has bitten me!

I've been in the Parliament buildings, through, on top of, in front, underneath and at the sides of Parliament Hill, but never directly behind. I had heard tell of a feral cat sanctuary directly at the back of the Parliament buildings. After trudging along with about 30lbs of drawing and camera equipment I was about ready to give up! I had found a daycare, oodles of foreign speaking tourists, statues coated in bird poop, RCMP officers and Public Servants, but no Stray cat joint. Just as I was ready to give up, there it was! It actually does exist. I've gotta say though, turns out the MP's aren't the only fat cats up there!

P.S. Doesn't that raccoon look like the cat that ate the canary!

Awk! I've Been Framed!

Ok. Not framed quite yet but, finally complete and at the framing place. I get to do the actual framing when the supplies come in to help keep costs down.

Now, by the way, would not be the time to tell me that you see a little something that should be changed.

Big Sigh (of relief!)

On to my next victim....I mean subject;-)

I was just thinking....maybe I could make this my "thing." You know, my gimmick.

"Why exterminate when you can perpetuate! Have your portrait painted with your favourite roaches, rat, spider or other household vermin! Keep their memory alive long after you eradicate them."

hmmm.....it was just a thought.

Gasp! She's nude!

Started my first art class today. Expressive Figure Drawing. No pictures to post. Nude models and all. When they asked if anyone hadn't worked from live models before I had to admit that I have only worked from photographs. I was the only one. I also volunteered that I was used to bringing the photos right up close to my face while drawing. The model told me not to worry about it, she showered before the class.

There were three men in the class. Regulars from what I could tell. The teacher was familiar with a couple of them. I thought I really sucked at the drawing at first. Until I took a look at the work of a couple of the guys. Two of the men were obviously there for the nude show since their artistic talent was questionable.

We ran through various poses with the longest being 15 minutes and the shortest a minute. I went from taking 40 to 100 hours of painting a detailed coloured pencil piece at home and in workshops to drawing a complete figure, shading and all in three minutes. You can imagine how many poses I was actually able to finish. It was good though. It did loosen me up. I came home and scribbled much of the rest of my current painting in record time. Now I have to find a happy medium.

Oh, and for any guy out there wanting to know.....ya, the model was young and hot! Wonder what the male model will look like.

I leave you with some Inuksuk's with the peace tower on Parliament hill visible in the background. THIS is something pretty to look at on the Ontario side. Yeah, finally!

One of Four with Willie

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! 3/4 done. I start my art class tomorrow at the art school. Expressive figure drawing. Live models and all. I wonder if they'll be nude?;-) I think it's safe to say that there will be no rats there. At least not modelling.

Hello again Darlings,

Well, I finally got out and about! Just a small tour, but great to enjoy the sunny hot weather. Only one more day to do and I'll be back home where I hear it's miserably rainy and cool.

Here I am about to visit the temple.

Hugs and kisses Darlings!

Vicki Stripes
xoxoxo

This is one of the smaller squashes from the garden. Butternut. The squash, not me. I've never had luck growing these babies before and now I have a couple the size of Toronto. I think I'll carve them for Halloween instead of the pumpkins. They didn't come out quite as spectacularly.

This fellow let me get within a couple of feet of him. He's been taking the neighbourhood trees apart one by one. Unbelievable that one woodpecker can do so much damage. At least I can tell the neighbours I shot him. They just don't have to know it was only with a camera;-)

South Korea

Hello Darlings!

Well sweeties, we made it safely to Korea. Sadly I sit in a hotel room in a suitcase while Mr. P. is enjoying lovely landscapes such as these. I'm plotting my escape as we speak!

Mr. P says that he's sick of noodles and rice. It could be worse! At least with noodles, he knows what he's eating.

Ciao for now loves,

Vicki Stripes,

xoxoxox

Half way there

This painting is about half way done now. Can't wait to finish. Yes, she is cuddling a really big rat. Yes, he liked it. No he never bit. Yes, he reallly loved chocolate too!

Hello Darlings!

It's time to dust me off and take me traveling again. I'm heading out to Korea tomorrow with Mr. P. sweeties! It's 26 hours of travel time before we arrive. I don't expect he will bring me in his carry on or flash me around the plane so looks like I'll be in the cargo hold until we land. That's ok though, he's stuck in econo class until we arrive so I'll be much comfier than he!

