Lake of Bays, Muskoka, Ontario, Canada on 3.16.11

March break is in full swing in the Haliburton Highlands!:

I’ve got a big list of diverse activities to enjoy that including playing, creating, eating and more!:

Let’s start with activities that are scheduled for March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day).

Though some folks enjoy green beer on St. Paddy’s Day I’ve always been partial to a good hearty, Irish meal. If you enjoy eating, too here’s a great suggestion for where to enjoy such a meal on Thursday, March 17, 2011: Between 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Minden United Church (scroll down for location info.) dig in to St. Patrick’s Day Irish Stew and Biscuit Dinner.

St Patrick's Stew and Biscuits!

Earlier in the day on Thursday, March 17 there are several cool-sounding activities to take part in like:

Soapstone carving, wire sculpture, pillowcase sewing and design at the Minden Hills Cultural Centre through March 18 from 10:30 a.m. -  4 p.m. daily!

Culture Club in Minden

Also on March 17th, don’t miss ‘Bend It, Bead It’ at the Art Hive! This activity is open to ages 7+. See below for more details.

Art Hive

There are two March Break Children’s Concerts slated for March 17th.At 10:30 p.m. check out Rick & Terry at 10:30 a.m. at The Minden Hills Branch of the Haliburton Public Library and at the Dysart Branch you can do the same at 1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

Haliburton Public Library

Finally, on March 17 at the Art Hive is ‘Crafty Girls Playing with Paper’ in which you can learn to make paper beads and more. See below for all the deets!

The Art Hive

MUCH MORE after the jump including activities for March 18, 19 & 21!

At the Art Hive on Friday is ‘Captured Fairy/Troll‘ in which you make a specimen container for that “something” that lurks in your backyard.

Art Hive

Learn about ‘Pin Weaving – A Mini Tapestry’ at the Art Hive on Friday, March 18.  See below for more details!

Art Hive

Here’s one that I am extremely curious about–The annual ‘Wild Game Dinner’ on March 19 at the Haliburton Legion. Tickets are just $30 apiece or  $50 per couple. Get the details by reading below! Sounds delish and fun, too!

Wild Game Dinner

On March 21 (Monday) you’ll have  the opportunity to try Indoor Rock Climbing at the Climbing Club.  There’s activities for all ages. Read about all the details below!

The Climbing Club

Thanks to these fine folks for keeping  me up-to-date:

Kawagama Lake , Dorset 11.27.10 @ 1 p.m.

Sat November 27 Weather

24-Hour Weather Forecast - Haliburton Highlands - November 28, 2010

I read on Twitter yesterday that Haliburton got a foot of snow overnight on Friday. No snow was in the forecast for Saturday night but by Sunday, November 28, look for about another half-inch of the white stuff.

Temperatures on Sunday look to heat up a bit more than the snow-lovers like. Sunday’s high temperature should be about 37°F with scattered flurries. The low overnight on Sunday should be 24°F.

Monday through Friday’s Long Term Weather Forecast follows: (Click it a couple times for full-size)

Haliburton Highlands Long Term Weather 11.29 - 12.4.10

Have a great week!

Toronto Island Sunset - 8.28.10

Welcome to your weekend! I hope South Central Ontario is enjoying the lovely weather gracing the second to last official weekend of summer! Yes folks, it all comes to a screeching halt next Labour Day weekend! I kid, though not about next weekend being Labour Day weekend.

For many folks September can be one of the most beautiful times of the year in cottage country. The heat diminishes yet often is just perfect during the day for almost any outdoor activity. Nighttime can be very cool and it’s fun to snuggle up under some cozy quilts. It’s been many years since I have spent as late of a time at the cottage as I am this year. Many cottages will have closed up for the season.

We decided for a couple of reasons including my spouse’s weekend job that we’d go during the (work) week following Labour Day. My folks used to stay very late in the season, until October one year if I recall, and I often heard about the great weather at Maple Lake in the very late summer. I’m really looking forward to it and with any luck it will be blessedly quiet on the Lake.

Enough of that, lets talk about NOW.

Sat night and Sunday August 28.29.2010

Tonight, Saturday August 28, will be clear with a low of 57°F. You’ll wake to a bright, sunny day tomorrow with sun throughout the day and high temperatures reaching 81°F. Sunday evening will be clear and 68°F with a low overnight temperature of 57°F.  There is no precipitation in the forecast for this 24-hour span.

Long term weather forecast

Monday will be mainly sunny and 84°F. Overnight will drop to 55°F. No rain in sight.

Tuesday you’ll have cloudy periods, the temperature will be 82°F and the overnight low will be 64°F. Again, no rain.

Wednesday, September 1st, expect variable cloudiness, a high of 81°F and an overnight low of 68°F. There may be a trace amount of rain.

Thursday the 2nd, brings thundershowers, a high of 73°F and a low of 59°F. There may be up to 0.4 inches of precipitation.

