Inspiring Girl

From the very first moment I met Missy Knott, there was something about her that stood out...her spirit had such a unique light.
Im fortunate to of been able to work with her for various events and for my work to of found a home with her.
She is someone who still continues to inspire me in one way or another.

Life. Moving On

I can come up with a million excuses...well two dozen realistically, as to why it has been so long since actually using this blog.
Some of them are good legitimate reasons, while others are merely excuses. But when you think about it... aren't they all excuses?

This summer was filled with many life changing times. I have to say, I do believe it has been the most influential summer in my life to date, at the time it felt like the end of the world. But I believe every little thing leads to something else.
These events that happen in our life...I'm feeling are either something to test us, to encourage us, to help us, to lead to something more. It is my own opinion so no one can say I am wrong. (You will discover, I am quite the sensitive, insecure soul. Something I would like to improve on-keep the sensitive part though;). So don't be surprised if you find I question what I am saying often. )
Rather you believe in fate, destiny or nothing...you must agree at least a little, that life sometimes has a weird way of incorporating the bad and good for a reason.
And I KNOW that sounds awful, especially when some are dealt such a hard hand in life...perhaps in their next life they will know the beauties this world or the next has to offer? I'm not saying the trials and tribulations one is given are fair or are they deserved. Or the constant pain and suffering some are dealt is planned...I just like to think that in some way it relates to something else...a bigger picture so to speak. But another part of me feels these things are often unjustified. No, almost every bit of pain seems unjustified, especially when I have met some purely kind souls who have known nothing but pain.
The whole leading to something more issue is simply a game I play with myself, for my own benefit it seems.
I'm still in the process of learning and discovering this life, be patient with me to fight my ignorance and to see more. I'm still learning and have a long way to go.

My personal and professional life gave me a few obstacles to overcome this summer, both happening at once.
Ironically, everything seems to of been for the better in the end. I'm still working on having confidence and not being so fearful on opening up, but I'm going to push myself. After all wouldn't it be a terrible thing to miss out on opportunities and have a life full of regrets in the end?
My life for the past four years have been spent with someone else, it was the longest I have ever been close to anyone. This person was more of a friend then anything else to me...like most things in life, its a loooong story. But that story has now ended.
I could have many regrets and kept on wishing to of changed certain things, I can't live like that and don't want to. I remember BOTH the good and bad, for it has brought me to where I am today.
It has made me who I am. These experiences have helped me grow and learn.
It always feels like the end, then you hit rock bottom and realize there is something there. You find another part of yourself. The extra strength...the strong, sassy, rebellious, independently thinking, spiritual, eccentric person who has been in hiding all these years.
I don't blame him for losing myself or for anything that has happened, I don't blame anyone. What happened has happened. Life is too short to point fingers...instead I will continue to pick myself up and keep starting over.
That's the beauty of life, you can always pick yourself up and start over...as many times as you like.
Sometimes your lucky to have someone do such with you, other times you find out more about yourself when you do it on your own.

I never knew who I really was before, I mean, we all have ideas on how we would LIKE TO BE...to actually know who you are is a rare thing.
I'm in shock with the beautiful treasures I have been finding in the past few weeks. I have friends who are so caring, strong, uniquely creative, mindful spirits...it is wonderful to see them. Work is offering more paths then what I know what to do with.
Then with one individual, one I'm very lucky has come into my life. Its ironic for he has seen briefly what has been going on in my life...his kind and encouraging words helped me through some difficult days, ones that weren't as kind as others. One of the things he has mentioned and that I hold dear to my heart is...that what I am looking for, will find me. It has.
I am finally learning how to open up and trust...my god I think that is the hardest thing I have done thus far...well trying to. I'm not going to run from this.

Everything in my gut is telling me not to post this...maybe its my heart, out of fear?
To know someone truly, you have to see the good and the bad...more then just one side. I want to know people and I don't want to pretend to be something else anymore.
This is who I am.

...and I promise all my posts won't be this long and self involved ;)

First week of art summer camps

We just finished our first week of summer camps at the art school of Peterborough.
We had so many amazing and talented students this week.
The summer is off to a great start!

Banana chocolate chip cookies:)

The weather has been extremely hot here, but I shouldn't complain. We are very luck to be able to have ac.
It offers some relief from these humid days that seem to be upon us.

