AN OCEAN VIEW

PREVIEW OF 'AN OCEAN VIEW'

A 32 Page Coffee Table Book by Vancouver Island Photographer, Micki Findlay

What a great journey this has all been for me. I had certain goals I wanted to achieve this year and having a book out was one of them. So to my surprise and amazement, I actually stayed focused long enough to stick to it and get it done. Now comes the time-consuming task of getting the word out wherever I can. Over the past few years, I have picked up all kinds of tips on how to do just that and I find I am on a constant learning curve. But I so enjoy the challenge and the great feeling of accomplishment I receive at the end of the day when I have attacked yet another goal, gotten over a hurdle and landed on the other side.

Everyone's 'Bucket List' is unique. But it is my opinion that everyone needs one. I think sometimes we get caught up in the mundane chores of everyday life and forget to dream. Sometimes we are simply too tired to go there. But I believe that no matter how hectic our lives are, if we have a dream, we need to find a way to inch towards it. I know what you're probably thinking... right... it's easy for her... she doesn't have a nine to five she has to go to every day. Her children are all grown up and she has the luxury of being able to stay home. You are so right. There is not a day goes by that I do not count my many blessings. I do manage to keep myself quite busy between Cheryl and my online gift shop, volunteering at the gallery and my singing telegrams. However, I do the bulk of the work from home. Anyhow, I digress. The point I am trying to make is, even if you do have a nine to fiver, a family and various responsibilities that tend to take up all your time and energy, (been there) don't lose sight of your dream in the midst of it all. Perhaps your goal list will need to be written in smaller increments over a longer duration of time. Or perhaps you need to find ways to be creative in fitting in your personal goals. You either have to suck the life out of life or it will suck the life out of you.

I read somewhere of a young man whose dream was to be a dancer. His nine to fiver was a parking lot toll booth operator. But he would not let his job deter him from his ultimate goal. So in-between cars, he would play music and practice his dance moves in his tiny cubicle! He had found a creative way to keep his dream alive. I do not know the end of that story but, irregardless of whether he went on to be a dancer, think of how much more fun work must have been for him because he dared to dream and not 'settle' for what he 'had to do' opposed to what he 'dreamed' of doing! Plus he would have had the wonderful feeling of accomplishment whenever he stepped foot on a dance floor.

I want to say thanks to all my family and friends who continue to support, encourage and believe in me. It is easy to soar when you have wings of love .

I am looking forward to another book on the horizon. It will be quite different from this one and... well... I won't let the cat out of the bag just yet. Have a great day everyone and don't forget to dream!

(Special thanks goes to my hubby David for his immense patience and belief in me, and also to my son Matt at Inerseshen Creative Media for all of the awesome things he has designed for me!)

MICKI'S PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW

FEBRUARY FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW
NANAIMO ARTS COUNCIL GALLERY

Well I must say, this last two weeks has certainly been a whirlwind of activity for me. I had no idea that putting together a photography show would be so time-consuming and so much work! Not that I am complaining because it has also been fun. But all I can say is that sometimes I'm glad I have a distorted sense of reality because I might not be so quick to jump into these huge projects if I really understood what all they involved. But it's all ready now and open to the public. And I feel as though I could sleep for three days straight. Whew!

I had a wonderful start to my show... no sooner did I have it all hung when someone came in and purchased my most expensive piece right off the bat. I was so excited, flustered and taken aback, I completely forgot how to operate the debit machine! Boy did I feel dumb! But he was ever so gracious and patient and politely and quietly took the pad and swiped his own card, when he saw that I had taken leave of my senses and was clearly in crisis mode. Bless him. I am so glad my piece went to such a nice guy. Thank you Jason!




I would like to extend my gratitude to Odette at the Nanaimo Arts Council for her diligence in getting the word out about my show to the entire media. I have seen several newspaper articles, online ads and tomorrow, Shaw Cable Community TV will be coming to interview me while I am at the gallery. Although I realize this is a great opportunity for me to become better known in the arts community, I am not, in all honesty, looking forward to it. I truly hope I do not say something too stupid. Man oh man. I used to be on tv a great deal when I was the Salvation Army Community Services Director in the Cowichan Valley and I pretty much dreaded it every time back then, too. Ah well. I will just try and be myself. Maybe I should wear my clown costume.....? Or not.

