Happy New Year!

Wow, 2009, seems like only yesterday Y2K loomed large... I feel really wonderful about the upcoming year, in all aspects, with friends and family, personally, professionally, and here on the old blog. I have lots of new things in store, but I won't be talking about that until next year...

An Old Dog (Me) Learns New Tricks...

I have baked thousands of chocolate chip cookies. I am SURE I have. After all, I used to work at this little general store in Maine, and I would bake things to sell there for extra money. I had my home kitchen licensed and everything. I baked giant banana chocolate chip muffins and blueberry muffins, giant chocolate chip cookies, carrot cake, and brownies. Yet, for some reason, the other day, when I decided it would be a good day for Quin and I to bake some chocolate chip cookies for our friend who made us this holiday basket, I decided to do a little research. I used to know my recipe by heart but since I am pregnant, and old (as the title states), my memory is failing me. And I can't seem to find the written recipe amongst my considerable cookbook, magazine, and loose recipe collection (that's for another post). So I went online for a recipe. Would have LOVED to have tried this one, but didn't have the time or the gourmet chocolate discs (but it is a goal for another day). Decided on this one, although I will rewrite it here in this post since I found the ingredient list to be a bit wonky (I like my ingredients listed in the order they are used, I thought everyone did...). While looking for the recipe, I stumbled onto a lovely little blog called The Bumbling Baker, and in this post she had tips for making better chocolate chip cookies. I had no idea. I decided right then and there to use all the tips during our cookie baking extravaganza...

....am I glad I did! They really made a difference. The cookies would have been good no matter what but they were WONDERFUL, HEAVENLY, DELICIOUS! What were the tips you ask?


1) This one I already knew... always use butter, never margarine. Check!
2) Line your pans with parchment paper. I SWEAR this is why all of my cookies were the same golden brown on both the top and bottom. I have never used parchment paper with my cookies, and will now always use it.
3) This one was a bit of a bust for me... Use an ice cream scoop so that the cookies are the same size. Well, I don't have a mini ice cream scoop, so I used a Tablespoon measuring spoon, but my cookies turned out all different sizes, so I may go back to just using a metal table spoon, since it really doesn't bother me that they differ in size.
4) After placing the dough on your parchment lined cookie sheets, put the sheets in the freezer for a few minutes before baking to prevent the dough from spreading. This worked like a charm! My freezer even had this wire drawer that supported the sheets while keeping them perfectly flat. It was not made for this purpose but worked really well.
5) Press some loose chips into the tops of the cookies to make them picture perfect. Quin had a grand time with this. In fact, you can tell which cookies are mine and which are hers by the number of chips on the tops of the cookies.
Thanks, DLB, fellow baking Canadian!


The only tip I really have for baking cookies would have been to invest in the best cookie sheets you can, but once I used the parchment and put them in the freezer before baking, even my worst pan produced the same results as my Air Bake pan.


BAKER'S CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
2 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
1 tsp Baking soda
1/2 tsp Salt
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
3/4 cup Firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup Granulated sugar
2 Eggs
1 tsp Vanilla
12 oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 cup Coarsely chopped nuts (opt)

Mix flour with baking soda and salt; set aside.
Beat butter, sugars, vanilla and eggs until light and fluffy.
Blend in flour mixture.
Stir in nuts and chips.
Drop from teaspoon, 2 inches apart, onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake at 375 for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Makes about 6 dozen. (made about 4 doz for me)

Happy Baking! I am off to eat some more cookies...

Daily Quote - Nigerian Proverb

"Hold a true friend with both your hands." - Nigerian Proverb

Reusing Packing Peanuts

I seem to accumulate packing peanuts and bubble wrap like there is no tomorrow. Especially over the holidays, since all of our family lives a far and they love to send things to us (thanks everyone!). This year I found myself with a large box of perfectly reusable peanuts and wrap. However, I already have enough of this stored to mail about 100 packages. It is time to pass some of it along. Since I love finding people who need what I don't want on Freecycle, I posted what I have available late last night. This morning, I have two emails. One, from the people I will give it to, who are moving in the spring. The other email contained the following suggestions:

1) Bring the packing peanuts and bubble wrap to a local store that would us them, like a kitchen store. We live in an area that mostly has independent shops, and I am sure the owners would be happy to save on expenses and take these off my hands.
2) Bring them to the UPS store. This is a chain that I would think would have plenty of this stuff, but the writer of the email had done this in the past. I supposed even UPS is watching their bottom line and it is nice that they are open to recycling. I would expect most chain store to have silly policies that reject recycling...
3) Bring them to a thrift store. I visit our local one almost weekly. Of course they would like these, since they have many breakable items people need to get home in one piece.
Thanks, BG, for the suggestions.

