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!!

 Cowboy

 Cowboy

 Brent and Cowboy

 Ben, Anna and Hombre

Brent & Cowboy vs Ben and Alown

I like going to the local racetrack. There is always plenty of excitement and lots of interesting subjects to photograph. My friend Ben trains and races horses and kindly offered to take Anna and I out to experience the thrill of actually being on the track. Ben spends his summers travelling the US tracks teaching young people how to drive so it came very easy to him to take the two seater out and show us how it is done.

I had so much fun and have decided that the next time I do it, I want to go much faster!!!

Upfront Design and I enjoying a leisurely canter

It has been a while since I did much riding. While in Alberta I trained and rode a minimum of 6 days a week. Lots has changed since then. Every now and then I get the old urge to crawl into the saddle and relive the glory days. I am pretty lucky that I have an indulgent horse who doesn't care if it has been two years or two days since I rode her and as you can see she makes me look good!!

BAA-EWE-tiful Sheep

 Horned Dorset ram

 Border Cheviot Ewe

 North Country Cheviot Ram from NS

 Horned Dorset

 Clun Forest Ewe Lambs- Reserve on left & Grand Champion on right

 Icelandic Sheep Dog

 North Country Cheviot Ram from NS

 North Country Cheviot Ewe from NS

 North Country Cheviot Ewe from NS

North Country Cheviot Ewe from NS

The Canadian Classic Show and Sale was held in Truro this weekend and what a great event it was. There were fantastic sheep from all over Canada and many breeds we normally do not get to see. The Border Cheviot was a new one for me and I admit, they did catch my eye with their sleek clean lines.

We showed some Clun Forest sheep for my friends from Nant Y Mor Farm and were lucky enough to have the Grand Champion Ram, Grand Champion ewe lamb and reserve champion ewe lamb. Funny thing was we almost did not get to show the ram as I was not wearing the required black pants and there was some suggestion that I may get disqualified. Panic was running rampant in my veins when David walked in wearing black dress slacks. A quick switch a roo and much grumbling on Daves part ( grovelling on mine) and now I was legal. Not fashionable, (I have about 6 inches more leg than Dave ), but I was wearing black! Several friends pointed out that I filled his slacks out better then he did!! LOL

We got to see a beautiful Icelandic Sheep Dog which I must say impressed me greatly with its cool attitude and sharp looks. I have always thought the border Collie too neurotic for a dog and even though I expect it to work, I also expect it to like to be in my presence. I have always felt the Borders were too much like cats in that humans were not the prime focus of their lives. If I am honest one of the canines most endearing qualities is it's undying adoration of its owner. Borders never seem too much in to adulation!! This fellow was a welcome change from the expected sheep dog!

Our fleeces placed a respectable 4th and 5th and the one I had for auction sold for around $6/lb so I was very pleased since Gwyneth and I bought the reserve Champion Targhee fleece for $6.50/lb.

All in all a great weekend surrounded by BAA-EWE-tiful sheep!! ;)

Now that I am finally getting back to a normal routine (plus I only have two jobs instead of three!) I have been able to return to some of my old pursuits. I love walking the woodland trails in our county and when possible I take my camera.

This particular morning the light was phenomenal and the flowers were in bloom. The Lady Slippers, Trillium and other plants were a feast for the eyes especially after a long winter. The surprise was a small fir tree that someone added numerous Christmas ornaments too. I loved the brightness and shine and when I got home was pleasantly surprised to see the reflections in the bulb. If you look closely you can see me amidst the trees!!

Ben- He's a winner!

Eating dust!

Big Air

Goin' Hard

JJ

Comin' round the bend

It has been a while since I posted regularly. I had hoped that things would slow down after school but working three jobs takes it toll. One realizes in quick fashion that they are not able to do it all and certainly not alone! Good job my kids are old enough to raise themselves!

