…October 14, 2025
Today we decided to explore Hampstead. It is an affluent neighbourhood in the north of London. It’s a beautiful leafy green village with wonderful cafes, pubs, bakeries, book stores, antique and floral shops and high end clothing stores.
We had a perfect lunch in The Flask….cauliflower soup with truffle oil, baked Camembert with chutney and pickled fennel on sourdough bread.
…taking in two great shows
The first show featured indigenous artists. It is called REDefined: voices from Turtle Island. Here are a few of my favourite pieces.
The second show was in the Ruth Upjohn Gallery where Kate Greenway featured her beautiful watercolours.
…nothing says autumn more than pumpkin displays
On the way home from the cottage my friend and I just had to stop at this farmer’s pumpkin display. He admitted there would be more squash, gourds and pumpkins in the next couple of weeks. Hard to imagine when there are already hundreds on display.
…this past weekend at the cottage we were blessed with these beautiful sunsets
…last week at Montgomery’s Inn
After we finished baking bread for the Farmers’ Market last Wednesday the outdoor wood burning oven was prepared for roasting corn for the Fall Festival. Luckily we had a number of new volunteers and staff who took over the tasks of roasting and selling the corn.
The market was bustling with activity and in the park a band was playing and pop up vendors were selling their wares. I enjoyed talking with these new vendors and I even bought a few things.
Generally most sales if not all are made in the first week of a show. I hoped to sell one more paintings or photographs in the last two days and much to surprise I sold a photograph in the first hour today and a painting in the last hour plus a few more cards.
One of the best parts of these shows is getting together with family and friends, reconnecting with acquaintances from my past and meeting new people. Yesterday I met two new artists who I hope I can keep in touch with. Today friends who have never seen my work came to the show and two of them completely surprised me when they walked through the door in the last half hour.
Thanks to everyone who supported me throughout my art journey and a special thanks to Rod for helping me set up the show, Kevin who spent three days with me at the gallery and Frieda who helped me take down the show.
….at WAAC
It was a beautiful day. We had the doors wide open at the gallery waiting for my guests and the public to arrive. The wine was chilling and my hostess, Mary had prepared the platters of sweets and nibbles. Here is a quick tour of the gallery.
The afternoon started out slowly but my guests started to arrive and the wine started to flow. The public also started to come through the doors. It was wonderful catching up with friends and family and I loved meeting new people. My cards were a big hit and several paintings and photographs sold. Here is where I was able to add red dots.
…June 30, 2025
I arrived at my cottage for the first time this season. Knowing we were going to be in London for a month I hired two young men (friends of the family) to go to the cottage and open it up, tidy, sweep, wipe down counters and set up the deck furniture and build me a railing for the deck. It was the best money I ever spent.
When I arrived I only had to make up my bed, cover the couches, start the fridge and put away the food. Today I will do a deeper clean of the cupboards and give all the dishes a quick wash.
This morning I made my first thermos of filter coffee and prepared oatmeal with fresh Ontario strawberries, drizzled with wildflower honey, cream and cinnamon. Yum!
Mama Cormier 