Paul McCartney and You and Me:)

few things....
whee... big GIVEAWAY with a twist!
Purchase a print from either of my shops.
AliceinParis or BroomhillPictures
Before July 9th
and you will be entered in a DRAW for a ticket to the
Paul McCartney, Wintersleep, Joel Plaskett "Halifax Concert on the Commons" Sat. July 11! His only stop in Canada.
For $23.50 (that includes the shipping) you get a lovely piece of art signed by me and really good odds at winning a ticket to see the show!
This is open to anyone who can make it to Halifax for the July 11th show. I will make arrangements with the winner to hand over the ticket on the 9th or 10th
If you blog about it, and let me know, I will give you another entry:) provided you have purchased a print:)

Also.......I have a new fan page on Facebook so feel free to join in the fun over there. I will use it for updates and news and bits and pieces:)
My friend, wilderness painter Mark Brennan has started one too:)

Surfing Nova Scotia!

Hey, did you know that Nova Scotia has a thriving surf scene!? Just a thirty minute drive from where I live, is Lawrencetown Beach, where all year round you can find surfers doing their thing. Even in the dead of winter!! Wearing full body wet suits year round too. The water is chilly here.

I drove out here with my daughter on Saturday and we had a great time watching the waves, surfers, and listening to the deafening roar of the waves crashing and then raking over the pebbles. We talked to a young man and his girlfriend from Montreal who had come here to try the waves. It was an odd day with a giant fog bank just offshore, you can see it in the distance.

People come from all over the world to surf here. We counted 27 people on the water on Saturday. Who knew? Here at Lawrencetown, a small community of surfers has evolved. B&B's, shops, surf schools, and up high on the hill is MacDonald House, an old home now a tearoom and surfshop/rental place. H and I stopped in for lunch:) This was taken from that hill looking in the opposite direction. Way off to the right, strong rip currents have taken more than one life , swimming is forbidden there.

There are some cool website you can check out, one is Magic Seaweed that tells you the height of the waves. The day we were there they were 5' 6secs. Today I checked and they are 7' 6secs! A fantastic site is Scotia Surfer. Lots of great pics and info and links. Moonlight Beach Inn B&B, has a great aerial shot showing the area. Right now the beach is quite pebbled but depending on the time of year, tides and weather, it becomes sandy.

Those black dots floating in the water above the wave are surfers. Waiting for that perfect wave:) They sort of look like seals!

As always, my bold traveling companion, partner in crime. and daughter:)

Sunshine Monty

Late in the day I always know where to find Monty. The sun streams into the back room and he can be found curled up on the bed smack dab in the middle of that pond of sunshine. I have a friend coming to visit for a few weeks. I hope she doesn't mind sharing:)

Friday

Tea is Magic original available on eBay
Print is available on Etsy

So, I was quite shocked when I heard the news. I was surprised at how strong my reaction was. Michael was a sad mysterious character who definitely had some unsavory habits but musically he was a shining star! His songs made you want to move.
I have a lovely memory of listening to his music in Bermuda. We were staying on a small sailboat moored in St. Georges. In the warm evenings, coming from a small local bar just across the way, his music would float across the water and draw us out to dance. Good times:)
Rock with You 1980 .....before he got lost....

Wednesday Outing

I've been having a lot of adventures recently! This is where I was taken for lunch today. Thanks Sandy! Fred. It is a gallery/cafe/hair salon! Bright and interesting and I loved the art exhibit on display at the moment. The Salon was off to the right out of sight at the end of this large and airy space.

I had a grilled veggie panini on multigrain bread with sweet potato honey and dilled cream cheese. Yum. A big chocolate Earl Grey cupcake for dessert:))

Afterward we went for a small stroll about the neighborhood to stretch out our tummies and poke about some shops. I really am not familiar with Agricola and there are lots of cool places to explore. I must go back.

We came across a wee shop "Heroine" (5775 Charles St.) which will be holding a Sweet Summer Sale (up to 75% off) only this Friday-Sunday from 12-5 of Laura Chenoweth Organic Cotton Clothing. She is a local designer who works with artisans in India.

We had fun taking some snaps:) You know me....