Hugs and Kisses loves, see you when I get back,

Vicki Stripes

xoxoxoxoxo

Mr. Yummy Ain't gettin' through!

Remember Mr. Yummy the mailman? Well, this time it wasn't me with the red face! (for a change)

Mr. Yummy rang White Mocha's door bell upon realizing that he had forgotten to get a signature for a package that he had delivered earlier that day. White Mocha answered the door, opening it only a crack. She was concerned that Pepper, her large mailman eating dog, might lunge at him if she opened the door fully.

As White Mocha was signing the necessary form, Pepper, knowing his favourite afternoon treat....mailman.....was on the other side, started to try to push through her legs. She started shifting her hips and legs side to side, to match whichever direction Pepper tried to escape through.

"Don't think you're going to push your way through here!" she said as she swayed her hips and signed the form.

It wasn't until after she had closed the door that she realized that Mr. Yummy had probably not been aware that the dog was attempting to push his way past White Mocha from behind. He had most likely not seen the dog at all. He had probably thought she was talking to him!

Poor man. No wonder he dashes down our street at the speed of light. It appears that there's always somebody hitting on him!

Only two more sleeps and I start doing so serious drawing! Yeah! No more excuses. I think I'm scared! What if my apples start to look like tomatoes and my tomatoes like people. I've been having more than a few nightmares about this. Well, if all else fails, there's always "Welcome to Walmart!"

This is along the beach in Aylmer. Now that we are finally getting summer it's a nice place to visit. Yes, again, the beauty is in Quebec.

"I just wanna sit on the edge and put my feet in the pool." says 4 of 4.

Sound familiar?! Well, next thing I know there's a dog and 6 year old treading water in the deep end of a friends pool.

She had a very wet half hour walk home.

I've gotta stay away from water.

All Dry

Not So Much!

"I just wanna get my feet wet Mom!"

Famous last words as she falls into the water. I managed to get the whole progression of the event. Talk about lucky shot!

Mr. P. suggested that we go to the marina on the Quebec side. That's Ontario just across the river.

One week to go and I'll have time to draw! (insert evil laugh here) Back to school time kiddies!

How's that little ditty go?

"Leaves of three, let it be?"

No. That can't be right because, One of four apparently did everything but lick it. She's got poison ivy up her legs, feet and arms? Not bad, but not pleasant.

"Leaves of three are for me!"

I can walk all through the stuff without harm....so far. Now give me a poison oak plant and we'll talk rash!

These aren't poison anything, but I thought they'd look nifty on my new black background.
Geez I'll miss summer!

God help us! I'm starting to find more of these nasty creatures lying around! Most aren't so pretty as this! It's the first time I've seen a pink maple leaf!

Fall is coming. The leaves are turning. The days are getting shorter. Soon time to hibernate.

I wish someone had warned me this summer was only going to be a blink long. A rainy, cold, musty blink.

This is Two of Four with her new bestest friend, albeit temporarily, Toady. It may also be my next drawing. I have two portraits on the go, but thought with all this extra time I have floating around I'd start a third. RIGHT!

One of Four asked if I was going to include the dirty fingernails in the painting. She was quite appalled when I explained, "If you see it in the picture....you'll see it in the painting."

I guess she won't want it for her room.

These looked good enough not to eat! These were on the golf course which my parents home backs on to.

I found these little gems while looking for golf balls in the heavy brush backing onto my parents backyard. I don't believe I've ever seen fungus this vibrant before! Not even on my bathroom walls!

We stopped on the way home from doing some out of town visiting to take a picture of this incredible view. Before you ask, yes, this is in Quebec. My province isn't as gosh darn pretty.

He walked up onto the over-sized front porch of my favourite cafe in a 100 year old converted home. Late fifties to early sixties, crazy long grey thinning hair blowing wildly behind him. He had to have been a professor at one time, or perhaps worked in the arts. His attire gave him away. Particularly his sandals.

He approached the cushion lady.

Now let me explain the cushion lady. She graces the patrons with her presence, pretty much every meal and coffee break from what I can tell, because she is there almost every time I am regardless of the time of day. When she arrives whatever she sees, touches, tastes, smells, or sits on, near, or around belongs to her. I have learned this first hand after watching White Mocha get a talking down to for sitting on a chair she decided previously would be hers even before she was seated at the table. Oh ya, and she carries a pancake flat seat cushion wherever she goes. Hence, the cushion lady.

