In my lifetime I have experienced several of those events, where you remember precisely where you were when you heard devastating world news: In third grade when US President Kennedy was assassinated. I know I've told this before, so skip it if you've heard this. I was in the hallway, a punishment for talking in…

That was me this week, three full days plus one evening on Zoom. Considering the time zone difference and the amount of sitting required, it wasn't bad. Switching out the kitchen chair for a desk chair at my art table helped considerably. The day sessions were with David R Smith from Minnesota, a talented artist and…

A little bit different anyway. For me, that means a departure from my usual photo realistic pet portraits.    Zoom has been my saving grace during these Covid times and this week it connected me to a mini workshop, “Painting Pets in Wild Colours,” taught by Shaunna Russell through Etchrlabs.   I'm looking forward to…

I was thinking how I’ve honed my reading selections during covid times. Most of my books are audio selections chosen from Bookbub and Kindle Daily Deals, for $4.   Why don’t I use the library? I listen while walking in places where I don’t need to be super aware of my surroundings, or those with…

That about sums it up. Cook: in general I prefer not to view random photos of food unless it’s something really special with a restaurant recommendation or accompanied by a recipe, and not one of those where you have to scroll and scroll through ads to get there. In other words i don’t want to see everyday…

When I started knitting this pandemic blanket in June the race was on. What would finish first, the blanket or the Covid? I should have known the answer to that, considering the amount of time I could dedicate to knitting over a mile of Noro Silk Garden. Yes, the blanket won.  Pattern: Generic Mitered Square…

On the Camino de Santiago the walk was kept interesting by moving forward and noticing the changes in geography and the sights as we crossed the north of Spain. Never the same thing twice. Covid walking in the same general area, over and over, has me noticing more subtle differences, the smells of breakfast, the…

We talked to friends last night and their covid in retirement routine matched ours exactly: taking online art classes, doing puzzles, playing games, cooking, puttering, painting, knitting, reading, watching Netflix, walking, and participating in the spectator sport that is the US news. We are fortunate to be in this stage of life during the pandemic,…

Now that Christmas has come and gone I can unveil a couple of commissions purchased for Christmas gifts. I didn’t want to ruin any surprises. The request was for two pet portraits, a dog and a cat, that included the pet's names. I thought it would be fun to show the before, during and after…

The plans were made well in advance, and like many pandemic plans, they were cancelled. The two Alberta daughters, with partners and kids were scheduled to visit for the first Christmas together in our new house, but days ahead, health orders were issued. Nobody allowed in your home unless they lived there, no more walking…