Return to Normalcy



My new favorite picture of Clovis.



Thanksgiving weekend comes to a close, Mac has returned to his home and everything is as it was. The animals co-existed peacefully and without further incident. Clovis finally got to get out and run around again and hang out in his favorite spot in the bonus room, even though it did smell a little dogish. Good to get back to normal.

Day of Thanks

I am thankful for many things, family most of all. This Thanksgiving we have a new addition, my daughter's pit bull mix, Mac, who is visiting us this weekend.

Mac is an exuberant pup who thinks cats are something to prey upon and I'm sure if he knew what rabbits were Clovie would be prey too. So as a cat and rabbit only household we are having an interesting time juggling animals so that neither of them knows the dog is in the house. We had one tense dog and cat confrontation that resulted in the annihilation of the sliding door screen.

I will be thankful if we get through this holiday with all three animals intact.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Dear Lord, don't let the dog get me.





Small Works, Big Presents



Beach Treasures, colored pencil, 4 1/2" x 4 1/2"



I entered artwork in the Small Works, Big Presents juried show at the White River Valley Museum again this year.  Out of 185 artworks entered, 74 were selected, three of which were mine - Beach Treasures, above, Frizzle Chicken, and Spotted Rex, below.

Frizzle Chicken, colored pencil, 7 1/2" x 9 1/2"

Spotted Rex, colored pencil, 2 1/2" x 3 1/2"

The show opened on November 16th and runs through December 18th.

 

Flag

Richards Studio Collection, Tacoma Public Library

I was really struck by this photo in our paper today. This is the Perkins building in Tacoma on November 11, 1918. In celebration of the German surrender to the Allies and the end of World War I, a giant American flag was unfurled from the top of the building by the staff of the News Tribune. As the Armistice agreements were signed, Tacomans flooded out of their offices and factories and into the streets to celebrate. At 11 a.m. the executives of the Tribune swung the enormous flag into place.  It rippled down almost to the sidewalk.  A cheer rose from the crowd, a band played "Keep the Home Fires Burning"; not a dry eye in the crowd.

Can you imagine standing there, watching that flag unfurl? How could you not feel great emotions of pride and patriotism?

I am remembering my father today.

Many thanks to the Veterans who have served and are serving our country, and to their families who sacrifice so much. 

Published at 11 a.m. on 11/11/11

Clovis Goes Green

Lipped, that is. The parsley will do it to you every time.

 Clovie and I took our monthly drive to the Country Animal Hospital this morning.  The air was crisp, the sun was out, and the trees were gorgeous.  I had a hard time keeping my eyes on the road and the speedometer.  We had a lovely chat with Dr. Heather who told us about sugar shacks and maple syrup, the smells and memories of her childhood in Ohio.

When we got back I brought in our uncarved pumpkins and set them down in Clovie's room thinking I might get some cute pictures. 

A lot of thumping and periscoping ensued.  Apparently we do not like pumpkins in our room.

A Couple of Cat and Mouse Stories

Story 1:  I wrote a post on this blog titled Cat and Mouse about Minnow's nightly ritual with her little pet mouse.  One night this summer she was in the window of my art room, on possum watch, when I went to bed.  In the morning the mouse was in the window. I left it there and closed the window.  I noticed the mouse stayed in the window for about a week which seemed odd, and I thought maybe she forgot where she left it.  No, I had closed the window on its tail. Mousetrap!

Story 2:  Our second daughter took a job with Americorp which she finds very rewarding.  The paycheck, however, is not so I convinced her to live at home for awhile.  At the end of her hard day she waltzes in, kicks off her shoes and leaves them in the living room.  One day we found the mouse in her black shoes.  The next day it was in her brown shoes. Does this mean something? 

Clovenstein, the Monster

Clovis got a Frankenrabbit costume for Halloween this year. He's calling himself Clovenstein, the Monster.

Costume Features:

Extra large black rabbit ears, one lop
Stick on neck bolts
Green face paint
Fake forehead scar, stitches and bangs
Extra long yellowish rabbit teeth
Black sweater, brown jacket with 3/4 sleeves
Optional rat tail (He wanted it)
Dark pink toenail polish

Hurry! Buy the card