Using the oven would be a crazy thought and something only lizards wouldn't mind doing during this hear wave.
...I seem to be one of the crazy ones.
With honey recovering, I wanted to show an appreciative thank you to the lovely people who helped her get better. We have an amazing vet, backed with a positive group of people.
I decided to make some banana chocolate chip cookies for them.
You can tell I'm my mothers child . She always believes in thanking people with gifts from the heart and is a homebody.

The recipe I used for the cookies is from: baking bites.com

Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup mashed banana (1 medium)
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips or chocolate chunks


Preheat oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and mashed banana. Stir in flour mixture, then mix in the chocolate chips (or chocolate chunks) until well-distributed in the batter
Shape dough into 1 to 1 1/2 inch balls and place on baking sheet, leaving about 3 inches between cookies to allow for spread.
Bake for 11-14 minutes, until cookies are a light golden brown.
Allow to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Makes about 32 cookies.

Source: http://bakingbites.com/2011/09/banana-chocolate-chip-cookies/


Danny and I hope to bring them in later this afternoon in a decorative tin.
Until then I will be working on my art, few new pieces for sticklings and will be dog sitting my moms pups :)
A very good thursday so far!

A little time spent in the pottery studio.

I managed to sneak in a few minutes in the pottery studio today :)
Does time ever fly down there.

Upcoming Events

Lately life has been a little hectic for us.
One week was filled with very negative events and this week has turned out for the better. Honey is now recovering, we have managed to find a nice car to help us get around in and travel.

Now the studio is buzzing with excitement and many projects.
For a list of confirmed upcoming events, take a look below and see what we will be up to. Many more events and happenings are sure to be added.

Art Commissions

Want to give someone close to you the ideal gift?
A personalized work of art is the perfect gift to give someone for any holiday occasion; birthdays, anniversarys, baby showers, wedding showers, valentines day, christmas.

With every commission I will provide a one on one consultation suited to your preference, either by email, phone or in person.

We will discuss what you have in mind for the subject, medium of choice, sizing and intent for the overall piece.
Every creation can be personalized or if inspirition is needed, I have a variety of stock photos and references (I have taken myself) to help come up with an idea.

Each commission will be treated individually and with the greatest care.
For more information or to inquiry more about a commission today, please contact me at: info@briannagosselin.com


Youth Summer Camps 2012 - Art School of Peterborough
The Art School of Peterborough begins its Summer Program on Monday July 09, with week-long art camps for ages 6 - 12, inclusive. Camps continue throughout the summer. In our All In One Camp weeks, art campers will experience the fun of making their own pottery, learning to draw, painting in a variety of media, creating imaginative projects in mixed media, and creative movement!

Our Pottery Camps concentrate on working with clay, both hand building and on the wheel and our Girls Only camps are designed with all things girly in mind with creative projects including making purses, bracelets and princess paintings.

All In One Camps
Dates: July 9 - 13, July 16 - 20, July 23 - 27, August 7 - 10,
August 13 - 17 and August 20 - 24
Time: 8:30am- 3:30pm
Cost: $200 for the week

Pottery Camp or Girls Only Camp:
Dates: July 30 - August 3 and August 27 - 31(Girls Only Camp is Full)
Time: 8:30am- 3:30pm
Cost: $200 for the week
Caution: Be prepared to have fun and get messy!

Spaces are limited so early registration is recommended.
To register online please visit the Art School of Peterborough at the following link. http://www.artschoolptbo.org/reg_summercamps.php



30 Craft Market
Saturday December 8, 2012
12pm - 5pm
Peterborough Public Library (lower level)
Peterborough, Ontario

For a myriad of delightful, locally handcrafted items under $30, drop by the 30 Craft Market at the library! It will be easy to find a gift or even a treat for yourself! Meet the 32 artisans and be prepared to be awed by their craftsmanship and creativity.

Brianna will be displaying her creations and selling original miniature paintings. A work of art is the perfect gift for christmas, you never have to worry if they already have the item. Ideal for those who are hard to shop for as well. - Truly a wonderful, personalized gift.

Just in time for holiday gift shopping, you won’t want to miss this wonderful opportunity! Free admission and less than a 5-minute walk from the local and Greyhound bus terminals.
The market will be on the lower floor of Peterborough Public Library and wheelchair-accessible.



Buckhorn Fine Art Festival
AUGUST 17 – 19, 2012
Buckhorn Community Center
Buckhorn, Ontario.

