If you've ever had a dog...

My dog is the vision of loyalty.

When I’m sitting, she has to be touching me.

When I’m walking, she’s following happily

No matter where I am traveling.

When I’m sleeping, she’s sleeping right next to me.

When I’m gone, she waits for me patiently

And upon my return, greets me lovingly.

No matter how long she’s been waiting for me--

A minute, an hour, a day or a week--

She’s in heaven the moment she looks at me.

Mine is the best dog I’ve ever seen.

Her eyes and her ears and her nose are keen.

She’s the most loving dog that there’s ever been.

No other can bring me the joy she brings.

She sits like a good girl to get a treat

She behaves like a princess when she eats.

She is smarter than many a human you’ll meet.

She is so full of life, and of energy!

She can’t imagine her life without me.

I feel the same way as she, naturally!

Her tail is the window into her soul

It’s the best way she feels she can let me know

That she loves me the best in the universe

And I’ll never be sure who had whose heart first.

Goings On and Comings Up

I saw the doctor about my CT scan results.  I get to have what my mother and aunt call a 'scopeuptomy' on December 16th.  Hooray.

Hunter the super cat is walking around like a champ.  The coping strategy seems to be to hold his tail down toward the floor to balance.  I have never seen a more resilient creature, human or animal.  I know we won't have him forever, but from this point on, I am at peace either way.  He has been with us for over 17 years.

I have been doing my artwork like mad after a bit of a break.  I have done four pieces in as many days.  Christmas is coming fast, and I have lots of projects to keep me busy.  Riley will be the "Little Drummer Boy" in the Living Windows display on Main Street in Calico Rock on December 13th at 5:30 p.m.  I have the backdrop, the burlap, and a round cardboard box to make him a drum, and Dad has drum sticks.  Just a few things more, and we'll be ready for that.   The same night, the Christmas Lights Parade will be rolling down Main Street, which is comfortably visible from our front porch.  We will have all our best friends here for a visit.  I think my mom may come down too, to see Riley in his Drummer Role.

I have been asked to do some artwork again this year for the Living Windows event.  An artistic flyer, and possibly a piece that will be blown up and placed on a large Banner.  That is so exciting!  I feel very fulfilled when I get to share my artwork!  I don't claim to be the best, but hopefully, the heart behind every stroke of the brush, scratch of the pencil, or mark of the pen are showing in the effort!  Last year, I did a title drawing for each of the eight windows on main street.  Going down and seeing the response to the event, feeling the chill in the air, and the spirit of the season pouring out of each one in the softest, most inviting and peaceful light imaginable brought me to tears.  I know that may have a lot to do with my sensitive soul, but it can't have left very many who saw it unaffected.

I feel the best when I am exercising my right brain.  Singing, playing music, doing artwork, whatever I can to create something new to share..   The one thing I wish I was doing more of was singing.  My good friend, who also happens to be a fantastic voice teacher, is interested in helping me to remedy that.  I would love the opportunity to put on a concert, and sing, play the piano, and sing some more.  I have enough of  a voice that I'd like to sing some powerful songs.  My stage presence leaves much to be desired, but my dream of doing it may help me to fill in what's missing there.

In less than two weeks, Thanksgiving will be here again.  then a few short days more until Christmas.  Time moves too fast.