Well, the professor decided he would like to read one of the numerous daily papers sitting idle (and belonging to the cafe) on the table the cushion lady had just inhabited. Apparently the professor didn't know the cushion lady's rules and asked if he could read one of them. His request was denied! Apparently she can read five different papers all at once and wasn't willing to share.

He glanced in my direction, appearing to notice me for the first time. I had picked up a copy of "Le Droit" from the chair beside me and handed it out to him. I have no idea exactly what had been said in the previous exchange between the two, as it was in French, and I had my mp3 player on and couldn't actually hear their conversation clearly. In a quick and totally unexpected move the man reaches past the paper in my hand and grabs me mid arm with both hands and shakes me while laughing and repeating "The doit, Ahahaha!" Saying I was stunned would be an understatement. Apparently he didn't know I was English and from Ontario!

In Ontario all persons must leave a minimum two foot radius comfort zone around each individual. We don't touch other people! We're of British decent for goodness sakes! Do you see anybody touching the Queen!? A move like he just made could result in assault charges on my side of the river!

He takes the paper, at least I think he does, who the hell knows, I don't remember much other than sitting there with my mouth gaping open, listening while he chatters on a mile a minute as he sits down with a large smile on his face and a sparkle in his eye. I have no idea what he is saying.

I put my head down and pretend to focus on my book. I can feel eyes boring into me from the table across as the cushion lady rises and moves down to visit with some other patrons, knowing that her papers and cushion will now be safe from the professor. I glance up out of the corner of my eye to see a broadly smiling professor toast me with his copy of "Le Droit." I look down quickly afraid that he might come over and shake me again. Bizzare.

The cushion lady bursts out in boisterous peels of laughter for all to hear. I realize that she is French and therefore somewhat louder than the English, (having a Francophone Grandmother, I'm allowed to say this) but she seems to be overdoing it. She seems to need to prove something to either the professor or myself. Whether it's that she can have what she's not currently using, or that she has people that actually like her somewhere, I'm not sure.

Quebec. What a weird little place.

I started my day bright and way too early for me cycling to work with Mr. P. Today I decided to cycle the long way home. This involved staying on the Quebec side longer and cycling downtown to Hull before crossing over to downtown on the Ontario side of the river. Unfortunately part way there I hit the wall.

Chocolate muffins (which are really chocolate cupcakes under the guise of muffins), the breakfast of champions, do not a good breakfast make! So I happened upon a convenience store along a beach just as I had run out of steam.

I decided some Life Savers would do the trick and went in search of just that.

I didn't realize upon entering the store just how gosh darn sexy I was looking this particular day. Was it because I was all hot and sweaty in my lime green cycling shirt with a frog imprinted on it and skin tight cycling shorts with my oh so stylish clip-less clip-in shoes? Or maybe it was the coffee stain adorning my shirt and left sock. A souvenir from my break at Moca Loca. Maybe I seemed exotic with my purely Anglophone words and accent.

Whichever it was, the very kind purely Francophone clerk offered to make me a fresh breakfast tomorrow morning "....if it's ok with your boyfriend", he added shyly at the end.

Geez I love Quebec. Even I look good over there!

During the Workshops I took, we were told numerous times to take the art and hold it away from us, or up to a mirror. That way errors will show more readily. For me though, viewing it on the computer screen has done the same thing. I see now the things I would change, but probably won't bother since this one was just an exercise. I won't tell you what they are though! You'll have to figure them out for yourself!

In the 30 years that our extended family has owned the cottage, I've never before seen these type of wildflowers. I came across fields of them today. The picture doesn't do them justice!

How a dog enjoys Canada Day Weekend at the cottage.

My Father and me have been taking workshops with coloured pencil artist Allison Fagan. She does amazing photo-realistic stuff. You can find it at:

http://www.allisonfagan.com/

This was my homework. Not quite complete, but due Saturday. Arrrgh!

The May newsletter for a coloured pencil artist, Teresa Mallen, who has been a big help to me is now out. You can find her work, newsletter and blog at:

http://www.teresamallenstudio.com

I've started my next portrait (and photographed for a few more still life and portraits) but can't post my progress until I've asked the parents of the child if it's ok! So here's my description.

