One of the best gifts I received for Christmas was a new Nikon camera. The shutter mechanism went in my D40X and the local shop wanted $300 just to look at it and tell me what I already new.

First thing I did was dress up warmly and trot of to the local park. The squirrels were most obliging or maybe the excitement of a new toy had me hyper alert but I did capture a few of these critters. I only caught the Blue Squirrel once as the second shot was a blurry photo of his fuzzy butt as he scampered out of sight.

Hopefully the next batch of photos will be of the local track as I have not been able to shot these fellows in quite some time. I admit I am suffering a wee bit of withdrawal. This camera has some pretty big dreams to help me catch up on!! 

Christmas 2012

Well, the school season is done for 2012. The marks are back. When I signed up for 6 courses (including organic chemistry... yikes) I am not sure what super power I thought I had but I learned the only one any one needs to have is the power of tenacity; that and a perverse amount of stubborn determination. As a mature student you refuse to waste any money especially on a course that costs as much as a university one does.

I like to break it down for some of the younger students when they question my dedication to getting good marks. For the equestrians, $600 can be one months board and a horse show (maybe two), for a farmer; that is a 150 bales of hay and for those who also work while going to school, it equates to about  3 weeks of work at minimum pay. Multiply that by 6 and you have one stressed out mature student.

As you can see from above, I have been busy reacquainting myself with my studio; a place I have been neglecting these past few months. It feels wonderful to push paint around the canvas and get some images out of my head and onto board. I saw my art prof during the Christmas break and once again he asked why was I at a science college. I replied;

"I am a fussy eater and science pays better."

 I don't think I convinced him as he pushed the idea of enrollment at  a local art school...again.  He mentioned that I was the only 100 he gave out and that each week he looked forward to my assignments. Not sure any of my science profs felt that way. Really sure I made my organic chem prof groan more than once. Hey, maybe Prof. Brown is onto something!!

On another note. I got a camera for Christmas. My poor Nikon died, at Atlantic Grand Circuit Week no less and I have been suffering severe withdrawal ever since. A few friends have lent me their cameras but I have to admit, my Nikon was like an extension for my eye. So when I opened up that gift yesterday I was like a little kid. I threw on some clothes and ran out side snapping shots like a paparazzi and grinning like a fool. Some evidence of yesterdays escapades will probably appear here soon!

Have a fantastic Christmas Season and a joyous New Year!

Rockin' Toad

The semester is nearly finished. Only one more exam left to write and then for a little down time during the Holidays.

To say it has been a busy semester would be an understatement. There was more than a few times I questioned my sanity and wondered if I shouldn't just pack it all in a go back out west where the job market is considerably more flush. Each time I did that something would happen and I'd calm down. One such moment involved a school chum.

One afternoon I walked into the computer lab, plunked myself down beside him and asked
"Watcha doin'?"

I noticed he was filling out a prestigious scholarship form and even though he expressed some doubts I was thrilled he was trying. Just recently he won that award and will now be going to Oxford University to study as a Rhodes Scholar. Even though there was more involved than filling out a form, that is where it all started. It made me realize that even though some courses seem pointless and you feel like you are failing miserably, that you keep on trying with everything you've got because it helps make you the person you were meant to be and when you do feel brave enough to fill out a form for a dream, you might actually have a shot. Way to go Paul!

This painting is one I completed last night as a gift to myself for not self destructing under the pressures of exams. I do not normally paint on rocks but I followed my intuition and after a few hours this is what I came up with. I think toads and frogs of all sorts and sizes are special and when I get the chance I like to paint them. This one is from a photo Paul let me have. Inspiring minds everywhere!!

Another Art Class Assignment

As the semester reaches an end I find myself grinning in amazement that I survived. One of my fourth year profs asked how things were going and was a little shocked that I was taking six. Then the inevitable, "How are your marks" question came up and I mentioned Organic Chem was not where I wanted it to be and he screeched
 "Org Chem? You're taking six courses and one is Org Chem? Do you have a a death wish?"
 Then I politely reminded him that he suggested I was smart enough to do six at once to which he replied
"I did not know org Chem was one of them. No one does that unless they have a death wish."
 Well, hello, let me introduce myself....

Art Class

Wow, it hard to believe it has been so long since I last posted. Normally I would be embarrassed but the 6 course load at University and 2 job demands on this old mom has me realizing I am lacking the superpowers I once thought capable of. Little bit disheartening as my brain still expects my body to cram 35 hour days in to 24!

Don't get me wrong, I love being busy and am grateful for all I have but in hindsight maybe I bit off a bit more than I should chew!! That being said, my latest offerings are from one of my classes. I actually have an art class. Seems the University would like its scientists to be a bit more rounded. Apparently they did not look at me but I digress!

I love the art class. We have a Fantastic Proff who obviously loves what he does so even the kids who lack artistic ability still come to every class and pass in all their assignments. For me, it is the one shining light in an otherwise super stress filled fourth year. Did not help (or maybe it did) when after seeing my first assignment (above shoe) the Proff asked me why I was wasting myself on science!! Good job I think a good scientist will be a creative soul!

The hand was funny. I think the course load was bearing on me even then and I had a Freud moment, making my hand look 30 years older than I am. I guess my feelings projected onto my work. Oopps! The shoe was pretty open ended, "just draw your shoe" he said. Once again, I think I wishing I was at a party instead of school so I pulled out the pearls and my favorite heels and scribbled the night away. The last one was supposed to be mixed media, so I pulled my moms cup and saucer out. It had been in storage for 6 years and this just seemed like a good time to remember the past. Still not a fan of coloured pencils. I think my brain has a love affair with the oil paints, but it is good to try new things occasionally.

Here's hoping I do not take so long to post. Next semester looks much better. Only 4 courses and a new scholarship should help lessen the load a bit. Might get some of my unfinished works into the "Display here" category!!

Simmy Oil portrait 5x7 SOLD

This was a commission for a woman who wanted to commemorate her friends beloved feline friend.

 Found this vista while lost one morning

 Black Point NS

 Black Point NS

This past weekend my family "kidnapped" me and forced me to enjoy a seaside retreat.

As far as interventions go, it was a success. It has been far to easy to spend time with my nose stuck in a text book, formulating new trial ideas and accomplishing a whole lot of stuff but neglecting one fundamental...life!

As you can see the weekend left an impression and no, these are NOT postcards, they are my photographs from several of the strolls I took (they took my car!!) and I am grateful for my meddling family members. Maybe next time they plan this it will be in a tropical location?? hint hint!!