Northern Falé VI

We reached three big milestones in our house this weekend:

1. André turned 40!

2. André celebrated his 1st birthday as an architect

3. We completed our 1st family design charrette!

The results?

Voilà!

Conceptual Front Elevations

Conceptual North Elevation

Conceptual South Elevation

We're not done.

Conceptual means nothing is concrete.

Meetings with the city are in our near future.

A progression of drawings are yet to be developed.

Children are anxious to further inspire via minecraft and

the right craftsmen have yet to be discovered.

In the meantime, there's much joy in the journey to behold...

Happy 40th my André!

What a memorable milestone.

Northern Falé's journey: I, II, III, IV & V

One of those Perfect Moments

I went back to school this fall.

It has been a stimulating challenge.

After 14 years since I graduated from my undergrad in 

Music Therapy at Wilfrid Laurier University,

I was ready for the challenge of a Masters degree.

(thanks to the helpful nudge suggestion from André:

Me to André: talk to me about something!

André, in the midst of many deadlines: what do you want to talk about?

Me: something interesting! Go!

André: I don't know what to talk about right now

Me: you're SO boring!

*after weeks of hearing me say this...*

André: maybe YOU'RE the boring one! I think it's about time you take a course

Me: *gasp!* 

I was shocked! but he was right!)

After many years of research and discussions with some great people (including the most recent above discussion with André), I decided on the 

Masters of Arts in Community Music

program at 

Wilfrid Laurier University.

I took a bit of a leap of faith into school and began my studies.

Just when doubt began to creep into my honeymoon stage, 

this arrived in the mail...

An entire issue of the Journal of Ontario Association of Architects dedicated to Architecture and Music.

It was one of those perfect moments where everything felt right.

After journeying with André for over 10 years of education, between his undergrad, masters and architecture internship, I have most certainly been influenced by his studies.

Seeing this issue validated my decision to go back to school and 

my everyday life and marriage of 

music & architecture.

(André has also noted that I no longer tell him that he's boring.)

Oh! I'm also now blogging on "Edublogs" as part of my research and classwork. If you're feeling bored, head over to my blog there. I'll be posting a lot of my research discoveries there:

MA in Community Music: http://musicnuu.edublogs.org/

Northern Falé V

We're renovating.

Baby steps to the big reno but nevertheless, 

renovations are in motion.

As we fix-up & touch-up here and there,

our sights are set on the big reno...

Northern Falé.

We can't seem to get it out of our minds.

Walking the streets of Old Montréal this month...

...I get sidetracked into a restaurant in a courtyard...

...I love it. 

I want to stay here, hugged by beautiful, historic buildings 

and nature bursting it's way towards the sun. 

I love this space. 

I invite "in-house architect" to take note.

Back in September, André also took note of another outdoor space.

The CIGI building in Waterloo, ON 

participated in Doors Open Waterloo Region 2015. 

We barely made it but ran in for a quick look.

Our favourite spot? 2nd floor patio, which also overlooks the inspiring courtyard...

...somehow all these notes will make their way into

Northern Falé.

I don't know how yet but tonight, André became excited with

MESH Architectures

"Atrium House"

Photo taken by Jason Schmidt

Photo taken by Jason Schmidt

Photo taken by Jason Schmidt

I like his notes.

I invite you to read about "Atrium House" in Architectural Record.

Includes design concept & solution, drawings and more photos!

Read about Northern Falé I, II, III, IV & VI

Leejay's Guide to the Library 2016

While preparing for an #Architecture #JanesWalk in May,

I met an incredible woman, on twitter,

with a fundraiser benefiting youth.
Since I'm currently working closely with youth in my church,
I felt that this was a perfect community fundraiser to support.

André had just announced that this Janes Walk would be dedicated to
the late Leejay Levene, an aspiring architect.
Shirley is sharing Leejay's story before the walk begins.

I even wrote about it in my May blogpost about #Architecture 

and our family's experience living in Rome.

Since then, I've had the privilege of getting to know

Shirley Levene,

K-W Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year 2014 Award Recipient.

From left: Regional Chair, Ken Seiling, Regional radio personality Mike Farwell,
Fundraiser extrodinaire Shirley Levene and Waterloo Region Chief of Police, Bryan Larkin
at the Leejay Levene 2016 calendar launch
Photo courtesy of the Levene Family

 Out of the grief of losing her son,

Leejay Levene,

 in a tragic accident,

 comes an opportunity to provide hope to many more lives.

