an act of kindness

Thanks to my job, at Go Auto, I (and 2,000 other employees) was given a $500 cheque, and the chance to take part in a Random Acts of Kindness Challenge. The money was to be used toward a good cause, so long as it was helping someone in need.

Instead of hand over my donation to a well known charity, and not get to physically see where the money would be going, I started to dig around for someone more under the radar. As well, I made a small list of things that I personally feel are important... like mental health, positivity, creativity, and the rewards of sharing.

From that list, I found the AABIS - Alberta Artists with Brain Injury Society; a group of people, helping others find themselves, through the therapy of art and creativity. Being a small organization, with an even smaller budget for supplies, I decided to get in touch with them, and arrange to make my donation. They had a hard time believing it was real. I could only imagine.

With the money I was given, I managed to snag 24 canvases, 8 canvas boards, 2 pastel sets, 3 tabletop easels, 2 acrylic paint sets, 2 water color sets, 36 pencil crayons, drawing paper, water color paper, 20 brushes, and a $90 gift card. Right down to the very last penny. High kicks, all around! I couldn't wait to meet them all.

To watch their faces light up, as they went through their new art supplies, and marvelled at how I had even considered them in the first place, was beyond amazing. I was given an endless supply of thank yous, a couple of mugs (and hugs), AND a chance to share my own sketchbook with them. This is a group of people who truly understand the importance of art and creativity, and the benefits that come with it. It was wonderful to get to meet them, and share with them what we already have in common. I will most definitely be keeping in touch with this creative bunch.

Thank you, AABIS, Go Auto, Colours Artist Supplies, Jesse (who drove me everywhere).. and hey, I'll even high five myself for finding something that really went a long way.

Best. Day. Ever.

blowfish kisses

I won't lie, I'm quite terrible at writing. I try, I really do. Right now, my creative game is in full tilt, when it comes to drawing, painting, and the occasional crochet. I go through phases with each medium, but writing.. ugh.. I can only seem to get excited by writing haikus. Frustrating, when I really want to write more. I'm sure it'll get sorted. One thing at a time, right? 

It's been a long time since I've looked forward to drawing so often as I have been these days. Pretty much every day for the last month or so. I started following the @sketch_dailies on Twitter, and since then I've been excited to make stuff. The sketch dailies gives you something to sketch... daily.... (you have a couple of days to work on things, if you need it) and so far, I've found it to be very enjoyable. My new sketchbook is almost full! I have much more to write about, in regards to this creative burst of energy, but I am also on holidays; so I don't want to spend too much time in front of my glowing screen when I don't have to. Just know, I'm happy.. very happy, with what I'm doing. It has been a VERY long time.

four legged friend

Today is most definitely far more important to me, than it is to my dog; even if it is his birthday and not mine. He's 4 years old today, and he has grown up into such a wonderful companion. If he could understand me, I'd say that I think he's the greatest for making me smile, every single day.

Happy Birthday, Breakfast Jones.

couch love

It may become redundant, but I really love my couch. #leonsfurniture

couch day: the condensed version

Yesterday morning, Jesse and I went to Home Depot to get some supplies, to move the washing machine out of the way, for the second attempt at Couch Day. I won't lie that I was nervous about how it was going to go down. Couch? No couch?

We played with cameras while we waited for the delivery guys to arrive. I'll also add that I was waiting for maintenance to come and finish up with renovations in the bathroom, and other areas of the house. They make an appearance later on in this story.

The furniture delivery guys came as scheduled and (this time) gave things a decent try. They made it through Door #1, and left it up to us to decide how to get it through the next three doors. YES, three doors! This was going to take some time, for sure. I did my best to breathe it out. I'm not known for being patient.

 We didn't need to do much to Door #2, to make it to the next step. Success! Door #3, on the other hand, required at least 2 inches of extra space to even allow for us to squeeze the couch in. It was then when I looked for a possible option for storage. Door #3 was terribly discouraging.

While we were inspecting construction of Door #3, maintenance arrived. They finished up their renovations, and without hesitation, decided to help us out. They discussed what needed to be done, and as one ran out to get some extra supplies from the store, the other started tearing down the pieces. I may have felt a little nauseous about my damage deposit, at this point, but these guys work for my landlord and did the cleanest job they could. 

It actually worked out because Door #3 only led to another door (on either side) and hardly seemed useful. It has changed the shape of this place significantly, now that it's gone, and I'm happy things worked out the way that they did. It feels more open, and like a functioning doorway. Good bye, Door #3. Without you, we can fit a couch up here.

Door #4, the door I had measured, was no trouble at all; just so you know. For that, I don't feel so foolish. The trouble may have been far more than what I was willing to accept, but it turns out that there are some really kind people out there who just want to help. It's a heartwarming feeling when these things happen. I feel more at home than I have in a very long time. What a great comfort to receive, in more ways than one.

Happy Couch Day.