Additionally, by serendipity, I came across a new favorite blog recently, called Craft a Green World. Kelly Rand just posted on "Crafty Reuse of Packing Peanuts". It contains this link to Instructables' "How to Fill an Office with Packing Peanuts" which is totally hilarious! I wish I had an office to do this to! Her other suggestions include using them to repack your ornaments and holiday breakables, for stuffing pet beds and decorative pillows, in the bottom of plant pots, or call the shipper to see if they will take them back...

...that last suggestion helped me remember that I had once seen that B&H Photo Video, who I frequently ordered from when I lived in the states, has a program for recycling packing peanuts. I dug out the brochure, since I could not seem to find anything on their website, and right on the front page in bold letters is says, "To recycle Stryofoam "peanuts" or packaging, call the Peanut Hotline at 1-800-828-2214". After some more web research I found out that the Peanut Hotline, under the Plastic Loose-Fill Council, is a nationwide (US) consumer reuse program. If you call that number it will give you the closest location that will accept your peanuts. I think it would be safe to say there are probably others services like this out there that can found with a little digging.

As for actual crafts... I was thinking you could make packing peanut garlands or "beaded" curtain strands. I did a search on "crafts using packing peanuts" and almost everything that popped up was a kid site or kid related craft, which does interest me since I teach the local recycled arts and crafts program for the after school program. The Paper Bag Octopus uses the packing peanuts to represent suction cups but seems like you could also stuff the paper bag with peanuts, instead of the wadded up newspaper that is suggested. The Toothy Puppet uses packing peanuts for teeth. In keeping with the holiday theme, here are directions for making a recycled Christmas wreath. If you really want to reuse your peanuts by crafting, there are tons of ideas on the web.

The same goes for bubble wrap. Here you can make a Bubble Wrap Footstool. I am intrigued by this project on DIY Network, which uses bubble wrap and bleach to bleach a pattern onto paper. I am not much of a scrapbooker but could use it in my mixed media work. Once again, no end to the possibilities on the web.

If you have an idea fora reuse or a craft using bubble wrap or packing peanuts, please comment here! Cheers!

My Favorite Christmas Cards and Gifts

Ok, so I think I might as well continue posting about Christmas, until January 1st, when I plan to start a whole new line up of exciting things...

My favorite Christmas gifts were homemade, OF COURSE! My favorite card was made by our friend, Corinne, who is a silly silly girl. She made a card that is not only cheery but has a lot to say. I love it when people actually write in their cards, instead of just picking a preprinted message and signing. Thanks, Corinne!




My favorite store bought card came from my hubby. He also had a lot to write and while I will not write all the sappy personal stuff here, he basically said a lot of things that made me swoon like how I am dedicated to all I do, especially being a mother and how he feels blessed to have me as a wife and Quin as a daughter. Honestly, this was the best card and gift. I love words of love, and to know I am appreciated. I am not sure what I did to deserve my husband but I am blessed indeed!


My favorite gift was made by our friend, Annie, her mom, Louise, and her son, William. They made us a gift "basket", of sorts. The bottom had a Christmas themed plate/bowl, which held little canning jars full of homemade goodies, plus a bottle of hard cider. The bowl was lined with tinsel, a great idea which we put to use right away on our tree. And the three jars contained Mango Peach Salsa, Apple Butter, and Creton. I decided to look up recipes for each to share with you. These are not Annie's recipes, but I am working on getting those...


APPLE BUTTER
Rather than repost the recipe here, I will link you to the site, because not only is the recipe there but there are step by step photos to go with it!

MANGO PEACH SALSA
The combo of mango and peaches with onions and garlic is a winner on a burrito or with chips. I got this simple recipe from Vegetarian About.com.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:

* 2 mangos, peeled and chopped
* 2 fresh peaches, peeled and chopped
* 1 sweet onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic
* 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
* juice of one lime
* dash salt and pepper

Preparation:
Combine all ingredients and chill. If you have a food processor, you can process all the ingredients in chunks, rather than dicing and chopping. Chill before serving.

