Bijou's Whimsy

Sleding

2012-02-02T06:29:00.014-05:00

A couple hours of sledding with two of my most favourite people was an awesomely fun day...

I don't particularly love the cold (especially now that we have no vehicle cause our car is kaput!)
But Ahhh...Cheers to the joys of snow such as frozen noses and numb toes

and the utter deliciousness of getting back home to
hot chocolates, roaring fires & the tingling of thawing appendages.

...these parts of winter of I do love, ha ha.

What's your favourite part of winter???

XO Bijou, who hopes your getting in some sledding time this winter.

January's Newsletter

2012-01-31T21:22:00.000-05:00

Psst...

The January Newsletter was just mailed out.

View it here if you please.

XO Mandy

Painted Bird Ceramic

2012-01-31T10:20:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I finally admit it...

a secret love...

Painting ceramics!!!

I know they are typically abit 'cheesy'

and I always feel weird about painting something someone else made

But what can I say, it's a long-time love my mom turned me onto when I was a kid

and I recently indulged in this secret hobby to paint this...

...I think it took me about 8 or 9 hours straight but I think it was worth it.

I gave it to my mom.

See you soon and thanks oodles for hopping in for a look-see.

XO Mandy & 4 snow tired bunnies

Looking Back Abit More...

2012-01-27T11:10:00.001-05:00

Reminiscing still and looking back, I can say that
it was yet another wonderful year with my little ones...

Ella Luna and Roo

They are my heart of hearts...

and 2 of my very best friends.

It was a wonderful year as well with our sweet Jaks and Jinny...

Two speacil and sweet little buns who make our home more complete...

We had some major ups and downs and some big scares with the buns in the past year,
but that just comes along with life with 4 older rabbits.

It was another incredible year with my hon bun, Jonathan (aka Deyfenn Slayd)...

It was a year with alot of time spent outside and enjoying all the
beauty offered in abundance...

...nature & it's inhabitants continue to be the main driving force behind most of my work,

and where I find inner peace and pure beauty.

And it was an amazing amazing year for concerts and music.

We saw over 24 different bands/concerts/performances...wow, completely awesome, ha ha!
(My all time favs would have to be the performances by U2, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Lake of Stew,
Jesse Cook, The Crooked Brothers, The Sheepdogs and Harrison Kennedy's...AMAZING).

And, even though we don't get to go too far from home because of the buns,
We did manage a few small trips to the big city for some fun,
We spent hours upon hours enjoying Ontario's beautiful countrysides,
We saw the awesome Snow Birds perform, We went kayaking for the first time,
Had quite a few biking adventures, Found an enchanted garden,
Spent lots of time by the water with picnics,
Got henna tattoos, well I could go on for abit, ha ha...
We definitely put my camera through it's paces.

I am completely excited about 2012, especially seeing how great 2011 was.
And even though it was a hell of a year for migraines and headaches,
I am optimistic that 2012 will be better as I plan to hit the yoga mat and acupuncture hard!

(Though it's here that I finally will mention that the new year got of to a tragically sad start
when my beautiful 18 year old step-niece, Torry McIntyre, was killed in a car crash on January 3rd.)
...
It is important to look back so we know where we want to go in the future, I think anyways.

So thanks oodles lovely peeps, for looking back with me...
(And for the sweet messages you've been sending me welcoming me back)
I really hope you'll continue to follow along in the new year,
I am sure we'll get up to some lovely stuff and make many many new creations and illustrations
with more bunny adventures thrown in for good measure too.

XO Mandy & the Bunnies from a chilly Northern studio in a little wintery town

Looking Back at 2011 Art Work

2012-01-25T12:46:00.003-05:00

Well I think 2011 can be deemed a lovely and great year.

And it's just one of many reasons why I love being a blogger...

because I can look back on my blog like it's a beautiful visual diary

& be reminded of some of what's transpired throughout the year.

I created quite a few new illustrations and creations in 2011.

Including all of these...

And all of these...

And all of these as well...

I created these new goodies in felt...

And because I like to offer the occasional giveaway on my blog, I gave away all of these...

There was alot of good stuff happening as well such as...

My work being shown in a new local eatery/organic juice bar called 'Veg Out'...

With my continued membership at a local art gallery 'Art On Main'...

and than a few months later, my departure from that same gallery...

I was featured in the local newspaper...

I tried out an 'ArtFire' shop...

I continued on with my 4th year with my online 'Etsy' shop...

I had my 3rd solo exhibition called 'Birds Of A Feather'...

Took part in an important 'Bun Blog Pledge' to help spread the word on Cruelty-Free Living...

I was interviewed on the 'Do What You Love', 'Courage To Fly' & 'Ladaisi' blogs...

I was featured on various fellow bloggers blogs like 'Heart Of A Cowgirll', 'Raspberry Rabbits'

& on the 'Rabbit March.org' blog....

I plucked up the courage to invite a fellow blogger from a town away to spend the day with me...

My honey and I completely revamped my main website...

And we created a few new YouTube art demo's and artist interview videos

and we also introduced the new 'Bunny Diversions' videos as well...

I took an online mixed media course and the 'Do What You Love' e-course...

I was featured in over 63 Etsy and ArtFire collections/treasuries...

I sold my first 'professional' photographs...

I am sure I am missing a couple things but these are the major things that stick out in my mind for 2011.

Indeed it was a good year art wise...

BUT I am hard on myself and must admit that it could have been better...

I could have created alot more artwork (head pain always gets in the way)

and I could have had alot more luck business wise

(I am one of the artists who fully believes in her talents and

works her butt off but still never gets quite as far as she deserves!!!)

I also could have had alot more luck with my name and work spreading around...

So that's where the goals are aimed for 2012.

(If you can help me with this goal, do please email me at mandysaile@bijouswhimsy.com)

If you'll join me again on Friday, I'll indulge and reminisce on 2011 just abit more.

See you than.

XO Mandy

p.s. 2920 days ago today (in other words 8 years, ha ha) we brought our precious Ella Luna home...
ahhhh tis an extra special day indeed.

I am Back

2012-01-23T13:40:00.003-05:00

Hi Hi Hi Everyone

I am back...

and so excited to be,

I already have so much to share with you all....

As always promised on this beloved blog of mine,

in 2012 I will continue to share my creations and illustrations...

the creative fire is flowing strongly and I will have have lots to show and share...

I will bravely & happily share my artistic life, the ups & the downs

(such as trying to be an artist & run a small handmade business as a severe migraine sufferer).

In 2012 I will share my inspirations and my aspirations,

some of what makes me happy, some of what makes me sad,

and abit of the in betweens goodies.

There will naturally be continued glimpses of the life I share with bunnies...

and of course with my amazing honey.

And who knows what else...

I am excited to see where 2012 will take me.

But before we go forward into 2012, let me reminiscence briefly

and look back at what was accomplished in 2011...

Which we'll do this coming Wednesday and Friday.

But for today, the most important thing to cover is the winner of the giveaway...

I am so very glad to have pulled Aline's name out of the bucket because well honestly,

she left me one of thee nicest blog comments I've ever gotten in my 3+ years of blogging

and it meant so very much. Here's a taste of the sweet words offered...

"Hi Mandy...
I've been anxiously following your blog for the past few months.
Like you, I'm a self motivated artist who works from home.
Reading your words of wisdom and seeing your love of life with Jon and your bunnies
(despite those darn migraines of yours) & photos, gives me that bit of extra wind in my sails
that I sometime need to keep on creating.
It's almost like, even though we don't communicate, you're like a friend who is always there.
p.s. I admire your persistence and drive in making life a bouquet of flowers
even when your head is far from feeling like a rose.
Thanks a bunch, fondly Aline"

...isn't that the best...

Anyhow, ha ha, Aline is not a fellow blogger, but she is a fellow local artist, a jeweler to be exact,

I've seen her work before, it's beautiful natural pieces made from beach wood, rocks, glass and wire

and I think it's pretty cool that she entered and won because before so,

I had no idea that a single local artist followed me and my work.

So congrats Aline, thanks for the lovely lovely note and congrats on winning...

Get in touch soon with your mailing address
so the bunnies and I can get your prize mailed out to you.
(and so we can perhaps arrange a tea/coffee date?)

(just email me at MandySaile@BijousWhimsy.com)

See you all on Wednesday I hope.

Happy New Year...I hope it's off to an AMAZING start.

XO Mandy, Ella Luna, Roo, Jinny and Jaks

An Original GIVEAWAY & Happy Holidays

2011-12-23T13:45:00.004-05:00

In the spirit of giving and joy

I wanted to offer up this lovely little original watercolour, ink & acrylic painting of mine.

It's a sweet little thing at only 6" x 5.5".

I am going to make this giveaway super duper easy to enter your name for...

...All you have to do is leave your name

(& hopefully some kind of lovely comment) in the comments section below

and when I am back to my beloved blog on January 23rd, I'll draw the winner.

I hope in the spirit of the season, you'll help spread the link to this giveaway around.

Happy Happy Happy Holidays Everyone...

See you soon in the New Year

(January 23rd to be exact).

I am off to re-wrap some presents that a certain little bunny decided to unwrap at 5am this morning

every though we told him time and time again that they weren't for him, ha ha....

...and I am off to bake some Christmas cookies as well.

XO Mandy & Ella Luna, Roo, Jinny and Jaks

Xmas Owl

2011-12-22T02:43:00.000-05:00

A Xmas Owl in watercolour...

....just playing around.

One more post for 2011...how did the end of the year come so fast, wow!

But how wonderful that holidays are a day away...a much deserved rest is awaiting.

