How Ya Feelin'?

Okay Then

Some arguments are impossible to win, not because your points are not valid, but because those in opposition ignore your strongest points. In these cases, my favourite phrase is, ‘Okay Then.’ And then I move on.

Cheeky

Did I actually say that out loud? This is a phrase I know too well. Sometimes we become so playful with language that our conversation stops being centred in direct communication. We say things that are least expected. We become cheeky.

Content

It’s okay. The world will give you what it does. People are who they are. Sometimes things are a challenge. Sometimes things run smoothly. Despite it all, I feel pretty good. Content.

Knowing

There is a wisdom that exists. A certain, ‘knowing’ that things will be okay based on faith. Experience shows us that there is only so much we can do to create our realities. Succumbing to stress is trumped by a certain knowing.

Scribble Head

When the world throws a person too much information all at once and one is having trouble processing it, one may find him/herself a victim of scribble head. It is the mélange of ideas and possibilities that knows no end. Escape is only possible through deep relaxation.

Really?

Sometimes we know something just doesn’t seem right. We are given hints. We do not ignore these hints, nor do we stand up vehemently against them. ‘Really?’ can mean too things. 1. Do I really seem that gullible?   or 2. Are you really attempting this move?

Toothy Grin

The man with a toothy grin is up to something. He knows something you don’t know. I expect that it’s something positive and magical that he hesitates to share.

Wowza

Ever been told a story about someone’s situation that changes the way you see him/her and the way you see the world? Ever been in a room when someone walks in who is so striking you think they could star in a film? Ever been finally paid the amount you thought you would only earn in your fantasies? Wowza! Wowza! Wowza

These images are painted wire on pine. Find the face that speaks to you! 

View these new works of art at:

de Mello Palheta Coffee Roasters

2489 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON
Mon to Fri 6am – 8 pm
Sat to Sun 8am – 8pm
(647) 748-3633
http://hellodemello.com/

It was time to spruce up the back room with some brighter faces that stare back at you while you write copious notes in your journal, flip through a magazine, have your first online dating experience or spend time with your family/friends.

The coffee at de Mello is fabulous and you know how much of a coffee snob I am, if you know me at all.

Other fun things in the city...

Salsa on St. Clair is happening this weekend.

Here's an excerpt from their site:

Saturday, July 19th - Noon to 10pm
Sunday, July 20th – Noon to 8pm

TLN Telelatino, the Hillcrest Village BIA and the City of Toronto present the 10th Annual Salsa on St. Clair, Canada's hottest street festival.  Salsa on St. Clair has grown from a local event to a nationally recognized celebration that has attracted hundreds of thousands of “festival enthusiasts” to the streets of mid-town Toronto since its launch in 2005.

Inspired by Miami's famous "Calle Ocho" festival, the mid-July “Salsa on St. Clair” weekend is an annual free celebration that transforms a stretch of St. Clair Avenue West (from Winona Dr. to Christie St.) into a showcase of Canada’s biggest salsa party featuring live music, dance lessons, fiery food and family fun!

This year Salsa on St. Clair will be bigger and better than ever and will be the big enchilada capping off the week-long Salsa in Toronto Festival. Bring your dancing shoes-It's going to be CALIENTE!

You might just see me there!!


Cheerio!

Simone

The Geek in Me

Magnolia - Soulangeana - Lenne | 8"x10" | $120

I had little interest in books as a child. I did like to read poetry, Rudyard Kipling

and Wordsworth. Later in life, I discovered Maya Angelou who sadly left us recently. Two weeks ago I completed her most recent autobiography A Song Flung Up from Heaven.

 

I hadn't realized that among things, Martin Luther King invited her to protest at his side and just before she was able to do her part, he was killed. She was an extraordinary woman to say the least. I recommend reading her story in those pages.

Okay, I was and still am a geek. I admit it proudly. Geeks are important. Geeks invent things, teach, revolutionize and contribute to society with great intensity. Geeks master things to such an extent that they often abandon socializing.

A pal of mine, gently reminded me that I should socialize more, but I am loving my time in my cave. I’ve got my art supplies, my music and a plethora of ideas I look forward to sharing with you soon.

What makes really geeky now is that I have no television so for entertainment, I read fiction, non-fiction and listen to audio books. I realize the impact television has on our culture. I barely know what anyone is talking about. So much is shared through commercials. People refer to others as characters from tv programs. I don’t have Netflix either so I’m really living in Simoneville.

One book I read which I found really entertaining is, A Walk Across the Sun­.

A Walk Across the Sun is about human trafficking and organized crime. I picked it up because I loved the title and the beautifully designed cover. I expected it to paint life in South Asia in a poetic light. It did that, while also revealing some of the uglier realities and one consequence of the tsunami. If you’re looking for a light read, this isn’t the book for you. I haven’t been reading many ‘light’ books these days, and am still in search of a book that takes me out of the realities of the wars happening now and that inspires me to, as Ben Okri writes, “Keep dreaming the world with more light.”

