Lay it all out

Started on a couple of layouts last night. Messy ones. Just the way I like it.

Used that chipboard as a stencil.

Why do all my spray inks hate me?

Feel really pretentious when I try to write about my scrapbooking layouts.

The end.

Notes From Hollywood

This trip was two months ago. Shuttup. BFF & I went to Hollywood for the Turner Classic Movie Film Festival. Old movies, in old theatres. So many fun times.

This was a #bigdeal for a variety of reasons, some of which I hope I captured in these layouts.

You read that right. I've got some scrapbooking to share with you today. Go figure. I need to make kits for TM all the time...that's the only way I get anything done!

The El Capitan theatre can hold almost 1000 people! And there is an organ that comes up through the floor! This place was spectacular...

Had a couple of beers, had some time to kill before the next movie. Probably danced to imaginary music...you know how it is.

And then there was finger moustaches. Yessirree.

I exaggerate. We didn't take ten photos in front of Graumann's Chinese Theatre. Maybe we took 5-8. But seriously, what the hell is wrong with us. Oh that's right. We're fricken awesome, that's what.

On Sunday we decided to skip the daytime movies, and head up to the Griffith Observatory instead. Free space stuff in a lovely park, with a view of LA and the Hollywood sign? Yes, this was a no-brainer.

I hate this page so much. I look at it and think "what the hell was I thinking?!" Sigh...

And what trip to Hollywood would be complete without pictures of your hands and feet with celebrity hands and feet? No trip, that's what.

And that's that. What do you think?

Lisa

Photos lifted from the TM site...thanks guys...

SO...I painted this painting see...

It's my first "commissioned" piece, and I am really proud with how it turned out. BFF gave me a general idea of what he wanted to see - PBR being poured on a buy riding a penny farthing holding an umbrella - and I took it from there. I have grown a lot as an artist in my life, and I am still finding my voice and my style, and I am always learning and improving and practicing...and for that I am even more grateful.

I'm not sure what my favourite part is, the beer can or the hand! I have previously really sucked at drawing and painting hands...but this looks like a real hand!! I was actually very relaxed, and very excited to work on this. I knew I was going to have a happy customer no matter what, and it was so liberating to create without that pressure. So much so, that I found I wasn't even putting undue pressure on myself. I had a vision, and I executed it, and for all the artists out there, you know how hard that can be sometimes.

When it was all finished, I asked Lucas what he thought. And as he looked closer at it, he smiled and said: "That beer can looks just like the beers you drink! Mom, you're a real artist!"

And Dan really loves it. But he's an easy audience to please.

Success, all across the board. Perhaps I need to keep working on this "painting thing"...tee hee!

Lisa

Explore #yeg...March 8...Part One

Saturday, March 8th

Alberta Art Gallery

Photographers: Lisa & Dan

This photo makes me giggle so much. Dan asked if I would like a photo of myself in the gallery, y'know, with some art. And this is what I get. My giant head blocking the art. And I cropped this photo down a lot. Just imagine all the beige background that I got rid of. I need to give BFF some lessons in subject placement. He's actually a really good sport, so I can't rag on him too much.

This was part of the large sculptural installation by artist...umm...Leslie? Nope, Lyndal Osbourne! There we go! This particular sculpture (mixed media piece?!) is called Tides and incorporates objects she has (obviously) collected from the beach. So there are twigs, and rocks, and barnacles, and garbage. But it's been beautifully arranged on these little tables, and it was quite compelling actually. I told Dan to take a photo of me in between the two piles that matched my outfit. Well...one out of two ain't bad. Ha!

And last but not least, this amazing piece by Jill Stanton! It's so ME! I love all the little details on this grand scale. It looks almost like individual wall paper panels that have been applied on the three huge walls just beside the lobby. They usually use this space for weddings, and receptions, and the like. Unfortunately, by this point of the day I was getting light-headed and really needed to eat or else I would have loved to spend more time exploring all the creature and intricacies of this piece. Another time, perhaps...

Have you played the tourist in your own town lately?

What are you waiting for?!

later loves

Old-Timey Hobby

I was saving this post for Bliss-ologie, but with the hiatus happening over there and the fact that I did more last weekend and was reminded of it, I thought I would just put it up here!

photo credits: Lisa & Dan (he got my best side...my sweet ass...)

Lisa Cans!

Yes...yes she does...

A couple of months ago my Organic Box was offering extra bags of carrots and beans for the canning folk on their list. And I crazily thought I could be one of those folk. So I ordered my extra bags and they sat in my fridge for a couple of extra weeks while I found ingredients, recipes, and time. And then finally I just did it...and here are the photos of the proof. Well, the second round's worth. I had already wet my teeth with super spicy beans before I tackled carrots.

