Sharing my favourite things

We all have favourite things. Like raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, they make our feet dance, our heart sing, and our spirit fill with wonder. For me, ballet has always ranked very high on my list of favourites (along with cats, architectural line drawings, and all things Hawaiian).

And from all indications, I am not alone...

Ballet has been a source of beauty and inspiration since the fifteenth century. Ballet's enduring form - which has remained true through the passage of time - attests to its power to spark and capture the popular imagination.

Though my personal brush with this art form was limited to a few adult classes, I was forever changed by its exacting demands and breathtaking perfection.

Decades later, I found great joy in expressing this love for ballet through digital illustrations. My goal is to delight devotees whether they are students, professional dancers, or just someone who has been lucky enough to study it briefly.

Currently, these illustrations are available as digital downloads from an online shop. As my catalog grows, I hope to expand my offerings - in digital or physical form - to further delight you.

For now, feel free explore the shop and return often to watch it grow. I can't promise bright copper kettles or warm woolen mittens in your life, but I can continually create new products to make it just a little more joyful.

A cool new addition to Storybrooke

The 2014 fall season ushered in new characters that made their way into the heart of Maine with mysterious intensions.

Suddenly images of icy spikes thrusting through the earth's crust and frozen trails meandering through the streets pop up in scene after scene. Talk about global cooling - right in the heart of our little fishing village.

The familiar pet shelter has undergone a change to accommodate the theme of this year's  opening episodes. It is now painted blue with a charming striped awning and a delectable looking sundae hanging over the front door.

Any Given Sundae presents a stark contrast to the rest of the storefront facades and draws pedestrian's immediate attention regardless of whether they are devotees of the series or not.

I, myself, wish that it was a real store, selling real ice cream - whether laced with magic or nor - just because we all need more jolts of pleasure and sprinkling of sweetness in our days.

My latest storefront transformations from Steveston to Storybrooke

 

Visions of Storybrooke are softly descending on Steveston.

A few weeks ago, I drove along Moncton Street and caught a glimpse of Granny's Diner – with strings of light bulbs draped around its perimeter. Splash Toy Shop has transformed its facade into Neighbor's drugstore, with rows of bottles, boxes, and hardware jostling for position in the windows. And, as usual, the traffic crew in their high viz vests, gently directing throngs of locals and tourists to keep the noise level down and resume their activities when there's a break in filming.

Ah, I felt lucky to be living where the action is.

Another positive outcome of being a local is the positive response to my Storybrooke art cards, some of which are available from the Richmond Museum/Tourism office, located in the heart of our community.

I feel privileged that the staff had accorded them a place of honour - in the window facing Moncton Street. Apparently they have awakened enough interest to generate sales. The most popular designs — so far — appear to be Mr. Gold and the Storybrooke Free Public Library.

Then it occurred to me that, even though I had created newer designs since my earlier blogs on March 16, 2012 and March 18, 2012, I have not shared them with you.

Let me start by showing you the Storybrooke Free Public Library, which was more fun than complicated to draw. Really…

 

Then there’s Captain Hook’s pirate ship, bobbing next to the Storybrooke Shipyard (aka Britannia Shipyard) under the watchful eye of the screaming seagulls.

And don’t forget The Rabbit Hole, a favourite watering hole where many heart-stopping scenes have played out.



Finally, the re-invention of our beloved Prickly Pear into the Game of Thorns — though both appear equally breathtaking under the lush blanket of green leaves and riotous floral colours.

That's it for now...

In the meantime, if you are interested in purchasing these images, either as art cards or prints, just send me an email. It's easy and simple between neighbours - both in Steveston and Storybrooke.

Thank you for visiting!

Got sweets? The Candy Dish does!

We are so lucky to have our own local candy store.

These days, when everyone seems to be concerned with making the "right" impression by patronizing expensive chocolate specialty shops, it's nice to have a neighbourhood store where everyone feels comfortable enough to meander in and get what they want, when they want it.

From doting grandparents, lovestruck teenagers, sleepy workers looking for a quick afternoon pick-me-up, or lollipop junkies craving a sweet fix - everyone can find what they want at the Candy Dish, without having to fork out a fortune.


When was the last time you saw kids slapping their coins on the counter of your big name chocolate shops in the malls? Or a little boy simply dropping his bicycle on the sidewalk to get a handful of jelly beans?


Or preschoolers gazing starry eyed at the jars of sweet temptations dancing in a window?


Of course, the owner of Candy Dish is keeping many noses pressed against her front windows with displays that constantly change to reflect holidays and major celebrations.
 

The next time find yourself in Steveston, go on in and have a look around. You'll find colourful displays that would please your eyes and palate - not to mention your pocket books.