Summer solstice arrives soon. The longest day. I wish there were more.
This past month I've been working with my web master to redesign my website. I knew an e-commerce site was needed to make my art available as prints to anyone interested. Yet I also yearned for control of which images went up on the site, and the ability to take them down or add new ones on a whim. So we met in her dining room/office, since Sherry works from her home, and reviewed the possibilities together. After many emails and suggestions and web examples were passed back and forth, we decided, at least for now, to use Fine Art America (a website for artists) to give me control of the things I had to keep up with, and she linked it to the updated website that she maintains for me. Now, when you go to my website, it'll have a link to my available art, from which you can order prints or notecards.
Maintaining a website is time consuming and so I have always had Sherry as my webmaster. I like this new combination where she can deal with the technical issues and I just upload or remove my images.
When you have a few minutes, check it out. Yes, more images will be loaded ( I have over 200 to get on there!)
And if you really want to know more about Webmaster Sherry, you can visit her site, too.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Mama
Happy Mother's Day.
That was a typical response from Mama. Two others: "Just because...." usually followed by "I don't," and every mother's response "Because I said so," laid just behind the first one. My mother was never very forthcoming or verbose when it came to that sort of thing. Communication for her was direct and simple. To the point. At times, it didn't serve her well - she often came across to those who either didn't know her, or to those whose feelings were easily touched, as insensitive. Perhaps she was. But, to her credit, she rarely ever meant to be. She simply spoke her mind, as she would call it. "Telling the truth."
Mama wasn't the easiest woman to grow up with. She could be critical to a fault and held high expectations of her children. There were times when I was young I thought she felt and believed we should be mind readers and KNOW what she wanted.
For all of her shortcomings, Mama had many wonderful attributes. She was a good mother who adored and loved all of her children. She tried to love us all equally, but I think that is a difficulty for any mother. All children are not made alike. At any rate, she attempted to treat us equally and that was the best she, or any mother, could be expected to do.
Mama enjoyed having our friends over to the house when we were young. She had a way of being there and being absent at the same time. She could be a lot of fun and she had a great sense of humor. I know she loved to dance and played bridge, poker and golf. She was good at the two latter. I don't know about the former. Mama had a good many friends, many who drove miles at their elderly ages to attend her funeral. I was overwhelmed with the numbers who showed up to pay their last respects.
Mama's last years were hard. She had been divorced from my father a little over 30 years. She never really forgave him for leaving, but she was still hit hard when he died. His presence in our lives, and hers, is another story entirely. Mama lived alone in her condo when she began having health issues. Health issues she kept from her children, mostly because she didn't want to be a burden and partly because of her fears of being dependent and in a nursing home. Mama was a cancer survivor of 13 years when she passed away unexpectedly. She'd beat the cancer, but couldn't beat the ravages of time on the body and brain. Even then, though, she remained a very pretty lady who still loved her family.
To say I miss my mother is simply not enough. Mama would leave it at that. I cannot. The death of my mother has been the most difficult, emotional upheaval of all the things I've ever experienced. It made me much more aware of the positive influence her life had on me, rather than focusing on the regular bickering that was our habit. I wish every day that she was back. That I could have a few do-overs. That I could say some things more gently and not say other things at all.
When I look in the mirror these days, I see a lot of my mother looking back. I favor my father as well, but I have my mother's body, her eyebrows, her tenacity, her directness and her hands. The highest compliment anyone can give me is to say, "You remind me so much of your mother." Good and bad, I love that. I love her. I miss her every single day.
This is my mother.
Her name was Charlotte Lorene. She hated her middle name.
I remember asking her why. "I just don't like it."
That was a typical response from Mama. Two others: "Just because...." usually followed by "I don't," and every mother's response "Because I said so," laid just behind the first one. My mother was never very forthcoming or verbose when it came to that sort of thing. Communication for her was direct and simple. To the point. At times, it didn't serve her well - she often came across to those who either didn't know her, or to those whose feelings were easily touched, as insensitive. Perhaps she was. But, to her credit, she rarely ever meant to be. She simply spoke her mind, as she would call it. "Telling the truth."
Mama wasn't the easiest woman to grow up with. She could be critical to a fault and held high expectations of her children. There were times when I was young I thought she felt and believed we should be mind readers and KNOW what she wanted.
For all of her shortcomings, Mama had many wonderful attributes. She was a good mother who adored and loved all of her children. She tried to love us all equally, but I think that is a difficulty for any mother. All children are not made alike. At any rate, she attempted to treat us equally and that was the best she, or any mother, could be expected to do.
Mama enjoyed having our friends over to the house when we were young. She had a way of being there and being absent at the same time. She could be a lot of fun and she had a great sense of humor. I know she loved to dance and played bridge, poker and golf. She was good at the two latter. I don't know about the former. Mama had a good many friends, many who drove miles at their elderly ages to attend her funeral. I was overwhelmed with the numbers who showed up to pay their last respects.
