tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31221340823936986762024-03-13T10:51:56.790-07:00Wee Sweet MarieMarie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-14572612911398140782010-08-19T13:14:00.000-07:002010-08-19T13:33:09.398-07:00Seed Cathedral<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TG2Q45LCnQI/AAAAAAAAAvU/J6T2atYfYMc/s1600/seed-cathedral.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TG2Q45LCnQI/AAAAAAAAAvU/J6T2atYfYMc/s400/seed-cathedral.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507217226438188290" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">image via </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabyu/4586419658/">gabyu</a></span><br /><br />This year's Expo in Shanghai features one of the coolest pavilions ever - the Seed Cathedral. <br />Built using 60,858 transparent fiber optic rods, each containing a plant seed specimen, this innovative structure sits at the centre of the UK Pavilions site.<br />Visitors inside can watch in awe as light passes through the fiber optic filaments and illuminates the interior while gently moving in the wind, creating what I'm sure is a very dramatic effect.<br />Over 25% of the world's plant species were collected to take their place in this otherworldly showcase. How beautiful this must be...too bad it's not permanent.<br />Read more and see more pictures of this <a href="http://www.archdaily.com/58591/uk-pavilion-for-shanghai-world-expo-2010-heatherwick-studio/">"animate sculpture"</a>.Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-20219355100109941632010-08-10T15:28:00.000-07:002010-08-10T20:35:02.255-07:00Cargotecture<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TGIaPIcwmSI/AAAAAAAAAvM/BAAIqnxHYyU/s1600/19.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TGIaPIcwmSI/AAAAAAAAAvM/BAAIqnxHYyU/s400/19.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503990541868636450" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">image via </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://weburbanist.com/">weburbanist</a></span><br /><br />Could I live in a shipping container? Sure! If it looked anything like <a href="http://weburbanist.com/2008/05/26/cargo-container-homes-and-offices/">these</a> beautiful converted studios and living spaces.<br />Quite an interesting idea. And it's one that seems to have grown legs in recent years what with a shortage of affordable housing and society's desire to salvage and recycle building materials, either to be more green or simply to fulfill a need for safe shelter. It doesn't hurt that our ports are full of abandoned containers looking for a new home. Many importers choose to abandon them because it's cheaper to buy new ones than to have them sent back, meaning there are plenty used ones for sale. They can be great solutions to temporary housing, having been used as student dorms, hurricane shelters and disaster recovery efforts.<br />I'm a fan of the more permanent re-imagining of the cargo container. It's a twist on the mobile home that has architects designing new ways to integrate these stackable, durable and inexpensive shells into beautiful office and residential spaces.<br /><br />One man has been chronicling his adventures in container redesign <a href="http://shippingcontainerstudio.blogspot.com/">here</a>.<br /><br />This <a href="http://www.dwell.com/slideshows/smaller-in-texas.html?slide=2&c=y&paused=true">one</a>, featured recently in Dwell, is one of my favorites.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TGIYtN5_7cI/AAAAAAAAAvE/3bp1iY6uSD4/s1600/hill-container-studio-exterior-facade.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TGIYtN5_7cI/AAAAAAAAAvE/3bp1iY6uSD4/s400/hill-container-studio-exterior-facade.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503988859706273218" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >image via <a href="http://www.dwell.com/">dwell</a></span>Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-69644638331232259922010-08-09T16:18:00.001-07:002010-08-09T20:33:10.442-07:00Garden State<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TGDHviVUsyI/AAAAAAAAAu0/kJkv3XZeoUM/s1600/veggies.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TGDHviVUsyI/AAAAAAAAAu0/kJkv3XZeoUM/s400/veggies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503618364130767650" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TGDHviVUsyI/AAAAAAAAAu0/kJkv3XZeoUM/s1600/veggies.jpg"></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">swiss chard, carrots, beans, beets and lettuce...yum.</span></i><br /><div><br /></div>It is good, very good, to be able to grow your own food. Watching our garden grow from seed to luscious, leafy produce has done more than promote watering taste buds, it's helped promote a bond with the earth, the changes in weather, even the birds and deer who occasionally pay a visit to try to steal a nibble.<br />When I was a kid, my parents grew food in our backyard. I have fond memories of digging in the dirt to uncover golden skinned potatoes, peeking under broad leaves to find squash and zucchini... and not so fond memories of picking beans and pulling weeds. I still hate picking beans.<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TGDHwMBFADI/AAAAAAAAAu8/vDvrzYSisQA/s1600/momandveggies.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TGDHwMBFADI/AAAAAAAAAu8/vDvrzYSisQA/s400/momandveggies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503618375320141874" style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TGDHwMBFADI/AAAAAAAAAu8/vDvrzYSisQA/s1600/momandveggies.jpg"></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">mom helping out with the garden during her visit this june.</span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span>Our modest raised veggie bed that we built at our cabin this spring has yielded some yummy results so far and despite one month with no rain and little supervision, we managed to get a decent harvest when we were up this weekend.<div>Being the first garden my husband or I have had in our adult life, there are definitely some lessons learned that we can apply to next season. I've discovered the importance of garden markers (I don't know how many times I planted seeds on top of other seeds) and that bean seedlings don't like to be transported 2.5 hours by car and ferry (my poor little beanlings took a beating on the commute from our city home where they were germinated).<br />Perhaps the biggest lesson of all is to keep a close eye on our cat when he's in the vicinity. Those raised veggie beds nearly became his personal outdoor litter box on more than one occasion, saved only by a last minute squirt with the garden hose. I guess you could say my cat learned a lesson, too.<br /><br /></div></div></div>Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-43608190166210001012010-08-04T22:13:00.000-07:002010-08-04T22:37:14.572-07:00I want to paint this.It's 10:30pm and I'm at work. As I sit here I occasionally flipping between programs, I catch a glimpse of the image I set to my desktop.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TFpLWp9ILVI/AAAAAAAAAuk/Ot-pGpveSrk/s1600/38991_10150258160915201_878915200_14251439_3158999_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TFpLWp9ILVI/AAAAAAAAAuk/Ot-pGpveSrk/s400/38991_10150258160915201_878915200_14251439_3158999_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501792747377929554" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I've been encouraged to start painting again. Real deal painting, brushes, messy paints and everything. I'm thinking this photo I took last week would be a good candidate to get me back into what has become my "lost art".Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-24041063455675243452010-08-02T12:12:00.000-07:002010-08-02T12:35:14.955-07:00Road trip!My husband and I hadn't had a vacation together since our honeymoon. 3 years ago. Our schedules are somewhat demanding, I suppose, but there's no excuse for that. Fortunately the stars aligned this past week and we were able to book some days off together for an anniversary getaway road trip to the Rocky Mountains.<br /><br />It<br /><br />was<br /><br />awesome.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TFcaIWny1xI/AAAAAAAAAts/HVaPnNNapnU/s1600/39675_10150257147140201_878915200_14214871_5037391_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TFcaIWny1xI/AAAAAAAAAts/HVaPnNNapnU/s400/39675_10150257147140201_878915200_14214871_5037391_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500894200670115602" border="0" /></a><br />we started off the trip with two days at our friend's annual ranch party in Princeton...thanks Birmingham family!