Shirley, with the loving support of her family
(husband Ron, sons Casey & Elli Levene)

 has spent the past 8 years selling her late son's artwork and 

donating all raised funds to many special local causes.

I'm inspired.

Mother's pizza nourished the calendar launch attendees with their delicious pizza.
(I found André & Melaia in the Levene photos!)
Photo courtesy of the Levene family.

This year, 

the Kitchener Public Library

will benefit from a

Leejay Levene calendar.

Each gorgeous month of the 2016 Leejay Levene calendar on display at the launch.
Each month is sponsored by one of your favourite local businesses.

Proceeds from the sales of this calendar will help build

a Teen Tech Livingroom

at the Kitchener Public Library.

Simply Awesome!

Tech literacy is a significant industry of our 
Waterloo Region 
past, present and future.

I'm excited that so many youth will have the opportunity to explore

technology in a safe environment within the stunning 
Kitchener Public Library.

When I attended the launch, which included a gallery of
Leejay's artwork, 

May 2015 Kitchener Public Library gallery was lined with the works of Leejay Levene.

I discovered a painting 
by Leejay 
that gripped the most tender depths of my heart.

I'd like to introduce you to
Leejay's
"Footprints".

Apparently the original painting is of life size 
Leejay footprints
but the print, with the miniature size footprints,
spoke to me.

You see, they reminded me of some very special little footprints that
walked into my life almost seven years ago.

Our fourth baby,
Isoefa Alofa,
was stillborn and the kind nurses at McMaster hospital
made footprints of my lost son.

Measurement in inches

Not long after we lost him, I found this meaningful quote:

"There is no foot so small 

that it cannot leave an imprint on this earth."

- unknown

Truth.

Thank you to my new friends, 

Leejay & Shirley Levene 

for adding some colour to my grief through
"Footprints".

No words, just feelings.

It's an honour to have this painting in my home.
It gently hugs & warms the tender depths of my heart.

For now, "Footprints" is displayed above my piano.
Interesting note: Leejay adopted an almost identical cat as the cat that we just adopted
in January and is pictured here.
This one's for Leejay's Lola, from our Katara.

Everyone would benefit from the thoughtful & moving art by
Leejay Levene.

When you purchase his calendar, 
you have months of inspiration through his artwork,
in combination with inspiring quotes 
from local and national citizens and celebrities.

Leejay's 2016 calendar can be purchased for 
$10.00 
at 
any Kitchener Public Library location,
Westmount Pharmacy
or
directly from
Shirley Levene.
Just tweet her!

I would also be more than willing to hook you up with your 
2016 Leejay Levene calendar.
Comment below or tweet me.

These calendars bring personal reflection and inspiration,
make meaningful gifts
and contribute to an incredible 
#community cause.

Go grab your calendar and I look forward to meeting you at the new
Teen Tech Livingroom
at the Kitchener Public Library.

Thank you Levene family,

with Love,
Daisy

Northern Falé IV

School has ended and home school begins.

In our house, that means ample room to

create, create, create.

My kids and their house-dreams.

Their dreams are big but helpful in understanding 

their desires for our new home.

The kids have been having fun creating their 

house-dreams in Minecraft

I asked Melaia, 10yrs. old, to send me a few pics

to post on my blog. She sent me 30.

Here's a few: 

We'll start in Melaia's room(s).

Reading/Library solarium attached to her bedroom. Trust me. It's only the beginning!

Two perspectives of Melaia's room. The 1st floor. Yup, she created two floors to her bedroom.

Melaia's bedroom. 2nd floor. Glass floor. Yup. You can see down to her BEDroom.

Melaia's 2nd floor bedROOM. She created so much space, she doesn't know what to do with it.

In-house Architect's critical analysis:
(by André Arseneault)
The extra room creates a nice vista of the beautiful landscape.
Melaia clearly enjoys the freedom of movement
with a simple palette of materials;
clean and modern.

Kitchen table in Kitchen

In-house Architect's critical analysis:

A homey and warm feeling with the wooden chairs.

A very different feel than her bedroom. 
There's not as much wood in her bedroom(s).

Lots of room for guests.

We'll most likely need a few more posts for Melaia's other pictures.

It was quite the extensive collection of perspectives.

To be continued...

Northern Falé journey continues... I,  II,  III, V & VI 

Northern Falé III

We have a century old double brick home.

A past owner painted over the brick. 

