Derek and I are going on vacation soon with my sister Cate and her two children. My Bogglingly Brilliant, Gobsmackingly Gorgeous and Terribly Talented Niece and Nephew, Amy and Henry.
We are all renting a house together in the beautiful B.C. Southern Gulf Islands.
Can not wait.
The house is on the water and includes a bit of beach, a tiny island and a couple of boats with which we can travel to said island.
With a little research I have discovered that our little island, sadly, remains to this day unnamed.
I have taken it upon myself to name the island and to create a welcome plaque of sorts, which we shall install as a nice family activity with the children.
The unusual shape of our little island causes all sorts of creative names to spring to mind. However, being a responsible aunt and uncle we have chosen something perfectly innocent.
I have designed the Plaque in Google Sketchup and we will be milling it out of Brass this weekend on our CNC, to install, hopefully permanently, on the island.
I will take photographs and post then upon our return.
They will be the picture of innocence.
Think of the children.
(Incase you are curious, yes that is an accurate topographical map of the island)

Just because the blog is neglected, doesn't mean I haven't been busy.
I've uploaded some pics of my first Munny Mod in my project gallery.
His name is Goibhniu (or Goibhn for short, pronounced Goiven) and he is half Goblin and half Tree Nymph.
He's face is made with Magic Sculpt tee-em and acrylic paint and his legs are carved from blocks of HDU and painted and he pretty much kicks ass.
Don't deny it. He'll kick your ass.

Check out the Project Gallery link to the left to see what we've been working on lately.

Thought I was gone for good that time didn't you? Ye of little faith.
It's a year later and I still have nothing to say.
Seriously though, it's been an incredibly eventful year and I will blog about it in all it's gory detail in the coming weeks but as you can see, I've been busy with an overhaul of the whole site.
My old site (click to see a screencap) has sadly been retired after 6 long years of service. This one is a much improved, lead free site!
Derek started the conversion to Drupal for me as a surprise after watching me procrastinate for a year. Now armed with renewed motivation, fueled by shame and guilt, I have completed the job. Ta da!
More coming soon!

Hi all.
I apologize for the lack of posts in this blog lately but I have been covering for William Gibson on his blog while he was away on vacation.
You may not have known that I was a ghost writer for Bill but there it is.
The man needs a vacation once in a while.
You may not be aware of it but I also wrote "Idoru" and a good chunk of "All Tomorrows Parties" as well.
Guy goes on a lot of vacations.
Fine don't believe me. The truth is I've been in a bit of a creative slump lately.
Creative slumps are unbearable for only one reason.
I don't mind the part where I am not able to paint or draw, I don't mind having difficulty with my job (graphic design), but I hate not being able to write.
Today is a good day. It's Saturday, sunny, I'm going for a bike ride and I finally posted a story in my blog. (Dated June 16th - Read below)

Derek and I recently returned from a road trip to California down the Oregon Coast.
(photos coming soon)
I wrote one blog entry during the vacation on our first morning in our Cabin in California.
I know, two weeks of vacation and only one blog entry, it's the height of laziness.
As it happens, that was the goal of our vacation.
To summit the Dizzying Heights of Laziness and hang about there for a bit drinking beer.
Now that we are back into the valleys of real life again,I can actually post it:
If life has taught me one thing it is this; beginning one's day fortified by a decent cup of Joe, one can face any challenge. This particular morning Derek chose to prove my theory with a cup of french pressed, dark roast Guatemalen. We arrived at our cabin at Shasta lake yesterday early evening letting Emma off leash to explore around the cabin and sniff out all the critters.
The little bitch neglected to inform us of the rattlesnake lying in wait beneath our front porch to the immediate left of the door. I noticed it this morning as Derek walked toward it.
I cried out the alarm "SNAKE!" as his exposed and vulnerable, Chako clad footsie came with in 2 feet of the cold blooded creatures slit eyes and deadly bite thus saving my poor husbands life
(no need to thank, all in a days work)
With the speed of a Russian Spetsnaz (aided by the Dark Roast Guat) he grabbed his shovel and cut off the vile things head.
Yuppie to redneck in 3.5 seconds.

Please excuse my brief outburst of despair in the previous post. I am feeling a little pent up frustration regarding certain issues (surgery and what not). You know how you always say, "One day I will look back on this and laugh." Well as soon as that day comes, I will blog about it in all it's gory details. Good news is, things are looking up and that day should be coming pretty soon. Until then, the occasional colourful outburst may be unavoidable. Again, my most humble apologies.

I feel as though I might explode. Anyone feels the same please feel free to pop over for a cup of tea. e-mail.
UPDATE: I received a reply! An e-mail from one 'helen platt':
'I also feel as though I might explode. Perhaps we are the only two in the universe.'
There is someone out there...

Side note. I have the best sister in law ever.

Surgery Report. I had my surgery last Thursday and I promised funny surgery stories. Thing is about surgery, turns out it's not all that funny. Strange that.