TSP2013 - Clean Bird Cages

Baby Gillespie - Cockatiel with a crooked beak.
Watercolour and Ink

Bird cages are quickly cleaned (change the paper on the bottom). A more thorough clean is done once a month, or sooner if needed.

This is Baby Gillespie (because he trumpets very loudly). He is a white cheeked cockatiel. As a baby he smashed into a window and left him with a crooked beak. We take him to Dr. Shawn Tucker every few weeks to get the beak taken down. Baby loves Dr. Tucker and is always happy to see him.

Baby loves to socialize provided he is in his cage. He does not enjoy coming out to play and is still a bit wary of hands and people.  He came to us in November after having been a breeder. I hear he was a great dad. His mate passed away. We are very patient with him and he now comes to the edge of the cage and talks, sings, and gives kisses. He used to try to hide before.  We hope that some day he will also enjoy coming out to socialize.

Baby Gillespie wondering what the silly lady is
doing what that funny contraption in here hand.
Photo by Ana Tirolese, taken in iPhone 

You may also view my uploads on my Art House Co-op profile for The Sketchbook Project 2013.

TSP2013 - Empty Dishwasher

Empty the dishwasher of clean dishes and add dirty breakfast dishes
 Watercolour with Ink

The dishwasher is set to wash just before I go to bed at night. In the morning, as part of my morning routines, I empty the dishwasher and put away the clean dishes. I then start to refill it with the dirty breakfast dishes, and continue to fill it with dirty dishes (lunch, supper) as the day goes on.

I have a dishwasher magnet on the door to help everyone know if the dishes are dirty or clean inside the dishwasher.

Black and White Dishwasher Clean-Dirty Magnet by Dollinha
Browse more Dishwasher Magnets

It helps to remind us, especially if I am a little tardy in getting the clean dishes out.

You may also view my uploads on my Art House Co-op profile for The Sketchbook Project 2013.

TSP2013 - Take Meat out of Freezer

Taking meat out of freezer and transferring it to the refrigerator
Watercolour with Ink

I check my dinner schedule and if it calls for meat in tomorrow's meal, I take it out of the freezer today and put it in the refrigerator to defrost.  Here I am taking out some ground beef to make Beef Enchilada Casserole.

My meals are planned ahead of time and are put on the calendar so I always know what's for supper. I automate most of the tedious tasks in my life so I have time for the tasks I enjoy. I hope to have an ebook out soon on how to automate menu planning.

Yes, that is a FlyLady sticky on my fridge.

You may also view my uploads on my Art House Co-op profile for The Sketchbook Project 2013.

TSP 2013 - Work Day Starts

Work Day Starts
Pen and Ink with Watercolour

This image is in the wrong order. There are several other household and computer tasks I do before 9:00am, when my work day starts, but I was so excited about drawing the app logos yesterday that I drew this logo today (spoiler alert: I'll draw more logos tomorrow).

I work from home answering phones for TicketWindow.ca. TicketWindow sells tickets for different events and performances throughout Canada (Mostly in New Brunswick, Ontario, and Alberta). Right now, being that it is summer, the phones are not very busy. We do have times when the phones are ringing off the hook, but we are in our slow season. I can and do other work between calls, both on and off the computer. I am tethered to the computer because I use VOIP for TW through my desktop computer, but I have a long cord on my headset.

During the day I get caught up on email, webdesign, social networking, logo design and other client work, blog posting, working on my book(s), working on various projects of my own, research, read, and online education. I also do a bit of housework to force me to stretch my legs (nothing that keeps me off the phone for extended periods of time).  And, of course, I do sketching and artwork...which I can be completed from my computer chair.

You may also view my uploads on my Art House Co-op profile for The Sketchbook Project 2013.

TSP2013 - Eat Breakfast and Make To-Do List

Eat Breakfast and Organize Day's Schedule
Pen and Ink with watercolour

I have my breakfast in front of the computer, more often than not. Usually, it is a bowl of cereal, however, I sometimes will have toast or raisin bread.