Mama's last years were hard. She had been divorced from my father a little over 30 years. She never really forgave him for leaving, but she was still hit hard when he died. His presence in our lives, and hers, is another story entirely. Mama lived alone in her condo when she began having health issues. Health issues she kept from her children, mostly because she didn't want to be a burden and partly because of her fears of being dependent and in a nursing home. Mama was a cancer survivor of 13 years when she passed away unexpectedly. She'd beat the cancer, but couldn't beat the ravages of time on the body and brain. Even then, though, she remained a very pretty lady who still loved her family.
To say I miss my mother is simply not enough. Mama would leave it at that. I cannot. The death of my mother has been the most difficult, emotional upheaval of all the things I've ever experienced. It made me much more aware of the positive influence her life had on me, rather than focusing on the regular bickering that was our habit. I wish every day that she was back. That I could have a few do-overs. That I could say some things more gently and not say other things at all.
When I look in the mirror these days, I see a lot of my mother looking back. I favor my father as well, but I have my mother's body, her eyebrows, her tenacity, her directness and her hands. The highest compliment anyone can give me is to say, "You remind me so much of your mother." Good and bad, I love that. I love her. I miss her every single day.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Squirrel Release - Squirrel Rescue Story Part Four
Update 4/30/2013
Scroll to end of this post.
Young Squirrel came home this morning.
My friend Sarah arrived shortly before 8 a.m. to witness the event. Shortly after 8, Melissa arrived with two volunteers. The squirrel was covered by a blanket inside in a towel-covered crate.
At the same time, a mama bunny was feeding her babies in the back yard at the base of the tree the sibling squirrel had clung to after I carted the sister off to rescue. So we calmly walked around the other side of the yard and Melissa set the crate down at a tree near the back of my property.
Melissa removed the towel, opened the crate, removed tiny containers of food and water, plus the blanket, then stepped back. At this point we had 5 people in the back yard, two of us with cameras, and a squirrel that didn't seem inclined to leave.
Scroll to end of this post.
Young Squirrel came home this morning.
My friend Sarah arrived shortly before 8 a.m. to witness the event. Shortly after 8, Melissa arrived with two volunteers. The squirrel was covered by a blanket inside in a towel-covered crate.
At the same time, a mama bunny was feeding her babies in the back yard at the base of the tree the sibling squirrel had clung to after I carted the sister off to rescue. So we calmly walked around the other side of the yard and Melissa set the crate down at a tree near the back of my property.
Melissa removed the towel, opened the crate, removed tiny containers of food and water, plus the blanket, then stepped back. At this point we had 5 people in the back yard, two of us with cameras, and a squirrel that didn't seem inclined to leave.
Melissa walked back and tilted the crate. Young squirrel clung to the walls of the crate, but eventually leapt out, then onto a nearby tree. We expected her to climb up, but instead, she clung and watched us. I could see her chest heaving as she breathed. Then, she leapt down, onto another tree and back off, then over to the fence and into the neighbor's yard. Last we saw, she was hanging on that fence before disappearing into that wooded back yard.
Success. This young squirrel had a traumatic start on her road to independence. We've done what we could, now it's up to her.
Latest photo of the teen girl squirrel below. I've continued to see her off and on. My neighbor asked how I knew it was her. Honestly, I didn't know how to explain. So I went out to take a photo and sure enough - see the scar? Near her shoulder blade. Of course, I can't see that from a distance. A connection? Some subtle characteristics? Makes no matter. Sometimes you just know.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Squirrel Rescue Story- Part Three - Richmond Wildlife Rescue
I "friended" Melissa Stanley on Facebook several years ago after we met briefly at an event sponsored by an animal welfare group we were both supporting at the time. I believe it was Joey Stanley, her beloved mutt who had his own page, who sent the friend request. Melissa was actively involved at the time with raising awareness about canine cancer, since Joey had been stricken and was a survivor. I was showing and selling my art at an event to raise money for a local canine cancer awareness group. As years passed, Melissa began posting about wildlife rescue as well. The next thing I knew, she was on her own, raising funds with the dream of opening her own facility to not only rescue, but house and rehabilitate the injured. So I "cyberstalked" and checked on her posts now and again. This girl was going to make it happen.
And so she did. I wish the facility had been opened when I rescued a Cooper's Hawk off of I-295 after it careened into the corner of a tractor trailer.
At any rate, the Richmond Wildlife Center and Animal Services of Richmond opened very recently in the Midlothian area of metro Richmond, making it accessible to nearby counties. And not too soon for my injured squirrel. The facility is on the second floor above the Winterfield Veterinary Hospital. The use of the space is generously donated by the landlord of the building. Although they are not affiliated and are completely separate entities, Winterfield does generously donate the use of equipment if needed, and their reception staff will notify RWC when a rescue client arrives. Donation is the key word I heard over and over when talking with Melissa. This 501 C-3 operates on the generosity of others. I'll get back to this at the end of this post.