She's a dark haired beauty with lovely expressive eyes which beam with life and a definate mischievousness. See if you can create a picture in your mind of what she might look like while I try to capture it on paper. Wish me luck and success!

Now that I am spending my time drawing I find I'm short on words. As an old boyfriend of mine used to say, "you can't have a chick, car and money all at the same time." I guess I should count myself lucky. I may not be able to speak, but as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

I had to do just that one last thing.....
Now it's turned into one of those things that will bug me because I can't take it back. Sometimes you've just gotta know when to say when, ya know?

My coloured pencils are nibs now. I guess I'll have to find a picture that will make use of some of my other colours to give them fair play.

The painting was bowed when I photographed it for the blog, so the wall behind looks a little bent. It's not in the actual painting.

I went to get an estimate on having it framed. After the estimate I decided it looked lovelier hidden away in my portfolio.

I told Mr. P. this morning, "Well, been there done that, what hobby should I try next?"
That didn't go over well, and apparently I will be doing more paintings.

I've contacted one potential model, and am hoping that maybe out of the kindness of her heart that Adventurer will send some more pictures of beautiful children my way. I have one of a little angel that she gave me that will soon be in the works.

Pout

Here's my newest drawing that I'm working on. Also of someone in my neighbourhood. By about the 30th hour of looking at the same kid I'm really sick of looking at them! I can capture a better, darker picture of this one when it's done.

JUMP!!!

Ah, yes....as a matter of fact they were jumping off the roof! I was not pleased. 4 of 4 was told by Mr. P that she could join her sisters when she turned 6. I explained that that would indeed be a terrible mistake since she turns 6 in the heat of the summer. Maybe if we're lucky we'll have this much snow again next year for her;-)

I've got a couple of stories, but I'll save them for later. A dark and cranky little fellow is staring at me wondering why his little legs aren't bounding through those snow banks. He likes to paint them yellow.

Kitty Kat Complete

Who knew that coloured pencils weren't just for school kids anymore!

Kitty Kat

This one is a work in progress for a different Granny this time, so Grandma C won't recognize her. Any other Grannies out there know who this one is?

Sorry, it is actually darker and more vivid in person, but I can't scan it properly or I'll bend the picture and our camera is currently on loan.

P.S. Adventurer....yours is still in the works, but I won't post that one.

Mailman

Ok. I realize that I haven't been blogging more than a couple of times in as many months, but it looks like the boring dry spell that is my life may be over! I managed to return to my old ways of humiliation in the face of others! And thank God for that! I was starting to feel normal.

The mailman walked by me on the street today. I had been shoveling and stopped to conference with a fellow stay at home slave...I mean mom, "White Mocha" (I have mentioned her before.) Her humongous dog Pepper was lying in the snow, being part Akita and part horse, he loves nothing more than cooling his boys in a fresh frigid snow. Oh yes, and stalking mailmen.

White Mocha puts a restraining hand on Pepper as soon as she sees the mailman coming a full block away. Can't take a chance with this big fellow. A gentle giant with women and children, he is always on guard when there is a strange man lurking in the neighborhood. He's been known to attach his ample vice like jaws to the behind of a stray surveyor or two.

I watch as the mailman passes and seems to be out of earshot from us when I turn to Pepper, who is alert and ready to pounce, and say,

"Ohhhh! Doesn't he look yummy! Mmmmmmm. Growwwwwllllll!"

The mailman stops dead in his tracks, turns, stares. I, not unlike a chameleon try to change colour to camoflauge myself. Unfortunately the only other colour I can be is red on a white snowy back ground.

He looks embarrassed and answers something in return. Neither White Mocha or I have any idea what he just said. I am too horrified to even be listening. Unfortunately I keep talking.

"I just meant the dog. He was licking his lips when he saw you! He thought you looked yummy I guess. That's not a good sign. No, not a good sign at all!" I laugh nervously, still not knowing what he said in the first place.

"No, not a good sign." he replies as he keeps on walking quickly down the street at a faster pace than earlier.

"I hope he knows I was saying the dog though he was yummy and not me!" I turn and whisper to a now snickering White Mocha.

