Paintings are being shown at Arbutus Arts

Dropped off 3 paintings at Arbutus Arts yesterday and so we'll see how that goes. I believe the opening for the season is the Friday of the May Long Weekend although I think my paintings will be on display as of next weekend.

I am in the process of making up a little write-up about myself to go on the backs of the paintings and just completed my profile page so that I can leave a profile / artwork portfolio with the Manager, Nicki.

Becoming a part of the Community

I have now been living on Hornby Island the better part of a year. I'm still extremely in love with this place and have enjoyed meeting all kinds of new people. Although I already knew this, the one big thing that I'm amazed at is just how much community spirit there is here and how many people give so much of their time and energy to make this island the best it can be. I'm truly astonished at the generosity and caring of people here.

Just this week a new Medical Clinic was opened with over $300,000 fundraised by the community.......the building is absolutely stunning and even has an emergency room and lab. There is another project being undertaken which involves building houses for people that can't afford property here but may have grown up on Hornby and wish to stay. It should also attract people from off island that can work in a trade or other venture on the island who may otherwise have not been able to afford to do this. 20 acres of land was donated for this purpose by a couple on the island. The houses will be owned but not the property making it easier for people to buy into the market.

On that vein of thought of being a part of the community, I have now joined "H.U.G.G.S. "(Hornby's United Grandmothers and Grand Sisters). The focus of this group is to fundraise for and support the grandmothers living in sub-Saharan Africa who are bringing up all the orphans whose parents have died from HIV/Aids. H.U.G.G.S. is is one of many groups across Canada under the umbrella of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. My first project for them was to paint a stool which will be auctioned off at the Hornby Island Festival in the summer. There will be over 50 chairs and stools painted by various locals and well-known artists in the auction as part of this fundraiser.

I also just joined the Health Care Society and will hopefully join one of the Art's Societies or groups soon.

Spring has Sprung, the grass has ris, I wonder where the birdies is........?

Yeah!!! A daffodil flowered today and there are lots more where that came from. My crocuses have been up for awhile. Yes.....a time of rejuvenation and aren't we always ready for it? Started weeding last week and digging today and had a lovely walk around Helliwell Park today with no jacket and felt like I should have been in shorts. It won't be much longer - I'll be breathing in that beautiful ocean breeze whilst wiling away my days sitting in my beach chair, people-watching, swimming, walking in the sand and drinking in that vitamin D that all us northern folk so cherish. The best part is in 2 1/2 months, Sam won't have to leave after the weekends - he'll remain here with me where he is supposed to be. I know he is soooooooooooo looking forward to this! I am also looking forward to him being here but I have to say I have also enjoyed my time alone during the last year. It's gotten me into a better space and I'm actually finally starting to act like a retired person and just don't give a sh** most of the time. Way more laid back and calm - it's the only way to be.

I've also enjoyed my winter at Hornby and it just didn't seem as long as usual....most likely due to still getting outside and walking rather than sitting in an office all winter and hardly seeing the light of day.

As the days go on, I meet and chat to more people on Hornby. I'm definitely starting to feel like I belong to this community. One sure sign is that on Monday, I joined H.U.G.G.S. (Hornby's United Grandmothers and Grand Sisters) - a group that fundraises and supports Sub-Sahara African grannies who are bringing up orphans whose parents died of HIV/Aids. There are apparently over 3 million orphaned children in that area. I believe this is a very worthwhile cause. My first project is to paint a stool (artistically) so that it can be auctioned off at the Hornby Island Festival. I am actually quite excited about it and am figuring out my design this week.

Well here's hoping you don't get too fooled tomorrow (Happy April Fools Day) and that all the little birdies are singing in your life wherever that may be!

(P.S. There are lots of young and old eagles flying around and the herring are currently spawning which is causing much ado amongst all the birds on the beaches). HAPPY SPRING EVERYONE!

& then the Storm came!

It was supposed to be a hurricane level storm. We battened down the hatches, lit all the fires, filled pots with water, put all the lose lawn chairs behind and in structures. It came, it took out the power, shut down the ferries, lost the best radio station ever, and swirled around from every direction but it wasn't all that bad. I've seen a lot worse here. Anyways, my cold came back again for the week and boy was I not well but am starting to recover and feel almost like my old self. Another painting is in the works of some lilies. I find flowers a little difficult but so far, so good. After that I'll start working on some Hornby scenes.

Crossing my fingers and toes for Spring to come soon. At least for my birthday. In the meantime, better go grab some more firewood ~ it's getting awfully cold in here!

It's snowing!

Actually, I'm posting this on Wed., Feb. 23rd....

Anyways, go figure... Daffodils are up about 6 inches or so and crocuses have come out and it decides to snow. Huge flakes today for awhile. I love looking at the snow but was kind of looking forward to the Spring. Oh well, won't be long and I'll be very busy out in the garden..... digging in the dirt and anticipating all those gorgeous flowers coming into bloom!

I'm back at Hornby after spending about 10 days in Victoria. Was great to see friends and family as always but now am looking forward to using some of my new art supplies. Finished another painting about 10 days ago so am just posting that to my acrylics page today. It is a painting of the Sooke River just above where it starts flowing down into the potholes.

The owner of Arbutus Arts Gallery was over before I left for Victoria and is interested in putting some of my paintings in her gallery. I am very happy about that and will be focusing on Hornby Island scenes so that I'll have a few ready for May. Am also thinking of trying a few flowers and maybe some ducks and other birds as Sam has taken some pretty remarkable photos on our recent walks.

& then I watch "Lord of the Rings" that same night....

And, yes, no doubt to others, our ways seem quaint, but, today of all days, it is bought home: It is no bad thing to celebrate the simple life. ~~ Bilbo Baggins

The simple life.....

I wonder why a change of location makes such a difference in someone's life. Here I was in beautiful Victoria with all the amenities a person could want and hanging out with my husband when he wasn't working. I should be really happy, right....but instead I was antsy, bored, lacking motivation, uncomfortable and just not feeling like I was in my element. Our suite was very nice.... a little small but very nice.

Since I've returned (only 3 days ago), I'm feeling so much better, relaxed, at peace and comfortable......and all because of what? I believe it's the air, the ocean, the trees, the eagles, the relaxed mood of the whole community, and the peace and quiet. For me, it's where I'm the happiest.

The simple life is what allows my spirit to feel at peace.. The end result is my happiness and that brings about my desire to create........Yeah....love the simple life!

Guess where I am.