Tag Archives: Canada

Down by the Riverside

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My kids have hit their teen years and for some reason doing arts and crafts with Mom just isn’t very cool anymore. I can coax them into it once in awhile but it’s a rare occasion. However, this past week I had some little girlies staying at my house and we did TWO full days of crafts! Sewing, crocheting, knitting and painting! Painting was by far their favourite activity and while they painted one canvas after another, I sat beside them and worked on this 12″ x12″ piece pictured here. It’s definitely painted in a much lighter palette than I’m used to but I’m still happy with it. DownbytheRiverside_04_blogThe inspiration for this painting came from the numerous memories I have of playing at the rivers and creeks with my kids when they were small. British Columbia is such an amazing place – so blessed to live here!DownbytheRiverside_03_blogDownbytheRiverside_02_blogThis painting is available for sale in my Etsy shop.

~ Micheline

 

Summer Excursions

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My family and I DO leave the farm sometimes! This past summer we took a few day trips and also went camping for a week at Kokanee Creek on Kootenay Lake. Small_01 Small_02 Small_03 Small_05The four pics above were taken at the Creston Wildlife Center – we just can’t help going there at least once a year for a long summer walk.Small_06 Small_07Small_18 Small_17 Small_16Small_04 Small_15Small_11 Small_14 Small_13 Small_12 Small_10 Small_09I know this stuff is nasty, but it sure puts on a spectacular display against the huge cedar tree backdrop.  Small_08 Small_19Oh, the lake! The best part of every summer! Small_23 Small_22 Small_21 Small_20

Warm wishes to you all today,

Micheline

Talus Rock Retreat no.2

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Like promised – I’m back! Attached here are some of the images that we captured of the interior of Talus Rock Retreat.  This amazing B&B was created by the Pedersen family in an effort to give back! 100% of the cost of staying here is donated directly to the International Children’s Network. My husband, Shane and myself donated our time to photograph this B&B – we were also joined by the Williams family who stood in as our lifestyle models and it is our hope that these images will help promote and encourage folks to holiday here. This place is an opportunity to have a grand vacation/getaway and simultaneously GIVE to children in need. If you missed the first post that I did please check it out here – there is even more photos and more info available as well – CLICK HERE!

Now to show you some of the inside of this dream home! Check it out >>>

I’m pretty sure Talus Rock Retreat is in that book! ;)


This B&B is chalk full of beautiful surprises and details – it’s like going on a treasure hunt!

Ok – so below is my favorite room at Talus Rock… it’s called the ‘Arbor Room’. Shane and I stayed here for our 15th anniversary getaway last year. So beautiful!!!

Below is a tour of more of the available rooms including a huge suite that covers the entire bottom floor of the house that can be reserved for larger family gatherings, reunions, business meetings and commercial purposes. Additionally, Talus Rock also has beautiful outdoor spaces for weddings – CLICK HERE to see the grounds and exterior of this B&B.


Although I never really planned it, at the end of this shoot we managed put in a little plug for Miss Emily  – I know it’s a bit far away but check out the book our model family is reading by the fire! ;)

Thanks again for tuning in – please share Talus Rock Retreat with family & friends – the simple process of sharing this place with others has the potential to do SO much towards helping children in need.

~ Micheline

Hockey Night in Canada

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I grew up in the 70s and 80s watching Hockey Night in Canada every Saturday night on CBC with my family.  My father grew up in Montreal, played hockey as a boy and even though he moved to BC as a young man he always remained a die-hard Canadiens fan. One would think that with this kind of heritage I would have caught a smidgen of hockey fever… alas I did not…

In addition to illustrating children’s books like; Miss Emily Goes to Bat, I also paint – not walls – but canvases. ;)   A couple of months ago I received a commission request to do a hockey painting. My client was an avid hockey Mom and she wanted a semi-portrait of her boys in uniform playing on the ice. Funny enough, I said no at first – I felt very hockey illiterate and I wasn’t entirely sure I could pull it off.  My client, however, was quite insistent (in a  sweet and encouraging manner) and I eventually agreed to the commission. I was nervous about doing this piece – typically I paint landscapes and so this one felt quite outside my box. I learned it can be a good thing to push yourself beyond what you think you are capable of… The painting turned out solid and my client loved it (which is the most important part!).

I have added a new section to our Whimsical Publishing blog called, ‘artist’s gallery’ and I am planning to post many of my illustrations, paintings and drawings there. So check back soon!

I gave my dad a call this morning to get an update on today’s hockey scene and apparently we are in the midst of the Stanley Cup Playoffs! (See how out of touch I am… har!) My dad says LA is in and now it’s between NY and NJ to determine which two teams play in the finals for the cup. Enjoy the playoffs folks!!! :)

~ Micheline