I asked Melissa about the two names - Richmond Wildlife Center (the business entity) and Animal Services of Richmond (the corporate name.) In short, this allows the facility to be a full-service practice which provides service not only to native wildlife, but also to non-native (exotic) species that may be kept as companion animals. For example, the young squirrel would be the former, the Pekin duck and Mute Swan that were rehabilitated earlier this spring would be the latter. While she is in no way "in competition" with local veterinarians, many do not service exotic animals, so this gives those animals in distress another option for care.
Once I had the squirrel ready to go, I loaded her in my van and headed to the center. I had been on the phone several times with Melissa during the rescue attempts, but my call kept dropping (thanks Verizon!) At least we were able to communicate well enough to know I was doing the right things or have her direct me with instruction, and finally to let Melissa know I was on the way once I was able to contain the youngster. Which, by the way, quoting Melissa, "Comparing her to a human, she is a rambunctious teenager and very wild now. She is technically classified as a juvenile here in our center."
When I arrived, I'd been requested to leave the squirrel in the car. Since the rescue facility is on the 2nd floor of a veterinarian office, it wasn't a good idea to risk mixing domestic and wild animals. Melissa also had told me to keep the car ambient and quiet, to keep the stress level down if possible during the ride. Once they assessed the size of the squirrel, they very quickly were able to move her to critical care. First I filled in a page with basic info, who, what, where, how, basically. The entire transfer could not have taken more than 5 minutes and I was on my way home.
What impressed me was 1. how calm Melissa and her volunteer were and 2. how organized they were. I was handed a business card with a patient i.d. number so I could check on the squirrel. And that I did. Melissa very nicely handled each of my questions with direct answers and not once did she treat me as if I was intruding on her time. Considering it is spring and she and her volunteers are incredibly busy, that speaks volumes. Our goal has been the same - either humanely euthanize the creature if she could not be helped, or nurse it back to health and bring her home.
I will add here what Melissa has told me about the care of the squirrel at the facility. "Your squirrel on arrival was put under anesthesia and her wounds were cleaned thoroughly. She was scrubbed with betadine and her deep wounds were flushed with sodium chloride. She did very well during the procedure and she was on pain meds for several days and on antibiotics for 14 days. We had to hand feed her twice a day as her lower incisors had been knocked loose. This was no easy task and required 2 people and thick safety gloves in order to feed her.
She was moved outdoors several days ago to begin the acclimation process. She is still on schedule to be released tomorrow, weather pending."
So, there ends Part Three of the squirrel rescue story. Can you imagine feeding a wild squirrel with gloves? I have nothing but admiration for the determination of those who do this type of work and volunteering.
Depending on how the release goes, I may post a Part Four. I will do a follow-up at the very least.
Now, back to donations. As with any non-profit, Richmond Wildlife Center depends on the generosity of others. Melissa speaks well of her corporate sponsors as well as the local veterinary community for their donations of time, personnel and equipment. I plan to offer a donation, and based on what I've experienced with this squirrel, I know it will barely begin to cover costs. But a little is better than none. For anyone interested in donating, go to this portion of the website for Animal Services of Richmond more information.
Or simply write a check to either Animal Services of Richmond or Richmond Wildlife Center and mail it to :
Animal Services of Richmond
P.O. Box 14694
Richmond, Va 23221
And so she did. I wish the facility had been opened when I rescued a Cooper's Hawk off of I-295 after it careened into the corner of a tractor trailer.
At any rate, the Richmond Wildlife Center and Animal Services of Richmond opened very recently in the Midlothian area of metro Richmond, making it accessible to nearby counties. And not too soon for my injured squirrel. The facility is on the second floor above the Winterfield Veterinary Hospital. The use of the space is generously donated by the landlord of the building. Although they are not affiliated and are completely separate entities, Winterfield does generously donate the use of equipment if needed, and their reception staff will notify RWC when a rescue client arrives. Donation is the key word I heard over and over when talking with Melissa. This 501 C-3 operates on the generosity of others. I'll get back to this at the end of this post.
I asked Melissa about the two names - Richmond Wildlife Center (the business entity) and Animal Services of Richmond (the corporate name.) In short, this allows the facility to be a full-service practice which provides service not only to native wildlife, but also to non-native (exotic) species that may be kept as companion animals. For example, the young squirrel would be the former, the Pekin duck and Mute Swan that were rehabilitated earlier this spring would be the latter. While she is in no way "in competition" with local veterinarians, many do not service exotic animals, so this gives those animals in distress another option for care.
Once I had the squirrel ready to go, I loaded her in my van and headed to the center. I had been on the phone several times with Melissa during the rescue attempts, but my call kept dropping (thanks Verizon!) At least we were able to communicate well enough to know I was doing the right things or have her direct me with instruction, and finally to let Melissa know I was on the way once I was able to contain the youngster. Which, by the way, quoting Melissa, "Comparing her to a human, she is a rambunctious teenager and very wild now. She is technically classified as a juvenile here in our center."
