Rain, rain, go away - don't rush back another day!

There is definitely something wrong with having the furnace blasting on the 16th of May. It has done nothing but rain for 3+ weeks and at least another 2 weeks are forecast with one "partially cloudy" day set for Thursday (oh joy).


This is a definite deterrent to exercise.

Fortunately (or not) I have a dog who insists on needing fairly lengthy walks at least once a day, preferably two or three. This forces me to don my ducky boots, slicker, gloves and rain coat and venture forth. It is nice, though, when we get home to open the door to warmth and comfort.

Hopefully this won't last too much longer.

I was part of the hosting committee last week-end for a writers' conference. As a member of the Writers Federation of NB I ended up playing multiple roles: official photographer for both WFNB AND the local organizing committee; conference attendee; etc. When the week-end came to its successful conclusion I realized that I will have to learn to control my exuberance for volunteering the next time. At 61, I'm TIRED. Duh.

Lee Thompson, Exec. Director and Rayanne Brennan, President of the Writers Federation of NB at the Annual Meeting portion of the week-end

Allan Lynch, internationally published and well known writer from NS led a session about 'making a living' (vs. eking out an existence) as a writer. His suggestions were equally applicable to any of the creative professions - photographer, artist, sculptor, etc.

Beth Powning, internationally published author of many books, most recently The Sea Captain's Wife. That novel enthralled me from beginning to end.

The downside is that we live in a small community with limited conference venues. Our group was competing with the Atlantic Premiers' Conference for meeting and dining space.

The upside is that we ended up with (wonderful) home-made buffet-style meals.

And a local group of school children entertained at lunch with a musical and comical tribute to our region's history. Well done!

I tried to control my urges, especially during the evening awards event accompanied by a dessert buffet (all home made, including my contribution - a carrot cake with cream cheese icing), by keeping the camera firmly in my hands. I use a heavy, professional camera, so it's a two-handed affair, keeping me well away from the dessert tables. Whew. I actually did well and did NOT indulge.

Winners of the writing competition from across the entire province of NB.

Half of the Sussex Choral Society entertaining during the awards event

And, the other half.

Intellectual stimulation really helps distract one from food. Honestly. Sob.


I'm sure that everyone left the conference inspired to return to their writing endeavours and to look forward to the next WFNB event.

Here's to a good week for everyone. Have to go and see what my neighbour is building; an ark perchance?

Ah April... you tease!

One day the snow is falling, the next it's warm and sunny - luring us into thinking that it truly is spring. Not! Then we get hit with more cold temperatures, biting winds, and precipitation that is confused about its own identity.

Still, when I'm out early in the morning with Hoover, and it's warm, the sky is clear with twinkling stars, no wind and no noise, I enjoy those peaceful times while they last. Here's hoping!

The ever optimistic other half took his new toy out for a spin the other day. Happiness is zooming around Sussex on the  Jazz! Good for him. Finally, something to play with and enjoy on warm, sunny days.

For me, it's all about getting out there with the camera gear. I've been slack of late, so it's time to gear up and go!

January means...

In New Brunswick (probably as in most of the northern hemisphere at least), January means more unpredictable weather. We fluctuate from torrential downpours and temperatures between 5-10C to bitter cold (-25C or worse) with gale force winds to remarkable snowfalls exceeding 30cm (1 foot) in a short period of time. In other words, January is the definition of winter.

Locally, though, if you have even a passing interest in things equine, January also means it is time for the annual January Thaw Equine Expo! It will be held in Fredericton this week-end at the Capital Exhibition Centre on Saturday, January 22nd from 9-5. As it currently stands, there are more than fifty exhibitors in the trade show itself plus there will be informative presentations going on all day long. For details check out their website at www.januarythaw.com

Designed by Lisa Boudreau Imaging and Design


I've been toying with my display booth content for the past few weeks and have finally decided to cut it back, simplify and make it easier to set up, tear down and yet keep the visuals. Wish me luck. I'm trying out the new system tomorrow.

Mother Nature is threatening to make life a bit miserable tomorrow afternoon and evening so I'm heading up early in the a.m. to get my booth set up before the storm hits. Hopefully it will blow itself out quickly so Saturday can dawn clear and clean and people will be able to get out and about!

Hope to see lots of folks on Saturday and be sure to drop by my booth to say hello, fill out a ballot for my door prize, and catch up on what's new.

Five of Thirty: Thank you, Mother Nature

Taking a REAL day off is very difficult, especially if you are self-employed. When you don't work, you don't get paid. Period. No sick days. No paid vacation. Or so it seems.

But, if you do your planning right and define your 'desired' or 'sufficient' income, you should be able to take a sick day or some vacation time without jeopardizing the family home or the kids groceries.

Today, Mother Nature stepped in and is in the process of dumping a ridiculous amount of rain on our area accompanied by very high winds and unseasonably warm temperatures (the good part of this scenario). Even the dog doesn't really want to go out except for the necessities.

Prior to the arrival of the storm I, like many others who suffer atmospheric pressure induced headaches, was feeling ghastly. Now, the pressure remains, but the pain is gone. Since it is so utterly miserable outside, I designated today as an official "day off". No work will be done unless it pleases me to do so in a recreational frame of mind.

Instead, I've cranked up the fireplace, made a pot of tea, baked some lemon bread to go with it, and, when I'm done here, I'm going to curl up and read a good book. There'll be lots of time for work tomorrow, Sunday and Monday - and then, I may repeat this day off thing and take Tuesday off - just for me.

Thank you, Mother Nature.