See you all tomorrow for the giveaway.

A Christmas excited Mandy & four bunnies who like opening presents

December's Newsletter

2011-12-21T00:25:00.000-05:00

The very last e-newsletter for 2011...

It's been lovingly put together and just sent out to all you lovelies out there

and is ready for your visits for those of you who don't receive it by email, just click here to view it.

(To sign up to receive them right into your email boxes just click right here.)

Two more posts and than I am on holidays.

I hope you'll hop in for tomorrow's post for I am going to show you a new watercolour...

And I am quite sure that you won't want to miss the last post of the year, on Friday,

for it's going to be a chance for you to win an original colour study of mine.

See you tomorrow.

Be Well, Be Joyful & Be Inspired, Mandy XO

Where Is Winter

2011-12-20T08:18:00.001-05:00

I don't think we're the only ones waiting for the lake by our house to freeze over.
It's usually well on it's way by now but so far we've had a warm and rainy winter, which is unusual.
I don't like it one bit to be truthful, ha ha...since, in my humble opinion,
one of the benefits of living in a land which is frozen for almost half the year (and often unbearably so)
is indeed big beautiful snowflakes and crazy winter storms that keep you in your house
in front of roaring fires & in the company of hot chocolates, etc!!!...

...But I shouldn't complain for I know soon enough we'll be walking hand in hand or
gliding across this exact same spot on our skis,

with a thermos of hot chocolate and a big warm blanket tucked into our backpacks...

before we know it we'll be spending another season on the slumbering freeze,

Enjoying it's oh-so-quiet endless calming lengths...
Part of me can't wait, even though a bigger part of me hates being cold!

Be Well, Be Joyful & Be Inspired

XO Mandy & The Buns who will be starting holidays very soon and can't wait!

Owlette Now As Prints

2011-12-15T13:00:00.000-05:00

Heh Everybody....look at WOO's just Perched In The Shop...

Visit my shop for a lovely soul-drenching dose of whimsy and colour.

Well that's all for today,
sorry lovely peeps but my poor noggin is too sore to write much more today...
p.s. I am so so glad that I discuss and share my life as a migraine sufferer, here on this blog o' mine
because I get so many people writing me saying 'Heh I suffer too...' and than we share our stories
and it's some how nice to know others are out there in the same boat.

It's pouring here today...the rabbits are by the back door getting some fresh air.
And after a bit of a lie down with my trusty heat and ice packs, I'll be spending the day with
some watercolours...(pounding be damned) WHOOT WHOOT...ha ha.

XO A Colour Addicted Mandy

Swan

2011-12-12T12:23:00.001-05:00

I just can't get over the beauty of this swan and just had to share the photos I took...

(and besides swans are kinda Christmasy aren't they, ha ha).

I think if ones ever doubting that magic and true beauty exists, all one has to do is find & watch a swan!

I've been working on opening a new online shop for my 'photography'

The details are still abit fuzzy but it's a coming and I am excited...

It may be a brand new shop, it may or may not be on Etsy,

The photos may just be available in my current Etsy shop...

I've not figured any of that out yet.

But I do have my prices set, a professional printer nearby ready to go,

and a new shipping area in my studio is almost complete and ready for lots of shipping action.

The response to my photos on this dear blog of mine is always quite strong

and I am so ready to branch out into this new direction.

...Well that's all for today...

May you bask in the glory of a magical swan as often as you can.

XO Mandy

A Happy B-Day

2011-12-11T07:09:00.001-05:00

Today is a great day for it is my hon buns birthday...

He's 1 year more brillant and amazing & breath-taking & awesome...

And today is extra speacil in our rabbity warren because it's also our precious Ella Luna's 8th birthday...

Happy Birthday My Loves...

I hope I can make your day even one iota as beautiful as you two are.

XXOOXXOOXXOOXXOOXXOOXXOO

Bijou, Roo, Jin & Jaks XO

A Grand Start

2011-12-09T07:43:00.008-05:00

Some mornings are just so drenched in heart squeezing goodness...

Yesterday the sun made a glorious appearance...
(My head wasn't sore & Ella Luna was doing better with new arthritis meds to help her out)...
The golden light poured into my upstairs workspace making me want to jump to work right away...

...Jaks was snug as a bug on a cozy red blanket...

(with Jinster fast asleep in a nearby box).

Ella Luna and Roo with full tummies were all sleepy and warm and snug next to each other

(All of our floors are covered in soft puffy bed comforters, to help out Ella Luna's sore feet & knees)...

...The day also included a yummy nut pastry and a cinnamon cappuccino (hello!)

with some watercolours ready to be played with for the day...

Ahhhh....

I just love grand starts like this one.

Peace, Love & Warmth wished your way lovelies...

XO Mandy, who with the help of an AMAZING guy, gives her bunny baby physiotherapy 3 times a day.

p.s. My flickr photostream has TONS of new photos added, hop on by for a look-see sometime.

New Prints In The Shop

2011-12-07T18:45:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone, We're just hopping in today to let you know that...

..."Seraphina and The Night Owl", "Remembrance"

and 'The Dreams Perched"

could easily be hanging on your walls, in your favourite frames...yayyy

because my prints are offered in an 8 x 10" format, which is a very standard frame/mat size,

so whether your buying a professional frame, a walmart frame or perhaps some lovely one at

Winners type of thing..my prints will easily fit in.

(Visit my Etsy shop here)

5 x 7" prints AND my popular paper greetings will be available soon in the new year too, yayyy again!

Today I am sending an extra big hug to my mom & dad...

who popped in yesterday just in time to help me blow-dry a
very wet Ella Luna after a very yucky poopy incident!...XXOO.

It's the simplest of things that touches ones heart isn't it.

See you all on Friday lovely peeps...

XO Mandy & Ella Luna, who was an exceptionally good girl at doctors today.

Arroway The Rabbit

2011-12-05T23:31:00.000-05:00

My head hasn't been super duper happy with the constantly changing weather...today was a rough one.

But between massaging Ella Luna's tootsies, wonderful bunny snuggles, Sex In The City re-runs (a fav)

and quality time with my heat packs! I did manage to finish off a playful watercolour...

"Arroway The Rabbit"

I felt the need to do something extra bright and sweet.

I wouldn't say watercolours are my strong suit...but I do love them and they provide satisfactory play

for achy wrists that need abit of tlc and a break from coloured pencils (which is why my wrist is so sore!).

Prints will be hopping into my shop shortly.

Hope your all off to a wonderful week.

XO A Bunny Snuggling Bijou

Jesse Cook

2011-12-02T07:26:00.006-05:00

In October we saw the amazing Jesse Cook & his band.

We've seen them once before and they were just as great this time.

Let me share some of my favourite shots from the evening...

What beautiful & amazing artists these guys are & what a treat the concert was.

This was the Rumba Foundation Tour, if you have the chance to take it in, I highly suggest it.

(I'll be putting a few more shots that aren't posted here, into my flickr photo stream)

Thanks for hopping in lovelies.

XO Mandy, always inspired by music & often blasting Jesse Cook in the studio

p.s. The awesome Jesse Cook has granted me permission to sell these photos (Huge YAYYY!)
So if anyone is interested just email at MandySaile@BijousWhimsy.com

November's Newsletter

2011-11-30T23:45:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone.

The Bijou's Whimsy November Newsletter has just been distributed

and is available for viewing right here.
(It will arrive abit late for some people, Sorry, but I am having big problems with my email service!)

Do hop on by for a browse and if you have any questions or comments

write me at: mandysaile@bijouswhimsy.com

If you'd like to receive the newsletters just sign up right here.

See you all on Friday with some super cool concert photos.

Be Well, Be Joyful and Be Inspired XO Mandy & The Bijou's Whimsy Bunnies

Simply Buns

2011-11-28T12:44:00.001-05:00

Ahhhh.....

The boys are happy and napping all cozy like today (whiles the girls play with blankets)...

I simply adore days like this...

Days drenched in simplicity and goodness...

Happy Bunnies...Lots of time in the studio...

Days where we feel oh so lucky to be all warm and snug as bugs in a rug whiles outside is steeped in cold.

Ahhhhh....

XO Mandy, Ella Luna, Roo, Jinster & Jaky

Coraline Doll

2011-11-25T07:10:00.001-05:00

The other day I found myself making an impromptu doll with my 9 year old niece.

She said 'Auntie Mandy, do you think you could help me make a 'Coraline' doll...'

and well I did just happen to have some supplies with me, so I said

"I don't know but the only way we'll know is if we try"....

And try we did and success was had...I think our Coraline inspired doll turned out pretty cute, ha ha...

'Coraline' just happens to be one of my favourite movies.

And it's always a treat for me when my niece shows an interest in art and in my artistic abilities.

(She has already put in her custom & very detailed order for a painting for her room for Xmas, ha ha!)

So thanks for the fun idea and fun day of doll making my little munchkin.

(I know my mom will show her this post).

And thanks to everyone else who hopped in for a visit this week.

I am anxious to show you more stuff next week, so do stop by again...

Have a wonderful weekend.

XO Mandy & 4 happy bunnies

Seraphina And The Night Owl

2011-11-23T07:33:00.001-05:00

Finally I get to show you a new picture I just finished up...

It is a coloured pencil on painted paper and is called

"Seraphina And The Night Owl"

Here are a few details...

Finishing this one up seemed to take abit longer than usual.

I think it's because I am pushing my coloured pencil technique, trying to add more texture,

more free movement and more depth by using the pencils on a painted background...

which I am loving but which has caused me to pause and flounder abit here and there, ha ha.