2009 Lieutenant Governor's Garden Party

The Lieutenant Governor's garden party was a fun event this year and what glorious weather! It was held in the Royal Artillery park because of renovations to Government House and since arriving in office, the Honourable Mayann E. Francis has extended an open invitation to all Nova Scotians! It used to be via invitation only.



The receiving line, which went on for almost the entire duration of the tea. You were asked your name and then presented to the Lieutenant Governor. I made a ninny out of myself and said something along the lines of "I'm charmed to meet you". Ack. Embarrassing. I don't think Ive ever said that to anyone in my life.

Here she is, The Honorable Mayann E. Francis. A very attractive and intelligent woman!

The tables were festooned with rose petals and there were dipped strawberries and tarts, fruit and cheese. Waiters drifted about with silver trays of cucumber dill and chicken salad sandwiches.



Being asked to pour the tea is an honor and there were several women and girls who did an admirable job. One of whom was Emily of the Emily Fund, which raises money for insulin pumps for kids. It is a charity that the The Honorable Mayann E. Francis has taken on.



Everyone was decked out in summery hats and business wear. Boy Scouts and Girl Guides were also on hand to help out. Music was supplied by harpists on one side and a small orchestra sitting under the trees on the other :)

Hydrangeas

Hydrangea Bouquet available on Ebay!

I adore hydrangeas. Especially the deep blue ones. Thought I would try painting some, not super happy with it but love the colours. As always, the computer fails to capture all the hues present in the "real" painting.

So, tonight is our final "bookclub" meeting until the fall. We always go to the same restaurant and I always order the same thing. I don't there often enough to get tired of it. I like traditions and this seems to have become one:) We are just a small group but we sure have fun. It also happens to be martini night:) Cheers!

Saturday

Not only are these rhododendrons glorious to look at, the scent is AMAZING. I had no idea the orange ones were perfumed.

Today is a bit overcast and rain is forecast, a bit sad really because we had a wonderful week of sunshine and now, here it is, the weekend and wet weather. I have lots of projects to do as usual and a lot of internet catching up:) so I am ok with it.

Last night I saw The Proposal with Sandra Bullock, fun and fun. I enjoy her. I also saw My Life in Ruins last week and enjoyed it too. A bit over the top and hokey dialogue but at the end of the movie you feel good:) I grew to like the characters and of course the scenery was gorgeous Greece! Two light happy flicks. Mental bubblegum as my dad used to say.

Here is something I came across in a blog I enjoy and found it interesting. We are all doing sit ups the wrong way! Here's how to do them to protect your back! Watch the video also.

Awesome

The tree on the left is a magnificent copper beech. On the Garden Tour this last weekend, one of the houses was situated next to one the original old graveyards in Dartmouth. There were a couple of magnificent trees that overhung their yard. It was these trees that made the home owners decide to purchase and create their garden.
We walked into the graveyard after and took some pics. The picture of the tree below is not the trunk! Those are two limbs branching off the trunk! It is an ENORMOUS old tree. High, high up the trunk there are some initials carved, professing love. I was wondering just how long ago they were etched there. Where are those lovers now? Are they still here? Do they remember carving their names ? That beautiful tree will carry their poem as long as it lives.


Yesterday mum and I went to the Garden Party of The Honourable Mayann E. Francis, ONS, DHumL, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia! It was fun. Pics to come:)

Satisfaction

July 4 picnic, 1942, Maryland. Photograph by Majory Collins

Ah, I can take my shoes off and relax.......all 56 emails have been sent out.
Penpals matched, armed and ready! Let the writing begin:)
That was a lot of work but I hope that everyone involved gets enjoyment out of it:) I did.

I have not had a chance to pop around and visit any blogs lately but will do soon:)

Dragon Flower Tea

It was magical and tasted delicious too:))

Our workshop was in a very rough part of Dartmouth. In fact we had to interrupt the class at one point to call 911, as a fight was unfolding outside the windows with a baseball bat wielding madman and an equally wild lunatic
In the middle of the day, Mary and I had lunch at this tiny vegetarian tearoom in the most unlikely of places. Liu's Formosa Gift and Tea House.

