Hi,  thanks for visiting Tara Cronica and my ‘it’s all about me‘ page! Originally from Australia, I came to Canada at age four rockin’ an accent that apparently only lasted a few months according to old tape recordings. I’m gonna claim that was the first time I ever reinvented myself  : ) It’s fitting, then, that I’ve spent a big chunk of my working life as a stand-in and photo double in the film business.

I managed to snag a great guy who loves me so much he’s been able to see past all the ‘lunar cycle’ drama I’ve subjected him to over the years and still imagine a great future for the both of us. My kids are pretty much on autopilot so to fill my days I paint with juicy oils and funky brushes,  spend lots of time with my amazingly inspirational girlfriends… and I dream. I dream so much I often don’t get dinner made on time or the vacuuming done or my paintings completed.  My dreams sometimes paralyze me because I’m so afraid they won’t come true.  What having coffee with my girlfriends does is allows me to see that I can still be a worthwhile person even if I don’t get my bed made that day.

Over the years I’ve heard myself referred to as ‘proper’ and ‘prudish’. I get where these labels are coming from because…

a) I don’t swear.  Well, very, very little and only when I’m extremely frustrated or drunk!

b) I can’t handle scatological humor, aka bathroom jokes.  I don’t understand the point of Borat.

In truth, I’ve only seen clips so maybe you could argue I’m just being ignorant. So be it. I’ve never made a sex tape and I think passing gas or burping and then drawing attention to the fact by laughing is so unclassy.

Many times I’ve been called a good listener and I’m pretty proud of this tag, so much so that I once considered going into the counseling business. I’m likely to offer my honest opinion even if I think it might be uncomfortable as long as I think it might be helpful. My newest rule is that conversations must be no more than 10% productive venting (or straight-up friendly gossip) and 90% positive energy. I have to remind myself constantly that life is pretty good when you focus on what you have rather than on what you don’t.

Favorite things? I love sushi, washing dishes by hand and peonies. I’m totally hooked on ‘The Real Housewives of Orange County’ and wish I could get a daily fix like Y&R. I could tirelessly wander through art galleries all day but I tend to get obsessed and want to buy and I can’t do that so I get frustrated and grouchy and need to step back and go for a glass of wine to collect myself and decompress…aaahhh.! Yeah, it’s been a problem. Like some women have with shoes. Or jewelry. Did I mention I love jewelry, too?

I used to think I wasn’t particularly spiritual but I’ve since been assured that my fascination with the world and all its beautiful nooks and crannies, and my belief in the power of a positive attitude, is a valid form of spirituality. I believe in treating everyone with respect and fairness. Those close to me also get wine and food when they visit and, if you really want to become part of my inner circle, poke around Tara Cronica regularly and experience firsthand all the ups and downs of my very typical suburban married, three offspring, one pet, mightily-mortgaged, forever-floundering and repeatedly-reinvented life.

Self portrait California 2009 ~ Me driving solo from Vancouver to San Fran and back ~ Loved it! Nervous grin as I’m actually on the highway while snapping the pic. Hey, no one else was there to do it!

My Favourite Local Galleries:

AYDEN Gallery, Vancouver, BC

JENKINS SHOWLER Gallery, White Rock, BC

ADELE CAMPBELL Gallery, Whistler BC

KURBATOFF Gallery, Vancouver, BC

Artists Who Create Stuff That I Would if I Were As Good:

Donna Baspaly,  Andrea Padovani,  Karen Rieger,  Angie Reed Garner,  Silvia Bertini,  Laurie Koss,  Sveta Esser, Elizabeth Fiedel, Laura Meseroll, Paul Jorgensen,  Berge Missakian, Mike Svob,  Laura Harris, Marie Heath,