When I arrived, I'd been requested to leave the squirrel in the car. Since the rescue facility is on the 2nd floor of a veterinarian office, it wasn't a good idea to risk mixing domestic and wild animals. Melissa also had told me to keep the car ambient and quiet, to keep the stress level down if possible during the ride. Once they assessed the size of the squirrel, they very quickly were able to move her to critical care. First I filled in a page with basic info, who, what, where, how, basically. The entire transfer could not have taken more than 5 minutes and I was on my way home.
What impressed me was 1. how calm Melissa and her volunteer were and 2. how organized they were. I was handed a business card with a patient i.d. number so I could check on the squirrel. And that I did. Melissa very nicely handled each of my questions with direct answers and not once did she treat me as if I was intruding on her time. Considering it is spring and she and her volunteers are incredibly busy, that speaks volumes. Our goal has been the same - either humanely euthanize the creature if she could not be helped, or nurse it back to health and bring her home.
I will add here what Melissa has told me about the care of the squirrel at the facility. "Your squirrel on arrival was put under anesthesia and her wounds were cleaned thoroughly. She was scrubbed with betadine and her deep wounds were flushed with sodium chloride. She did very well during the procedure and she was on pain meds for several days and on antibiotics for 14 days. We had to hand feed her twice a day as her lower incisors had been knocked loose. This was no easy task and required 2 people and thick safety gloves in order to feed her.
So, there ends Part Three of the squirrel rescue story. Can you imagine feeding a wild squirrel with gloves? I have nothing but admiration for the determination of those who do this type of work and volunteering.
Depending on how the release goes, I may post a Part Four. I will do a follow-up at the very least.
Now, back to donations. As with any non-profit, Richmond Wildlife Center depends on the generosity of others. Melissa speaks well of her corporate sponsors as well as the local veterinary community for their donations of time, personnel and equipment. I plan to offer a donation, and based on what I've experienced with this squirrel, I know it will barely begin to cover costs. But a little is better than none. For anyone interested in donating, go to this portion of the website for Animal Services of Richmond more information.
Or simply write a check to either Animal Services of Richmond or Richmond Wildlife Center and mail it to :
Animal Services of Richmond
P.O. Box 14694
Richmond, Va 23221
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Squirrel Rescue Story - Part Two
To start from the beginning, go here.
Quick update 4/13/2013 - Baby squirrel wounds are healing, but she is not eating on her own and is currently being hand-fed.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Squirrel Rescue Story
This past Friday, as I sat right here at my breakfast table, looking out the double window that overlooks nearly my entire back yard, I heard high-pitched screeching. Horrible, high-pitched screaming, that could only be an animal. I was pretty sure it was a squirrel and my assumption was that a roaming cat had captured one.
I leapt to run out the back porch door. My hound Gabby was faster than I and already out the screen door. I closed the other dogs inside and rushed to the fence on my side property line to find a ball of screaming, gray fur. With Gabby there, the ball came apart and two squirrels ran chattering and fussing up the nearby tree to their nest. Suddenly, by my foot, a 3rd young squirrel bolted upright and ran through the picket fence posts to my neighbor's yard. As I watched I realized this squirrel was injured...it couldn't seem to stay on the post, or make it back to the tree. It tried to climb on and in the black compost bin my neighbor keeps. In a matter of seconds, it hid against the bin.
I ran inside, pulling Gabby with me. I grabbed a towel, then into the garage for my cat crate, out the side door to my neighbor's front door, ringing the bell. I explained there was an injured squirrel in his yard and I'd be there trying to capture it. His daughter came out to help, thankfully, because I needed her. With one of us on either side of the fence, our goal was to keep the squirrel from getting back to my yard, which is full of trees, shrubs and brush and would provide her with too many places to hide and die. At one point the mother squirrel came rushing back out when the youngster began hollering again, only to leap on her baby and begin biting her. At the time, I believe she was trying to pick her up as a mother cat carries her kittens, but the wound between the youngster's shoulder blades must have made the attempts painful. So more screaming ensued and after a few seconds of tousling, the baby landed on her back. I swooped in and grabbed her, but not well. The baby screamed again, the mother came flying and baby got away. To shorten this part of the episode, I eventually was able to toss a towel completely over the youngster. I let her rest for a few moments then gently picked her up and put her in the cat crate. Of course, more screaming and mother squirrel was there for the entire process.
If you've never heard a wild animal scream, it is unmistakeable. I knew squirrels chattered, but the pain and fear this scream contained was blood-curdling. It was a piercing sound, like a hawk; a squeal, like a rabbit; and a growling, guttural sound like an angry cat all put into one. What hit me later, was that during this episode, the mother squirrel was the only one that responded (besides me) and my yard has no shortage of squirrels. Mothers know the sounds of their babies.
