Happy Hallowe'en

Did you know, Hallowe'en is linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain. It was the first and most important of the four quarter days in the medieval Irish calender, falling on the last day of Autumn. A time for reflection and preparation for the cold winter months ahead. This is when the physical and supernatural worlds are thought to be closest and magical things might happen. To ward off these spirits, the Irish built huge, symbolically regenerative bonfires and invoked the help of the gods through sacrifice! The name is derived from All Hallows Eve. November 1st was All Hallows Day ( All Saints Day).

Carved pumpkins were originally carved turnips! They switched to pumpkins here in North America bcause they were much easier to carve. They were fashioned into lanterns as a way of remembering the souls held in purgatory

Speaking of which..... I cannot believe I did not pick up a pumpkin this year!! I was surrounded by them at the farmers market and now when I realize I don't have one to carve, there are none to be had. I have called all the grocery stores and the market is closed today:( This will be the first year in our house without a Jack-o-Lantern. I will have to light some candles instead. BOO hoo!
EDITED: I FOUND one! Hooray.

The Virgin Cure

Ami's book launch was a great success!! It was wonderful to hear her read from the story and bring "Moth" to life. Her prose is like poetry. There were lots of people to cheer her on including Meaghan Smith, much to Ami's delight. They are big fans of each other! Meaghan is a lovely singer and a fabulous artist too. I had a chat about painting:)

And LOOK at this!!! Ami's husband gave her this wonderful "moth" ring. What a gorgeous reminder of all things good. The silver bangle on her wirst belonged to Sadie, her great grandmother, the woman who inspired this tale! I am half way through the book and loving it:)

Still Autumn

Well, Autumn is drawing to a close. We've had a great one. Thank goodness, because winter can sure drag on:) I always get excited for the first snowfall and do enjoy the white sparkling frostiness but I wish it was a much shorter season!

This chalk hopscotch was outside my friend Chara's shop. We had an amazing event here in the city a little while ago called Nocturne. Art everywhere, outside and inside all over the city. Chara had free chalk to give away and an invitation to create! This was just at the beginning of the evening.

The cruise ship season is over and I have time again! Time to create and catch up! Yay!

Oh, and congratulations to Jessica who won a free painting of mine! I sometimes run contests over on my Facebook page so feel free to "like"!

Tonight I am going to Chapters bookstore in Halifax to see my friend Ami McKay read from her new book "The Virgin Cure". She wrote "The Birth House" which was a really great read! Tonight is the launch of her new book. I KNOW it will be another great hit! Very excited to get my hands on it:) Won't be available in the USA until June 26th, 2012 published by HarperCollins

“I am Moth”

“…a girl from the lowest part of Chrystie Street, born to a slum-house mystic and the man who broke her heart."

Rainy Thursday

Raining cats and dogs out there. Rainfall warning for today. It sure was hard to get out of bed this morning. I was warm and cozy and the sound of the rain pelting outside made me want to burrow deeper under the covers. Oh well, cup of tea makes everything all right. That is Barrington Street, Halifax in the picture.

My lovely wee impressionistic painting sold. That makes me happy. I really liked it and it was fun to do. Will definitely try my hand at more.

Today is an errandy, nose to the grindstone sort of day. Hope to be very productive.

Oh and this Sunday at the market we are having a PUMPKIN FESTIVAL! Come and carve a pumpkin and be elibible for some prizes.

This is a blog you will REALLY enjoy...Susan Branch ! In her latest post she talks about how to keep you wooden spoons and cutting board looking great. I've been a fan of hers for years ♥


Also I'm doing another e-Photo Course, starting November 11, you can learn more HERE.

Moroccan Chickpeas with Roasted Red Peppers & Mint

This was delicious!!!! I have been having fun trying out recipes for my new healthy way of eating. This one is fat free and full of fiber, protein and flavour! I found this recipe at DinnerwithJulie and have adapted it to suit myself. Perfect for this Autumn weather.

Moroccan Chickpeas with Roasted Peppers, Parsley & Mint

1 yellow onion, finely chopped
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cardamom
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cayenne
1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 small can tomato paste
3 Tbsp raisins
4 Tbsp chopped dried apricots (less if you don't like apricots)
4 cups cooked chickpeas ( I used 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
2 roasted red peppers, chopped ( I get a big jar at Costco, really inexpensive)
2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley
juice of a lemon

Sriracha sauce for a dash of heat if you want

1. In a large skillet, "dry saute" medium-high heat until soft. (add a teeny tiny splash of water when it sticks and stir until water boils off) Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, cardamom, nutmeg and cayenne and cook for a minute.

2. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds. Add the tomato paste, raisins and apricots and a cup or two of veggie broth or tomato juice and bring to a simmer – it should be saucy. Add the chickpeas to the pan and stir to coat. Cook for a bit

3. Add the red pepper, mint and parsley and squeeze over the lemon. Toss to combine and serve warm or refrigerate until chilled – allowing the mixture to marinate for a few hours (or a day) will help the flavours improve. Makes lots.

4. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes

Makes a ton!

Pip Pip

Ha,ha, the scarecrow festival in Mahone Bay is in full swing. Unfortunately I was just driving through and could not stop. However, this wedding tableau did get me out of the car! Hope you enjoy!
The happy couple.

Proud father and consort

The sexy siblings

The Royal grandparents. Phillip looking a bit rough.

The fashionable cousins ( my faves)


Don't forget to order your 2012 Cat calendar if you want one for this year. They are shipped worldwide. To see the images for each month, click on the preview button .If you are here in Halifax, pop by the market and pre-order one from me for pickup or drop me a line.

Also.......I am running my Sensational Snapshot Society online Photography course again. Starts November 11th and runs for 6 weeks. For beginners who want ideas or those who are looking for new inspiration.

And for those of you who have read this far... there's a giveaway on my FB page you have until midnight:)

Autumn Painting

I finished this bright Autumnal scene yesterday at the market! It is a small 5 x 7 painting on a wooden canvas. I must say it was fun to do. I have not done many paintings in this style but will start having a go. Diffferent for me huh? Available for sale HERE / SOLD NOW

So NICE to have a day at home. I've got a big pot of cabbage tomato soup on the stove and plan to do something with a gigantic, perfect cauliflower in my fridge. I did some catch up on ordering supplies and then had a wonderful time sweeping. Sweeping! Yes, it was nice whooshing away all the dust and debris that gathers when I am too busy to pick up a broom. Shaking throw rugs outside and gulping in the fresh air and sunshine. Next on the list is writing a list:) I hope to get out for a walk too.

Don't forget to order your 2012 Cat calendar if you want one for this year. They are shipped worldwide. To see the images for each month, click on the preview button .If you are here in Halifax, pop by the market and pre-order one from me for pickup or drop me a line.

Also.......I am running my Sensational Snapshot Society online Photography course again. Starts November 11th and runs for 6 weeks. For beginners who want ideas or those who are looking for new inspiration.

And for those of you who have read this far... there's a giveaway on my FB page:)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Yes, it is Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada. We are having a GLORIOUS one. High summery temperatures and sunshine. I will be at the market today painting away. Grateful for all that is possible. Hope you are having a happy weekend.

Home

This is Jorge and his daughter Alexa singing Home. Love this wee girl, I can't take my eyes off her. So cute when she says " One day I'll whistle". My own daughter introduced me to this song first and then showed me this video. Love it.

2012 Cat Calendar!

Just finished it. Available to order on Lulu at $17.50 plus shipping & hst or pre-order from me if you are in Halifax and would like to pick it up at the market! Click on the arrows to see each month. Canadian, American and UK holidays are in it.

So far so good

Seagull Cottage, original, 8 x 10 available on Etsy

So.....day 33 of my eating well program ( plant based, no added oil) and I am feeling great! Here's what has happened:

I have lost 12 pounds.
I have more energy.
It has not been difficult at all.
I eat a LOT.
I eat the same breakfast almost every day which keeps things easy. Ezekiel bread toasted with raspberry or currant jam and a sprinkling of PB2 powder( peanut flour without the fat) Just like PB&J on toast. I have tea with almond milk in it.
I have a green smoothie almost every day or at least as often as I can.
I saute without oil. Just add a tiny splash of water when things start to stick. You don't miss the oil.
I have no cravings for junk food. I have no desire to eat any cheese now which for me is a big thing. I was a cheese maniac. Now I am turned off by the fat in it.
I eat lots of lentils and rice and beans and soups and delicious stir fries and curries.
I carry Wasa or Ryecrisp crackers with me as a snack and some fruit.
So far so good, I will stay on this path as long as I can. Who knows I might trip over a cinnamon bun one day, but hopefully will pick myself up and keep on.
I still enjoy a glass of wine or two:)

This is a facebook site I enjoy, The Engine 2 Diet there is always lots of recipes and motivation over there. Actually there are TONS of delicious recipes out there with no added oil or processed stuff.

Here is a great fat free salad dressing I make all the time. Simple and yummy. Good on pasta with veggies too. You can alter the kinds of acid, savoury & sweet in this. Add garlic if you want too.
3 Tbsp Basalmic vinegar, 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 Tbsp. Maple Syrup

It is raining cats and dogs here. Hurricane Ophelia is thrashing her way up the coast far offshore.