CRETON
If you are not French-Canadian or at least Canadian, you may not know what creton is. If you do, you can consider yourself a real foodie... Now if the above two recipes are good for vegetarians, creton is not. It is for carnivores. Creton is a spread made from pork. Many people in Quebec eat it for breakfast, and I can say it has always been available at any brunch I ate in Quebec (but as a veggie, it just kind of makes me queasy to look at it). It is not healthy but is said to be delicious (but then again so it vegemite!). The person who submitted this recipe to RecipeZaar likes to eat it on crackers or toast with hot mustard. Enjoy!

Emeril Lagasse's Creton
SERVES 6
Ingredients

* 1 1/4 lbs ground pork
* 3/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
* 1 teaspoon minced garlic
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
* 3/4 cup whole milk
* 1/4 cup fine breadcrumb

Directions
1. In a large saute pan, add the pork and cook until no longer pink, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the onions and garlic, and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the salt, pepper, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the milk and bread crumbs and cook for 3 minutes over medium heat, stirring to break up the meat.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pork is very tender and most of the liquid is evaporated, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
6. Remove the lid and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick and all the liquid is evaporated, about 10 to 15 minutes.
7. Remove from the heat and adjust the seasoning, to taste.
8. Transfer to a decorative bowl or several smaller ramekins, smoothing the top with a rubber spatula.
9. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled and firm, at least 4 hours or overnight.
10. Serve with thinly sliced French bread or toasted French bread croutons

Cell Phone Recycling Sends Kids to Camp!

I am lucky to live in a town where the environment is a top priority. I would have to be pretty lazy not to take advantage of some of the awesome programs they have such as townwide recycling, composting, Freecycle, computer recycling... now, I can get rid of more of the electronic clutter in my life while helping local children at the same time. For each cell phone the town collects, they receive $1, which they put toward their Campership Program. That might sound like a small amount of money but in the first week of the program they collected 100 phones. And not only will the dollars add up but the progam saves antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc, all toxic chemicals, from being deposited in landfills. A bonus is that the program is accepting all models and types of cell phones, which are then sent to Ontario, then passed on to areas in economic need. If you have a cell phone you would like to recycle, just bring it to the Banff Town Hall. I know I have at least 5 (isn't that awful?) kicking around here that I can bring them...

To read more about the program you can read the article that appeared in this week's Banff Crag and Canyon.

An Amazing, Emotional Video...

This video featured Severn Suzuki, the daughter of world reknown Canadian environmentalist, David Suzuki, addressing the United Nations in 1992 (although the quality makes it seem like 1982...). It is a moving, heartfelt message, to our leaders, on caring for our earth for the generations to come. This young girl silenced the United Nations for 5 minutes. She brought people to tears. As a mother, I can only hope that I will teach my child to be this compassionate and passionate about our earth and its future. And to be an activist. My husband and I saw Mr. Suzuki in the Ottawa airport, where we were all waiting for a flight to the states. My husband tried to speak to him but he seems painfully shy, yet he has spent his life addressing the world on environmental issues. He is truly a great man, who as you will see here, has passed his love of our earth on to his children, as well as strangers all around the world.

Here is the video...

And here is a wonderful article on Granville, about Severn now.

Quin's 1st Christmas (That She Will Remember...)

We tried to keep Christmas in check this year. As parents, we recognized that we really didn't need to buy Quin many gifts, since our friends and loved ones are so generous. We were going to buy her a wooden kitchen but I decided that it would be a better idea for her birthday in May. She will appreciate it as her one gift then, where as there were piles of boxes of gifts that arrived in the mail to open for Christmas. It is important to me that she not see the holidays as a me-me-me time. I want her to think of others and to remember those that are less fortunate everyday of the year but also during the holidays. She deserves to have fun and enjoy her gifts, but it doesn't need to be ridiculous. I don't think it is my place to tell our family members anything other than she doesn't need many gifts, and then it is up to them what they do. But I do think Andre and I can curb things on our end. Santa brought Quin one gift, a barn that is a bit like a doll house. It sets on a table or the floor, is made of wood that is hinged so she can open the barn and put the animals inside the stalls or close the barn and use the barn doors. There have been so many toxic toy recalls, for lead and phthalates, I am trying to buy items that made by reputable toy makers. This is from Melissa and Doug, whom I must say I don't trust completely, since they are a huge company with factories in China. But they swear by their products... And they have told other parents who call that their products are safe. But since they have had recalls in the past, that is up for debate. I like to keep this blog light, so I won't dwell on toxic toys here but I will delve into it more on my other blog.