Oh gosh. I am such a dork. A dill moustache? Of course. Of course...

This was my genius moment of the day...too bad it wasn't my genius idea. Instead of buying "canning tongs" just wrap an elastic band around your tongs! Works like a charm!

 It was loads of fun...but not near as much fun as having a helper...

And last weekend, I hauled all of my canning gear - spices, jars, giant pot, carrots, beans, garlic, etc. - to Dan's new place and we pickled some more! And he peeled the carrots! It's a Christmas Miracle!

It took way less time and effort and anxiety with two sets of  hands in the kitchen. Thanks BFF! We did beans and carrots, and used white, orange and purple carrots, which left the brine a bright pink! I am excited to see how they look - and taste - now. I made him swear not to eat any before I got back over there. We shall see if he took the oath seriously. Wink.

And that's that....pickling things is easy. And fricken delicious! Yessiree!!

This is a brilliant idea for a homemade gift idea. I know at least one very special lady who will be getting a couple of jars of these for Christmas gifts. Maybe add a nice tag or ribbon, and you're set to go! Because who doesn't like pickled things? No, I'm serious, who? Because they are obviously crazy and in need of an intervention. Just saying...

Better when done with wonderful company...

later loves

p.s. I googled recipes and found loads and loads. Find the one that suits your ingredients and your fancy. Literally, it's just salt, spices and boiling water. It ain't no rocket science fools. Tis the season...

Cranky Pants

I have been feeling really cranky and "down in the dumps" lately. I was working some silly long days, the weather has been getting colder, I wasn't making it to the gym...there were many external reasons. And to "cope" I started doing the things that I know only help in the short term. Dessert, garlic stuffed olives, wine...


Even the geniuses fall off the train every once and awhile.

So today I am going to focus on AWESOME and make these doldrums a thing of the past!

I get to see Nicole this weekend! And we are going to a dress-up party at the Jasper Park Lodge!

I am going to my company Christmas dinner tomorrow and plan to stuff my face full of as much Greek food as humanly possible!

BFF takes possession of his new place this week, so I have already purchased a food-based house warming gift and am getting excited to help him move!

Dude's Christmas Concert is next week, and he has already told me that he isn't just going to mouth the words to the song like he has in year's past! HA!

My tree is up! MY CHRISTMAS TREE! That's got to be some kind of Lisa-record.

I had a great hair day yesterday, and my boobs look great in this dress!

Lunch date tomorrow! Coffee date Friday...Candace?!

There is CHILI cooking in the crock pot at home right now, and my place is going to smell so delicious when I get home!

I finally figured out how to create a new layer in Photoshop! Well...sort of...hey, it's a steep learning curve!

There...that's better...

later loves

Serendipitous What To Wear

This prompt - what to wear to a music festival - was serendipitous because I just happened to go to the Edmonton Folk Music Festival two weeks ago! I didn't get a lot of pictures of my outfit, but I would still love to share some of my good times with you today.

Must haves:

- Comfy & sturdy sandals, good for walking from stage to stage and keeping cool & cute!

- Hat & sunglasses to keep the sun off

- Backpack covered in pieces of flair for carrying water, sweater & pants for when it cools off in the evening, and the rest of the goods!

- Notebook and coloured pens....cause that's how I roll!

- Music Festival Program so you can best choose which stage to hit up next

Speaking of hats...

We spent some time tying knots in weeds to add some hippy-decor to my fedora. Dan's pith helmet needs no extra decor, cause it's damn awesome as-is!

And here is BFF's What to Wear to a Music Festival. His also applies to "What to Wear While Napping at a Music Festival"...love those long hot summer days!

I'm linking up at Nicole's blog today with the What to Wear group. We're dwindling away! Won't you join us?

It was a long day, and we left about three songs in to Bruce Cockburn's set cause we were both yawning so darn much! But we had a lovely time. Highlights include:
- Seeing Martin Sexton perform twice!
- Meeting up with my friend Marilyn for a catch-up
- Discovering some new favourites: Shakey Graves, Rayland Baxter, Ron Hines, Rachelle van Zanten, The Milk Carton Kids...ummm...etc!
- Veggie burger from The Act food truck for dinner (so delicious)
- Our contraband beer...shhh, don't tell!
- Watching the sunset over downtown, and the beautiful moon come out, and the International Space Station zoom by overhead!

How have you been spending your long summer days?

later loves

p.s. I just changed some of the width settings

on my blog, so you'll notice some wonky

photos for the next little bit!