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TFcarKgvxQI/AAAAAAAAAt0/B20rMsd__6g/s1600/39674_10150257146895201_878915200_14214859_6529971_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TFcarKgvxQI/AAAAAAAAAt0/B20rMsd__6g/s400/39674_10150257146895201_878915200_14214859_6529971_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500894798714750210" border="0" /></a><br />from there it was on to Osoyoos, Canada's only pocket desert, for some hiking, jetskiing and sunbathing in 38 degree heat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TFcbRjddTkI/AAAAAAAAAt8/3nJNxUCdDX4/s1600/39674_10150257146910201_878915200_14214862_1974768_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TFcbRjddTkI/AAAAAAAAAt8/3nJNxUCdDX4/s400/39674_10150257146910201_878915200_14214862_1974768_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500895458246872642" border="0" /></a><br />this is one of the most stunning places in the country, in my opinion. just outside of Waterton Lakes National Park.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TFccCgGRFqI/AAAAAAAAAuE/fKGo5F0WGNc/s1600/38723_10150257148825201_878915200_14214923_1436697_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TFccCgGRFqI/AAAAAAAAAuE/fKGo5F0WGNc/s400/38723_10150257148825201_878915200_14214923_1436697_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500896299157886626" border="0" /></a><br />the prairies meet the Rockies in the most immediate and dramatic way.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TFccp1Bwe9I/AAAAAAAAAuM/Jszt6IWkhB8/s1600/38475_10150257147320201_878915200_14214886_6534265_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TFccp1Bwe9I/AAAAAAAAAuM/Jszt6IWkhB8/s400/38475_10150257147320201_878915200_14214886_6534265_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500896974791015378" border="0" /></a><br />at Waterton Lake. what a great opportunity to try out my new sigma 10-20mm.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TFcdFHkZLYI/AAAAAAAAAuU/HHhNO1xo7wI/s1600/38316_10150257146460201_878915200_14214832_3852034_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TFcdFHkZLYI/AAAAAAAAAuU/HHhNO1xo7wI/s400/38316_10150257146460201_878915200_14214832_3852034_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500897443624594818" border="0" /></a><br />the best way to see the Rockies? on a forestry service road, of course! no traffic, no tourists, lots of spectacular views.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TFcdfkuLstI/AAAAAAAAAuc/vOIqc6FsB3M/s1600/39331_10150257146610201_878915200_14214843_8369660_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/TFcdfkuLstI/AAAAAAAAAuc/vOIqc6FsB3M/s400/39331_10150257146610201_878915200_14214843_8369660_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500897898126881490" border="0" /></a><br />that's not to say we didn't indulge ourselves by visiting some of the old tourist standards. Moraine Lake, Alberta.Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-91343265230861929542010-04-04T15:32:00.000-07:002010-04-04T15:55:19.313-07:00Pillow Fight<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S7kUeGSQ4RI/AAAAAAAAAs0/YFj-M1sdrZ0/s1600/il_430xN.129674176.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S7kUeGSQ4RI/AAAAAAAAAs0/YFj-M1sdrZ0/s400/il_430xN.129674176.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456414930851914002" /></span></a><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">pretty and rustic </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42534435"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">beach cottage pillow cover by myadobecottage</span></a></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42534435"></a><br />I'm in the market for a few accessories to accent the coastal look of our Pender Harbour home.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Number one on the list is to find a couple of throw pillows to dress up an otherwise drab couch.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S7kWoVaxNuI/AAAAAAAAAtM/JM1cm7TRx6U/s1600/il_430xN.133409020.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S7kWoVaxNuI/AAAAAAAAAtM/JM1cm7TRx6U/s400/il_430xN.133409020.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456417305736066786" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></a></div><div><i><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43625158"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">tree branch pillows by mariescosycushions</span></a></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S7kXVPfWiOI/AAAAAAAAAtU/3igG6cxP5mo/s1600/il_fullxfull.134265948.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S7kXVPfWiOI/AAAAAAAAAtU/3igG6cxP5mo/s400/il_fullxfull.134265948.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456418077238790370" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></a></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43878941"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">nautically inspired seahorse pillow cover by humble collection</span></a></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S7kX26V4HlI/AAAAAAAAAtc/Gf8E3UuPMAY/s1600/il_430xN.128923935.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S7kX26V4HlI/AAAAAAAAAtc/Gf8E3UuPMAY/s400/il_430xN.128923935.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456418655677455954" style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></a></span></i></div><div><i><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42314684"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">love, love, love everything in this shop - jellyfish in armour by utilitarianfranchise</span></a></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In a perfect world, I could ditch the couch and just get this loverly chair instead:)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S7kVS6yTtdI/AAAAAAAAAs8/_OvFIEfJt9M/s1600/il_fullxfull.133698805.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S7kVS6yTtdI/AAAAAAAAAs8/_OvFIEfJt9M/s400/il_fullxfull.133698805.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456415838298158546" style="cursor: pointer; width: 316px; height: 400px; " /></span></a></div><div><i><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43709525"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">e</span></a></i><i><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43709525"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">stelle chair by ljindustries</span></a></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-27034746417839373022010-03-18T19:29:00.000-07:002010-03-18T21:56:14.015-07:00All hail Ter·rar·i·a!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S6LrPBTnUXI/AAAAAAAAAsU/28mvzvHO4CM/s1600-h/IMG_6765.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 336px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S6LrPBTnUXI/AAAAAAAAAsU/28mvzvHO4CM/s400/IMG_6765.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450177142352990578" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S6LrPBTnUXI/AAAAAAAAAsU/28mvzvHO4CM/s1600-h/IMG_6765.JPG"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family:arial, serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">No frogs or toads were harmed in this process.</span></i></span><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S6LqRtNprwI/AAAAAAAAAsM/MEhNVQGa1eM/s1600-h/IMG_6765.JPG"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">n. </span></span><i style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.25em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">pl.</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><b style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.25em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ter·rar·i·ums</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> or </span></span><b style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.25em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ter·rar·i·a</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (-ē-ə) A small enclosure or closed container in which selected living plants and sometimes small land animals, such as turtles and lizards, are kept and observed.</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I post this definition because today people kept asking me why I had a big bag of moss sitting on my desk. I explained that I was going to use it in a terrarium, to which most of them replied, "What's a terrarium?"