Tuesday 5 November 2013

Calling all Card Collectors

I just updated my pysanky postcard collection and am looking to trade or purchase missing items. I have uploaded photos of over 70 postcards (listed in 19 sections), and am missing a few to complete the respective series. This collection includes the following publishers:
  • O. Kindrachuk, Madeira Park, BC
  • Museum of Canadian Civilization, Hull, QC
  • Surma Book and Music, New York, NY
  • Ukrainian Gift Shop, Minneapolis, MN
  • Ukrainian Institute for Education, Munich
  • Vegreville Floral Boutique, Vegreville, AB
I hope you enjoy looking at these photos and that you will be inspired to update your own collection. The postcards missing from my collection and those available to trade are listed at the end of each section. Unless otherwise noted, all my postcards are new.
 
1. “SERIES III” (a set of 4 design cards)
PublisherSurma, New York, N. Y.
Year 1967
Size5.5” x 3.5” (14 cm x 9 cm)
Description on reverseUkrainian Easter Eggs, (Pysanky). Authentic miniature masterpieces hand decorated in an age-old process passed down from mother to daughter . . . designed with the symbols of Health, Happiness, Prosperity and Love.
Postcards are numbered13648-C and 13649-C
Visual cues6 pysanky photographed on lime green background
Missing from my collection 2 of the 4 postcards. I'm not sure of the numbers of the 2 missing cards (I have 13648-C and 13649-C)



1967 Surma postcard. SERIES III. #13648-C
1967. Surma. SERIES III. #13648-C

1967 Surma postcard. SERIES III. #13649-C
1967. Surma. SERIES III. #13649-C

2.  “SERIES IV” (a set of 5 design cards)
PublisherSurma Book and Music Co., New York
Year MCMLXIX (1969)
Size9” x 6” (23 cm x 15 cm)
Description on reverseUkrainian Easter Eggs, (Pysanky). Authentic miniature masterpieces hand decorated in an age-old process passed down from mother to daughter . . . designed with the symbols of Health, Happiness, Prosperity and Love.
Postcards are numbered42771-C to 42775-C
Visual cues6 pysanky photographed on purple background




1969 Surma postcard. SERIES IV. #42771-C
1969. Surma. SERIES IV. #42771-C


1969 Surma postcard. SERIES IV. #42772-C
1969. Surma. SERIES IV. #42772-C

1969 Surma postcard. SERIES IV. #42773-C
1969. Surma. SERIES IV. #42773-C




1969 Surma postcard. SERIES IV. #42774-C
1969. Surma. SERIES IV. #42774-C

1969 Surma postcard. SERIES IV. #42775-C
1969. Surma. SERIES IV. #42775-C

3. Series 1 (a set of 4 cards)
PublisherO. Kindrachuk, Madeira Park, B.C.
Year 1969
Size5.5” x 3.5” (14 cm x 9 cm)
Description on reverseTraditional Ukrainian hand decorated Easter Eggs
Postcards are numbered47162-C to 47165-C
Visual cues6 pysanky photographed on dark background; cards have attractive scalloped edges
Available to trade 47163-C (corner of postcard is bent); 47165-C (glue residue on reverse); 47162-C 
1969. O. Kindrachuk postcard. #47162-C
1969. O. Kindrachuk. #47162-C


1969. O. Kindrachuk postcard. #47163-C
1969. O. Kindrachuk. #47163-C


1969. O. Kindrachuk postcard. #471624-C
1969. O. Kindrachuk. #47164-C


1969. O. Kindrachuk postcard. #47165-C
1969. O. Kindrachuk. #47165-C


4. “SERIES I” (a set of 4 design cards)
PublisherSurma, New York, N.Y.
Year MCMLXXIII (1973)
Size9” x 6” (23 cm x 15 cm)
Description on reverseUkrainian Easter Eggs, (Pysanky). Authentic miniature masterpieces hand decorated in an age-old process passed down from mother to daughter . . . designed with the symbols of Health, Happiness, Prosperity and Love.
Postcards are numbered30339-E to 30342-E
Visual cues6 pysanky photographed on blue background. I have an identical card to 30342-E that is numbered 17289-C and is slightly smaller at 8.5" x 6" (21.5 cm x 15 cm)



