Sleeping Dogs Studio

As I started this blog, I quickly realized that I was going to be a huge reader as well as a writer…there is SO much fun stuff out there in Blog-land!

Here’s one of my new favorites:

This wonderful blog shows Jennifer Causey’s photography, in this case, photos of absolutely lovely breakfasts.  (The woman can obviously cook as well as take photographs.) 

It’s hard to explain why it’s so compelling…but you find yourself looking at one photo..then two…then just one more…

Sometimes, Jennifer doesn’t just show us a “slice” of her life, but also lets us know about a book giveaway, or invites us to join her at an art fair…very clever.

Regardless, breakfast is OBVIOUSLY something I don’t spend enough attention or time on!

The link is:  www.simplybreakfast.blogspot.com.  Just don’t drool on your computer screen…

One of my favorite publications is “Studios” by Cloth, Paper, Scissors/Interweave Publications.  I get to peek into the creative spaces of many other fantastic artists of all mediums, which is a great pleasure, and always gives me new ideas.

In the Winter 2009/2010 Issue, there was a special article about studio pets.  I found the photos of the artists with their dogs, cats, and even rabbits (!) very familiar to our situation, and their lead-in paragraph very on target:

“Why do our animal companions always seem to want to hang out with us when we create? Do they know they often serve as a muse?  Can they sense that we find their choice to be with us reassuring as we doubt our selection of color, line, or fabric?  Maybe it’s just because we often work in their favorite spot:  the sunniest room in the house.”

The article concluded by asking for photos of our own studio pets…and imagine my surprise and delight when I received an e-mail from an Assistant Editor yesterday following up on our own submission!  I sent her the following:

And it looks as if Jasmine and Owen may appear in a future issue – which, of course, is only their due, given that our entire studio is named after them. 

Of course, we may now be looking at some attitude changes – silver dining bowls?  canopy dog beds?  doggie sunglasses to avoid the inevitable paparazzi?  Who knows what may be down the road… 

I have a special appeal to all animal lovers out there…

I know times are tough for all of us – but I also know that giving during tough times always gives me the greatest reward – renewed spirit, hope, and good feelings…even if the gift is a small one.

“A Place to Bark” is a wonderful, no-kill shelter located in Tennessee.  I became familiar with it because of the owner, Bernie Berlin, who is also a wonderful mixed media artist, and Don and I have supported the shelter in a small way throughout the years. 

What Bernie has been able to accomplish with limited resources is an amazing story – she not only keeps abused and deserted animals (cats and dogs) at her shelter, but also retrains them in the hopes of placing them in appropriate homes across the country; pays for their veterinary care if needed; and provides transportation all over the country to other shelters that can assist her with placement.  She literally lives and breathes this challenging, heartbreaking and rewarding work each and every day.

She moved to Tennessee some years ago as she had a chance to purchase a plot of land large enough to facilitate a truly large shelter, along with some outdoor space for the animals to run…but the money to fully support an indoor shelter has been elusive.  This year, however, Bernie is close to a milestone.  Thanks to a challenge grant, if she is able to raise an additional $20,000 prior to 12/31/09, she will finally have enough money to fully fund an indoor facility.

BEFORE

AFTER

I urge you to check out Bernie’s Blog at:

http://aplacetobark.blogspot.com/

Feel free to click on the videos there to find out more about Bernie’s program and what she does – and you can also find there a link to make a contribution.

I hope you will join Don and me in supporting this endeavor – Bernie is literally making a difference in the lives of hundreds of animals a year, and you can join in that effort.  I thank you in advance for any way in which you can assist!

One of the most common questions I get asked is “Where do you get those great vintage photos for your cards?”.  Some of them REALLY are my relatives!   But many others are found from estate sales to yard sales by ephemera lovers, and put together into wonderful collections that collage artists can purchase.

I had happily spent several years purchasing such photos from all over the United States and Canada – when someone suddenly suggested that I check out the following site:

www.paperwhimsy.com

I was INSTANTLY hooked, particularly when I discovered that the owner of this online store, Gale Blair, actually lives only about an hour from me!  Small world…in addition, she has the absolute best photos I have ever found – anywhere!

As if photos like those above aren’t charming enough, each option has been named, via a contest that Gale held with her readers.  The lovely young lady above is Miss Daisy Posey…and below you will find one of my personal favorites, Miss Poppy Pennywhistle.

Gale not only has the best vintage photos, but she and her British husband are also fantastic photographers in their own right.  As a result, I can’t stay away from their blog during the approximately two weeks they spend in England visiting his family each summer.  I get to not only see lovely photos of old castles, and beautiful gardens – but I also get to hear wonderful stories about the small town where their family lives.  It often makes me laugh out loud – while at the same time longing for a life less hectic and as idyllic as the one described!  You can find photos of past trips in her Blog, under “England” in the Categories section.  But I warn you – you won’t be able to stop looking once you start!

Gale also creates beautiful artwork, and has Rande Hanson, another phenomenal artist working with her.  You should check out BOTH of their blogs under “Salmagundi” on her web site.

That’s my Monday tip – Gale’s site is definitely worth a special trip!