Sustainability Through the Eyes of a Meat Eater

Today I am sharing a little of my life experience over on Oh So Nourished. 

I tried vegetarianism years ago, but it wasn't for me, I was unable to maintain my busy extra-curricular activities without meat in my diet. So, I went back to eating meat. But I was never very excited about it, I didn't like the idea that animals were kept in unfavourable conditions and treated poorly throughout their lives, not to mention the hormones and antibiotics which are passed on to the consumers. I tried to find healthier, organic, free-range options but something still didn't feel quite right. 

Crab and Lobster Pots. Early morning on Bonne Bay, Gros Morne Mountain in the background.

Then I had the chance to live in Newfoundland, with a local family, and see how they practice traditional activities and self-sufficient living (for a little more on that subject click here). From small scale farming (beef, chicken/eggs, pork and veggies), to harvesting local abundant animals like moose, ptarmigan and trout, animals are an important part of their life and diet...

For the rest of the article hop on over to Oh So Nourished. 

xox

Margot

A Place I Long to Call Home

As you can likely tell from my Blog Name, I wish I were a Newfoundlander. Newfoundland is a beautiful place, with amazing landscapes, interesting culture and endless conversation. I lived out there for a time, and I miss it everyday, and although I know my Reggie would love it out there we currently don't have the means for a visit. So I revisit old photographs and relive old memories, and always keep my eyes peeled for a new Newfoundland Tourism video.

Enjoy, I know I always do!

From a wanna-be-Newfoundlander to the world!

xox

From the Rock: Shawn at Island Sweet

Newfoundland is a wonderful and inspiring place, and in keeping with my goal of staying connected I am going to try to do a post once a month that is directly related to the Island. Some will be interviews, some descriptions of places I have visited, and others will be bits and pieces of fun Island information.

Today we have a very special interview! From Shawn who has been a part of the crafting community for longer than I have been alive. She is a pretty amazing person, and her yarns are simply beautiful.

How long have you lived in Newfoundland?

What is your favourite thing about living where you do?

I moved to Newfoundland from Toronto in 1975. My then husband got a job teaching English at the new Grenfell Campus of MUN University in Corner Brook. Our plan was to stay for 2 years...

My love affair with Newfoundland was not immediate. Newfoundland is a hard place. It is hard to penetrate. But bit by bit it seeps into your blood. And now, almost 40 years later, it is the only home I have. What I love most about living here is the freedom to be and do what you want. I have re-invented myself many times – as a painter, a teacher, a children’s book illustrator, a barrista, an animal rights activist,   a craftsperson.  And with each change,   I’ve been accepted.  What is looked for ,  and honoured in this place, is honesty.

When did you become part of the crafting community, and how did it begin?

I have been involved in craft (professionally) for about 12 years. My background is in fine art (I hold a master’s degree in painting). In 2000 I decided I didn’t want to paint anymore. I accepted an artist residency at Terra Nova National Park and took only fabric and needles and thread. I began making small textile pieces. That lead to larger “comforters”,  children’s clothes made out of vintage chenille bedspreads, rug hooking and most recently dyeing and spinning yarn. I have always knit and wanted to be able to knit with my own yarn.

What do you create on a regular basis?

My hand spun yarn is how I support myself now.  It is how I fill my days. Dyeing, carding, spinning. Each skein is one-of-kind (and titled to show what the inspiration was). I also make knitting kits –( for hats, fingerless gloves, scarflettes and shawl scarves) that include a skein of hand spun yarn, a pattern card and handmade wooden needles that I paint to  match the colours in the yarn. My company is Island Sweet Fibre Arts. I sell retail on etsy (www.islandsweet.etsy.com) and wholesale to about 25 shops – mostly in the Maritimes but also across Canada and in the USA.

What is your favourite thing to create? Or are there many?

Last year I switched from retail to wholesale. This makes it easier to plan my days. And gives me more freedom to pursue other  things.  My evenings used to be spent  knitting  product to sell . Now in the evenings I’m back to making small textile pieces. I usually start with some vintage textile and work into and onto it embroidery, stitching, appliqué, beading etc.  This work is what I’m most excited about right now.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from my life. I’m over 60 now so there is a lot to draw on! I’m inspired by the beauty of where I live. I’m inspired by my own personal history. By my travels.  By other art – both historical and contemporary.