1973 Surma postcard. SERIES I. #30339-E
1973. Surma.  SERIES I. #30339-E

1973 Surma postcard. SERIES I. #30340-E
1973. Surma. SERIES I. #30340-E

1973. Surma SERIES I #30341-E
1973. Surma. SERIES I. #30341-E



1973 Surma SERIES I. #30342-E
1973. Surma SERIES I. #30342-E
5. “Series II” (a set of 5 design cards)
PublisherSurma Book and Music Co., New York
Year MCMLXXIV (1974)
Size9” x 6” (23 cm x 15 cm)
Description on reverseUkrainian Easter Eggs, (Pysanky). Authentic miniature masterpieces hand decorated in an age-old process passed down from mother to daughter . . . designed with the symbols of Health, Happiness, Prosperity and Love.
Postcards are numbered34373-C to 34377-C
Visual cues6 pysanky photographed on yellow-gold  background




1974. Surma. Series II. #34373-C
1974. Surma. Series II. #34373-C




1974. Surma. Series II. #34374-C
1974. Surma. Series II. #34374-C

1974. Surma. Series II. #34375-C
1974. Surma. Series II. #34375-C

1974. Surma. Series II. #34376-C
1974. Surma. Series II. #34376-C

1974. Surma. Series II. #34377-C
1974. Surma. Series II. #34377-C
6. Series 1
PublisherSurma Book and Music Store
Year 1974
Postcards are numberedone of the cards in the series is numbered 17191-C
Visual cuespostcard 17191-C has 6 pysanky photographed on blue background
(I found this image at http://www.artukraine.com/egg/postcard2.htm)
Missing from my collection all cards

http://www.artukraine.com/egg/postcard2.htm
7. Pysanky Jewellery
PublisherVegreville Floral Boutique Ltd., “Flowers and Ukrainian Gifts”, Box 748, Vegreville, Alberta, Canada T0B 4L0
Year 1978
Size6” x 4” (15 cm x 10 cm)
Description on reverseUkrainian “Pysanky“ Jewellery. Ukrainian Easter Eggs are delicately cut and shaped, then specially treated to prevent shells from breaking and finally set into beautiful jewellery mounting to enhance the intricate designs of the original Pysanky
Visual cuespysanky designed by Ken J. Kinkiewich; photo by Con Boland



1978 Vegreville postcard. Pysanky Jewellery
1978. Vegreville. Pysanky Jewellery
8. A set of 6 cards
PublisherVegreville Floral Boutique Ltd., “Flowers and Ukrainian Gifts”, Box 748, Vegreville, Alberta, Canada T0B 4L0
Year 1978
Size6” x 4” (15 cm x 10 cm)
Description on reverse“Pysanky” Ukrainian Easter Eggs. Intricately designed eggs, symbolic of life resurrected, are written in a traditional process passed down through generations.
Postcards are numbered1 to 6
Visual cues6 pysanky photographed on linen background; photo by Con Boland
Missing from my collection #6
Available to trade #1, #2 and #5 (there is glue residue on the back and an ink mark on the face)



1978. Vegreville postcard #1
1978. Vegreville. #1

1978. Vegreville postcard #2
1978. Vegreville. #2


1978. Vegreville postcard #3
1978. Vegreville. #3


1978. Vegreville postcard #4
1978. Vegreville. #4


1978. Vegreville postcard #5
1978. Vegreville. #5

9. A set of 6 cards
PublisherVegreville Floral Boutique Ltd., “Flowers and Ukrainian Gifts”, Box 748, Vegreville, Alberta, Canada T0B 4L0
Year 1981
Size6” x 4” (15 cm x 10 cm)
Description on reverse“Pysanky” Ukrainian Easter Eggs. Intricately designed eggs, symbolic of life resurrected, written in a traditional process passed down through generations are exquisitely displayed on authentically embroidered linen.
Postcards are numbered1 to 6
Missing from my collection #1 to #5
Available to trade #6



