Yes, it is true….Good things do come to those who wait!

Due to the crazy weather we had a frost just when the wild Hibiscus plant had buds on it…they shriveled up and fell off. I thought that was it until next year. Get home early from Jury Duty and I was so surprised to see one flower, along with numerous buds.

Only way to get to it was to sneak onto the neighbors property, armed with my camera. …no doubt this will also appear as a painting some day soon.  Oh….jury duty is just as I suspected it would be…Boring.

Last painting (Bouquet of Flowers)  for tomorrow starts what I call a week from hell…why you wonder…Jury Duty. I say this not really sure of how the week will progress. Will do my best to add soemthing new during the course of the week.

I know, I know….for all you civic minded folks who will say it is my duty to serve on a jury…

First of all….I have to be at the court house at 8 am- 5 PM…and they make you sit there even if not picked…you sit for the entire week (might I add I have actually never been picked, I just sit)…I have no problem getting up early….it is getting dressed and actually leaving the house that early. My typical day consists of sipping my tea in my jammies going through my e-mail….feed and walking the dogs then coming back in and painting for a few hours. rehab for niki….a few things around the house, return to painting…more rehab….somewhere during the course of the day I actually shower and dress. Not sure the judge would be pleased if I showed up in my jammies….wonder if anyone would actually even notice? Wonder if I could actually sneak Niki into the courtroom

Then of course there is being put in a situation where lawyers and a Judge and those considered innocent until proven guilty know all about you….you know nothing about anyone. Add to the fact it is boring…come 3ish I am wanting to pull my hair out. There is actually no way to get out of it either….six months ago right after Niki’s accident I said  had to care for an ill family member, never mentioned the family member was my dog….not sure they would of cared too much about the situation. Fast forward six months and yep…letter arrives…time is up….must appear on the 23rd.

While Niki’s health has improved she must have her bladder emptied throughout the day. Meaning when we break for lunch I have to come home to take her out….I wonder how understanding they will be about that…if you read about a juror being arrested this week due to the fact she had to leave the court house to express her dogs bladder, you will know it is me.

Add to the fact that this is the third time I have been called for jury duty….I actually know of at least three people who have never been called ….IS THAT FAIR….I wonder how may folks have actually not been called!!!! I will have to think of a way to bribe them….do something for me or…I’ll turn your name into the court

I’ll be back in a few days

I hide myself within my flower,
That wearing on your breast,
You, unsuspecting, wear me too –
And angels know the rest.

I hide myself within my flower,
That, fading from your vase,
You, unsuspecting, feel for me
Almost a loneliness.

~words by~ Emily Dickinson

As the title suggests, this is Scarlet, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi…this is one smart, obedient, protective and devoted dog. For  a little dog they are full of energy and love to have fun.

Yep…Buddy is a Pit Bull. He is ever faithful to his family, loves people and is very well trained. Sadly, it is not the temperament of the breed that makes some of these dogs so dangerous, but rather the idiots that are breeding them as fighting dogs. Sadly, there are those that have no respect for animals…take for example what is in the news as of late….Michael Vicks.The Atlanta Falcons has decided to allow this individual to continue to play….what is wrong with the NFL…but then again, many would state what ever happened innocent until proven guilty. The fact that they hauled numerous dead dogs off Vicks property, the fact that there were numerous dog houses and dog fighting paraphernalia, many do not need a guilty plea to think he was involved.  Due to the fact there is such Dangerous Dog laws throughout the country (not to mention those cities that have enforced specific breed banning) it is time to go after those that SHOULD be held responsible. Stricter law enforcement for those breeding animals for fighting, for those training and fighting these animals…. for those hosting these fights…and all those participating and placing bets on a dog fight. Sadly there are several issues in those one news story…let us also not glorify sports figures and celebrities and lets hold them responsible when they too are caught breaking the laws!!!

 This is Atlanta Falcon’s feedback forum:
http://www.atlantafalcons.com/About/Contact_Us.aspx
Please take a moment to email both and express your opinion on the acts of
‘NFL star’ Vicks.

If you feel he soul be suspended there is a petition going around…

http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/animal_fighting_the_final_round/recent_activities/vick_indicted.html

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2007/07/18/griffin.dog.fighting.cnn

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/peter_king/07/18/vick.league/index.html?cnn=yes
-
the league response for now – we are being heard already!!!

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/07/17/dohrmann.vick/index.html
-
more on the story

http://i.a.cnn.net/cnn/2007/images/07/18/ind.pdf – itemized crimes by Vick

Also, email the NFL at http://www.nfl.com/help/emailtech and let them
know what you think.

**

Surry county information:

Commonwealth’s Attorney: Gerald G. Poindexter
SURRY COUNTY
Post Office Box 358
Surry, Virginia 23883
(804) 294-3118
FAX: (804) 294-3560

If you love dogs…get involved.

Only fitting that the first portrait completed since Phoenix was this lovely painting. I hope their love, respect is clearly viewed with each brushstroke. I could not help but think of my beloved Phoenix when painting this portrait!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             It is the color, shape and form that gives many subjects found in nature their beauty….add the right lighting and how can you resist painting it.

I have been painting a series of paintings of an outline of the female and male form. Lines, curves & textures all very intriguing to me.

                                                                        I have a very difficult time getting myself focused on Mondays. I wander aimlessly around thinking of all the things I need to do, but never addressing them. Due to this Monday has become my “official” day off. This morning found me hanging out with the “pack”…we wandered the yard….taking in all the sights, sounds and smells Due to the storms that came through the ground is still wet, several trees down behind the house. As I often do….camera in hand. Noticed Phoenix and Niki taking a break….she just has to place her tiny 20 lb frame next to his…they are too cute together. Also….the lone flower after the storm….the last of the buds has bloomed. Lastly, I did a bit of sketching. An update of the self portrait of Phoenix & myself.