Volunteer Max Point

I have reached a max point in volunteer work. It is not giving me enough time to work in my studio, so here is the plan: From now on I will schedule Monday thru Friday, 10 AM to 2 PM, for artwork only. I won’t answer the phone and I won’t even turn my computers on during that period. That is now my new *rule*. My art will take top priority and writing will be the next priority. Paid computer work will be third priority and volunteer work will be reduced to make time for this. And of course normal housework, meal prep and other necessary routines. will remain as required. Wow! I feel lighter now!

Michelle Sings Laudate Dominum

Michelle has new video on YouTube of her singing “Laudate Dominum”. It can be viewed HERE.

Painting Again

Yes I am painting again. Now that I have a studio in my residence, production is gaining momentum and I am preparing for a one person show in April. Some non art related work will have to be dropped in order to give me more time to spend working on art related activities. I love it!

Recently completed "Kamloops Lake"

Upcoming Art Show

Bell Bill Resolved

After 3 calls, over 3 days, to Bell TV regarding my “disconnect fee”, I must say the people I talked to were very polite and understanding and Bell has reversed their “disconnect fee”. I *will* consider Bell TV again should I require satellite TV in the future. Thank you Bell, you did the right thing.

Bell TV – An Example of Greed

Three months ago I cancelled my Bell Satellite TV account because the condo complex I was moving into did not allow individual condo satellite TV antennas. Today I received a bill from Bell for $100 as a “disconnect fee”. What could be a more completely obvious example of plain greed?

Of course this greed has prompted me to now look for a way to change my Bell cell phone service to another company. Bell’s further greed of extorting ~$80 per month for cell phone service (not including internet browser access) is another blatant example of their greed. May *all* their customers soon follow suit.

Google Chrome On Linux

Google-Chrome-Beta internet browser is now available for Linux. I have installed it on my Linux computer running Ubuntu Karmic Koala and it works great! The installation was flawless and it runs super-fast.

Oliver BC

This is a view from my condo at 9 AM this morning.

Oliver BC December 7, 2009, 9AM

My Studio/Gallery/Residence

Now that I am settled into my new place, and I have the space, I can begin to get serious about art again. It feels great to get out of my cocoon (motorhome) where I had difficulty turning around without hitting something let alone trying to paint. Here are some photos of my new Condo in Oliver BC.

Computer station between dining and living room

Living room shown from dining room

Dining room and kitchen counter

View towards the kitchen

Part of the painting studio with another computer station

Main painting area in the studio

Moving Art from Whitehorse to Oliver BC

Total cost for moving my artwork out of storage in Whitehorse to Oliver BC with a moving company was $1576.46. Total weight less than 500 pounds. Surcharges: Northern Surcharge $90.40; Labour Surcharge $15.45; Small Shipment Surcharge $250.00; Fuel Surcharge $48.12; Empty Miles Surcharge $257.92; GST $75.07; Valuation Charge(?) $37.50. Time to deliver: 1 month. Storage charge in Whitehorse for approximately 3 years >$2000.00. Conclusion: It would have been less costly to mail each item by Canada Post!

Loss of my Pontiac Sunfire

It served me well, my Pontiac Sunfire. It never let me down. Even when I was driving along highway 97 thru OK Falls and ran into another vehicle that drove thru a  stop sign in front of me, I wasn’t hurt. The Sunfire, a write-off, gave up it’s life and protected me. I only received a few bruises from my seat belt when I hit the intruder in my path. Who was it? Only the driver of the other car knows. The collision was treated as a hit and run incident and ICBC has since settled my claim and I have wheels again . . . a 1998 Buick Century. Yes it’s old. But it is in good condition and drives well . . . like me?

Farewell my Sunfire. May you find a new friend, in the junk yard, or wherever you  end up. Hello my new Buick. May you serve me as well as my now wrecked Sunfire did.