As promised to a couple of students I agreed to post a painting from a couple of years ago. It almost looks as though it would glow in the dark:-) Pretty busy…you really have to start somewhere! Do not be afraid to show your work!!!
Today I spent several hours on the Internet looking for photo nightlights. I would prefer nice, decorative ones however time is short and these are needed for Goldenrama. In my search I came across two artists sites….both were selling plastic nightlights. Contacted both and I am so very appreciative for both having taken the time to respond, after all this is a pretty busy time of year for many of us. One would not share her source (I fully understood), the other shared. The artist that shared it was the very same type I had found during my search, however I found them for less….so I took the time to send a few sites to her that had them at better prices…Thanks Susan, your a doll (let me know if all right to post your site here on mine….your work is wonderful). After the Holidays I will have to visit the Mart in Atlanta during a few of the shows and see if I cannot find specialty items such as the decorative photo nightlights rather then the plastic. These make such wonderful little gifts, or sale promo…and rescues lovvve them.
To those in the Atlanta area…the gas prices have fallen…and we can actually get some….yippppeee
July has come and gone… for my Mother -in-laws birthday it was decided lunch for her and friends at a lovely restaurant over looking the water would be a wonderful gift. When dealing with several people….well it took a bit of time to get everyones schedule to coordinate. Finally, the date was set….limo ordered for they should travel in style…and fun was had by all. So…maybe something we should all practice….celebrating two birthdays instead of one Photographs taken by Dottie’s good friend, Max.
OK….so what can I say….I love, love….love this commercial. It just makes me smile….as do I love the song….and for those interested this song is from the 60’s. Written and sung by Michelle Shocked….Get Mammograms !!! So…which of these lovely old gals do you see yourself in….I of course am the one with the dog and the one with the glass of wine Love the one that is the cheerleader!!!
Yep….still here….I have just been verrrry busy. Please….for those interested in giving the gift of love this season….of course that means images of your favorite furry friend now is when you want to set that appointment. I am on the road the last part of Nov. so this is really going to be a short season here in the Atlanta area. Also….those wanting to give a painted portrait…again, time is running short. If wanting to use your own images you must get them to me ASAP. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Oh…classes will resume after the first of the year….for those interested in the painting course that will continue throughout…pay for the class and receive your first weeks assignment right away (within a day or so if on the weekend). This class is for those wanting to learn a few fun techniques in Corel Painter… of my favorite subject…pets. Those students that ask a question or two, share their work are the ones that will get the most out of it. I give all students personal one on one attention.
I am back home…and back at work….in between trying to get to the laundry, dog beds, bath dogs….you know trying to catch up!
Always nice to get away for a few days….this was especially nice for I have not seen my Parents in a while (Mom and Dad in the image above). They spent the day with us and then I again visited with them at their home (dogless). The house we rented was nice….only one tiny complaint. The house was lovely, comfortable and of course they allowed the dogs. The one thing they did not have was a clean area for the dogs to eliminate (we of course ALWAYS pick up after our dogs….hopefully you do as well). They did mention there was an empty lot next door and yes indeed, there was however…getting onto the lot meant a good bit of time spent removing all of the burrs out of Rocky’s leg feathering, underbelly and hind feathering (with the occasional one landing in between the paw pad….Ouch). Poor Niki had them in her ears. Gemma….not a burr found any where on her. All it would have taken was a weed whacker gone over a small area So…really the only complaint, otherwise it was perfect!!!!
There are several rental agencies in St. Augustine that will rent to those with dogs….well behaved, house trained pups. The beach is dog friendly (they must be kept on leash)…we pulled the car right into the beach, opened the back of the car…set out our beach chairs and blanket for the dog in the shade of the van Played fetch (on long line) and just wandered around and of course relaxed taking in all the sights and sounds and of course smells The many birds and pelicans were of great interest to the dogs. Pretty quiet there this time of year so we had our own little section f the beach all to ourselves. We had such a nice time, we hope to go back in the winter when it is sooo much cooler and spend about two weeks.
