polar plunging stories

When it's polar-like outside, I plunge into the comfy & warmth inside!  We have come out the other end of the coldest days and it's safe to get back on track living life outside for extended periods of time again.  Covering distance got off to a slow start this month, I already feel I won't reach the 199 kms I covered in January.  If I could convert minutes of painting and knitting to distance, I would be travelling far!  

When I was "out & about" during the polar snap, there was total cloud cover, it was dull & dreary & grey. I was not motivated to snap shots. This motivated me to seek the beauty in the monotone look.  Then I got into learning how to paint a scene with one colour. Then I got in even deeper, learning about the emotions that monochromatic schemes can evoke!  I followed two lessons on painting a winter scene with one colour of watercolour paint.  

The first scene is painted using only Ultramarine with splatters of white gouache.  The white on the big tree is negative space.  The second scene was painted using only Paynes Grey with splatters of white gouache. You may feel chilled looking at them, yet the various levels of intensity of paint offer the sense of unity, cohesiveness and harmony.  

After completing the two tutorials, I then put to use what I learned.  This scene is painted using only Indigo with splatters of white gouache.  The white on the large trees is negative space.  The reference for the painting is the photo below which I quickly took while "out & about" on a recent polar-like day.  

This is what it took to be safe while out there.  

I took my sunglasses off to capture the selfie.

from the sea to the desert

While plunging into the warmth within my home, I passed lots of time knitting. I finished the second "Seaglass" Sock.   I also finished knitting another pair but changed the pattern to add my own twist.  The patterned dark colour is called "Saguaro".  The shade caught my attention while walking down the yarn aisle and once I saw the name of the colour, from that second on no other colour mattered.  Not only does monochromatic evoke emotions but names of colours evoke emotions for me also.

Back in February of 2022, I did a post about the Saguaro Cactus.  No doubt during those February days, I was probably plunging into the warmth of my home and investing time in learning more about the Saguaro.  This photo is from a hike in the Superstition Mountains in Arizona.  It puts into perspective, the size of a Saguaro Cactus.

photo showing the fit of the the Saguaro Sock

and that it was still monochrome outside

Today I returned to the Birth Forest to capture another photo, the same as the one I took and used as the painting reference.  This version evokes more pleasant emotions even though it still felt polar-like.  A few more people were "out & about" yet wildlife were plunged into shelters somewhere.  I choose to walk early morning, took a few more photographs yet walked at a brisk pace against the brisk cold.  It was comfortable to stay out longer yet I was happy to be back home where I could plunge back into the warmth with my "Seaglass" Socks on. 

some sights I saw

knitting

 

From spring-like to down right frosty, blustery, snowy, nippy, wintry!  That's the weather front!  From hands to feet, mittens to socks & slippers, that's me on the knitting front.  As the temperature decreases the bulkier the yarn I have been working with.  For the next two to three days, I have my work cut out for me. Thereafter, conditions should be user friendly to etch away on ice again. While the temperatures are not too too bad, it is the windchill that will nip, bite and cut!  

These are my newly knitted bulky slippers and the go to pair for these wintry days.  The finished product was not the plan and I came to realize this would be the case a mere half hour after casting on the stitches.  Picking the yarn was a beginner's mistake.  While I love the weight and the colours and the texture, I don't care that each slipper is two colours and do not match the two colours of the other slipper.  It was one great big ball of yarn probably meant for a large item such as a blanket.  Yet, they are comfy and cozy while performing as they were intended to do so!  

Three strikes and you're out!  I attempted to knit these socks three times with no luck.  After starting over for the third time and still experiencing a disastrous mess, I packed up the yarn, needles and pattern putting it all aside for another time.  I need much more experience under my belt and once I have that, I will go for a fourth attempt.  

Working with super fine yarn was challenging for me as was holding small needles.  It did not help that the needles were black and those against the dark yarn made it even more of a challenge.  Yes, I still have loads to learn and yes I want to continue learning and yes I do enjoy a challenge!  

That is exactly what it looked like outside, white with no view.  I completed my first super bulky tube sock.  The colour is called "Seaglass" which called my name loud & clear. I followed a tutorial on how to change to another colour and incorporated that into this sock.  The colour of the stripes at the top and the tip of the toe is called "Succulent".  

I started the second sock while sipping a glass of Two Oceans white.  

I have another super bulky sock knitting project lined up for when the Seaglass Sock is complete.  I am already pondering someday I would love to be able to knit a sweater.  Maybe a vest should come before that.  This could all be a pipe dream but only time will tell.  In the meantime, I will continue to learn, practice and knit up a storm while it storms outside!  

3 days 3 locations 3 eights

As soon as I hit the trails at birding locations then hear those chirps & tweets, I immediately feel transported from reality and embraced by the nurturing from nature.  I wanted to find a way to interpret that through a watercolour painting.  I expressed that feeling I feel by painting a spring forest before the buds grow into leaves, allowing for the sights and sounds of birds to be clearly seen and heard.  As I wander down the trail I leave the noise in the world far behind! This creation will represent a month in my 2026 Calendar.  

