THE SUBJECT IS "WORDS"

The theme for February for Creative Every Day....is words. I could have put down all of those words that express....feelings....but I decided to take another route....one that I've always been curious about and that is.....where do paint companies come up with the names they give their paints/paint chips??? And are we influenced by those names when we choose our colors or are we beyond that...focused on the color we really want to select whether it's called "chocolate mink" or "lavender lipstick"? Speaking of lipsticks...there is a similarity there as well...I can remember my mother...back in the '50's and her favorite color was...Persian Melon. What color does that suggest to you? My den, where I spend a lot of time....is chili pepper red....and I love it! So....next time you head for the paint store....what's it going to be....how about "banana split!"

Tom & Boomer

Tom came home for a quick visit on Thursday to see the pup and bring his laundry home from school...but he actually did his laundry and I made him a huge pot of chili to take back to share with his roommates. He seems to have less "fur" on the top of his head since I last saw him!

JUST A DOG

My friend, Jan, sent this to me recently. The author is unknown, but I would like to know the person who wrote this and just what their dog or dogs were like. There are those of us who like dogs and those that like cats....not that I don't like cats....but to me, a dog has it "all over a cat". They definitely are a little more work, but they're worth it. I told myself that at 4:11 am today when my puppy was up and ready to eat and play....so here is what the unknown author wrote....it certainly speaks to me.

JUST A DOG

"From time to time, people tell me, "Lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "That's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, time spent, or costs involved for "Just a dog." Some of my proudest moments have come about with "Just a dog." Many hours have passed with my only company being "Just a dog," and not once have I felt slighted. Some of my saddest moments were brought about by "Just a dog." In those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "Just a dog" provided comfort and purpose to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it"s "Just a dog," you will probably understand phrases like "Just a friend,"Just a sunrise" or "Just a promise." "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person. Because of "Just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

For me and folks like me, it's not "Just a dog." It's an embodiment of all of the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. "Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday people can understand it's not "Just a dog." It's the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man or a woman."

So, the next time you hear the phrase "Just a dog," smile, because they "Just Don't Understand." ~

(Thanks to dogs I've known in my life: Buttons, Ricochet, Touche, Sachet, Gigi, Sam, Charlie Chan, Adolf, Max and my new pal, Boomer).

Thanks for sharing, Jan!

Boomer....

Another photo....
by popular demand!

Valentines

I created these Valentine postcards for my sisters and my son. Doing small projects like this keep the "creative juices" flowing and are so much nicer than a store bought card. The card for Tom includes a photo of a heart shaped box which he made in kindergarten 16 years ago....it was a class project that I did with another Mom. The kids made the boxes out of papier mache and then painted them and glued buttons and glitter and sequins, etc. on the boxes. It was a messy project! The box is very special and I keep it in my art space.

BOOMER - Week 1

Boomer has been here one week today. He is the cutest. We've been to Agway for food....and a toy....can't ever leave Agway without a new toy and we went to the car wash....a big trip for a little pup, but getting him used to riding in the car. Today we went to Petco so I could get a large pen so when I'm not home, he doesn't have to be in his crate...has more room to play. I think he grew 2 inches in one week! You'll be seeing his picture a lot here!

Meet "Boomer," (Boomerang)

This is the latest addition to our household...."Boomer", short for Boomerang. He's an Australian Labradoodle and he is 9 weeks old. I think this name suits him. His birthday is November 30, 2008.

He's really a good boy and so much fun.

After spending at least 6 months looking at all kinds of breeds online, I found "Boomer"right here in CT and it was meant to be. Listen to The Puppy Song...#1 on My Music.

He's home.