I was able to take the young squirrel to rescue. Newly opened Richmond Wildlife Center, where she remains currently. I don't yet know her prognosis - I won't be surprised to find her spine is damaged - but so far she is resting and alive. If she will eat and heals well, we'd like to release her back here where her home is.
The rescue, however, isn't the fascinating part. It was watching the interaction of the squirrel mother and her babies - yes there is another youngster that became part of this story. And since no one likes a long blog post...that will be Part II.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Busy Painting
I have been seriously painting these past few weeks. In the studio. Painting. Tis feeling wonderful.
Here are three of the several works in progress.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
Exhibit in Gloucester
Another exhibit of my work is opening this Friday, 6-9 p.m., in Gloucester, Virginia at Gloucester Arts on Main. This includes work from 2005 until 2012. Other than in my studio, you won't get to see this much of my art in one place.
Come visit. Show remains on view until February 25.
Come visit. Show remains on view until February 25.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Student Progress
My student Bill has given me permission to share his progress on his most recent painting.
Bill joined my classes two years ago, give or take.
His first project was a huge painting of a horse. It was phenomenal. Bill paints painstakingly slow, but he's thoughtful and methodical, and in his infinite wisdom, takes all of my advice. Seriously, he listens and tries out anything I suggest. When it doesn't work for him, we try a different tactic.
After the first horse, he did a painting of his daughter on a horse. More techniques down.
Then he brought in this:
A ginormous painting of his daughter at a young age he'd done several years ago with another instructor. We looked it over and he honestly just wanted to start over. Nope. He had the basis down, why do that? And he'd learn a LOT along the way as he corrected mistakes and brought the painting to the final version. It would be a good lesson for him and good for other students to watch it evolve.
The red marks are what he did on the first night with me...correcting proportions, shapes and placement.
Approximately 7 months later, he's about ready to sign it after a few more tweaks. It's beautiful, just like his now grown daughter.
Bill joined my classes two years ago, give or take.
His first project was a huge painting of a horse. It was phenomenal. Bill paints painstakingly slow, but he's thoughtful and methodical, and in his infinite wisdom, takes all of my advice. Seriously, he listens and tries out anything I suggest. When it doesn't work for him, we try a different tactic.
After the first horse, he did a painting of his daughter on a horse. More techniques down.
Then he brought in this:
The red marks are what he did on the first night with me...correcting proportions, shapes and placement.
Approximately 7 months later, he's about ready to sign it after a few more tweaks. It's beautiful, just like his now grown daughter.
Monday, January 14, 2013
An Extra 5 Minutes
This isn't what you might be expecting.
It's about a funeral procession.
It cost me an extra round at the stoplight this morning. 5 minutes. It's the least I can do for the grieving friends and family that were trying to keep up with the procession. Through a very busy, dangerous 6 lane intersection. (2 right turns, 2 left turns and two straight lanes on all sides.)
The number of cars (people) who began to bolt into the procession simply because their light turned green was surprising. The honking and fists and baffled looks followed. But, bless 'em, everyone in that procession remained in line, honked back and kept on going.
How many were texting before the light turned? How many were simply in a hurry and didn't care? How many had their music blaring and thumping? How many felt entitled, because it was their "turn to go?" What if it were your loved on in the hearse? What if it were you, trying to not get lost on the way to the cemetery?
I remember a time when you STOPPED for a funeral procession no matter what. and waited for the ENTIRE party to pass. In respect.
I know it's dangerous now and without a police escort, which is also rare anymore, it's safer to get a map and wait at the light if you are part of the procession. I know; I've done it.
But in a country where we continue to grouse about the lack of manners and civility, is this really too much for us to take a moment and wait? Really, it doesn't matter that the person going to the cemetery isn't "ours."
Because one day, it will be.
It's about a funeral procession.
It cost me an extra round at the stoplight this morning. 5 minutes. It's the least I can do for the grieving friends and family that were trying to keep up with the procession. Through a very busy, dangerous 6 lane intersection. (2 right turns, 2 left turns and two straight lanes on all sides.)
The number of cars (people) who began to bolt into the procession simply because their light turned green was surprising. The honking and fists and baffled looks followed. But, bless 'em, everyone in that procession remained in line, honked back and kept on going.
How many were texting before the light turned? How many were simply in a hurry and didn't care? How many had their music blaring and thumping? How many felt entitled, because it was their "turn to go?" What if it were your loved on in the hearse? What if it were you, trying to not get lost on the way to the cemetery?
I remember a time when you STOPPED for a funeral procession no matter what. and waited for the ENTIRE party to pass. In respect.
I know it's dangerous now and without a police escort, which is also rare anymore, it's safer to get a map and wait at the light if you are part of the procession. I know; I've done it.
