My Last Ontario Blog Post?

On By Widow BadassIn Artistic Endeavours, COVID-19, Move to Vancouver Island

I’m sitting in my almost empty dining room, sipping coffee, listening to the last pair of my home’s curtains spinning in my washing machine, and watching the snow blow past my window. YES. SNOW. The second snowfall in 3 days. IT’S MAY 11, people.

As if it’s not already hard enough for me (and others) to remember what day of the week it is, I am having trouble remembering what damn month I’m in. Looks more like late March or early April to me. If this is Mother Nature’s way of getting people to remain in isolation indoors, it’s working!

In 2 weeks and 1 day the movers will be pulling up to my door to take away all of my worldly goods to my new apartment in Nanaimo, British Columbia. I feel pretty calm (I know; I am surprised too), and confident that I am ahead of schedule in the packing department, therefore I am taking the time for a short blog post. If this means the Universe will now smite me because of these feelings, well…so be it.

Seriously though, Universe. I’m not at all being smug and thus smite-worthy. By no means. Nothing to see here. Please move along. Please!

All my curtains are down, washed and mostly packed away. (I have 11 big windows in my apartment so this was not a small job). Extra furnishings I didn’t want to take with me have gone to new homes. Artwork is off the walls. It’s getting very echo-y in here.

A lot of my things are already packed or staged for packing. A lot of my things I have decided are no longer going to be my things going forward, and I’ve said my goodbyes to them. I’m living out of boxes as far as clothing is concerned. My walk-in closet has been emptied.

The only room as yet untouched is the kitchen.

Art supplies have been put away (again!) and repacked, for realz this time. The art I have created these past weeks in pandemic quarantine is going or has already gone to new homes.

I painted these 3 in the style of British artist Yvonne Coomber, during the course of the pandemic. I see more of these in my future. They are such happy paintings, and fun (albeit messy) to create. Think of Dexter’s Kill Room. That was pretty much my set-up, to paint these.
My first attempt. It wasn’t planned but apparently I was channeling hollyhocks because that is all I see in the finished painting.
2nd painting – I wanted to put water in the background. Think of peeking through the dune grasses for this one. The flowers are more abstract, and less recognizable as a certain type.
3rd painting. I find with this style of painting that MORE (not less) is definitely MORE. I loved going all in, with the flowers.

I’m itching to do at least one more of these – this time one for me. For my new home. With mountains in the background, and an ocean instead of a lake.

But for now I will only dream. Because I am NOT unpacking my art supplies yet again.

That would really be asking to be smitten- wouldn’t it now, Universe?

Rock on,

The WB

84 thoughts on “My Last Ontario Blog Post?”

  1. Packing up & divesting of “stuff” can be such a monumental task, sounds like you are in great shape for your move. Wishing you a seamless transition! Your paintings are beautiful btw, looking forward to seeing your mountain view once you are all settled in💕

    Reply

    1. Thank you Maggie💕 Ankle is continuing to heal. Got it x-rayed and ultrasounded and luckily nothing fractured or torn. Just taking its sweet time to get better, is all…

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  3. I look forward to seeing what the landscape of Vancouver Island inspires in your art, Deb. I love what you’re doing now! You are a brave woman on so many fronts – picking up stakes and moving to a new place, taking up painting (and posting it!!). Inspirational, you are.

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    1. Thank you Susanne💕 I like doing new things. Always have and probably always will. I need the mental stimulation of problem solving that taking on challenges brings. I’m not so much brave as I am a fan of changing things up.

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  5. Jean R.

    Your paintings are fun and sets a happy tone just to look at them. I especially like the first one with the pink around the sun. I can almost feel the breeze that is bending the hollyhocks over.

    Hope your move goes smoothy!

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    1. Thank you Jean💕 I wish I could say I planned the breezy look beforehand but it just happened to be how I was flinging the paint at the canvas that created it. If I had tried, I never could have achieved this effect, I am sure!🤣

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  6. I want to know who ordered the damn snow! This is not cool, Mother Nature. Winter clothes I had washed and put away for the summer, came back out again on the weekend 😡

    While I’m very happy that all the pieces of your move are coming together for you, I can’t help but feel sad. This pandemic – and your ankle injury – robbed us of our last few months of adventures & shenanigans. I don’t let go of grudges easily so yes, Universe, I’m holding you accountable!!