Friday, the beginning of the end (j/k!), expect isolated showers, a high of only 66°F and an overnight low temp of 55°F. There could be a trace of precipitation.

Saturday will be mainly sunny with a high  of 63°F and an overnight low of 52°F.  Right now there is no rain in the Saturday, September 4th forecast.

Have a great week!

Southern Ontario Sunsets Webcam Photos 8.28.10

Noelia Marziali - 'Berries and Such'

On Saturday, December 5 through Sunday, December 6, The Art Hive and the Maple Lake Artisans Collective will host the Annual Holiday “Bee-Zar.”  I have heard that this event is quite a lot of fun. At the “Bee Zar” you’ll have the opportunity to discover completely unique gifts, holiday food delights, spirited, festive activities, winter seasonal decor –and more!

Please calll 705-754-2294 for more deets!

Visit The Hive Website: www.thearthive.com
The Art Hive, 10239 Hwy 118, Carnarvon
Phone: 705-754-2294

This post is a community service in support of the Haliburton Highlands area artisans.

I must say I’m running into the same roadblocks that I did last summer in getting some good snaps of Maple Lake–it is just so rainy and windy–at least in the afternoons and early evening-to-sunset when I’d like to take photographs. We would have had a few more to share but both spouse and I are using the new camera and we are not quite adept yet at making sure the settings have not been fudged with.Taking snaps of loons on the “portrait” setting just does not get a good result. Here are a few photos just the same. We went to the Haliburton campus of Fleming College for the Arts and toured the Sculpture Forest which is adjacent to it. It was the nicest day that we’ve had thus far weather-wise. We each had fun and spouse, who took pictures on our older camera, really got some nice shots. He’s not cooperating however with sorting through them and believe me, going through 1oo’s of snaps like I’ve just done isn’t the fun part of photo-taking. Cheers! Cyn

Sharon Lynch’s Pottery Bowl

In an effort to freely support local business I’m giving a shout out to The Art Hive, a business that is mostly woman-run. If you have not visited yet I strongly urge you to do so.

I came across The Art Hive late in my stay at Maple Lake last summer and went inside to find a lovely and talented artist who welcomed me warmly and told me of the the many artists and craftspeople involved in “The Hive.” Many pieces representative of these artists are on display in the store.

My initial interest and reason for stopping by was not the art but the building in which The Art Hive is housed. Decades ago, it was a general store and I have clear memories of tagging along with my cousins–all of us barefoot–in hopes of getting some penny candy if we behaved. In the ensuing years the store has had a number of incarnations but I hope this particular one ‘sticks.’  This is wonderful showcase for cottage country local talent that wholly deserves the support of their community as well as visitors who truly want to take home a beautiful piece that represents the Highlands.

Please read more below and clear your calendar Saturday afternoon on May 30. You’ll be glad you did!

Opening Reception: Saturday, May 9, 3-5pm
A recycled art exhibition and partnership fundraiser
Fundraising Auction will be held on Saturday, May 30th.
A recycled art exhibition and partnership fundraiser. Includes at least one component which has been reused, scavenged, found or repurposed. Entries can be sculptural, functional, decorative, wearable.
Visit Website: www.thearthive.com
The Art Hive, 10239 Hwy 118, 4 km east of Carnarvon
Phone: 705-754-0021
Email: thearthive@live.ca

Even though I resided at Maple Lake for a total of about 5 weeks last summer I still did not get a chance to sight-see at the super-neat Haliburton Sculpture Forest.

The Haliburton Highlands is a artist’s enclave with about as many different types of art
and artists as you could possibly imagine. I don’t have the big bucks needed to lug home a fraction of what I would if I could but the Art Forest is FREE!
Speaking as someone who dabbles in photography I can attest to the fact that it’s a beautiful setting to indulge in photographic pursuits.

But last summer it rained quite a bit and was sort of cold and when the weather was nice I wanted to be down at the beach or in the Lake. I cannot believe I never made it to the Haliburton Sculpture Forest. This year, rain or shine. (I really hope we have some sunny days!)

Haliburton Sculpture Forest

One of the most unique among sculpture gardens and parks!  This is truly a forest trail with a broad assortment of sculptures by Canadian and International sculptors.  Free guided tours are available each Tuesday morning in July and August.  Located next to the Haliburton Highlands Museum and the Haliburton School of the Arts, the Sculpture Forest is available to hikers and bicyclists in the spring, summer and fall.  During the winter months, cross-country skiiers enjoy the serenity on a groomed trail.

In the decades since my childhood Haliburton has grown and thrived in a number of areas but especially in the area of the arts. In Haliburton resides the Haliburton School of the Arts and it has a  broad spectrum of offerings to fit almost any age or interest. Please read below to find out about the exciting goings on that are both ongoing and slated to begin.
(HALIBURTON, ON – March 6, 2009)

The perfect, affordable escape for families or individuals is right here in Ontario.  With hundreds of lakes surrounded by rolling hills and breathtaking vistas, the Highlands of Haliburton are the ideal setting for an art school. The inspiring surroundings and courses within the schedule kindle a creative vigour that can be motivating and energizing or reflective and relaxing.
The program spans the calendar, the ages, the skill levels, and the seemingly unrestrained range of techniques and media.

