Ahhhhh, Sunday

This past week I plunged into a project to feng shui my home.  It was interesting to see my cat react to the sudden upheaval in my dining room.  She zoomed from room to room and attacked the daily paper on the table.  I finally had to put her on the porch to calm her down.  The dogs just observed, waited and finally adapted. Saturday we emptied and rearranged the living room.  I think by Sunday, everyone was ready for some peace.  I have a long way to go; that was just two rooms and they aren't finished yet! 
And yes, that's Gracie on the right. She gets annoyed and looks away when the camera comes out. Her otherwise perky ears were rotated for my benefit. 

Two Fave Blogs - no Three

I don't normally share websites, except in my blog list over there to the right and down aways,  but these are worth pointing out to you. 


If you have ANY issues at all with language, you will likely not appreciate the Bloggess.  But I think she is one of the funniest women I've ever read.  And her face is so cute and ladylike it just makes the incongruity more charming.  At least in my head.  


Another new website I've recently discovered is that of Kimberly Kelly Santini.  I saw her work last year on Dog Art Today when she won a wine label contest.  The Bloggess mentioned her today and I went back to revisit.  Her FAQ page on her blog is artistic explanation perfection.  For all of you who have questions like How do you make your art? to Will you donate a piece for auction? she has the answers.  


And my last fun blog is actually a two-fer.  It's Bent Objects (you'll see it there in the aforementioned right hand list) and his newest creative adventure My Response to Your Masterpiece.   Just go visit.  It's self-explanatory. 


No, I haven't put up any pics recently.  But I do have a painting on the easel.  Patience.  It's coming. 


And by the way, Gracie is still amazing.  

the Furkids Page

I've decided to give my furfamily their own page.  Look to the right ------->
that's where you will find updates if interested and it will free up the blog main page for, well, stuff.  

Gracie's Responses

I had forgotten how wonderful my commission clients could be, after some peculiar experiences that impelled me to quit commission work nearly altogether. Yet my recent blog posts about our struggles with an elderly dog have brought out some amazing responses from not only dear and long-time friends, but people whom I know only through my art. 


One amazing and lovely woman has offered to come and sit with Gracie to allow me time to get away.  I've certainly met her pups, but she's never met mine.  What a tender and generous gift to give. 


A close friend keeps a bag of clothes packed in her car in case I have an emergency and need someone to be in the house.  She sat with Gracie during her bout with pneumonia several weeks ago while I went to teach my class. 


Another person whose dogs I've painted and who has been through similar struggles with her elderly dog contacted me by email.  Her words broke my heart and uplifted my soul.  Her dog had passed away this spring, which brought me to tears.  I had the pleasure of meeting Tess twice and painted her in 2009. Tess's Mom told me about their last days together and ended her note with this, 
"Your words touch my heart and for what it’s worth, I think you are doing everything absolutely right!"


That alone was such a gift to hear.  I know I am lucky that I have the time to spend with my Gracie and the ability to pay for her medical care.  Not every pet owner has that and I can't imagine the feeling of being helpless and having no options. 


Right now Gracie is holding her own.  Still functioning completely. Still the Alpha in the house. She's eating better than she has in nearly a year.  I don't mind having to be nearby all the time.  I know the cancer will take her away soon enough.