One wouldn't think starting on a dark background instead of a light one would be so different but it is.

I had many moment of frustration where I thought

'Oh Jeepers just start it over on the usual white backing'...

But I purposely wanted to feel and push past that resistance/what-are-you-doing block that

typically bounces up whenever we try something remotely new.

Don't you love her and her lovely vegetarian owl friend...I sure do

(I'll let you know when prints are up in the shop)

See I told you I'd be back soon with a new picture...yayyy.

Be Well lovelies...Be Well.

XO Mandy & Her Black Beauty, Ella Luna

Beauty Reminded

2011-11-16T21:48:00.005-05:00

I just had to share this sunset and photo taken from our front yard.

and I really wanted to share a link to this incredible video I saw this week...

It's an Earth time lapse view from space,

it's so incredibly beautiful and unreal, you MUST check it out.

It's a beautiful reminder of the utterly amazing earth we inhabit.

I may be on hiatus for the next few days and may not be posting as I usually do...
I really do like to keep up with the Monday, Wednesday and Friday postings but
with our precious Ella Luna's super sore tootsies to deal with and
some rough headache days being had, I just found myself falling behind schedule...
(I did manage to squeeze in a super fun pizza-from-scratch making lesson
from my beautiful Italian friend however, ha ha)
Anyhow, I'll be back with a new coloured pencil as soon as I can,
I have so many lovely images on the go and I really can't wait to share them...
Also some new goodies for my Etsy shop.
I'll hop in again very soon, probably Wednesday.

Hope your all well.

XO Mandy and the buns

Monday Rabbit Dose

2011-11-14T07:48:00.028-05:00

I am so glad when Monday hits...cause that always means it's 'back to work' and
well I spend my days with artwork, bunnies and music so I can never really complain about Mondays.
But I know Mondays are abit yucky for many people so
I thought to myself, hmmm what can I do to help...

...well give everyone a rabbity dose of ultimate cuteness...
Yes, that might just be the thing to help some out...
So here's the adorable face of our Miss Jinn....

...She and I hope it helps any Monday blues out there.

Stay cozy warm today everyone, thanks for hopping in, thanks to everyone who spread around my 'Remembrance' illustration on Facebook, and make this Monday a really really great one.

XO Mandy & Jin

Remembrance

2011-11-11T05:34:00.001-05:00

Hopping in today to show you a new picture I just finished up.

"Remembrance"

In the spirit of honoring all of the men and woman who have sacrificed their lives so we can all be safer.

It is a small 5 x 7 coloured pencil on canson paper.

(the original and prints will be available for purchase shortly)

Have a beautiful day.

XO Mandy

34 Years Young

2011-11-09T06:22:00.001-05:00

Today is my Birthday...

I like to think positively about turning a year older.

I like to think of myself as one year better, not necessarily just one year older!

So yes indeed, today I am 34 YEARS BETTER.

XO The Birthday Girl

Outside Cleaning With Cuties

2011-11-07T10:33:00.003-05:00

We've been outside with these lovelies for company...

We got so much done this past weekend with regards to outside fall clean up and it was all that much more pleasant a task thanks to all the cuties surrounding us having fun as we worked away.
Ella Luna can't go outside without her feet wrapped, but she did well despite the sore tootsies.
and Jaks couldn't understand what the heck his dad was doing on the roof...he says "eavesdrops, huh?!".

There's alot to do this week, the jazz is streaming nice and loud, the hot chocolate is already made,
bunnies are napping, the sun is out shining and my coloured pencils are calling...
Ahhh....it's going to be a great week in the studio, I can feel it.

Have a great day everyone.

Mandy & The Bun Babies

A Wee Whispy ReWorked

2011-11-04T07:49:00.003-04:00

Even when I am struck down with migraines and such, I still can't stand to sit still for TOO long...

and whiles my coloured pencil works usually require alot of concentration

which I just didn't have in great quanity this week...

I did feel up to doing abit with my mixed media goodies.

I was never completely happy with my original Wee Whispy creations.

So, I decided to bring out the little ones that haven't sold yet and to rework them.

Here's what came out and I am so pleased with her now (click here to see what she looked like before).

I don't actually rework pieces very often at all but I am so glad I did on this little lady.

This one isn't for sale..it's for me and already has a special spot in the bedroom where I see her first thing every morning. The sentiment on this piece is a very important one for my tender soul to remember...

especially in a world full of people that like to turn softies like me into hard and critical beings.

If I can manage to get a really good high res shot of her, I will be able to offer her as a print.

Well it's the weekend, thank goodness, ha ha...

I am craving nothing but simple things for the next couple of days, such as:

no head pain (seriously I need a break because cluster migraines are hell),

I am hoping for no snow and nice enough weather to finish the yard clean up

and for lots of movies to be watched in front of a roaring fire with healthful snacks.

Thanks for hopping in this week and do remember...

"Those who are willing to be vulnerable, move among mysteries"

XO Mandy, who feels very grateful for walk-in clinics!

Apple Pie Cake

2011-11-02T07:29:00.022-04:00

I tryed this recipe not long ago and it's so easy and yummy I just have to share it...

Apple Pie Cake

1 cup of organic cane sugar

2 organic free-run eggs

1-2 tsp's of almond extract

4 apples, cored, peeled and sliced

1 cup of whole wheat flour

2 tsp baking powder

and a tiny dash of salt

(A sprinkling of nutmeg or cinnamon or both is optional)

-Combine eggs, sugar and extract in a large bowl and mix well.

-Than stir in the sliced apples and than sprinkle in the flour, baking powder and salt than mix mix mix.

-Pour the lovely mixture into an 8-10 inch pie or cake pan.
-Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg if you want.

-Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, cool slightly before serving....and YUMMMMM.

Enjoy!

I've been having to back off from my studio abit lately...
I got pretty sick with a bad bladder infection, than dealing with yet another tummy flu and
I was also swept off my feet with a new migraine med that I won't be trying ever again! Ugh...
Plus there's been a serious lack of good sleep happening in this home of ours...
My honey's bronchitis has been acting up and most nights lately we are up atleast till 4am with that...
There's been rambunctious bunnies making noise all night long
(sometimes the draw back of not having bunnies in cages!)...
and our sweet Ella Luna's feet needing constant tending too...
Anyhow, ha ha...
I have been reworking some of my old 'Wee Whispy' mixed medias and having such a ball with them...

I'll show you the results of one or two on Friday, if the sun pokes out long enough to get some shots!

XO Mandy, also with a sore head today

Chickadees

2011-10-31T07:35:00.001-04:00

The little souls outside never cease to delight...

...And I just thought today was the perfect day to share these favourite new photos...

Hope your starting this new week with something simple and sweet to delight in.

XO Mandy & The Bird Watching Ella Luna and Roo

New Necklaces Added To Shop

2011-10-28T06:33:00.001-04:00

Happy Friday Everyone.

Just hopping in today to let you all know that these 4 necklaces handmade by me

and featuring some of my favourite illustrations (also by me) have just been added to my shop.

I only have one left of each of these pendants, they are one of a kind...

so if there is one that interests you do head over to my shop and have a look.

(Psst...These lovelies are on sale for $18 from their regular price of $25).

See you all on Monday and thanks so so much for hopping by this week & spending some time with me.

XO Mandy & 4 bunnies who will likely be frantically running around this

weekend trying to get the yard cleaned up before the snow flies!

Roo Boo

2011-10-26T07:28:00.009-04:00

I thought today should be a rabbit dose...
a dose of our big boy Roo...just to get my heart a smilin' and hopefully yours as well...

...Cause sometimes when the world is feeling all jumbly and crumbly around you...
Snuggles with a giant grey rabbit are just what the heart needs...

Have a Good Snuggly Day Everyone.

XO Mandy whose spending the day with her Giant Roo Boo

Nubbins Now Available As Prints

2011-10-24T14:39:00.000-04:00

Finally...Finally I am getting my dear sweet 'Nubbins' into my shop as prints.

I'd like to introduce the actual 'dolls' as well but that depends if I can get enough pieces cut and

prepped before the snow keeps me from the garage and my tools (it's already pretty cold out there!).

Up until now they've only been available for purchase directly from me, from local sales,

from local galleries or through my own studio.

Atleast for now they are coming out as prints...

Here are the first 3 available in print form...

Nubbins 'Ellie Ebben Gray', 'Avril May Aviva' and 'Lillie Fionn Lapradie' now available as prints.

Interested? Just hop on over to my Etsy shop to have a look-see.

Hope your weekend was wonderful.

Ours was very beautifully cozy as we were stuck inside all weekend due to rain and bad migraines.

XO A recovering Bijou & Her Beautiful Bunnies who are listening to Jesse Cook in the studio today

(We JUST saw him & his band in concert & they were amazing, a blog post on that coming soon).

Drayton Blues Festival

2011-10-22T08:52:00.004-04:00

The way we came about going to an excellent blues fest a couple months ago was kinda neat.

Jonathan took lots of video at the Jazzfest we went to in Toronto just a few weeks before...

Where an excellent blues group named Braithwaite & Whiteley played.

Well Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley saw the video that Jonathan took and cut together

and they were so pleased with it they asked Jonathan if they can use his video
and if we would be their guests to 'The Underground Railroad Blues Festival'.

Well, I LOVE the Blues and we've never really had the chance to enjoy it live so we shouted a resounding

'YES...Yes we would love to come'

So we hopped in the car one early Saturday morning and drove out to Drayton, Ontario and
unfamiliar countryside for an amazing unforgettable day.

