Photo Pause: Easter Hike at Mud Lake

A pause of images in order for words to reappear. These are a few snapshots from a weekend hike to Mud Lake, a favourite spot of mine right here in the city.

Cool wildlife spotted: hawk, wood duck, muskrat, a prehistoric-looking snapping turtle and dozens of painted turtles soaking up some sun.

 

Wood Duck

trees, foliage in waiting

spring delight

reflections

spring carpet

Photo Pause: Downtown Birthday Adventure with D.

To kick-start my birthweekend, D. took an extra day off so we could be tourists in our own town for a day. These are a few favourite shots from our lunch & coffee excursion in Ottawa's Byward Market...

view from our table on the patio - it was March 22nd!

same trees, different view

I was fascinated with this lampshade above our table at the coffee shop

baristas at work!

there were quotes on the coffee shop walls, I loved this one

 (this is probably one of my favourite photos too!)

Photo Pause: Scenes from a Brown-Bag Lunch Buffet

Last Monday I met two of my favourite peeps for a brown-bag lunch buffet at the Bank of Canada atrium. There was a blustery snow squall outside, but it was oh so lovely where we were...

it was snowy outside...

... but nice & warm inside

soothing greenery on a winter's day

the spread - and there was more that's not in the shot!

pineapple-cucumber gazpacho by Sis - YUM!

Ottawa Peeps: Art Works Conference

"The Art Works – Art & Entrepreneurship Conference – is an opportunity to learn the essential skills to turn your artistic talents into a successful business. The Art Works 2011 Conference tagline sums up the theme for the day: 'From Passion to Profession… Make ART WORK.'"

~ Art Works Website

What: Art Works, Ottawa's art & entrepreneurship conference organized by the OCRI Entrepreneurship Centre; a day of mingling with other artists and learning from small business experts, art associations and other artpreneurs

When: Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011; 8:30 AM - 3:45 PM (includes breakfast & lunch)

Who: for artists and other creative folk who want to make money doing the creative stuff they love

How much: $30 + online purchasing fee if bought before Nov. 7th

                   $35 + fee if after Nov. 7th

                   price includes breakfast and lunch

Where: Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard in Orleans

"The Shenkman Arts Centre, which opened on June 18, 2009, is Ottawa’s only multidisciplinary arts facility offering services and programs in both English and French. The Centre, which is located in Ottawa East, is a creative hub where artists and audiences meet to create and explore the arts."

~ Shenkman Arts Centre Website

Why: because if you sell your art and want to make money at it, you are not only an artist, but a business person; because it's a great place to meet other creative business kindreds; because you'll leave inspired

~~~

If you're thinking of tapping into your creative passions to bring in profits I highly recommend you check this out! It's a great place to meet other passionate, creative people who get what you're trying to do, plus you'll leave with a notebook full of practical resources and inspiration.

I'm not getting any perks for promoting this, I've been to the last two and found them worth every penny. If you're thinking about it, go.

Summer Living

a shady corner perfect for chillin' on a hot summer day

It's been a while hasn't it? It's summer, and seems I've been out enjoying it!

Whether out Jazzfesting, Bluesfesting or right here just plain doing nothing it's been great.

We've been spiffing up our little urban yard, creating a cozy space to be. We loaded up on easy no-cook summer food, refreshments and unplanned time. All is good.

Here's to summer vacay!