May 2023

Much to Celebrate

 

In my corner of the world, May is a month full of celebrations...

 

So many family and friends have birthdays this month: my brother and twin sister, my sister-in-law, distant relatives, as well as so many friends.  Even my little dog will turn nine years old soon, on the same day as my brother.

 

As well, my niece and her husband will be celebrating their 5th wedding anniversary - this year with their new baby. But she is not the only new mother in our family: our nephew's wife gave birth to twin girls in April, adding two more Leafs fans to the world.

 

Mother's Day is coming soon, when we pay tribute to our moms, who gave us life, nurtured us with love and guidance, and who have made our lives rich in so many ways.  A toast to the most special women in our lives!

 

And, in just a short couple weeks, we will celebrate Queen Victoria's birthday with a Holiday Monday and fireworks. This year, another royal celebration has taken place: the crowning of King Charles III.  And the crowd murmured: Keep Calm and Eat More Cake

 

For most Canadians, the May long weekend marks the start of the summer season - often with camping, outdoor barbecues, and pool openings (brr!) - as farmers' markets, patios, and many outdoor venues and attractions re-open. This year, Hernder Estate Wines in St. Catharines will open their doors to the public again, after the great fire a couple years ago, with a new Farmer's Market on Wednesday afternoons through the summer, starting May 31st. We plan to visit with our little dog, and let him lead us, sniffing through the fragrant stalls.

 

Meanwhile, the local art world keeps humming along with art shows and exhibits...

Some Real Gems

It isn't just birthstones sparkling in the world...

 

This special bee and honey products outpost was started by a beekeeper and a meadmaker only a few years ago. Together with a local farm and goods distributor, they provide a unique service to the community by providing wholesome, Ontario-sourced produce, dairy, meat, dry goods, and many more products, along with the wide range of bee and honey products - notably the mead-based beverages (the Beehaven Hopped is my favourite). We began subscribing to their vegetable bundle in 2020, and now have our weekly bread and eggs included, too. During the pandemic, we opted for delivery service, but now enjoy taking the short drive out there to pick up quality cheeses, meats, kefir, chocolate milk, and other unique items. We are sold on this little bee haven, and hope you give it a try, too.

 
Hours and Location

 

In 2015, my husband and I discovered a two-in-one gem: the sweetest stationery shop, in Thorold, ON, called Figg Street Co., and the shop's owner, Antoinette. Not only does she offer an enticing selection of greeting cards, exquisite paper, notebooks, fountain pens, candles, jewellery, and other finely curated gift items, she would invite artists to display their work throughout the shop on a rotating basis. When my husband and I would go to set up my display, we would get drawn into the magic of the shop, and always leave with a package of new treasures to enjoy.

 

The pandemic years kept people away from the shops, but Antoinette found a way to stay connected. They say that necessity is the mother of invention - she launched the online version of her store with Tuesday's Tonic, her weekly email, which has become a balm to our souls. I urge you to take a peek at one of these (click here), and to visit the shop if you are in the area. It would be well worth the visit.

 
Hours and Location

Flower Moon

 

One night last week, I gazed up at the night sky, searching for the moon,

but alas! could only see clouds.

Next night, I spied a bright light shining on the carpet in the darkness,

outside the bedroom.

Someone sending a signal?

I crept out silently to investigate, my little dog in tow.

Indeed, after days of rain,

the full Flower Moon was out, brushing away the clouds,

and smiling a beacon of glad tidings for May.

 

Distant Earth

Speaking of lights in the night sky, watch as this acrylic artist brings to life a castaway space traveller shining a beacon back to Earth.

Perhaps to say "I miss you?"

Within seconds, you will be mesmerized and drawn into this special world of art. Enjoy!

[Video obtained from Tuesday's Tonic - where else? Thank you!]

EXHIBITS AND SHOWS

New Exhibits

These two Member exhibits were set up at the end of April, like planting a beautiful garden of paintings in time for May. If you are in the area, take a moment to stop by - they are both extraordinarily stunning and diverse.

 

The Fine Arts Society of Milton spring members exhibit, From Heart to Hand, in the Holcim Gallery at the ArtsCentre Milton. Runs from Apr. 25 to May 13, 2023.

 

The Fine Arts Society of Milton spring members exhibit, From Heart to Hand, in the Holcim Gallery at the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton. Runs from Apr. 25 to May 13, 2023.

 

The current "Garden" themed Members' Exhibit at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre in Niagara-on-the-Lake will run until July 29, 2023.

Ongoing Exhibits

 

My solo art exhibit on the Wall of Art, located in the rotunda just outside the Public Library (Main Branch), in the back of Welland Civic Square. The exhibit runs until Thursday, June 29, 2023.

 
Hours and Location
 

Art in the Workplace Exhibit #36 runs until November 2, 2023, and can be viewed from 8 am to 6 pm on weekdays. Admission is always free.

 
Hours and Location
 

I have a solo art exhibit inside the charming Rittenhouse Branch of the Lincoln Pelham Public Library in Vineland, ON. Runs from April 4 to June 2, 2023.

 
Hours and Location

Coming in June ...

Father's Day, my class reunion, a baby shower, and more.

I plan to spend the rest of May watching my gardens come back to life. We love to sit on our front porch, where the sweet-smelling crabapple and lilac blossoms will soon breathe their spirit over us. Our little dog tucks himself under the porch table, settling atop his princely cushions, and joins us in watching the world go by.

 

I wish you continued health and happiness... Tina

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