Quin was thrilled with her new easel. She LOVES it! She paints at it numerous times a day. Yesterday, she could not even finish her breakfast before she had to paint. She knows how to remove all the tops from her paints, and to put the right brushes in the right paint pots. I need to help her with the paper but she can put the clips on the bottom, and I put the ones on the top. She is a good painter, sometimes using one brush, sometimes two, one in each hand. I usually help her clean her brushes but once she even put all the lids back on the paints and I walked in the bathroom and there she was on her step stool, cleaning her brushes in the sink! I am a very artistic person, and I must say, I really don't have any preconceived notions on what she should like. I am very different from my parents, I expect she may be the same. Other people are very much like one parent. It is fun for me to see she loves to paint and as Andre keeps remarking, she is quite good at it. But I didn't buy her the easel for my satisfaction, I am just thrilled she finds it so fun.


My aunt Helen, Quin's Great Aunt Helen, has always been a special person in my life. She taught me about art and culture. She always took me to grown up places like the theater, museums, and fine dining restaurants when I was just a child. She has already started this tradition with Quin, as have I. True to form, Helen sent us a gift that I would never have guessed. She send a carousel, a replica of on from the World's Fair, complete with little people riding it and milling about on the platform below. It plays 15 songs, plus 15 Christmas Carols, it lights up, and the chairs move out and up, then in and down. It is just magical for a child! Quin asks me to turn it on all the time. I wish I knew what she was thinking as she watched it.

Quin was blessed with many other wonderful gifts, and this post does not mean to leave any of the generous gift givers out... She received clothing, hats for the outdoors, books, play dough and accessories, a French music CD and a French game, big girl undies, and more, and she loves it all! Thank you to everyone!

Spaghetti Puttanesca‏

Photo Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Looking for a quick and easy dinner? This satisfied my hubby, my 2 1/2 year old, and myself. Olives lovers will love this. It tasted even better the second night. Thanks to Martha Stewart's Everyday Food the recipe is here.

Christmas Breakfast

My family likes to eat, oh yeah! So, after checking out the barn that Santa left for our daughter, we headed to the kitchen to make a killer Christmas breakfast. We love too mix up eggs benedict by using smoked salmon instead of ham. We got our our trusty egg poacher pan, which was given to me as a bridal shower gift by my friend, Kirsten, and it is one of my favorite kitchen items. I can't remember if I asked for it, but since Kirsten raises her own egg laying hens on her Harmony Farm, it was a perfect gift complete with a dozen farm fresh eggs...


I don't have an official recipe for our eggs bene but each one consists of a sourdough english muffin, toasted, smoked salmon piled on top, one poached egg with runny yolk, on top of that, and then homemade hollandaise sauce, made by André. His recipe this year is similar to this one. Yum!!!

As for drinks, André made his famous Cappuccinos and Lattes. And I made some homemade hot chocolate using Cocoa Camino cocoa powder, organic 2% milk, sugar, marshmallows and cinnamon. No recipe I just mixed to sight and taste. MMMM! A great start to a great day!!

Daily Quote - Voltaire

"Love is a canvas furnished by nature and embroidered by imagination." Voltaire

Green Cutting Boards - Epicurean

I have been a bit preoccupied with cutting boards lately. The common ones are made from either wood, plastic, or glass. I have something against the sound of cutting on glass ones. The plastic ones make me feel as if I am eating plastic fragments in my food. And the wood ones are supposed to be difficult to clean...

My research quickly left me confused. I kept ending up at various health department sites that contradicted one another. One would say that plastic harbors microbes longer than wood. Another would say that you should use a bleach solution on both wood and plastic boards, when another would say that bleach has no affect on the wood boards due to their composition. Another would say that wood has its own disinfecting quality that kills microbes. And as I kept reading, all I really wanted to find was a site that told me what was the most healthy board and how could I care for it. ORGANICALLY. I don't want to clean anything with chlorine bleach that I then eat off of. Call me silly. Many people do. As a vegetarian, I don't use cutting boards for meat, but I do use them all the time for bread (wood) and veggies and fruit (plastic) and I just want to know what it best. I was shocked that not one site mentioned toxins in plastic, since that is such a big topic right now. Does anyone know much about this?

What I did find to share was this video on how to organically clean a wooden cutting board (super easy!).


