Announcment

I'm very excited to announce that one of my favorite local shops, DGB, is now carrying some of my jewelry. The owner Sharon Day of Dayzee Designs is a talented jewelry designer herself, and is advising me on pricing and some further creations. It was rather serendipitous really. I'd thought about approaching her in the past, but wasn't sure about wholesale pricing. My boss and friend Cathryn went into the shop last week wearing one of the pendants I'd given her for xmas and... well you can figure out the rest. Yah!!! I love the way things work out sometimes.

Wedding

There was a wedding at the B&B I work at. It was so lovely, I had to take pictures of the decor and some of the food Cathryn made.
The official photographer was Peg McCarthy.









Someone had a real sweet tooth. This was all candy for the guests.

And there were plenty of deserts.





It was small and so very charming. Those are the best kind to me.

Montreal

We stayed at my brother Jason's in the West Island where I grew up. He was working days but we got to spend some evenings with him and my nephew Eli. My sister in-law was in Israel and my niece was at camp. Isn't my brother good looking?!

Their foster dog Daisey. She was a real sweetheart.

The food in Montreal is awesome. Rob and I did a lot of eating. We both appreciate fine food.
The first night we got there Jason took us out for dinner to a lovely restaurant Portovino's. You bring the wine, they supply the food.

Jason

Eli

Myself

My wonderful meal.


The next day Rob and I drove all along the lakeshore through the various small villages I loved so much.

We stopped to eat in Saint Anne du Bellevue where there's a row of outdoor patios next to the water. We had a Potabello mushroom and goats cheese dish that was to die for.



There were so many charming houses we passed on our drive.





The next day we spent with my long time friend Sue. In the evening we went to an outdoor concert at Stewart Hall, a cultural centre in Point Claire.


Rob, myself, and Sue.

The day after, we went down town Montreal and walked from one end to the other. We went through China Town, Saint Cathrine's St., Cresent, Saint Denis, and Old Montreal, all my old haunts.


This was a very interesting building. I assume it was some kind of dinner-theatre.


I love the architecture in the city. There are so many beautiful buildings and architectural elements.





This was a funky little store with very friendly staff. I wished I'd had more money. I would have shopped, shopped, shopped.



We went into Thursday's for a coffee on Cresent St. My pictures do not do this restaurant justice. It's a magnificent place. Great art deco decor with tin ceiling tiles, stained glass, etched glass, and ceramic tiling everywhere. There were also some stunning light fixtures. This is definitely a must see if you visit Montreal. If you check out the web site, the restaurant section is Les Beaux Jeudis.





More great architectural elements.






A local busker.

There are many stunning gothic churches.

Place des Art

This was a very unusual club.


L'Absynthe on Saint Denis. I'm assuming they served absynthe. We never did go in.

The green fairy herself.

Don't ask, don't know.

Ofcourse we had to check out Steve's music!

Then it was into Old Montreal.


We ate at Jardin Nelson. My favorite place in Old Montreal. We had maple smoked salmon, swordfish, and tuna. Yum!!!

Live jazz in the court yard.

This was a wonderful little artist's coop.


The famous artist's alley.

Horse and buggey rides will take you on the tour.

At the pier there was a sail boat with a woman and a man doing choreographed acrobatics in suspended fabric. I know there's a proper name for it but I haven't got a clue what it is. It was lovely.


I couldn't resist.

This was a charming open-air boutique down in the artist's alley. I bought two music boxes to use in my art. One plays "La Vie En Rose" and the other "Moon River".

A snack of Onion Soup for Rob. There were two young men playing mandalin and cello for our entertainment.

The next day we took it easy. We went over to the farmer's market, Marche de L'Ouest, to check out all the goodies. It goes without saying, we had bagels everyday.


This whole wall is balsamic vineger.


How much would you have to LOVE aged balsamic?!

We had a tastey breakfast at this little nook, Cafe de Luxe, and then were entertained by the owner.

My niece, Noam got back from camp while we were still there. Our last night we ordered in Chinese vegetarian food and chilled together with a couple of Eli's friends.


I had to get a picture of the "Boys" cleaning up.

It was a very enjoyable trip for both Rob and I. I think we'll be heading down there more often. You should definately go there someday if you haven't already been. It's like a mini Paris. I hope you enjoyed it vicariously through my post.

My Gypsy Retreat

If you have a gypsy spirit such as myself, you must check out this amazing site. I am dreaming of owning one of these beauties some day. Better yet, I would like to have about five in the back yard of my future Straw bale, adobe home, and run a B&B. I'd have wonderful art retreats as well. Wouldn't that be heaven on earth?

Mabon

Mabon by Dianafc featuring Giles & Brother necklaces

In a Garden

Here is the post for the "In a Garden" artisan show I did.
Well you'll have to admit after this, that what I lack in regularity of posts, I make up for in length. I have to add, my photos could never do this wonderful atmosphere or the artist's works justice. But enjoy at any rate.



This is Kathryn McHolm, the owner of this lovely property and host of the show. She is a multimedia artist who works with, and educates about, the natural world.

Welcome one and all!

Here's Kathryn now making up some wonderful eats at her adobe oven. Mmmmm, it smells so good.


Let me lead you down the garden path to the many wonders that await.


There are of course plants for sale.

I love these garden path stones molded from large leaves with cement.



There's so much to take in as we go along. It's all so whimsical!

In this area of the garden we find Amy Quinn of "Lake Effects Arts". Aren't these old church organ pipes which she made into garden ornaments fantastic?

Right down from her is Martin Everist of "Rustic Woodworking". He creates this gorgious furniture and home accessories from fallen trees. He'll custom build things for you. He'll even use the raw wood taken from your own property. Now that's a "one-of-a-kind" piece of art!

Across to the other side we find Karen Franzen who creates fun and functional ceramics.

All throughout we can enjoy the various plant,trees,flowers, and sculptures in this enchanting garden.



Shall we stop for some refreshments? How about this lovely herbal iced tea?

Right past here is Jill Williams of "Foxglove Botanicals". We can pick up some fragrant herbal soaps. They are scrumptous!

If you'd like to take a siesta we can sit and drink our tea at one of these charming viniettes which are placed throughout the gardens.


Come and check out the shed with me.


She even has this great old player piano in here.


This is Carrie Osborne. She does all kinds of eco-friendly crafts, including these colorful ornaments.



Maia's mother is a well known local artist and Maia is following close in her footsteps.


She also makes these adorable felted animals.

Look there's my friend Veronica's tent. It's always so soft, light, and airy feeling.



How could we resist buying something from her.



And right across from her is the oh so talented Karen Elmquist. We have to pick up a few of her incredible hand blown glass beads. I think she'll be putting on a demonstration soon.



Come on in the barn. There's more artists and discoveries inside.











Here are some of Kathryn's water colors.



This is Susan MacDonalds wearable art. She uses vintage fabrics. Aren't they lovely?

And lastly we're at my tent. Take your time and brouse.











Well we made it through. Did you enjoy yourself? I'll leave you now to linger with the lovely roses.

Say goodbye to my friend Rose in the rose on your way out.

It was great of you to come by. Perhaps I'll see you again here next year.