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  7. You seem astoundingly well organised – and the universe should be applauding rather than considering smiting!
    I love your paintings. They look cheerful and optimistic and I’m sure their new owners will feel happier just by looking at them.
    Good luck with the move 😊

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    1. Thank you Kim💕 I’ve been putting all of my managerial project management skills to good use once again! Thank goodness I haven’t had time to get rusty😉

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  10. hilarymb

    Hi Deb – it won’t be long … and the more organised you are this end – will make the transition that end and your having lots to do – the reason for ‘moving foward’ quite quickly – so much easier Take care and you will not miss that weather!!!! Yes … lots of rain over there (VI), but so much more of a gentle climate. It’ll be great – and I do hope you’ll be able to get out and about a bit this summer once you’ve arrived and settled in. Take care – and here’s to west coast sun!! Go well – Hilary

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  12. The weather here is absolutely disgusting. I understand it is much better out west. You are heading for the good weather Deb.
    I love you paintings. Can’t wait to see how you will be inspired by your new home.
    Leslie xoxo

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  13. Those paintings! Sunny and happy. I’d love to know how you did them. Assuming it is acrylic?
    Good luck with the move. It’s good to be organized. Maybe the pandemic helped in that there was less socializing?.

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    1. Thank you Bernie💕 The pandemic and the poor weather (and my bum ankle) contributed to me being ahead of the game with respect to packing. Less distractions, for sure! There are lots of YouTube tutorials on how to paint like Yvonne Coomber – I know because I watched them all!😉 Yes, they were done in acrylic.

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  14. Oh and if you want to see snow I can send you a picture of the 8″ we got Saturday! It was all gone by Sunday afternoon and now it’s back to warming up.

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      1. It wasn’t that bad! Allowed us to finish up a few more inside projects before we spend the entire summer outside. And with May snow you always know it’s going away.

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  15. Moving is such a lot of work. If you’re 2 weeks away from the movers and you’ve already emptied your walk-in closet and the art is off the wall and your no longer needed things are already gone…you are way way way ahead of most people 2 weeks out. Most people are starting to look for boxes at that point. LOVE your art..how are you going to last 2 weeks with your art stuff packed away? That would make me so nuts. Can’t wait to see your mountains/ocean/flower piece when it’s done! Hope you have as many or more windows at the new place!

    Reply

    1. Thank you Dawn💕 HAH! I have 4 – count ‘em – 4 windows in my new apartment. And that’s only because it’s an end unit. Otherwise I would only have had 3. I left out a sketchbook and some watercolour pencils to tide me over and to take in my suitcase 😁.

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  16. Hi Deb! Wow! The planner in me salutes the planner in you! I’m definitely impressed that you are wasting no time being ready…and while you can’t always predict the Universe, the Universe as I know it is usually very benevolent and would never smite you unless it was for your own good! And yeah, good luck with no painting for the next two weeks! I can hear the Universe laughing in the background!!! ~Kathy

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  19. It has been so long since I have moved, and even longer since I’ve moved from one city to another (let alone across the country). I am so very impressed with your organization and your sense of calm. I hope more painting is in your future; you definitely have a talent for it! Safe travels!

    Reply

    1. Thank you Janis💕 A little bit each day until everything is sorted, gone over and packed up is the only way I can do this without help and without being overwhelmed by the enormity of the task in front of me.

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  20. AJ Blythe

    Deb, a few quick thoughts from while I read. I hope the move goes smoothly and your new place is everything you are hoping. You pack up the curtains? We leave them for the new residents (fridges and laundry go with us though). Totally love your finished paintings!!

    Can’t wait to hear how life is on the other side of the country. All the best, my friend.

    Reply

    1. Thank you AJ! 💕 Curtains can be left behind (I offered, and my tenants didn’t want them) but curtain hardware definitely should be left behind because it is screwed into the wall. But all things can be negotiated, in a sale situation. Most people leave their fridge/stove/laundry when they move. It didn’t use to be that way, when I was first out on my own. Most apartments came with a fridge and stove but townhouses didn’t, then. I remember having to lug those things from place to place. I’m glad that has changed! 😁

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  21. It sounds like you’re amazingly organised – I haven’t moved for a few years but don’t envy you, it’s exhausting! Your paintings are just so beautiful. I love the theme and the colours and hope you do get to paint some more of them. I’d never believe that paintings done in a “Dexter’s Kill Room” style could be so gorgeous!

