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!!