Through the changes in our home, one of my prepared canvases became slightly damaged. I haven't had to repair a torn canvas in quite some time, and though I know I've spoken of it before, I thought I would share my process again. The first thing I do is to gather my supplies which include scissors, a piece of canvas which I cut a little larger than the tear, gel media (a thick acrylic 'glue') and a brush that isn't precious as gel media can be difficult to clean off. I coat the patch with a good layer of gel media, adhere it well to the back of the canvas, coat the top of the patch as well as the opposite side (front) of the canvas and then allow it to dry well. Once I have painted over the repair it is almost invisible.
 Over the past eight years I have chosen a word to be my guide for the year. A couple of years ago I decided to recreate a type of Tibetan prayer flag in order to track my words each year and after seeing it hanging in my studio I have now decided to treat it like a traditional prayer flag and hang it in the garden. Traditionally these flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength and wisdom by spreading good will in the wind. As the images and words fade due to exposure from the elements, they are believed to become a permanent part of the universe a symbol of welcoming life's changes and acknowledgement that everyone is part of the cycle of life.
 With our eldest daughter graduating from university and moving into her own home there have been many changes in ours, one being my studio. I don't know how many years I have worked in the smallest room of the house but I have enjoyed it immensely as the light is so soft, the birds are always chirping and the lilacs smell heavenly outside the window. Though changes can be difficult for me, I am enjoying this room as a place to read and practice yoga, so this particular change has not be a negative one. Next up is to rearrange the studio downstairs (I'm heading back to the largest room after a number of years away) which I will be sharing with my youngest as her sewing studio as well and then on to the family room. I have to admit, this is kind of exciting.
In Eliot's first published poem, Prufrock laments his physical and intellectual inertia, the lost opportunities in his life and lack of spiritual progress, and he is haunted by reminders of unattained love. With visceral feelings of weariness, regret, embarrassment, longing, a sense of decay, and an awareness of mortality, "Prufrock" has become one of the most recognized voices in modern literature.
 I'm not going to lie...this year's 52 WEEKS::Storytellers series has been the biggest challenge yet. Even though I know the quote I will be illustrating each week, every single time the image is a struggle. And yet, as these pieces come together I don't hate them like I thought I might. I know hate seems a bit harsh, but I find that when the challenge is so big, which it has been, I kind of resent the process. Each time I begin a new series I always struggle but usually once I am a few pieces in I can begin to see some kind of light but this time it's been really difficult to find that switch. In fact, though, I'm finally beginning to like this work. So if I can share any words of wisdom, it would be to practice patience.
  Several months ago I had the great privilege of leading a group of grade 6 students from the Waldorf School in Calgary through a painting workshop at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. While I was at the theatre last week leading an altered book workshop, I was so happy to see the exhibit up at the north entrance. Ever since my exhibit at the Jubilee in December, I have been fortunate to be invited back to teach and speak and share what I love and it's a special treat to see the work of the kids exhibited in the lobby. I am so lucky to be part of something so amazing.
 First of all, thank you! thank you! thank you! to everyone who has purchased either a painting or a book in the 52 WEEKS::Heroes series. As there are only 5 more paintings in the series available along with 5 copies of the book, I thought it serendipitous and so am sharing these as sets for $150 (rather than an additional $25 for each book). The pieces still eligible for 'adoption' are Karen Blixen, Doris McCarthy, Emmeline Pankhurst, Sandra Dee, and Mata Hari.
We had the second paint night at Bert Church Theatre and it was fantastic! Another fabulous group of ladies who created wonderful pieces. I love sharing tips and techniques while allowing the participants to add their own spin to the paintings, from selecting which direction they would like their canvas to the shapes and colours they include. I feel as though this makes the work so much more personal and unique to each of them plus the wine and snacks are always greatly appreciated. I'm excited for these events to continue again in fall!
 
Beloved is set after the American Civil War and is inspired by the story of an African American slave named Margaret Garner. The main character, Sethe, was born a slave and escaped to Ohio, but eighteen years later she is still not free. She has too many memories of Sweet Home, the beautiful farm where so many hideous things happened. Her new home is haunted by the ghost of her baby, who died nameless and whose tombstone is engraved with a single word: Beloved.
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