And I found a blog, Bright Seeker, that mentions Epicurean, a company based in Duluth, Minnesota (I am originally from Minneapolis). The have a Recycled Series of cutting boards! Bright Seeker is a long time user of Epicurean boards, which were normally made of Eco Select paper, but now they are also available made from recycled cardboard composite! They meet NSF approval and are stain and heat resistant, kind to knives, and they can be washed in the dishwasher. They range in price from $12 - $35 US. I am so excited and can't wait to write up a post on my new cutting boards!!

UPDATE: I emailed Karie Duff, at Epicurean, and asked her to read over this post to make sure I had everything correct. She said that the Recycled Series of cutting boards in not NSF approved, but the all of their other products are made from wood fibers from sustainable forests, so they have the NSF approval. And she pointed aout again that the Recycled Series can be washed in the dishwasher. Thanks, Karie!

FINALLY Got the Holiday Letter Finished...

I made the conscience decision this year to send an email holiday letter. Aside from my grandparents, everyone we know has email. And I love to mail out snail mail cards but since I like to include a photo and a personal letter, they always end up taking until into the New Year for me to write and mail. It is expensive and I honestly don't think many people keep them, which means I am creating more waste. I think other people feel like I do, that it can be wasteful to mail out holiday cards, because I only have received 4 paper cards, and 4 photo cards this year. In the past my fridge would have been covered and a basket would have been full. There is a hugely noticeable difference this year, unless everyone got busy and we are going to get them after the holidays. Anyway, I am proud of my decision and stand by it. I took the time to write a two page letter about the travels we took in 2008, how we bought a new home, about our new babe, and then paragraphs about what Andre, Quin, & I are up to. I know some people don't like these kinds of letters, but I love to write, and I really hate it when people take the time to send me a card that only has a signature. I want to know what you have been up to since I talk with you!! I think the beauty of the Christmas email is that my greeting and photo is in the body of the email (as seen above), and then I can attach the letter, and the people who want to read it will, and those who won't, won't. As an artist, I will always love to hold a photo and a card in my hand but sometimes it is best to reduce the extra clutter. Merry merry!

A Christmas to Remember

I was really in the holiday spirit this year. I have always liked the holidays but I do think sometime things get a bit overboard. So, I guess in response I have spent every year as an adult under doing Christmas or opting out for the most part. It always seemed like so much work and for the past 8 years Andre and I always went to family member's homes for the holidays, so why bother to decorate our place? Since he runs a ski area, it is a busy time of year for him, and we have lived in 6 homes together, so basically the ornaments and decorations I had were packed away who-knows-where? A friend of mine just commented that it was weird I even owned decorations since I never had a tree. She called me a "collector", lol. Well, that is nice and polite, I call myself a "pack rat". However, the only reason I had ornaments or decorations was because of my mother and grandmother. I have only ever purchased one ornament, when I lived in Maine. It is a lovely little santa with an owl. But, my mom bought me an ornament each year of my life, labeled them with the year, then gave them to me. For years I found the whole collection "hokey". This year, in our new home, I pulled out the ornaments and realized what a tremendous gift these ornaments are. A Christmas legacy. And since I have a child now, and am pregnant with another, traditions and legacies are on my mind. We bit the bullet this year, for ourselves, as much as for Quin, and we got a tree!! We went to the local Boy Scout hall, and $10 got ourselves a real Charlie Brown tree. It makes me smile. The one thing I didn't have was a tree stand, so Andre came home with the tree and the stand, which needed some cardboard tweeking in order to hold our little tree, and we set it up. Then, on Christmas Eve, after attending the staff dinner Andre held for his staff at Norquay, we decorated our tree. We had Christmas music one, a fire going, and the house just felt "right". This is what our Christmas Eve had been missing all these years. In Ottawa/Gatineau we had always spent Christmas Day with family, but since Andre needed to be close to Edelweiss Ski, our Christmas Eve's were lack lustre. Just like any other night. And I think it made both of us sad. NOT THIS YEAR! We pulled out the ornaments, helped Quin to hang them, found and put our our creche and decorations, and made the place festive. Right down to a little old fashioned-like bubble night light. Oh, I could not find our lights ANYWHERE, but thanks to serendipity, a woman I know from Freecycle listed two strands of purple Christmas lights, ON CHRISTMAS EVE MORNING!! We were headed to Canmore anyway, so Q & I picked them up, and the look perfect on our little tree. And, after opening a lovely homemade basket of goodies from our friend, Anni, we had tinsel to boot! She lined the bottom of a poinsetta print bowl with the metallic stuff that made of tree complete. The package also contained hard cider, and homemade creton, mango salsa, and apple butter! I think I might make a whole other post on this lovely gift... so back to the tree. I am proud of Andre and I for finally bringing holiday cheer to our home. While the tree had tipped over by Christmas morning, whoops, it was easily put upright, and it lifted our spirits... Our first grown up Christmas left us feeling like kids!

