Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Cornerstone

Thought I would share another excerpt from "Kellie and Bailey's Most Excellent Adventure"...as we were enjoying our early morning ocean drive, I decided to slip down this little road that I had discovered before called "The Lighthouse Road."  There are some beautiful stone carvings there and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to photograph them again.

The morning light was perfect, and time disappeared as I snapped away on a beautiful summer morning.  After a while I noticed an older gentleman walking down the road, and as he neared us he said with a look of surprise, "I don't usually see people down here this early in the morning."  Bailey greeted him enthusiastically and we chatted away until after a while I discovered that HE was the artist that had created all of these things.  He asked me if I would like to come into his studio (Cornerstone) and take a look around (would I???!!)



I felt like I was on sensory overload as I looked around Bill's studio, and I tried to take in every item that I was looking at, because everything was unique and a natural work of art.  He said that he combs the beaches all around Nova Scotia and Cape Breton in the winter and turns his finds into these works of art outside of his studio in the summer.  (He works with diamond drill bits and water, so he said it's an outside job.)  He had gorgeous lamps whose bases were made out of smooth beach stones, on which he would sand blast designs.  His studio had an upstairs and Bill kindly offered to watch Bailey while I went upstairs for a look around.  When I came down Bailey was sitting quietly beside him (I wish I had gotten a picture of that!)





(This one came home with me!)


I was amazed at the variety and creativity of his work, and I asked Bill how he came up with so many different ideas and uses for the items he finds, and he said, "I lay awake and think about it at night."  He said that when he retired he began to devote his time to creating these works of art, and he started to sell "a little here and a little there", until now there are shops that carry his works all throughout Nova Scotia and down the  Eastern U.S. seaboard.  They certainly know a good thing when they see it.





We walked back outside and I admired the landscaping he had done and remarked that his work just melted into the terrain, as if it had been there forever.  I especially enjoyed the "tulips" that he had planted:




And noted that he liked to celebrate Christmas in July:








I found Bill fascinating to talk to, and could have spent much more time admiring the work that he had done and hearing about his secret beach locations where he sourced his stones from, but eventually I thanked him for his time and told him what a pleasure it was to meet him.  I told him that Bailey and I would no doubt be back down his way again (although maybe not that early in the morning!)  I asked Bill if he would let me take his picture, but he politely declined.  He said he wanted to let his work speak for itself.  It most certainly does...



Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Something To Think About

I want to share a picture with you of my dear, sweet Gracie that was sent to me when I rescued her.  I've always found it painful to look at this picture, and so have not looked at it often over the four years since she came into my life.

If you are thinking about getting a dog, why not consider adopting one.  You have the opportunity of taking a dog who looks like this...



and changing their life so that they look like this...


When I look back at that first photo that I saw of my Gracie I can hardly believe it is the same dog.  She went from a sad, fearful little dog, to an enthusiastic little imp who was a constant delight to me with her quirky little personality.  I have never been loved by anyone or anything as much as I was loved by my sweet little Gracie.  She will never leave my heart.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Springtime On The Farm


Took lots of photos on the long weekend of May (18-21st) at the family's farm in Springfield, NB.


Gracie, my smiling girl in the dandelions! 

NOTE: This would be her last time running free in the fields at the farm, she left this world a week later (May26).  Her little heart gave out on her as we were getting ready to go for our morning walk she passed away in my arms very shortly afterwards.  She now rests easy in the fields she loved to roam. I had no way of knowing that this would be the last picture I would take of my sweet little Gracie.

She came into my life almost four years ago to the day, and she stole my heart completely from the moment I laid eyes on her. She was the sweetest, most affectionate dog I have ever known, and Bailey and I miss her desperately. Bailey has not been the same dog since it happened, and that breaks my heart more than anything. I hope that she will come around or we may have to get another puppy dog sooner rather than later.

Because I rescued Gracie we were never really sure of her exact age, but I always prayed that I would be able to give her as many good years as she had bad ones starting out. I think we just about made it.


 Bailey sitting in the dandelions watching the birds fly by...

I never tire of the view from my Mom's kitchen window at the farm... 

This old fence has been around for a long time, echoes of what use to be


Rest in peace my sweet girl, you loved me well and I adored you in return, you filled my heart with your gentle presence. 

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Timeless Treasures


It's funny how you grow up with things, looking at them day after day, and never really notice them at all. The wooden silverware chest sat on top of the china cabinet for all of my growing up years, opened only on those rare occasions, like when "special" company came, and of course, Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. The "fruit" bowl was a permanent fixture on top of the silverware chest as well, containing over the years a varying assortment of ephemera; important papers, report cards, pill bottles, spools of thread and yarn. The knitting needles were a constant as well, especially in the winter, when they were likely to be attached to the latest pair of mittens, socks or a hat that was being created. "Make sure you don't pull the needles out!" was a common refrain around our household.

Not once as a child do I ever remember stopping to look at the colour or the grain of the wood in that cabinet or that chest, and the bowl was just a glass bowl with pictures of fruit on it, filled always with something that overshadowed the delicate colours and artistry. Never did I consider the hardy, handcrafted array of accessories that I wore as anything to be cherished for its artisanship and quality that is coveted by many today.

I grew up surrounded by simple treasures, and in time my eyes were opened to their beauty and value, proving just how timeless they really are.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Winter Time Walks



The girls and I have been enjoying our walks this winter, at least when it's not biting cold!  Little Gracie has her limits on those days, she will go so far and then that's it, she points her nose towards home and won't budge, not that I give her much trouble about heading back to where it's warm!
Gracie 

Bailey

I try to take some photos as we go, never know what we will see.  A little winter time snack!

Can you imagine the speed you would get on skates and a parasail!


And of course my heart is never far away from the family farm and home.  Lots more photos and updates on my facebook page, be sure to drop by for a visit!