Let me share my favourite shots from the day & show you who we felt very lucky to see/hear...

Curly Bridges was up first...he does this cool buzzing sound with his mouth, ha ha...

(Check out some video of Curley Bridges right here).

Than was my favourite, the super talented Harrison Kennedy,

his voice is so soulful and deep, seeing him live was such a treat...

(Check out some video of Harrison right here).

Up next was the sassy 'Miss Angel' who sure can shake her booty, ha ha...

(Check out video of Miss Angel right here).

Chris Whiteley and his son Jessie, who rocked the keyboard, were so so good...

(Check Chris & Jesse out in my honey's video, right here).

Up next was the talented Donovan Locke....

(Check out his vocal stylings right here).

Then all the way from The Mississippi was 'The Prepare A Table Ministry Choir'...
and a preacher who was very charismatic and who completely tuned us in...

We were surprised to find ourselves really enjoying pastor Tim Bailey's powerful message,
it wasn't the usual preachy stuff but it was all about a humans basic right to freedom and dignity and
the importance of fighting for those things, not just for our ourselves but for everyone planet wide...

Up next was the Douglas Watson band...

(Check him out here).

Than another of my favs was Canadian Folk singer & Juno and Gemini award winner Kevin Breit...

(There is something so honest and gentle and fun about his music, check him out here).

And last but not least, the lovely Diana Braithwaite...
or otherwise known as Braithewaite & Whiteley...

(Check out Diana's gospel set right here and here).

It was a wonderful day with a really friendly and quaint atmosphere.

(The only negative was that there were no food options for us vegetarians, besides watermelon, ha ha,
so we were quite ravenous by the end of the night!)

The day and program ran so smoothly, we only had to wait 5 or 10 minutes at most in between sets.

...

Besides enjoying some great blues talent, the day was all about paying homage to the underground railroad and the people who made it, worked it and used it...
and to celebrate the freedom we in this country possess and enjoy today.

We are hoping the festival will take place again next year and that we'll be able to attend.

Thanks for having a look everyone....

Now let's go off and enjoy our freedom full day.

XO Mandy

Another New Felt & Beaded Brooch

2011-10-20T09:15:00.002-04:00

Just hopping in today to show you all another felt and beaded brooch I recently made...

I just organized a nice big toolbox for my beads, felt and stitchery goodies so I can just grab the box and get to work wherever and whenever the mood strikes me....usually it's during movies I just can't get into but still want to 'watch' or when my sweets wants to watch one of his gory zombie flicks.

Today however my fingers are itching to work with coloured pencils, I have several pieces on the go and I am anxious to finish at least one of them and my back is feeling better...so I am off to do just that.

Have a wonderfully cozy day.

We're a little off schedule this week, so I'll be seeing you all again on Saturday.

XO Mandy whose love love loving this week of constant rain

New Changes

2011-10-18T14:37:00.003-04:00

I am so so pleased and excited to announce that new changes have been made to

my beloved website

http://www.bijouswhimsy.com/

I am extremely proud of my site.

(my honey is the web designer/maker supreme & I am so lucky to have his talents mix with mine)

I am over the moon to have it looking better than ever & to be showcasing my work so beautifully.

Do hop on over and have a look around.

There are new rotating intro images...

New works in the What's New section of course...
New studio/about shots have been added...

The newsletter and contact pages have been updated and streamlined...

and most importantly are the new sections added...

now you'll see a 'photography' section which showcases all of my favourite photos.

There is a new 'out and about' section which houses all of the fantastic mini-sites

which we conjure up for special arts events that I've participated in.

AND

There is now a 'This and That' section which is home to my dolls, felt work and

soon to showcase jewelry adventures, etc.

WOHOO

I am so so pleased with the changes.

We've been working on it for some time now but I think it was worth the work and wait.

Do take a few minutes to have a look.

(Make sure to clear your Internet cache or simply hit ctrl+5 if your using Internet Explorer)

and if you've another few minutes leave me a message and tell me what you think.

Thanks Everyone.

I've been laid up in bed with a seized up back...

but it's all good, ha ha because I am getting lots of new felt goodies made...

and catching up on older movies I've been wanting to see.

XO Mandy

An Enchanted Garden

2011-10-14T08:10:00.001-04:00

So when last in the big city, we made a fantastic discovery.

It was an enchanted Garden full of sweet surprises...

Such as vultures perched high above our heads...

...ready to welcome in all who were willing to leave the heaviness of the adult world behind...

...a walking stick stopped to say 'how do ya do?'...

...A turtle shuffled out to ask us if we needed directions,

he instructed us to just follow our care-free hearts and let whimsy be our compass...

...It was a quiet place where shy snails wanted to talk about the weather...

....and where you were invited to tea with a tortoise and a berry picking bear...

...where long secret pathways amongst tall and towering grasses lead you to smiling snails...

...Where on top of a sweet little hill you spot a wooden gazebo and what looks like

a wonderfully secretive spot that your feather light heart craves to leads you next...

...but where on your way you meet one of the happiest of rabbits who invites you to spread your smile

and of course to frolic and play...

...and who requests a shy peck adieu before your off on your way...

...It was a place where that secret spot we glanced upon the smiling snail hilltop was finally found...

And what wonderful energy the place held...

you could feel magic sparkle and shimmer all around you...

...It was where I met a fellow book lover who read me a story so fantastic I dare not even try to repeat it

for it's something you have to hear on your own...

...I was very reluctant to leave, but the storyteller promised he'll be there ready with another grand story whenever I am able to visit again next...

...This was a magical garden which seemed to even enchant grown up boys...

...It was a most wonderful place for hearts that like to believe in magic...

...For souls who believe in the beauty of their dreams...

It was a place that reminded one that the most ordinary of days can suddenly

be turned into the most splendorous soul drenching moments.

That moments of pure unexpected blissful delight can tingle your soul,

if only you'll let your heart be light & open your eyes to enchanted magic...

Thanks for hopping in this week everyone...have a great weekend and see you all on Monday.

XO An Enchanted Bijou

...And The Dreams Perched

2011-10-12T08:41:00.003-04:00

A new illustration...

"...And The Dreams Perched"

and they refused to leave her, so she nourished them until they helped her take flight...

This image of mine is all about those dreams that stick around and refuse to be pushed aside...

The exact dreams we must nourish for in doing so they nourish us, even if they never fully come true.

This is a 12 x 16" acrylic and coloured pencil on stonehenge paper

(soon to be mounted and sealed onto a cradled panel & is indeed for sale).

Nourish your lofty perched dreams today.

XO A coloured pencil loving Mandy

18 Years

2011-10-11T08:41:00.001-04:00

Happy Thanksgiving All...

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend surrounded by warmth, kind food & loved ones...we sure did.

Today is a special day for us as well because today marks our anniversary.

18 years ago we found one another and decided to never ever let go.

So HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to my fabulous & amazing sweetheart
whom I feel so incredibly blessed and lucky to share this life with.

and Happy day to everyone else.

See you all tommorow with a new illustration.

XO A Much Loved Bijou

New Felt Bunny Brooch

2011-10-07T08:30:00.003-04:00

Happy Friday all.

I am hopping in today to show you my newest felt and stitched brooch.

Doesn't this white rabbit have on the cutest sweater, ahhhh I love it, ha ha...

I don't know if this one will be for sale. I might just have to keep it for myself, ha ha.

If your interested in any of the felt brooches you've seen here on my blog but don't want to wait

until their listed in my online shop, just email me at mandysaile@bijouswhimsy.com

XO Mandy, Ella Luna, Roo, Jinny and Apple-Jaks

A Bunny Diversion..Yes, It Was A Very Good Day

2011-10-05T10:49:00.004-04:00

So, most of you know that Jaks got really sick at the very beginning of September.

It was a long and tiring road to get him well again, but he's healed up beautifully.
Finally this past weekend, after a long month inside the house,
we were able to let Jaks and Jinny play outside.
They LOVE it outside...
We took the camcorder out with us as and...

my honey just finished this video of them being silly out in the yard.
(I just couldn't wait to share it with you all).

Now everyone can see Jaks and Jin playing outside...YAY...
We've been wanting to post bun videos to my YouTube Channel for some time now.
Jonathan had the great idea of calling each bun episode 'A Bunny Diversion'...
which is perfect because I am quite often diverted from my artwork because of the buns.
Now when you visit me on YouTube you can watch my artsy stuff & our bunnies, YAYYY again, ha ha.

We hope you enjoy it & hope it lightens your heart and makes you smile.

See you Friday.

XO Mandy, Jonathan, Ella with very sore feet, a sleepy Roo, and the romping silly Jin and Jak-a-boo

Outside With My Co-Workers

2011-10-03T09:43:00.010-04:00

While I've been outside working on a new illustration...

...My co-workers have their own important agendas.

It includes the munching of yarrow...

...and of course Ella Luna needs to constantly check on what Roo is doing,

apparently he's abit of a slacker and needs much supervision and direction,

which Ella Luna is happy to provide since she's appointed herself boss long ago...

...Of course there are birds to listen to, breezes to bask in, soil to turn over, leaves to collect

and squirrels to watch as they skitter by, annoyingly so according to Ella Luna...

...Breaks ARE allowed, especially when deemed fit by the boss...

...But breaks don't last long for there is lots more work to get done such as the pruning of trees...

...Of course whiles the boss is busy pruning, Roo always manages an extra nap,

He says that it'll make him much more productive in the long run...

...we're all busy bees as you can plainly see, ha ha.

Have a wonderful day.

