My Grandparents have a cottage in Bobcaygeon, and I've been going there nearly ever summer of my entire life so far. I started when I was a babboo, and I stopped going for a bit when I was a teenager because I usually had a job in the summer, but during my last few years of highschool my family started going for the Canada day weekend, and I usually managed to make it with them.
Now I live in Ottawa, and Canada day is a massive shindig here. But to me it's still nothing compared to Bobcaygeon.
Bobcaygeon is a very tiny lake town, mostly made up of a retirees with cottages or people who come in on boats. Pretty much everything there revolves around spending time outdoors, making it a summer paradise. I went there in the winter once, when I was 10 or 11, for March break. The snow was up to my waist. So in the winter it gets pretty quiet.
But in the summer, you can swim or fish or go for a boat ride in the lake, or you can go downtown and visit all the little shops (most of which are independently owned) or visit a bar or restaurant, (the patios are perf). The Kawartha Dairy is a must see for the best ice cream in the world, and at night a campfire is essential.
So here's a photodump of the cottage, from last year. I didn't take any good pictures this year because the weather was very cloudy and overcast, so I thought these ones turned out nicer. Apologies to any family members that accidentally photobombed!
Off the bridge heading into downtown
My Grandpa's garden (a small portion of it)
The front yard (the boathouse with the flag is my granparents)
Campfire! I don't remember who's legs those are
The moon and a pretty sky
Boats heading down to watch the fireworks
Fireworks!
And yes, this is the same Bobcaygeon from the Tragically Hip song. And yes, the constellations are that clear there - you haven't seen stars till' you've seen these. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of those, so you'll just have to go and see for yourself!
June the 8th is my birthday, so last weekend I headed home to spend it with my parents and friends. I hadn't seen any of them since February, and it might be my last chance to be home until the Fall, so I made the most of my birthday, and tried to stretch it out for a week. I'm used to treating going home like a vacation, but this time it was really great! So here's my advice on how to milk your birthday for all it's worth.
I arrived home on THURSDAY, so my week really began on FRIDAY - and the first thing I did was GET PRIMPED. I got my hair done. But that's my first piece of awesome birthday advice: Go out and get something fancy done to your fabulous self - whether it's hair, nails, a massage or a full on spa treatment. FANCY AS FFFFffff-
On SATURDAY I went out for dinner with my parents. My apartment doesnt have an oven, and even if it did my cooking would probably still be pretty terrible, so being treated to something tasty and well made for once was great. So that's my second piece of advice - eat something good! And it doesn't necessarily have to be the usual cake if that's not your thing. Instead of cake I had a smoothie made with birthday cake flavoured vodka - delicious!
SUNDAY I met some friends for lunch and drinks, and we wandered around downtown London. They introduced me to some new vintage shops and Urban Outfitters. Even though there's a huge one in Ottawa I'd never been, and they had some pretty cool stuff! It was great getting to sit out in the sun and see my friends.
On MONDAY I chilled out. Anytime you plan a vacation or a big week anywhere, I say you should always plan a day where you just relax. Don't do anything. Don't spend any money, if you can. My apartment just has a standup shower, so I made use of the bathtub, and of the TV downstairs (another thing my apartment doesnt have). I watched Warm Bodies - and I loved it! I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who loves zombie movies OR well written love stories - or both, like me!
TUESDAY I went shopping with my mom, my sister, and my aunt - so it was a major girls day! Shopping is yet another thing I haven't had the chance to do in a long time. We also went for breakfast at Cora's, a place people have been recommending to me forever (being a breakfast for all meals advocate). I loved it, but the meals were a lot bigger than I was expecting! I got a banana and nutella crepe and it was bigger than my freaking head. Oh well, I never turn away leftovers!
WEDNESDAY I was hoping to go to the beach, but the weather just wasn't very good. So instead my mom and I went for tea and antiquing (yes I like antiquing leave me alone) in Sparta, a really tiny town not too far from St.T. The stores are neat and the tea is good and the whole town is very cozy. I actually most recommend going there in the fall, that's when they have the best stuff for homes and gardens, but spring is good too!
THURSDAY I got my bike out and went downtown St.Thomas to go thrifting, which is seriously the best thing to do in a small town. I don't know what it is, but small town thrift stores just have better stuff. No offense, big cities. I got some new mugs (which I compulsively buy at thrift stores), some CDs, and some books. I also finally visited the Art Crypt, a new (well, new to me, it's been there about a year now) tattoo and body piercing shop downtown, and took a look at some of the beautiful art up there. If you're in St.T, I thoroughly recommend taking a look!
