Tag: Alberta

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Anniversary 

Yesterday (July 22), was my 22nd wedding anniversary. We took a day trip down to Calgary to take in the local sights. It was a great day. Calgary is a nice city (although I’m partial to Edmonton, as it’s my home town). 

We enjoy day-tripping when we can, it affords a lot of conversational time while driving. We packed a picnic lunch, which is a great way to cut down on costs on these trips since food is a big expense while out and about. We drove around the city some and then settled on Heritage Park, a nice 127 acre park housing restored or replica buildings from many different decades, (Similar to Fort Edmonton in Edmonton). There was a great deal to see and do, although we were disappointed in some sections not having enough staff resulting in buildings not being open and the train wasn’t running, but we did take in the paddle-wheel boat ride.

It was a great way to celebrate our 22years together, they haven’t all been good, we’ve had our ups and downs, but we have many more ups than any down could ever ruin and it’s all about the effort and time we put into it. Marriage should never just be put on cruise control, marriage takes focus, energy, selflessness and a lot of shifting gears. Here’s to another magnificent 22years or more ahead of us!

Until next time my friends,

Tim

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Sunday’s Are For Adventures

Sundays are definitely for adventures. We returned to this quaint and appealing little shop about 25min west of Edmonton – Spruce Park Ranch Country Store. My wife and I discovered it about a month ago and returned today with my mom to show her. So many ideas for home decorations mixed with some local canned goods and a little café. If you’ve never been I highly recommend the short drive to check it out.

 

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Enjoying The Little Things

Good morning! 

That is to say at least that its morning when I wrote this. The swiftness and convenience at which technology (smartphones, apps), moves is amazing. To be able to sit on my front porch and write a short post to all of you from my iPhone, while sharing the little things like reading, journaling, enjoying a good coffee and soaking in the beautiful morning, well it’s fantastic! 

As I sit, soaking in a bit of sun and caffeine, having already sent out a client’s proof this morning, I can now take this little bit of “me” time to refresh and renew the soul. It really is the little things in life that can bring much joy.

Just a quick post from the porch, until next time,

Tim

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Still Here

Hello!

Wow! It’s been a long time. I haven’t posted here since October 2016, where does life get away from us?

I post on a more regular basis through Instagram, Facebook and Twitter so you can follow those links through this site. I do need to work on posting from here more often. That being said, life has been busy, not just in the world of Freelance and 9 to 5-ing but also in my personal life. I have 3 large projects each year at this time for 3 different towns but should have them all wrapped up in a couple of weeks. I have also been continuing on with reworking my self-published children’s books, so keep your eyes peeled for those as well (not really soon, but soon).

Motivation and perseverance are the words and goals for 2017.

Stay tuned!

Tim

 

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Fort Mac

It has been such a shocking few days so far watching the news coming out of Fort Mac(Alberta). I am very thankful that my brother and his family made it safe to our home in Edmonton. My heart goes out to each and every citizen of that fine town. It is a tragedy of tragedies to be sure and has not ended yet. It will not be days, but rather weeks, I think, before anyone will be able to return. Thank you to all who are fighting so hard and diligently against natures worst. Thank you to everyone who has and is reaching out to those who may have lost everything. May the unity that Albertans/Canadians are showing at this time continue and show the world what we are made of.

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Freelancing

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One of the definitive boons of being a Graphic Designer is the opportunity to work outside of your current job, if you have one. Freelancing allows, at times, an alternate means of creative freedom, the chance to grow your talents and abilities while being able to control the projects you work on. It is a beneficial release that not all designers are able to take advantage of depending on their contracts.

I have had the opportunity the last couple of years to work on a number of different freelance projects that have helped me as a creator and a manager of my own personal studio. The hardest part that I have found is actually finding and landing the jobs. I don’t know if others in my field have an easier time of it or perhaps I just don’t look hard enough, or in the right places for them. I am hoping to increase my productivity this year and next, with an end-goal of becoming full-time independent in the next couple of years. Building a clientele list must be the hardest part of this field.

Tim

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Market Day

Today was a day well spent. My wife Marlene finally had another Saturday off, which have been few and far between this summer. Taking advantage of the time together we drove up to the St. Albert Market. One of the largest outdoor markets around they boast over 300 vendors and it took us a good couple of hours to see most of them. Always on the hunt for unique vendors and items we came across a simple little stand housing a beautifully branded wine from Barrhead. Shady Lane Estate – “is a family owned and operated farm and winery. The primary focus of our farm is the production of quality fruit for fresh consumption or in our delicious wines. Our fresh fruits include strawberries, raspberries, saskatoons, haskaps, seabuckthorn, cherries and rhubarb. From these fruit varieties we are making wine from the strawberries, raspberries and saskatoons.” ShadyLaneEstate

After a brief lunch at the market we drove through town to one of our favourite locations – Old Strathcona Antique Mall – Such a fun place to go and hangout, eat, and browse all the interesting collectables and antique items. We easily lose ourselves for a few hours looking at all the cool items here.

StrathconaAntiqueMarket

Both places offer a fun way to spend time together on a date or even as a family outing. Go, explore, rejuvenate!