3    3    3

Three recent "out & about" birding activities were at three different locations and each of those three times I made sure to cover at least eight kilometres.  The importance of covering distance is not the norm for birders but I like to multi task and get in a good urban hike paired with chasing the birds.  I may have more luck with bird spotting if I wandered about like a true birder! My style though is fulfilling for me!  

1 - Griffith Woods Park:  I recently discovered that getting to this park in Discovery Ridge would be a quick and easy drive on the new ring road even during rush hour.  On this morning I hit that road to go discover what this park was all about.  For awhile now I have been checking out the bird sightings for this location and what others were seeing was the draw for me.  Another draw is being able to venture down towards a water's edge.  I wandered about for the distance I planned on, yet my bird spotting was not as fortunate as it had been for others.  I will return to this newly discovered location to spend more time wandering through the woods.  

Red-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

Black-capped Chickadee

2 - Carburn Park:  One thing about visiting this Park is that because I have been so many times, I know where to look for what hangs out here. Before investing time in chasing the birds, I always venture down to the River.  Being by water will always soothe my soul, it's in my blood! I was fortunate to see the Great Horned Owl again, the Trumpeter Swans, hundreds of Ducks of various species and the Buck with his lady friends. The two Bald Eagles were not home but I did spot one further down the River perched high on a tree.  Reports say the two Bald Eagles continue to build up their old nest and are beginning to mate.  

female House Finch

Bald Eagle

male Downy Woodpecker

3 - Bebo Grove: This area in Fish Creek Provincial Park was new to me for chasing birds.  I hiked along the main trail once in 2020 when our world changed.  On that day back then, I legally entered the Park via a friend's close-by residence location.  Fast forward to this day, it is a free for all to wander wherever.  I spent most of this recent morning meandering through the woods on trails that were close to the frozen creek.  My bird spotting luck was not the best, I paid quite a bit of attention to the scenery surrounding me and savouring the spring like weather.  I did hear many birds as their songs filled the forest.

Pileated Woodpecker

Squirrel

White-breasted Nuthatch

all about Owls

After gathering a few photos I took of Owls I saw over the past four years, I first admired them then examined each one more thoroughly to get an idea of how I could go about creating a watercolour painting of a Great Horned Owl.  I picked these four photos to use as my references. What I knew was, I wanted a front on scene, I did not want a winter backdrop, I wanted a full body, I did not want the Owl to have its eyes closed, I wanted its ears to be perked up.  This meant taking bits and pieces from each photo to create the idea I had in my head.  

after all the brain storming

my idea came to life on paper

When I was happy with the rough sketch above, I then lightly laid pencil marks on watercolour paper exactly like the rough sketch.  Time came to start laying shades to create my Great Horned Owl.  Oh boy,  I soon discovered I was too big for my britches!  What was I thinking, that I could paint an Owl with no lessons learned!  Help!

Homework was necessary, maybe a tutorial or two would be beneficial.  I needed to channel my inner Owl!  While searching for beginner tutorials I came across this from a site that shares inspirational sayings: 

"Channeling your inner owl is an invitation to embrace wisdom, keen perception, and a profound connection to the mysteries of the night. Imagine yourself soaring silently through the moonlit skies, guided by an unwavering intuition and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Embody the calm and collected nature of an owl, observing the world with keen eyes that see beyond the surface. Tap into your inner owl’s ability to listen attentively, not only to the words spoken but also to the whispers of the wind and the subtle rhythms of life. Embrace solitude and introspection, finding solace in the quiet depths of your being. Allow your inner owl to guide you on a journey of self-discovery, unlocking hidden insights and unveiling the secrets that lie within. Access a wellspring of wisdom, intuition, and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all things."

That opened a whole new can of worms which took me down a path far from what my original task at hand was.  Those were a few dozen words that grabbed my attention.  I am now ready to channel my inner Owl and get back to the watercolour creation!  I perused through more of my photos to help with the channeling.  I found this photo I took back in 2019 of a Great Grey Owl. 

Owl cup holder & Owl Christmas Tree decoration

lats year's Owl macrame project

I found the perfect beginner Owl painting tutorials so set up shop and was on my way!

first tutorial for eyes

second tutorial for body 

third tutorial for background

Surely, after all that "channeling my inner Owl", I would be much wiser and better prepared to create a watercolour painting of a Great Horned Owl!  Well, all that work paid off and this is the outcome!  

my watercolour painting of a Great Horned Owl

Blue Monday January 20, 2025

On this "Blue Monday" rather than getting caught up in everything that makes it be a bad "Blue", I opted to take a route offering a brighter shade of blue! Knowing the conditions for skating at Bowness would most likely be enjoyable, I could not wait to get out the door.  I did not want to wait for the -22C (-7.6F) to reach -3C (+26.6F) which was to occur by noon time.  Upon arrival, I noticed the skating surface had been swept but not yet flooded.  The Ice Man began working his magic shortly thereafter.  The above photograph shows The Lagoon. This photo is along The Canal.

