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