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Local Artists - Kez Sherwood of Ox and Monkey - Canadian Landscape Cups

When I (well when Michelle, Jo and I) packed up the townhouse last year I gave away or donated pretty much all my candle holders.  Most were from Ikea or Pier 1, so easily replaceable. I just couldn't see the sense in storing them all.  I kept a few.  A ceramic globe tealight holder from Heather. A tall blue candle from Jane and Cindy. I think that's it.  So only I kept two candle holders!  I miss them.  Didn't realise how much I actually lit candles.  I like the shadows they cast.  

 

I saw these ceramic cups in the window at Fresh from the Coast, a store here in Sechelt that sells artwork made on the Sunshine Coast. I didn't buy any of them.  I am very  materialistic, I like to be surrounded by pretty things.  But lets face it, I don't have a home right now.  I have a bedroom.  My next job is not conducive to having "things".  So anything I buy now will eventually go into a storage locker for a year or two or maybe more.

 

 

My goal for 2012 and now 2013 is that I am trying not to buy anything that goes on shelf or on a wall. Unless it has a practical use it's not coming home with me.  So how's that going?  Umm yeah, not to good. I succumbed.  I bought three. 

 

Each cup is sculpted in luminous porcelain using the artists inspiration from Canadian nature. They could be used as a cup for cold drinks, but I've only been using them for votive candles.

 

Don't they look pretty?

 

I think there were 5 designs to choose from at the time. I chose one each of three designs.  I went with three that I liked instantly.  It was only afterwards when I read the info card with each one that I realised each of the three I selected were based on nature inspirations from the Coast. (Possibly I was just having a bottle blonde moment, and maybe all the designs are from the Coast).

 

"The impression for the Cedar Drift Wood design was taken on the waterfront in Sechelt, BC"

"The inspiration for the Davis Bay Barnacle Lines design came from the barnacle lines left on a rock at low tide, Davis Bay, BC"

"The inspiration for the Georgia Strait Waves design came from one of my many ocean kayaking adventures in and around the Strait"

 

The artist who creates the Canadian Landscape Cups is Kez Sherwood from Gibsons, BC.

Kez Sherwood

Ox and Monkey

Fresh from the Coast

Current show at Gibson's Public Art Gallery from June 28th to July 29th 2013

 

Paddler's Challenge 2013 Week 1 - Sechelt Inlet

My third paddle this week was for week 1 on of the Paddler's Challenge hosted by Halfmoon Sea Kayaks. This is the 5th year of the challenge and my second.  Last year we paddled to:

1. Thormanby Island
2. Trail Islands
3. Port Mellon
4. To Davis Bay for gelato
5. Full moon paddle to Smuggler's Cove
6. Pender Harbour
7. Weather thwarted our crossing to the Pasley Island Group
8. We finished with a poker run in Sechelt Inlet

 

Paddler's Challenge 2013 started we finished last year - in Sechelt Inlet.  We launched from Halfmoon Sea Kayaks rental location.  There was quite the turnout.  It was good to see everyone back again, (although there were quite a few missing) and welcome lots of new faces.  

 

 

Some of the group getting ready to launch

 

 

 

The rest of the group out on the water, ready to go

 

 

Earlier in the day Cam and Bev from Halfmoon Sea Kayaks had set some crab traps out at Poise Island. The plan was to paddle out and round the Island, pull up the traps, hopefully collect some crab and then head back.  

 

 

Poise Island - historical burial ground for the Sechelt First Nations Band

 

 

On the way to Poise Island we saw a dragon boat team in training and a crew in the First Nations Canoe. I was too far away to get a photo of either of them. As we paddled around Poise Island we we under Arbutus trees and stopped to watch the starfish and/or seastars (where's Nicola when I need her) that were sunning on rocks just below the shoreline. 

 

 

Arbutus Tree - Watch out for ticks. Apparently they like to hang out in the Arbutus.

 

 

Then it was time to pull the two traps. Yes, you can set and pull crab (and prawn) traps from a kayak. Crab traps are easier because you only need about 50' of line, as opposed to prawn traps where you need about 300' of line - that's a lot of hauling to pull the trap back up.  Bev's trap had 5 crab in it, but some of them had to be thrown back because they were undersize or female.  (Yes, you have to have a license to crab).

 

 

Checking to make sure the crab is male and of legal size

 

 

After we had checked both traps and reset them it was time to head back to shore.  It was time to cook up the crab, grab a cold drink and sit and enjoy the evening and the company.

 

 

Chips and dip while waiting for the crab.

 

 

 

Our view

 

 

 

all that remains

 

 

Awesome start to the Paddler's Challenge. The crab bake after was particularly fun.  It was nice to be able to sit and have a drink and socialise with everyone afterwards instead of just loading up our cars and driving away.  

