Helper

Look, under the desk...

A backlog of commission work got my attention last night and will continue to keep me busy throughout the week. I hate the pressure of being behind on work and the only way to ease it is to make good headway. I'm most excited about an Indian Silver resin I have to paint. Owner has asked that I paint it chestnut. I always love when owners ask for solid colors. Solid colors are a pleasure to paint since many choose such flashy patterns and colors that just painting a plain chestnut is a nice diversion for a change.

None of this work is being done without my little studio helper. My new puppy Oreo has settled into life here with us very well. His favorite room is the office and his favorite spot is where ever my feet are. If I move them for even a split second he moves with me. Moved for half a minute to take the shot of the Johann resin and Oreo quickly made himself comfy...literally...on my feet. lol His company while I work is most soothing and very welcome.

A nice place to rest.

Quick shot of the Johann resin.
Flash is distorting color a bit.

Oreo

Oreo!

I had been missing my little girl Kiko very much recently. She passed away a while ago and I felt it was time for a new puppy. The moment I walked into the breeder's house Oreo saw me and I saw him and it was pretty much love at first sight. I was apparently the only visitor he ran to in over 7 months of being in the kennel. He was continually left behind because his markings were not symmetrical. I sorta liked that he was "off" marking wise. It was sorta artsy. LOL

Slowly and patiently I am training him. I hope by the new year he can have a bit more space to run around in cause he is quite the little clown. Another wonderful new addition to our home.

I turned my back for 2 seconds....BaAA!

Feetsies

Tired

Saying Goodbye & A Gift

Kiko waiting for her presents

A double blog post today because in all this sadness came a beautiful and unexpected gift that I want to share.

My best friend and puppy of 14 years had to be put to sleep yesterday. I labored over the decision and knew when I looked into her eyes and felt the energy she threw at me that she was in serious pain. I knew I was being a selfish friend. It was time to let her go and I did.

She was my friend and companion. A funny little host to guests and friends. The biggest kid waiting for her presents at Christmas and an excellent watchdog and cat chaser. She never did stop hating Guy our neighbor. Why she hated him so, I'll never know and she takes her reasons to the grave.

I put off digging her grave this morning. I just didn't want to finalize this event. I've been fortunate enough to have a backyard in Brooklyn. A little garden and grass to play and plant and when my pets died I'd always bury them. It was with much sadness that this last grave I dug here in Brooklyn before I leave had to be for my beloved Kiko, but alas, it's what the Universe and God wanted at this point in time. The hard work and sadness of the action wasn't without reward though. Two feet down before my very eyes was a gift. A gift most fitting for someone like me and perhaps a message from my little one who loved to get as dirty as I did in the mud. A message to keep creating no matter what.

The gift of clay.

I've dug several pet graves
and an underground kiln.
Today was the first day
I ever hit clay in the backyard.