Aprons

Char, Pat, Rosemary and I decided it would be fun to wear red and white aprons to a mixed media artists meeting where Rosemary showed the book I made for her, and I showed the apron she made for me. Here we are in all our finery. We had some new members and some we had not seen for awhile were there. The chatter and laughter around the tables is exhilarating and inspiring. Nothing like get a bunch of people who enjoy the same things together to share their art and friendship.

Art on the darkside challenge

I'm thinking ahead to Halloween. Remember Mommie Dearest?

New portraits

Here are new pics of the "girls" - have you ever seen a cuter pair of dogs? and a digital self portrait. I found that if I say the magic words "are you hungry?" the girls stop whatever they are doing at look straight at me. We had a great time at the dog park tonite. The evenings are mild and it's the most pleasant way to spend some good time with other dog owners/friends and doggie friends too. Lulu was a jewel tonite. She was more independent than usual and had a good run with another dog quite a distance from me - and without Nikki. This is a big step for such a spooky little creature. Whooppeee! Way to go Lulu. If I don't mention Buddy often, its because he is so predictable and steady. He is just a faithful, slow old thing who enjoys the social life because everyone at the park pets Buddy, and then he toddles on to someone else. He has a bit of a limp from arthritis and walks crookedy. But, the old dear isn't about to miss out on anything. He only gets into 2nd gear if there is food around, or if we are walking downhill. Then he will run a bit.

Yuki is a changed dog.

Yuki is a dog friend from the dog park. Debbie had him neutered as he was getting into fights with the other dogs, and was becoming more and more aggressive. He is almost a year old now and it was time. Well, friends, this little Jack Russell terrier/Chihuahua mix that she rescued, has now become a little gentleman. He's back at the dog park - this time making friends with everyone and not enemies. I'm so happy for Debbie, he's easier to handle and a lot sweeter. He was watching the ducks fly overhead tonite, maybe this means Fall is coming soon. It is supposed to be 100 degrees or more tomorrow. We are all looking forward to any sign of Fall.

Yuki is one of Nikkis special running mates. They had a wonderful long run tonite, and at the end of the evening Lulu wanted to join them. It was a lovely way to spend the early evening before coming home to see Project Runway. This pic is not us. But I like it and wanted to share it here.

Rosemary's birthday

One of the Wackos (Rosemary) had a birthday. We decided to celebrate it by having breakfast in Murphys. Here's the group, sans photographer (me). Rosemary and I got food poisoning and I was sick all day. In the evening R, S, and N went to the Crosby, Stills and Nash concert at the winery and had a blast.

I made an apron book for RM's present, and also some little tie die aprons for our Wackette dolls. Here are pics of those too. For more on the book, you can visit my book blog.

Sally and I were able to stretch our weekend activities and stayed Friday through Monday. We had time to clean up our places and I walked the dogs dozens of times. Lulu is still a problem, hopefully we will make some progress soon, it's a very slow process.

something different

I saw a fabulous digital piece on Peggy Gatto's blog. She took an old spoon, added some pressed flowers and then manipulated it with PhotoShop. Here's a link.

Old friends meet

I had the nicest experience yesterday, meeting with a friend I had not seen since 1953. Yes, that was 1953. More than 50 years ago. She and another friend found me online last year, and we finally found a free date that we could meet. Pat (I still think of her as Patsy) looked wonderful and we chatted and giggled about old times. She's the one I got in trouble with for giggling during a church sermon. We got so carried away we could not stop and had to leave. Well, we were about 12 or 13. You know how it is at that age. We caught up with each other's lives a bit, but mostly we tried to remember names of people we used to know back then, and things we used to do. We asked the hostess at the restaurant to take our photo and I was going to put it up here, but it was not a flattering photo at all. I swear in person Pat can pass for 50 any day, she looks fantastic. But the photo made her look her real age. Maybe I can photoshop it into looking better. LOL Or next time we meet we'll take another one. I'll post a pic from church camp, 1953 here instead of our current photo. The other photo is one she had of me on the lawn looking just like my granddaughter Candis.

Saturday at the art show - Sally Shines

The day came and Sally collected her prize money and found her piece was marked SOLD. Way to go Sally. Here's a pic of her with her art, a photo of Frances showing her wood sculpture to Jean, and some pics of me and the other 3D pieces my altered book was up against in the judging. More about the art show here.