XO Mandy & her co-workers

September's Newsletter

2011-09-30T18:06:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone...

just hopping in for an extra post today to let you know that the

September newsletter has just gone out.

You can view it by clicking right here.

Have a wonderfully warm and cozy weekend and see you all on Monday.

XO Mandy & 4 bunnies by a toasty roaring fire

New Prints Now Available

2011-09-30T06:27:00.003-04:00

Just hopping to let you all know that these older inspirational coloured pencil designs

of mine are now listed as prints in my Etsy shop...

Kindly spread the word if you think they are beautiful and would perhaps cheer somebody's day.

See you on Monday

XO Mandy of Bijou's Whimsy

Biking Adventures On Center Island

2011-09-28T09:07:00.003-04:00

Back in August, after a blues festival in Drayton, my honey & I made our way back
to Toronto and hopped on a ferry with our bikes

(after spending a crazy $25 for parking!!!)

and spent a whole day playing about and biking on Toronto's Center Island.

We fell in love with the place and were kicking ourselves that we never bothered to

explore it when we actually lived in the city!!!

(mind you, back then we were quite broke and a cup of coffee a week was sometimes a stretch, ha ha!)

The day was very hot, humid and quite gloomy but we had a complete ball anyways...

Here is abit of our day...

As you can probably tell, I was hogging the camera, hence my handsome guy being in most shots.

I have to say, Jonathan was super patient with me constantly hopping off my bike to take shots.

He was even more patient with my constant and sudden screeching out 'OHHHH LOOK' followed by my zooming off on him because I saw something in the distance that I just had to photograph.

I think he's used to me & my camera by now, bless him, ha ha...

We can not wait to go back. What a brilliant and refreshing place to bike and picnic.

By the end of our day we were pooped

and I was slightly bruised and sore from a spill on my bike, ha ha!

We had to call our day to and end by a certain time so as not to spend too many

hours driving the Northern highways in pitch dark!

But our timing to leave was serendipitous because the skies grew quite threatening and

stormy and we were more than ready to head back to the bunnies.

Have any of you been to the Toronto islands?

Thanks for hopping by.

XO A Bijou whose missing the city

White Bunny Brooch

2011-09-26T06:58:00.005-04:00

I just have to say,

Thanks so so much...

Thanks, to all of you lovelies who have been joining me here on my blog in the last few weeks.

It still amazes me, all of the lovely friendships and connections with people from all over the world

that I've made because of this blog of mine....what a joy, a surprise and an honor.

I do put lots of work into this blogspot of mine, and I do take alot of pride in it.

I can't tell you how much your visits and continual kind comments and support mean.

It all means the world, and I thank you all oodles.

Okay, I am done gushing...and wanted to hop in to show you another felt brooch I recently made.

What do you think?

Is it sweet?

Do you think it's worthwhile to list them in my Etsy shop??

I was planning to, I just wanted all of your opinions...

Yesterday I picked all of the tomatoes in the garden and chopped the plants down for the
compost heap...it was a pretty good harvest and I can't wait to grow more next summer.
Today the agenda includes:
Coloured pencils outside with a big pot of peppermint tea
as Ella Luna and Roo romp about the leaf covered yard...
and likely I'll have a hot water bottle or two with me since I am nursing a
tender head from 3 previously awful headache plagued days, ugh!
The last couple of weeks Jon and I have been nursing nasty persistant colds as well
so I feel like I am still recoup-ing from that as well,
some time in the autumn sun will be just what the doctor orders I think...
Perhaps a bowl of lentil soup and some cucumbers grown in our garden will accompany me as well...

XO A Fall Loving Mandy & Her Fall Loving Bunnies

p.s. Join me here on Wednesday for some favourite shots from a summer biking adventure.

Crooked Brothers

2011-09-23T07:24:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago we went to the Piebird for another awesome concert.

It was an enchanted evening with 'The Crooked Brothers'.

Let me share some of my favourite shots from the evening...

The Manitoba brothers Jessie, Darwin and Matt were so so great...

The music was a cool mixture of tender country, funky blues with some soft light folk thrown in.

The night was one of a kind.

It was an endearingly quiet concert played alongside crickets and a slowly sinking golden sun

whiles the crowd was surrounded by fresh green fields full of organic veggies, wild flowers

and towering sunflower stalks as goats played amongst the trees...

It was a concert played under twinkling star shine and enjoyed by flickering lantern & candle light...

a very special evening I'll never forget.

Jonathan put some video together. There's a few songs per video, one video is in the light and

one video is in the pitch dark....see them here and here.

Matt is the one with the deep grumbly voice that makes my toes & tummy all warm and fuzzy, ha ha.

Wishing you all an amazing weekend...

hopefully under some star and moon shine with excellent music added in for good measure.

XO Mandy & The Bunnies

New Prints Available

2011-09-22T12:26:00.001-04:00

Hopping in for an extra post this week to let you know that...

Join me tomorrow for a blog post about a starry night concert in the country.

XO Mandy of Bijou's Whimsy XO

Heavenly Skies

2011-09-21T06:11:00.002-04:00

The fall sunsets have been breathtaking and amazing and I just had to share the beauty...

Around 8pm, I can be found suddenly springing for my camera

and sprinting out the door, ha ha...

I seriously could feel my heart burst open and smile with the beauty.

(These shots were taken from the end of our driveway)

May you be taking the time to let a sunrise or sunset burst your soul open.

XO Mandy

Abundance In Beauty

2011-09-19T08:46:00.002-04:00

I think life is just alot easier when you get in the habit of cultivating beauty

and surrounding yourself with as much loveliness and comfort as your possibly can...

(people may try to make you feel like it's wrong to do so, but just ignore them!)

This new illustration of mine is about that...

"Abundance In Beauty"

It is a coloured pencil image with abit of paint added...and prints will be available, yes indeed.

Wishing you all days abundant in beauty.

XO Mandy & Ella Luna XO

Update On Jaks

2011-09-16T07:54:00.003-04:00

I am so so pleased to be able to write that our sweet Jaks is doing so much better.

He started eating with a voracious appetite a few days ago, yayyyy.
He's back to his usual playful and energetic self, yayyy.
and he saw the doctors again today who is very happy with his progress, yayyy.
Well, the doc says we're not out of the woods yet...that there is still risk of infection underneath all of the large scabs but so far all looks good and many areas are healing up nicely.
He'll go back in 2 weeks for another check up.
Uunfortunately he has to be on the antibiotics for another 2-3 weeks...
but Jaks takes his medicine like a little trooper (mixing it with apple juice helps too!).

So now we have a nightly routine. Whiles I hold him in various positions, Jonathan uses a soft paint brush to put manuka honey on all his sore parts and than I wrap him in a thick soft towel, we put a movie on and he and I have nice snuggles and snoozes together on the couch for 1.5-2 hours.
We can tell the honey feels soothing because he settles right in for a nice long snuggle...
His little body completely relaxes, he offers lots of kisses and falls asleep quite a few times, ha ha.
Than
We put him in a nice warm shallow bath to wash the honey off...
Than we have to apply peroxide (as per docs orders) just to really make sure we're fighting any infection under all those scabs...and than he comes back on to the couch for a blow drying to make sure he's nice and dry...I think we're looking at another couple of weeks of this routine.
But it's all helping and it truly does feel like a precious honor to be able to care for him and help him heal.

(Here's Apple Jaks last night after our nightly bath/honey/blow dry session..
he said 'Okay guys, you can take a few pictures but don't show anyone my boo boos'...)

I have to say...

I know lots of people don't get my relationship with animals and rabbits.

Most somehow just can't fully and totally understand how a precious rabbit soul can so touch my life.

But, they do...

and it struck me as funny when the last time we were at the vets office,

I was holding Jaks in a big soft blanket (he prefers that instead of the carrying cage)

and I was sitting in a quiet corner, rocking him and talking to him

and a woman with her 2 young kids came up to me and looked at me strangely and than said

"Oh sorry, we came to see your baby...we thought you had a real baby in there"

and I just smiled and said

"Well it is a real baby...it's MY baby".

And I realized that my response and smile to this stranger was genuine...
That I didn't mind her funny little glance and chuckle as she walked away with her two human children.

I realized that I am so completely over people 'not getting me'

because it just doesn't matter if people understand...
I understand it and that's all I need
because I simply can not think of my life without the magic of rabbits being in it...

and well who can explain magic...

XO Mandy and A Happy Healing Apple Jaks XO

Bird On Flower Brooch

2011-09-14T07:03:00.002-04:00

I woke up and looked out the window to see grey skies and bright yellow leaves doing a lovely spiral dance around each other as thy floated to the ground...ahhhh, it's feeling like a very cozy day.

The perfect day to show you another felt brooch I just finished up.

Isn't it sweet sweet sweet...
I conjured up several designs in the summer & it feels great to see them come to life.
I am having so much fun with them and they let me indulge in my felt obsession.
They don't have to be worn, one could put them in a frame as lovely little originals.

On the agenda today:
Tend to a very sore head
Get a coloured pencil finished up (Which I can't wait to show you)
Finish up a smaller 2nd image which just needs a smidge of paint added
Make a big pot of cabbage soup
tidy my forever messy house
but mostly...
the plan is to sit on the floor working on another felt brooch besides 4 sweet sweet sweet bunnies.

Hope your having a great day...thanks for hopping by.

XO A Stitching Bijou XO

Abit Of Time Outside

2011-09-12T08:19:00.003-04:00

Jaks has finally started to eat on his own...phew!
SO...
This weekend we were able to take turns being outside.
One of us was outside making sure Ella Luna and Roo got some fresh air and exercise
whiles the other was inside keeping Jaks company as he continues to heal.
Poor little guy just can't go out for another couple of weeks at least, which really sucks because
the rabbits just love the fall with it's crisp air, cozy winds and falling leaves.

