More New Work

I have been thinking about doing paintings based on different fashion designer's work. Large black and white stylized flowers inspired by Chanel, colourful prints based on Pucci and minimalist work a la Prada. Anyway, seems like inspiration has gotten a hold of me so here is some more work.

Happy Alphabet Day! Chestit 24ti Mai!

In true ironic form, I am unable to find the Cyrillic alphabet on my work computer to wish everyone "Happy Alphabet Day!". It is a huge celebration in Bulgaria marking the invention of the Cyrillic Alphabet by the two brothers Cyril and Methodius. Pretty neat, ha? I wish I can find the photo of my grade school, where we all had to wear giant paper letters on our heads and sing hymns praising the brothers. I aways wanted to be "B" of course.
On another literary note, coincidentally tonight I am going to the book launch of a friend of mine Marusya Bociurkiw. Her new book Comfort Food for Breakups is a lovely food memoir, filled with fantastic recipes, love stories and family recollections. I am actually mentioned in it as well...Marusya touches on my story of the giant tomatoes during the Chernobyl summer of 1986.
PS. I posted a picture of the Russian Alphabet, as I couldn't find a better image, it is not that much different, give or take a letter or two.

New Work

I am posting two samples of the watercolour drawings I have been doing. They are more like variations on jazz improvisations. I find that doing this kind of work clears my head.

Queen for a Day

Benedetti Bacci Ball

It is this time again. As soon as the warm weather arrives, my Italian landlord opens the bacci ball season in the courtyard. Mr. B. brings out the scoreboard, which is a wooden block painted in the colours of the Italian flag. Every Friday his friends come, mostly wearing white shorts, all retired, recently flown in from Florida and they begin to play. Like passionate Sicilians, they yell at each other, make loud clapping noises and whistle furiously. I took these pictures from my balcony, drinking scotch and pretending I was in Palermo again.

Communist

On my way to work this morning, right in front of the building, a couple of dodgy guys were trying to sell pot to some by passer. He politely declined and they grumbled in his direction: "communist". It made me crack a smile.
On another note, my website rejuvenation is finally done, thank you Mr. Rodney!

Mastering the Art of Scrambled Eggs

I know scrambled eggs are the easiest thing to make. I thought so until I started reading Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking. I always cook on a feeling rather then following a recipe. I think that is why I like to make Italian/Mediterranean dishes the most. French cuisine seems more scientific and complex then Italian. I often substitute and experiment with different ingredients, with nonetheless surprising results. This morning I thought I should start with something very simple such as scrambled eggs and see if I can strictly follow a recipe. The result was delicious and this little experiment made me realize how much I don't know about scrambled eggs. I always beat them until they are frothy and make them over high heat. I am hoping to soon try making soufflé Grand Marnier, risotto aux fruits de mer and maybe even crème caramel. Very exciting.

Saturday morning

Getting up late, first espresso, check email, orange juice, breakfast, second espresso, beyondrobson, socialitelife, капитал, nytimes, other blogs and my own blog. Figuring out how to do links. What are your Saturday morning rituals?

Isabella Blow

Isabella was an inspiration both in the world of fashion and art. I love the way she carried herself and made the hats she was so famous for wearing become art. I will miss her.

The Emily Carr Grad Show

Zip the Hangover

Well as it turns out I did manage to go to the races this weekend. I had made plans to go with my friend Ian but as it turned out I had more then my share of martinis the night before and really wasn't up to getting up early to see horses race in the rain. Not even close. But Ian was persistent and kept calling on the hour and ignoring my plights for mercy and finally I emerged from my apartment in my finest of jockey wear. I had another outfit planned but because of circumstances (hangover) and weather (finest of Vancouver drizzle) I was forced to change plans and go in a more subdued outfit of gumboots, jeans and a checkerd blazer. We stumbled upon the annual Ukrainian Hall borscht and pirogues lunch on the way to the races, which was a great fortifying meal and well deserves my hat off to the ladies in the Hall. The races were a blast to say the least. We quickly forgot about the rain and began betting with our $2 bets. The system is complicated, I opted to go with my instincts and bet on the horses’ names. Ian actually checked odds and consulted with pretty much everybody at the track. Zip the Hurricane, Funky Friends and Righteous Lady were my favorite and Righteous Lady actually won after a minor disqualification of the horse before her. I won $2.80! Ian was luckier with a total win of $5.70 but I believe he did more research. Overall a great day to fight a hangover, yell names and jump around after the race. Even if they didn't win.

I love the first weekend in May. It is the weekend before my birthday, it seems the rain is gone for good, the back alleys of Strathcona are filled with lilacs. And it is the weekend of the Kentucky Derby. I am not a horse lover, never even been on one, I think I gave a scottish mint to one in upstate New York, but that is a separate story. I like the idea of the Kentucky Derby because of the great array of ridiculous wide brim hats, orange tanned old man and mint juleps. I like the tradition of it, the exclusiveness, the tackiness of wealth. Apparently the Queen is going to the Derby this year. I try making mint juleps at least once year around this time. Last year I actually made them before going to the races in our very own Hastings track. I even muddled the mint leaves the night before and soaked them in sugar syrup for a more potent minty taste. And I used the best of Kentucky bourbon. They turned out great! And after a few refreshing rounds we headed off to the races. I lost $12.00 that day but it was a day I won't forget.

Slowing Down

I was on my bike slowly riding (as per usual) across the viaduct, a narrow bridge wide enough for one to make their way across the Vancouver skyline. I always get the feeling I am flying when I am on it and my usual vertigo mysteriously does not act up. A better equipped, much faster cyclist impatiently got behind me as he couldn't pass me. So we engaged in a conversation. Me on my 50's british racing green bicyclette and him on what I can see a ten speed yelling through the traffic noise. We got the usual "Are you French" and "What is Bulgarian food like" questions quickly out of the way, only to have time before descending onto Main St to discuss the importance of slowing down. And as we got off the bridge he quickly zipped pass me shouting a quick see ya! PS. please note the picture posted is from Cambie St bridge, as I don't have one from the viaduct. I am too scared to get off my bike to take one.

Проба

Не знам защо, но от работата не мога да пиша в блога на кирилица. Там съм на PC и не мога да намеря функцията за смяна на латиницата. Току що се върнах от плуване и съм капнала, но поне знам че мога да пиша от вкъщи.