On The Water - One Of My Favourite Places To Be

Summer has now officially began.  For many years the beginning of summer was marked by our first flying camping trip to Penticton or the San Juans or the Oregon Coast. Now?  For a second year in a row summer has been paddled in.

 

 

In the last week I've been out paddling three times.  Sunday I went with Virginia and Pat to Trail Islands, where Virigina and I went swimming in some chilly water. Refreshing, to say the least but it felt so good.

 

 

Monday Rose, Judith and I paddled to Frenchman's Cove and Smuggler's Cove. We all took a quick dip at Brooks Cove before we launched.  

 

 

It was so hot, almost too hot to put my legs in the kayak which had been sitting out in the sun all day. 

 

 

On our paddle from Brooks to Frenchman's Cove and then to Smuggler's Cove we saw Arbutus trees:

 

 

and eagles. Lots of Eagles.

 

 

Bird Poop

 

 

A poor dried up starfish:

 

 

We swam in Smuggler's Cove.  The water was nice and warm.  We swam for 15 minutes or so, and then lay out on the warm rocks to dry in the sun.

 

 

Then it was time to head home.  Rose and Judith tried to sail, but there was't really enough wind. Oh well it was fun to try.

 

 

Aboriginal Storytelling Festival

Thursday night there was an Aboriginal Storytelling Festival at the Sechelt Nation Band Hall.  I thought it might be interesting and it was free.    The participating authors were:

Nicola Campbell - Interior Salish and Metis, author of 3 childrens' books.

Zaccheus Jackson - a guerilla poet/slam poet

Michael Kusugak - Inuit, author of mulitple children's books

Diane Silvey - Member of the Sechelt Band, teacher and author

Richard Wagamese - Member of the Ojibway Band, journalist and author

Prior to the event I thought I didn't know any of their writings.  I was surprised to find that I do. Diane Silvey wrote The Kid's Book of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada.  Michael Kusugak wrote T is for Territories, The Littlest Sled Dog and cowrote  A Promise is A Promise with Robert Munsch.  All of which I've sent overseas as gifts to friends. 

Richard Wagamese was part of the line up for the 2012 Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts, and the author of Keeper 'N Me, a book that's been on my to read list for a while now. 

Nicola Campbell and Zaccheus Jackson were completely new to me.  

Each author spoke about what story telling meant to them and their culture or told a story or performed poetry they had written or all of the above.  For me, Zaccheus Jackson, Michael Kusugak and Richard Wagamese were the most engaging and interesting speakers.  I could have listened to any of them for hours.  I've added more books to my never ending "Books to Read" list.  I love learning about new to me authors and finding new books to read. It was a good night and I'm glad I went. 

Hot Stone Massage at Painted Boat Resort

 

Today was a gorgeous day on the Sunshine Coast. Blue sky, sunny and warm. It was also my birthday. As a birthday present from my Nan I spent a good chunk of the day at the Painted Boat Resort. 

It's a few miles up the road from here. I arrived at noon for my 1:00pm appointment.  Why so early? Because they have the Spa Garden that you can use before and/or after your treatment.  

 

 

At reception I checked in, signed my life away, collected a locker key, was given a quick tour and then left to enjoy the hour before my massage.  In each locker there is a clean bathrobe and towel.  I think there were about 12 lockers so I can't imagine it ever being really crowded.  The change room was nicely stocked with extra towels, face washers,  cleanser, moisturiser, body lotion, razors, shaving foam, hair spray, hair dryer and curling iron.  I changed into my swimsuit and head out to the spa garden.  

 

 

The garden has a huge firepit which was on but not really needed today. Beyond the firepit are a salt water floatation pool, hot tub, sauna and two glacial rain showers.

 

 

 

I chose not to partake in the glacial rain showers today (we have no hot water at home right now, so I've had enough glacial showers for the month). I did float in the salt water pool for a bit, but spent most of my time in the hot tub or laying out in the sun reading my book.

 

 

Just before 1:00pm I went inside to dry off, cool down and grab a glass of water or two before my massage. I love getting massages and the hot stones are just awesome, they make the knots feel like they are just melting away.  It is just so relaxing. I might even have dozed off for a minute or two. 

 

 

After the massage was done, I spent 15 minutes in the steam room. Michelle gave me a fresh glass of water and a small tub of glacier clay to rub on any dry areas (elbows, knees etc) before heading into the steam shower. The clay is really moisturising, I didn't think it would be.  I felt so good when I was done.

 

 

After the steam room I headed back to the change room to take a hot shower, something I haven't been able to do for the last 5 days! I thoroughly enjoyed the hot water. I wrapped myself up in the bathrobe and headed back out to the garden to read in the sun for a little bit longer. Then it was finally time to get dressed and head back to the real world.

