Nanaimo was a surprise for me. I'd envisioned a small logging town of ugly shacks and boxy grey liquor stores. At a hundred and fourty thousand, the population was several times larger than expected and the city's appearance and heritage were obviously valued by the municipality.

Craig owns a sailboat. In the afternoon, we circumnavigated Newcastle Island and Protection Island, just off the coast of Nanaimo. It was beautiful, but I can't say it was calming. The waters are filled with an almost comedic number of recklessly driven boats, seals, stray logs, and small planes preparing for take-off.

The ferry trip to Nanaimo allowed me some time to focus on writing some music. I got comfortable at one of the newly installed work-stations, plugged in my laptop, donned my headphones, and 'worked' as the pretty pine-covered islands scrolled past.

When in Alberta, I assembled my family's entire collection of home movies; a suitcase full of reel to reel film canisters dating from the early 1950s to the late 1980s. Today, I'll be traveling to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island to drop them off with my friend Craig Burdes.

This Saturday was the annual Zombie Walk, an event that originated in Vancouver a few years ago, and is now mimicked in many other cities across the globe.

Things I will especially miss about Alberta

I've posted my concept art for "Bomberman Live", available for download from Xbox Live Arcade. From what I can tell, critics and fans have received it very positively. The classic original is a personal favourite, and to work on pre-production for this remake was an absolute treat.

Having already experienced the West Edmonton Mall, my friend Silver and I decided instead to explore the Muttart Conservatory, and later, Edmonton's Fringe Festival.

Just before my trip, I decided to use my laptop and tablet at a figure drawing session. I've posted two studies from that day, both made using Corel Painter; a long necked lady and a morbid looking lifeless body.

This weekend, I made my way from Lethbridge to Edmonton, pausing in suburban Calgary to watch my brother practice with his "AC-DC" tribute band, "AB-CD".

Aging skids. Unfinished basement. Eighties posters used as wallpaper. Drinking. Smoking. Unreasonable amplification. My tinnitus has undoubtedly been worsened, but it was a suitable way to pass time in the heart of redneck Alberta.

I may post a sketch of the event, but I'll have to locate a scanner first.