Here's Stevie!

Henley, the Great Dane was such a big part of our lives (and not just because of his size). We miss him so much we can barely stand it at times. When Mick and Stevie came into our family it became an adjustment for all. Henley and our mini-schnauzers, Daisy & Ellie, were loving and all three filled with personality.

Mick and Stevie are filled with personality but not so loving...or weren't at first. They're coming along. Stevie sat in my lap coming home when we adopted them. I don't know if that really made a difference or not, but she's always been the more lovey of the two.

Dave and I would have posted more pictures of them but the Airedales are apparently the fastest breed of dogs on earth. Or, maybe we're just getting older. Or maybe it's a blend of the two - whatever - --

Here are a few shots of our girl, Stevie. Who knows? Maybe Mick will stand still long enough to include a post of him soon.


One of the pups favorite things to do is to stand up on our deck which overlooks our neighbor's pool. Thankfully, our neighbors thinks this is cute. Otherwise, it might be seen as doggie voyeurism.



A close-up of either Airedale is outside the norm because they're so danged fast that usually the picture is either a blur, or it's of their backside as they're on their merry way. Stevie was being extraordinarily good for this shot.


David took this and I'm amazed that she didn't decide to jump up and lick his face...or the camera...of whatever she could get her mouth on at the moment. Airedales are mouthy dogs.

I made a few additions to the ever evolving Favorite Things collage. I glued down the metal top piece that came on a bottle of champagne. Don't know if you'll be able to see it or not, because my photography using the digital camera is lousy. I apparently shake and end up with blurred pictures. Anyway, I followed Henley around the other day with said camera trying to get a great shot of him and he is either always sleeping or just plain uncooperative while he's awake. I point the camera at him and the next thing I know I have a giant Great Dane schnoz in the camera lens followed quickly by that long slobbery tongue trying to lick the camera. So, I went through all the pics we already have of him and decided that the goofy one I use on the side bar of this blog was perfect. The distorted view suits his personality. I added that photo along with a "floating" head of our beloved Ellie (we all miss her so!). There are more things I want to add, maybe some quotes, but I'm not sure of that yet. I did receive a phone call yesterday from St Augustine's San Sebastian Winery people. They're sending me labels for the piece. Yay!! I'm excited about that!

A couple of months ago I began a collage project that has been progressing s-l-o-w-l-y...but that's not been a bad thing this time. I've enjoyed the time of walking by it and spending time just thinking it over. I've never done a collage and have finally given myself the freedom to DO it - maybe the technique is wrong, but if I don't do something it will never get done. Anyway, it's a work that includes my favorite things. This is the beginning of it. Don't judge it harshly because it's no where near completed, but I'm fairly pleased thus far.



To the left is Frida (of course!) and beneath that is a brochure front from St Augustine's art community. Below that - a champagne label. I do love champagne. I don't get it often, but it's my favorite beverage. Of course, in the center is family, my sons, parents, and husband. At the top right is a scroll work of paper to represent the ocean and in the middle of it (tiny) I've put a picture of myself because if no one else in my family loves that incredible part of nature that God made, I do! I'll be adding Henley and our beloved Ellie. Then, maybe some words...can't decide yet.

I need to define the areas and am thinking along the lines of washes of color, but I'm not sure how to go about that.