Secret Streetcar Concert

At his "Weekend That Completely Blew My Mind" show, Ben Sures mentioned an upcoming show that required an invite to access the ticket purchase. A show on a streetcar! I had seen a photo on his website or Facebook of him performing in a streetcar and it excited me! So I knew I had to jump on this opportunity. He told me to message him to remind him to send the invite, but I woke up (late) the next morning and it was already in my inbox. Oh you...

So I confirmed BFF's anticipated attendance, and snatched up two tickets. And then waited...when you are excitedly anticipating something, it can take a long time to come!

We arrived early, parked - after taking a little detour around the block because I'm an idiot - then sat around looking cool, waiting for the fun to begin. I felt my head swell a little when Ben showed up and walked right over to us to say "hi, how are ya". And then took our picture with is phone! HA!

This is the picture that I took of us...I'm getting pretty good with the self portraits!

And then Ben asked us to watch his stuff (while he hits the head...wink). My head is pretty much floating above my body at this point. So we wait, and wait, and everyone by now has boarded the trolley. But we assume that they won't leave without the entertainment, and we are correct!

So we get on board and take the last seats remaining, and Ben sits across from us. And asks me how old my son is again (we got on the topic at his last show) and I tell him 7, and he pulls out a little neon green Ben Sures t-shirt and asks "will this fit him?" HE MADE MY KID A T-SHIRT!!! I probably made a squealy noise and said erhgalskdo-yes! Or something along those lines. And then I asked BFF if he thought it would fit me! Ha...no was the answer there.

And then we started on our journey. We had to stop at the end of the bridge and turn off the engine so our conductor could watch and listen for thunder and lightning. They won't make the trip if there is lightning in the area. When he was confident we were good-to-go, we headed off again.

And then we stopped in the middle of the bridge and Ben played his first set! It was amazing! I maybe sang along a little bit...and tapped my toes a lot! And glared at the drunkards sitting in front of us. They actually started talking louder, because they couldn't hear themselves over the music. Um...okay?!

Oh man...the rainbow! You could see both ends!! That never happens...it was completely magical.

Once he was done his first set, we started up again and moved on to the end of the bridge. We had a little break, during which Ben sold - and signed - his CDs. BFF picked up a couple, but I decided to stay on the empty car.

I hate it when my hair does that thing on the side...that's your ear...inside joke...

We started up again - sans drunkards - and headed for the bridge once more to hear a second set. And it was just as amazing as the first. Except this time Ben was pretty much standing right in front of us! Whee!! He is such a flirt...wink!

When he was done that set - in which he played a new song about having a crush on a librarian, and we did some Folk Aerobics - we headed to the tunnel. And then he played his "encore"...in the dark. It was so beautiful. So perfect. Something that will live in my memory forever.

And then the lights came up, and we were done and headed back. Once we were back on solid ground, I interrupted a CD-signing and got a lovely hug from the man himself - I am such a groupie - and we were off.

We ended the night at the Next Act pub. I ordered my favourite gin + grapefruit beer, and we shared a plate of hummus. The waitress - in her fabulous floral pants - commented on our typical Canadian behaviour when we each offered the other the last of the food on the plate.

This was an amazing night. Amazing...for so many more reasons than I could ever share here.

If you ever get a chance to see a concert on a streetcar, I highly recommend it! It was magical I tell you, MAGICAL!

later loves

p.s. On our return trip I totally spotted this lovely lady out the window. But BFF commented that it would be kind of creepy to shout her name out the window since we have never actually met in real life, and she couldn't actually see me in the train, not that she would recognize me if she did. And then she posted a pic on Instagram of the very streetcar that I was in, while I was in it! So I left her a creepy comment on Instagram instead! HA! Hello Erin!

The Almost Perfect Weekend That Completely Blew My Mind

Presenting Friday: The bestest BEST symphony of the season. I mean wow. Really, just wow. No photo available...nerts. Then we headed to Whyte for drinks at the Next Act pub, where I was feeling like something "fruity" and "refreshing" (and BFF gave me the go-ahead) so I ordered a Grapefruit Radler. And the waitress asked me if I would like a shot of gin with it. Ack! Duh! And I think I did a little dance in my chair, and Dan agreed that she could replace him as my BFF.

Presenting Saturday: Early AM registration for TEDx Edmonton at the Citadel Theatre downtown! HELLO KARA! HELLO GINGER! HELLO NADINE!! What followed was many hours of inspiration and information and fun times with my fun girls. Oh, and Fred Penner. Did I mention Fred Penner was there?!

Highlight of TEDx was by far the balancing act from Cirque de Soleil's Amaluna...she got a standing ovation, yes she did.

Other highlights include the "Future of Money" Economist with that fabulous blue velvet blazer, and gentleman with the 3D printer. I should really be including their names in here, but my program is all the way upstairs...

