It’s April and what better way to celebrate than with frogs? It’s my springtime fixation. I began doodling little frogs a few weeks ago when our first blossoms emerged in Stanley Park. These tiny creatures are great fun to draw. They’re more diverse than the U.S. Supreme Court. For your enjoyment, I’ve incorporated the sketches …
Hello everyone, I hope 2022 is treating you well so far. I’m going to attempt this blog without one mention of the “C” word or the “O” word. Instead, I want to share 3 things—a portrait of a favourite local tree, a short rant on climate change, and a generous review of my book “Deep …
When I was a schoolgirl, November 11 was a monumental day in our household. My parents were both veterans of the Second World War, a fact that shaped their lives and cut my father’s life short. Artwork by Laurel Mae Hislop I can still see my dad, grand and handsome in his Legion blazer and …
Defined as the song of the tragic sense of life, Deep Song is a profoundly expressive, intimate music. Violent, tense, impassioned, it depicts the durability of man, even as he is broken by external and internal sources. ¡QUÉ GITANO! Gypsies of Southern Spain by Berta B. Quintana and Lois Gray Floyd Hi Folks, My book, …
Artwork by Laurel Mae Hislop One thing I’d love to improve on, as a writer, is how to use humour. A story that makes you laugh and cry, in my mind, nails it all. So I sit at my computer and do an internet search on ‘how to write a joke.’ A piece by the …
I’m busy doing final edits on my book, ‘Deep Song.’ Revision work can be tedious, so to get my creative fix, I turn daily to digital artwork—spending many pleasant hours puddling in Procreate. I think my skills are improving. I’ve decided to showcase some pieces from the art tutorials I’m taking, and have added another …
Happy Easter, everyone. I made this piece of artwork in my digital painting class. It makes me smile. Easter is a Christian holiday with a hint of bunnies, eggs, and chocolate, none of which fit together or make sense in light of the actual event which incited the occasion. However, I will not discourse at …
The secret of happiness is this: let your interests be as wide as possible, and let your reactions to the things and persons that interest you be, as far as possible, friendly, rather than hostile. Betrrand Russell Stanley Park is my refuge. For me it’s the trees, the ocean view, and the mind-blowing sweep of …
“Tonight’s December thirty-first, Something is about to burst. The clock is crouching, dark and small, Like a time bomb in the hall. Hark, it’s midnight, children dear. Duck! Here comes another year!” — Ogden Nash Artwork by Laurel Mae
Artwork by Laurel Mae This Nutcracker has reason to weep. Historically, his job has been to protect your household from harm. Do not let his long grey hair and fierce expression fool you. He’s a lucky charm, as potent as any kitchen witch. But now, circumstances beyond his control make it impossible for him to …