Have you missed me? I’ve been AWOL for the past month or so, squirreled away in my studio working on commissioned paintings that needed to be done in time for Christmas. I just finished up the last one and I’m feeling a giddy sense of accomplishment! I promise I’ll share everything with you eventually, but since they’re all intended as gifts, they have to stay under wraps until December 25th. I wouldn’t want to spoil someone’s surprise!
For the past few days, I’ve had a new companion in my studio. I’d like you to meet Holly, the latest addition to our family…
Holly and her brother were given up by their owner in late September and turned over to our local humane society. They’ve spent the past two months at the shelter, waiting for someone to take them home.
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| Bear and Holly |
The good news is that my son adopted Holly’s brother last weekend, and he now has a happy new home.
I couldn’t bear the thought of poor Holly being left behind at the shelter without her buddy, so my husband and I decided to foster her for awhile. She’s settling in nicely here at our house and already seems less timid and nervous.
She was an outside dog all her life and isn’t used to being indoors, but she’s starting to like it now. She’s the sweetest girl – when I sit on the floor with her and she lays her head on my lap, looking up at me with those big brown eyes, it’s enough to melt my heart.
Our golden retriever, Buckley, is the most accommodating dog I’ve ever known. He has accepted Holly with such enthusiasm and is teaching her all about chasing Frisbees and tennis balls.
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| Buckley showing Holly how awesome tennis balls are |
She’s still on the sidelines at this point, warily watching…
but today she actually made a move toward the ball, like she’s getting an idea of what playing is.
We’re looking forward to seeing her change and grow over the next few weeks. She’s already responding to our love and attention.
And remember, if you have room in your heart for this lovable pup, she’s available for adoption from the Greene County Humane Society in Waynesburg, PA.
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| “I’d love to have a new home for Christmas.” |
Before I go, let me give you an update on my workshops that will be coming up this winter. My two-day sketchbook journaling workshop in Sarasota, FL, is now open for online registration. We’ll be meeting at the beautiful Marie Selby Botanical Gardens on January 21 & 22, and I’m really looking forward to introducing a whole new group of people to the joys of sketchbook journaling. And I can’t wait to soak up some of that fabulous Florida sunshine!
My February workshops in California have both filled up and the nice folks at San Clemente Art Supply have asked me to extend my visit and do a repeat of my step-by-step watercolor workshop for those who didn’t get into the first class. The dates for the new workshop are February 25-27. Visit the SCAS website to register.
But that’s enough forward-thinking for now. I did want to give you a heads-up about those things, but really, now is the time of year to be focusing on the here and now. I still have shopping to do and cookies to bake and a Christmas Eve family get-together to plan. And I haven’t even begun to write Christmas cards yet. Oh, well, I have 14 whole days left, and I plan to fill them to the brim with family, friends, good food, great dogs, children, babies, presents, and eggnog. I’m not going to worry about a thing – it’s time to enjoy!
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| Merry Christmas! |
5 Comments
What a lovely story about the brother and sister finding new homes . I've a feeling that you won't want to let her go , It's nice that dogs can be fostered for awhile like children. Enjoy the festive season with your family and friends.
Lovely story and photos too.
Maureen,
outer Melbourne, Australia
Lovely story and photos.
Yes! I have missed you. It was nice to see your post pop up in my inbox this morning. What a pretty girl Holly is. My husband and I adopted a rescue Sheltie named Emma three years ago, and she had that same uncertain look in her eyes that I see in Holly's in the fourth photo down. Sometimes I still see it, as if, even after three years, she still wonders what happened and if she really belongs here. It breaks my heart, because she was "our girl" from the moment we first saw her.
I love the smile on Holly's face in the photo where she's running. It took Emma quite a while to learn how to play, and our other dog, Dylan, taught her just like Buckley is teaching Holly. Aren't dogs the best?
Merry Christmas, Leslie!
Merry Christmas Leslie!