The Amazing Airdrie Women awards gala was so heart-warming.  There was laughter and a few tears and an amazing meal at The Woods restaurant at the golf club.  It really was an incredible feeling to be able to be a part of this year's event and to exhibit my 52 WEEKS::Heroes series for the one and only time.  Most of the pieces have moved into their new homes and I am forever grateful...for creating this series, for sharing it in my community, and for the women who have adopted them.

On the weekend, my daughter and I had the great privilege of attending the Pride and Prejudice Ball at the beautiful Palliser Hotel in Calgary.  I was lucky that she was able to whip up authentic Regency era dresses for us to wear from some fabric pieces in her bin.  We learned a couple of dances, enjoyed amazing food and drinks, and met wonderful people.  My family has such a huge variety of interests, which certainly keeps me on my toes when I'm planning on giving gifts...but I have to say, I am loving these experience gifts.  They fill us with such wonderful memories.

Today is the Amazing Airdrie Women awards luncheon and I'm really looking forward to it.  I was inspired when I met these incredible women at the photo shoot and am honoured to be able to spend time with these amazing women this afternoon.  Huge congratulations to each and every one nominated!

Whenever I have the opportunity these days, I've been working on a painting inspired by the mama sea turtle we witnessed laying eggs in Mexico.  It's so exciting to see this image come to life as it brings the incredible moment back to life for me.  Because of the shape of the canvas (it measures 36x12 inches), I have decided to create three totem inspired images all based on the wildlife we were fortunate to witness on our travels.  So far I'm really happy with the direction this is going...fingers crossed!

Last week I was honoured to lead a Paint Night as a fundraiser for Torchlight Theatre.  We created a magnolia tree in recognition of the upcoming play, Steel Magnolias and, as always, I had so much fun.  Each time I'm privileged to lead one of these workshops, I'm impressed by the people who attend them and hope to impart some knowledge about painting while trying to reclaim that childish enthusiasm for art. 

I had such a wonderful evening painting at Sorso, visiting with good friends and meeting many new lovely people.  After being joined by a young painter (it was fun having him work on my piece with me), a couple of young lads came to share how creative they are and one asked if he could draw a puppy in my sketchbook (of course I said yes!).  Later in the evening, another young lady and I had a great chat about what it takes to be creative.  Apparently she went home and drew turtles based on a few little sketches I had made from our trip to Mexico.  The evening ended with drinks and laughter with good friends.  Such a great night!

America is an intensely personal poem written in 1956 from the collection titled How and Other Poems, making references to the alienation Ginsberg felt as a result of the culture of the McCarthy era combined with the values implied in the burgeoning suburbia. The longest line in the poem is a sentimental description of a Communist cell meeting his mother took him to when he was a child. .

What a week it has been for me...teaching at Bert Church Theatre and Torchlight Theatre in Airdrie and at the Jubilee Auditorium in Calgary, painting live at Sorso, teaching at Meadowbrook School and exhibiting my work around town.  Now my paintings can be viewed at Genesis Place (upstairs by the running track), Sorso Espresso & Wine Bar and as part of the Voice and Vision collaboration at Airdrie Public Library.  It really is amazing to be able to share one of the loves of my life with my community.  Thank you Airdrie!

A busy and fabulous week for me as I was honoured to share my love of altered books with a group of grade 5 to 8 students at Meadowbrook School.  What I love the most about sharing what I do is how people take the supplies and, as their creative juices begin to flow, create amazing works that are totally their own.  I think that's one of my favorite parts of working on altered books and using mixed media...the sky really is the limit.  Once you see a few samples and begin to sift through the materials available, there is no right or wrong, it's just trial and error.  And the errors often become beautiful things.  And I really love how kids make everything their own...no judgement.  I also like how this project just begins with me but moves on to become a longer project that grows and improves over time.  Another amazing group of kids!