Many thanks also to the hanging committee at the gallery (Gudrun, Marg and Gary) for their hard work, patience and input. And for those yummy muffins you brought to feed us Marg!

I would also like to thank my dear husband, David, who patiently and cheerfully put up with our house being turned upside down these last couple of weeks. The kitchen is the only room with enough light to do all my framing so for awhile there, we could not even see the floor. Two nights we ate take-out because it was too much of a challenge to cook in there. I love you David. Thank you for supporting and encouraging me in all this. You are the best.

Special thanks to my son, Matt at Inerseshen Creative Media, who designed my amazing banner and my logo, who printed up my business cards, gives me great ideas and advice and who constantly inspires me to not be afraid to put myself out there and to believe in myself. Both of my sons (Gord and Matt) encourage me to not limit myself and to 'go for it'. I watch them and see all that they have accomplished in their young lives, fearlessly, and I am constantly awed by their accomplishments. I could not be prouder of them. When I grow up I want to be like them.

I also want to thank my dear friend Cheryl (my A2Sea Creations' partner) for her constant belief in me and encouragement to excel in all that I do. And for telling others to come out and see my work. You are terrific.

And lastly, I want to say thank you to two gals in my neighbourhood who took the time to drive all the way to Nanaimo today to see my show and then come by my house to bring me a big, gorgeous bouquet of tulips and a card to congratulate me. So thank you Gloria and Trina. You made my day!

I am blessed with wonderful friends who have been so supportive of me - cheering me along as I pursue my passion. I am blessed.

A2Sea Creations On YouTube

A2Sea Creations - Handcrafted Beach Inspired Treasures

Well, I must say, it took me quite awhile to put together this simple video as it was my first time using Windows Movie Maker, which I downloaded off the internet, and my first time uploading a video to YouTube. And it only took me until 2:30 in the morning! LOL I am nothing, if not persistent! But when I think of the vast array of things I have learned since Cheryl and I decided to open our online gift shop, I am aware that most of it I learned between 10 at night and 3 in the morning. I suppose I am a bit of a night owl, although I haven't stayed up this late for quite awhile. I am going to be very sorry tomorrow as I try to get a million things done in preparation for my big photography show at the Nanaimo Arts Council Gallery in February. Ah well... my own fault.

So Cheryl and I had our first A2Sea Creations meeting a few days ago to plan where we would like to concentrate our efforts this year. I am excited about our plans and am looking forward to focusing on our new goals. One thing we will be doing is putting together a photo album of our creations to show to prospective buyers. So today I discovered I could actually print off some beautiful photos right on my home printer. I found some photo paper that had come with my printer and after a few oopses and boo-boos, I finally figured out how to print on 4x6 photo paper. Even my hubby, who tends not to make a big deal out of things, expressed real surprise at the quality of the photos. Who knew? I learn something new every day.

Well, now that it's 3:30 in the morning, I really must go to bed. I keep forgetting how old I am and much I am going to regret this in the morning! Oops... it is the morning.

Learning New Things

Beachcomber's Bounty - Earthy Jewelry Set

A very popular pendant fashion at the moment are the longer styles. And even more popular are the ones you can adjust to any length. There is a store in Coombs that is interested in carrying my jewelry but asked if I could just change the cords to the slip knot style. I said I would give it a try.

So, with some help from my hubby, (he was a boy scout, way back when) I managed to learn the technique and posted one on our Etsy site. I love to learn new things... except for those painful moments when you are all thumbs and think you will never get the hang of it. But it's such a good feeling when you finally master something and see the finished product.

My next challenge is to start drilling holes through sea glass and seashells with my dremel tool. I've watched some videos and my dear hubby has offered to give me a hand. This will open the door to creating so many more wonderful jewelry pieces.

I have a sense of excitement about this year. I have made up my mind to do some things I have only talked about up till now. If I can't do them on my own, I will find help. The possibilities are endless and I am up for it.

So keep an eye out for our new jewelry and nautical treasures we will be posting soon on A2Sea Creations!

Feature Photography Show - Micki Findlay

I am quite excited to announce that, for all of February 2010, my photography will be featured at the Nanaimo Arts Council Gallery in the Nanaimo North Town Centre (formerly known as the Rutherford Mall). There will be something for every taste, any budget and a variety of framed photos, unframed/matted photos, greeting cards and even some of my handcrafted jewelry.