But in a country where we continue to grouse about the lack of manners and civility, is this really too much for us to take a moment and wait? Really, it doesn't matter that the person going to the cemetery isn't "ours."
Because one day, it will be.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Kudos #1- Dr. Allison Faber
This year I have embraced a "quest for the positive."
With that thought in mind, I've had this nagging idea to shout out kudos to those in my community who have had a positive impact in my life as well as others. So I'm starting this year with:
It makes perfect sense that those who help me care for my animals be at the top of my list.
Dr. Faber holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine and is certified in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. She practices what I call holistic animal care, or alternative medicine, for small animals and horses. Dr. Faber gave up a traditional practice and uses her intuition as well as her medical background to help countless animals (and their humans) find ways to tackle animal health issues that traditional (or western) medicine just doesn't seem to address. The idea is to rebalance the body, "giving the body the power to heal itself." I can attest to her success based on the results we've had with my own fur-family.
Dr. Faber is not a primary veterinarian, (Kudos to them next go round) and doesn't take their place. I see them as complements to one another. For example, currently my big guy Eugene has typical old dog issues, plus laryngeal paralysis and peripheral neuropathy. My regular vet not only does his bloodwork, annual checkups, and dispenses regular meds, but also does laser therapy for his spine and hips. Dr. Faber offers chiropractic adjustments and herbal remedies for his issues as well. Combined, I have a dog that is coping quite well and still mentally alert. And I have two teams of experienced vets looking out for his well-being. How lucky is he?!
Dr. Faber has also sadly seen two of my furkids through to their final days. Alternative medicine doesn't "fix" our pets, but it makes their lives healthier and easier until their time is complete.
I adore Dr. Faber. Upon meeting her I could feel her strength and her gentleness. Tall, fit and beautiful, it's easy to picture her on horseback or hiking. There is a confidant, earth-mother aura about her. Dr. Faber is generous of spirit and heart. Her smile is huge and her gentle approach to animals is quite intuitive. She exudes peacefulness. Even my nervous nellies have warmed to her.
We are thankful to have discovered Dr. Faber and grateful that she is a presence in our lives.
With that thought in mind, I've had this nagging idea to shout out kudos to those in my community who have had a positive impact in my life as well as others. So I'm starting this year with:
Dr. Allison Faber.
Dr. Faber holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine and is certified in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. She practices what I call holistic animal care, or alternative medicine, for small animals and horses. Dr. Faber gave up a traditional practice and uses her intuition as well as her medical background to help countless animals (and their humans) find ways to tackle animal health issues that traditional (or western) medicine just doesn't seem to address. The idea is to rebalance the body, "giving the body the power to heal itself." I can attest to her success based on the results we've had with my own fur-family.
Dr. Faber is not a primary veterinarian, (Kudos to them next go round) and doesn't take their place. I see them as complements to one another. For example, currently my big guy Eugene has typical old dog issues, plus laryngeal paralysis and peripheral neuropathy. My regular vet not only does his bloodwork, annual checkups, and dispenses regular meds, but also does laser therapy for his spine and hips. Dr. Faber offers chiropractic adjustments and herbal remedies for his issues as well. Combined, I have a dog that is coping quite well and still mentally alert. And I have two teams of experienced vets looking out for his well-being. How lucky is he?!
Dr. Faber has also sadly seen two of my furkids through to their final days. Alternative medicine doesn't "fix" our pets, but it makes their lives healthier and easier until their time is complete.
I adore Dr. Faber. Upon meeting her I could feel her strength and her gentleness. Tall, fit and beautiful, it's easy to picture her on horseback or hiking. There is a confidant, earth-mother aura about her. Dr. Faber is generous of spirit and heart. Her smile is huge and her gentle approach to animals is quite intuitive. She exudes peacefulness. Even my nervous nellies have warmed to her.
We are thankful to have discovered Dr. Faber and grateful that she is a presence in our lives.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Hello 2013
It has been a very good year, overall. I just spent the past hour writing a recap of my year, but decided against posting that. Too long. So here is my final word for 2012.
This past year I was delighted and saddened by a number of things. My husband returned home after living in another state for 18 months. I moved into a new studio closer to home. Our Sassy Cat died in October, just a year after the loss of our Gracie. But we adopted Mr. Gregory in February and our house is full of puppy happiness. A balance achieved. And that is pretty much how the entire year went. Finally - balance.
In 2012 I was delighted to catch up with a number of old friends. By phone, Facebook messaging and in person. Friends are amazing. They are yours by choice. They keep you grounded and hold your history.
2012 was a year I solidified my decision to avoid negative energy. In people and situations. It's been uplifting for me and I think a relief to those I've left behind. If their energy was bad for me, I suspect mine was equally bad for them. We aren't all meant to be in sync.
I wish to all a Happy 2013. May we all be blessed with kindness and acceptance.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Writing Retreat
This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending a writing retreat with 4 other gifted writers.
