Congratulations, Carmi!

I have been sooo busy! I have oodles of projects on the go right now and that makes it hard for me to find any quiet time for myself. But I did sit down yesterday and spent an enjoyable time flipping through Art Girl's Guide to Paris, written by our very own local star, Carmi Cimicata. Bravo, Carmi!

She has a new blog too, to accompany the book. Do not miss Art Girl's Guide to Paris; it's a real treat. After you check out the blog, I'm sure you'll be eager to buy the book. You won't regret it.

I am very impressed with this book, which is chock-full of all the information any self-respecting artsy girl needs when travelling to the city of lights. The quality of Art Girl's Guide to Paris is exceptional, the photographs are lovely, and the info in the book is invaluable whether you're planning a trip to Paris or just dreaming about one. Since I've never been and have no immediate plans to hop on a plane, I'm in the dreamer category. One day! And when I go, I will travel with Carmi's book in my carry-on!

Birthday boy

As mothers, there is something we never do. We never forget. And 27 years ago....I will never forget what I was doing right about now. Huffing and puffing and all manner of unmentionables. At 4:37 p.m., 27 years ago, a Thursday, I became a mother. Yup, today is Rob's birthday!

Enough embarrassment. No gory details, no baby pictures, no trips down memory lane. Not right now, anyway. I just wanted to wish him, loudly and in public, a great big HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Love ya!

Giveaway!

1. state and randolph, 2. the yellow wall, 3. by the tracks, 4. green lawn chair, 5. independence day, 6. red stripes, 7. mercury, 8. krispy kreme doughnuts, 9. kew beach gull, 10. motel 9

We all have our strengths and weaknesses. For me, one of my biggest weaknesses is a shyness about self-promotion. It's just not something that falls within my comfort zone. But I'm brushing aside that awkwardness because I'm really proud of some recent attention I've received and want to share it with all of you. Even better, freebies are involved!

Here's the scoop. Last month, a Canadian design blog I greatly admire, Poppytalk, held their annual Summer Colours Week. I submitted some photographs for consideration, without holding out much hope that any would be picked. So when one of my photos was picked for Yellow Day, I was absolutely tickled. I even blogged about it. But then, the next day, Green Day, saw another one of my photos picked! I was too embarrassed to blog about it again (despite the urging of some friends who told me to do so), so I didn't. The following day, Red and White Day, saw two of my photos chosen, then two were chosen for Blue Day, then finally, two were chosen for Red White and Blue Day. At this point I was totally overwhelmed. It was a Sally Field moment ("....I can't deny the fact that you like me, right now, you like me").

Meanwhile, it had also come to my attention that the United States Mission in Geneva was holding a photographic competition based on the theme, "American Streetscapes". If there's one thing I have photographed frequently, it's the streets of America! The winning photographs would be featured on the Mission's Independence Day poster. I submitted photographs late in the competition, with no illusions whatsoever that I would be chosen. And while none of my photos were chosen to be showcased on the poster, two of my photos were selected to be showcased at the Mission itself. Gobsmacked, I tell you ... I was gobsmacked. (Those two photos are "state and randolph" and "by the tracks"; if you look at those images on Flickr, you will see the comment left by the Mission.)

While the links to all these photographs on Flickr are above, these images are also available for purchase in my online store; have a peek HERE to see my Recently Added gallery where all 10 images can be found. The only one that's been altered is the photograph of the American flag; instead of turning it into a "Happy 4th of July" card, I have created it as a "Welcome Home" card especially suitable to give to returning military personnel. (I haven't forgotten my fellow Canadians; in my online shop you will find an identical card featuring the Maple Leaf instead of Old Glory!)

Now for the good part! Please leave me a comment here telling me which one of these 10 images is your favourite, and I will mail you that image on a greeting card! It's my little way of expressing my thanks to all of you for continuing to support my creative efforts. I need to be able to reach you to get your mailing address, so please leave your email information in your comment (if you don't want to put your contact email in your comment, you can email me privately at alphabetsoupstudioATyahooDOTca with your mailing address). I hope you find one you really like!

Keep cool

It's a sticky day here in Toronto. So keep cool my friends, in whatever way you favour.

As for me, I think I'm going to head to the kitchen and scoop out some ice cream!

From this day forward

The captain and I had the most marvellous experience just a couple of days ago.

We were fortunate enough to share in the joyous wedding celebration of the captain's friend and colleague, Rob, who married his true love, Robin. We've been to many weddings over the years but I don't honestly recall ever seeing two people who were so positively thrilled to be marrying each other.

No nerves, no jitters .... just broad, beaming smiles.

It was such a romantic afternoon and evening.

You couldn't help but come away with the feeling that all is right with the world.

It's Independence Day

To my American friends and family .... have a great day!

July's calendar page for you

The months go marching by, a fast-paced quickstep. Can it already be time to experience July? So it is.

Once again I offer you a calendar page for your use and, I hope, enjoyment. Just click on the image above or click HERE  to download it from my freebies set at my Flickr site. The All Sizes link gives you the download options. This month I've chosen the Crab, the zodiac symbol for the water sign of Cancer.

I photographed this particular crab in Troup Square in Savannah, Georgia. The historical section of downtown Savannah is blessed with numerous squares, or parkettes. Most feature a monument, fountain, or some type of statuary.

The crab is featured on a zodiac sculpture in the middle of the square; it's absolutely stunning. All the zodiac signs are represented along with the roman numerical symbols as well. And the sphere rests on the backs of beautifully carved turtles.

To the left here, I've included a photograph of the entire work of art. I know I've said many times that you should get yourself to Savannah if you've never been, and I'll say it again. For an artist, Savannah is a must-visit city.

Dominion Day!

Those of us who are a wee bit older will recall that today, July 1st, was always Dominion Day, a celebration of the day our country was formed back in 1867. I don't recall when exactly it became "Canada Day", but whatever we call it, it is Canada's 143rd birthday, something to celebrate!

We Canadians tend to be quietly patriotic but today, it's time to wave our flag and show the world we're proud to live in our great country! Here in Toronto the skies are blue, the sun is shining and the humidity has vanished. We're in for a great day! The captain and I are throwing steaks on the 'que for dinner and hope for a relaxing holiday.

(For those who want the image details, I photographed this flag at the Port Perry fair. I love that it's a wee bit worn but still flew proudly in the wind. It was cropped to a square image in Photoshop and then I had at it, using both the Notepaper and Sprayed Strokes filters. The final step was applying a clipping mask to roughen up the edges.)