Confused

So, at the end of last year I retired.  I just got my first pension cheque and am a little confused.  I have no way of knowing what, what should have been, what will be taken off for income tax etc.  How am I suppose to know if they are taking enough?  I sure as hell don't want to be hit with a huge "bill" at the end of the year.

A New Life begins:

As I start preparing for my retirement at the end of 2016, I’ve started to think about what I will do for the rest of my life.  I have always wanted to keep a blog but so far haven’t been proactive in doing so.  I will have a lot of time on my hands and so this might be the right time to pursue this adventure full force.

I have a ton of projects that I want to do but just haven’t finish or even started.  I have half finished scrapbooks of trips I’ve taken, have hearted planners filled out etc.  I have tons of jewellery making supplies, scrapbooking supplies, art supplies etc.  Now is the time to actually DO something creative.  

So, as I slow down on the work life, my crafty life will pick up.  I just have to set my mind to it and DO IT!!!! As Yoda would say “Do or Do Not, there is No try” and I look forward to getting my hands dirty and covered in paint, ink or whatever else I have to play with.

Also, photography is a passion and I have not played with that either.  I will have more time to get out and take pictures etc.

My dog Kati will be happy as she’ll get more walks, car rides as well.  

My blog will probably be more photo heavy then words as I start out seriously blogging, I hope the words will follow.  I’ve read quite a few blogs and they’ve been a mix of photos and words so I’ll wait and see what my muse makes me do.

Hope some of you come along for the ride.

All Clear

I'd like to thank the Breast Cancer Centre at St Michaels Hospital here in Toronto for being so thorough.  I have been thru a few scary months but have a clean bill of health.  Those 3 words can really do a number on your mind "they found something" but in the end all is good!

RIP Uncle Bud & Shep

It's been a horrible month of March.

My Florida trip was great, however my 7 yr old Border Collie Shep passed away in his sleep two days after I left.

Two days later, my brother had to put his two 13 yr old dogs down.  Now, March 17th my Uncle Bud passed away.

Come on 2016, please get better!

Starting this new adventure

As I gear up, or maybe it should be gear down and get ready for retirement at the end of 2016 I thought I should re-evaluate my blogging idea.

I'm currently researching, what I'd like to do as a blogger.  There are so many bloggers out there I don't know what I could offer that people would care to read about.

I'll keep reading other blogs and see what I can come up with.

I do have lots of hobbies to draw from:
reading
travel
crafts
scrapbooking
journaling
photography

I'm also getting into Zen doodling, Zentangle so I'll just have to keep "researching"

Josh Groban @ Luminato in Toronto June 14/15th 2014

Just had a wonderful Josh filled weekend.  Saw the Rufus Wainwrights premier of "If I Loved You, Gentlemen Prefer Broadway" http://www.luminatofestival.com/festival/2014/if-i-loved-you

It was amazing!!!!!

I had no idea what to expect and was blown away by the performance:
Josh Groban
Brent Carver
Boy George
David Byrne
Brennan Hall
Ezra Koenig
Steven Page

Welcome to my little corner of the known Universe

Today I embark on a new adventure. I have decided to keep up with the blogger wannabe inside me and actually try to do it. I will more then likely have a photo heavy page, as well as reviews on items I like/use within the crafting world. I make jewellery and cards that I sell on Etsy and as it's still new in the making, I don't have many items up yet. Today, I'm playing withe Gelli Arts(tm) Gel Printing Plate (found here) ( or check out the blog ) I've made some paper, which I will now make into cards. It's very easy and fun to use. You can let your imagination take over. Here are some shots of the product.

 Ready to create :-)


 Place some paint on the Gel Printing Plate, I've used Folk Art Gold, Acrylic Blue & Purple Paint 


Using the brayer tool, I covered the pad with the paint


Place your white cardstock on top of the Gel Pad, press lightly all over and peel off. The results will vary depending on the paint.

 I haven't used my stamps or masks on the gel pad yet, I will do a follow up blog when I have some done. Today, I used X-Press It Blending Card which I also use for making my cards with Copic markers.

Wash the brayer and Gel Pad with warm soapy water and you're all set for the next round.

 TTYL