1981. Vegreville postcard. #6
1981. Vegreville. #6
10. Series 2
PublisherVegreville Floral Boutique Ltd., “Flowers and Ukrainian Gifts”, Box 748, Vegreville, Alberta, Canada T0B 4L0
Year 1981
Size6” x 4” (15 cm x 10 cm)
Description on reverse“Pysanky” Ukrainian Easter Eggs. Intricately designed eggs, symbolic of life resurrected, written in a traditional process passed down through generations are exquisitely displayed on authentically embroidered linen.
Postcards are numbered1 to 14
Visual cues6 pysanky photographed on embroidered linen
Available to trade #3, #6, #7 (glue residue on reverse)



1981. Vegreville postcard. #1 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #1 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #2 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #2 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #3 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #3 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #4 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #4 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #5 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #5 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #6 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #6 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #7 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #7 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #8 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #8 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #9 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #9 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #10 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #10 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #11 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #11 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #12 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #12 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #13 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #13 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #14 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #14 of 14
11. SERIES 1 – a set of 6 cards
PublisherUkrainian Gift Shop, Inc., 217 East Hennepin, Minneapolis, Minn., M. Procai, L. Perchyshyn, J. Luciow
Size5.5” x 3.5” (14 cm x 9 cm)
Description on reverseUkrainian Easter Eggs. Delicate Treasures of Art. Traditional symbols of life intricately implanted on the eggs by a process passed down throgh generations.
Postcards are numberedpossibly C-004 to C-009
Visual cues Interestingly, the only card that I have C-006 depicts the same photo as 471018 listed in Section 12 below. Note the unique address of the publisher
Missing from my collection C-004, C-005, C-007, C-008 and C-009

Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 1. #C006 front
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 1. #C006 front




Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 1. #C006 back
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 1. #C006 back
12. SERIES 1 – a set of 6 cards
PublisherUkrainian Gift Shop, Inc., 2422 Central Ave. N.E., Minneapolis, Minn.
55418-3787
Size5.5” x 3.5” (14 cm x 9 cm)
Description on reverseUkrainian Easter Eggs. Delicate Treasures of Art. Traditional symbols of life intricately implanted on the eggs by a process passed down through generations.
Postcards are numbered471017 to 471022
Visual cues6 pysanky photographed on white linen; cards have a white border
Available to trade 471017 to 471022




Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 1. #471017
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 1. #471017

Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 1. #471018 front
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 1. #471018 front

Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 1. #471018 back
Ukrainian Gift Shop SERIES 1. #471018 back

Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 1. #471019
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 1. #471019



Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 1. #471020
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 1. #471020




Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 1. #471021
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 1. #471021



Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 1. #471022
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 1. #471022
13. SERIES 2 – a set of 6 cards
PublisherUkrainian Gift Shop, Inc., 2422 Central Ave. N.E., Minneapolis, Minn. , 55418-3787
Size5.5” x 3.5” (14 cm x 9 cm)
Description on reverseUkrainian Easter Eggs. Delicate Treasures of Art. Traditional symbols of life intricately implanted on the eggs by a process passed down through generations.
Postcards are numbered471073 to 471078
Visual cuespostcards have a white border
Available to trade 471073 to 471078


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 2. #471073
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 2. #471073


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 2. #471074
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 2. #471074


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 2. #471075
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 2. #471075


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 2. #471076
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 2. #471076


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 2. #471077
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 2. #471077


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 2. #471078
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 2. #471078
14. SERIES 3 – a set of 7 cards
PublisherUkrainian Gift Shop, Inc., 2422 Central Ave. N.E., Minneapolis, Minn. , 55418-3787
Year not shown
Size5.5” x 3.5” (14 cm x 9 cm)
Description on reverseUkrainian Easter Eggs. Delicate Treasure of Art. Traditional symbols of life intricately implanted on the eggs by a process passed down through generations.
Postcards are numbered801122 to 801128
Visual cueseach card has a slightly different description (for example, 801122 and 801124 describe Trypilian Style – Neolithic Era, and others have discriminate use of the word “treasure” in singular or plural; 801124 is photographed on a red background, and the others on a yellow background; 801128 names M. Procai, L. Perchyshyn and J. Luciow
Available to trade 801124 to 801127



Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 3. #801122
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 3. #801122


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 3. #801123
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 3. #801123

Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 3. #801124
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 3. #801124




Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 3. #801125
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 3. #801125


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 3. #801126
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 3. #801126


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 3. #801127
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 3. #801127


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 3. #801128
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 3. #801128
15. SERIES 4 – a set of 6
PublisherUkrainian Gift Shop Inc., 2422 Central Ave. N.E., Minneapolis, Minn., 55418
Size5.5” x 3.5” (14 cm x 9 cm)
Description on reverseUkrainian Easter Eggs decorated by Luba Perchyshyn. Delicate Treasures of Art. Traditional symbols of life intricately implanted on the eggs by a process passed down through generations.
Postcards are numbered101 to 106
Visual cuessingle pysanka photographed on green (101 and 102), red (103 and 105), and blue (104 and 106) background (discriminate pysanky displayed on egg stand in 102, 103, 105 and 106)
Available to trade #103 to #106


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 4. #101
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 4. #101

Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 4. #102
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 4. #102

Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 4. #103
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 4. #103



Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 4. #104
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 4. #104


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 4. #105
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 4. #105


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 4. #106
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 4. #106
16. SERIES 5 – a set of 6 cards
PublisherUkrainian Gift Shop Inc., 2422 Central Ave. N.E., Minneapolis, Minn. , 55418
Size5.5” x 3.5” (14 cm x 9 cm)
Description on reverseUkrainian Easter Eggs decorated by Luba Perchyshyn. Delicate Treasures of Art. Traditional symbols of life intricately implanted on the eggs by a process passed down through generations.
Postcards are numbered107 to 112
Visual cuessingle pysanka photographed with large-scale “shadow/reflective effect”
Missing from my collection 107, 108, 109, 110, and 112
Available to trade 111


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 5. #111
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 5. #111
17. Canadian Museum of Civilization
PublisherMusée canadien des civilisations, 100, rue Laurier, C.P. 3100, succursale B, Hull (Québec) Canada J8X 4H2 / Canadian Museum of Civilization, 100 Laurier Street, P.O. Box 3100, Station B, Hull, Quebec, Canada J8X 4H2
Size6.75” x 5”(17 cm x 13 cm)
Description on reverseOuefs de Pâques ukrainiens. Collection du Musée canadien des civilisations. / Ukrainian Easter eggs from the Canadian Museum of Civilization collection


Canadian Museum of Civilization postcard
Canadian Museum of Civilization
18. World’s Largest Pysanka
PublisherVegreville Chamber of Commerce
Size6” x 4” (15 cm x 10 cm)
Description on reverseWorld’s Largest Pysanka (Ukrainian Easter Egg) an Engineering Marvel, Located at Vegreville, Alberta, Canada. it was erected in honour of the Alberta R.C.M.P. 100th Anniversary (1874 – 1974). It spectacularly contrives to combine the ancient traditions of one of Alberta’s largest ethnic groups with architectural and geometrical developments that represent “break-throughs” in modern science, thus linking heritage and progress.  Dimensions: Length 25.7 ft. Width 18.3 ft. Height 31 ft. Weight 5000 lbs. Rotates with the wind
Visual cuesmonument photographed  by Holiday Photo, Vegreville, Alberta


Vegreville Chamber of Commerce postcard
Vegreville Chamber of Commerce
19. Artistic Representation
PublisherУкраїнський Інститут освітньої політики / Ukrainian Institute for Education, Inc., Zeppelinsstr. 67, 8 München 80
Size6” x 4” (15 cm x 10 cm)
Description on reverseВеликодні побашання переслідуваного автора з України / Easter Greetings from Ukraine by a Persecuted Artist
Artistic representation postcard
 
Whew! What a lot of numbers to post! If you find any errors or anomalies, please let me know.