</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I've always wanted to build one, but having learned some difficult lessons as a child, trapping frogs and toads (and then forgetting that I had trapped them) I thought it maybe didn't suit me. Of course, a plant terrarium - that is something I can probably handle.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So thank goodness for </span></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/how-tuesday-top-10-spring-tutorials-by-etsians-7440/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Etsy's latest DIY article</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> featuring 10 or so great little tutorials for fun spring projects. </span></span><a href="http://thehipsterho.me/2010/01/how-to-make-a-tiny-terrarium-in-a-light-bulb/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This particular one</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, posted by </span></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/tinyterra"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">tinyterra</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, caught my eye for being so clever.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Last night was one of the few nights where I found myself slightly bored so I moseyed into the bathroom and finally replaced all the dead lightbulbs over the vanity. Step one of my first terrarium project complete. Dis-assembling the bulb was easier than I thought it would be, but please DO follow the advice to wear safety goggles and gloves. Nobody likes shards in the eye. I used white sand from a beach trip and spanish moss, both red and green. I couldn't find any air plants but it looks just as nice with the moss.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Throwing away lightbulbs is annoying so I'm excited to now have a use for them. With the move to compact fluorescents, better to save our incandescents from the landfill - and make some terrariums!</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S6MAaFZVgTI/AAAAAAAAAss/6KyWSy-koBw/s1600-h/Collages1.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S6MAaFZVgTI/AAAAAAAAAss/6KyWSy-koBw/s400/Collages1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450200422173475122" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 315px; " /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">clockwise from left</span></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43027373&ref=sr_gallery_1&&ga_search_query=terrariums&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">terrarium kit</span></i></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> by </span></i><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/augury"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">augury</span></i></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43014332&ref=sr_gallery_25&&ga_search_query=terrariums&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">terrarium necklac</span></i></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">e by </span></i><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WoodlandBelle"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">woodland belle</span></i></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://img4.sunset.com/i/2009/01/tillandsia-leonamiana-m.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.sunset.com/garden/flowers-plants/tillandsia-air-plant-00400000059474/&usg=__Dapi4O29ZBh0mWJX8Qk9hylp4i8=&h=300&w=300&sz=33&hl=en&start=46&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=QPkgxFAxdU9EQM:&tbnh=116&tbnw=116&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dair%2Bplants%2Bonline%26start%3D40%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26ndsp%3D20%26tbs%3Disch:1"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">air plants (tillandsias)</span></i></a></span></span></div></div></div>Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-37545532620786035982010-03-09T12:00:00.000-08:002010-03-09T22:34:53.644-08:00How to build a great gardenSpring has sprung early in coastal BC and so to get a jump on the garden (before it gets a jump on us) we decided to spend the last couple of weekends up at the cabin clearing out the brambles and cutting back overgrowth. Fun stuff you say? Actually, it is and I quite enjoy it. This is the first time since childhood that I've had a yard so I'm excited to get my hands dirty and work a little green thumb.<div>I thought I'd share with you a great tutorial on <a href="http://www.sunset.com/garden/perfect-raised-bed-00400000039550/">how to build a raised bed for your garden</a>.<br /><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S5c8YHh0w3I/AAAAAAAAAsE/NEPnaVynQX8/s1600-h/IMG_6752.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S5c8YHh0w3I/AAAAAAAAAsE/NEPnaVynQX8/s400/IMG_6752.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446888659363349362" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a><br /><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">soon to be filled with yummy tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, cucumbers...</span></i></div><div><br />We decided to build raised veggie beds for a couple of reasons. When we started tilling we realized the bedrock was less than a foot under the topsoil in some places. Another reason is that raised beds are a little less back breaking to work in (and they look pretty). We followed the design on <a href="http://www.sunset.com/">Sunset.com</a>, with a couple minor adjustments.<br /><br />- We used spruce instead of cedar. Though not as durable, spruce still weathers well and is half the cost of cedar. We were offered pressure treated wood for its durability but swiftly turned it down. An organic veggie garden isn't very organic if chemicals are leaching into it.<br />- We used <a href="http://www.rona.ca:80/shop/~landscape-professional-landscape-fabric-weed-stop-250362_!landscape-fabric_shop">landscape fabric</a> instead of the hardware cloth recommended on the website. Our area generally doesn't have a problem with burrowers and the fabric is more than enough to keep out pesky weeds. It's also a fraction of the cost of the hardware cloth.<br /><br />To build both frames for the beds only took us a couple of hours, plus another hour to dig the holes for the posts and attach the pvc piping for the bird netting. It ended up costing a total of 180.00 for materials, but considering we'll make that up and more in groceries I'd say it's well worth the effort.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div></div>Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-59712930660898114842010-03-01T09:25:00.001-08:002010-03-02T11:25:28.366-08:00# 9 - Celebration<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S41k8MTOUUI/AAAAAAAAArc/3Cf5yDwhrAk/s1600-h/bill.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S41k8MTOUUI/AAAAAAAAArc/3Cf5yDwhrAk/s400/bill.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444118509817581890" /></a><br /><br />It was a perfect ending to an imperfect (but still amazing) winter games. Canada showed the rest of the world that we aren't a bunch of doormats so don't wipe your feet on us when we welcome you to our country. Please and thank you.<br />We trounced the rest of the world in gold medals, breaking a record for the most won at a winter games and a host country. We broke our own record for total medals won at a winter games.<br />And oh yes, we beat the good ole' U.S.A in a nail biting OT hockey win that sent this city into a frenzy of high fives, horn honking and WOOOOOhOOOOOOOO's!<br />If you weren't a fan of the Olympics before, you almost certainly will be now. At least if you live in Canada. And at least for the next few days before the party buzz wears off. What comes next is uncertain. The games have a legacy of lifting their host cities to superstar status but sometimes the come down can be rough. Witness another Canadian host city, Montreal in '76.<br />But for now, nobody's thinking about it. We just want to revel awhile longer and bask in the glow of what many are saying could be the most successful games ever. Pat yourself on the back, Vancouver. Well done.<div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S41k-C7HULI/AAAAAAAAAr0/cqyH5GOL9Xk/s1600-h/pride3.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S41k-C7HULI/AAAAAAAAAr0/cqyH5GOL9Xk/s400/pride3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444118541660278962" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S41k-C7HULI/AAAAAAAAAr0/cqyH5GOL9Xk/s1600-h/pride3.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S41k8gywTtI/AAAAAAAAArk/ULQ9O4UuAkg/s1600-h/pride.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S41k8gywTtI/AAAAAAAAArk/ULQ9O4UuAkg/s400/pride.