Oui, c’est moi – “gardening” (& photo-shopping – yes, that’s Butchart Gardens in the second pic) O.k., so I’m actually more of a digger, weed-whacker, lawn-mower and raker. It’s definitely Lee who’s better at the “fancy” stuff: deciding what goes in, putting it in, watering – ya know – the art of creating and sustaining life!

I drew this at the end of last year after observing Nelson’s magnetic draw for unusual and very creative people. Ie. what might be considered “freakish” in the downtown core of conservative metropolitan areas is actually more the “norm” here. It’s a mecca for artists of all mediums – and other folks who just want to live around that dynamic, joyful energy.

The news of our impending move to Nelson was met with – uh, well – quite a wild  hodgepodge of reactions from friends and family. While all were surprised and many taken aback, some expressed support laced with gentle concern, others were warmly enthusiastic, while still others showed open disdain or worse – complete avoidance of the topic.  It’s been a wild roller-coaster ride of emotions for us in this “breaking the news” phase of  our life-changing decision, but we’re staying the course.  I’m often grateful for my love of cartooning – so cathartic, especially at times like these. OH – and I just read that the slogan of Kootenay Lake Tourism is:

“Far Out.  For Real.”  

I can dig it.