"But you're not a writer." I hear you. And yet, I am.
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| The Porches Writing Retreat |
I know, here comes that recurring theme - My mother's death. After she died in 2007, I plunged into the deepest grief, so deep I could not recognize or name what was wrong with me until just this past year. I realized as I remembered so many things about my mother that my nephews knew nothing of her life as a woman. They only knew her as their Grandma. An older lady, not especially warm, who had the habit of blurting out whatever she was thinking. Which sometimes led to hurt feelings and kept a distance between them.
In 2008 I decided to write about my Mom while she was fresh in my head and before the memories became too distant and while my mind was still functioning, for the most part, pretty well. I have a gorgeous leather journal that I began to write in. and then I stopped.
Last year when I took my writing class by accident - that's somewhere here in the archives - I began to think again about that goal and began to explore it in writing class. Fast forward to this past weekend: I dove in again.
I took a box and a folder of some of Mama's things I'd kept after her death. A Bible, a mirror, evening bags and gloves, childrens' hats, photos and more. I used these items as prompts, and oh, did the tides of emotions roll in and out, crashing and so softly receding. Thankfully the extreme grieving has ended. Still, the memories of a life, hers entwined in mine, of a family whose influences on one another cannot be ignored, began to unfold once again with the writing of each sentence and brought me to tears as well as grins. I began to realize that I cannot tell her story without telling some of mine, as it is through my eyes that I know my mother. And I cannot tell my mother's story without telling that of my father, sisters and brother, too.
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| sunrise from my window |
My intent is still to record a family record, for future generations to somehow feel like they didn't descend from strangers, as I feel not knowing much about my own ancestors. This project has become bigger than life, but still, I'm enjoying the journey. My biggest hope is that time will allow me to get to the finish.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
Farewell, Sassy Cat
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| Miss Sassy copyright 2008 AllRightsReserved Adele Castillo |
May your energy and spirit ascend into the Universe, to be used for the greatest good. May you get to leap fences, romp in the woods, find Bluey and Mama and create the same mischievous mayhem you loved to bring to us. Thank you for insisting you belonged here.
We will miss you Sassy Cat.
June 2000 - October 22, 2012
Friday, October 5, 2012
October 2012
...and life getting in the way.
That's the end of my description of my blog (see above.) And boy, has it been happening these past few weeks. As I wrote to my friend Sarah-bean; my life is never dull.
Sassy cat, my poor pud, became extremely ill nearly 3 weekends ago with acute renal failure. The short version is that we went to emergency vet for the weekend, then eventually got her to regular vet where she had the equivalent of kitty dialysis twice a day for a week. She came home at night, then back in the morning, til her levels came down enough and her kidneys began working without help. She continues to recover, sleeps a lot, but has her good moments, too. THAT was another close call with yet another beloved furkid.
Following that, we had issues with every living creature in this house. It's any wonder I manage to get anything done at all, and sadly, I often do not. Since my fur-family members are my "kids," they come first. I don't know - blue moon in September, the fall equinox, election year, whatever, I'll be glad when things balance out a little more.
On a good note I delivered 30 pieces (oops, forgot one at the studio I had to mail the next day. arghhh) to Smithfield, Va. for a show featuring moi-self along with 5 of my gifted students. Posts and pics will follow soon.
So, that airmail journaling class I'm behind in? well, I'm still behind.
That's the end of my description of my blog (see above.) And boy, has it been happening these past few weeks. As I wrote to my friend Sarah-bean; my life is never dull.
Sassy cat, my poor pud, became extremely ill nearly 3 weekends ago with acute renal failure. The short version is that we went to emergency vet for the weekend, then eventually got her to regular vet where she had the equivalent of kitty dialysis twice a day for a week. She came home at night, then back in the morning, til her levels came down enough and her kidneys began working without help. She continues to recover, sleeps a lot, but has her good moments, too. THAT was another close call with yet another beloved furkid.
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| Sassy, post-"dialysis" |
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| the Boys |
So, that airmail journaling class I'm behind in? well, I'm still behind.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Little Bit of Everything
Is what this post is about.
We'll start with Eugene. He's doing amazingly well after having a laryngeal tie-back procedure. It was that, or watch him suffocate to death, which he nearly did during a vacation week back in August. We still have some issues to deal with, but he's looking better than he has in the last two years. He's doing so well with oxygen in his system, he began shedding and growing new hair like crazy! My floors are entirely covered in hairballs these days. Yay.
While on the subject of furkids, the other three are just fine. Gregory will soon be one and is the tallest dog I've ever had. He can sprint off of the deck to the back of our lot in about 3 seconds. Astounding sight to see him run and dance around the trees for squirrels. Gabby is oddly now the calmest creature in our household. What a difference a year makes! Sassy cat is still fighting inflammatory bowel disease, but we've found her stabilization point. We don't know how she'll continue to do, but she hangs in there.
