Back to painting...

I started painting again the other day and am working on three paintings I had started quite a while ago.  I like to have 2 or 3 or the go so I can work on something else while something is drying.  I get impatient even though acrylic dry quickly.  I don't think I could ever work with oils.

 This one is of our "Paradise Beach"....now if I can just manage to paint in all the things I want....

This one will be of the Resort Course at Taquitz.   I've pretty much given up trying to capture these wonderful San Jacinto Mountains but the Resort Course has all sorts of palm trees and cacti and that should cover up a lot if I can just manage to get these right or some facsimile.

The last one is of the Sylvia Hotel and of course that presents many problems for me.  At the moment it's a bit of a real mess but I haven't given up yet.  I did want to include the tall apartments beside it but that seems impossible for me so I've painted over that.  My salvation (I hope) will be to hide flaws and shortcomings with trees in front....worked with my Notre Dame painting...

So what was all the fuss about?

We went to see The Artist the other day at our local Denman Cinema and we were both somewhat disappointed.  It was ok and pleasant to watch but "Best Picture of the Year"...as some reviewer said "I'm speechless".    I think we are more in agreement with him and the following review.  To each his own...

Say anything – The Artist review | Quickflix� DVD & Movie Blog: The appeal of the three leads – yes, we include Uggie – as well as a few novel sequences – one involving an empty tuxedo jacket, and the charming finale – make The Artist a mostly enjoyable watch. However, Hazanavicius’ half-hearted tribute to black-and-white silent films seems more like a gimmick than a particularly unique or refreshing attempt to share a meaningful story in an entertaining way. If you’re looking for an enchanting film about the early days of cinema, watch Hugo. Should you be in the market for a romance about an up-and-coming movie star in the age of the talkies, revisit Singin’ in the Rain. For those intrigued about the awful after-lives of elderly silent movie stars, see Sunset Boulevard. However, if you want to see some spectacularly adorable if not particularly lasting or memorable dog tricks, The Artist is the film you’ve been waiting for.

In the eye of the beholder...

Preface by Aldous Huxley to an exhibition of watercolours by W. Eisenschitz in 1935.

“Provence is a much painted and, on the whole, an exceedingly ill-painted region...Those hideously garish railway posters...

The real Provence glows with soft, yet powerful colours; is severe and at times even savage, but full of the most exquisite subtleties; combines breath and nobility with a wealth of delicately varied brightness....In these admirable water colours Mr. Eisenshitz has succeeded, it seems to me, in rendering a great deal of the essential Provence.”

Well,  I do take exception to the "garish railway posters" as I like them very much and do feel they capture Provence.  I find Eisenschitz's water colours of Provence could be anywhere really especially the ones 1935 and before.  There is one he did in 1952 I quite like and feel is evocative of Provence.

Here's some the of garish railway posters...it's possible only the best ones have survived.

I particularly love this one.

The watercolours:

Now this one does say Provence to me....done in 1952.

Posts from the past...

I've been backing up my blog and it's been quite fun seeing what I've posted over the years.   Every evening I would spend 20-30 minutes phoning parents about absences.

 January 1 2004

Happy New Year everyone!

Taking the day to clean out files before we begin our marathon travelling over the next six months. Came across this note on a telephoning session to parents about student absences...just in case I forgot why I retired!

Student 1: Father seemed surprised. Father has been sick. Felt son was reliable.
Student 2: Talked to Mom and Dad. Both seemed surprised.
Student 3: Guardian unaware of absences
Student 4: no answer
Student 5: Talked to mother. Has been sick the past 2 days but not before.
Student 6: Parents at wit's end. Refer to counsellor

