The Snow Queen
Looks like Lady Winter has arrived early this year in Vancouver.
My drawing is inspired by the story The Snow Queen from Hans Christian Andersen.
The swirls in the image are inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s painting Starry Night.
It’s beautiful outside. Below is a photo from of our local trails.
Seasons Of The Year
With the arrival of summer recently, my wife created this wonderful drawing for Jade.
Frozen Perspectives with Anna & Elsa
“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” — Albert Einstein
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Once Upon A Time …
Jade, like almost all girls her age, is a huge Frozen fan. She is constantly singing and drawing scenes from her favourite movie.
In A Faraway Dark Forest …
When we went to the cinema together, I noticed the movie was based on The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen. I was intrigued and took out an anthology of his writing from the library. With past Disney films, it is quite interesting to note the major changes the studio has made from his original stories (another example The Little Mermaid).
The Villain Appeared … Then Disappeared …
Earlier this week, Wired Magazine had a post about “re-telling” fairytales. It was a thought provoking article and I really appreciated their inclusion and notes regarding Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked.
If you haven’t read the article, I highly recommend it:
Maleficent and the Big Problem With Disney’s Fairy Tale Reboots | WIRED
Happily Ever After?
Even though fairy tales are mainly illustrated in simplistic terms (Good vs Evil), I find they provide a colourful spectrum of timeless dialogue between Jade and myself. These interpretive stories are fascinating catalysts to explore subtle differences between ourselves, other people and some of the various perspectives within our world.
Hockey Weekend Time !!!
Just another typical Canadian weekend on the ice.
Lady Bug Express … Special Delivery !!!
Jade received a beautiful letter last week from a guest drawer !!!
Ziggy Short Crust is on a quest to revive the lost art of letter writing.
This is her post about Jade’s letter.
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The drawings, writing and details are so beautiful!
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During Christmas, we set up a pretend mail box.
Jade couldn’t believe it … A real letter for her !!!
After the letter, Jade demanded some lady bug puddle jumping!
Thank you so much Ziggy for brightening our rainy day!
Remembering Those Snowy Sunsets
I grew up on the Canadian prairies and we played in the snow all day.
But, I especially loved walking outside when the sun was going down.
Sometimes, the snow-drifts would catch some amazing colours .
NHL Is Back … “Bear-Mauled” with Mixed Feelings
I love hockey.
I grew up playing the sport.
I still play every week. I used to play 3 to 5 times a week.
I play because I love the game.
Frankly, I’m kind of sick of the NHL.
I’m tired of the owners and their lockouts.
I’m not really keen on most of the NHL star players either.
Personally, I think most of them are “out-of-touch” and overpaid.
After the 2011 Stanley Cup Riot though, I’m even fed up with certain “fans” too.
I’ll spend my money on my equipment, expensive sticks and ice time.
But, I’m not going to watch many NHL games at the arena or on TV …
Well … maybe not until the playoffs.
The Mesmerizing Northern Lights
A hint of Arctic air.
It was chilly in Vancouver today.
I was telling Jade about the beauty of the Northern Lights.
I grew up in the Canadian prairies and we’d see them often.
The Northern Lights dance, glow and shimmer across the dark sky.
The Canadian winter brings many moments of creative beauty.
Yesterday, during a family walk, I photographed some ice.
Always appreciate the simple beauty around you.
Realities of Raincouver
In Vancouver it rains … a lot … and then some.
Rain gear is essential.
Vancouver’s #1 rule; always have an umbrella.
And if you have a 3 year old — don’t forget the rubber boots!
Mr. Cloudy and Vancouver
It’s’s been very wet and rainy here in Vancouver lately.
Looks like Mr. Cloudy has lots of his friends in our sky.
Hopefully, little Little Miss Sunshine will be back soon.
Everyone’s a little cheerier when she’s around.
Drawings For Jade 