"He was yummy though!" I won't tell you which one of us said that.

I only sent this one to families without young children. No need to have to explain to kiddies why this is a cartoon.

Hey! Mr. P. showed me how to use the new hardware!

It's been so long since I've been here, I'm having problems figuring out blogger! Seems like there's been some changes since I've last been here.



Mr. P. has switched my hardware and I'm a bit lost there too or I'd post a copy of the Christmas cards I sent out this year. They were all handdrawn original cartoons. About 50. It seemed like a good Idea until I actually got to about number 10. My hand is still not the same. Next year I'll know better.

P.S. If you were one of the people that didn't get one, it's not that I didn't love you, it's just that now I am crippled from the previous ones and I'll get to yours sometime soon. Probably not later than by this summer.

Merry Christmas and Happy, safe, healthy and sane New Years! (Not necessarily in that order)

Adventurer Meme to me....Now your turn

Now, Here Is What You Are Supposed To Do...And Please Do Not Spoil The
Fun! Hit Forward, Delete My Answers And Type In Your Answers. Then
Send This To A Whole Bunch Of People That You Know...And Send It Back To
Me So I Can See Your Answers, The Theory Is That You Will Learn A Lot Of
Little Known Facts About Those You Know.

Remember To Send It Back Please!

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Yes, myself.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
I don't cry, but my eyes prespire now and again.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING
I prefer my handtyping.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
balogna

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Yes. Five. They are 12, 10, 8, 5, and 46.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Not on your life! I'm an idiot.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Not enough.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
That's a bit personal isn't it?

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
I don't have a death wish, so no.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
I don't really like cereal.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
That would be unnessessary work. Especially when they don't actually have laces.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE strong?
Only my body odour after I exercise.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Chocolate mint chip.

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Arrogance level.

15. RED OR PINK?
Pink.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My brain.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST ?
Grandpa.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
ok.

19. WHAT ARE YOU WEARING NOW?
6 year old holey running shoes, a cycling coat, pants and a smile.

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
lemon cranberry scone.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The little voices in my head.

22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Blue.

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Lilac trees in bloom.

Dear Mr. P

"You have a serious problem" Mr. P states as he passes by watching me gaming with great intensity.

"Do NOT!" I retort. I can't get sucked into this conversation again at this time. I'm on a roll and about to win big money!

"Stop distracting me!" I throw out quickly as I continue with my game.

This is the greatest website ever! I love it. I don't get to use the computer very often any more. Our family rule is weekends only and on weekends I have to fight four other computer addicted little bodies for a few minutes on the blasted thing.

I take a second to look down at the points. $18,790. Wait a minute, that's not right!

"OH CRAP! ONE OF FOUR, GET YOUR BUTT DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW!" I scream in full anger mode.

"Have you been spending my money? I was up over $20,000?" I ask the sheepish child now standing before me.

"Ya Mom. I wanted to take some courses. It costs money you know." she quietly replies.

"Do you know how hard I worked to earn that money?" I ask her unbelievingly.

"Well, ya. But you know....it is my Webkinz and my Webkinz account. I thought I could spend a little bit and you wouldn't get mad." she says defensively.

Huh. Little do you know. Maybe I need to purchase my own stuffed animal with account information. This selfish little monster doesn't appreciate all the hard work I do for her!

"You do realize this is a kids game." Mr. P reminds me with a smirk.

"I'm sorry, but that's what we're led to believe but in reality I'm telling you Mr. that there are a whole lot of adults sitting at their computers right now just like me playing on their very own childrens accounts!" I defend.

"Snort, right!!!!!" He laughs.

"Some of these games are quite difficult once you get up to the advanced levels, and I'm telling you, the person I played rock, paper, scissors against the other day was not a child. There was great strategy going into the moves that person was making. I tell you again....that was NO CHILD!" I rant.

"Besides," I remind him "what child plays Webkinz at 1:30 am in the morning on a school night? The place is just a hoppin' at that time. You can't tell me these are all kids, even with the time differences!"

Well Mr. P.....now I have proof!

Last evening at 11:30 pm, I was sitting in my car with just one of those people. It started off with a conversation about our kids and their love of certain toys. It went to stuffies and then Webkinz. Eventually there was an admission that yes, they did enjoy to go to the job office in Webkinz world and was frustrated that they were only allowed to work once every 8 or 9 hours. Also they liked to tend the garden of said childs toy. This un-named individual ALSO was granted permission to upkeep the site when the children were at their other parents home for the week.