Although I have had my work at the gallery for over a year, this is my first ever feature show so hence, my excitement. It didn't really hit me until I put my first poster up and then it started to sink in! It will be a good challenge for me and will help me to keep striving to learn, grow and excel in my craft. Photography has become a real passion for me. Although I have never taken a class in photography, I would like to because the more I learn, the more exciting the possibilities!

My new coffee table book will also be on display showing some of my work that may not be on display at the gallery. Photos in my book are also for sale on order and can be matted and/or framed to suit your home colour scheme. If you would like a preview of my work go to www.thesingingphotographer.com If you wish to order directly from my website but you live in the Nanaimo/Parksville/Qualicum area, simply contact me, either through my site or by email, and I will create a special listing for you minus the shipping costs. I can then deliver your order right to your door, if you like.

If you decide to come by the gallery for the show, you may do so anytime but, if you want to visit as well, I will be there every Wednesday from 1:30 to 5:30 throughout the month of February. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

Cheryl and I would like to wish everyone a very happy new year filled with love, joy, friends and exciting new adventures! It's time again to start creating more nautical treasures with my dear friend. Our creating has been on hiatus due to the Christmas holidays but we will be back on track very soon. God bless! Micki

The Magic of Winter

'WINTER WALK' - PHOTOART BY MICKI FINDLAY

It is so pretty outside today... our Christmas lights glow with their magical hues against the perfect white backdrop of our very first snowfall this year. Everything is so quiet and peaceful. I have some Christmas baking to do today and what a perfect day for it! I wonder if we will have a white Christmas this year? I can always dream. One would think that my eight years in Mackenzie BC would have cured me of that desire, but not so. Although I must admit, six months of snow is a bit much. I am glad to be living on Vancouver Island.

My sons, Gordon and Matthew, loved the winters in Mackenzie, however. They were just little boys and did not seem to notice or care that they went on for so long. I recall the snow forts they built and the numerous tunnels we shoveled to make a 'maze' of sorts through the entire front yard. It was a magical time for them as they played endlessly in the snow, decked out from head to toe in various layers of clothes, snowsuits, scarves, toques, mittens and winter boots. I always dreaded when they would have to come in to go to the bathroom because it seemed to take forever to undress and redress them for the brutal cold. Some days it felt like that was all I did all day! But they could not play outside all the time because Mackenzie can get down to 40 below at times. You didn't go anywhere on those days unless you absolutely had to. So as fun as it was for my boys, I am glad to be back here on the island alright. Brrrrr!......

I am almost done my Christmas shopping... only a couple more things to buy. Our house is all decorated and ready for David's son, daughter and their partners to come and celebrate with us on Christmas Eve. I still cannot figure out how I managed to stuff a Christmas tree in my little Hyundai but I did. That car has certainly served me well, although it is sounding pretty rough these days. I have loaded everything in that car including loads of firewood!

I hope that this Christmas is extra special for everyone this year. I am saddened to hear of various Christmas school concerts that have completely bypassed the whole Christmas message. I know that has been happening for quite awhile now, as far as the baby Jesus is concerned. But I am told that now there isn't even an elf or a jingle bell! And they are now called 'Winter Concerts'. Hmmm..... political correctness seems to be our modern day 'Scrooge' and it is sapping the life, joy and magic right out of the season. How ridiculous!

Well I will not let Scrooge get me down! Merry Christmas everyone! And a very happy new year!

Luke 2:9-12
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

Neighbourhood Craft & Garage Sale This Weekend!

You are invited to join in the fun...

get warm by the fire, roast a hot dog, slurp on some yummy hot chocolate with marshmallows, listen to carols, do some Christmas shopping, get some bargains and visit all at the same time! Several other homes from our neighbourhood have joined in with us to have a Craft and Garage Sale.... crafts for those looking for new and unique Christmas gift ideas and a garage sale for those looking for some great 2nd hand bargains. So, in other words, something for everyone!

Last year, after David and I moved into the neighbourhood, we put on a big Halloween open house so we could get to know our neighbours in a fun way. We had hot chocolate, hot dogs, cake, chips (all the healthy stuff) and lots of decorations and a campfire. We missed that this year because David had to work straight through the weekend. Poor guy. So it will be nice to have a chance to get together with folks again and enjoy the season together! Hope you can come out, too!