Sunday, August 10, 2003

We had a good time in Vancouver and got another nice swim in the ocean. Went to Las Margaritas with our son...wow, what a trendy and popular place...good thing we went early. Food is pretty good. The night before we went to Pastis (on 4th) and had their special menu with wine pairings. They have an interesting collection of pastis pitchers, glasses, etc. Most things on the menu were good but the monkfish course (which is why we were attracted to it since we've had fabulous monkfish or "lotte" as they call it in France) was lousy. Then the red wine they brought for the upcoming course of lamb wasn't very good. We rarely complain but did so and the owner couldn't do enough to satisfy us. He brought us another wine and also gave us the choice of ordering from the regular dessert menu. And, best of all, he gave us two pastis glasses (Ricard brand) for our own collection! We were thrilled with this because we don't have this particular type of glass and we were just talking about how we must get more glasses the next time we go to France since our new tile floor in the kitchen is taking a toll on glassware. We were impressed with the customer service since the place was packed with regulars and probably always is. I can see why with this attention to pleasing the customer.


My mom and son who share the same birthday. My mom will be 90 on the next one!
Not too bad a pix considering I used my mini digital camera. My mom was quite amazed by it.

 * I am amazed too at the quality of photo considering this was a keychain camera that I bought in Paris at the train station that winter when Jim was  teaching in the south of France.  I really liked this little camera because I always had it with me since it was so small and on my keychain.  Now I have my iPhone always with me so always have a camera.

Friday, July 18, 2003

I was very saddened to hear of Carol Shield's death. I realize how much pleasure her writing has given me over the years. A friend lent me "The Box Garden" many years ago and I was quite intrigued by her style and subject matter. I didn't think she'd ever write something like "The Stone Diaries", though...wow, what a book!

When I introduced small groups reading various novels in my classes "The Stone Diaries" was just out in paperback and it was a really popular choice with the girls. I was surprised they related so well to it. I realize I no longer have my own copy. I have replaced it a number of times but guess I didn't the last time I loaned it to a student who was an infrequent attender but was turned on by being in the "Diaries" group. The enthusiasm for English class usually didn't last and that was the last I saw of the student and my book. I liked to think perhaps that particular student or perhaps some other young woman read that book and got something out of it. More realistically, it was pawned for a meal. That's ok too.

In one of the stories I read yesterday about Carol Shields a good friend told of how Carol remained able to laugh and feel joy even towards the end. She relates how Carol had the big TV moved to her bedroom so she could be distracted. The friend threatened to bring over a video she received with her new washing machine on how to do the laundry. They both broke out into gales of laughter about the idea of a video for doing the laundry. I liked that anecdote. It shows the kind of things women can laugh about and also how gender roles have changed and perhaps there does need to be a video with your new washing machine....!

On our walk

These photos from a recent walk.  Many people pile up stones for fun....I always enjoy seeing them.

Watching the Sun Run

It's quite a Vancouver event...it's quite a people watching experience!

The number of registrants — 48,904 — represents an exponential increase from the mere 3,200 that ran the first race in 1985.

Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/2012+kicks+under+cloudy+skies/6462394/story.html#ixzz1s7z6U7c7

Photo and video taken from our balcony.

McDonald's around the world

I used to feel annoyed to see a McDonald's when travelling but now it means a place where there will be a clean bathroom and free wireless and perhaps even a place to have a beer on a nice terrace.  We had some time to kill in Rome before catching a train and we saw this great looking terrace in the sun....turned out to be a McDonald's.  The beer and the people watching were great.

It seems that McDonald's has created a number of interesting local items in various countries....wish we could get them in North America.  I found it rather interesting to see what was created for the locals.

Here are some examples:

India:  McSpicy Paneer
A fried curd cheese patty spiced with cajun flavour, topped with red cabbage, celery, vegetarian mayo, salsa, and cheddar cheese.

Malaysia:
Bubur Ayam McD is Chicken Porridge topped with chicken strips, scallions, ginger, fried shallots and diced chiles.

Spain: Gazpacho Soup
A classic summer soup, served chilled. Chopped tomatoes, onions, cucumber, peppers, celery, flavored with lemon juice and Tabasco. Specific ingredients vary by chef.