That being said, I still want my own Webkinz toy. Maybe for Christmas Mr. P?

Happy Thanksgiving!

I was hungry. It had been a long bike ride into the dark country and I had forgotten to eat lunch before leaving. Always a no-no. I've never had a panini before, but the "Panini au Poulet" looked to good to pass up. I ordered it as written, in French.

Now as you can see from the above picture, I am at a beautiful little French cafe in a converted old home with lovely gardens and art work for sale scattered throughout the premises. After spending much of my summer "coffeeing" here I decided I was ready to try my hand at French.
As I approach the counter the young Frenchman behind immediately starts speaking in hyperspeed French. Is there, after all, any other kind? I am pleased by this, despite the fact that I have been attending this cafe a few mornings a week and always speak to this exact same fellow in English. He never seems to remember me, or at least that I am not a French speaking individual. This is good! I can practice on him.

"Panini au Poulet, et un petite cafe doux." I request politely.

"We will bring the Panini out to you when it's ready." he replies, in English. He's obviously marked me as the impostor I am.

About 15 minutes later a flustered version of this very same normally cool and collected guy comes out and starts giving me the low down on why I wasn't already enjoying a piping hot panini. He's now gone from speaking at the speed of sound, to breaking the sound barrier and moving in on light speed French.....and I have absolutely no clue what he is saying!!!!!

I sit and watch his lips in awe, trying to grab at least one word that I could make out and perhaps aide me in deciphering what it is he is trying to tell me. Suddenly he stops. He waits. He stares at me awaiting my response.

"Ummm, I'm sorry, I could only make out part of what you said." A little white lie on my part.

What took him about three times as long to say in French has been compressed to a quick sentence in English. French is such a wordy language!

"Oh! There was a mix-up with your Panini and we are now making another for you." he replies looking quite relieved.

You see, I have started remembering something else about the French while observing them at this cafe. Having had Francophone relatives I should have remembered that when they get annoyed, angry, or just slightly ticked off they tend to get loud. Very loud. They like to speak with their hands too! When he remembered I was only Anglophone, he knew he was as good as off the hook. There would be no unruly scene.

Eventually a young lady comes to my side and says, "Vous poulet?"
Now, about a half hour after I ordered my lunch I am sitting day dreaming, and have forgotten my panini for the time being and am taken aback by this woman calling me a chicken for no apparent reason.

"What?" I respond with an annoyed and slightly loud reply.

"Panini au polet?" she says not seeming to notice my raised voice.

"Oui, merci." I finally have my lunch.

Finally, as the final crumbs of my first and probably last panini disappear, I pick up my mug and bring it to the counter. I am polite and hate to see the staff have to come outside to get it. The young man looks at me and says,

"Panini?" in a questioning voice.

And I reply,"Non.... Finini."

Collecting Nuts

While the squirrels are collecting nuts for the winter, so will I. Here are the nuttier points of my Summer. An overview, as you will....if it really matters to anyone.

What I saw:

Jesus riding a bicycle. He was wearing a long brown hooded robe, sandals and had a face full of hair and long flowing locks. How did I know it was Jesus and not Moses? He didn't look a thing like Charelton Heston and wasn't a card carrying member of the NRA.

A very large and startled doe almost took me off my bike. In the middle of the city people, on the edge of the downtown core. I was riding over from Quebec. I looked over to see a doe running at full break-neck speed straight at me. I hit the breaks and freaked her out and she darted back into a wooded area along side the road.

I'm still not convinced that this wasn't a diabolical plot by the other half of we to take me out by bike. Mr. P would have loved the venison too, had they let him keep it.

I came across a smallish black bear foraging along the bike path. It was ok though! There was a roller-blader right behind me and he was moving slower than me. He was also juicier and tastier looking with a crunchier coating. (I had forgotten to wear my helmut that day.) At least to a bear I mean. I did warn him though....the man. More so because I wanted to see if he could see the bear too or if it was just a hallucination. Thank God! It was real.