FINALLY Got the Holiday Letter Finished...

I made the conscience decision this year to send an email holiday letter. Aside from my grandparents, everyone we know has email. And I love to mail out snail mail cards but since I like to include a photo and a personal letter, they always end up taking until into the New Year for me to write and mail. It is expensive and I honestly don't think many people keep them, which means I am creating more waste. I think other people feel like I do, that it can be wasteful to mail out holiday cards, because I only have received 4 paper cards, and 4 photo cards this year. In the past my fridge would have been covered and a basket would have been full. There is a hugely noticeable difference this year, unless everyone got busy and we are going to get them after the holidays. Anyway, I am proud of my decision and stand by it. I took the time to write a two page letter about the travels we took in 2008, how we bought a new home, about our new babe, and then paragraphs about what Andre, Quin, & I are up to. I know some people don't like these kinds of letters, but I love to write, and I really hate it when people take the time to send me a card that only has a signature. I want to know what you have been up to since I talk with you!! I think the beauty of the Christmas email is that my greeting and photo is in the body of the email (as seen above), and then I can attach the letter, and the people who want to read it will, and those who won't, won't. As an artist, I will always love to hold a photo and a card in my hand but sometimes it is best to reduce the extra clutter. Merry merry!

Ode to Glitter

I was never really a fan of glitter. I mean, not after grade school. In fact, I remember when I used to get really annoyed at glitter and the way it seems to get on everything. I have no idea what happened, but suddenly, this holiday season, I can't get enough of the stuff. It is not like I was not always surrounded by it. As completely different as my mother and my aunt are (they were sister in laws) they both own a lot of things covered in glitter. My mom is more traditional glitter and my aunt if more artsy glitter. Recently, while visiting Minneapolis where they both live, I suddenly, at 35 years of age, started to love glitter. It is so strange. I have no idea why it has a hold on me. I am guessing that it is the amazing array of colors that glitter comes in. I should know, while vacationing I bought both the Martha Stewart 24 pack of glitter AND a 12 pack of some unknown brand. And GUESS WHAT??!! Not ONE of the colors is the same so I am now the proud owner of 36, count 'em, 36 colors of glitter!! And what will I do with it? I have a few projects up my sleeve, although for now I am just gazing at them with longing. I really do love glitter. How do I know? Some of the silver glitter leaked into my suitcase, and rather than be annoyed, I actually got giddy when it go on my clothes, the carpet, and EVERYWHERE.... glitter glorious glitter!!

Daily Quote

I would like to start posting a daily quote, since I am one of those people who collects them...

"Let each man exercise the art he knows." Aristophanes 450 BC - 388 BC

Thankful

While spending the last two days cleaning my home, I reflected on how lucky we are to have a home of our own. I have never taken a roof over my head for granted, and I have been blessed to have one my entire life. I am thankful for this every single day. Even when I am vaccuuming my stairs, my very least favorite cleaning activity. It takes me forever to do them, with the little attachment thingy on the vaccuum. Yet, I use the opportunity to spend a long spell, going deaf from the roar of the vaccuum, and being so happy I have a home. This time of year I think of this even more often. And I try to do what I can to help others, even more that I do the rest of the year. Recently on Freecycle, there was a call for blankets for homeless people. They were being collected by Calgary's The Seed. I was able to find a blanket still in the plastic, that we have never used. It is cheery blue, fleecy, and now on it's way to Calgary. I am wondering whether the people I see that are homeless in my neighborhood need blankets. I am grateful to live in the beautiful town of Banff, in the Canadian Rockies, and our tourist town is a bit unique, in that there are not many homeless people, and I believe that they are able to sleep at the YWCA. However, I am making an assumption and really want to find out if there is a need locally for blankets. I hope I might inspire someone who reads this to do the same. I know it is cliche but let's all count our blessings during this season where many people are hurting, alone, penniless, even more people than last year, thanks to this economic shake up. Happy holidays to you and yours!!

