Squirt

This was Squirt, my long-haired doxie best-buddy that has been with me for 17 years. He was a totally joy, goof-ball, fuzzy-butt puppy. But, as with all old agers, he was losing his quality of life. Last week, my husband & I took him to the Vet for his final visit. We said our good-byes & gave him back his freedom. I miss him terribly!

This is the reason why I have been so absent from my blog, my art & my postings. He required a bit of extra attention towards the end, and my husband & I both decided we would not have him put down just because he was inconvenient. So we gave him the extra time he needed until the quality of life disappeared, then we gave him what some call, the final gift of love - we let him go. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do.

I have been grieving & relaxing over the past few days, trying to recoup some of my energy. I was suppose to be in an outdoor art show this coming weekend, but unfortunately it looks like the weather is not going to cooperate. It's a shame because I've done this show the past 2 years & it is fun! And I had such a good idea for display too! This was to be my "Slices of Life" series - all 6x12 paintings. However, the show is outdoors & does not allow tents or canopies. The work has to be hung on their wire fence, and we are allowed to clip a clear tarp over the work. But with the tropical storm heading for us, heavy rains & wind, I don't think that will work out. Oh well, Murphy's Law.

I will start posting again soon - just wanted to explain my absence. I did paint a few 6x12's for the show, including the last post I did of Utah's Twin Arches. I also did a few re-paints (new versions done of older paintings) and I actually cut up a few older paintings that did not sell. By making them now 6x12 their composition changed and I like them more. I'll explain more when I post them.

Oh - and if you have a pet, give them a hug right now. Tell them it's from Squirt!