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444118515318542034" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S41lv7i4SZI/AAAAAAAAAr8/1KJ3IAyGFrI/s1600-h/IMG_6080.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S41lv7i4SZI/AAAAAAAAAr8/1KJ3IAyGFrI/s400/IMG_6080.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444119398673041810" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S41k8gywTtI/AAAAAAAAArk/ULQ9O4UuAkg/s1600-h/pride.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S41k9qS1X1I/AAAAAAAAArs/_9CA0_Utuiw/s1600-h/pride2.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S41k9qS1X1I/AAAAAAAAArs/_9CA0_Utuiw/s400/pride2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444118535048879954" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S41k9qS1X1I/AAAAAAAAArs/_9CA0_Utuiw/s1600-h/pride2.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S41k7Quf1NI/AAAAAAAAArU/OHThn4nZxMs/s1600-h/medal+moon.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S41k7Quf1NI/AAAAAAAAArU/OHThn4nZxMs/s400/medal+moon.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444118493825848530" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S41k7Quf1NI/AAAAAAAAArU/OHThn4nZxMs/s1600-h/medal+moon.jpg"></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">...and as the vancouver olympics come to a close, the moon rises over the city, a gold medal in the sky for a gold medal country.</span></i><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-59387735151033042232010-02-26T10:14:00.000-08:002010-02-26T10:29:56.373-08:00#8 - Mounties!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4gShYLRtNI/AAAAAAAAArM/SBy-QplMkKs/s1600-h/IMG_6468.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4gShYLRtNI/AAAAAAAAArM/SBy-QplMkKs/s400/IMG_6468.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442620514311976146" /></a><br /><br />Phew! Finally a spare moment to sit and post my latest photos. It's been non-stop around here, what with finishing a huge project at work and entertaining family members who are in town for the Olympics. It's really exhausting, which is a side-effect I wasn't expecting from these games you know, since I'm not competing and all. I think it's just overwhelming, in a good way mind you, but tiring nonetheless. Constant expense of energy and opportunities that you feel can't be missed - like this opportunity for some great photos.<div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4gR9OpoHYI/AAAAAAAAAqc/bQWbp5Empio/s1600-h/IMG_6521.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4gR9OpoHYI/AAAAAAAAAqc/bQWbp5Empio/s400/IMG_6521.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442619893279628674" style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4gScs1wnJI/AAAAAAAAArE/pOo7AotM41k/s1600-h/IMG_6483-1.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4gScs1wnJI/AAAAAAAAArE/pOo7AotM41k/s400/IMG_6483-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442620433959525522" style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4gScs1wnJI/AAAAAAAAArE/pOo7AotM41k/s1600-h/IMG_6483-1.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4gSKFkRbAI/AAAAAAAAAqs/j4jEBJ0pnv0/s1600-h/IMG_6488.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4gSKFkRbAI/AAAAAAAAAqs/j4jEBJ0pnv0/s400/IMG_6488.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442620114179550210" style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4gSKFkRbAI/AAAAAAAAAqs/j4jEBJ0pnv0/s1600-h/IMG_6488.jpg"></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/mr-ce/index-eng.htm">The RCMP musical rid</a>e is something I hadn't seen since I was a kid so when a friend mentioned it was happening down at the Olympic cauldron, we pretty much dropped everything and went. Glad I did - I got some great pictures and it was really cool to see the Mounties in all their regalia. Doesn't get much more Canadian than that, eh?</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4gSFQLb6rI/AAAAAAAAAqk/ItqJSGp_He0/s1600-h/IMG_6494.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4gSFQLb6rI/AAAAAAAAAqk/ItqJSGp_He0/s400/IMG_6494.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442620031128824498" style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4gSXAuCxrI/AAAAAAAAAq8/gR3JIQVFRuA/s1600-h/IMG_6463.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4gSXAuCxrI/AAAAAAAAAq8/gR3JIQVFRuA/s400/IMG_6463.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442620336216655538" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4gSQb12gDI/AAAAAAAAAq0/elLaC4cA9KY/s1600-h/IMG_6500.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4gSQb12gDI/AAAAAAAAAq0/elLaC4cA9KY/s400/IMG_6500.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442620223238078514" style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div></div></div>Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-59728322490614030752010-02-20T16:03:00.000-08:002010-02-20T16:57:39.557-08:00#7 - Sunshine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4CDfC5wTWI/AAAAAAAAAqE/9L_l5Py7mA8/s1600-h/IMG_6301.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4CDfC5wTWI/AAAAAAAAAqE/9L_l5Py7mA8/s400/IMG_6301.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440492919241854306" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">my hubby, on the beach in kit</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">s</span></span><br /><div><br />The weather gods have truly outdone themselves this time. After a predicted gloomy forecast and problems with the lack of snow at Cypress, I'm amazed at how well things have turned out weather wise. I mean, you can't ask for a better week. The last few days have been cloudless and warm, perfect for the thousands of people out and about in our city. Dubbed "the Spring Olympics", I've heard few complaints from the people who came here expecting a cold and wintery Canada. What better way to dispel the myth that we all live in igloos and ride dogsleds.<div>This is my Vancouver and I love it!</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4CCOwcAPAI/AAAAAAAAAp0/463ZtL6dJUE/s1600-h/IMG_6287.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4CCOwcAPAI/AAAAAAAAAp0/463ZtL6dJUE/s400/IMG_6287.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440491539895696386" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">a gorgeous day for competitors atop cypress mountain</span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4CCq097R7I/AAAAAAAAAp8/G4x3B6PqtdY/s1600-h/IMG_6294.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4CCq097R7I/AAAAAAAAAp8/G4x3B6PqtdY/s400/IMG_6294.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440492022148057010" style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></i></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4CEe_O2w1I/AAAAAAAAAqU/nCvE9rpsvuA/s1600-h/IMG_6327.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4CEe_O2w1I/AAAAAAAAAqU/nCvE9rpsvuA/s400/IMG_6327.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440494017768244050" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">cherry blossoms, out a bit early this year</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4CEMJ_exuI/AAAAAAAAAqM/nI57Gbd_L9I/s1600-h/IMG_6319.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S4CEMJ_exuI/AAAAAAAAAqM/nI57Gbd_L9I/s400/IMG_6319.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440493694239033058" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">it's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood</span></i></div></div>Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-3353384701418726172010-02-15T21:47:00.000-08:002010-02-16T20:02:47.305-08:00# 6 - Nightlife<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3tnO3b27NI/AAAAAAAAApc/NLE75_mf4cA/s1600-h/IMG_6110.JPG"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3tnO3b27NI/AAAAAAAAApc/NLE75_mf4cA/s400/IMG_6110.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439054480076631250" /></span></i></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">fireworks after the opening ceremonies</span></span></i><br /><br />Vancouver's not known for spectacular nightlife, at least not when compared to places like New York, Montreal or even Toronto. But these last few nights in Van have made the buzz in those cities seem more like a fizzle. I've never seen so many people on the streets. The energy is palpable.<div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3tlZxR9BPI/AAAAAAAAApE/T68s2cy68P4/s1600-h/IMG_6172.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3tlZxR9BPI/AAAAAAAAApE/T68s2cy68P4/s400/IMG_6172.