For those that may be interested: http://www.staugvacations.com/
The other day Mike and myself were just sitting around when we decided to pack up and head down to St. Augustine for a few days. First BIG trip for Rocky, and the first since Niki’s accident. All did well….Niki better then expected. There are stairs in the house we rented….she mastered with very little help from us (just supervision). Rocky on the other hand needed a few days to become accustomed to them….now he is a pro going up and down them. Gemma, what can I say…..never any problems with Gem.
The trip was really to see my parents and of course getting the pups used to going places. As so often things happen when away from home….my camera has decided to go berserk. The lenses are not focusing….now with my vision problems I have thought it was me….nope, not me. Also…not matter what the setting….metering system….white balance in extreme lighting situations (like the dogs at the beach) the images are terrible. So….today is the drive home (if I ever get packed). Here is one of the images from the beach….more on that adventure a little later.
Gustav….seems to be huge. There were on and off storms yesterday (in Fl, east coast) that they said were bands from this huge storm….stay safe my friends!
The Wild Hibiscus that grows in between my house and the neighbors house has been in full bloom the last few weeks. I have longingly viewed from a distance…almost missed the chance to get a few photographs when Michael went and cut one for me the other day. Not the way I enjoy photographing them….but since the old joints, tendons and ligaments have been so sore as of late, not to mention my ability to focus due to the inflammation in my eyes has also been a bit of a bother I have opted to just look from a distance. So…dusted the camera off and got a couple of shots. You must have the ability to bend to get good shots….you just can’t stand there
So…there is light at the end of the tunnel as slowly…with each passing day I feel a little better. Oh so very tired but that too in time will improve. Just a little flare up. I have to admit I have missed my painting….and I must also be so very Thankful to several clients that have been so very patient waiting for their portraits to be complete as a few have been on the back burner for a little while. Please hang in there just a little longer.
During my down time I purchased a new vacuum cleaner…don’t you just love the Internet. Ordered online and within three days or so it was at my front door. I had a Dyson canister…the first type that was placed on the market….they were short lived for soon after they were no longer available (although there is a new improved version is back on the market)….and I know why. Unlike the uprights the canister clogged (the newer model the canister is much larger)….the handle was too thick (well for those with arthritis anyway). Still, when I purchased it I had a six pack (four goldens a pit bull and a Bogie). I got used to having to stop unclog for it did such a wonderful job in the clean up. Not so as of late, time for a new one so this is my first upright. So far I am pretty pleased with it….the dogs however… find it to be an evil machine, no doubt due to all of the cursing and fighting with the old canister. Posed them next to it to get the above image….look closely at Rocky (Golden) and you will notice him leaning away from the vacuum…Gemma went into the bedroom where she remained until our little photo shoot was over. Hmmmmm….wonder how long it would take to train them to clean up after themselves
As I have not been feeling well as of late it was a very nice surprise to look out my front door and see that UPS left me a pretty nice sized box that had GODIVA stamped all over it….what a big smile I had on my face. A nice tin of Godiva Biscuits, box of candy and a tin of Hot Chocolate. I immediately made a nice cup of green tea, grabbed the biscuits and retreated in my office where I sipped my tea and nibbled on a few biscuits….life is good A Birthday gift from my sister, her husband and thier beloved cat Scruffy. I had also received a lovely gift from my Mother In Law….and it is not even my Birthday….yet (a few more weeks).
I have never been into Sports all that much. As a young girl….well let me just say I was usually the one sitting on the sides. I do enjoy every once in a while watching the youngsters play, that is if the parents are not so very driven. It should be about fun and sometimes, well some people (the adults) tend to get a tad bit carried away
I am still here, although a little busy as of late. The Tee Shirt Give Away is coming along fine and I will be posting info on it very soon!!!