I recently went to the Truro Raceway to watch my friend Ben drive. Lucky for me (and him) it was a successful day as he placed first and set a record for his mare. I was able to relax and unwind as I shot frame after frame of gorgeous equine athlete.

My first horse was a retired standarbred and I have always had a special fondness for them. When I get the chance to paint I find they capture my attention because they are very busy visually. I love the harness and its multicolour and textures. Throw in raw beauty and power and it makes an alluring portrait.

Now that I have given you a hint of whats to come, have a great day!

Karen's Girl Oil Portrait sold

It is the most glorious day and I have no schoolwork! It seems like education has been the controlling theme of my life lately and although I do not regret the decision to return to school , I must admit the stress of it can be somewhat daunting. There is something about youthful exuberance that negates the stressful events of school. At least that is how it feels. Going back as the "ole Grey mare" has me fretting over every detail and driving myself into complete and utter distraction!

So in celebration of school being done and a free afternoon, I am going to the studio to do more than look longingly at the easels and breathe in the evaporating paint fumes. I am going to push some paint!!

Felix, Oil Portrait Sold

I had to tear myself away from studying. I have just finished 4 out of 5 exams and I am thankful for a mini break before the last one. This last semester has been extremely busy, so much so that I haven't even had time to think about painting much less do any. Once I get this last one under my belt I looking forward to accomplishing something creative! Stay tuned!

The above fellow is the pride and joy of his owner I was lucky enough to have a really good photo to work from. I am not always so fortunate. This time I did not have to interpret what "a reddish kinda Bay" was!

Start at the Beginning

My First Painting

Going back to school has been an adventure. Some of it thrilling, some of it as fun as shovelling s**t up hill!

Dealing with some of the students involves a lesson in patience I am sure St. Peter would fail. I had to deal with one such child the other day who pouted like a two year old. Considering I raised two kids of my own I am familiar with the behaviour, I just never thought I would have to watch a childish display from a 20 year old who has aspirations of becoming a vet.

Need some people skills there darling cause trust me, those dairy farmers will make mince meat out of your attitude if you cross your arms, close your eyes and shake your head when they disagree with you!

I suppose we all have to start somewhere. When I first started painting I was in such a hurry to get to the final outcome. I was 9 when I painted the above horse. I couldn't relax and enjoy the process. I did not want to waste time with the background and the bridle was no wheres near as important as the ears and eyes!! Now that I am older I am realizing some of the best moments come from the process and the outcome is somewhat of a let down because now you are all done and have to find a new challenge.

Maybe that little girl in pre vet will learn this before long and start accepting that working with others is a joy and not a chore because if she doesn't, she will have a REALLY short career in Veterinary Medicine!

As I enter the homestretch of this semester my posts seem to be becoming rarer. I am not getting any painting done but I have been able to use my photographic skills to capture some of what consumes my life right now!

This was my Chem lab this week where we tested solutions to try and determine the amount of copper in a sample. As you can see it was at least a pretty lab to do!! As to how accurate our results are, well, that is what weekends are for! I am such a nerd! LOL

I also received extremely good news yesterday. I applied for a NSERC USRA award which is given to top students ath the college (actually it is a National event). It was created to encourage students to consider furthering their education in the world of science and research. I was one of only 7 students to be selected and guess what? I get to spend the summer researching a topic that is near and dear to me...wool!! I am looking forward to it and you know there will be blogs to follow!!

Mylie (3/4 Blueface Leicester x Clun forest ewe)

Sweetpea (3/4 Blueface x Clun Forest ewe)

Cherry and Binkie (Purebred Clun Forest ewe lambs)

Binkie Bouncing!

Things have been busy here. All our ewes have lambed out and as you can see they result is very entertaining!

School is trudging along well but I must admit I will be glad for it to be finished this term. Holding down two jobs, family commitments and maintaining an 80 + average have me more than a little tired. I am not sure what is in sheep milk but I may have to siphon off a bit to put a little bounce in my step!!