story time

Once upon a time…..

Since returning from vacation just over a week ago, I took one day of downtime, my preference was to get back to my reality which truly is quite nice. Between painting, walking, lunching, birding, crafting and choring, the week flew by.  Due to wanting to tell a few stories, I have limited attaching my usual large number of photos. A few photos can go a long way if you let your imagination run with it!

Prince Edward Island & Seaglass 

It has been such a pleasure to put the wraps on my Prince Edward Island trip by creating this Seaglass project. All pieces of glass used to form the map of the Island were collected from Cape Traverse Beach.  The blue piece represents Charlottetown, the capital. The seaglass used for the letters  P E I  were collected from previous trips elsewhere.  I painted them to match the well known Prince Edward Island bright red sand and mud. The canvas panel measures eight inches by ten inches. I painted it with blue watercolour to represent the Gulf of St Lawrence and the Northumberland Straight. The red star on the google map shows where I collected the Seaglass. This project sits where I will see it daily.  

Sketch Book Making

George saved the day! I saved the book!  I found this hard-covered child’s book behind the doors of a Little Library on a residential street in Charlottetown.  I had to walk off the fish feast I ate and the local craft beer I paired with it. The quaint streets were inviting and thoroughly enjoyable to stroll along.  Finding this book was a bonus.  It had a tag on it that said “discard”.  After reading it, I removed the pages.  I cut a dozen sheets of watercolour paper in half to match the size of the book. Right now, the binding glue has been added and I am waiting for it to set. A few other supplies are needed then I will complete creating this watercolour sketch book.  It will be a perfect book for whimsical scenes and also cute line & wash paintings. 

Favourite Scenes 

From the loads of scenes I shot this week, these three are my favourites. The wildfire smoke comes and goes. The third photo looks that pink because the smoke level was moderate. I do have mixed emotions about photos like that when I know the devastation that has occurred. My favourites are not necessarily the prettiest but stand out to me for one reason or another.  

Favourite Wildlife Sightings

With end of summer bird migration in full swing, the popular birding areas are busy, busy, busy.  There is so much to see and hear. I have been to a few of the places and saw a multitude of sweet sights. If I had hours, I could share dozens of wonderful photographs with you. But, I share these three only!  As the Osprey flew overhead, then aimed in my direction, I ducked and squealed thinking it was coming for me.  It landed on a branch just above my head. Mom House Finch on the right is feeding her Big Baby. When Mom flew away, the Big Baby fussed and fluttered.  It is that time of year when Deer antlers are almost fully grown back.  Just like last year, this young Buck’s antler once again grew back bent.   

The End!

Prince Edward Island August 14, 2026

After a night of rain and wind, this morning felt quite refreshing. 

The tide was at its lowest so I got to wander far and wide.  

I was able to go beyond where I previously wandered to.

Last night’s weather left lots of treasures behind.

During that one and a half hour walk, this is the beach glass I collected. 

I know I could have easily found more. 

This will be enough to make something some day.

 

Prince Edward Island August 13, 2026

This morning instead of having my coffee then heading off, I headed off with my coffee in hand. This was the absolute best time to be at the beach if you want to stroll along it for a good long distance. The sun just came up, there was a very slight breeze, the temperature was perfect, low humidity, it was me and the beach.

The sun just came up! I walked for just short of an hour. Each time I stroll here I look for beach glass.  Once again, I found two pieces just like I did yesterday and the day before. I headed back to our home away from home to fuel up.  By now it had warmed up immensely. 

We took care of some business then headed back to the beach, not to stroll this time but to settle down, relax and play Beach Bingo. It became hot and every little thing seemed like an effort. We did not last long. 

Soon we were gathering our gear and leaving the beach behind.  

Cool cottage air was calling out!

We had not left the area since late Monday morning. Time came to do that. We loaded into the vehicle and went for a short drive. Borden is tiny but has loads to offer. For my friend it was a Cow’s ice cream treat. The shops called out to us.  

Then very early evening we visited Borden once again to have dinner.  

My friend bought local potatoes.

High tide was due and I was due for another beach visit. 

It needed to be a quick one to beat the rain.

my favourite piece of beach glass so far

Prince Edward Island August 12, 2026

Shortly after 6:00am this morning, I started the day off with a stroll to the beach.  I arrived to see two Bald Eagles perched by each other. They are probably a couple. I immediately thought of Jackie and Shadow.  As I approached, they soared off together.  Then the coast was clear…..

…..to move further along.

The sun had come up and the golden hour was in full swing.

After breakfast, we gathered our beach gear, strolled along the trail to a perfect spot to settle in for awhile.  The tide was high, the air and water were warm so it did not tasked long to fully immerse myself in the Northumberland straight.  

lounge back   

embrace being “on Island time”

After another amazing day, came another amazing sunset!

Prince Edward Island August 11, 2026

 

NOTE: Upon my return to Calgary, I will respond to all your wonderful comments!

A slow day! An easy day! A relaxing day! A perfect day!

“On Island time”

a time to cherish

Good Morning!

Coffee time view!  It’s the Volendam from Holland America on its way to Charlottetown. It left Quebec City late Sunday afternoon and will arrive in Charlottetown Harbour this morning.

Charlottetown is around that point and east a little bit.

After breakfast I went for a walk to the beach to see it with the tide in.

Lots to love when you allow yourself to be “on Island time”!

I feel at home!

Mid afternoon we let the child within us come out to play!

This type of hard work was filled with pleasure!

The tide was almost fully out.  

That allowed us to tour around to numerous sandbars.

My interpretation of a Baywatch Babe!

all in a day’s work 

With rain in the forecast right at sunset time, 

I skipped out a bit early to capture a Good Night sight!

Many wonderful memories were made today!