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439052468379780338" style="cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3tlZxR9BPI/AAAAAAAAApE/T68s2cy68P4/s1600-h/IMG_6172.JPG"></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">revelling in robson square</span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3tpiQCqZnI/AAAAAAAAAps/q4_71BBlLLE/s1600-h/IMG_6149.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3tpiQCqZnI/AAAAAAAAAps/q4_71BBlLLE/s400/IMG_6149.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439057012122609266" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></span></i></div><div><i><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3tpiQCqZnI/AAAAAAAAAps/q4_71BBlLLE/s1600-h/IMG_6149.JPG"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">mobson street</span></i><br /></span></i><br />Friday night's opening ceremonies was a frenzy. At one point I was literally swept down Robson by the crowd, caught up in this current of people and unable to break out of the flow until it petered out somewhere around Burrard Street. I wasn't the only one who couldn't find their way...our ex-prime minister needed directions to his hotel.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3tnPibfchI/AAAAAAAAApk/7XzOYNcCpv8/s1600-h/IMG_6101.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3tnPibfchI/AAAAAAAAApk/7XzOYNcCpv8/s400/IMG_6101.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439054491617817106" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 368px; " /></a></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">mr. chretien - which way to shawinigan, hein?</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight as I left work, mobs of people were leaving BC Place high off the celebration of a medal ceremony where Alex Bilodeau was awarded Canada's first ever gold on home turf. The whole city has a carnival atmosphere, especially at night when the street performers, pyrotechnics and drunken revellers really hit their stride.<div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3tlZBLCe1I/AAAAAAAAAo8/bummprIQnLE/s1600-h/IMG_6175.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3tlZBLCe1I/AAAAAAAAAo8/bummprIQnLE/s400/IMG_6175.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439052455465876306" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 237px; " /></a><br /><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ice skating at robson square - they should have this all the time!</span></i></div><div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3tlaYhhElI/AAAAAAAAApM/nn3EuuS-PVw/s1600-h/IMG_6163.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3tlaYhhElI/AAAAAAAAApM/nn3EuuS-PVw/s400/IMG_6163.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439052478914040402" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">street performer at granville and robson </span></i></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3tlYqnvh9I/AAAAAAAAAo0/dzT0zssQZhk/s1600-h/IMG_6179.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3tlYqnvh9I/AAAAAAAAAo0/dzT0zssQZhk/s400/IMG_6179.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439052449412253650" style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">hotel vancouver with art gallery in foreground</span></i></div></div></div></div>Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-57662253915538332022010-02-14T09:37:00.000-08:002010-02-14T12:53:32.485-08:00#5 - Protest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3hgnGw6fdI/AAAAAAAAAn8/H2p4U8_Fe10/s1600-h/IMG_6017.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3hgnGw6fdI/AAAAAAAAAn8/H2p4U8_Fe10/s400/IMG_6017.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438202774996811218" /></a><br /><br /><div>The riot squad was a tip off that something big was headed our way. Within minutes, we could hear shouting and cheering from outside our studio at Cambie and Robson.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3hfsGCBe2I/AAAAAAAAAns/vCM2_jp9S1s/s1600-h/IMG_5994.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3hfsGCBe2I/AAAAAAAAAns/vCM2_jp9S1s/s400/IMG_5994.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438201761187855202" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3hfsjqf2nI/AAAAAAAAAn0/QmApyrxzePw/s1600-h/IMG_6007.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3hfsjqf2nI/AAAAAAAAAn0/QmApyrxzePw/s400/IMG_6007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438201769142246002" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a><br /><div><br /><div>It was a protest organized by the Anti-Poverty committee, but once we were down in the thick of it, we could see virtually every cause in the world well represented. From "Jesus died for your sins" to "Stop the Alberta Tar Sands!", this seemed less of an Olympic protest and more of an opportunity seize the world media spotlight.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3hhVXqXw5I/AAAAAAAAAoc/YYM1TBzXjzg/s1600-h/IMG_6033.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3hhVXqXw5I/AAAAAAAAAoc/YYM1TBzXjzg/s400/IMG_6033.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438203569806754706" style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3hhVXqXw5I/AAAAAAAAAoc/YYM1TBzXjzg/s1600-h/IMG_6033.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3hgoE2KTHI/AAAAAAAAAoM/JJ09C7E-DG4/s1600-h/IMG_6028.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3hgoE2KTHI/AAAAAAAAAoM/JJ09C7E-DG4/s400/IMG_6028.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438202791661816946" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3hgoE2KTHI/AAAAAAAAAoM/JJ09C7E-DG4/s1600-h/IMG_6028.JPG"></a><br />It lasted only a few minutes at its terminus of BC Place before police, eager to get waiting athletes to the opening ceremonies, broke it up and cleared the intersection. This day's protest was much more peaceful than yesterday's, where apparently some balaclava wearing "protesters" smashed windows at the Bay downtown.<br />Ah yes, democracy in action.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3hhU9ysRHI/AAAAAAAAAoU/Vmzgk41tF6A/s1600-h/IMG_6029.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3hhU9ysRHI/AAAAAAAAAoU/Vmzgk41tF6A/s400/IMG_6029.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438203562862330994" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3hisevx-7I/AAAAAAAAAok/5QD-wMJO6Hw/s1600-h/IMG_6010.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3hisevx-7I/AAAAAAAAAok/5QD-wMJO6Hw/s400/IMG_6010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438205066357111730" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3hgn8TAnfI/AAAAAAAAAoE/QgncfUJSX9E/s1600-h/IMG_6020.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3hgn8TAnfI/AAAAAAAAAoE/QgncfUJSX9E/s400/IMG_6020.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438202789366898162" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div></div></div></div>Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-74309473746813277652010-02-12T14:04:00.001-08:002010-02-13T20:46:32.847-08:00#4 - Flame<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d7qpdRBxI/AAAAAAAAAmM/X-HmZDODN2M/s1600-h/IMG_5845.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d7qpdRBxI/AAAAAAAAAmM/X-HmZDODN2M/s400/IMG_5845.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437951047686489874" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d7qpdRBxI/AAAAAAAAAmM/X-HmZDODN2M/s1600-h/IMG_5845.JPG"></a><br />Phew! Day one of the Olympics and I just "escaped" the mob at the torch relay downtown. What an experience. I'm not usually agoraphobic, but I couldn't wait to get out of there.<br />I staked out the route a bit earlier and managed to get a spot right in front of the last torchbearer of the outdoor leg, a young aboriginal man who was nominated by his band to carry the Olympic flame. I think a few others caught on and soon I was joined by about 200 other eager photo snappers. I still managed to get a few good shots despite having committed a rookie mistake by not charging my camera battery last night. Thankfully, it allowed me 20 or so frames before completely pooping out.<div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d7rS61l-I/AAAAAAAAAmU/6HSnUTSXdh8/s1600-h/IMG_5846.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d7rS61l-I/AAAAAAAAAmU/6HSnUTSXdh8/s400/IMG_5846.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437951058816374754" style="cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d7rS61l-I/AAAAAAAAAmU/6HSnUTSXdh8/s1600-h/IMG_5846.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d74cfVZ-I/AAAAAAAAAmc/APMEmCEdqbk/s1600-h/IMG_5854.