What does your workspace look like?

I have a studio in my home but it’s mostly for storage of materials. I dye in the kitchen (or out of doors when the weather is warm enough). I spin in the living room.  In the evening I'm on the couch watching movies or TV as I work on my textile pieces.

 

Where can we find you on the internet?

I have a blog that I write on a few times a week – mostly about my creative inspiration and adventures. I have a web site where I show my process and my product, and then my etsy shop. I live in a very small community. The internet has made it possible for me to reach out. 

Thanks so much Shawn! I hope everyone takes a minute to wander over to one of Shawn's internet locations - you might just get totally sucked in by the beauty of her handspun yarn - I know I have!

From the Rock: Mummering

I know it has been a rather long time since I have written a 'From the Rock' post. I am hoping to get back at it, and do it about once a month (or maybe more). I'm hoping it helps to keep me, my blog, and you lovely readers a little connected with where the inspiration for this blog originated!

If you were to visit Newfoundland this time of year, you might see some oddly dressed folks dancing, and demanding food and drink. Mummering, also known as janneying, is a traditional activity where a group of friends would dress-up, hide their identity and go from house to house in their community singing, dancing and demand food and drink until their neighbours could guess their identities all during the 12 days of Christmas.

This activity helped to create a social time that the locals could look forward to during the long cold days of winter. The tradition hasn't quite kept up with the times today, I think some people might be afraid of letting a masked person into their homes. But the province is trying to keep the traditional activity alive in the spirit of the holidays with a festival every year in December which ends in the mummers parade. Below is a short video from this year's mummers festival parade.



This year's Mummers Festival has already passed, but there is no reason why you couldn't start thinking about next years! Doesn't it look like a lot of fun!? For more information on the festival visit the website here.

I will be back tomorrow with another delicious cookie recipe, from a good blog friend. Until then, visit the Mummers Festival site, and learn a little more about a traditional Newfoundland activity!
xox

Through my Lens: Fall on the Rock

It's been a while since I posted something uniquely Newfoundland. I thought as Fall here comes to full bloom, I should share some shots of my experiences in Newfoundland during the Autumn.

 

 

 

Beautiful, isn't it!?
xox

Through my Lens: In the Hay Loft

As the fields become golden in colour, it is almost time for harvest!
A little look back at my summer in NL.

I didn't actually help with the mowing of the hay, but I helped turn it in the fields and pack it in to the hayloft. Hard work!

Through my Lens: Canada Day in Newfoundland

Looking for the Giveaway? Scroll down! :)
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As we Canadians are gearing up for a National Holiday I thought I would share some shots from one of my most memorable Canada Day experiences:

During the day we hiked over a large hill (small mountain) towards Chimney Cove. What a view! Definitely worth the 4 hour round-trip hike!

  

All of the animals from near-by towns pasture here during the summer.

Not a bad place to summer, if you are a cow, horse or perhaps... me?

The provincial flower: The Pitcher Plant

And in the evening I had the opportunity to watch some fireworks overlooking the bay at Trout River.

 

 

What are you planning for Canada Day?

If you stumbled upon my blog from the Great Canadian Blog Bash, Welcome! For the giveaway I am offering one 5x7 from my Newfoundland Photography section of my shop.

How to Enter:
- You must be Canadian (sorry to all my out of country friends, a rule for the link-up).
- Make a comment below telling me your favourite place in Canada!

Additional Entries (please leave an additional comment for each):
- Follow Newfoundlander at Heart via GFC
- Follow Newfoundlander at Heart on Bloglovin'
- Blog about this Giveaway (please leave the link)
- Tweet this giveaway (please use @NfldratHeart, and comment here)

You have until Friday July 1st, midnight EST to enter. The winner will be drawn on Sunday July 3rd.
Good Luck and Happy Entering!

Through my Lens (West Coast)

Some beautiful scenes from an amazing place!

Lobster pots in Trout River

A wintery view of Killdevil

Coastal view (towards Bay of Islands) from Chimney Cove

Western Brook Pond, Gros Morne National Park

Western Brook Pond, just like the advertisements :)

Starfish in Shallow Bay, Gros Morne National Park

More beautiful places to enjoy, visit again soon!
and
Happy Heart Day, some treats and a fun tutorial to come later on :)