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    1. Thank you Katerina! 🙂
      It IS exhausting – mentally more so than physically. I am experiencing “decision fatigue” daily, as I am downsizing at the same time.
      I understand now why I see Yvonne Coomber creating her art outside when she can 😉

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  22. Soooo happy to see your posting, and look forward to lots of boxes instead of snow in your next one! No, The Universe is deLIGHTed with your wonderful project management and will have delights along your trek. (Remembered to put a mask or two extra into your travel luggage?) Good for you for leaving minimal art supplies for now during. Love all your paintings… I see the second as marshy grasses with liberal rain drops. the last as wild flowers with lake in background. Will be sending lots of warm hugs as we go from 30’s 😆 to 90 😥this week.

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      1. Give ‘er a trial wearing, Lovely, as I’ve been reading they can irritate. That’s the last thing you’ll need on The Day.
        May The Force be with you! xx

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        1. Thanks Del. Good advice. I’ve been wearing my mask whenever I go out to shop. Luckily mine is a bit oversized, so not irritating (except when my reading glasses fog up😤).

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  23. Good job, Deb. Packing up a house full of stuff is tiring, but as I recall empowering when it’s all finished. You’ve demonstrated great project management skillz with your planning and follow-thru– especially during a pandemic. I appreciate that you’ve taken the time to tell us this is your last post until you and your stuff make it to the other side of the country. Tender mercies, as they say.

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  24. Moving is stressful, but it seems you’re doing it all in a way to avoid much of it. You get a gold star for being organized and ahead of schedule. Good luck as the days tick down; and your artwork is very pretty! – Marty

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  25. How wonderful to be ahead with the packing rather than behind! Your paintings are lovely. I hope the move and all your stuff arrives on time and nothing breaks.

    It won’t be long before you’re at the easel again!

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  26. Hi Deb, Peace of mind to be somewhat ahead of schedule (I am whispering this, so the Universe does not hear me.). Your paintings are definitely happy, cheerful paintings. It is all systems go now. I almost don’t want to talk about The Island and jinx what is going on around here. Look forward to seeing you at some point this Summer. Safe travels.💕

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  27. Omgosh. I’m SO excited for you!! I can’t wait to see what adventures await you. I LOVE your paintings!!! I can’t wait to see more of them too! Praying for you every step of the way and looking forward to new posts from new places. 🙂

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  28. I am so impressed that you are moving forward with this right now. Also a little jealous. Those paintings are so fun and colorful. I think you need to do another one for you. Maybe of your new view? Best wishes for a smooth move.

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  29. debscarey

    Deb, I’m massively impressed by your organisation – clearly you are well endowed with them skills 🙂 More though, I’m loving those paintings and seeing them has reminded me to check out Yvonne Coomber, for which I thank you. You’re very talented, I look forward to seeing the one you paint for yourself & your new home. May all go smoothly with the move & you be happy & snug as a bug in your new place all too soon.

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  31. Oh my goodness! Packing for a big move! A monumental task indeed. Thank you for sharing art treasures with us – I love them! They are so full of life & movement. I am so looking forward to what you new home & scenery will spring forth from you!

    Be well and move safe!

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  32. So yes, for sure you are ahead of schedule, but…. ya never know! So this is a good place to be. Lucky the weather was snowy as if it were nice you may have been tempted to be out more and then you might be behind in your packing.

    Might be a while before you get to make more of those beautiful paintings… as of course you will be taking time to settle in and unpack. Well, maybe you can put a big label on the art box so that you know to open that box first. I really do love how bright and cheerful these works of art are!!

    Best of luck for your exciting move and look forward to hearing from you on the other side!!! Good luck.

    Peta

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    1. Thank you Peta💕 I continue to pack ahead of schedule, which is making my last full week here less comfortable. But I’d rather that than have to rush at the end!

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  33. Ontario to BC, moving up in the world ! ha ha (I confess my prejudice because most of my life I have lived in BC). I have visited Toronto, Ottawa, but the winters here are easier. I think that’s why most of my family migrated west from alberta and saskatchewan. I hope the move will be smooth. I enjoy the island when I visit and had a nice family trip in Sooke last autumn. Safe travels! – David

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  34. Beautiful paintings, Deb! I’m especially partial to that third one. More is definitely more. 🙂 Have a fantastic move, saying goodbye to snow (almost) forever. And, say hi to Jude whenever you see her in person. 🙂

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      1. I think it’s time to start planning that in-person get-together. Maybe a walk (if the ankle permits it) or some plein air painting? Have you unpacked that art box?

        Jude

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        1. Hah! Not ready to unpack art anytime soon. Perhaps by the end of next week? I think I need another 1/2 to 1 week to get my place organized, and then I would love to get together for a walk!😁

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