The Buckhorn Arts Festival will be celebrating its 35th year this summer.
Brianna will be competing in the open class category and will have her piece for display and show.

The event will run:
Friday August 17: Preview Night GALA 7-10pm
Saturday August 18: 10 am-5 pm
Sunday August 19: 10 am – 5 pm

For more information, directions and the artists exhibiting please visit the Buckhorn Fine Art website.



Hands of Man Art Show
Morrow Building, Peterborough Ontario
October 19, 20, 21, 2012
http://www.thehandofman.ca/

Every year The Peterborough and District Guild of Arts and Crafts holds a large exhibit showcasing 85 of the Kawarthas finest artisans.
Brianna will be showing and selling her paintings/drawings, pottery, wire trees, reconstructured furniture pieces, prints and more at the Hands of Man show.

The event will run from October 19th to the 21st.
The times are as follows.
October 19,2012 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
October 20,2012 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
October 21,2012 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.



Exhibition at Sticklings CafeOngoing Exhibition Summer 2012
Brianna's pieces are up for viewing pleasure on the beautiful walls of Sticklings' cafe.
A wide variety of unique paintings are available for sale along with original ceramic pieces.

"Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, lunch or dessert, Stickling’s Bistro offers an incredible range of choices. Everything is made from scratch using all natural ingredients. Enjoy unique vegetarian sandwich creations on organic bread. Fresh organic greens from local farmers. Or a warm, hearty soup. You can eat indoors, or take advantage of our beautiful covered patio in the summer"
Sticklings

Honey May

Honey May, my 4 year old English, cocker spaniel.
She truly is my sweetheart. She has been my companion, my little shadow ever since I found her.

Doing art by my side, cleaning, reading, cuddling. She does it all :)
She has quite the big spot in Danny's heart as well.

A week ago this past sunday, I had found a lump on her tummy. The lump was located right on her memory gland, which we found out is not really a good place to have one.
We brought her to the vets to figure out what this lump may be. Our vet said it was a tumor but was unclear if it was benign or malignant.
With the lump being on the memory gland, it is a very vital area for tumors and a common place for them to be benign. Lucky with Honey being fixed as a puppy, her risk of it being malignant was lowered.
They took Honey into the backroom and did a biopsy to find out what the tumor was. We sent the sample out to the lab and waited eagerly for results.

A day later (yes, it was that quick) we received an answer. The lab was unable to determine if it was benign or malignant.
I have to be honest, I was worried sick. I am a positive thinker and knew Honey could conquer anything, but I didn't know how much of a struggle she had ahead.
Before we had sent the biopsy away, the vet had discussed with us what steps to take depending on what the result may be. We knew she would have to go through surgery to get it removed regardless. The only difference would be how intense the procedure would be and how aggressively they would be in removing the tumor (and the area around it).
We were asked if finances were an issue and we said: no, not what so ever. I suppose things would of been done in a different maner if they were. We never looked into it. We have Visa for a reason ;)

Honey went into surgery the very next day, they were able to get her in a day earlier then planned.
The procedure went fantastic, there were no complications and they were able to remove the tumor completely. We sent the tumor to the labs, this time the whole tumor was sent. We could have a better chance of finding out what this little thing exactly was.
Results came in, this time not so quickly. We had to wait an extra day (which is still not bad, but hard when your anxiously waiting).
The tumor was benign!
Turns out it was caused by trauma to the area and had turned out for the worst. I knew right away what could of caused it.
Honey has a tendency to move the chairs with her head and then proceed to jump onto them to get on the table. Since she was a puppy she has always been very cat like. Jumping onto the back of couches, jumping onto the table and so many more crazy habits.
Now Honey is being intensively trained to not do her jumping tricks anymore.

It has now been a week since Honey has come out of surgery, she has been a tad stubborn with her cone and trying to learn to just relax. She is a very active puppy still and doesn't let anything hold her back.
During her recovery we have had our fair share of being covered in her pee (she was too sedated and weak to get up to pee), cuddling, feeding her by hand and sleepless nights but she is doing great!
Dan has been a great dad during Honey's recovery too, he never complained and ways always offering to walk her so I could attempt a few minutes of sleep.
Our visa now has an additional $1023.00 on it, but well worth it.

Honey is such a strong, positive girl. Even when she was laying down on the bed after surgery she would still wag her tail and try to give me a kiss when I leaned down to pet her.
Danny and I love her a great deal.
She never ceases to amaze me and is always teaching me to be a better person.