Sunday 18 August 2013

Saving the World with Pysanky at Surrey Museum


On Saturday, August 17, 2013 I had the pleasure of joining my colleagues from Ukrainian Community Society of Ivan Franko (Richmond) and Ukrainian Dulcimer Ensemble (Surrey) at the invitation of Surrey Museum in Cloverdale for its "Discovery Saturday" event celebrating Ukrainian spirit. Program coordinator, Sandra Borger, Public Program Specialist and her capable volunteers showcased a colourful and interactive display of pysanky, music, culture, cuisine, and hands-on activities that enabled patrons to learn about Ukrainian culture and the history of Ukrainian immigrants in the area.

If you're wondering about the huge globe in the forefront of my pysanky display, it's my newest prop to illustrate that as long as pysanky are being made evil shall not prevail over good in the world.

Saving the world one pysanka at a time . . . .
Ethnic clothing from various regions of Ukraine had a prominent display in the lobby.

Shirley Kaspar welcomes a museum patron to the display

Gladys Andreas and her talented troupe performed classic and popular tunes on guitar, dulcimer and accordian.

Ukrainian Dulcimer Ensemble

Ukrainian Community Society displayed books from its collection of classic and contemporary literature, history, culture and art. library.

Val Shevchuk of Ukrainian Community Society

A demonstration of the technique of pysanky is always a popular draw.

Joan Ivanka Brander of Baba's Beeswax

Here is a photo from the Richmond Review on August 21, 2013 taken by Boaz Joseph.
Richmond Review, August 21, 2013

This drop-in activity attracted an enthusiastic audience of all ages. Thank you to everyone for your interest.


 

Sunday 21 July 2013

Superheros Unleashed

BCIT's invitation to staff was to hone super powers and discover new ones as inner superheros were unleashed! This was for the All-Staff Professional Development Day on June 13, 2013.

I was thrilled to meet many of my colleagues and share my passion for pysanky with them. Especially the therapeutic, relaxing, and stress-free aspect that make them so addictive. What a perfect way to spend a work-day!

After delivering the workshop I was humbled to learn that so many of the participants were featured in the fabulous Hidden Passions exhibit showcasing the artistic works of faculty and staff.

For me, the best part of the day was meeting new friends and putting faces to names.  Thanks, BCIT, for investing in our well-being!  Please enjoy these photos.

Friday 8 February 2013

Sharing Stories

I love pysanky! And would love to hear your stories.

Pysanka by Paul shared a photo of his gorgeous pysanky:

Pysanka by Paul, Edmonton, AB
Tammy shared this with me:
Here are some pics of our projects. We really enjoy pysanky. I am going to take my supplies into my sons grade three class just before Easter so they can try it.


I love the simplicity of the designs, and seeing them brings heart-warming thoughts knowing that they were made by the hands of children. The colors are so vibrant! What a lovely tradition to share with family and friends.

Lou shared this story with me:

I have a soon to be 9-year old making strides in making Pysanky.  I think he does pretty well, considering he first tried his hand 2-years ago and can only work on them when with me.  His soon to be 6-year old brother has announced he will make eggs when he turns 7.  We will see.  He is not the same temperament as his brother. 





I thought this was such an adorable story.  That single word—“announced”—evoked such a cheerful image and brought a smile to my face!  How wonderful to have 2 boys to share this tradition with.  And WOW!  Look at these designs he made one and two years ago!

Here's an email I received from James:
My wife and I made our very first pysanky last year - it was awesome and we cant wait to do it again.  Here's a photo of our first effort.

 

These are gorgeous!  The colors are so bright.  I hope there'll be more coming.

Monday 4 February 2013

If you think that egg decorating is just for Easter, think again!

People can't stop talking about how amazing a pysanka party is!  

Since 1991 I have coordinated workshops and parties for kids of all ages.  Over the years I collected party ideas and together with my expertise compiled it all in a new book called Pysanka Power! Birthday Party Ideas and Planner.

This book is full of ideas and resources to make your pysanka-themed party a smashing (no pun intended) success.  It's easy, fun and affordable.

