Today is Canada’s birthday! Come, join me in the celebration! ‘See how this country has made me what I am today… Happy Canada Day!
Hard to believe:
You may not know but I came to Canada as a child from across the ocean; (no I did not swim)! We left most family behind and started a new life here.
In our discovery of our province we fell in love with all the natural wonders and abundant beauty! We didn’t even have to venture far or out of our province for such diverse natural landscape. I came to love the water; the clear blue frigid depths of Tobermory (above) to the fun of the Muskoka’s.
Inspiration Everywhere:
Is it any wonder that I became an artist?! I bet all those hikes and trips to the cottage just gave me too much subject matter. Everywhere I turn I see something that I want to capture forever in a painting. So hard to believe that all this can be in Ontario and still be so near to the major GTA (Greater Toronto Area)
We settled in, went to school and started families of our own in this multi-national diverse paradise. I have never felt out of place, always welcomed, loved and at home.
In my own Backyard:
A misty morning view in my yard captures so many colours and emotion. Listen for the birds, maybe there is a wild turkey walking by or a sneaky raccoon. You would think I live in a remote place but I can actually walk to a mall in a few minutes.
Amazingly short walks away are many many waterfalls since the Escarpment (a rock ridge 1000 miles long) creates a change in elevation. That makes for over 100 waterfalls in this city alone. Imagine that! Never a shortage of landscape reference.
Our unique Geography also has us close to a large body of water; Lake Ontario. Ships pass under our lift-bridge & come into our harbour from all over the world. Many walk paths allow everyone to enjoy the view.
I never tire of seeing the lake, from close or from the top of the bridge, it means home to me and my family.
Abundant Wildlife:
Always some surprises! The animal lover in me is so happy to welcome all the critters. Sometimes we are in quite close quarters! ‘But that makes for never a dull moment…
Calming and Serene:
Taking a stroll nearby, collecting some leaves (eco printing) & walking the dog. It is therapy for the soul. Quiet contemplation and appreciation of where we live and the many opportunities that this country has and does provide. Thanks dad for taking us on hikes every Sunday through the Royal Botanical Gardens, I’m sure it has translated into my art.
Our Flag:
The Red Maple leaf on our flag, and the maple leaves that make prints for me; thank you. I will try to keep you safe Canada and let others see how wonderful it is.
If you have a chance sometime in the safe future come visit Canada. North or South, East or West, you will not be disappointed. When you see my art you will be looking at ‘Canada’ – this wonderful country of mine!
Happy Canada Day!!! from Barb & family 🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦
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A lovely tribute to a beautiful, clean and friendly country. I’ve always enjoyed my visits to Canada. It is great to see such national pride. Happy Canada Day!
That’s so nice to hear. Thank you!
Dear Barb..I constantly enjoy all of your DIY’s and artwork. Keep em coming. I am retiring end of July and have some of your DIY’s on my to do list
Thank you Thank you
Irene from Etobicoke
Oh how lucky you are! I am dreading September when remote teaching falls into place. Yikes! I don’t even make a to-do list… I’d be overwhelmed.
Awesome photos. Love the beauty of your country!
Thanks! I’m feeling so blessed today, playing with my grandbaby!
Thank you Barb!
I love Canada too! Living in Michigan, I am ever so close. Many friends in Toronto and Ottawa.
So many nature adventures, including north on the escarpment!
Thank you for your beautiful pictures, art and joy of country.
You are Welcome! It’s so nice to be able to reach so far and near! Stay safe, pop over some times…
Happy Canada Day! One of my daughters-in-law is Canadian as was my grandfather who was born in Canada in 1855. He married a Canadian woman and then later came to the US. I have always felt a close connection with our Canadian neighbors. After your post on Canada Day, I actually looked up information on whether I could claim some refuge in our northern neighboring country. Your post was a lovely walk through my wish which will not happen, but that I can enjoy through your words.
I am so inspired by your items featured in your blogs. I especially love the concrete projects with embedded jewels and sparkly glass. They are my “someday” projects and I can’t wait to try them out..
Thank you, Barb, for inspiring all of us. Your blog brings a wonderful respite from all that is going on with the world and with the state of our country.
I like to live in m creative bubble since the ‘news’ make me crazy. I know I have many friends below the border! I don’t venture across often but look across when in Niagara Falls!! Greetings!
Happy Canada Day to you too.
Love your pics.