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d74cfVZ-I/AAAAAAAAAmc/APMEmCEdqbk/s400/IMG_5854.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437951284723673058" style="cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d742g2sxI/AAAAAAAAAmk/HGkADHJU8Co/s1600-h/IMG_5869.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d742g2sxI/AAAAAAAAAmk/HGkADHJU8Co/s400/IMG_5869.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437951291709371154" style="cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d74cfVZ-I/AAAAAAAAAmc/APMEmCEdqbk/s1600-h/IMG_5854.JPG"></a><br />These photos are from the relay today and the relay last night, as it passed through my neighbourhood in Kitsilano.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d742g2sxI/AAAAAAAAAmk/HGkADHJU8Co/s1600-h/IMG_5869.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d8m-svjXI/AAAAAAAAAms/w1B2pp0d1KM/s1600-h/IMG_5895.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d8m-svjXI/AAAAAAAAAms/w1B2pp0d1KM/s400/IMG_5895.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437952084180700530" style="cursor: pointer; width: 359px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d8m-svjXI/AAAAAAAAAms/w1B2pp0d1KM/s1600-h/IMG_5895.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d8nx9XRdI/AAAAAAAAAm8/Yek98rIGx10/s1600-h/IMG_5934.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d8nx9XRdI/AAAAAAAAAm8/Yek98rIGx10/s400/IMG_5934.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437952097940620754" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d8nx9XRdI/AAAAAAAAAm8/Yek98rIGx10/s1600-h/IMG_5934.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d8noSzxgI/AAAAAAAAAm0/5wlPPw3O6r8/s1600-h/IMG_5916.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d8noSzxgI/AAAAAAAAAm0/5wlPPw3O6r8/s400/IMG_5916.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437952095346214402" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d8noSzxgI/AAAAAAAAAm0/5wlPPw3O6r8/s1600-h/IMG_5916.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d-9xmiYlI/AAAAAAAAAnM/dSR86tzc4x4/s1600-h/IMG_5943.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d-9xmiYlI/AAAAAAAAAnM/dSR86tzc4x4/s400/IMG_5943.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437954674825257554" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d-9xmiYlI/AAAAAAAAAnM/dSR86tzc4x4/s1600-h/IMG_5943.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d-9VgeOEI/AAAAAAAAAnE/mUlRl2StclI/s1600-h/IMG_5910.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d-9VgeOEI/AAAAAAAAAnE/mUlRl2StclI/s400/IMG_5910.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437954667283626050" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d-9VgeOEI/AAAAAAAAAnE/mUlRl2StclI/s1600-h/IMG_5910.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d_pLohqII/AAAAAAAAAnc/-544nWqHnpc/s1600-h/IMG_5958.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d_pLohqII/AAAAAAAAAnc/-544nWqHnpc/s400/IMG_5958.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437955420547295362" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d_pLohqII/AAAAAAAAAnc/-544nWqHnpc/s1600-h/IMG_5958.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d_oml3B3I/AAAAAAAAAnU/Qw5Vyawpmpw/s1600-h/IMG_5956.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d_oml3B3I/AAAAAAAAAnU/Qw5Vyawpmpw/s400/IMG_5956.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437955410604001138" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3d_oml3B3I/AAAAAAAAAnU/Qw5Vyawpmpw/s1600-h/IMG_5956.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3eAEFfkp_I/AAAAAAAAAnk/20GBIOfRMWA/s1600-h/IMG_5963.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3eAEFfkp_I/AAAAAAAAAnk/20GBIOfRMWA/s400/IMG_5963.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437955882755598322" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a><br />Tonight, I'm off to the pub to watch the opening ceremonies with friends and then do a little drunk wandering downtown. Should be interesting to see where tonight takes us!<br /></div></div>Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-68695378403780147342010-02-11T22:11:00.000-08:002010-02-11T22:42:19.149-08:00#3 - Installation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3T3EH6LfkI/AAAAAAAAAl8/e__IN04hpnU/s1600-h/IMG_5822.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3T3EH6LfkI/AAAAAAAAAl8/e__IN04hpnU/s400/IMG_5822.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437242300357639746" style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a><br /><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">much more interesting than underwear shopping</span></i><br /><br />Tomorrow the opening ceremonies will take place and so it is that the tourists have landed en masse. They're kind of an installation in their own right, not difficult to distinguish from the usually under-showy with their patriotism Vancouverites.<br />There are lots of new and sometimes wacky art installations too, popping up all over the place. Today I headed down to the Granville mall (I was actually meaning to buy underwear at the Bay) but I got sidetracked by this.<div><br /></div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3T3Tf53XsI/AAAAAAAAAmE/xN2LDFepsYg/s1600-h/IMG_5814.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3T3Tf53XsI/AAAAAAAAAmE/xN2LDFepsYg/s400/IMG_5814.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437242564496809666" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3T1jfN-TFI/AAAAAAAAAlk/F7kalLGOI_w/s1600-h/IMG_5797.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3T1jfN-TFI/AAAAAAAAAlk/F7kalLGOI_w/s400/IMG_5797.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437240640167365714" style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3T3Tf53XsI/AAAAAAAAAmE/xN2LDFepsYg/s1600-h/IMG_5814.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3T25Bt6lVI/AAAAAAAAAl0/gaMgrasKp7A/s1600-h/IMG_5820.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3T25Bt6lVI/AAAAAAAAAl0/gaMgrasKp7A/s400/IMG_5820.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437242109717026130" style="cursor: pointer; width: 378px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3T25Bt6lVI/AAAAAAAAAl0/gaMgrasKp7A/s1600-h/IMG_5820.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3T14aSOc8I/AAAAAAAAAls/97Ydj-qDlQs/s1600-h/IMG_5801.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3T14aSOc8I/AAAAAAAAAls/97Ydj-qDlQs/s400/IMG_5801.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437240999620277186" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a><br /><br />Lots of interesting things to see and I had to jockey for position to shoot a lot of these pieces.<br />The photos were taken along a one block strip of the city but there is so much more to be seen and you don't have to look hard. I haven't photographed it yet, but the interactive light show at Sunset beach is by far the best in my opinion. More on that when I get the photos.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Oh yes - I also saw the torch go through our neighbourhood tonight. Got some good pics there too so I'll post those soon.</div></div>Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-16186271605878327422010-02-08T19:03:00.000-08:002010-02-08T20:30:43.104-08:00#2 - Controversy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3DjyFHpcrI/AAAAAAAAAlE/Ip6Cs-ZuqFw/s1600-h/IMG_5775.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3DjyFHpcrI/AAAAAAAAAlE/Ip6Cs-ZuqFw/s400/IMG_5775.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436095199743406770" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3DjyFHpcrI/AAAAAAAAAlE/Ip6Cs-ZuqFw/s1600-h/IMG_5775.JPG"></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the olympic village - always the source for controversy</span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span>Of course, it wouldn't be the Olympics without a dash of controversy in the mix. Granted, so far the controversy has been much ado about nothing, but it's still fun to watch people take things so seriously.<br />I have to hand it to the Aussies for standing their ground on the <a href="http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/will+allow+Australians+boxing+kangaroo+flag+stay/2535080/story.html">"flag flap"</a> issue. They succeeded in keeping their boxing kangaroo front and center at the Olympic village while exposing yet another one of the IOC's petty and draconian "laws". Bravo!<br />And what of <a href="http://www.vancouversun.com/opinion/Canada+pavilion+built+ugly/2520473/story.html">the much maligned (and American built) Canada pavilion</a>? A lot of words have been used to describe it thus far : ugly, boring, embarrassing, poopy eyesore etc., etc...