I've been working on this new image and spent abit of time on it outside this weekend...

...The grey squirrels came by to offer some cuteness, to say hello and to collect some peanuts...

...and the flowers seemed extra lovely.

The nights around here are getting quite cold and we know they won't last much longer now...

Today is technically a 'Back To Work' day,
last week was the official time for that but as you know Jaks got very sick.
Now, I am having a hard time finding the groove of my studio routine.
I find myself whirling about in circles and constantly drifting back to
Jaks who I am still worried about and to Ella Luna who is very crickety and quiet this morning.

I still have quite a few summer photos to share with you all.
Shots from a blues festival we went to. Shots from an airshow. Shots from a biking excursion.
Maybe today is a good day to edit some photos and get all of those queued up.
But I think I will also work with my coloured pencils and bounce between Jaks and Jins room
and Ella Luna and Roo's room as I work on 2 illustrations.

Hoping your all finding your September groove.

XO A Bunny Tired Bijou XO

Bunny Brooch

2011-09-09T17:38:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to hop in and show you all a little felt, stitched & beaded brooch I just finished up.

I've made 5 of these little cuties so far and am having a ball with them.

I'll let you know when it's available for purchase in my Etsy shop.

Thanks oodles to everyone sending us and Jaks well wishes & healing energies...

it means so much and touches my heart warmly...hugs to you all.

Jaks is abit better today...another positive update will follow soon hopefully.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone and I hope you can hop in for a visit next week.

XO Mandy, Ella Luna, Roo, Jaks and Jinny

Update

2011-09-07T14:31:00.003-04:00

As I sit in constant vigil over our Jaks, I take a few minutes here and there to work on this new coloured pencil...I think I must dive into something for the sake of sanity and for the sake of my forever creatively itchy fingers and soul. Coloured pencils fit the bill at the moment since they are so mobile and easy to pick up and drop when attention is needed elsewhere.

I thought I'd hop in with an update.
He's still with us...
we THINK he's taking small steps of improvement...
This is the 6th scary & exhausting day of this ailment...
but late last night in the wee hours of a new dawning day he started to poop
and this morning he started to nibble on his own, just abit and not nearly enough but the interest in food is a good sign and brought tears to our eyes...
He doesn't look half as sick as he is (well the first couple of days he looked bad).
I don't think he knows what danger he is in...
but this is a good thing because he's very active despite the awful wounds from the awful infection.
He's playing with Jinny & being his silly self and probably we are looking more tired than he is!
Going on days 6 of him not eating or pooing like he needs to be is just not good...
but we are not giving up and we're so impressed by this little rabbits strength.

So it's been antibiotic doses ever 12 hours...

He does have an infection despite our diligent cleaning twice daily
(tonight he'll get a nice warm soothing bath)...

It's force feedings of small herbivore critical care ever 4 hours...
Motility Injections ever 8 hours (which thankfully he doesn't feel at all)...

and a veggie slurry with fresh squeezed pineapple juice of our own making every few hours as well.
The bromide in the pineapple & the enzymes in the greens are very important

to help enhance and motivate motility....

It's lots of gentle tummy massages which Jonathan learnt how to do last year...

It's exercise sessions in the wide open basement living room, since movement is very important...

We at least don't have to worry about him being dehydrated for he's taking in lots of water on his own.

It's been a very rough few days...but yes, he's still with us, our sweet little Jak-a-boo.

I just won't handle it if my boy dies because of this...a skin infection gone horribly wrong

(again I can't afford details, it's still too raw)...

I know we take really good care of the buns, I know this but it was obviously not enough.

I am here and present with them almost 365 days a year...I can't help but blame myself.

I had him in my arms just the day before all this started...he looked & acted completely normal.

I didn't realize what was going on underneath a patch of fur.

I didn't have reason to suspect anything but still I should have checked somehow...

my intuition or whatever six sense I should have had failed me and I feel like I've failed him.

...

In between mixed moments of despair and hope

and in between moments of humbling clarity and dazed exhaustion,

I am grateful for:

Jonathan, who is so so strong and who is taking care of me whiles we take care of our babe...

For my honey's amazing boss, who is supportive of Jonathan working from home during all this...

For a pile of Artful Blogging magazines giving me some needed eye candy...

For the healing of my left hand, after skinning it pretty badly last week!...

For a threatening bladder infection staying at bay, so far!!!...

For a reprieve from a long strain of really bad migraines...

For the hot showers at the end of these recent days...

For favourite old shows like The Cosby Show and Ally MacBeal giving us a chuckle now and than...

For pot after pot of peppermint tea and honeyed green teas...

For my juicer and the healthful fresh squeezed apple, carrot, ginger drinks we get from it...

For the rainy, cold and gloomy days which seem to companionably echo our current days...

For Ella Luna and Roo's patience as we do spend almost 24 hours tending to 'the others'...

For the soothing tinkling of my fish tank which lulls me to sleep when we do manage an hour or two...

And

For the fact that even amongst all this panic and upset, I can still find oodles to be grateful for...

Keep sending us those positive well wishes and good energies,

I am passing each and every one of them along to Jaks.

XO Mandy and Jonathan and Jaks and Jinster XO

A VERY sick Jaks...

2011-09-04T20:12:00.004-04:00

Well it's not looking like we'll be getting back to a new studio season quite yet.

We've had a very very sick bunny since Thursday morning...

one day Jaks was perfectly fine and the next something was drastically wrong...

In short (and sparing everyone details) what happened was that he was bitten by a bug & developed

the worst skin infection we've ever seen.

It seemed to develop and spread over night on his back & bum

It all started under a little matt of fur that we didn't even notice until it had all gone horribly bad...

but after a rough 48 hours, we're tentatively hopeful that we're taking steps toward healing...

though now we're also dealing with a very difficult case of g.i. stasis because of what happened.

After 3 days apart, Jinny is now allowed to be with him and she's really helping to keep

his spirits up & is giving him lots of kisses and snuggles...

(this was Jaks last month...most of his fur on the back end & legs has had to be shaved off :C)

He's still not out of the woods by any means, with the g.i. stasis still present and danger of infection in the wounds...so do please send our sweet boy some extra good vibes and positive thoughts & hope...

And maybe perhaps some good mojo for us too.

It's been so scary & unlike any rabbit ailment we've seen in 15 years of having buns.

Well this is about all I can manage to write this evening.

I'll hop in again as soon as I can, hopefully with some good news.

August Newsletter

2011-08-31T21:21:00.000-04:00

The August Newsletter has just gone out...

If you would like to view it, just click right here.

If you would like to receive my newsletters right in your email box, just click right here.

Thanks Everyone...have a superb evening.

XO A Peppermint Tea Sipping Bijou On A Rainy Evening XO

Today

2011-08-30T12:10:00.002-04:00

It's the end of what has been a very stressful month...

Long story short:

there was a lump in my boob which lead to doctors visits and was followed by mammograms and tests

and call backs for more crappy mammograms, than ultrasounds and a biopsy

than the torturous waiting for results...

But I am just back from my doctors with happy news

that though I might have to have the lump removed

it's still nothing to worry about because it's not cancerous tissue...

Well I am just ready to start a fresh month...

Where hopefully Ella Lunas leg will be doing abit better...

where I'll dive into some yoga...

where I'll be able to breathe deeply..

and where I'll have long days all cozy like with my honey and bunnies...

...and long days with my work...

(These coloured pencils heads are for some mixed media piece I am working on lately)

Life can be scary can't it...

but boy oh boy these worries & blips along the way can put things into perspective quite rapidly!

And for that, I am feeling very grateful.

So although I do have a sore head to tend to today (it started up with last nights downpour)

Today's agenda is a simple one:

First, a leisurely cup of coffee with a chapter of a book...

Than it's outside we go for an afternoon with bunnies & coloured pencils...

It'll be a great day...

and I am breathing...ahhhh....

Wishing you all a stress-free and lovely lovely day.

XO Mandy XO

p.s. My August newsletter goes out later today...if you would like to receive it just sign up here.

The Visitor

2011-08-27T08:50:00.002-04:00

So you may be wondering why our Jinster is looking awfully grumpy & annoyed here...

Well, ha ha...it's because 'The Visitor' decided on an unannounced & unwelcome visit again this year...

This groundhog seems to be quite the docile sweetheart...

quite large actually, about the size of Roo...

He seems fearful of the rabbits but the bunnies just look at him with a look that sort of says
'Umm, What the hell are you doing in my yard...'
I think actually Jaks was saying something alittle more rude here, ha ha...

Of course we try to get him out of the bunny areas as quickly as possible...

but he does have the habit of just popping in announced.

(hence my thorough yard inspection every day before bunnies go out!).

Have a wonderful day.

XO Mandy

Beautiful and Generous Gifts

2011-08-25T08:13:00.004-04:00

I can't let another day go by without showing you all some amazingly beautiful & generous gifts

I recieved in the mail over the past couple of months...

My lovely blogland pal & fellow rabbit lover Annette Tait, from Edinburgh

sent me this beautiful rabbit softie called "Elegance"

I won her in one of Annette's generous blog giveaway & now she sits on our bed looking lovely...

It was before I had won the draw for Elegance, that we had decided to do a trade...

I was so excited to get these 2 ornaments.

I am wild about them & they now hang from my sewing table lamp...

Not only did she send me these goodies but also so many greetings cards & even a rabbit wall decal.