Depending on how the sun is shining, the paint can look white. 

Our kids would describe our house as white. 

Truthfully, the paint colour is an extremely pale mint green.
To me, the colour screams
"beach house".
We either need a beach implanted on our street
or a new colour. 
(I want the beach!) 

The brick has made for an awesome backdrop to some amateur photography that I've taken of my family.

I've always wanted to re-paint it.

In-house Architect says that's a no-no.

Painting deteriorates the brick quicker.

You can see clear evidence of that here:

Model: In-house Architect, André

Under the paint, the brick is greyish. 
I actually like the natural colour of the brick.

It doesn't matter what I like because André is 
planning on going all-out Modern.

Apparently, the cost & environmental impact of peeling off that paint is worth the transformation into modern century home.

No worries. 
As depicted in the pic above, 
in-house architect has thought about this long and hard. 
He's come to a final decision. 
Modern cladding. 
Right on top of the brick.

What's cladding? 
The clothes you wear are cladding over your birthday suit.

This ancient brick bod of a house will be fitted & dressed 
in a fine, brand spank'n new suit.

André gave me a little sneak peak 
at what cladding is inspiring him lately:

3333 SW Marine from Bentley Images on Vimeo.

I'll gladly take the car & garden with the new suit.

Northern Falé

Northern Falé II
Northern Falé IV
Northern Falé V
Northern Falé VI

Architecture Throwback & Forward Again

In 2004 we had two kids, boys, 2yrs. old & a 1yr. old.

André was in his 4th year of Architecture at the 

University of Waterloo, School of Architecture.

There's a Rome term during the 4th year of studying architecture.

We were barely scraping by as students, with two children, while in school but André's professors encouraged André to go to Rome. This incredible school supported us every step of the way. Professors advised André to gather money from all possible resources - savings, loans, family, etc. They encouraged us to make the sacrifices needed to go and partake of the 
invaluable education that was the Rome term.

We begged our families to support us. 

Our families helped us get to Rome. 

They were hesitant, as it was a significant sacrifice on their part but they did it.

We made it to Rome because of our incredibly supportive and trusting family.

Rome changed our lives forever.

History came alive. Ruins told stories of people, their lives and their communities. Layers of life lessons, both individual and collective, gushed out through the study of architecture within the layers of new buildings growing out of the old. 

Rome was a cultural feast.

We drank deeply from it's historical waters.

We played where the Romans played,

We walked where the Romans walked.

Our family changed forever in this historical playground.

Today, we reap the rewards of such a rich education and personal sacrifice. André has completed his architectural exams and as of February, has successfully passed each of the intensive exams.

He has achieved his goal of becoming an architect but we know that it didn't happen without the support and sacrifice of many people along the way.

This is part of why we love community.

We know what community has done for our family 

and we're determined to pay it forward.

This weekend André will be hosting another Jane's Walk in Uptown Waterloo.

This year's Jane's Walk will be dedicated to Leejay Levene, an aspiring architect, who tragically lost his life during a routine wisdom teeth extraction. Leejay was only 18 yrs. old and was on his way to the 

University of Toronto school of architecture. 

I have no doubt that he would've been a successful student and architect.

How do I know?

You can see it in his art - 

which will be on display at the Central Library Art Gallery 

from May 7th to May 27th, 2015.

All proceeds from sales of Leejay's Art & $10.00 calendar will benefit the Kitchener Public Library's future "Teen Tech Livingroom" at the Central library.

How else do I know that Leejay would've been a successful architect?

Look at his incredibly supportive family & friends.  

Like Rome, they continue to build on the successes & tragedies of the past.

Northern Falé II

To say the least, 

my kids are very excited 

to build our new home.

After living in our "student villa"

for over 12 years,

we're all feeling ready 

to make the

house of our dreams

a reality.

My kids have house-dreams too.

I've asked them to

design their dreams for our home

in Minecraft,

a popular kids building game.

First up is Rémi, 12yrs. old:

Rémi's redesign of the front of our home.

In-house Architect's critical analysis:

(by André Arseneault)

The front entry and generous porch space 

is obviously important to Rémi.

Réminds me somewhat of Frank Llyod Wright's 

style of Architecture.

Rémi's redesign of our kitchen.

In-house Architect's critical analysis:

Clearly lots of space for guests

and 

lots of space for eating.

A very social space as Rémi included books.

Nice view out to the landscape beyond.