I don't know what to call this circular stretch!  

It's not The Ice Trail, nor The Lagoon, nor The Canal!

  

a long shadow on this Brighter Shade of Blue Bird Sky Monday

This is what it looks like when not being able to wait to get out the door 

and preferring to skate when it's -22C and not -3C! 

This is what 15.2kms of skating looks like!  

To add a touch more brighter shade of blue to the day, I finished knitting these children's sized mittens. They were sitting on the side burner for a couple of days, a thumb just needed to be stitched and cast off.  This is 6th and last pair of mittens I plan to knit for now.  More may come later!  

What also brightened my day was completing the first youngsters tube slipper sock!  This is a skein I did not use when kitting the blanket last year.  The bulky acrylic yarn is ideal for this project, I hope there is enough left to finish the second one. These will be added to the other items to drop off somewhere.   

I hope there was a brighter shade of blue tucked into your "Blue Monday"!

what life looks like lately

Nose Hill for the Full Wolf Moon

After admiring the Full Wolf Moon that evening out my front door then gazing up at it early the next morning from my back deck, the desire to chase it became inevitable.  I had no intentions of going down that route this year but following the full moons last year brought much joy and I have capacity to entertain even more joy!  There it is, the Full Wolf Moon as seen while the sun is rising behind me.  The sky had that cotton candy look and the full moon shone brightly in it!  It was dark as I began ascending the Hill.  When it became light enough, I got my camera ready for whatever may offer a photographic opportunity.  The coyote came out of no where and that was a great opportunity to start snapping.  The Full Wolf Moon began to set over the far off hills in front of me as the sun shone brightly behind me!

 

Carburn Park for the Bald Eagles

It was time to see how one of my investments was progressing!  I was happy to see the two Adult Bald Eagles sitting at their nest high in the tree across the Bow River.  One was busy flying off and returning with branches.  They continue to build up the old nest from last year where their eaglet was born and raised.  Soon the mating ritual will begin if it has not already.  I will be keeping my eyes and ears open as I always do when I am here and today doing that afforded me other great sights.  Both the Great Horned Owl and the Porcupine were sleeping.  The screech and crack I heard was the Eagle trying to break off a branch, it was unsuccesful in this attempt. I am fully invested in monitoring these Bald Eagles as were others who were admiring them along with me.

Bowness for the Ice 

With the spring-like weather the city has been experiencing, I wondered would it be worth it to drive to Bowness for a skating session.  This day was to be the coldest of the next few days yet still above freezing.  The marker on the chart was set at "rough ice", it did not appear to be rough enough to deter me from lacing up and gliding away.  I went for it and ten kilometres later I felt fulfilled! I skated mainly on The Lagoon.  I did venture down The Canal before the Ice Man made his way there and it was quite nice. Once he appeared, I gave him a wide berth so he could work his magic and I returned to The Lagoon.  I did try The Canal again once he moved on over to The Ice Trail.  The flooding was not freezing and it was like skating through slush.  I will wait until the coming weekend to skate again, that is when the Polor Vortex is forecasted to arrive for a few days.  

Inglewood for the Birds

Solid ice covered the entire route all around The Sanctuary.  If it was flat and smooth then skates would have been the perfect mode for movement.  Spikes were a necessity!   I am making an assumption that this is the reason very few reports from this location are being posted on e-Bird.  It was a most gorgeous morning temperature wise which made it pleasant to just stop, stand still and watch the comings and goings of the birds.  A flock of Common Redpolls were feasting causing bits and pieces of seeds to fly everywhere.  The White-breasted Nuthatch collected a snack to feast upon.  The Northern Flickers were calling back and forth to each other, are they beginning the mating ritual I ask?  The male House Finch glowed brightly in the morning light.  It was good to see the Mountain Cottontail out & about and I was happy to have a beautiful morning to be out & about!

2026 Calendar for Painting

Throughout last year, as I created the 2025 Full Moon Calendar, I was already contemplating the enjoyment a similar project would bring in 2025. I am liking my 2025 Calendar, it is on my fridge where I see it many times each day.  I have been brain-storming and this is what transpired from doing so.  I want to create a calendar for next year with a watercolour painting of some sort for each month.  The title may be "nurtured by activity".  I want each month to contain words. I want each month to contain sporting equipment. I want the project to bring a variety of types of fulfillment.  The painting I used for my recent Lake Louise adventure offered fuel to the path I want to take with this calendar.  January and February are complete.  I know nothing more right now, this project could evolve in ways I don't realize at the moment. I will just let the ideas flow!