I was just blown away by these amazing gifts from Annette.

Check out her blog here and her Etsy shop right here.

Than came another package.

This time from my speacil pal Shell...

Shell & I met through our blogs & were kindred spirits from the start.

To celebrate The Year of The Rabbit & in honour of some of her fav bunny peeps...

She sent the sweetest pillow ever, one of her creations & designs...

She didn't just send one....but TWO...

They now grace our little bedroom breakfast area & they make my heart smile everytime I pass them.

Check our Michelle May's blog here and her lovely shop right here.

Than....

I won another giveaway

this time from Donna Swan of Lavender Rabbit Studio...

The giveaway was this sweet & pretty necklace set...

I just love it & wear it often...

But not only did she send the necklace but she sent the bunnies some goodies too.

I've never had anyone, let alone a person I've never met before, send my babies treats, wow...

It touched my heart so so much.

Check out Donna's blog here and her shop right here.

All of these beauties mean so much & are now among my favourite things in our cozy little house.

They are even more beautiful and loved when I think of the kind & generous & unique woman who sent them my way....thanks lovely lovely ladies.

XO Bijou XO

The Piebird Goats

2011-08-23T12:47:00.000-04:00

Remember I told you guys that I had some goat photos to show you all...
Well here they are....aren't they beauties...these are the Piebird Goats...
We get to visit and converse with them whenever we go to a Piebird concert
(Which we actually did again just this past Friday, a post will follow on that soon).

I've ALWAYS wanted goats of my own (and a donkey!)
Maybe someday...if we move out to the country for my rabbit sanctuary dream...
We'll see...the country has been calling to us lately, that's for sure.
In the meantime I'll bask in the funny sweetness of the Piebird goats....ahhhhh.

XO A Bijou whose off to a mid-afternoon matinee XO

New Prints Now Available

2011-08-20T07:51:00.000-04:00

Visit my Etsy Shop to purchase any or all of these new prints.

(Or visit just to have an eye-ful of colourful, positive, thoughtful, unique & inspirational work.)

Outside with Babies

2011-08-18T11:44:00.001-04:00

So when most people are waking up, driving to work and spending their days

perhaps in an office type of setting with fellow co-workers...

I have a completely different schedule and routine...

I wake up and feed the 4 hungry mess makers right away and
soon after it's time to hop down into the yards to make sure all is safe for all to come out,

Then there's usually a stampede of little rabbity feet

4 little precious bunnies who are anxious to get out to munch grass, dig, dig, dig & sleep...

I drag my coloured pencils and such outside and spend the days outside with 4 rabbits...

We know not to take this lovely routine for granted, we grab everyday outside that we can...

Some of you may be asking 'where are Jinny & Jaky'...well it's no secret that they strongly dislike Ella Luna and Roo and vice versa...so to keep everyone happy and nip & stress-free we have the two couples in separate parts of the yard....our yard has the priority of being 'bunny-friendly' zones, ha ha.

Roo Boo gave us quite the scare last week though, whew!

He suddenly was holding his head severely to the right and

jerking it back spasmodically and refusing to eat his most favourite treats!

He was rushed to the doctors...

We were warned that it could be the beginning symptoms of a neuroglical disease (panic enters here!)...

but the symptoms disappeared 4 hours later as quickly as the started, soooo we're hoping really hard that it was just some kind of random ear/neck cramp...Poor Roo...but he's all good now.

It really kind of jarred me, not just because something was obviously wrong with my big boy

but I think that I've been soooo focused on Ella Luna for the last 2 years of dealing with that nasty nasty abscess and now the aftermath of surgeries leaving her legs weak...that I somehow forgot that things will and can go wrong with my other babes too...

I truly think a big part of me is in constant panic/worry mode!

Anyhoo...today, we'll all good...and we are all outside so we're extra good, ha ha.

Have a wonderful day everyone...even if your stuck indoors!

XO Mandy and her 4 grass munching buns XO

Leda

2011-08-16T15:33:00.000-04:00

So back to some artwork, as promised...

I admit to not being super busy in the studio these last few weeks,

but than a gals gotta enjoy some summer holidays with her honey-pie too...

I thought you may all like to see my beautiful goddess

"Leda"

She is a woman in tune & in complete alignment with nature...it is she and she is it...

Here is how she came about...

I am still trying to figure out what kind of frames to put on them. I am thinking ornate gold ones.

Prints of them will be available by the end of this week I believe.

Well, I spent a couple hours at the dentist this morning.

A couple hours at the movies with my mom in the afternoon.

Next on the agenda is quite abit of paperwork in the studio (yuck!)

But part of that paperwork is because I was the lucky recipient of an

Ontario Arts Council Exhibition Assistance Grant,

which is so wonderful & helps me out alot to cover costs from my last solo exhibition, so YAAAYYY.

Than, hopefully I am looking at a good couple hours with my prismas...

Hope your week is off to a good start.

XO Mandy

Summer In The Park Music Line Up

2011-08-13T08:11:00.006-04:00

So we went to another festival, one in our very own little city, called 'Summer In The Park'

It had the best musical line up it's had in years...so we couldnt' pass it up.

I really LOVE some of the shots I took of the musicians and was hoping you all wouldn't mind terribly if I showed them to you today...it is after all concert week on this dear blogling oh mine!

First let me just say that the skies the first night were quite ominous...

And we did get drenched in a torrential downpour but the hardcore fans stuck it out, ha ha...

First up was the rockin 'Sheep Dogs'

The guy with the long dark hair was sooo photogenic, I think I took 20 shots of him alone, ha ha.

Unfortunately because of the rain, their set was cut short, which sucked cause they were great...

but we were seriously impressed by their dedication to the crowd, they played in torrential rain & wind to the point of being dangerous...& I wouldn't be surprised if some of their equipment got ruined.

Up next was the excellent East Coast band 'Hey Rosetta'

And next up was 'City In Colour'

The crowd was bonkers for these guys...apparently the main singer is the current Canadian heart-throb!

The 2nd day was the day 'The Tea Party' played,

which is the band we most looked forward too...

They were awesome and put on a great show...

Jonathan was especially psyched to see them live.

And than to wrap up the event was 'Joan Jett & The Blackhearts'

I think most people have heard of this song...it was fun to see her live.

But we ended up leaving after about 5 songs
because the crowd was just abit too rude & rowdy for my taste!

The cigarette smoke was horrid and I already had a bad headache, people were throwing things and ripping apart their glow sticks & spraying everyone with the chemically gunk inside!!! and than to top it all off there was a plump rude 40-some year old witch grinding, jumping & bumping against me the whole time...it ticked me off enough to leave! I have no problem with physical contact but seriously woman, back off abit...Ugh!!!

So there you have it....what do you think of the photos?

Next week we'll get back to Art work and Bunnies, I promise!

XO A Rocked Out Mandy whose currently basking once again in sweet sweet Jazz XO

International Jazz Festival

2011-08-11T07:56:00.002-04:00

So this is concert week on the blog I think, ha ha.

A few weekends ago Jonathan treated me to a massive treat...
a jazz festival in Toronto...

The 23rd Annual Beaches International Jazz Festival to be exact.

It happened like this...
we were in Toronto 3 days prior for the amazing U2 concert
and before heading back home we went for lunch
at which point I saw posters for the upcoming weekends International Jazz Fest...
Well my sweet-as-pie honey said that I looked at that poster so longingly, ha ha...

and that enough was enough, that the rabbits would be fine with their babysitter
and that he was taking his jazz nut to that festival because I've missed enough jazz in the city....
Awwww, I know I know, ha ha....

So we made the 4 hours trek down South once again.

It wasn't at all what I expected and was a hundred times better than anything I could of dreamt.

Let me share some of my favourite shots of the weekend
and show you who we were lucky enough to see...

The super talented Anne Lindsay started us off...

(Jonathan took some high def video that you can see right here)

Than we saw the awesome blues duo Braithwaite & Whiteley

(Check out the hd vid here)

Than the dizzying Yoel Diaz Quartet from Cuba...

(Check out the video we took right here...the keyboard-ist is super talented & super fast)

Than we really enjoyed Raoul & The Big Time

They were another blues band & put on a great show......

(Watch some groovy video here to see why we enjoyed them so much)

Than we took in and grooved to the funky funk band called Planet Earth with Ron Little Jon...

(Check out the video Jon took of them, right here, they were really cool)

Than we were amazed by the ultra talented Yiannis Kapoulas...

beautiful music with an Egyptian vibe to it...
(I think his will be one of the next cd's I order.)

(Check out the video from my honey, right here, you'll be amazed).

THAN....

One of THEE BEST shows we've yet to see...

An awesome funk group from New Orleans

Big Sam's Funky Nation

They just so completely rocked the stage and turned the whole scene into a dance party

Jonathan lost his voice, I almost knocked down a metal fence, ha ha...

Dude rocked that trombone, holy smokes!!!

I admit I was quite smitten, ha ha

And they had one of thee best bassist ever.

They engaged the crowd & had top energy through the whole show, like we've never seen before.

Wow.

You gotta check out the video of them, right here.
(Though it doesn't do them justice & unfortunately our camcorder died on us so we couldn't get much).

Well, that was my first ever Jazz Festival...I'll never forget this weekend, not ever...

Toronto is so insanely lucky to have this event every year...
(When we lived in TO for 5 years I wasn't a jazz nut so I didn't eve know this event was taking place!)

we only got to enjoy 2 days out of 10 but it's certainly better than nothing because I think the last

jazz concert I super enjoyed/saw was in PEI 7 years ago!

