Old Dog Love

Lsa (9 years) and Gemma (14 years)

There is nothing like the love and devotion of an older dog. Gemma has had an important influence in our breeding bloodlines, and since longevity is one element that everyone would like to have in their dog, we are pleased to announce another important birthday. Sweet girl Gemma, has just celebrated her 14th birthday!! Both Lsa and Gemma are living the golden years on a farm nearby with a good friend and her family.

Walk With An Old Dog

Because you will not be forever
Hope against time though I may
I paint your picture in my memory
Eyes blue with age, muzzle gone gray

Because you walked with me in springtime
Puppy clumsy, running free
As we grew, we grew together
You became a part of me

Because you shared with me my sorrows
Not understanding, simply there
Often spurring me to laughter
My friend, you know how much I care.

Because the years have slowed your fleetness
Though your spirit still is strong
I promise I will take more time now
So that you can go along.

Because you do not fear the future
Living only in the now
I draw strength from your example
Yet time keeps slipping by, somehow.

Because the day will soon be coming
When I will no longer see
You rise to greet me, but in memory
You will always walk with me.

Author Unknown

Blank Slates

 

I love this time of year. While this time of year seems in some ways to be winding down, in many other times it is the greatest time of renewel. Kids go back to school, and programs to learn or do something start up again and I find that so exciting. I have never understood anyone who wanders around saying they are bored! Just how can you be bored in this world? Opportunities are everywhere to enrich your life or someone elses. I will soon be teaching new classes in the studio and I am the only one teaching many of these techniques in all of central Alberta. I love seeing new people make something they never would have thought they could and the pride in them as they display their accomplishments. So if you are reading this blog from anywhere close to me, come break glass for fun!

New Bashkir Curly Foal!

Sugar has just had a brand new stud colt this morning! He is so sweet and she produces the nicest temperament in her offspring! Looks like he will be a palomino too!

Kameo's Bliss!

This is Kameo's idea of bliss!

Mud AND Sun!

What could be better! Can hardly wait for things to dry up a little around here!

Awards for GRCAB!

I was honored to be asked to create two awards recently that I can now reveal as they are in the hands of the winners. These two plates were custom designed for the Golden Retriever Club of Alberta for the Best of Breed winners for the Golden Retriever Specialty and booster shows. They are hand cut designs etched onto irridized glass and are 8x8 and 11 x 11.

New CGN Title!

 I am so happy to announce that Emma and her Spirit Rider golden retriever boy Finn have just passed their Canine Good Neighbor test with flying colours! Finn is only 10 months old which made him the only puppy at the test and one of only 2 that passed out of 20!!! Very impressive! Finn is out of our girl Faith, and our boy, Beamer who is also a CGN graduate.

The CGN test is a Canadian Kennel Club sponsored event which tests the dogs ability to handle several different situations, such as being surrounded by wheelchairs, odd objects and people, their temperament with new people, obedience situations etc. Passing the CGN is a testament to the dog's steady nature.

The Smiling Blue Skies Walk To End Canine Cancer

Don't forget to come support this great cause on Sunday May 6 in Calgary, Alberta. The research done through this foundation also relates to humans, so this is very important. For complete information see: http://www.smilingblueskies.com/events.html

Memories of Dad now

It was too soon. Its always to soon to loose someone you love. Just 14 months earlier, I stood at the same gravesite saying my goodbyes to my Mom. Now my Dad. The tears flowed, my heart ached and I wished for just one more of many things. One more phone call, one more hug, one more smile, the list goes on. When Mom passed I felt like my net had been pulled out from under me. I now feel like my foundation I was standing on is gone. I don't think it matters how old you are, there is a sense of finality to the loss of parents that seems like the final push to independence a parent gives. It is then our turn to fly on our own and guide our young to do the same.
 During the days leading up to the funeral I phoned several people to tell them of Dad's passing and the arrangements. Undoubtedly the most difficult calls I found I had to make were to my parents friends, that have come about through church, business, neighbourhood or recreation, but all were friends by choice. Their friendships were developed by our human need for companionship, but enriched by respect and love. I must admit that by phoning I felt like I was severing that friendship, but as I looked around at reception after the service I gained even more respect for my Dad. He was a true friend to so many people and that is admirable and certainly something the whole world could learn from. I contemplated whether I would have so many friends attend when I go and that it would be an indication of a life well lived and shared. I am so blessed. My parents were such a positive influence in my life and my brothers and sister. We grew to be the people we are today because of their love and respect for each other and us. A parent will have no more important job in their entire life than that of nurturing and guiding another human being.
My Dad taught me how to fly fish, among other things, and that the experience was what was important, not how many fish you caught. He taught me to drink in the surroundings and to slow down and appreciate the day. I look forward to many more days with his fishing rod in my hand and his memories in my heart.

“People so seldom say I love you And then it's either too late or love goes. So when I tell you I love you, It doesn't mean I know you'll never go, Only that I wish you didn't have to.” ♥


Cecil Arthur Head April 11,1922 - March 27, 2012

Rocky Studio Tour

After a complete overhaul I have loaded up the brand new site for the Rocky Studio Tour group. This is a group of artists working and living in the county of Clearwater in west central Alberta. We are growing in numbers and offer a wide variety of art forms for enjoyment, personal or corporate gifts and workshops. You will find maps of how to get to the artists that will guide you on a self guided tour of artists offering Canadian made creations. By subscribing you will be notified when special events are planned such as open houses or sales. So check it out at http://www.rockystudiotour.com

Painting Bliss

Started doing these little miniature paintings that are about 4 x 6 as I had very short windows of time to work recently and really enjoyed the immediate satisfaction I received from being able to see a painting evolve quicker than the larger canvases I usually work on. They sit on a little wooden easel that makes them easy to display and move around too.

Snow Days!

Even though my dogs and I are all enjoying this mild winter break, there is nothing quite like fresh snow to play in. So in honor of the fact that Isla (Copperluna Three Cheers) is in her first big show this weekend I wanted to share a picture of her at play not too long ago in the depth of winter. Can hardly wait to see her all spiffed up for the show!