 One of my favourite outings is a walk along our creek to the local Starbucks for a matcha latte and a good read. Recently, I was sitting across from a very cool looking gentleman...I didn't mean to be obtrusive, but I couldn't help but be inspired by his appearance as he reminded me of my youth in northern Manitoba complete with a plaid shirt, red sweater, hunting boots and the best silver beard. Plus, I love seeing book readers out & about. Another favourite thing is having the cafe to myself in the early morning, but it was nice to share the space with another reader.
 Dorothy Gwendolyn Henzell-Willis was born in 1899 and began her career in Edmonton before leaving for Vancouver in 1942. Between 1920 and 1946, she was considered one of Edmonton's best-known artists. She had several gallery and museum exhibitions, including one at the Art Gallery of Alberta. Unfortunately, she moved to Europe and not much is known about her after the move. The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria does have a portrait of her painted by Joe Plaskett, another Canadian who made a home in Europe. She was not formally trained and produced linocut prints of Canadian winter scenes, native villages and expressionist finger paintings that often portrayed her dreams. https://www.fecklesscollection.ca/dorothy-henzell-willis  Banff Centre Archives: photo Alberta Foundation for the Arts  I have been enjoying working on my weekly visual journal so much...there is absolutely no pressure, and, since it is a smaller sketchbook, it doesn't require hours of time or attention. Every week I get to document my personal 'highlight reel' and I'm loving it. I sat and enjoyed a busy bumblebee as it moved from flower to flower as I sketched my perennial bachelor's buttons. That yellow looked so beautiful against the purple flowers. It's been a great way to document my 'to-do' list as well. Just making short points makes the journalling portion of the sketchbook very simple, which helps to keep me motivated. Plus, I add a few small images as the week progresses, which has been so much fun.
 Since my husband has begun working at home more often, and I've been working in my office more because of my university coursework, I decided to move my drafting table up and I'm so glad I did. I find that I feel a bit discombobulated when my creative things are split up into different areas, so this has been very conducive to creativity. I can easily move between my desk and drafting table, giving myself drying time on paintings and, alternatively, a bit of a brain break when I'm reading and studying. It's also been fantastic as I can switch between researching for the 'Women of the West' project and working on the paintings. I may rearrange how things are set up but, for now, I am happy with how things are working. :)
 Our family has a history of saving animals who need homes, and a couple of the pets have been basset hounds. May years ago I had painted an oil painting of Daisy who had been a loving part of our family. Since it is a 6" x 8" painting on panel, it has been difficult to find a frame so I finally ordered one that was custom made from Rustic Burl Co. in Ontario and it's beautiful. So, the painting is finally installed in my husband's office at home, as she definitely chose him while she was with us.
I was excited to learn that the utility box that I had painted in 2012 is included in the City of Airdrie's Public Artwork online map. It was an honour to refresh it 4 years ago and to see that it is now set upon a base. There are current plans to add a plaque as well. I'm a lucky gal!
 "Now that the lilacs are in bloom,
She has a bowl of lilacs in her room." ~ T.S. Elliot  I've been trying out my Travelers' Notebook for future travel journalling and, so far, am finding the paper to be very interesting. This particular insert is made of kraft paper and I'm surprised at how much I like the mid-tone. There was a bit more wrinkling when using watercolour, but it wasn't bad at all, and it is very nice for drawing on...my next test will be using the fountain pen for writing. Also, since it is a toned paper, it might be nice to use white gouache or gel pens for highlights. As challenging as it can be for me to try out new materials (at times), I find that just getting on with it and using them regularly makes such a difference. The more comfortable I am with my supplies, the more I enjoy them.
  After many years of visiting my daughter in Lethbridge, Alberta, I finally visited the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden. It was so lovely...more beautiful than I had imagined. We enjoyed iced tea on a hot day, and even got to ring the Friendship Bell. I even took a moment to sit down and draw. :)
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