I usually just crank it out in my studio stereo...

Jazz calms me down & gets into my soul like something velvety soft.

These are some of my favourite shots amongst over 500 photos, ha ha.

Thanks for having a look....and don't forget to boogey to the videos.

XO A Jazz Happy Mandy XO

Lake of Stew at the Piebird

2011-08-09T11:24:00.001-04:00

This past Sunday we spent the afternoon picnicking, listening to music
& basking in the goodness that is the Piebird, one of our favourite places...

It is truly a unique, relaxing and happy place...

Where you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty & freeing simplicity of the outdoors...

Where the band members zoom around on bikes...

Whiles a local act called 'The PineCone Collective' warms up the crowd...

And a guy rocks on an instrument called the Chapman Stick...

It is a place that nurtures, supports and hosts great and amazing talent...

Like the blue grass-ish/jug band from Montreal Lake of Stew...They were SO SO Excellent...

My honey took some great video...if you want to see them just visit

Here

and Here...

trust me they are worth a look & will have you stamping your feet...

I am already looking forward to next years concert/picnic...

Thanks to Lake of Stew for putting on a super great concert and

Thanks to Yan & Sherry of the Piebird, a truly lovely and inspiring couple.

(Part of the Piebird experience includes goats but I thought I'd share the
goat photos with you in a different post just so this one doesn't get super long)

p.p.s. I did a long post on the picnic/concert last year as well, just click right here to see it.

XO Mandy & Jon & 4 sleepy bunnies under a gloomy sky XO

Something Different

2011-08-04T23:20:00.001-04:00

Sometimes a gals just gotta play with her ink pens and do something abit different than her usual work....

such as this little trio of cats done in ink pen on canvas....

I still have to add some simple colour but here's a sneak peek...

Because there's nothing wrong with wanting to add abit of light, fun and cuteness to the world.

XO Mandy, Ella Luna, Roo, Jin and Jaks XO

Owlette Obert & Rabbity Romps

2011-08-02T13:32:00.001-04:00

Today I show you the last of my creations in the "Owlette" series...

This little guy's name is 'Obert'

I am sure I'll be making more of these little guys.

I just have to make sure to cut the owl shapes before winter hits because

than I can't get to my tools & scroll saw in the garage.

....

I've been working on the most adorable little felt/stitched/beaded brooches and I can't wait to show you.

but right now I am rushing off to bring our precious Ella Luna outside.

It's been a somewhat stressful balance of making sure my little one gets enough exercise for her

leg troubles but than again not too much exercise...

it's hard hard hard to see my sweet girl get old and to not be as nimble as she once was...

Jon can tell when my hearts squeezing & is feeling all crumbly and he's constantly passing along the assuring 'She's Okay Mandy...we all get old and rickety'

...But still, I think my heart flips about 100 times a day because

a lifetime with this precious heart isn't nearly long enough...

but enough of that...

and outside we go.

Have a wonderful day everyone and

thanks for hopping in. I hope your all able to get outside and enjoy the day with your furry hearts.

XO Mandy & Ella Luna XO

New Prints On Etsy

2011-07-29T07:00:00.004-04:00

Pssst...Guess What.....

Just head on over to my sweet and lovely Etsy shop to have a look see.

I am feeling very hyper and excited...about nothing in particular but about lots of things all at once:

I feel like I am finally getting back into the studio groove...

I am blissfully elbows deep in some felt fun...

I have tons of necklaces packaged up and ready to go into the shop...

I was in tons of Etsy treasuries this week, which means my work is spreading around...

I am working on some beautiful & inspirational mixed media ladies who will soon make their debut...

My fingers itch to crochet and I promise myself time to try out some new hats...

I am ready to get my hands busy with a fabulous antique chest I just adopted from my parents...

One of the jazz groups we saw at the recent jazz festival so kindly offered us free tickets to a show...

and we just got our tickets to see 'Lake of Stew', a great bluegrass-ish group from Montreal...

I feel relaxed to know theres atleast 2 more months of long outside days/evenings with my babies...

and my honey is finally starting his summer holidays.

XO An excited Bijou who will likely not sleep easily tonight, ha ha XO

Owlette Oralee

2011-07-27T12:06:00.001-04:00

Introducing the 2nd last Owlette....

This quiet sweetie is named

"Oralee"

I had alot of fun with all of the Owlette characters but especially the colour scheme on this one.
(Prints of the Owlettes are coming soon).

Well, that's all for today...I am off to bring Ella Luna, Roo, Jinny and Jaks outside for the day
along with my coloured pencils & perhaps a pot of Bengal Spice tea.
I've had a bad couple of days with head pain and I still feel like I am recuperating
so I think I am going to let myself bring my book along as well...
Hope you all have a superb day & Thanks for Hopping in.

XO Mandy with a seized up neck, an aching knee, a sore tum and a sore foot!!!

Flowering Tea

2011-07-25T08:39:00.000-04:00

Have you guys ever seen such a lovely thing???

Flowering Green Tea....

They start as this non-descript ball that you feel kinda odd about putting into your teacup,

but as the hot water seeps it in slowly opens to reveal this...

....Hello!....is this not one of the coolest things...

I just had to take a few shots to show you.

XO A Flowering Tea Sipping Mandy & Orange Juice Drinking Bunnies XO

Henna

2011-07-22T08:22:00.000-04:00

I am keeping some new ideals and future plans close to my heart right now

BUT I can tell you that they do whirl around me getting my first henna tattoo last week...

....I find myself with a super excited heart & feel dreams flying anew...

Have a wonderful weekend & thanks so much for spending abit of your time with me this week.

XO A Bunny Snuggling Mandy XO

Owlette Ophira

2011-07-20T07:58:00.000-04:00

Want to meet yet another sweet character in my Owlette series...

This one is named "Ophira"...

She's the feminine dainty girl of the group and a smidge shy as you can probably tell...

Prints of all of the Owlettes will arrive in my Etsy shop soon.

This week I am:

...Having a ball editing oodles of photos (we took over 500 at the jazz festival alone!)

...working on little watercolours out in the garden

...yogifying

...reading

....cooking lots of yummy rice dishes...

...basking in my well growing tomatoes, lettuce and cucumbers...

...feeling very excited about ordering Henna Tattoo supplies

....sitting outside with bunnies during the day and by fans in the evening...

...playing with some new headbands for myself

....crocheting...

etc

What's making your heart cheerful this week my lovelies???

XO Mandy & The Buns who need a break from the constant summer heat

Amazing Country

2011-07-18T12:17:00.001-04:00

Well we had such a good time in Toronto last Monday & Tuesday that we decided spur of the moment

to make the 4 hours trek back south for a jazz fesitival this past weekend...

A whole other post will be done on it cause it was AMAZING.

Anyhow, whiles sitting in the car for well over 20 hours in one week I really couldn't help but feel

in awe of the beautiful country we live in...

I am feeling lucky to be living in such a clean, safe & peaceful country.

and what can I say, I just love these pictures that I took from the car window, ha ha.

I am off to suck up to the rabbits...they are abit cheesed that we've been away, despite the wonderful babysitter! and I am getting some bunny attitude and bunny backsides in adundance today!

XO A Bunny Graveling Mandy XO

Owlette Odo

2011-07-15T11:57:00.000-04:00

Want to meet a new Owlette???

This sleepy sweetie is named...

Odo

He is one of my favourites of the series.

I love his 'tranced' look...I think sometimes I feel like this when I am in a good yoga groove, ha ha.

I don't feel much like working on final pieces lately,
but I have been doing alot of sketching & conjuring up of new illustrations & creations...
so I am off to a peppermint tea and my sketchbook and to bring my 4 babies outside...

Have a wonderful day on this beautiful day...

p.s. There is a really important petition to sign if your interested in helping to save the beautiful and majestic Ontario Caribou. Their habitats are no longer being protected and therefore the creatures themselves will be left unprotected as well...they need us to speak up for them, especially in a world filled with soul-less bastards who shoot at anything that breathes or walks...It takes just a few minutes to fill out the form.

XO Mandy & Ella Luna, Roo, Jinster & Jaks

Us Two at U2

2011-07-13T22:07:00.009-04:00

I still can not believe that I just saw one of my most favourite bands EVER.....

Wow oh wow oh wow.

Jonathan bought me the tickets as a birthday surprise 2 years ago.

The concert was booked for last July but was cancelled & rescheduled...it was worth the wait.

And I got to go back to the big smog (it's been a whole year since my last visit!)...I still oh so love it...

It's always amazing to me that I, tiny little moi, lived in that bustling hustling city for 5 years...

I truly do feel like it's where I 'grew' up and really found out what I was made of...

It still sings to me and though I live in North Bay now, I still consider Toronto my playground.

I got to bask in the soaring beauty of the CN Tower...

I got to revisit an old city sculpture that wowed me when I was a newbie to the city...

I fondly remember standing beneath it, sketching it out, as an OCAD art student.

And than we basked by this beauty as we gobbled down veggie street dogs (yum)...

This concert was such a treat, I can't even fully express it...

Seeing Peter Gabriel was on my bucket list and Jonathan and I got ourselves

to one of his amazing concerts a few years ago...

Seeing U2 was on my list too...

I was completely immersed in the pulsing energy and brilliance that is U2 & I LOVED IT.

(Though the constant weed drifting throughout the crowd gave me a seriously wicked migraine by the end of the night!)

I am sitting here in my studio, writing this blog post with a very very contented heart right now....

I just saw U2, OMG!!! ha ha.

XO A U2 Loving Mandy XO