Saturday

Flower Lane Cottage up for sale on eBay
I reworked this painting and prefer it much better now. Funny how just a few little things can alter the composition and make a picture more pleasing ( at least to me:)
The QiGong workshop is great. Continues all day today. Very interesting to hear the stories of some of the participants. A few have taken this course several times and continue their practice at home daily. Fibromyalgia sufferers who are almost pain free now. It has transformed their lives. Good stuff. There is a study ongoing at Dalhousie University looking into this that confirms what these people are saying. I am curious to see how it affects me, if I notice anything. I don't have Fibromyalgia but you know...there's always something:)

Sydney Crosby kissed the Stanley Cup! Our local boy, shining hockey star! He's actually the cousin of one of my daughter's close friends.

Hope you are having a great weekend:)

Tomorrow is the last day to sign on for Letter Revival!
"Letter Revival Festival" (until Sunday, June 14) If you like receiving interesting mail and don't mind sending a letter ...this is for you! Click on the banner to learn more:)

Busy weekend ahead

This was taken peeping into the window of one the houses in last year's garden tour. It is upon us again this weekend. I really want to go but have a busy few days ahead. It is a charity fundraiser, private houses open their gardens for viewing and some of them are wonderful! Sunday will be the day for that. Always very inspiring!

I am registered for a QiGong workshop starting this evening and running all day tomorrow. A bit nervous as it is a last minute thing and a big commitment in time and focus but I think it will be worth it. It is an Eastern energy system, sort of like Tai Chi. My friend Mary is going and thought I might enjoy it.

This weekend is also the Greek Festival! Opa!! Have to try to squeeze it in somehow. Not looking good though. Maybe some souvlaki for Sunday supper?

My letter festival closes on Sunday night. I am thrilled with the response! 62 writers at this point. I have my work cut out for me, but that is what I wanted:)
"Letter Revival Festival" (until Sunday, June 14) If you like receiving interesting mail and don't mind sending a letter ...this is for you! Click on the banner to learn more:)

Books

Today's haul from the library! I love libraries, so many books so little time. I think I've probably said that before:) When I was a little girl we used to go once a week and it was a big thrill to sit hidden in the stacks and pour over the piles of books I would gather. When it was time to go home, I could never decide which ones to check out. Dr. Seuss often found his way home with us as did George the Monkey and wonderful, wonderful Babar and his family. I continued the tradition with my daughter and those classic books found their way back into my home again:) Like welcoming old friends!
Busy day. Painted the outside garage door, side door and bits under the windows, went to the post office, library, bank, and VOTED, made some appointments, worked in the garden, cleaned kitchen and blogged. Now I am going to make an Asparagus Anise Soup recipe I found in the Washington Post. I have a fennel bulb hanging around and some fresh asparagus. Sounds interesting. Later I hope to get out for a walk and do some sketches for painting tomorrow:) More than you ever wanted to know about what I was up to today:))

There are about 46 people participating in this so far! Lots of letters:)
5 Days left to register! "Letter Revival Festival" (until Sunday, June 14) If you like receiving interesting mail and don't mind sending a letter ...this is for you! Click on the banner to learn more:) I would be happy if you could spread the word, you can use this wee banner .

Saturday Adventure

This is what we had for lunch on Saturday before the Cirque show. It was delicious. Need I say more? We ate at a place I'd never been before, Durty Nelly's and it was fab! Atmosphere and food. The pic below is my mum and daughter with excited grins, awaiting our meal and the fun activity that was to follow!

After lunch, we popped into the Freak Lunchbox to stock up on munchies for intermission. It is one of our family traditions.They sell every candy that you ever grew up with. A sweetie retro palace!

As I suspected, no photos were allowed during the show. Suffice to say, it was WONDERFUL!
Another wonderful event that transpired was that our best friends happened to have seats directly behind us, a big surprise for all of us. We did not know that the other was going and of all the shows and seats available (x1000s) we managed to sit together!!! So we got to enjoy it as a group:)

Ongoing is my "Letter Revival Festival" (until Sunday, June 14) If you like receiving interesting mail and don't mind sending a letter ...this is for you! Click on the banner to learn more:) I would be happy if you could spread the word, you can use this wee banner .