Hey it is April 1st and I have been absent for quite a while. Thought I should pop in and say hello! I am an April Fool, this month always marks the end of winter for me. Hooray!
Love the sky in this picture, dramatic and moody, makes you feel something momentous is about to happen.
 I have fallen off the blogging wagon it seems. So strange when it is something I have done for so long and enjoyed. I've been really busy with my painting and various things....life, you know.....
 Facebook has become my current platform at the moment. It is quick and easy and I can do it from my iPhone. You can follow me there too if you'd like. ShelaghDuffett.art
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I love this painting.It was part of my show in December but was sold. I do have prints of it in my etsy shop. Ah, serenity and escape. This is such a hard time of year for those of us in the Northern hemisphere. We are so ready for warmth, colour and light! Valentine's day is the turning point for me, from here on, things improve, days get brighter and and bit by bit it starts warming up. Hooray. Hope the sun is shining where you are:)...

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One of my very favourite plays is in production at Neptune Theatre right now. The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde was penned in 1895 and is still just as funny today as it was 117 years ago. It is a sparkling romantic farce poking fun at the silliness of social order and I enjoyed it immensely! Neptune's production does the play proud.
The language is the star of this play. Such brilliant wit and absolutely delightful wordiness that does not bore but entertains. I was in awe of the actors ability to memorize and spill the words out effortlessly and convincingly.
The cast worked beautifully together but the stars of the show for me, are Michael Therriault as the enthusiastic and enterprising Algernon, Chilina Kennedy and her adorable interpretation of self absorbed Cecily and Vanessa Walton-Bone brilliant as Lady Bracknell. Really everyone was terrific but these three shone for me.The smart set and costumes also provided a lovely glimpse of Victorian England
Oscar Wilde was one of the literary world's great writers who unfortunately died penniless at aged 46 in Paris after serving two years in prison on charges of being homosexual. It was on  the opening night of The Importance of Being Earnest in 1895 that the events that led to his downfall were set in motion. I wish he could have known what an impact his life and work would have on the world all these years after his death. 
This is a close up of his grave in Paris. Covered in lipstick kisses from members of both sexes it finally had to be covered by a glass shield to protect it.You can read the story about that here ( I have to admit my wee kiss is there too) He is famously known to have said on his deathbed
"My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One of us has got to go." Such a character.

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Werewolves! The bitten and the born. It is a young adult novel about the paranormal and is quite good actually! It has already won an award and the great reviews are pouring in from all over the world. Takes place in Paris and has loads of interesting twists and turns. Fierce Ink Press is the publisher. Kat is going to be in Toronto on a book tour soon so if you are in the vicinity and would like to meet Kat, here is her schedule  Of course I got her to sign my copy before we ate.
The menu was full of interesting choices  so  it was hard to choose but finally I  decided on the lentil kofte wrap. Thanks to Kat's recomendation. A light vegetarian option.
Mmmm, it was really good and hit the spot. I had never eaten one before. The toasted pita bread was luscious. I wish I had taken a picture of the filling, a red lentil concoction with fresh onions and herbs.
You can find the Istanbul Cafe on Spring Garden Road near Robie Street. On Saturdays they even have belly dancers in. Haha, must check it out.
 Fierce Ink Press is on the lookout for young adult novels so if you are a writer, click on the link and have a poke around their site. They welcome submissions. Here is Kat's website with some more info if you are interested:) Hey Kat it was great to hook up again!
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Today is my birthday! Yes once again it has rolled around, funny how that happens.
As is my tradition, I am going to give away a small gift to someone, a painting this time.
 Just leave a comment here and I will add it to the names on my facebook page when I draw for this wee present! Good Luck!
Also... I am having a 25% off sale on everything in my Etsy shop. Prints are now $15. Just put in the coupon code HappyBirthday in the checkout.
Happy Birthday to YOU!...

So a new year begins once again...  I wonder what is behind the curtain?
A year full of possibilities and opportunities. It is up to us to make them and take them:)
I believe that we can create a better future with our actions and thoughts. Two things we can control. Not easy but doable.The trick is figuring out which ones will lead to a better place.
Hearts and minds........
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Our show Quattro gets taken down tomorrow. It was a load of fun putting it together. Can't believe I haven't really posted anything about it. This was the band Epiphonics that played at our opening reception.

There were four of us displaying our works in this show in the Chase Exhibition room at the Nova Scotia Archives. A hidden gem of a gallery.. Daina Scarola, Joel Sullivan, Lori MacDonald and myself!
Lots of folk turned out for the opening.
 Here we all are feeling pleased with ourselves and grateful for the positive reception it received.
 Thanks to Daina for some of these photos!...

Hope your holiday is happy and peaceful!...

My latest painting.........Blue 12 x 24"...