Rémi's redesign of our kitchen table in a new diningroom.

In-house Architect's critical analysis:

I just see table.

Here's someone who likes to eat.

Clearly a Hobbit!

More to come!

Stay tuned!

Northern Falé journey: I, III, IV, V, VI 

Northern Falé

This year, 2015, will be the début

of our

"Northern Falé"

house design

Creative process, inspiration, plans, renderings, sketches 
and even "minecraft renderings" 
(c/o our children) 

will début here in 

#MyFale 

The design will be orchestrated by our 

"in-house Architect"

André Arseneault

We look forward to sharing 

with you the evolution of our 

Uptown Waterloo Home

*Update: the Northern Falé journey continues... II, III, IV, V & VI.

Knock Knock. Doors Open!

Doors Open Waterloo Region 2014

From Left: AirBoss Rubber Compounding (former Dominion Tire/Uniroyal Goodrich Plant) in Kitchener, School of Optometry in Waterloo, School of Architecture in Cambrdige and School of Pharmacy in Kitchener.
All images kindly provided by Doors Open Waterloo Region 
except School of Pharmacy image taken from @UWPharmacy on twitter

In an earlier blog post, I wrote about how I grew up with very little. No money was budgeted for entertainment in the community. My family never attended the local fair, rib-fest, busker-fest or whatever other kind of festival was going on in my hometown of London, Ontario Canada that involved money.

I didn't feel like I was missing out on too much because if there was something FREE happening in the community, my Dad seemed to know about it and we were there. Church events were FREE! Canada day events were FREE! The beach was FREE! Springbank park was FREE! The wading pool was FREE! (Are you hearing Adam Sandler from "Bedtime stories" say FREE?! I can clearly imagine my kids quoting that movie as they read my blog.) Visiting Santa was FREE! Skating at Victoria Park in the winter was FREE! The opening event of a new grocery store, or any other kind of grand-opening event was FREE! Hanging out with amateur astronomers and watching Halley's comet whiz by earth was FREEEEE! 

I know, you get it!

If there was a "Doors Open" back in the day, I gaurantee you, my Dad would be taking me to these events because you guessed it, Doors Open events are FREEEEE!!

From Left: Sun Life Financial in Waterloo, Floralane Produce in Woolwhich Township, Quarry in St. Jacobs and Martin's Family Fruit Farm in Woolwhich Township.

All images kindly provided by Doors Open Waterloo Region

What is Doors Open?

I remember a Doctor telling me that a cup of yogurt had more culture in it than he had.

Well, Doors Open would be the prescription for him.

The diversity of doors that open during this event is enough to fill your culture cravings.

If you're new to Doors Open, you might want to follow the following "5 Steps Up to Open the Door" advice. If you've attended Doors Open in the past, read on any ways because if you're anything like me, I need this advice every year.

5 Steps Up to Open the Door

#1. Get your hands on a Doors Open Waterloo Region Event Map & Guide. You can find one at your local library or check out the online version here. If you haven't recycled your Saturday, Sept. 13th Waterloo Region Record, there's one in there too.

#2. Read thoroughly.

#3. Don't fall into the temptation to visit every single site that looks interesting to you. This will be hard. 2-3 sites can easily be a full day depending on the locations. It's really, really easy to lose time at one site and before you know it, 2 hours has flown by. This is the beauty of Doors Open. Embrace it!

#4. Scrap my advice and do whatever the heck you want. I've already picked out 5 sites (which are in 3 different cities and 1 village) and I'm just going for it. You can't stop me!

#5. If you feel the anxiety attack coming on, go back to steps 1-3 and have yourself a great morning, afternoon or day.

Here's a small taste of recent Doors Open events that my family has attended:

When my husband worked at Cannon Design, Toronto, his office participated in Doors Open. They have a creative office with stunning views of the city! This was also an opportunity for Cannon Design to showcase their work to the greater community and my kids enjoyed imagining working there too.

We stopped at the 19th century St. Andrew's Church in Toronto - A congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. We were serenaded by the accomplished organist and also explored The 48th Highlanders Museum  downstairs.

Our Doors Open Toronto adventures also took us to the Architectural offices of Diamond Schmitt Architects but we did not take any photos there because their office was bursting at the seams with people admiring their work and listening to on-site lectures by the architects. The mini workshop in their office stood out to me. Diamond Schmitt Architects continue to make hand-made models of their buildings for their clients. We had to hurry the kids away from that exciting little workshop with so many fun looking toys tools.

