Happy Guy Fawkes Night to all! Remember remember the 5th of November indeed. I really wish we celebrated this holiday here in Canada, although I do understand that the small amount of political significance and the proximity to Hallowe'en. But bonfires and fireworks and treacle toffee sound great any time of year!



On the subject of holidays, I'm almost finished with the Hallowe'en thing, I swear! I just wanted to show off my friend Dave's awesome jack-o-lantern and my card from banchomarba1. I had forgotten how good of a cook Dave is -- we met when living in college residences with no kitchens so he didn't get to show off his mad skills at the time, and then we moved half a country away from each other. But I really, really wish I'd been able to afford to fly him in to make my wedding cake. Seriously, check out Dave's gallery. With regards to the card from banchomarba1, I think she may actually be more into Hallowe'en than I am! Now that takes work. The card reads "Nevermore. Well, never is so strong a word. I mean, never say never, right? Well, fine. Whatever." I laughed!

Now that fall holidays are coming to a close, we have to think about the upcoming winter events. Christmas is already looming on the horizon -- when you try to make a lot of your own gifts you have to start thinking about it early, especially if you have any major projects planned. I know I'll be working my hands off and shopping every weekend at the local craft fairs. Here are some of the ones I'd like to attend:

27th Annual Artisans Christmas Show
November 7th and 8th, 10:00am to 4:00pm
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School, 1515 Tenth Line Rd

Ottawa Artisans Guild Fall Exhibition and Sale
November 14th and 15th
10:00am to 4:00pm
Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School, 2072 Jasmine Cres

Cairine Wilson Christmas Craft Sale
November 21st, 9:00am to 4:00pm
Cairine Wilson Secondary School, 975 Orleans Blvd

One & Only Art & Gift Fair
November 22, 10:00am to 4:00pm
Sandy Hill Community Center, 250 Somerset St East

Ottawa Artisans Guild West End Exhibition and Sale
November 27th, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, and November 28th, 10:00am to 4:00pm
Ron Kolbus Centre (Lakesided Gardens), Britannia Park

St. Martin de Porres Craft Fair and Bake Sale
November 28th, 9:00am to 3:00pm
St. Martin de Porres School, 20 McKitrick Drive

Fisher Park Christmas Craft Sale
December 5th, 9:30 am to 3:00pm
Fisher Park Community Center, 250 Holland Ave

Cumberland Christmas Market
December 5th, 9:00am to 4:00pm
R.J. Kennedy Community Centre (Cumberland Arena), 1115 Dunning Rd

If these fairs aren't in your end of town, you can always check out your local paper or Kijiji for more events. There's something going on pretty much every weekend from now until Christmas.