FRIDAY ended up being a double movie day. During the day I went to see Star Trek: Into Darkness with my mom. She's a Star Trek fan and probably understood more of the references than I did, but I still loved it! I didn't like the first movie as much, but this one was awesome. Even if you're not a Trekkie, you should totally see it. Later on I met a friend for ice cream, and we went to go see Man of Steel. I like Superman comics, but I don't like Superman movies - but this one did a good job of capturing the comics and the cartoons and was a really fun watch. Lot's of explosions and buildings falling down and muscles and stuff. Totally cool with me for a summer flick.
SATURDAY was my last day before my train back to Ottawa, so it was another chill-out day. I had to bring back some clothes and stuff for summer, so I sorted through my closet back home and spent most of the day in the backyard sipping drinks under an umbrella.
Over all, this was all I could have asked for for a birthday week. I got to relax, have some fun, see my family and friends, and go pretty much everywhere there was to go back home. I was worried about trying to fit a summer of stuff into a week, but I realized the real key to this stuff is to relax - go with the flow and go with whatever comes your way. I had ideas for what I wanted to do when I got back but I tried not to plan anything for sure, so I always had something to do with lots of wiggle room.
I'm 23 years old now (but sometimes I still get ID'd) and I feel... pretty much the same. But I felt pretty good to begin with, so I guess that's a good thing!
Hi. It's been a long time since I posted here, and this is a post that is going to explain why.
Basically, I've been really busy, and have had lots of stuff to do! In March I started my internship at the National Gallery of Canada, and I spent all of March and April working 9-5, writing artist profiles, doing some social media stuff, and helping with upcoming exhibitions. I had a really great time and learned a lot of stuff, but it didn't leave me a lot of time for writing blog posts. All the free time I had I used to finish up my second graphic novel.
By May I was basically just completely burnt out. So I rested up, made some non-comic related art, and wrote some poems. I really just wanted to try something different that I could just do for fun. Last week I went home to St.T to visit my parents and friends for my birthday, and I had the best week ever! Now I'm feeling re-energized and I've got all kinds of ideas for writing that I'm ready to start on.
So I thought I'd start out by just giving a quick explanation as to where I've been. You can read some of the stuff I wrote and made on my Tumblr. I will be back again soon!
Today is Pancake Day! Also known as Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday, it's a religious holiday meant to occur just before Lent. The idea is to feast on pancakes before fasting for Lent. I learned most of this from my Grandparents, who actually made me pancakes on Pancake Day when I was little, and continued to remind me of its existence as I grew up.
I'm not religious, but man do I love pancakes.
And, being a college student, I've learned a little bit about them. Meaning, the most basic pancake mix is cheap, only requires water, and lasts forever. Meaning, I've ate so many of them I might be turning into one.
But with that I've learned a few tricks, and I'm going to share my pancake knowledge with you. So here are some of my favourite recipes.
So as I mentioned before, most of the time I've got no choice but to use a basic store-bought pancake mix. However, THIS is a good basic pancake from scratch recipe to get you started.
I should also note, I don't include measurements because whenever I make stuff I just measure by how hungry I am. Directions for recipes always make you make enough mix for like eight people.
Blueberry - Oatmeal Pancakes
This was originally a waffle recipe, but I altered it to work for pancakes. Take your basic pancake mix and add:
- A pinch of Allspice
- A dash of vanilla extract
- Some unsweetened apple sauce
- Some maple syrup (yes it goes IN the pancake, not just on top!)
- A bunch of plain cooking oats, or instant oatmeal. (I used instant oatmeal, but the original recipe calls for cooking oats and I'm too cheap to know the difference.)
- And a bunch of frozen blueberries. (I imagine you can also use non-frozen blueberries, but I haven't tried it. You do it and let me know!)
Mix your spices and your oatmeal into your DRY pancake mix. Then make a hole in the center and add in your applesauce, maple syrup, and whatever other WET ingredients you need to make your pancakes. Mix it all together. Then let it sit for a few minutes, as it'll thicken up a bit. Then fold in your blueberries.
Now, your ready for cooking. Now, I don't really pay attention to instructions when I cook my pancakes? The box is always wrong, and it'll always burn em'. Your pancakes are ready for flipping when air bubbles appear on top, and the sides look brownish and kind of rounded off. Ok, that's a lot harder to explain in writing. You know what I'm saying, right? Keep practicing. You'll get the hang of it.
Soon you will be pancake master. Like me.