Thankful

While spending the last two days cleaning my home, I reflected on how lucky we are to have a home of our own. I have never taken a roof over my head for granted, and I have been blessed to have one my entire life. I am thankful for this every single day. Even when I am vaccuuming my stairs, my very least favorite cleaning activity. It takes me forever to do them, with the little attachment thingy on the vaccuum. Yet, I use the opportunity to spend a long spell, going deaf from the roar of the vaccuum, and being so happy I have a home. This time of year I think of this even more often. And I try to do what I can to help others, even more that I do the rest of the year. Recently on Freecycle, there was a call for blankets for homeless people. They were being collected by Calgary's The Seed. I was able to find a blanket still in the plastic, that we have never used. It is cheery blue, fleecy, and now on it's way to Calgary. I am wondering whether the people I see that are homeless in my neighborhood need blankets. I am grateful to live in the beautiful town of Banff, in the Canadian Rockies, and our tourist town is a bit unique, in that there are not many homeless people, and I believe that they are able to sleep at the YWCA. However, I am making an assumption and really want to find out if there is a need locally for blankets. I hope I might inspire someone who reads this to do the same. I know it is cliche but let's all count our blessings during this season where many people are hurting, alone, penniless, even more people than last year, thanks to this economic shake up. Happy holidays to you and yours!!

Sold Polaroid

I sold one of the Polaroid Spectra double exposures from my local show Seeing Double: Reflections of Human/Nature in Banff. You can read more here and here. The man who bought it has lived in Banff for 8 years, he works for the Banff Springs Hotel. He is moving to Washington, D.C., presumably to continue working for the Fairmont Hotel chain. I love D.C. and I am sure he will, too, since he mentioned appreciating arts and culture. He wanted one of my images from the show to remind him of his time in Banff. The image that he chose is of the Banff Springs and a large pine tree. This guy thinks like me, remember a place by a photograph you or someone has made there, or by some other form of original art. It helps support local artists, beautifies your space, and helps you build a nice collection. I certainly appreciate that this guy went out of his way to contact me to buy my art. And just days before Christmas, it really helps us to go ahead and buy the wooden kitchen we are planning to pick up on Wednesday for Quin. She is going to be thrilled!! Happy holidays to everyone!!

Two of My Little Nieces...

I was recently able to spend 8 days in Minneapolis with my family and my daughter. One of the hightlights of the trip was seeing my 9 month old niece, Lexi, for the second time, and meeting my 3 month old niece, Nia, for the first time. Of course, being a doting auntie, and a photographer, I needed to capture them with my camera. Here are a few of the best images....

Lost Without My Purse and The Winter Solstice

Forgot my purse at work last night. I work two days a week at my friend's children's boutique since I can bring my 2 1/2 year old to work with me. It is FREEZING cold here, was probably -30C when I left, so of course I just ran out the door, strapped Quin in her seat, and drove off. Urgh! Now I have no wallet, so no money, cards, checkbook, no point and shoot camera, and no cell phone. All I wanted to accomplish today was uploading the rest of the photographs from our trip to see my family in Minneapolis. I already uploaded off my big camera so just had the little one to go. Bummer. Always gives me that sinking feeling when I realize my purse is missing.

On a more positive note, today is the winter solstice! At 5:04 AM, the sun stood still, hung in mid air for a moment, then swung back, so now those of use in the North will see longer days. Yippee!! Although, I must admit, I have never disliked the darkness of winter. I feel it makes it easier to hunker down next to the fire and get cozy when it is dark outside. Of course, I generally don't roll out of bed until after 8:30 AM, so I can feel for those people who have to start their day in the dark.

Happy Solstice :)

Submission to Light Leaks

I Was Here
Polaroid Spectra Double Exposure by Tiffany Teske

Last minute as always, I decided to submit this to Light Leaks, one of my favorite photo magazines. Light Leaks is committed to featuring the work of photographers who work with low fidelity or "toy" cameras: Holgas, Polaroids, Pinhole, Diana, Brownie, Lomo, or Samplers. And if you click on each of those you will have gotten your photography knowledge for the week. I was one day late last time, so I am improving... I got this in with 1 hour 30 minutes remaining. Light Leaks is published in Canada so that is extra cool. The theme of the call for submission is evidence. Should be an interesting bunch of images...

Ten Toxic Household/Food Items You Should Be Aware Of...

I found this article on MSN to be easy to read and very informative. Called "10 Toxic Items" it walks you through some really common but really hazardous items we all own or eat. While I have banished some of these from my home, it will be on my list of New Year's Resolutions to get rid of the rest.

