So....I’m back

 Hey folks.

I’m back after a break from blogging.  I’ve reviewed my plans and priorities and I’m refocused on my art.

I’ve moved my art studio from the top floor of my house to the main floor.  My new studio is on the main floor, in my living room and dining room....very large compared to my little 9 x 10 room.  I haven’t used my living room , not even once, in 2020.  I used my dining room once, New Years Day 2020.  My move is not complete as I’m doing it in stages, trying to organize, purge and work in the new area.  So far I love it

My focus regarding art is to work in my various journals - art, and junk journal, producing and donating  cards, participating in swaps and just making art a priority, rather than an end of day process.

I’ve also committed to participating in the 100 Day Project.  Last year I took on a project that was waaaay too big.  I don’t know what I was thinking!   So this year I’ve chosen a smaller format ...basically I’ve set myself up for success, instead of failure.  What a novel concept!  I completed day 1 and it’s posted below for your enjoyment .

taking a time out

Folks

I've decided to step away from my vlog and focus more on my mixed media and social media endeavors.  Truth be told, this vlog tends to get neglected and only updated sporadically.  The original plan was to use this vlog to showcase my art, not to really share any personal stuff. At that time, I wasn't on Instagram.  I have now switched over and find that Instagram allows me to do the art sharing without the personal stuff.    

It has been a chore to try to keep it interesting for you..... so I've decided to take a time out.  I may re-ignite this vlog at a later date .....or not.  Time will tell.

If you would like to see my art on a more regular basis, please join me over on

Instagram: @sandraproulx1500. 

 I usually post over there a minimum of a couple of times per week, sometimes more often.  

As well you can see me on FB:   https://www.facebook.com/sandy.proulx.52



Caio!

Life in the time of the Virus

Well, life certainly goes on, although it can bring some challenges!  I haven't been outside my house since I came home a week ago.  We needed groceries and tried to order on line but there was a several week wait for delivery soooooo.....my daughter went out and bought groceries.  A neighbour made a comment to her about us supposed to be in quarantine.   Yes I'm well aware of that!!!  However I don't see anyone  buying groceries for us so what are we supposed to do???

Anyway, its all good.  I'm not doing much of anything, just relaxing and getting lots of sleep.  I guess it could be worse.  I plan to do a bunch of crafting next week, have some cleanup to do, plan to read some books.  I plan to stay self isolated long after the 14 days because I think this virus is here for awhile longer than they think.

That's it for now!

The Virus

I’m heading back to a Vancouver early due to virus related flight cancellations. My daughter is scheduled to leave on Saturday the 21st and I was to stay until April 1st.  However WestJet has pulled the plug on international and trans-border flights starting Monday the 23rd so I need to get out of Dodge!

I’m so lucky that K saw the announcement as soon as it came out.  She was able to get me a seat on her flight out Saturday so we’ll be travelling home together.  I heaved a sigh of relief when the Prime Minister said the border would be open for returning citizens.  I have to admit that I didn’t see the WestJet thing coming though!  Disappointing to be leaving early, but understandable. In any case, the weather has been unseasonably cold and things are grinding to a halt down here in Palm Springs.  Our golf course closed today for a minimum of 2 weeks,  restaurants are mostly doing takeout only and most of the snowbirds are scrambling to get flights home.  It could be worse....we’re both healthy and we were  able to change my arrangements so it’s all good!

Assuming this pandemic is over by the fall, we’ll be back again in September.

Caio!

Still cool

Weather here on Palm Springs has been unseasonably cool.  Sunny Friday and Saturday but cool breezes and some clouds. Too cool and windy to lay in the pool so just spent the day hanging out in Jamie’s. Nice today but for some reason the poo. Had shut off again so couldn’t swim.  Frustrating but they came over and had it up and running in no time.  I think it keeps blowing the circuit and shutting downtowns power surge!?!  Anyway it was a little too breezy to swim....in high 60’s to very low 70’s so sat out in the sun and read instead. Also chilled in the hot tub.

The new barbecue is great.  We had strip loin that I marnaged for 48 hours, asparagus with bernais sauce, baked potato and fried mushrooms and, of course, wine.  As good a meal as you’d get any restaurant.  Compliments to my daughter, the chef!

I played in your collage/junk journal today.  I got my first, layer down and will work on it again tomorrow after we golf.  I used a recycled, coil bound planner,  which I would not use again.....pages rip too easily at the binding, but live and learn. My next junk journal will be handmade.

That’s it for now....

Rainy weather

We’re rusticating in the wilds of beautiful Palm Springs and thoroughly enjoying ourselves. We’ve played golf a couple of times, and while my score has been bad,  I’ve had a great time.  Weather here has not been all that great since we got here.  I spent several days lounging in the pool and then the cool weather and rain moved in so I haven’t been able to get into the pool for a couple of days.  As well, the bad weather Tuesday night, into Wednesday morning, caused a massive power surge which shut the pool down.  Then today there has been lots of thunder, lightning and rain so, understandably, no repairs today.   I’m hoping that this storm will dissipate the bad weather they say is coming and bring us back the sun and heat.  Keeping my fingers crossed!

I’m not bored, just chomping at the bit to get some more pool time.  I brought lots of art supplies with me, as well as my recycled collage/junk journal and my mixed media journal.  I had to run out to Joanne’s yesterday because I ran out of glue stick and forgot scissors and liquid glue......well, actually I don’t think I forgot them.  I know I had stamps and glue and scissors etc packed but I think I took that bag out of my suitcase so I could get something and didn’t put it back in my case. DUH! However since we’re not in Siberia a simple trip to Joanne’s solved the problem.   Joanne’s didn’t have a great selection of stamps but their papers were on sale so I scored a nice selection for my collage.

Well enough rambling for today.   Caio!

Snow, snow, snow

Here on the coast in the lower mainland of British Columbia we get very little snow.  Higher elevations, meaning the ski resorts, benefit but here at lower elevations, any snow we get does not stay very long.  I thought we would move smoothly into spring as our winter, while having some cold days, has been absent snow.  Not anymore.

A cold front moved in about 5 days ago and dumped a couple of centimetes on us.  The snow was very wet, more like a slush, so it only stayed one day and then was gone.  The next night, however, we got more snow and it has been snowing off and on, mostly at night, for a couple of days.  The dump was at least 8 inches and it's very cold here, in the neighbourhood of -8 C, so the snow has stayed.  Reminds me of when  I lived in Ottawa and we got lots of snow.   Since I'm retired, it's not a big deal, however I know that commuters are having a tough time....so many accidents!

I finished my Christmas mail art cards and managed to get them out before the due date, very unusual for me, so I'm pleased to have that off my plate.  My next projects are to complete some swap cards and send them out before I go south in March, catch up on a couple of on-line courses, work in my journal and clean up my studio which is such a mess!

Must run.....Caio!