Japan: Ebi Filet-O
Small shrimp battered in egg and wheat flour, breaded with a panko crust and deep fried. Served on a sesame seed bun, a slice of lettuce and a pickle relish.

Hawaii: Hawaiin Spam Deluxe Breakfast: Spam is so popular in Hawaii it has been dubbed "The Hawaiian Steak," so it is no surprise that McDonald's put the meat in their Deluxe Breakfast. Eggs, rice, hashbrowns, spam and toast.

Now, from the ridiculous (Spam of all things...what about mahi mahi?) to the sublime and I'm glad it's Canadian (I'll keep the fact they also make a poutine for Quebec a secret....)

The McLobster
The Canadian Maritimes and Maine (Seasonally) A corporate twist to the New England lobster roll. Lobster, McLobster sauce and lettuce in a lightly toasted bun.

West Wind: The Vision of Tom Thomson

 Tom Thomson:  The Jack Pine

We went to see this documentary with Neil and Donna last night at Pacific Cinematheque and we all really enjoyed it...preceded by a super dinner at Earle's.  We hadn't been to an Earle's for years.

Got me thinking about doing a painting of these wonderful pines you find in the south of France.  I have loads of photos of them and have done some paintings with pines.

Coincidentally, just before we left we saw this story on the 5pm news:

 From GlobalTV:

Last January the man walked into Maynards in Vancouver with two paintings in a dirty shopping bag, looking for an appraisal. He had bought both of the pieces for $50 each at an East Vancouver garage sale.
At first, the appraiser didn’t even think to take one of the paintings out of the bag, thinking it wasn’t worth anything.
But another staff member had a hunch and discovered that the painting was actually a piece of Canadian art history, a previously unknown work by Tom Thomson.

Thomson is best-known for inspiring the legendary Group of Seven artists.
A two-month long authentication process discovered that it was likely painted in 1915.
The last Thomson sold at Maynards went for $170,000 and the auction house says this latest find could go for even more, maybe even half-a-million dollars.

The second painting that the man brought in was a watercolour by Frederick Horsman Varley, and is worth approximently $4,000 – $6,000.

The unknown Tom Thomson painting.  The story was also on the front page of the Sun today...one person isn't completely convinced it is a Thomson.

Read it on Global News: Global BC | B.C. man's $50 garage sale find could fetch half-a-million dollars

Vintage Ad Sexism | Retronaut

 John sent me this link and I got quite a kick out of it.  Amazing that we didn't blink at eye at this type of advertising.  Ok...who's in for class action lawsuits against Hoover, Van Heusen, and Kenwood for shaping our views on our abilities and therefore not achieving our potential?

Vintage Ad Sexism | Retronaut

Cous Cous on the Drive

Yesterday we went to Carthage Restaurant on Commercial Drive and had great cous cous.  Jim had the more traditional with lamb shank, merquez sausage, & chicken and I went for the fresh halibut.  Excellent and we really like the ambiance and service.  Definitely a place to try again.  The owners are from Tunisia and francophone and there was a lot of French music playing like Claude Francois who we really liked but had kind of forgotten about.  I guess the music we had of his was on cassette so didn't get transferred to the iPod.  I just bought 15 of his most popular songs on iTunes and it is now on my iPod.  That also made us think of Claude Gauthier and Michel Sardou.  I'll have to get some of their stuff too.

Great steak at the Granville Island Keg

We had a nice walk around False Creek before going for dinner with Richard last night.  It's been a while since we've walked around here.  And it was their crab fest so some crab with great steak.  The steak was particularly appreciated since I'm having trouble getting good beef.  Even in Victoria,  Thrifty's and Slater's are often disappointing.  Perhaps we're back to restaurants getting all the good stuff.

A micro garden in front of a townhouse...small but really works somehow.

Bread and other musings...

McDonald's are making a more concerted effort to fit in by introducing a range of burgers that are tailored to the country they can be purchased in.  So, it all starts with the McBaguette in France. The rustic bread will include a Charolais burger with French-made Emmental cheese and mustard.