<br />So I went myself to see what all the hub bub was about. Turns out it is all of those things, but I might reserve judgment for what's on the inside. Maybe it's like one of those really ugly jackets that you don't throw away just because the lining is super cool. Or maybe it's a steaming turd inside and out. Oh what fun - we shall see!<br /><i><br /></i><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3Dj0GqXsTI/AAAAAAAAAlc/-0x7A6-5Kkc/s1600-h/IMG_5777.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3Dj0GqXsTI/AAAAAAAAAlc/-0x7A6-5Kkc/s400/IMG_5777.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436095234517217586" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>aussie pride wins out over IOC ridonkulousness</i></span><div><i><br /></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span><i><br /></i><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3Djzoqv9kI/AAAAAAAAAlU/tB-Te0QIB2k/s1600-h/IMG_5668.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3Djzoqv9kI/AAAAAAAAAlU/tB-Te0QIB2k/s400/IMG_5668.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436095226465744450" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></span></i></div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3Djzoqv9kI/AAAAAAAAAlU/tB-Te0QIB2k/s1600-h/IMG_5668.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3DjzPQHdrI/AAAAAAAAAlM/urAYo9OSg6Q/s1600-h/IMG_5671.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S3DjzPQHdrI/AAAAAAAAAlM/urAYo9OSg6Q/s400/IMG_5671.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436095219643152050" style="cursor: pointer; width: 370px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span><i>hey! turns out it IS a poopy eyesore!<br /></i><br /></div></div></div>Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-49186089123729783132010-02-04T20:24:00.000-08:002010-02-05T10:38:04.652-08:00#1 - TransformationThis is the first entry in my Vancouver Olympics photo essay.<div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S2ul3CLERRI/AAAAAAAAAkc/ARF6g910JwA/s1600-h/IMG_5646.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S2ul3CLERRI/AAAAAAAAAkc/ARF6g910JwA/s400/IMG_5646.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434619740247311634" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">our japanese mascots willkommen you!</span></span><br /><div><br /></div><div>It's been happening for weeks now, years even, but these last few days it's become much more obvious. The city is changing and you can't go anywhere without seeing evidence of its transformation. Whether you like it or not, the Olympics are an "in your face" affair. Everything's big and bright, primed and policed, ready for the world when it descends upon us in exactly one week. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S2unsyWO4JI/AAAAAAAAAkk/zpgOIjd5QaE/s1600-h/IMG_5694.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S2unsyWO4JI/AAAAAAAAAkk/zpgOIjd5QaE/s400/IMG_5694.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434621763223740562" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">what, wait - yes they do</span></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S2uoa3oSKWI/AAAAAAAAAk0/EoIIZlRtQ8E/s1600-h/IMG_5652.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S2uoa3oSKWI/AAAAAAAAAk0/EoIIZlRtQ8E/s400/IMG_5652.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434622554915613026" style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" border="0" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">larger than life - building wraps are so hot right now</span></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S2uo6KF5xzI/AAAAAAAAAk8/QhAEg3-4QwM/s1600-h/IMG_5664.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S2uo6KF5xzI/AAAAAAAAAk8/QhAEg3-4QwM/s400/IMG_5664.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434623092447627058" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">not the biggest flag in the neighbourhood</span></i></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-76127619730811495432010-01-30T17:25:00.000-08:002010-01-30T17:57:11.230-08:00New Lens<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S2Ti7bvy8NI/AAAAAAAAAkM/58ZuqCf9IBw/s1600-h/IMG_5634.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S2Ti7bvy8NI/AAAAAAAAAkM/58ZuqCf9IBw/s400/IMG_5634.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432716561204048082" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S2Ti7bvy8NI/AAAAAAAAAkM/58ZuqCf9IBw/s1600-h/IMG_5634.jpg"></a><br />I got a new telephoto 55-250mm canon lens so I've just been playing around with it a bit, warming it up for all the photos I hope to take during the Olympics. The fact that I work a block from BC place (the hub of this gi-normous event) means that I'll be searching for alternate ways to get there ie. walking. Not ideal if it's pissing rain, but I'll try to make the best of it by taking my camera along and getting as much practice as possible. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S2TjT5bGv0I/AAAAAAAAAkU/Rff5TLtF7WM/s1600-h/IMG_5546.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/S2TjT5bGv0I/AAAAAAAAAkU/Rff5TLtF7WM/s400/IMG_5546.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432716981487189826" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div>Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-85813166121368786042010-01-11T12:31:00.000-08:002010-01-11T12:42:24.347-08:00Frost is one of Vancouver's 30 Essential Jewellery Designers!Hello all. It's been awhile since my last post. I spent the holidays in the dark ages. No internet, no computer. Oh how I've missed you. <br />But now that I'm back, I can share with you some of our good fortune. <br />Last month we were nominated to <a href="http://www.vancouvermom.ca/">Vancouvermom.ca</a> 's call for Vancouver-based jewelry designers and today we found out we're being featured on their site as one of the top 30 chosen from the nominees! Very exciting!<br />Thanks to Christine, publisher of <a href="http://www.vancouvermom.ca/">Vancouvermom.ca</a> for choosing to feature us and a big shout out to <a href="http://smidgebox.blogspot.com/">Lesley</a> from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/smidgebox?ga_search_query=smidgebox&ga_search_type=seller_usernames">Smidgebox</a> for the nomination that kicked this off.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.vancouvermom.ca/best-of/kas-shield-and-marie-wyatt-of-frost-collections/">Find our feature and interview here!</a>Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-13601681401371247402009-12-14T21:15:00.000-08:002009-12-14T21:32:16.281-08:00Light box<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/SycelNfHMzI/AAAAAAAAAkE/aKOc_70eWLQ/s1600-h/IMG_5193.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 348px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/SycelNfHMzI/AAAAAAAAAkE/aKOc_70eWLQ/s400/IMG_5193.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415330701560460082" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/SycelNfHMzI/AAAAAAAAAkE/aKOc_70eWLQ/s1600-h/IMG_5193.JPG"></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">new photo taken in the Optex light box</span></i></div><div><br />I tried to build my own but to no avail. It just never quite got the job done. So when I saw <a href="http://www.londondrugs.com/Cultures/en-US/Product+Detail/Cameras.htm?BreadCrumbs=Cameras;Cameras;Digital%20Camera%20Accessories;SLR%20Accessories;Optex%20Photo%20Studio%20Lighting%20Kit%20-%20OSLKIT&Catalog=Cameras&Category=SLR%20Accessories&ProductID=3799087&ProductTab=3">this</a> on sale at <a href="http://www.londondrugs.com/Cultures/en-US/default.htm">London Drugs</a>, I bought it. They have a good return policy so I figured I might as well give it a try. Even in the darkest of dark rooms, it works great. Well worth the $100. A better woman could've persevered with a home made version, but I don't have much time or patience to work out the kinks. So if you're impatient and frustrated with a lack of good lighting conditions for your product shots, I highly recommend <a href="http://www.londondrugs.com/Cultures/en-US/Product+Detail/Cameras.htm?BreadCrumbs=Cameras;Cameras;Digital%20Camera%20Accessories;SLR%20Accessories;Optex%20Photo%20Studio%20Lighting%20Kit%20-%20OSLKIT&Catalog=Cameras&Category=SLR%20Accessories&ProductID=3799087&ProductTab=3">this light box</a>. <div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/Sycd1aZnP5I/AAAAAAAAAj8/HDDBneo_-1w/s1600-h/IMGP4384.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/Sycd1aZnP5I/AAAAAAAAAj8/HDDBneo_-1w/s400/IMGP4384.