Of Standing in line, monks, and musicals

Yesterday I stood in line for four hours, just to take part in the Canadian Antiques Roadshow. Nope, I don't have a priceless heirloom, and I didn't end up being filmed for TV, but I did see Valerie Pringle, listened to a whole lot of interesting people in line and saw some pretty interesting items. Though I like to watch the show, I wouldn't do it again. It's one of those fun-to-take-part-in once sort of things. I was exhausted by the time I got home.

On our way in to the city we saw the Walking Monk on the highway. We waved, he nodded. There's something kind of bizarre and serene at the same time about sighting a bald man in flowing orange robes walking along the Trans-Canada highway. I who find it difficult to motivate myself to walk home from work, have to admire someone who is walking across Canada as a spiritual journey. And while you may scoff at the purpose of walking meditation, I came to the conclusion that it was a lot more meaningful than standing in line for four hours to find out the gemstone in your grandmother's necklace is really just glass.

Today while cleaning the house I'm belting out the Andrew Lloyd Weber show tunes in anticipation of going to see "Jesus Christ Superstar" tomorrow night. My friend L and I saw the musical several years ago, but we're pretty excited about getting to see Ted Neely and I know it's going to be a great evening. My apologies in advance to anyone sitting in the row around us - we'll be the middle-aged women belting out the tunes and embarassing the heck of my teenage son sitting with us. ("I don't know how to loooovvvvveee him......")

All in all an interesting blend of materialistic and spiritual in one weekend. * o

Of Standing in line, monks, and musicals

Happy Freedom From Self Improvement Day!

Celebrate the wonderful person that is you!

* o

Happy Freedom From Self Improvement Day!

Like...bunches of really cool stuff dude...

Just wanted to share some of the neat stuff I've been coming across lately:

1) It's here! It's here! Artella 10 , "Body of Art", will soon be sent out. Check it out, the cover page is amazing - and this issue promises 12 full length "how-to" projects, a vintage ephemera kit, 35 ATC cards, a CD with downloadable free goodies, etc. etc. etc. The print version of Artella magazine is a work of art itself. So, no excuses, go there - order one now! There's a pre-order sale on, but you got to hurry up to get it.

2) The fabulous Queen of Comfort, Jennifer Louden, has come up with a spectacular idea. May 15th is Freedom From Self-Improvement Day. A day to celebrate our glorious selves, perfect just as we are. Go there, sign the declaration, get entered in a draw for lots of cool goodies! And on May 15th say to heck with the diet, the affirmations, the aerobics class and give yourself a big comforting hug, look in the mirror, and say "you are mah-vellous" in your best Billy Crystal impersonation!

3) This has got to be THE coolest journal I have seen - "Her Evolution" by Shiloh McCloud. Just got my copy yesterday and it is beautiful. I think it's the perfect coloring book for us grown up girls! It's spiral bound, with lots of blank pages for your own journaling or collaging, and those beautiful black and white drawings of Shiloh's just begging you to grab your markers or pencil crayons and color them in, or paint them, or decorate them however you wish. There is also some great inspirational writing and creativity exercises in the book. I'm looking forward to dipping into this one again and again. * o

Like...bunches of really cool stuff dude...