Well,  the bread looks good but as with almost all baguettes in France these days it will be mass produced.  Monique maintains there isn't a decent bakery in all of Bandol and I can believe it.  We were very lucky in Carqueiranne to have 5 bakeries that baked on site.  The bread was fabulous as Don and Elaine and Susan and Alan can testify to.   We have all been in the search for the "Carqueiranne baguette" since to no avail.

 The other day I read a review of a book called "The Last Supper" in which famous chefs describe what they would choose for their last meal. r

Massimiliano Alajmo of Le Calandre in Italy asks for just a loaf of bread and Sicilian olive oil.

It got me thinking that a Carqueiranne baguette and some first class Stilton cheese with a fine St. Emilion  and perhaps some Okanagan cherries at their peak of ripeness wouldn't be too shabby.  So...food from two countries in the world I love and have travelled in often and the cherries from wonderful childhood summers camping in the Okanagan.  Oh....and maybe some corn on the cob:)

Read more: http://www.timescolonist.com/life/Chefs+dish+their+picks+perfect+last+supper/6216786/story.html#ixzz1reyHbZbX

Why Easter bunny bacon is an idea to die for

From the Times-Colonist today....I do love Jack Knox and his humour.

Happy Easter everyone!

Why Easter bunny bacon is an idea to die for

C.W. Parker Carousel

Don Wrigley, who saved the 1912 C.W. Parker Carousel from the PNE, poses with Lilly Belle at the Burnaby Village Museum Burnaby, B.C., March 30, 2012. The carousel is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/Burnaby+carousel+horses+celebrate+years/6421676/story.html#ixzz1rOgPkvel

I'm sure I rode on this at the PNE in the 50's .  It's wonderful to know it's been preserved and you can also take a ride on it for $2.30.  We'll have to get out to the Burnaby Village Museum soon.

Mussel Mania

Took a cruise to Granville Island yesterday to indulge in moules,  frites avec dijon, pain, et biere.  We're getting to be pretty set in our ways...Jim gets the Provencale because he get loads of chorizo sausage and I get the Thai because I love the coconut milk and veggies.

Got a kick out of the cement truck whose mixer was painted like a bunch of asparagus even with the elastic around it. 

France election 2012: Nicolas Sarkozy bans cheese from Elys�e Palace - Telegraph

 So, Sarkozy doesn't drink wine and now has banned cheese from the Palace menus....goodness...what has the France  come to!

 This is a very modest cheese plate for the French.  While in Carcasonne  having a wonderful dinner they brought us at least 50 cheeses and 1/3 were goat and sheep.  Love live cheese!

France election 2012: Nicolas Sarkozy bans cheese from Elys�e Palace - Telegraph

Walking in the sunshine along Denman yesterday...

A little surprising to find in the "free bin" outside a thrift store.  The other day Jim picked up a book here for free he got $2 in trade for at Lawrence's.

 Very cool new fruit and nut store...also spices and other goodies.  For a nut lover like myself this might be fatal.  Bought some lime, sea salt pistachios.

This empanada store is fairly new addition and we look forward to trying them.

New New York Taxis

Cars are something I'm not generally very interested in but I do like what NYC has chosen to be its new taxi especially the rooftop window so you can get a view of the skyscrapers.

More info:

We’ve been hearing a lot about the so called “Taxi of Tomorrow,” but until recently we’d only seen renderings and prototypes. Now, on the eve of the 2012 New York Auto Show, following a special gathering in SoHo, Manhattan, Nissan has provided details on the actual version that will apply for hire on the streets of the Big Apple.
Features on the production version include a glass roof “presenting unique features of the city,” sliding rear access doors, easily reached grab handles, opening side windows, fully flat passenger floor, USB connectivity for the driver, a mobile charging 12 volt outlet and USB port for passengers, breathable antimicrobial (germ repellant) seat fabric and even a Hearing Loop System for the audibly impaired.
The NV200 is also the first New York City cab to be crash tested and certified with a full driver/passenger partition and sports front and rear occupant curtain airbags, with seat mounted units for the front row.
All NYC taxi NV200s will be powered by Nissan’s 2.0-liter gas four-cylinder engine and in anticipation of the severe use the cabs will be subjected to, the motor boasts a 150,000 mile warranty (NYC’s roughly 13,000 yellow cabs collectively travel around 500 million miles each year).