I watched my brother in law looking very hot in his fire fighters equipment using the jaws of life to take apart a car. First of all, by hot I mean it was a roasty toasty day and I felt sorry for anyone in uniform. I won't completely admit though that it wasn't a double entendre! Second of all, it was just a demonstration and did not have anything to do with my driving. It's just too bad that they accidentally used the wrong car for the demonstration. kidding!

A middle aged woman of Asian decent walking sideways and/or backwards along the bike path every morning. I don't know. What more can I say about that?

Two individuals rolling around in the grass, making out along the bike path. They were dressed in clothing worn by a very strict religious group who have been known to get upset if you insult them. So I won't say anymore. I just sure hope for her sake she doesn't get pregnant!

My doctor cry. The medication for my Anxiety Disorder had the unexpected side effect of making me more creative, smarter, more charming and beautiful beyond compare....ok. Maybe just marginally more creative. She took full credit for my newly found talent and was quite pleased with my portfolio. So much so that she grabbed me in a bear hug while I was sitting naked in nothing but a paper sheet and a smile on the examination table. Maybe next time I show someone my portfolio I'll make sure I'm wearing clothes.

My favourite pastor leave our church. We took the summer off and now God has his work cut out for him! I'm like Dr. House on a bad day. That's what happens when you don't nourish the soul. I did attend one service at a new church. They started in on Global warming and I just had to never go back there again. PLEASE! Isn't there anywhere to hide from that bogus topic!!!?

And finally.....I quit drawing, blogging, writing. Biking pretty much filled my time. I have as much artistic talent right now as a one year old with a hand full of poop. I can draw something, but it just makes a mess. Ditto for the writing.

Curfew

When I mention the word curfew, most people would think about children and adolescence. It's something used to help keep our younger folks safe and out of trouble after the fall of darkness. Most wouldn't think of mandatory curfews being in place for individuals say....in their 90's!

My Grandmother is 94 years old. She has a curfew. Back to the Nursing home before 9pm or you're locked out baby! Just pull up a rock and sleep on the sidewalk cause you aren't getting in!

Now I'm sure there are rules such as this for safety reasons. Someone wandering in or out of the nursing home when there are possibly less staff to deal with them at night. Perhaps they are worried about undesirables coming into the home from off the street.

I never stopped to seriously think it could be to contain troublesome behavior on the part of the older folks. At least not until I watched Grandma start rockin' to Billy Idol's "Rebel Yell" on the way home. Then I started to remember.

At the age of 90, my Grandmother and her second husband could be seen cruising around the city in a new Volkswagon Beetle, (it's a very comfortable ride she told me.) decked out in leather coats, pants and boots. They were both always at the height of fashion. Hair perfectly coiffed, make-up and jewelry. She looked pretty good too;-) She has all her original teeth. Perfect and white. How I don't know, but true.

Soon after that, the housework became too much of a chore and they decided to move to a nursing home. He lost all will to live and passed on not long after. I think his son had instructed him in this. He is a well respected doctor. At least to some. I can't imagine telling my parents time to let go, so don't eat or drink for a couple of weeks and you can pass painfully away. From where I was sitting, that's what it looked like happened.

My Grandmother is a fighter though. She lost her first husband and 36 year old son to cancer within a month of each other. She has had two of her Grandsons fight brain tumors, and lost a Granddaughter at aged 40 suddenly to an aneurysm. Brother's and sisters have passed ahead of her. Her Mother died at 102. She was a fighter as well.

I was getting sleepy and decided to forgo asking if she minded my turning on the radio. I thought perhaps if I kept it low enough it wouldn't bother her sitting in the passenger seat beside me. Her mind isn't as sharp as it used to be, but there's nothing wrong with her ears!

I tuned in my favourite radio station to find they were playing a set of Billy Idol tunes. "Oh brother!" I thought as I turned it down further. Of all the Artists to start with, I was hoping for something a wee bit more mellow.

As we drew closer to her residence I could hear a tapping to match the music which soon became a full fledged drumming from beside me. Normally I'd yell at the kids to stop. I can't stand a back seat drummer. But I couldn't this time. My Grandmother was enjoying herself too much. She was keeping perfect time to "Rebel Yell." Head bobbing, humming and smiling.

Maybe there is a reason some 94 year olds have a curfew after all!

This is a practice on using coloured pencils. I've got much to do on this one still, but how much work should one put into a practice picture?