­

Aleph, by Paolo Coelho takes the reader along on his spiritual journey.

 

Unlike The Alchemist, my favourite book by Coelho, I didn’t leave it feeling like I had learned any great spiritual lesson. The first few pages are filled with great quotable sentences that inspire me. I’d write one here, but I’ve already returned it to the library. I think the greatest lesson is one for those in long-term relationships who are being pursued by someone they could love. There is much about being faithful in marriage. For me the die-hard monogomist, I loved that part. It is an inspiring book for those in the creative field.

I’m still working on getting, No More Kissing Frogs published. That’s the book I’ve written about online dating. I found an editor and am considering simply publishing it online. But I love book design, paper, turning pages while I read, so we’ll see which path I take. I’ll probably take both. For anyone in publishing would like to read it. I’m open to that.

I’ve already begun the sequel, Who Will Ride an Elephant With Me. The title comes from a talk I had with my pal, MP. We were talking about relationships. He asked me who I was looking for and I said that I wanted someone really special. I picture myself dressed in Egyptian cotton opening the door to my villa. Walking out on the veranda with glass of something delicious and being followed by a man similarly dressed. I want company on my trip to Antarctica and my safari in Africa. And as I told my nephews one day while we were watching Dora the Explorer, I want to ride an elephant. I asked them if they’d join me. They both said no, to my surprise. I told MP, I want to be with a man who will ride an elephant with me. He told me that was really specific and that I should be more flexible.

Ladies, let me tell ya, this is a perfect pick up line. I’ve used it three times. So far, one man said he had ridden a camel, another had ridden an elephant several times and the third smiled broadly and said that he would absolutely join me.

Lily - Lilium - Casa Blanca | 8"x10" | $120

So now it’s officially Spring. Even though the weather says that it will snow next week. Kidding!! I think we’re in the clear. I’ve planted my garden. We’ll which seeds become flowers. I’m looking forward to a wonderful warm season filled with great love, great times and great art!

Here's a verse by Maya Angelou. May she rest in peace!

Tumbling Ted - Saponaria Ecymendes | 8"x10" | $120

Phenomenal Woman

By Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size   

But when I start to tell them,

They think I’m telling lies.

I say,

It’s in the reach of my arms,

The span of my hips,   

The stride of my step,   

The curl of my lips.   

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,   

That’s me.

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,   

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.   

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.   

I say,

It’s the fire in my eyes,   

And the flash of my teeth,   

The swing in my waist,   

And the joy in my feet.   

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered   

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can’t touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them,   

They say they still can’t see.   

I say,

It’s in the arch of my back,   

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Now you understand

Just why my head’s not bowed.   

I don’t shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.   

When you see me passing,

It ought to make you proud.

I say,

It’s in the click of my heels,   

The bend of my hair,   

the palm of my hand,   

The need for my care.   

’Cause I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Keep well,

Simone

Current exhibitions

de Mello Palheta Coffee Roaster

Mojo Music

Patois Jamaican Restaurant

Postponed... Patois - Artist Talk | Saturday May 17th, 2pm | Fundraising Event 1-6pm

Look forward to an Artist Talk at Patois Jamaican Restaurant in Pickering, Ontario. This event has been postponed.

Works of art are currently on display. This restaurant which serves up delicious Jamaican food now has West Indian art decorating it’s walls.

Heart Shake | 11"x14" | 2014 | $500

The lovely owners at Patois asked me if I could create some works of art which included Patois. I also included pastel drawings of Calypsonians I was fortunate to see on Union Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Join us for an artist talk at 2pm. The rest of the time you are encouraged to walk around the venue and view the work, perhaps dine there and take advantage of some refreshments provided.

Please RSVP on Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/764877210213350/

Patois Jamaican Restaurant is located at:

1286 Kingston Road at Liverpool,

Pickering, ON

905 492 8492

Patois is a language invented so that secrecy could prevail during times of slavery. I was careful to choose images that compliment the proverbs but do not explain.

Patois, the art exhibition on display at Patois Jamaican Restaurant, is the study of Caribbean language and music. I have chosen Jamaican proverbs and illustrated them using ink and scratchboard on paper. The pastel images of Caribbean musicians were rendered during an art exhibition on Union Island in St. Vin­cent and the Grenadines. I chose to render these images with a lyrical use of line and shape.

Part of the proceeds from this event will go to Rise Above, a local charity designed to educate, inspire and empower our community. ‘Building our community by paving the foundation to your success.’

Keep on keeping on!