The Iron Lady

 I loved Meryl Streep's performance in this film but I did say to Jim that I did have some mixed feelings making such a film while she is still living.  I can understand the family not being very pleased with it all although apparently the daughter, Carol, did write about her mother's dementia.  I'm not really sure that gives public licence to make such a film.  Somehow I missed this huge controversy over the film.  Perhaps I wouldn't have been quite so swept away by Streep's performance if I had.

 I think now I'm leaning towards fewer mixed feelings and feel the film shouldn't have been made.

The Iron Lady and Margaret Thatcher's dementia: Why this despicable film makes voyeurs of us all - Telegraph

A rarity and soon to be rarer....

Jim's had a rather miserable cold this past week but was feeling somewhat better Saturday so we treated ourselves to Las Margaritas for lunch and we both started with their wonderful torilla soup.  Then off to Lawrence's Bookstore on 41st and Dunbar...a real oldtime bookstore and lots of fun to browse in.  Jim picked up a few things and I restrained myself from buying a book on Vancouver since I have purchased various things lately like the Chuck Davis "History of Vancouver"  and  Claudia Cornwall's "Curt Lang's Vancouver" along with the Fred Herzog.

Angry Geese at the University of Waterloo

Fern,  where are you with your slingshot...they could have used you here!

Angry goose at the University of Waterloo.


From the Weather Network:

After one of the mildest winters on record in Southern Ontario, the number of geese on campus increased, and they seemed to be more aggressive than normal.   “They give you a little look and then they charge at you,” says student Michael Chung. “Their wings go big and they fly at you, and never stop honking. It’s just crazy.”   Temperatures began pushing 30 degrees in late March, and the Canada Geese began banding together. It was as if they were gaining strength from the warmth.   Then it turned cold last week. And that made the geese very angry.

The whole situation came to a head on Friday, when the geese entered the Davis Centre.  Dan Anderson is the Director of Police Services at the University of Waterloo, and he said he received a call in the afternoon that the geese had taken over the library. He was also made aware that a hostage was involved.  “We were surprised, the First Responders, when they got here, that the geese had actually set up a perimeter and were giving intelligence inside as to where we were coming from,” says Anderson. “So we had to be a little more covert in the way we first attacked it.”  Anderson added that once the tactical teams understood what the situation was, they were able to breach the perimeter.  “They managed to push them back, get a hold of the hostage and get her out of there."  The hostage Anderson is referring to is UW student Leslie Pucan. Pucan’s friend, Jacqueline Serran, told media that she knew how dangerous geese can be.  “I was really, really concerned,” Serran told us. “It was crazy. I had trouble sleeping last night. It wasn’t a good night.”

Pucan agreed to meet with The Weather Network’s Natalie Thomas to discuss her ordeal.  “It’s really hard for me to be back at the library,” Pucan told Thomas.  Held hostage for nearly four hours, Pucan was studying for exams in the library when the geese broke in. 

“All of a sudden I heard this big honking noise and I didn't know what it was,” Pucan says. “It startled me. And I turned and it was the geese. And I went to go get my phone and it was gone. And I just saw, it looked like the biggest goose I'd ever seen. Maybe the leader or something. He just took it and he was running through the stacks."  Once the tactical teams were close to her, Pucan swears she heard one of the geese say something.  “He honked at me,” Pucan recalls. “And he just said ‘Happy April Fools.’"  Yes, HAPPY APRIL FOOLS from The Weather Network.  Thanks to our friends at the University of Waterloo for playing along. And for the record, no geese were harmed in the making of this story.