I have the pleasure of living at the south end of The Bruce, on the shores of Georgian Bay.. ( or at least a couple of blocks away.. waterfront is way too expensive!) Lots of great hiking on The Bruce Trail nearby.
Spent summers as a child in Muskoka too.. so consider myself quite fortunate and lucky!
Have a great day.
Another Barb!
I love Georgian Bay!!! I always said that if I won a lottery I’d buy a big rock island! You are so blessed! That Bruce Trail comes right down by me as well, 2 minutes away! Thanks for dropping in! I’ll be thinking of you up there…
Thank you Barb for your reflections on our wonderful country. Amidst all the turmoil, our “making” gives us an outlet for hope.
OH Barb–Thank you so much for sharing your fabulous Paintings too!!! You are the REAL DEAL!!!
To me they are the next best thing to being there! We each have our passions!
Happy Canada Day from another Barb, this one living on the far west mainland coast in Vancouver. Your blogs, posts are always so inspirational for me, simply love what you do………..
We Barb’s need to stick together! I bet I’d love it out there! Big mountains, not just an escarpment! So happy to inspire, it’s my way of ‘giving back’ ❤️
You make a very strong argument for open borders. How lucky we are that you choose Canada’s! Thank you for your ongoing contributions to our culture.
I imagine if I didn’t?! Much of my life would be so different for sure!
I’ve visited Canada 6 times—3 on the east coast, 3 on the west. I very much enjoyed my visits and it is a beautiful country. Of course, the area I live in is pretty nice. also. for much the same reasons. I feel blessed to live in a rural community with 3 big sugar maples in my yard, plus locust, elm, oak and mulberry trees… I do envy you the waterfalls and streams. The sound of moving water is so soothing.
Oh, and I have not even scratched the surface, so much more of Canada to explore!!! We all need our oasis!
Hi Barb,
I’m so happy for you that your dad transplanted the family to such a fantastic place.
Your art and and ecoprinting are an inspiration to us all.
Thanks again for sharing with us and Happy Canada Day!
I went back for the first time a few years ago and realized that some of that carried through with me here. Too bad mom and dad can not see all this… unless there is wifi up in heaven.
Happy Canada Day Barb.
I am feeling so blessed to be a Canadian. Raining here today in the Pacific Northwest and COVID 19 will change how we celebrate the day on our street, but there will still be a walking/bike parade at 3pm led by a fire truck (red of course) ,and with social distancing, it might be a longer parade than usual!
Thanks for all your inspiration.
I always look forward to seeing your latest works.
We all do what we can to stay safe! Happy Canada Day to you too! I am happy to make people have a twinkle in their eye and passion for creating!
I live in Oklahoma City, Ok. Your art and excitement in the post has me wanting to explore Canada. Thanks
I am sure you’d find something amazing!
Wow, I didn’t realize that you lived in sure a wonderland! But I do not think I could handle the cold winters up there! Delightful paintings. Thank you for sharing you Canada with us.
Hi barb, Thank you for sharing your wonderful tribute to Canada. Your artistic sensibilities shine through in all your eco-printing to make it truly wonderful. By using your country’s emblem, the Maple leaf, each work is a celebration of the natural beauty which inspires you. I am from Norfolk, UK and feel the same way about our countryside and coast which inspires my art and printmaking. Some of the areas in your location really have a WOW factor! Thank you so much for freely sharing your talents and experience with us all. Best wishes.
Of course we all love our homes!!! I’m happy to share mine.
Hello Barbara,
I am a transplant to Canada too. Over 30 years ago,as a widow with 2 daughters age 4 and 6, I married a wonderful loving Canadian man. The best move I ever made–without a doubt. I am now 69, he is 86 and we are fortunate to still have each other. The girls have 4 and 6 children, including two daughters who are 4th generation nurses. The one family lives in Illinois; I miss them so! But we are thankful to have good health and access to good telephone service.
I am pleased to have contacted your website.Thank you! Sincerely, Mary Beth
We are very lucky and I hope the current situation is also better for you here! You are blessed with many ‘loves’!
Hi Barb,
I am working on eco dying silk scarves. I mordanted and then under dyed with Logwood, madder and hibiscus flowers and rinsed after dying. Would you suggest mordanting again before eco dying?
No, once mordanted it stays. Mordanting prepares the fibre to accept/adhere the dye. There’s multiple ways to bring dye into the eco printing process. Best of luck for the Eco printing!