My son Rémi loves films, so, off we went to the Open Doors of TIFF! We got some behind the scenes tours (no photos allowed) and learned that we could go into the community resource area anytime and watch pretty much any movie that has ever existed. For FREEEE! (not on big screen. nice computer screen. with headphones. research area.) Just Wow! Lovely historical exhibitions there too. An enlightening visit!

Last years Doors Open Waterloo Region took us down the street from our house to Creative Enterprise Initiative (CEI) where local artists rent out studios. These artists showcased their work for us and it was enriching to see what kind of magic was happening just up the street from our home.
Left to Right: Fun lego homes by Artist Dan Schumacher, CEI's sign - taken from their Facebook page - and gorgeous wood sculpturing by local artist Nicole Waddick.

Last years Doors Open in Waterloo Region also took us to the new Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum Nano-Centre that houses Nanotechnology Engineering at the University of Waterloo. The architecture is stunning and is as intelligent as the scientists it houses. My kids were enamoured by the Engineering Science Quest team where they were actively engaged with fun science experiments. Doors Open Waterloo Region was also the perfect place to bring a visiting friend. We even got FREEEE yo-yo's!

A Pre-Doors Open Event  in my family goes something like this:

Kids: What are we doing today?

Us: We're going to Doors Open!! Yay!!!

Kids: AWWWWWWW!! This SUCKS! It sounds SO BORING!! 

Us: Well, we're all going as a family outing and we want you guys to be careful because you just might have fun!

**We leave and attend a Doors Open site**

Kids: THIS IS THE BEST DAY EVER!!!

(Perhaps this is a conversation some of us have with our inner-child sometimes?!)

You're going to Love Doors Open Waterloo Region. Whether you're a local resident, or coming in from out of town, there's lots to do and see and there's something for all ages. You will see all kinds of people playing "tourist" for the day, peeling through the map & guide and wondering what door to open next. All you need to bring with you is your curiosity and expect to walk away with new stories to add to your very own. 

The doors open this Saturday, September 20th, 2014 all across Waterloo Region. 
Most doors are open from 10am - 5pm. The weather looks perfect!

If you're participating in #livelocalkw here in Waterloo Region, this event will definitely put a notch or two on your local belt. 

As a special treat, my husband was voluntold to fill in for local Architect and Chair of the Grand Valley Society of Architects (GVSA), David Thompson, who is currently under one of those tight architecture deadlines. André Arseneault, executive member & tweeter of the GVSA, is honoured to share a few words with you about the value of Doors Open to this region: 

"Doors Open allows us the opportunity to fully experience Architecture in an intimate way. Typically, only the architect and the occupants of the architect's design get to fully enjoy and celebrate the spacial experience of the finished product. When architects begin the design process, the hope is that people that inhabit the space or experience the building from the street, will feel those special moments that were orchestrated to embrace the unique architectural narrative that was customized by the place and people that the building was planned to host. When you attend Doors Open Waterloo Region, pay particular attention to the way the light shapes the spaces, how the materials evoke feelings within you, the way the building frames the outdoor views from the interior and how the building connects to it's exterior surroundings. I wish you all the very best in your Doors Open adventures and hope the "common threads" of this year's thematic studies help to create strong memories for you to carry forward in the year to come. Until our next Doors Open in 2015, enjoy!"   

 ~ André Arseneault, B.A.S, MArch, MRAIC 

I guarantee you one thing about Doors Open: Doors Open will surprise you!

Left to Right: Independent Living Center of Waterloo Region, Schnurr's Hall in Linwood, Desire to Learn in Lang Tannery and West Montrose Covered Bridge, 
"The Kissing Bridge".

** Potential Door (Open?!) Prize! **

If you choose to visit "The Kissing Bridge", you may be lucky enough to spot Dee Brun/Cocktail Deeva on her riverside home patio beside the Grand River. Be sure to wave! Also, take an outside peek at her new Bed & Breakfast, "Olde Bridge Place" right beside the bridge. If you like what you see, you just might be invited to spend two FREEEE nights at this darling little country retreat. All you have to do is enter Dee's AMAZING contest and if you win, the FREEEE continues with more first class prizes that add up to total $1585.00. In other words, if you like FREEEE, you're going to like DEE! This historic bridge has a special place in my heart and I'm enjoying watching Dee showcase it's charming beauty through "Olde Bridge Place". Good luck to you if you enter!