This is a collage, print and paint self portrait. I joined an Air Mail Journaling group, with Kimberly Kelly Santini, this summer. I thought it would be a great way for me to segue back into creating, since it was out-of-the-box for me, fairly inexpensive overall and I thought I'd have time. (plus I really love Kimberly's work and her enthusiasm about everything art.) OK, 2 out of 3 correct, but the time thing just didn't work out. So I'm about 3 months behind (and thankfully am finding out I'm not alone!) but I AM determined to complete the assignments. Best of all I WANT to complete them, because when I get going, it's a lot of fun. (and yessss, I did make myself look prettier and younger because, I can. It's my mermaid look)
Lastly, a gift of two drinking jars. At the beach. From my friend and pal, Lynne. (Do you know how hard it is to FIND a jar with a lid and a handle?) A perfect way to end a summer filled with unforeseen challenges as well as new beginnings.
Lastly, a gift of two drinking jars. At the beach. From my friend and pal, Lynne. (Do you know how hard it is to FIND a jar with a lid and a handle?) A perfect way to end a summer filled with unforeseen challenges as well as new beginnings. Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Kids, Kitties and K9's Art Show
A few months ago the director of a Smithfield art gallery, Sheila Gwaltney of Arts Center at 319, sent an email inviting me to do a show there with the theme of kids, cats and canines. I happen to know Sheila from my days belonging to a group called Brush and Palette, which sadly no longer exists.
Of course I was interested, and may I invite a few of my students as well?
The answer was yes, so we will soon have another chance for 6 of us to show off our work.
I'll blog more when the time comes, but in the meantime, the opening will be around the first of October and here are a few images of paintings we plan to submit.
And I should mention all rights to these images belong to the artists - images shared with permission.
Of course I was interested, and may I invite a few of my students as well?
The answer was yes, so we will soon have another chance for 6 of us to show off our work.
I'll blog more when the time comes, but in the meantime, the opening will be around the first of October and here are a few images of paintings we plan to submit.
And I should mention all rights to these images belong to the artists - images shared with permission.
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| Dreaming II Dianne Smith |
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| Muriel Carolyn Kipps |
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| Presto Marcia Fowler |
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Week Wrap-up on Thursday
Because that's the kind of week it has been. A long week with beautiful weather and I'm pretty much inside with my eldest dog because he's recuperating from surgery.
This is Eugene
Notice the HUGE swath of missing hair on his neck and his ode to Michael Jackson glove on his right leg.
Eugene has laryngeal paralysis, which I've mentioned in former posts, I think...anyway, long story short, (which means of course that's not going to be the case) Eugene scared us to death because we thought HE was approaching death a few weekends back.
After more walks than usual while on vacation at the ocean in early August, he overheated and could not breathe. Poor guy (poor us! we panicked a little and the conversation between my hubster and I was not exactly in muted tones) was trying to open his mouth as wide as possible, his tongue hanging out and his chest heaving and roaring as the air tried to enter past his paralyzed larynx. The nearest emergency vet was 80 miles away, which when you can't breathe may as well be another continent. We put a fan in his face, I put an ice pack on his head and his paws, the overhead fan was on high, the ac turned low and we prayed he'd cool down enough to calm down. I don't know why, but heat makes this problem worse.
Here's a link to Wikipedia to explain what this is all about: laryngeal paralysis
We'd been discussing for months the idea of surgery and I admit I was the one against it. This convinced me either he has it or next time he might die. What was to lose in that case? We had a consult when we got home and he had surgery the next day, less than a week after the episode.
Glad to say he's doing really well. Bonus: He has a magnificent scar he can show off on his next beach trip. At 13 he's still quite the manly he-dog.
This is Eugene
Eugene has laryngeal paralysis, which I've mentioned in former posts, I think...anyway, long story short, (which means of course that's not going to be the case) Eugene scared us to death because we thought HE was approaching death a few weekends back.
After more walks than usual while on vacation at the ocean in early August, he overheated and could not breathe. Poor guy (poor us! we panicked a little and the conversation between my hubster and I was not exactly in muted tones) was trying to open his mouth as wide as possible, his tongue hanging out and his chest heaving and roaring as the air tried to enter past his paralyzed larynx. The nearest emergency vet was 80 miles away, which when you can't breathe may as well be another continent. We put a fan in his face, I put an ice pack on his head and his paws, the overhead fan was on high, the ac turned low and we prayed he'd cool down enough to calm down. I don't know why, but heat makes this problem worse.
Here's a link to Wikipedia to explain what this is all about: laryngeal paralysis
We'd been discussing for months the idea of surgery and I admit I was the one against it. This convinced me either he has it or next time he might die. What was to lose in that case? We had a consult when we got home and he had surgery the next day, less than a week after the episode.
Glad to say he's doing really well. Bonus: He has a magnificent scar he can show off on his next beach trip. At 13 he's still quite the manly he-dog.
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