Bacon Pancakes
I know you've been waiting for this one. The one with meat in it.
Bacon pancakes are actually very easy to make, and have the perfect mix of sweet and salty. Also, two breakfasts totally makes a dinner.
Start out with your usual pancake mix. The only other ingredient you need besides that is bacon. I like to have my pancake mix ready before I start my bacon.
Next, fry your bacon to your liking. I've only ever used the strip bacon, and as far as I know the recipe only works with that kind. Does some brave individual want to try this with pemeal bacon? Try it and let me know.
Ok, set your bacon aside at the ready. Best to give it a minute to cool off, because you'll be handling it with your hands. Also, wash your hands.
Pour your pancake batter onto the frying pan, whatever your using. Then, take a strip of bacon and put it in the center of the pancake. Try not to burn your hands please. Push it down into the pancake with a spatula so its covered in batter, but not too far. You want it to be in the middle of the pancake. Turn your pancake over when it's ready, and cook as usual. Your bacon might cook a little extra when it's in the pancake, so if you hate crispy bacon keep that in mind when you're frying it.
Pumpkin Pancakes
You might remember I made these for Halloween. Well you know what, pumpkin pancakes is good all year round. Also I had a LOT of pumpkin pie filling left so I had to eat a lot of them. Be aware of that when you buy the filling. Maybe this would be good to make if you have any leftover from making a pumpkin pie or something?
Take your basic pancake mix and add:
- Canned pumpkin
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground ginger
Mix your dry ingredients into the dry pancake mix, then add your wet stuff, then add the pumpkin. The mixture will be lumpy and thick, so don't worry about mixing it too much.
Cook them a little longer than you would regular pancakes. They'll be a little mushy no matter what, especially in the middle, don't worry about it. They'll also be this cute orangey colour.
(Another good thing to mix that canned pumpkin with is oatmeal - which is perfect because you'll probably have leftover plain oatmeal from the blueberry pancakes. See, I just set your breakfast for the week.)
Other Good Stuff to Mix into Pancakes:
- Chocolate Chips
- Diced Apples
- All kind of frozen berries (this is especially good with syrup and whipped cream on top. I call it the "College Student Crepe.")
- Sliced Almonds
- Bananas
- Peanut Butter
- Yogurt
- Cereal (I bet flavoured Cheerios or Frosted Flakes would be good)
- Sprinkles (Hell, just go nuts in the desert aisle. If it fits in a regular cake, it fits in a pancake, I say.)
I myself haven't tried all of these, so maybe y'all should experiment and get back to me? I am the pancake master. I am open to all questions and suggestions.
It's cold here in Ottawa. This week it reached somewhere near -40 C, and it's been up and down for a while. Besides going to class and other necessities, I've been staying inside, curled up in pyjamas and blankets.This sort of weather can't help but breed indolence - it's hard to feel creative and excited about projects when all you want to do is be a human burrito.
So, I extend my apologies for quietness on the blog. I've made this playlist of winter/cold/snow and ice themed songs to try and get inspired again. Honestly, it was enough of a mental exercise just to find a decent number of good songs with winter themes in the first place. Hey, if you have any suggestions for future wintery mixtapes, let me know.
Now I will make myself some hot chocolate and make plans for future posts, to inject some energy back in here. Exciting things will happen! Here's a picture of The Decemberists.
In 2012 I decided to make a list of every book I read for
the whole year. I thought maybe it would pressure me to read more, since in the
last few years my reading has gone down a lot, mostly because I’ve been busy
with school. I don’t know if it did that for this year, but now I can look at
the list and be sure to double it for next year!
In 2012 I read:
1.American Gods – Neil Gaiman
2.The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo – Stieg Larsson
3.Damned – Chuck Palahniuk
4.The Writing Life – Annie Dillard (NF)
5.On Writing – Stephen King (NF)
6.You Are Not a Gadget – Jaron Lanier (NF)
7.Fight Club – Chuck Palahniuk (RR)
8.The Ladies of Grace Adieu – Susanna Clarke
9.The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins
10.The Girl Who Played with Fire – Stieg Larsson
11.Catching Fire – Suzanne Collins
12.Marie Antoinette: The Journey – Antonia Fraser
(NF)
13.Neon Angel – Cherie Currie (NF)
14.The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest – Stieg
Larsson
15.Mockingjay – Suzanne Collins
16.Journals – Kurt Cobain (NF)
17.The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty – Anne Rice
18.Dirty Blonde: The Diaries of Courtney Love (NF)
19.Survivor – Chuck Palahniuk
20.Reaper Man – Terry Pratchett (RR)
21.Cold Heart Canyon – Clive Barker
22.Stardust – Neil Gaiman (RR)
23.Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the
Nightmare King – William Joyce
24.I Am Scrooge: A Zombie Christmas Carol – Adam
Roberts (RR)
(Books marked with an RR are re-reads. Books marked with an
NF are non-fiction.)