Chapters include invitations, decorations, games, cake, snacks, favors, planner and more. Pysanky is fun for a birthday party or any time of year.  If you think that egg decorating is just for Easter, think again!

Friday 25 January 2013

Just in time for Easter

Happy New Year! Have you broken your new year resolution yet?  I haven't.  Because when I can no longer diet, I simply dye it--and end up with something beautiful to show for it.  I luv pysanky!  And I can't stop talking about how fun it is!


"Pysanka Party" an illustration in watercolour and felt by Marcia Moroz, 2012.

Just in time for Easter, Baba's Beeswax has published its Spring 2013 Newsletter.  Topics include the correct pronunciation of that "hard to say word until you understand its origins and meaning" and beeswax info.

Easter is early this year.  Got to get busy making pysanky.  Happy Egging! 

Tuesday 30 October 2012

Pumpkin Pysanky and Pysanky Pumpkins


In 2004 I was inspired by Martha Stewart Living magazine to try my hand at her delightful pumpkin pysanky designs and hung them on a craggy tree branch every October.  That month saw a sudden surge in Halloween workshops and a demand for black, orange and yellow eggshell dye. 

Martha Stewart Living October 2004

These jack-o-lanterns were just too cute to be scary. 

Pumpkin Pysanky
Pumpkins?

And so were the ghosts, spiders and skeletons.

Halloween Pysanky
Some years later I created a pysanka design for a miniature pumpkin decorating contest.  Those who know me know that I'm passionate about pysanky, so decorating a pumpkin this way was a no-brainer for me. But it surprised others and the cute little entry garnered a lot of attention.  

Pysanka Pumpkin
Pysanka?
 
Halloween apples?  Tricks or treats?  Yes.  Memories of carrying pillow cases for treats?  Yes. Overturned outhouses?  Yes. Halloween pysanky? No.  Now I'm really showing my age!

It's time to bring out the craggy tree branch and welcome the other cute little jack-o-lanterns, ghosts and goblins who will show up at my door for candy bars!




Saturday 27 October 2012

Knowledge is Power--the Power of Pysanky

Fall means back to school, not only for students but also for teachers!  Now is the time to plan your upcoming pysanky workshops.  This activity is fun for all grade levels K to 12 and integrates with multicultural and language arts, social studies, math and science.

If you're a teacher and haven't received your Newsletter from Baba's Beeswax, here it is.  What's in it for you?  teaching aids, money $aving tips for teachers, word scramble activity for students, and more . . . . All the best for the 2012-2013 school year!

2012 Fall Newsletter

And while I'm at it, here's a repeat of last year's Newsletter full of information, hints and money-saving tips!

2011 Fall Newsletter

Saturday 28 July 2012

I Luv Canada!

It's July, and Canada just turned 145!  I started celebrating birthdays last month by taking a trip to our beautiful capital city, Ottawa.  I had been there only once before as a child, and was promised it would afford a fabulous visit.  I wasn't disappointed. 

It was a whirlwind trip, and I managed to sightsee many capital highlights, drive a country tour, picnic in the park, go to the theatre, watch a fabulous light show against a backdrop of parliament hill, enjoy a river tour, and play a surprise game of bowling.  The highlight was a fabulous tribute concert to ABBA, the songs of which I can't get out of my head!  But the most exceptional thing for me was that I was accompanied by my 4 beautiful sisters, as we embarked on a once-in-a lifetime commemorative soiree in memory of our mother.  The Chateau Laurier was also celebrating a birthday (100 years) and had our mother still been with us, she would be celebrating her June birthday in style.  My holiday was rich with history—both personal and national!

(photo taken in 1957)
July 1st is a grand celebration in Canadian communities from sea to sea to sea, and on Canada Day I joined thousands of people who attend the annual Steveston Salmon Festival.  Think sunny skies, red and white, and smiles all over, and you'll have a pretty good image of Canada Day 2012.



Whether I was returning home from Ottawa, or from a full day of teaching pysanky at the Steveston Salmon Festival, I returned home a happy, tired, and proud Canadian!