I've been hiding

I know I am remiss at being a frequent blogger. I've said that before. I have been dealing with some personal things which have made me not want to put myself out there in black and white.

For those of you who know me, you know how much my kitties mean to me. In September, we learned that our male cat Domino has cancer. The decision to not pursue treatment has been the right one, I feel. He is still with us but looks like he is wasting away even though he eats probably 3 times what he used to on most days.

Three days before Christmas, my female, my baby cat Lacey, became afflicted with a blood clot to her spine, which paralyzed her from the waste down. The Dr. assured us she was in a great deal of pain and there was only a 5% chance of her surviving this. We made the decision to put her down. It was all said and done within an hour and a half. I had hoped that Lacey would be with us to get us through the pain of losing Domino, but that was not to be.

I have had a hard time with the loss, and through the busyness of my job, holidays and the seasonal depressive disorder which Michigan has been thrusting upon us with full arctic regalia - I simply have been hibernating. I haven't done any art in weeks.

I look forward to getting myself back on track. For those of you who are childless, such as myself, you know how attached we get to our pets. Even if you have kids, you may feel the same way as I do. Nonetheless, God is good and each day seems to be a little easier.

I'm waiting for one more week, when I have vacation. I usually clean my studio every January, and this one is no different. I have already started the activity and have made enough of a dent in it that I believe I will have some art time too! Look for my first feature in a Somerset Publication, The new Somerset Apprentice. They have said that some of my ATC's will be featured. It is set to be released on March 1.

Pool Party

The pool party was great, no hurricane left-overs were served. The following weekend, which was labor day I entertained family, went to the beach and had no time for art - but a great time with family. This weekend, was an all art extravaganza. I finished fat book pages for a swap as well as Dia De Los Muertos Danglies for a swap on Zetti Zoo. Pic will be posted here for your commenting pleasure.

Aunt Flo

My friend Mary Beth and I decided to have a Ladies only pool/art party. We have been planning the event with sunshine in mind, invited some of our artsy pals and all is well.

Then there's Aunt Fay.

Not the Aunt you normally would think of, but a hurricane which local weather forecasters are predicting might reach Michigan by the weekend. Now don't get me wrong - I'm NOT whining because we do need the rain, and when we get the tail end of a hurricane gone inland, the damages are not like they get in the South.

I just find irony in the fact that you invite a bunch of women to don their swim attire - and who shows up? Aunt Fay. She, like her sister Aunt Flo, sure knows how to spoil a pool party.

I hope she gets lost and cannot find her way here. I hope she fizzles out and doesn't get anyone wet - on the coast or inland.

I'll have to post the results soon! Let's hope local weather is wrong for a change.

Vacation, all I ever wanted.....

Yay! I am on vacation. One of those multiple journeys kinds, summer is always soooo busy for me.
We went Saturday to my God Daughter's bridal shower. So lovely, Kristen has turned out to be a beautiful and kind young woman. She is marrying a guy who seems to be the apple of her eye. I don't really know Paul, but I trust he is a good man. Her parents think so! The shower was beautiful too, her family did such a nice job.

Monday we went to Birch Run for some outlet shopping and a obligatory visit to Zehnders for chicken dinner! Yum! I haven't been there for 12 years to have the dinner and stroll around the town. Not much has changed except that the town has planted flowers EVERYWHERE and it is gorgeous. People are still friendly there, locals to the tourists. 4000 citizens, looks like somewhere I would love to call home.

I haven't done much art lately, I apologize for being out of it, but my muse went on vacation too.
When she returns, I promise to get busy and post some things.

Ramblings du'Jour

Artiscape was wowzer big fun. You gotta go - if you can next year.
I really enjoyed all of my classes, but most especially loved the Stamp Zia class where we made a mural in watercolor sprays and artistic soldering, only because I want to master this skill. (must remember that practice makes perfect).

Tomorrow is Mother's Day, mom is up to visit. My mom is a lovely woman. Everyone likes her. She has a big heart. I think her secret ambition is to shop for the world. (mine too.) We spent the day shopping, going to church and out to dinner. Then we watched Charlie Wilson's War. A very good movie about the war in Afghanistan. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys history presented in an entertaining way.