 

 

It was a wonderful way to spend my birthday.  Thanks Nan.  

 

 

Where? Painted Boat Resort, Spa, Marina 

What? Hot and Cold Stone Massage

Price? $135 for 60 minute massage includes use of spa garden

Duration? I arrived at noon for my 1:00pm massage. Massage was 60 minutes. I left at 3:00pm. 3 hours in total. I could easily have spent longer. There is no restriction on how long you use the spa garden for.

Atmosphere? Beautiful, quite, relaxing, clean, and the staff are friendly and unobtrusive.

Worth it? It's definitely a splurge.  Way more expensive than just having a regular massage but you are paying for the spa experience. For me, I think it was worth every penny.  I'd love to go back.  It would be a great place for a girls weekend. 

Would I go back? Yes.  I'd like to try the exfoliating body scrub or the Signature Ritual, but I'll have to save my pennies for those.  A pedicure might be more doable for now.

Recommend it? Yes.

Local Artists - Creek Clayworks in Roberts Creek

Back in October 2012 I grabbed a map and my wallet and visited some of the local artists that were participating in the Sunshine Coast Art Crawl. The art crawl is an annual three day event that allows visitors access to artists and studios along the coast from Langdale to Lund including some that are not always open to the public.

 

One of the places I stopped at in Roberts Creek was Creek Clayworks. In a cute little workshop in the woods.

 

The potters behind Creek Clayworks are Elaine Futterman and Mike Allegretti. Their work contains no lead and is dishwasher, microwave and oven safe.  I knew I was in trouble the minute I saw all the blues and greens.  I was good I didn't buy anything. Not during the Art Crawl anyway.

 

Pretty blues:

Cool greens:

Not yet glazed:

Elaine Futterman at work:

You can buy from the studio year round, and I think you can sometimes find them at the Sechelt Farmer's Market on Saturdays from April to September.

You know how I said I was good and didn't buy anything during the Art Crawl in October?  That didn't last.  Can you guess which piece I bought as a Christmas present to myself during their Annual Creek Clayworks Christmas Sale back in December?

Good Day Sunshine - Davis Bay

It was a beautiful day here on the Sunshine Coast. Blue sky and sunshine. Much welcomed after a couple of days of rain, hail, wind and even snow.  I was beginning to get cabin fever and had to get outside. 

 

1. fish painted on rock, 2. red rock, 3. striped rock, 4. multi coloured, 5. heart, 6. smiley face, 7. face, 8. heart, 9. my initial!

I headed down to Davis Bay and spent the afternoon along the oceanfront.  The tide was out, guys were fishing, kids were building sandcastles, families were collecting seashells, dogs were chasing birds... you'd think it was the middle of summer and not April.

 

1. pretty white flowers 2. fallen tree 3.human and doggy drinking fountain 4.on a memorial bench 5.pretty purple flowers 6.barnacles 7.salmon at work 8. feathers 9. can you see the smiling face? 10. pitchfork tree 11. driveway 12. bus stop 13 fisherman

With no place I had to be, or schedule to keep to, I took a few hours to wander from one end of Davis Bay to the other. From Mission Point Park to almost Selma Park Road and back. Gave my legs a work out walking on all those rocks!

 

Dolphin carving by Brian Bosse

I love just wandering  along the beach with no purpose in mind but to enjoy the warmth of the sun, the smell of the ocean and just being outdoors.

 

Girl Guide Artwork

 

This is third or fourth of fifth time I've enjoyed an afternoon in Davis Bay.  I like to take my lunch and a good book and just sit and enjoy life. Preferably on a nice comfortable log with a perfect height side table!

 

 

 

Local Artists - Sa Boothroyd - Changing the Guard

This is an old and a long story....

20 years ago Jo and I lived in London.  One Christmas my parents came to visit and do the touristy thing. I had to work so they took Jo with them to watch the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace.  It was Christmas, and it was cold. Two things Jo does not like.

Changing the Guard is an iconic London attraction. Off went the three of them to Buckingham Palace.  They arrived early to get a good viewing spot.  They had quite the wait in the cold.  Jo bores easily. By the time Changing the Guard started, Jo had had enough.   Not sure what she was expecting, but the actual ceremony did not meet expectations.  She saw it once, and does not need to see it again.  She did however keep my parents and those around them highly entertained.  I wish I had been there.

When I met them after work, my Mum and Dad could not wait to tell me Jo's running commentary throughout the ceremony.  They saw and did a bunch of stuff in the three weeks they were in London, but I think listening to Jo at Changing of Guards was the highlight of their trip! 20 years later my Mum still tells the story.

 A couple of years back I was in small local gift store in Maple Ridge - The Little Cricket Gallery. I was looking for a gift to send to, I don't actually remember who. One of the first things I saw was this piece of artwork...