While I eat breakfast I organize my day. I used NowDoThis.com to set up a bunch of tasks that need to be done. I grab the information from the different apps and calendars to organize my work day, my housework, and my drawing time.  I find I am most productive when I set up my To-Do list / schedule this way.

NowDoThis is a simple website in which you add the tasks that you want to do in the order you want to do them in. I have tweaked my list several times to find what works for me and I keep a copy of the list in Evernote that I can copy and past it into the NowDoThis window. I tweak it some more for a particular day, then go for it.

Click on the Edit List link and this window comes up.

Write your To-Do list in the box in the order you want to do it in. You can copy and paste it from another program such as a Word file or an Evernote file. You can edit the list throughout the day if you find that you need to change the order or add/remove tasks. Click Ready button when your list is complete and you want to start.

If you add a time to your list, as above, NowDoThis will give you a simple count-down timer. Click Start when you are ready and it will start to count down. 

View of the count-down timer.

When your time is up, you will hear a "ding". You can then click the Done button.

The next item in your list will pop up. I did not add a time limit to this item so no count-down timer showed up.  I will click  the Done button when I finish this and the next item on the list pops up. I usually alternate between a computer task and a non-computer task to force me to get up often throughout the day. You can have several timed items in a row if you want to control your computer time. For example, 30 minutes - read email; 30 minutes - facebook; 70 minutes working on book project; etc. 

When you complete everything on your list you get this very satisfying All Done! message. I try to organize my day so that I get a certain amount of housework completed before 9:00am, which is when my work day starts. I then include a few housework items that take only a few minutes here and there in order to get off the computer and stretch my legs. I have all my regular task, computer and otherwise, completed early in the day so that I have the rest of the day to do creative work with no time limits. 

You may also view my uploads on my Art House Co-op profile for The Sketchbook Project 2013.

TSP2013 - Make Coffee

Coffee being Made in the Morning
Pen and Ink with Watercolour

I enjoy a good cup of coffee first thing in the morning. More often than not, I only have one cup a day. It is a rare day that I make myself a second cup.  The Tassimo Coffee Maker is really good for making individual cups of coffee. It can also be used to make tea, lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, and hot chocolate. We usually have all of those on hand in the event someone feels like having something other than regular coffee.

My lovely black coffee starts my day for me. If I don't have that coffee I feel out of sync.

Coffee is more than just a beverage for me. It is also a chance to socialize with my dear friends.  Now and again one will call me or I'll call one and we go out for a coffee and a visit. Sometimes I'll have them in for a coffee and a visit. "Let's go for a coffee" is my way of saying "I miss you and want to visit." It does not have to be coffee, it could be tea, or any other beverage.

You may also view my uploads on my Art House Co-op profile for The Sketchbook Project 2013.

TSP2013 - Make Bed / Take Meds

Make Bed / Take Meds
Watercolour with Pen and Ink

Making the bed only takes a minute or so to do and it makes the room instantly look better. It is so nice to crawl into a made bed at night.

I take my morning medications and am now nearly ready for my day to start. I changed the colours of my pills to make them prettier and to mask their identities. I will tell you there is a multi-vitamin and a vitamin D in that mix.


When I was painting this image I inadvertently splotched some yellow-orange paint in the upper part of the circle. It seeped into the paper and bled through two sheets of paper/pages. I grabbed a paper towel, a little too late, and tried to sop up the mess on the other side of the page.

I have included images taken with my iPhone of the pages and the mess it made.

At first I thought I would cut out a piece of art paper and glue it to the back of this page and draw on that. Then, I thought, I may try to incorporate the mess into the next drawings. I was not sure what I would do.  I actually have the whole book already planned out, and although I could possibly do both of the above, neither option really spoke to me.

I posted these photos on Facebook and Betsy Jones suggested I used some white opaque gesso on the page and work over that. I happen to have white acrylic gesso so have painted over the back of the page (and the next three pages) and will see how that works. If I don't like the results, I can still paste a piece of art paper over the page and draw/paint on that.

