The Little House on the Corner: Artists

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Toronto Part 3: Old and New & Some Distilled Spirits

One day while visiting Sarah she conjured up a wonderful tour. We walked, rode the subway, took a trolley, and eventually bussed back to the subway station. She showed me some fascinating areas of Toronto. We were on a bus through the Financial District which was modern and beautiful. She showed me where the Toronto International Film Festival is held. We walked through Chinatown and had a Vietnamese Sub sandwich for lunch. I have no idea what was on it other than shredded veggies and cilantro, meaning there was a mystery meat and spread of some sort, but it was really good! I saw, in no particular order Little Italy, the Ontario Provincial Parliament building, the Fashion District (which did not resemble Los Angeles' fashion district at all...imagine that?!) WE walked through this funny little artists' district where there were brightly colored storefronts and art everywhere. Picture New-Age Hippies. There was even an old car with a garden growing in it (pumpkins coming out of the trunk).
My favorite stop that day was at the Distillery District. As the name implies, this is where a lot of whiskey was made back in the day, meaning as early as the 1830's. The architecture has been left in tact. All of the beautiful red brick buildings and streets are still there. Intermingled with this collection of wonderful old industrial buildings are some fascinating new structures that I thought were quite nice as well. I enjoyed how the old and the new were mixed.

We hopped off the bus and were greeted by this awesome wedge-shaped building of condos.

"I dibs the corner room!"

It's called the Pure Spirits Condominiums building. I would love to live in this area!

Antique equipment placed artistically here and there add to the feel of the place.

Modern art is scattered about as well. Not sure what this is but it is interesting!

Gooderham and Worts was the original distillery.

They were setting up for Christmas the day we were there!

The clock! I love the clock!

Everywhere you turn there are fun little details like this 2 foot tall Leprechaun door, which was likely a coal shute or some such thing. I want one!

More modern art. I think this is an interpretation of an old "whiskey still".

Old and new.

We went into a little mall-type building. Equipment from the whiskey days was displayed.

Big kettle...and look at those wrenches behind Sarah!

Hanging lights and chalk board signs...charm at every turn.

Back to the spidery-guy. The workers were installing either a Christmas manger or a Santa house. I cannot remember which!

This door! I die!!

I wish we'd had the time to go into each little shop and antique store!

Setting up an outdoor Christmas Market. I'd love to go back during the holidays!

The area is next to Toronto Harbor on Lake Ontario. This is a nod to the seafaring history of the place as well. After you make all of that whiskey you've got to ship it off!

Here we are...freezing but having so much fun!

It was a great day with my girl, the new doctor, topped off by an amazing meal at a Greek restaraunt. Oh, the meat!!

I know Thanksgiving has happened since I started these Toronto posts. I'll fill you in on that next time. Believe it or not, I have a lot more to show you of my trip...if you can stand it!

Friday, March 29, 2013

Two Daughters, Two Reasons to be Proud

Two years ago I wrote this post about our resident artist, Rachel. She was hard at work on her final project for an art class at college. I took these photos while she was at home on spring break.

At the time she was mad at me for sneaking up on her but now we are all glad we have the endearing picture of our Samwise watching her work her magic. I still giggle at the chalk on his fur! These four Masters, Raphael, Leonardo, Michelangelo, & Donatello were a hit at the end of year art show. She has gone on to sell prints of them on this site. She has had some great success and the turtles on the half shell have ended up on t-shirts, mugs, and in all kinds of households.

One of the freakiest days for her was when one of her sisters was on Facebook and came across a post that a random friend had made where they shared Rachel's turtle prints, not knowing who she was, exclaiming how amazingly cool they were. Said sister quickly added her comments that the artist was HER sister and, yes, she IS amazing! A few more posts by other strangers and these four guys went viral...big time!

Recently a movie director (one who was at Sundance this year) came across them and ordered all four large prints. He tweeted about them and the artist stating that "She is a legit lady"! That's my girl! She takes it all in stride and still says she is not that good. Having just completed her first term of online classes from SCAD, or the Savannah College of Art and Design, she is working hard to save money so she can move to Georgia and attend the school in person. They have extended scholarships to her and are waiting for her arrival.

Recently Rachel was blessed with a new position at the AF Fitness Center. She has moved up from "desk girl" to being a shift manager. This will give her more hours and bring her closer to her dream. She jokes that she has become "Brittany Jr." as this is the same job Brittany had when she put herself through school.

And...if you ever feel the need for an awesome t-shirt or art for your wall, visit the website link above and help put a girl through art school!

We are so proud of you Rachel!

P.S. Today, 33 years ago I became a mother. I could not ask for a sweeter daughter than our Sarah! We love you Sarah dear, and are anxious for that dissertation to be finished so we will know where you are going to land and begin your work. We are so proud of the faithful, kind, lovely woman you are. Wish we could be there today to hug you and eat some cake!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sarah!

Please indulge me while I travel down Memory Lane!