Joan Turned 91 in Covid Times

Posted on June 13, 2020 by Painter Lady

I know, first hand, how wonderful it can be to receive a Birthday parade during Covid times because my friends did exactly that for my birthday. Well, this year is pretty important because our ‘fearless leader’ turned 91 yesterday. My treasured friends in fine arts education came together to create a drive-by parade and then a Happy Birthday circle yesterday.

Joan has been one of the most inspiring people to serve as Supervisor of Fine Arts for the Calgary Catholic School District in the days when fine arts were understood to be essential to the development of learning within a child. We were a part of a period in education when Fine Arts advocacy was well and growing in schools. Teachers received regular support, exemplary modeling and resources in terms of professional development, in order that they could deliver solid programs. So, Joan was all that.

But, at the core of ‘who’ Joan is….she is a treasured friend. She has a brilliant mind. She is a superb artist, one who has looked at her world and nature with precision. Her observation skills can be surpassed by very few. Joan is an empathetic listener. Joan has an appreciation for song and celebration. She is playful and fun to be around. Little sayings filter in to every conversation. I love Joan with my whole heart and she has been a blessing in my life. Happy Birthday, Joan!

My grandson, Steven, helped me get ready for the parade by painting two banners. Unfortunately, when I hopped out of the car, I forgot that I had this taped up, post parade. It looked better during the drive by.

Joan, sharing words of appreciation. Always self-effacing, she made certain she drew attention to the strength of our team, pointing to each one, “You, you, you and you”…pointing to each one and making eye contact.

Before the fall…

Thank you to the organizers. These events are so important for these times. Each person has to determine what proximity they can have in every situation as we enter into stage 2 with the opening up of our economy. However, it is always important to keep in mind the safety of our senior citizens and those who are vulnerable due to various medical conditions. Thanks to this residence that provided us with a safe circumstance in order to celebrate our forever-friend.

Crows Fly Over Main Street

Posted on August 31, 2019 by Painter Lady

My daughter spent quite some time living in Vancouver. For some reason I always put up a bit of a wall when the possibility of traveling there was considered. I’ve had a friend living there for decades. And then, Bobbie moved there. But, I always felt some fears around its density, compactness or some unnamed unknown. A drunk person poured an entire glass of beer down my back at a Dave Matthew’s concert in Rogers Arena one night, years ago, and the same night, I stayed in an Otto Rogers themed room. That sums up my experience of Vancouver, until recently.

On the afternoon and evening of August 20, 2019, I had opportunity to walk and see a touch of what my daughter experienced. While I never did get to the water’s edge, I did walk a stretch of Main Street and visited one of her work places, a shop called, Front and Co. I’ve snapped a few photographs of places along the way. One has to admit that the vegetation is lush in Vancouver and varied. I tried to capture that as well.

In the evening, we gathered to feast and to toast Bob. One beautiful friend of the family delivered ‘Bob Likes Thai Food’ for dinner and another brought flowers and wine. As we sat, sharing stories, a huge murder of crows flew over our heads…a movement that is repeated each evening, like clockwork, over the house. I was overcome with the magic of this, the sounds of it and will never forget it.

When it was pitch black, we walked and talked our way to the neighbouring cemetery. There, we opened up a blanket and sat down, overlooking the lights of Vancouver. We talked until the early hours of morning about absolutely everything, but mostly Bob.

I snapped a photograph of sculpture in the Vancouver air terminal before leaving.

I’ve recently had another dear friend move to Vancouver. I have family in Comox. Vancouver, I’ll be back!

Mosaic 101

Posted on April 23, 2017 by Painter Lady

Wendy Lees is a vital leader in our visual arts community here in Calgary. She has spearheaded so many wonderful projects and visual arts tours, either through making, leading or inspiring. I’ve treasured her friendship for years now and I’m so grateful for our meeting. I was blessed, yesterday, to have the opportunity to learn the first basic baby steps to mosaic art, in the comfort and organized studio that is her own home. What a fun experience and what great people!

Wendy took on the magical practice of create! in the East Village some time ago…and through that program, I met some of the most authentic and beautiful people of a lifetime. Gladly, a few of them were able to attend the Mosaic 101 workshop, so renewing those relationships was an additional blessing!

If you have opportunity to participate in or attend any of the programs that Wendy advertises, DO! Such fun! It’s not just about techniques and skill development…it’s about community and connection!