Hi all,

Just had the most fantastic weekend away.  Friday night we drove for three hours to my sister's trailer up north.  Along the way we stopped in a few little shops and had a lovely picnic dinner.

That evening a bonfire was enjoyed.  On Saturday we walked a 1 1/4 mile down the road and watched and laughed as the dog plunged in and out of the creek, then went out for a lovely luncheon at a tearoom in a little village named "Paisley".  We spent the afternoon touring the small shops and that evening had a fantastic dinner in the town of Chatley.  It was great.  This we followed with a visit to the horseraces...anther fun time.

Sunday we rose early and drove into the Molson Indy race in Toronto. I can now honestly tell you to go to one, as they are nothing like what you see on TV, the rumble of the ground and the noise of the cars alone is something to experience, not to mention the other people, the festivities, and the day outside.

Oh yes, and I did remember my sunscreen, although another hour in the sun and this redhead would have enjoyed blisters, but thankfully that didn't happen, sunscreen or not, it seems I am a burner. LOL

Have a super day, Trish.

2005 has been a most interesting year.  Although things change they often stay the same, even when in fact they seem to swing full circle.

2005 has seen my artwork touring the world and being enjoyed.  I have been painting and teaching now for almost two years straight and this is wonderful. I learn something new from my students each class...and they thought I was the teacher.

2005 has seen record sales of my books and they continue to be read and enjoyed.  I am even working on the release of a new children's book through Little Blue Clipper Books.

2005 has seen the change of ownership at White Schooner Books and I now manage it and enjoy the aspect of the monthly paycheck.

2005 has seen a multitude of opportunities come my way with offers to travel and offers to expand in new directions, but the greatest thing about 2005 has been that I have reconnected with my father's family who was lost to me years ago, and by doing so I have discovered that my greatest need is just to be me and do whatever it is that makes me happy.

2005 has brought me great inspiration, and although I have not visited most of the writing sites I belong to, I have been busy writing - I am illustrating my first children's book to be released through Little Blue Clipper Books later this year.  I am working on an Artisan's Handbook for release in September, and I am publishing several magazines and a newspaper, which as you might guess keeps me hopping.

My art this year is spread far and wide, and has shown up on the cover of magazines, on tea towels, on post cards and note cards. I am entering into the phase I call "the release" where most of my shows for this year are behind me and I only have a few left to paint that will be shipped overseas in the fall for Holland's and Italy's exhibitions.

And after all is said and done, my art has taken a surprising turn this year.  The Studio has been renamed to the "Forget-Me-Not Shoppe" and I have re-opened the tearoom after discovering people wanting to tour my studio and purchase my art in several forms.  The Forget-Me-Not Tearoom is now open from May 1st to September 30th - Monday to Friday and offers a large selection of my creative works for sale - art and writing.  I have also received approval to have "Afternoon Teas in the Forget-Me-Not Gardens" and buses and groups are already booking.

Funny, but sales are looking really great and I didn't even have to leave home.  All I really had to do was adjust the way I wish people to perceive what I do. 

2005 has been a most interesting year.  Although things change they often stay the same, even when in fact they seem to swing full circle.

So, it would seem my life is forever destine to travel on the winds of time and return to the comfort of home.

Strange how sometimes looking forward is not much different than looking back, isn't it?

Good morning everyone,

It is Canada Day and although I have been away much of this week, I would be remiss if I didn't pop in and wish all the Canadians out there a Happy Canada Day. 

On the same note, as I will be unavailable Monday, I will wish our American family Happy 4th of July.

It has been a hectic week this week, which is why you have not seen me here.  I have the tea room approved by the board of health and ready, almost, to open on Monday morning.  I have designed and printed menus, flyers, group menus, business cards for the tea room and publishing house, put out this week's newspaper, taken down an art show, put up an art show, and planted some flowers and hanging baskets - oh yes, and celebrated my 31 wedding anniversary.

I have missed my regular conversations with friends like Jim Corbin, Bianca Boonstra, Sandie Angel, and Carol Roach, but this week I will make amends. LOL - or at least attempt to.

Wish you the best of this holiday weekend.

Hugs, Trish