After TEDx was done I rushed home, got changed and Dan picked me up  and we headed back downtown for dinner and a show! We sort of just wandered downtown (in the wind and the yuck) for a bit before stopping in at Chop for steaks. Fancy steaks. Uber fancy steaks. In a giant booth. Then we went and sat at The Rose & Crown for an hour & a bit (drinking) and waiting for the band to show up. And it was worth the wait because Ben Sures remembered my name. Hello Fan Girl!

We chatted a bit before the show, then the band came and sat with us during their break. Can I just explain the unbelievable awesomeness of this moment? I am not that cool. I do not make small talk with regular people in a normal situation, let alone with guys in bands, big or small. Ben even bought me a drink, and hugged me at the end of the night! My whole night was full of exclamation points and giggles and cheers and sheer awesomeness. Gobsmacked. Giddy. Gluten-free. Groupies!

It has become more and more important for me to document these simple, special moments in my life. Whether it be in Project Life - although less and less - in my scrapbooks, here on the blog, or in my journal. These are my DEFINING MOMENTS! These are the moments and the memories that I want to be with me when my life flashes before my eyes. So even if you think this post is el lame-o, I don't care. This is one of those posts that is for me. And if you enjoy it, and it inspires you to get out there and DO SOMETHING MAGICAL, then hoorah! And if not. That's cool too.

For me, this weekend was magic.

I texted Dan "first thing" (aka 11:30) on Sunday morning. It read: "I know that having more weekends like this would take the magic out of them, but wouldn't it be wonderful if more weekends were as (almost) perfect as this one?"

Answer: "Yes, it would be."

Indeed, my friend. Indeed.

later loves

National Scrapbook Day!

It was three weeks ago, but I am just getting stuff put away, and layouts photographed. To share. With you! Enjoy!

(In no particular order...)

I like this photo. It was a fun day!

I was scrapbooking beside Candace for the whole weekend. It's a wonder we actually got any work done.

P.S. This isn't the best/most hilarious photo of me evah, but it is in the Top Ten.

I still have loads of snow photos to scrapbook. It was weird because it was our first gorgeous, hot weekend and here I am scrapbooking these damn snow photos. I love the snow, but I'm glad it's summer now!

Love this stamp set. Love ink splatters. Love pearly rhinestone things. But why are they so damn expensive?!

Still love shoveling. But I would like to have to wait until November till I have to do it again!

I do not have a dead heart. I like babies and puppies okay. I just don't base my entire life purpose on loving them. Geeze.

I also like glitter. And neon pink. Who knew?!

Puddles! There are no puddles left, anywhere. We had a short wet season! You've got to taken what fun you can get, and when. Right friend?!

Wow, this post is really long. Take a breather if you need to. Maybe stretch it out, grab some hydration and jump back in.

I cancelled my Studio Calico subscription! It feels really good. I am not cool with having to purchase something I don't love every month, and their shit sells out way too fast! It was too anxiety-inducing. So I am done. And if my studio clean-up goes according to plan next month, I will find loads of stuff to use in my crafting stuff to keep me busy for the next forever. Hazaa!

On our flight home from Disneyland. It's the Rockies....dreamy.

I was playing with Candace's watercolours. And I love this camera stamp. LOVE IT!

Throughout the weekend, the ladies give out "challenge kits". You make something with them and have the opportunity to win a prize! I didn't win.....

For this one, you got a bunch of rainbow ribbon, and that chandelier gem thingy. I think I did pretty good. Thanks to Candace for most of the little bits and bobs.

This is a really long post! I apologize, and yet also congratulate those of you who have made it this far and are still reading the words. You're on the home stretch now!

I love this paper...I think the pattern haunts my dreams.

This old record player of Dan's is so cool! The needle determines the volume (loud is too loud!) and once you use the needle, it's garbage! Each record has one song on each side. We listened to "I'm My Own Grandpa" and some other old-school dance songs. It was the best birthday party ever!

I have a bunch more from Dan's "birthday party", but they seem kind of personal now that I look back on them. I will share the one that (also) did NOT win the contest at the store. Poot. It's actually the double of the previous page. Go figure.

The theme was "vintage" and we got a tag and some glassine and a couple of bottle caps and that twine. I think mine turned out pretty damn awesome. But what do I know...

Dear Candace. I miss you! The next time you are heading to the store, you text me and I will join you. I want to hear about your trip, and I want to plan our next lunch date, and I want to chat about stuff (wink). Love ya long time, ya big dork!

Getting up to anything crafty lately? Any scrapbookers out there who want to talk shop?!

later loves