It's a dog's world

My little pals enjoy the country. When they are behind the lattice around the deck they are as brave as can be. They love riding in the golf cart. We have always walked and walked up there. Maybe 10 times a day. This past weekend, as the one previous, Lulu has had absolute screaming fits when walking. When she is on a leash and she sees another dog approaching, or even off in the distance, she starts squealing and straining on the leash. It's noisy and I don't like it a bit. I've tried to tell myself she's a terrier and that's the way they act, but I'm not convinced she can't change. Well, on our last morning, when camp was very quiet and most people were gone, we took a wonderful walk - UNTIL she saw another dog walker with a small dog. At warp speed she was out of control, with pulling, spinning in circles, squealing and barking. She got Buddy and Nikki all worked up and they started barking and snarling. It was awful. I tried to pick her up (sometimes that helps) and she was like a whirlwind with teeth and toe nails flying at me. I had a hunk torn out of my arm and several torn spots on one foot, and I could not hold her. Eventually they passed us and she was still misbehaving. Buddy, the 15 year old slowpoke of a dog, got so mad at her that he decided she needed some discipline and he ended up on top of her with his teeth on her neck, growling and snarling. I separated them and she calmed down a lot. I guess he knew what she needed. The odd thing is when this happens and we get back to our deck and I close the gate, Lulu is perfectly fine, as if nothing happened. But, I'm standing there dripping blood and very upset about it all. I don't do a lot of one on one training with her, thinking the little "pack" will influence her into doing things correctly - but I can see that I need to change my thinking to get her to change.

We went to the dog park this a.m. and I was dreading the worst. We started with the obstacles, and ran the course a few times, then entered the play area. Lulu spent most of the time on the bench (her own choice) watching Buddy and Nikki playing with and sniffing the other dogs. One of Nikkis good friends came and they had a good run. Even Lulu usually likes this dog. There were a couple much larger dogs there though and she was afraid. She let them come sniff her on the bench and didn't try to get on my lap. That's a good thing. And when I walked she walked right with me. She did not seem as scared as some times. It was a really good morning.

It seems Lulu only has these bad episodes 1. In the country and 2. When she's on a leash. Hmmmmm..... I think she gets overexcited with the country smells and sights. Birds, squirrels, golf carts, people she doesn't know, trucks, and trails to follow. I have the feeling if I let her off her leash (not allowed in the park) she would run part way over to the other dog, and get scared and run back and be quiet. I'd like to find a time and another cooperative pet owner who would be willing to try this when there is no one else around. In the meantime, I'll try whatever my friends and other terrier owners suggest.

Here's a lovely YOUTUBE piece about dogs.

Another Tuesday!

We have been in the Sierras again for a few days. Labor Day is one of the big days in camp. Kids carnival, flea market, bake sale (yummmm), swimming, bingo, etc. I won at Bingo and let granddaughter Candis pick a prize. We didn't stay long as we needed to get back to walk the dogs before dark. Candis could get my cell phone to work from inside my 5th wheel. That is a first for us. Now I know I can call out when I need to, if I'm lucky. Matt and the boys including a couple of neighbor boys came up for swimming and helped with a few chores. Sally and Mel were there this weekend and Cat and Gene. So, it was fun for all. Nothing exciting, just a pleasant family and friends time. And I'm readin a good book, and there is no better place to do it than when you are in camp away from TV, computers, etc. Anyhow, we are back and ready to pick up our home lives again.

And the good news is........ Ta Da!

One of Sally's pieces won 2nd prize at the Art League show. This is so great. It wasn't her favorite piece - but they loved it. My Altered book did not win anything, so we will be celebrating for her at the reception next week. Way to go Sally!!!!! This is a self portrait she was playing around with.

Tuesday and all is well.

We have had two days of cooler weather, today only 95 degrees. By any standard, that's pretty hot, but after 105, it feels a lot better. I received news that my altered book was juried into the art show and two of Sally's pieces as well. We are happy campers! My studio doors were looking sad and I was cleaning out some old paint cans and found a fresh green leftover from a project a few years ago. It was fresh enough to use, so I am feeling good about using it up and not buying more. I'm feeling green! Years ago we always used whatever we had and didn't rush off to buy a new can for each thing. We mixed our paints together and "made do". That's why I decided to do this, and it was a good temperature outside to paint this evening. Finished just before dark and will look forward to seeing it in the morning daylight.