meltin' stuff

One of the best things about living in Halifax is the access to a fantastic art college and a wide range of courses. I repeat this fact frequently in hopes it will lure S Black closer to this coast. A few months ago, I signed up for a 2-day glass bead making course at the college. As is the practice with most classes of this type, we began by introducing ourselves and explaining why we took the course. I had to admit that I was there because I love burning and melting stuff. And then I threw in that of course I love glass too. I am drawn to things that change state and go from molten to solid. Iron, glass, clay...shape shifters.

Being in the college again was like drinking from the fountain of youth. The new port campus sits directly on the harbour's edge and the setting matches the excitement of classroom. The class was given by the peerless Katrina Fleming who embodied teaching perfection. She spun glass like a magician and had an infectious enthusiasm for her craft.

Happy Birthday Victoria

A chilly grey spring continues. The plants are hanging tight and emerging slowly into cool air. It's a good thing the fabulous Susan Black was here to keep things bright. Yesterday we drove out to Crystal Crescent and hiked the rocky shores at Pennant Point. We had a great weekend in the big city. More to come Miss Black?

40 days and 40 nights

This spring has been grim. The grey skies have persisted for weeks and the constant rain makes me think of ark building. I should not grumble. In many parts of the country people are struggling with sand bags and ruin. The garden has no complaints about the rain. Most of the plants are at the pointy stage and are just snouts sticking out of the ground. The forsythia, which Marie at 66 square feet calls "spring barf", is blooming furiously even though I hacked it viciously last year. What a survivor.

Out of Hibernation

Blogs are demanding taskmasters. The photo taking, the tweaking, the keyboard pecking...sometimes it takes more time to post the moment then to live the moment. Then life goes merrily along and you get too far behind to catch up. I guess I am explaining what happened to this near lifeless blog. But the command has gone out once again. Lauchie must see spring for himself. The garden must be documented. The cardiac paddles are out!

Green vision

As a graphic designer I consider the environmental impacts of graphic design products throughout a life cycle that includes: raw material; transformation; manufacturing; transportation; use; and disposal.

I engage in sustainable practice and aim to use techniques, processes, and

materials that will help reduce the detrimental environmental, social, and

economic impact of the design.

When I develop a design or propose a concept I consider:

• reducing the amount of materials required for production

• using paper and materials made with recycled, post-consumer waste

• printing with low-VOC inks

• what production methods require the least amount of transport

• if the product can fulfill more than one purpose

• if the end-product is biodegradable or recyclable

• if the end-product can be replaced by a digital, rather than printed, format

flowers from afar

Although my true love and I have spent yet another valentines day apart, cupid trudged through the snow to deliver a burst of spring. Fleurs to put some sunshine in this gloomy February day. Back across the miles I send this song. A Chris Rea favourite that has become the unofficial anthem of this long distance love affair. I can feel your heart beat.

bball

A friend of mine celebrated a big birthday today. To mark the milestone she invited friends to join her at a Breast Cancer Fundraiser last Sunday. The event involved brunch, basketball and lots of feathers. We gathered at the Brussels Restaurant and then spent a couple hours court side watching the Halifax Rainmen. It was great to look up at the scoreboard and see all that pink. I even caught the birthday girl herself. Happy Birthday Pam!

the bend in the road

This evening I took Jigs out to stomp along look-off path near Herring Cove. I have thought about stopping here dozens of times but until this evening I had never made a point of it. When I pulled up, the setting sun was pouring a golden light on McNabs Island on the opposite shore and the Lighthouse was picked out as a sharp slash of white on Maughers Beach. Halifax Harbour opens up to the North Atlantic at Herring Cove and an endless calm blue sea stretched out beyond the rocky shoreline. The deep cold forced me to take quick snaps as my fingers froze solid when my mitts were off for more then a minute or two. At the waterline the rocks were coated with ice thrown up by the spray and it was tricky walking with my big clunky boots. Jigs happily zoomed around and I kept losing sight of her against the granite blocks. Her beige fur is a perfect camouflage against the stone.