“What a delight!  This is one of Ontario’s best kept secrets – fun, useful, and a wonderful way to learn.” ~ Jess Posgate, Iron Sculpture student
With an eclectic and extensive variety of courses offered at a range of skill levels, there’s something for everyone!

Experience the

• Architecturally inspiring Campus
• Creative energy
• Gallery receptions
• Instructor features
• Art Talks
• Self-guided walk about exhibitions
• Student receptions and entertainment
• Local galleries, shops and the Haliburton Sculpture Forest

Week-long adult courses are accepted as credits toward Fleming College’s Visual & Creative Arts Diploma. There are also courses that are part of the Expressive Arts Ontario Graduate Certificate from Fleming College.

Visit www.HaliburtonSchoolofTheArts.ca for the schedule of courses and workshops. With over 50 new courses and more than 20 new instructors blended with favourite returns, it’s an exciting program. Painting, guitar, glassblowing, pottery, jewellery, millinery, belly dancing, chainsaw carving, beading, improvisation, musical instrument construction, choral singing, floor cloths, writing, quilting, and so much more.

Retreat on your own or bring the family!

Accommodation assistance is available.

Registrations now being accepted for the 2009 schedule.

The Art Hive

For the longest time I considered myself to be a non-creative person both in my writing style and literally in the creation of of art objects.

Over the years I discovered that the less I confined myself to the conventional definition of what constitutes creativity and thought more about what pleased me when in a creative frame of mind, the more I revised my definition of “creative.”

One way that I would encourage anyone that’s wanted to explore her creativity and “craftiness” would be to join The Art Hive on Thursday September 18, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm for an informal evening for women to get together and be creative.

Each month highlights a different project.  This month project is called Paint Your Own Tile and Art Hive artist April Gates will be at the helm. In joining you will learn the basics about bright and colourful Maiolica surface decoration on earthenware tiles. In the tradition of The Art Hive, where freedom of expression is honoured and encouraged, bring your design ideas and your imagination. Materials are supplied by the artist, however if you have favorite watercolour brushes, bring them along. Please wear a work shirt or bring an apron as pigments may stain clothing. Tiles will be fired by the artist and will be available for pick-up two weeks later.

This is a project that tempts me to jump in the Mustang and motor up there to participate. I’ve had grand ideas for a backsplash for the longest time and a project like this could be the start of something very exciting.

To pre-register, call The Art Hive.  Cost: $5 for members, $10 for non-members
The Art Hive, 10239 Hwy 118, 4 km east of Carnarvon
Phone: 705-754-0021
Website: www.thearthive.com
Email: thearthive@live.ca

Somehow I missed the opening of The Art Hive last summer (perhaps because we had to delay our visit until late in the summer) even though proximity-wise it’s walking distance from where I stay on Maple Lake. I had sort of pushed Welch’s general store to the back of my mind because it wasn’t Welch’s anymore. For many years the building appeared vacant.

When I was a kid Welch’s was a favoured destination as barefoot, my cousins and I would troupe in (on our best behaviour, mind you) and pick out penny candy, pixie sticks, and the like whilst whichever adult in charge that day picked up a few grocery items.

Welch’s General Store closed years ago and I hadn’t realized that the store was once again vibrant with life. I am looking forward to visiting The Art Hive not only because I truly enjoy art of many kinds but because I’ll get to walk down memory lane.
“The Maple Lake Artisans Collective is a group of Haliburton County multi-disciplinary artists who have come together to share, catalyze, and nurture creative expression and the arts.

The Art Hive is a new and exciting enterprise located in the historical Welch’s General Store. Home base of the Maple Lake Artisans Collective, the business opened in June 2007. Local artisans display and sell quality-crafted pottery, fabric art, music, ironwork, sculpture, jewellery and more. In addition to the gallery and gift shop there are studios on site, creative workshops for both children and adults and an organic fair trade coffee bar.”

THE NEWS: Keep your appointment calendar open for June 28, 2008 because:

There will be a day of festivities at The Art Hive on Highway 118 just east of Carnarvon.

THE ART HIVE TURNS ONE (edited from a County of Haliburton, Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Marketing release.)

“Between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm The Art Hive will be celebrating its first year in business with free custom-made cake, art demonstrations, live music, hands-on sculpture, drumming, barbecued food and a special members’ exhibit, to name only some of what is planned for the day. “It has been an amazing year,” notes potter Lisa Barry. “The local community has been very supportive over the past 12 months, donating goods, services and historical items as well as participating in our events and programs. So now we want folks to come out on June 28 and have a good time.”

Here’s where to go on June 28: (directions above post).