Cheers,

Simone

NTGA Artwalk Saturday May 3 & Sunday May 4 | 11-5pm

The North Toronto Group of Artists, of which I am a proud member, will be launching a Fine Arts Spring Studio Tour on Saturday May 3rd and Sunday May 4th from 11 am to 5 pm.

Visit local artists in our home studios on Saturday May 3rd and Sunday May 4th from 11 am to 5 pm.
For the entire list of artists, click on this link:
http://www.ntga.ca/2014/03/ntga-fine-arts-spring-studio-tour/

The works exhibited will be in various mediums. I will be exhibiting from the home of Anastessia Bettas, who has graciously extended herself. This means that you won't have to walk as far and that you'll see the work of three artists at this location. John Nussbaum will also be exhibiting there.

101 Chudleigh Avenue, at Greer, 
south west of Yonge & Lawrence
https://www.google.ca/maps/@43.7227497,-79.4085554,17z

This is a great family event. Enjoy the weekend and enhance it by taking in and purchasing the great works of some great artists.
Find it on facebook: http://goo.gl/UJyhYF

My work can be purchased via debit, credit, cash or cheque. As usual, the euro will be taken at par.

I look forward to seeing you!

Copy and paste below into your browser for more details:
http://www.ntga.ca/2014/03/ntga-fine-arts-spring-studio-tour/

On a side note, I recently finished reading, The Book of Negros by Lawrence Hill, This phenomenal book changed the way I see the world, which is what a great book is meant to do.

I was at a Starbucks on College street about a week ago and started chatting with a man at one of the tables. I know. How unlike me! In any case, it turns out that he was preparing to read for one of the parts in the feature film of The Book of Negros. It has begun shooting in South Africa and is being directed by Canadian director Clement Virgo, starring Cuba Gooding Jr.

I look forward to seeing it, but more, I'm looking forward to seeing you on May 3rd or 4th at the NTGA Artwalk!

Cheerio,

Simone

Patois, Oxtail and Art

Patois - 11"x14" - $500 | 2014

One thing I love is a good oxtail dinner, so I keep forgetting to try the shrimp dish at Patois Jamaican Restaurant in Pickering. It’s worth the drive and parking is free if you feel like eating where the staff is friendly, the food is amazing and the atmosphere is great. Wonderful music plays as you dine in a casual setting. And even more wonderful… my art is now hanging on their walls. Smile!

Patois Jamaican Restaurant
1286 Kingston Road,
Pickering, ON
Canada
L1V 1B7
905 492 8492

I met with the owners to discuss hanging my work and they asked me if I could integrate Patois in my art exhibition. This was a struggle as I barely speak it. My parents spoke the Queen’s English at home and we were corrected like crazy growing up so that our English would be impeccable. Lucky for me, Google helped.

https://www.nlj.gov.jm/?q=jamaican-proverbs

Using that as my inspiration, I was able to illustrate some of the proverbs in ink and scratchboard.

When I exhibited in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2000, I had a great time. One of my favourite shows was at Laambi’s Yatch Club on Union Island. There I created pastel drawings of a Calypso band that performed. There were four musicians and a dancer. The dancer was very acrobatic. He did hand stands and walked on broken glass while wearing a tight leotard.

Jump Up - 11"x14" - $500 | 2000

The music was incredible. I drew images with bright colours on natural paper ­– now on exhibit at Patois Jamaican restaurant.

I packed up my Swiss Army luggage, and headed out for Patois Jamaican Restaurant. I took the #92 Go Bus from York Mills Station. It comes pretty regularly. I got off at Glenanna and walked back on the opposite side of the street to Patois Jamaican restaurant. Parking is free if you choose to drive there.

Click here to get directions and the review on Yelp.

The customers are great there too. Very friendly. When I saw them smirk at my luggage, (large enough to accommodate a months stay overseas), I told them it was my wagon.

“Where are you headed?” One of the customers asked.

“To Toronto.” I said.

“Really, I’m from Toronto.”

“Can you give me a lift back?”

“On Sunday, I can.”

Everyone laughed. “A” was on his way to a meditation retreat just up the street. He bought some jerk chicken to meditate on during his three-day stay. A perfect combination!

Speaking of meditation, I finally found a great cd to meditate to. I was on my way to Ikea to buy some frames for the show at Patois. There was a man playing strings at Sheppard-Yonge station. The music was so beautiful that I bought on of his cds and have been playing it all weekend. The artist’s name is Leo Chi Zhang. You might find him at Sheppard Station. I’m really happy that the TTC allows buskers to perform!

Stay tuned about an event at Patois Jamaican Restaurant.

For now, I’m preparing for the North Toronto Group ofArtists Artwalk.

Saturday May 3 and Sunday May 4, 2014

11-5pm

For more details please click the link below.

http://www.ntga.ca/events/

Looking forward to Spring weather!!!!!!!

Ole Fiyah Tick - 11"x14" - $500 | 2014

Cheers,

Simone