Coloring My World

Mama-commandant in training and gentle soother of wounded souls; intimidating possessor of the "Evie eye" and hammy comedienne superb; adult female who could (literally) throw the most weight around and tiny 6 oz. runt of the litter who needed mouth-to-mouth from her human mum and special feedings from her canine mama to survive. A beautiful study in Rottie opposites and the epitome of one who could bring the rainbow of colors to another's world. Sweet Evie, I anticipate knowing the gorgeous spectrum of your life again. Love you always, darling girl.

Light(en)ing Up A Dark Day

Just one of his many gifts, as he lived up to his name (Constantine) in every possible way and brought a lifetime of true joy in a too short six and a half years.

Still and always (aka, constantly) in my heart, good and faithful boy.



Sophie in Rose

 

 

 

 

To quote a favorite song:

 

"You had this smile that could light up the world" - Slaughter, Fly to the Angels

 

I may try to capture that smile in another portrait but, for now: Sophie in Rose, symbolic of further lyrics to the same song:

 

"Cause now you've got to fly high (fly high)
Fly to the angels
Heaven awaits your heart
And flowers bloom in your name"

 

In the hope of seeing you there, sweet girl.



Happy St. Patrick's Day 2015

 

An Old Irish Blessing

 

May love and laughter light your days

and warm your heart and home.

May good and faithful friends be yours

wherever you may roam.

May peace and plenty bless your world

with joy that long endures.

May all life's passing seasons

bring the best to you and yours!

 

On this feast day of the Apostle of Ireland,

 may the many blessings of God

 rain down on all like the gentle spring showers that bring the shamrock to life.

 

Happy St. Patrick's Day 2015!

Still My Inspiration

With my dad's ongoing and worsening illness, my own poor health, recent deaths in the family, and the loss of several of my longtime and beloved friends over the past year and a half, I haven't been feeling very communicative or creative of late. (And I apologize to all I've been a bad friend to because of it.) Then, looking at some wonderful Rottie photos and artwork on Pinterest today had me missing quite terribly again my canine kids who were called home. As it turned out though, in the rekindled grief, love inspired. So, although I can't do any kind of justice to their inner or outer beauty, I expect I'll be sharing more memorial portraits of honor. It truly did help to work on one - the first new painting I've done in months - and it's one small way to let them know that they're still - and always - my inspiration. Not to mention proof, once again, that they're a gift that never stops giving us more than we could ever give them.

 

 

Love you, sweet boy.

The Reason

This week's Lenten readings:

The test of trials and sorrow (Genesis 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18)

Sacrifice of Isaac,

Caravaggio, c. 1603

 

and the promise given to help us go on.  (Mark 9:2-10)

 

Transfiguration of Christ

Titian, c. 1560

 

The reason:

 

Because when God Himself provides the sacrifice (Genesis 22:8)

 

 

The Crucifixion,

Diego Velazquez, 1632

 

all suffering ends united in the Son. (1 Corinthians 15:20-28)

 

 

Resurrection of Christ,

Carl Heinrich Bloch, 1875

 

My prayers for the gift of increased hope bestowed on all those enduring loss, illness, hardship and challenges that seem insurmountable.