Oh to be thankful… Friday, 28-November-2008

I had many reasons to be thankful this Thanksgiving Holiday, just as most of us do. However, this week provided an even more keen awareness of gratefulness.

One of my cats was sick. Since I couldn’t tell which one (Stripes or Lil’ Bubba), I had to bring them both in to the vet. I had not taken Stripes into the vet for over a year because the last time I tried, he literally exploded out of not one, but two, cardboard cat carriers. He absolutely freaks when someone tries to put him somewhere he does not want to be. Even after the scratches, we tried again, but to no avail. So I basically gave up on the idea of taking him to the vet. I’d have to order shots and give them to him myself and just get used to the click-click-click of his too-long toenails.

So sedation was required for Stripes (and a borrowed, extra-large hard plastic animal carrier, a towel, and my sister). I get both cats in, they do a bunch of tests, update their shots, give them thorough exams, etc. At the end of that appointment, it was clear that Stripes has an infection. It was also, unfortunately clear, that Lil’ Bubba had 3 (or more!) stage 3 cavities that would need removing immediately (because it was most likely that he was in a lot of pain). Talk about guilting the cat Mom.

So, I scheduled the surgery for the next day. He really did not like getting into the box again, but he’s much more reserved about his protest than Stripes. His surgery went fine, however, they did another urinalysis and he, too, has some sort of infection. So we went home with more antibiotics for Lil’ Bubba and pain killers. And, get this, a cat mouth rinse. Yeah, I had the same reaction… how, exactly, do you get a cat to drink, swish, and spit? Apparently, I’m to squirt a little bit in each side of his mouth and massage his gums. Well, I guess we’ll see about that. Would love to… but…

I love my cats. Every cat I have ever had, from George (my first cat – a stray who moved in with us when I was about 6 years old) to my current felines, I have adored with all my heart. I connect with cats. One cat, Jackson, I will always consider “my familiar.” I swear he and I were bonded beyond the typical “you feed me, therefore I love you” relationship.

I’ve been fortunate that huge vet bills have rarely been a part of my relationship with cats (until now). But this week, I am thankful for their returning good health. I am thankful that my VISA could handle an additional $1,200 sum!

As they lay on my bed, both purring their unique purrs, I am reminded that they are part of my family. I do recognize that they are not human beings, but they are beings who mean so much to me.

May your pet families be in good health…

Shout out for Shoofly! Friday, 14-November-2008

Last night I installed my mixed media mandalas at Shoofly Pie Company as part of the West Seattle Art Walk. My work will remain there for the month of November.

If you have not been to Shoofly Pie, make a note to go there soon. What an amazing place for pie, coffee, and conversation! Both during the day, when my friend Ruby and I were hanging my art, and all through the evening, I witnessed something that warmed my heart (and it wasn’t just the grande decaf sugar-free vanilla breve lattes). People were sitting at tables, eating their pie, and talking – with others at the counter, with each other, and folks at nearby tables. Many regulars came in, greeted by a friendly “hi” or “welcome back” or “good to see you” by the cheerful, warm staff. Newbies came curious to try Shoofly’s famous shoofly pie (molasses and brown sugar!). Shoofly is definitely a destination!

It was just great to be in such a neighborly environment and it made me realize that there don’t seem to be a lot of those places around. Or maybe they ARE around and I just haven’t discovered them. Third Place Commons in Lake Forest Park is like this, as well, but on a larger scale. I think part of the charm of Shoofly has to do with the pie, the staff, and the size of the space.

Oh, and yeah! – my art looks GREAT on the walls. It’s a super space for art. A big thank you to Diane of Special Editions Studio for inviting me to show at Shoofly.

P.S. Thanks again Ruby for helping hang my art! It was good to see you, Donna and Pat! Suzanne – thanks for stopping by and it was great to finally meet Zach, Jack, and Zoe!

I hope you’ll stop by and have a piece of pie, share a story or two with your companion or someone at a nearby table, and enjoy the art!

Click here to view a slideshow of the exhibit.

Proud to be an American Wednesday, 5-November-2008

I don’t know if I’ve ever said those words before but last night marks the beginning of a new time – not just for me but for millions of others who were motivated more than they ever had been in the past (or maybe even for the first time). Whether it was donating, volunteering, voting… there were a lot of firsts during this presidential campaign season. And what an amazing result.

The apathy and cynicism of so many was changed into hope and action. I believe that Barack Obama will continue to move us into action and service for our country in ways that we’ve never been asked before. Changing what has happened to our nation will take not just a change in our national leader, but a true change in how all of us think about what government should do for us versus what we should must do for ourselves and each other. I believe we will be asked to take more responsibility for our actions (or inaction). I also believe that we will step up to the task. Yes we can.

My son and I whooped and hollered last night (and I cried) as we learned the results and listened to McCain and then President-elect Barack Obama address the nation – the world – and began what will most likely be one of the most remarkable journeys any of us have ever imagined.

I hope that we will all work harder to work together now – as friends and family, as neighbors, as Americans.

Another fun day in the Art Room Sunday, 2-November-2008

Today, Connie and Tanja stopped by to continue their work on their altered board books. They had seen my altered books at a show this summer and wanted to learn how to make them, themselves for gifts this holiday season. Though the process can be tedious (cutting, pasting, sanding, more cutting, sanding) but there are so many fun parts too. Picking out papers, choosing the book, planning what will fill the book, choosing the distress ink colors, and selecting just the right embellishments for each page. Each book is such a labor of love and creativity!

I love having people in the Art Room, whether I’m teaching a class or having a guest teacher or I’m doing art with friends. There’s something about the creative energy that flows between us. You never know how someone else’s work will influence yours or how they may come up with ideas that are just what your piece needed.

I’m always looking forward to next day of shared creativity in the Art Room.