You'll know which method I chose with the next post.

You may also view my uploads on my Art House Co-op profile for The Sketchbook Project 2013.

TSP2013 - Swish and Swipe

Swish and Swipe - Bathroom Cleaning
Pen and Ink with Watercolour

Here you see me using my lovely purple cleaning cloth. I have several of these and they work like magic. You don't need any chemicals to make them work, just a little water. You can use them with Windex or soap if you wish. I mostly just use them with water.

The purple cleaning cloths are amazing. I have cut back, significantly, on paper towels since I got these. I have two cloths in each bathroom, plus two in the kitchen. I carry one in my purse, and I have one in the car.

It takes me less than 3 minutes to Swish and Swipe my bathroom. I do a quick swipe of the toilet with a toilet brush in the bowl and a disinfecting wipe on the rest of it. Then, the sink and counter get a quick wipe down with my purple cloth. I usually give the mirror a quick wipe too. I make sure the sink and counter are dried each time, with the purple cloth, after use. This keeps the bathroom looking sparkly clean all the time and it takes hardly any time at all to maintain. Once a week I wipe down the bottles and knickknacks kept in the bathroom, as well as clean the shower/bathtub. However, these are also wiped down after each use so it really is a very quick job.

Honestly, it takes more time to write about it than it does to do it.

You may also view my uploads on my Art House Co-op profile for The Sketchbook Project 2013.

TSP2013 - Fix Hair & Face / Get Dressed

Fix Hair & Face / Get dressed
Pen and Ink with Watercolour

After my morning ablutions, it is time to comb my hair, put make up on, and get dressed to the shoes.  Once this is done I am ready to tackle the day!

I'll admit, I don't always wear make up. I only wear it if I feel like it or if I know I am going to meet up with clients or collectors. My skin is in splendid shape so I can go without make up. Of course, I do look better with a little colour, but it is not dreadful if I don't wear any make up.

Also, I took artistic license and made myself much thinner in the illustration than I am in real life.


You may also view my uploads on my Art House Co-op profile for The Sketchbook Project 2013.

Day, here I come!!!

TSP2013 - Morning Stuff

Morning Rituals
Pen and Ink with Watercolour

Everybody has morning rituals. I am no different. My morning rituals are part of being human and being me. These are necessary parts of the mundane.

Here are a couple of interesting links:

• Morning Rituals - How we Awaken
• 10 Morning Rituals for the Healthy Entrepreneur 

My husband was horrified that I drew the top image. He could not believe I would draw that and post it.

Ana: What's wrong with it? It's a normal human function.

Anthony: No one wants to see it!

Ana: You don't see anything! I purposely made it so there are not nasty or naughty bits showing.

Anthony: But it is implied!

Ana: Gee! It is not even real. I made it all up. You know I don't have blue and red underpants.

Anthony: Well, people viewing this don't know that, do they?

Well, now you know. I don't have any blue and red underpants and the top image is completely from my imagination.  It was not meant to offend anyone and I apologize if you were offended by it. However, the image stays.

You may also view my uploads on my Art House Co-op profile for The Sketchbook Project 2013.

TSP2013 - Time to Get Up

It's Time to Get Up
Pen and Ink and Watercolour

My alarm goes off at 6:00 am on weekdays. I usually hit the snooze button and it does not go off again until   6:15 am. I get up at 6:15 if I need to take my husband to work so I get the vehicle for the day, or if I need to do last minute lunch preparation for him. Otherwise, I stay in bed until 7:00 am.

I drew my iPod Touch for this image. I actually use my iPhone more often than not as the alarm clock so that I can charge it overnight. I put the iTouch in its place so I have a clock during the day in the bedroom (and so that it charges too). I like using my iPhone and iTouch as an alarm clock because even if the power goes off in the middle of the night, it still is charged enough to get us up on time in the morning. The alarm clock app I use is very versatile and permits multiple alarm settings, as well as snooze settings. I have my snooze setting set for 15 minute increments during the week.