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415329880393334674" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div></div>Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-50156523994835180012009-12-14T21:12:00.000-08:002009-12-14T21:15:23.156-08:00Mini Moos!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/SycbLc_ByDI/AAAAAAAAAj0/h6lknSETeQo/s1600-h/IMGP4378.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/SycbLc_ByDI/AAAAAAAAAj0/h6lknSETeQo/s400/IMGP4378.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415326960509372466" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/SycbLc_ByDI/AAAAAAAAAj0/h6lknSETeQo/s1600-h/IMGP4378.JPG"></a><br />My <a href="http://www.moo.com/">Moo cards</a> have arrived! Oooooh...pretty pretty.</div>Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-91517333413414705122009-12-06T18:07:00.000-08:002009-12-06T18:36:03.553-08:00The Christmas shopping continues...This weekend is the first in awhile that I haven't been working or doing a craft show, so what do I decide to do? Go to a craft show! Guess I just can't get enough. <div>Today was <a href="http://gotcraft.com/">Got Craft</a> on Commercial Drive, one of the most popular and well attended shows in the city. I have a few good friends who had booths there so I thought I'd stop in for a visit. </div><div>Jayson and Jocelyn Thiessen are just about the cutest couple you've ever seen so I guess it's fitting that they run <a href="http://www.cutesypootoys.com/">Cutseypoo Toys</a> together. From stuffed rocket pops to cone gnomes, their toys are strange and wonderful, original and will make you giggle (which by my definition makes them perfect!).</div><div>My close friend Lesley of <a href="http://smidgebox.blogspot.com/">Smidgebox</a> was there as well with her hand sewn goods. Her table stood out in the crowd with splashes of colour from beautiful printed fabrics, all impeccably constructed into <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27060947">handbags</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34540507">fabric buckets</a> and my favourite - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=20822853">the wee chef set</a>. I purchased a tote from Lesley at another craft show a couple of weeks ago. It was supposed to be a gift, but I love it so much I decided to keep it and get another one!</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/SxxprORPAQI/AAAAAAAAAjs/v8Q0NMZRk7Q/s1600-h/2009-12-05_2.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/SxxprORPAQI/AAAAAAAAAjs/v8Q0NMZRk7Q/s400/2009-12-05_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412317043478167810" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px; " /></a></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">tote by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/smidgebox?ga_search_query=smidgebox&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title">smidgebox designs</a></span></i></div>Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-18431467811328502852009-12-05T18:31:00.001-08:002009-12-06T18:06:43.109-08:00New art and the Christmas shopping begins...Last night I went up to Squamish for the House of RTS gallery opening. It was a beautiful night for a drive. The moon was out and the skies were clear - the mountains looked gorgeous. Even in the darkness you could see their snow capped silhouettes towering over the valley. This was the first time I've driven up the Sea to Sky highway since they finished the 3 or 4 years worth of construction, widening the highway for the Olympic traffic that's expected in a couple of months. No more hairpin turns, no more getting stuck behind lumbering tour buses or on the flip side, being overtaken by Range Rovers with a death wish. It's four lanes almost the whole way from Horseshoe Bay to Squamish and it's a breeze.<div>But I digress. The show was the main point of the evening and it was fantastic. This gallery has brought together some great talent and I'm really happy to be a part of it. As I mentioned in a previous post, Josee St-Amour is the owner of the gallery and also has her work for display. I instantly gravitated to her paintings before I even knew they were hers. I never walk away from a show like that without finding something I must have, so I bought one of her pieces titled "Communication". If you're in the area and are in the mood to peruse some really great original art that's local (and affordable, I might add!) then swing by the House of RTS in Squamish.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/SxxixSWyUOI/AAAAAAAAAjk/RRiL7jV5Wks/s1600-h/2009-12-051.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/SxxixSWyUOI/AAAAAAAAAjk/RRiL7jV5Wks/s400/2009-12-051.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412309451073016034" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px; " /></a></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">communication by <a href="http://www.joseestamour.com/">josee st-amour</a></span></i></div>Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-83187011003962725312009-12-01T20:25:00.000-08:002009-12-01T20:41:46.120-08:00House of RTSI'm looking forward to Friday. For the first time, our encaustic paintings and jewelry will be featured together at an art gallery. And I'm particularly excited about this gallery. House of RTS opened this past month in Squamish and is already creating a lot of buzz. The gallery owner, <a href="http://www.joseestamour.com/">Josee St-Amour</a>, has curated a great collection of work from local artists and was right to recognize the untapped potential of this growing community in the Sea to Sky corridor. With the Olympics right around the corner, this could be a great opportunity to showcase work to an international audience.<div>This Friday is the grand opening. It's open to everyone, so I thought I'd pass along the invitation for anyone interested in visiting, either this weekend or the next time you're in Squamish!</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/SxXvw7y7XPI/AAAAAAAAAjc/kI890SeoBeQ/s1600-h/lettervert_proof-1.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/SxXvw7y7XPI/AAAAAAAAAjc/kI890SeoBeQ/s400/lettervert_proof-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410494151319575794" style="cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122134082393698676.post-30480677936690393312009-11-30T17:31:00.001-08:002009-11-30T19:49:41.826-08:00Portobello West<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/SxSRyok1h3I/AAAAAAAAAjM/3bcOphfY944/s1600/IMG_5135.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/SxSRyok1h3I/AAAAAAAAAjM/3bcOphfY944/s400/IMG_5135.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410109351450216306" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/SxSRyok1h3I/AAAAAAAAAjM/3bcOphfY944/s1600/IMG_5135.jpg"></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">our table at portobello this weekend</span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span>This weekend we had a booth at <a href="http://www.portobellowest.com/">Portobello West</a> in Vancouver. I'd forgotten how exhausting these big shows can be. Hours of standing in one place and smiling can take its toll, but it's always worth it in the end. I have to admit, I do enjoy it and getting the chance to meet some other really great artists and designers is always a huge plus.<br /><div>As always, I managed to get a bit of Christmas shopping done. I bought a lovely leather journal from <a href="http://www.patinadesigns.ca/">Patina Designs</a>, which unfortunately I don't have a picture of because I've already given it away! I also got these great <a href="http://grantedclothing.myshopify.com/collections/booties-and-mittens/products/mittens-with-button-strap">Cowichan style mittens</a> from <a href="http://www.grantedclothing.com/">Granted</a>.</div><div>We got lots of compliments on our table set up this year. As an alternative to typical jewelry stands and easels, we used things from around the house that went with our rustic aesthetic. An old wooden crate, mason jar and vintage printer's tray were just some of the "props" we used. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/SxSSCUyHdiI/AAAAAAAAAjU/WFpsMn1GGL4/s1600/IMG_5129.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SiyVHCGpzbU/SxSSCUyHdiI/AAAAAAAAAjU/WFpsMn1GGL4/s400/IMG_5129.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410109621015115298" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">kas hammin' it up for the camera</span></i></div><div><br /></div></div>Marie Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094963129115517738noreply@blogger.com0