Neil Gaiman is probably my favourite author
today, and this is one of his most popular books, so it’s weird I didn’t read
it until just last year. I’d even read the sort of not quite sequel, Anansi
Boys (and loved it). I love urban fantasy stories, where fantasy elements are
blended with modern day, real world settings and characters, and this is
probably the best UF book I’ve ever read. Maybe even one of the best straight
up fantasy books I’ve ever read.
This book is hilarious and tons of fun,
even if its kind of a black comedy, which is usual for Palahniuk. I love a good
hell/demon related story, and I’m a fan of Palahniuk, so it was great to see
the two go together so well. It’s also a great story for teenagers, with some
of the most well written teens I’ve read in a long time.
I read this for school, and if it counts as
a text book then it’s the best text book ever. I’ve liked a few Stephen King
books but I don’t consider myself a huge fan, and this book gave me a whole new
respect for him. It’s a must read for any King fan and anyone who considers
themselves a writer.
This is a book of short stories that’s a
sort of companion to Clarke’s first novel, Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrel, (one
of my favourite books ever). You don’t have to read that book to enjoy these
though, the stories are set in the same world but only one of them actually
follows events in that book. These stories are funny, whimsical and captivating,
perfect for fantasy fans.
This book is completely different from
Damned, but just as funny and enthralling. Well, maybe not completely
different, they both involve religion, and take an interesting and insightful
look at it. This book is exciting, intelligent, and as much fun as you’ll have
with a religious death cult.
Not Trying to Bash Anything, But Don’t Bother:
·You Are Not a Gadget – Jaron Lanier
·The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty – Anne Rice
Yeah, these weren't really my thing. One of them I was required to read for school, and the other was recommended to me after a discussion about whether or not "good" erotic fiction even existed. It does, but this book isn't one of them.
This year, I want to read double the books I read last year. I want to start with Tolkien’s books, since I’ve never read any of
those before (I know, crazy since I consider myself a fantasy fan.) If you’ve
got any recommendations, let me know!
For me, 2012 was a year of keeping steady. In 2011 I started
several projects, including my Professional Writing program, so 2012 was all
about finishing those projects and passing my first year. I’m happy to say I’ve
accomplished many of my goals, and even exceeded my own expectations.
Looking back on it I’m more than happy with what I’ve done
so far, but 2013 is going to be all about pushing it even further, and taking
more risks. Last year I was so focused on just making sure I could finish
things that I avoided too much
excitement with my projects. This year I’m going to make more, make different
things, and do things with them I’ve always been afraid to do.
I didn’t make a list of goals or resolutions last year, but
I think if I could sum up my direction last year, it would be “Make Good Art.” That’s
a quote from a commencement address from one of my favourite authors and
personal heroes, Neil Gaiman. You can read the whole thing here. Last year, I
wanted to make as much and be as proud of it as possible, and I think I
accomplished that. Ultimately, I think the best art anyone can make is
something they can be proud of.
So here’s a quick recap of what I did in 2012:
- I finished my first year of Professional Writing
with straight A’s both semesters, and finished the first half of my second
year.
This year, I’ll be finishing my second year of Professional
Writing and finally graduating from college. After that comes the daunting task
of getting a job and finding a new place to live. This is going to be a huge
change for my life, but it’s an adventure I’m ready to go on! This year, I want
everything to be an adventure. I want to do more than just make more stuff, I
want to make stuff I’ve always been afraid to make, and put it out there in
ways I never have before.
So to sum up my direction for this year: It’s Adventure
Time.
With Leah P!
My goals for 2013:
-Graduate
-Finish the final touches on my novel
-Finish two more graphic novels, completing the
first arc of my comic
-Send out at least 1 short story to a literary
magazine
-Find a place to live outside my home town
-Get a job and make some money
In 2012, I want to make:
-10 short stories
-5 poems
-5 comics (2 graphic novels in all)
-1 completed novel
In addition to that, I’m going to do more interviews,
essays, and make more cool posts for this blog. But every time I make
something, I’m going to make sure it excites me, that I’m not just playing it
safe, and that every day I’m making life a new adventure.