 

 

It made me a laugh out loud.  I bought it one the spot without even thinking about it.  I don't remember who I was shopping for, I'm guessing whoever it was never actually received a gift, Jo got this instead.

Fast forward to the summer of 2012, I was hanging out in Gibsons for the day with Andrea and her boys, and I walked past a small gift shop that had a the same artwork as a woodblock in the window.  Turns out the window I was looking in was the artist's gallery - Sa Boothroyd.  I didn't buy it at the time.  But it kept bugging me, so I had to go back a month or two later and buy it.  I sent it home to Mum and Dad as part of their Christmas gift.

 

 

Jo thought it was hilarious. Mum thought I should have sent it to Jo instead.  Mum didn't realise I'd already sent it to Jo years ago.

 

Without realising it I had already bought a couple other pieces of Sa's work from Fresh from the Coast in Sechelt to send to other friends as gifts. A bike tea towel, a never enough shoes trivet and a cat magnet. At least I'm consistent!

 

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Local Artists - D'Arcy Margesson of WM Terracotta Pottery

Local Artists - D'Arcy Margesson of WM Terracotta Pottery

Can you believe I've lived on the Sunshine Coast for 10 months now? That 10 months has flown by. One of my favourite things to do on a Saturday morning in the summer was go to the Sechelt Farmer's Market.  I'd buy some fruit and veggies and bread for the week, but I also bought a small fortune of hand crafted products to give as Christmas gifts.  And yes, I start my Christmas shopping in the summer. Get over it.

One of the first items I bought was actually for myself and not a gift for someone else! So what did I buy? Well remember earlier I said I'd like a set of bowls in this lovely blue? Well I didn't buy a set of bowls in the blue.

 

 

I did however buy a pie dish in green. I know, I know, my kitchen doesn't match. I don't even have a kitchen of my own right now.  All my kitchen goodies are in boxes that I can't get to in a storage locker. I wanted to bake a pie. I needed a pie dish. If I'm going to buy a new pie dish, then it's going to be pretty.

Apples, peaches, plums, blackberries, blueberries, stawberries, pumpkins, lemons.

 

It's made by D'Arcy Margesson of WM Terracotta Pottery in Gibsons. He has quite the range of beautifully crafted dishes. Everything from the pie dishes to serving trays, soup bowls, mugs, teapots and casserole dishes. It's all hand thrown and decorated.  

I love that on the bottom of the pie dish is a recipe for Foolpoof Pie Dough. It includes 1/4 cup of cold vodka.  I'll have to try this recipe some time.

 

The pie I made? Blackberry Balsamic Pie.

D'Arcy Margesson

WM Terracotta Pottery

639 Bay Road

Gibsons BC V0N 1V8

604-886-6670

[email protected]

Also available at Fresh from the Coast 

5721 Cowrie Street

Sechlet BC 

604-741-0760

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Local Artists - Sa Boothroyd - Changing the Guard

Frenchman's Cove Kayak

This kayak trip feels like it was last year. I've had the photos ready to post for ages and just never got round to writing anything to go with them.

During the summer my days off were Tuesday and Wednesday and it was often (not always) difficult to find a fellow paddler to go with me, as most people work weekdays and have the weekend off.

Finally I found a friend and decided to launch from Brooks Cove. The water in the cove was mirror calm - you can see the change in the water below, it wasn't rough just not as calm as the bay. It looked like a good swimming day, but when I walked into the water with my kayak my feet burned from the cold.

 

 

This was a cove we paddled past that if it had been warmer would have made a great place  to stop for a swim and a snack.

 

It was fun to paddle through these islands and explore. I could see the sand on the bottom, and fish and starfish, and lots of birds and sea lions. 

The last time I was in this area was the night of our full moon paddle. That beach you see ahead of us? It was completely covered in water, and we were able to paddle right through.  On this day, not so much.  The tide was out. 

Instead of just portaging our boats across, we decided to land and enjoy the sun.  We layed out in the sun for a bit. Look how suntanned my legs are? Make the most of it, Autumn has set in now, and they are almost back to their lily white state.

We also took a walk to the top of island. It was covered in Arbutus trees and multi coloured soft moss. I just wanted to curl up and take a nap.

View from the top:

This is one of my favourite photos from the summer. It was hot and sunny, the water was calm, there was pretty much no one else out on the water except us. It was so quite I could hear the leaves falling from the trees and the bark peeling off the Arbutus. This is the screen saver on my laptop now.

Arbutus trees. I love the red bark, the squirly trunks, the smooth branches...

I love paddling to Frenchman's Cove.  I've been a couple of times now. It's close by. Not to far to paddle to, but far enough away that you're not surround by people and boaters.