Just a quick list of what is featured in the article:
1) Teflon Pans
2) Air Freshener
3) Children's Toys
4) Dust (I am very guilty of not dusting enough...)
5) Lipstick
6) Nail Polish
7) Shampoo
8) Canned Foods (BPA has been outlawed from cans here in Canada)
9) Tuna
10) Peaches and Apples

Sewing Charity

I have a long and arduous history with sewing. Basically, I wish I was good at it, that it came easily or at least normally to me, but while I try and try I never quite get to the point where I feel confident. I have taken several classes and have been tutored one-on-one by some of the best. But enough about me. I wanted to post about a organization, Sewing Charity, that matches peoples' sewing, knitting, crocheting, and quilting skills with charities that need them. What a cool and heart warming idea! If you have any of these crafting skill sets go on the website and find out more...

GREAT BIG smalls IV at Cube Gallery

For those of you in Ottawa this month, there is still time to hit this popular show. With over 300 afforable works of original art, create by over 60 artists, it is a feast for an eyes and a joy for the soul. Still looking for something to satisfy the art lover on your list or maybe you want to give yourself something to smile about? The show runs until December 23rd, and is open until 9 PM.

Here are the dets:
CUBE GALLERY
7 HAMILTON AVENUE NORTH,
OTTAWA, ONTARIO K1Y 1B4
613.728.1750
info@donmonet.ca
cubegallery.ca



I have six framed Polaroid transfer originals in this show. They are all centered around the theme of tulips. Very colorful and festive while we are all in a deep freeze.

Ok, Ok, I Am Back to Having TWO blogs...

...you can thank Dan and Alison, two recent readers who emailed and posted comments about the blog. I am about to have more time. And I really feel there are topics I can blog about here that I should not blog about on my other blog, Art & Food & Motherhood. I try to keep that blog uplifting, and while I also think this blog is uplifting I do at times go into political rantings and such posts that don't really belong on my other blog. Anyway, thanks to those of you who have reached out and gotten me inspired to continue this blog...

The Sound of Our Babe...

Today we had our third midwife visit with our amazing midwife, Mireille. Our last visit was three weeks ago, and our babe was a bit shy when we went to hear the beating of its heart. But not this time!! Andre, Quin, and I heard our little bean for the first time. I wish I could share it via audio, I bet audiophiles record that... but I am a visual creator, so no audio for you. It is such a unique and amazing sound to hear the rapid beating of a little ones heart while in utero. It feels like Christmas came early. Both Andre and I remarked that this babe sounds more mellow than its big sis did. Imagine. We should find out in about three weeks whether bean is a boy or a girl...

I Was Away....

...visiting my family in Minneapolis! We had a fabulous time, which I will post about in coming days. I really meant to leave a little note here, to let you all know, but time got away from me. Thanks for being so understanding! More soon, I am just getting back into the swing of things... I also plan to FINALLY design a banner...

The Lake Louise World Cup Men's Downhill

Where does the time go? December ALREADY! Sheesh! Andre, Quin, and I had an awesome weekend at the The Lake Louise World Cup Men's Downhill!! Thanks to all of Andre's hard work and his generous bosses we enjoyed an amazing time at the Chateau Lake Louise. We took in the races, enjoyed food in the VIP tent, went to the Saturday night bib draw and met some racers, and met even more on Sunday.


Bodie Miller, Quin, & Andre

Oh, Bodie, he always seems to be unhappy with his performance, although the past two years we saw him at Lake Louise, he didn't do very well... I have a soft spot in my heart for him, since I taught photography at Carrabassett Valley Academy, a private ski academy in Maine, at Sugarloaf, when he was a student. I always root for Bodie. He is a green skier, who often shuns endorsements, a rebel, and from what I can tell a sensitive soul. On Sunday, the day after this photo, he was going 122km per hour when his ski popped off, and he not only didn't wipe out, but completed a couple more turns on one ski. He is truly amazing. And as he once said in a video of his, these guys risk their lives every time they compete.



Quin, Me, & Hermann Meier

Hermann Meier won the Super G on Sunday. He is from Austria and has a million dollar smile. This was the night before the race. He risked his life, as all the racers do, and won $30,000 for that run.


Andre, Quin, & Didier Cuche

Didier Cuche won third place in the Super G on Sunday. He is from Switzerland. He is super nice, very approachable. Ever time I saw him, he would stop and take time for his fans, with a huge smile. He seems really down to earth, no "people" to herd him from appearance to appearance. He always seemed to be alone. We even ran past us in the hall at the Chateau to get to the bib draw on time. He spoke to Quin, which none of the other racers did, and he and Andre talked trucks outside the Chateau.