The makings of a blog header, for a girl who doesn't know what she's doing

I'd like to say all of the painful photoshop classes I took when I was in university paid off, but they didn't.  I don't have a clue what I'm doing.  This is my thought process, or what I'd like to call my creative process... First Sumo Paint, and yes, I like that font. Then to google, to look up 1950's frames, except I should have put in picture frames, but actually I like the idea of eye glass frames, and 'Penelope' is actually a cat, so cat eyes?  But I like those circle frames (#1)  How's that (#2)?  But I think cat eyes are better.  Black, simple and a white background (#3).  Perfect (#4).  Then to Be Funky to do something to hopefully not look like an amateur (#5).  Well that doesn't match the font in Blogger that I can't figure out how to change, so how about #5??

Honestly what do you think, because I think I like #2 the best?

Oh January, you old gal

I heard on the news the other night that Monday, January 21st, is the most depressing day of the whole year.  The theory behind that statement is the Christmas bills are coming in, the weather is sh*it, there isn't enough vitamin D to keep us happy, and spring feels like it's an eternity away..... true.  I usually dread this month, as well as the next few, but this year I'm perfectly content with January. I feel like it's a good excuse to be a little lazy, or hibernate if you will.  Make comfort meals, drink tea and read books I've been meaning to read.  Do crafts and watch movies.  I don't feel like I have to be running around like a mad women because I have to enjoy every moment of good weather before it's gone.  It's kind of liberating giving in to 'blue' January.

After a nice relaxing day of working from home, I watched 'Craigslist Joe' on Netflix.  For me it was one of those movies that first of all had me weeping on my couch with my cat, but I found it so inspiring and moving that I'm now making giving back to the community an addition to my new years resolutions.  If you haven't seen it, I'm giving you the wrong impression, because 'Joe' isn't necessary some self-less philanthropist, but instead a guy who sets out on an amazing journey to challenge the idea that we have lost our sense of community and good will.  I guess the tears on the couch say it all, but this documentary couldn't have been more perfect for a week that started with the most depressing day of the year. 

it's only been 6 months

Hello old friend!  It's been a busy 6 months ( since I last checked in), with a lot of changes, trips, ups and downs, ect.  I am feeling like 2013 is going to be an amazing year, and I would say that I'll share every moment on this here blog, but I'm not making any promises (see the last three January posts where I promise with all of my hear that I will be a good blogger, for the whole year).  

Happy Happy New Year!!

K

half way mark

jasmen flower, a photo by my*oyster on Flickr.

Just a little check in.  How is your summer going?  Did you know it's half over?  

Happy Birthday Canada

Happy Canada Day!  The day started out rainy and cold, not at all what July 1st is suppose to look like, but ended with a big beautiful sunny evening, and fireworks like every Canada Day is suppose to look like.  I decided to make a huge dinner which included 'Beer Can Chicken' (from the list).  The idea to take pictures didn't cross my mind, sorry.  But it was everything I hoped it would be.... crispy and juicy with oh so much flavour.  

Obviously I used canned beer, but it was Canadian, just to be in the sprit of things.  I used this recipe, with Cape Herb and Spice Louisiana Cajun meat rub, and yum.  Perfect to officially start the summer! 

uh, did you know it's summer?

California, a photo by my*oyster (me)on Flickr.

Well hello there...   hello?  anyone there?? 

I just took a few months off, not surprising at all.  What's probably more surprising is that I'm writing this now.  If you have read this blog, you will know that I start every year off with a unbreakable dedication to this blog, which is usually broken around, uh February.  March if your lucky. 

Anyway, it's summer.  Finally.  The last few months have been busy and crazy and I am so excited to make the most out of the couple precious months of summer.  To start things off, I thought it would be a great idea to create a little Summer to Do list

Take 1 000 000 pictures.  Maybe take an actual class on how to take pictures to go with it.

Get in the car on a Friday afternoon, and see where I end up.  Don't come back until Sunday afternoon.

Volunteer at one of the many music festivals Edmonton holds each summer

Go to at least one small town country festival

Spend as much time possible sitting on my balcony reading and sipping White Wine

Go to market, buy lot's of beautiful, fresh food and make amazing dinners

Have a good old epic girls night

Buy an old piece of furniture, restore it

Find a decent beach in Alberta
Bathroom makeover

Blog (no promises)

Watch old movies on rainy Sundays

Buy a bike.  Ride it in the River Vally

Furnish my entrance way

Go to a baseball game/foot ball game

Go to an amazing outdoor concert

BBQ everything, especially beer can chicken which I've been meaning to do for awhile

Hold a Friday Cocktail Hour on my balcony (possibly more than one)

Wear Sunscreen

oh hi!

Image from Flickr

So, I fell off the bandwagon a bit there.  Typical.  Good thing there are not millions of people hanging of my last word, or there would be trouble.  The last few weeks have been full of spring, and that makes me want to be anywhere outside, but unfortunately there is snow on the way, a huge downside of living in Edmonton.  It's the eve of Easter weekend, and I am planning to make Easter Egg Nest cup-cakes, a few cards for loved ones, do some spring cleaning, and some spring shopping, and toping it all off with a big family Easter dinner. And also update this old blog with everything I've found over the last few weeks.  Get ready for a record breaking amount of posts!  And Happy Easter!