This day I was up at 6:15 am because I had a full day planned and needed the extra 45 minutes getting up at this time afforded me.


You may also view my uploads on my Art House Co-op profile for The Sketchbook Project 2013.

TSP2013 - Title Page

Title Page
Pen and Ink with Watercolour

I am calling the documentation of a typical day in my life "A Slice of (my) Life". It is not particularly original, nor does this page have a "Wow" factor. However, I needed to call it something, and I am not known for coming up with great names (ask my son about all the band name ideas I have come up for his bands. Eeek!)

By creating this page I was able to get rid of the fear of starting. I always fear starting a new sketchbook, or drawing, for fear of messing it up. Now that I have made the first marks in this book, I can continue.

The tone I am trying to convey is of a peaceful existence and a simple life. My life is rather mundane and ordinary. It may not be as exciting as some other artists' lives, but it is my life and I am content with it.


You may also view my uploads on my Art House Co-op profile for The Sketchbook Project 2013.

The Sketchbook Project 2013

Sketchbook Project 2013 Packet
Photo by Ana Tirolese, taken with iPhone

It's time again for The Sketchbook Project 2013!  I had so much fun with last year's project that, once again, I have chosen to be part of this project.

My packet came in the mail a couple of days ago. It came with a custom crafted sketchbook that is 5"w x 7"h.  It has 32 pages of 70lb white text stock and chipboard cover. Included was a pencil made from reclaimed denim, a sketchbook sleeping bag, and a small instruction booklet.

Last year I chose to follow some of the Every Day Matters Challenges as my theme. This year I have chosen to document a typical day in my life. It will be created over several weeks, but will basically follow a typical day from getting up to going to bed. Hopefully I will not make it look as mundane as it sounds.

I am currently thinking that I will do line drawings in pen and ink and colour them with watercolour as I go. This may change as I create the pages. However, as of right this minute, this is my plan. The reclaimed denim pencil, as cool and environmentally friendly as it is, is very difficult to sharpen, so I will not likely be using it in this project.

Please follow this blog to see this project as it develops.

Pencil Casing Made from Reclaimed Denim
Photo by Ana Tirolese, taken with iPhone

You may also view my uploads on my Art House Co-op profile for The Sketchbook Project 2013.

My Sketchbook is Viewed at the Sketchbook Project 2012 World Tour

Sharon Lynn checks out my sketchbook at the Sketchbook Project 2012 World Tour
at the Pop-Up Library in Oakland, CA

Sharon surprised me by posting the above photo on my Facebook page. She went to the Sketchbook Project 2012 World Tour exhibit in her city. She wrote that she enjoyed viewing my sketchbook (and other sketchbooks) in person.

I am thrilled that someone who I know from my online art groups was able to view my sketchbook in a city so far away from my home. This is quite exciting for me.  I look forward to going to Toronto in July to see the Sketchbook Project 2012 World Tour for myself.

You may see my profile here: Dollinha

Or you can view my archived posts re: The Sketchbook Project 2012

• The Sketchbook Project 2012
• The Sketchbook Project Cover
• EDM 23 - Draw Your Foot
• EDM 205 - Draw a Soda Can (The Intruder)
• EDM 72 - Draw Somewhere New
• EDM 24 - Draw a Piece of Fruit
• EDM 20 - Draw Something "Dad" in Honour of Father's Day
• EDM 54 - Draw Someone or Something you Love
• EDM 46 - Draw Something Holiday Themed (Extra EDMs on this page)
• Errand Day (3 EDMs on this page)
• Anthony's 55th Birthday
• EDM 125 - Draw a Bird
• EDM 80 - Draw Something that Makes You Happy
• EDM 17 - Draw a Musical Instrument
• EDM 56 - Draw a Self Portrait
• EDM 14 - Draw a Familiar Person, Place or Thing but from an Unusual Angle
• Lotus Health Care Clinic Physiotherapy
• EDM 15 - Draw a Tree or Trees, Leaves or Branches
• Slide Show of The Sketchbook Project 2012