Remembering the Fallen

The past few weeks have been filled with unrelenting docudramas about September 11, 2001. Only a few have moved me to tears- none faster than the sound of a search dog that found the four victims in the rubble of the WTC. They didn't build up to it...it just happened and my heart caught in my chest because I hadn't heard anything of "Cadaver Dogs" being brought in yet. That dog- which in the eyes of so many was "just another dog" became a hero in a single loud bark. It was solid, resilient and hopeful. And everyone stopped. The dog continues to bark (the dog is off camera so you don't see the dog- just the rescuers) and it gets louder and louder and people start shouting "Hey we found someone ALIVE DOWN HERE!!"  Hours and days of digging and hoping, searching and praying were found, received and acted upon by a well trained determined search dog.

I'm not a political person or an flag waving 4th of July Patriot. I don't agree with everything this county decides it needs to do or the things people think they need to get involved in on "behalf" of our country. I think sometimes it gets us into a hell of a lot of trouble. But this time trouble came to us. And it wasn't the politicians who paid the price- it was the citizens. And it was the CITIZENS who showed the POLITICIANS how it needed to be responded to and handled. It was the citizens who were the heroes of 9/11 not the military, and not the government. When you look out and you decide who you want your heroes to be- look in your own back yard- the police, firefighters, EMS: the first responders, & the search teams (including dogs). I watched that tragedy like everyone else in America- I cried till I was sick- I was scared, I have family in New York that worked at the WTC. It was personal for me too. But when I hung a flag that night it was not to support a military retaliation, or a patriotic need. Because NATIONWIDE it IS the first responders who are always there putting their lives on the line, and if it happens are the first to die- trying to save the lives of others. I hung a flag in honor of their bravery, selflessness and sacrifice. Not one rolling into Manhattan that day thought of anything more than how to save a life. They inspired and brought the best out of this nation. The moment I hung that flag I can say I was proud- for a grim while I was proud -Not of my country- but of my countrymen.

Thank You,

to all those 

Firefighters, EMTS, Police, and Search Teams

who stop and put their lives on the line

so that others may live.

The military have several holidays celebrating their heroism and devotion to duty and county.

Sept 11 is for those who aren't military who gave their lives and risk their lives on a daily basis.

It's not that I am not supporting the troops but let's recognize the everyday heroes too.

Summer is winding down

The sun sets a little earlier, it's cooler at night, and the geese are overhead again. Yup, summer is starting to wrap up but I still have a few weeks of fun and warmth before pulling out the fall and winter clothes. Participating in making the Sheboygan Dog Run a success is really giving me a lot of opportunities to meet people and see a lot of variety of dogs. Some really beautiful pictures to be had for sure.

But soon the golden color will be from the leaves and not from the setting sun. It will be too cold to paint outside. But hopefully I have done enough networking to keep the interest flowing throughout the winter season. Was down a vehicle for a little over a month and sadly my shoulder does not allow for me to ride my bike back and forth to work enough to go long without one. A new Dodge Dakota with enough horses to make Kodiak blush, is the new ride around town. It will be off again to the parks for some more pictures long before the snow flies.

 Have been working on a new complex piece called "The Breakout" 

Of the 9 horses I have 3 started. It will hopefully be finished before the horse show September 24th.

Dog Park Commissions

Here's the first of a few portraits for dogs from the dog park:

Who says they have to be girly?

These are the days of our lives

  Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later- my blazer died. Fuel Pump. Well to be honest it has 187K on it and it has been a good reliable piece of machinery, despite what others have said. So for now yours truly is on her bike, because apparently with the new economy you need to make 1800 a month to get a car loan (which is crap). But on a happier note, some tips from a friend in Australia is helping with my online marketing, and with the truck down I have had time to focus more on things around rather than my next adventure. I have had time to get rid of a bit more crap that I was holding onto and will make a few days of cleaning out hard drives of doubles, blurry and useless photographs that I have just thrown on them. Got a bit involved in the care and upkeep of the local dog park which earned me a free ride home and some new friends. I am also looking at getting my art hung up in a few local businesses to get the word out. Hopefully this will pull in a few sales to get me a new set of wheels. The being grounded part of all this is just that. I have no excuse for not getting things nailed down and rebuild new habits about organizing the studio. No more piles of receipts and gigs of reference photos that I didn't take time to file away properly. The one really bad thing about this is that no car means no shows. But honestly I did the one show I really wanted to do so I'm not out anything I committed to doing. And I have plenty of Reference pictures for more work. So here's to grounding and rethinking my habits for a better smoother way of operating.

Dog Days of Summer

We've had quite a scorcher the past few days with temps up to 102 degrees. I know for those in other areas that's nothing- but, I was a bit afraid to drive my truck in that heat for fear of a blowout, or overheating. But time inside has yielded and bit of marketing insight, a boost in my contacts on Facebook and the courage to jump out front and start up a group for the local dog park. After a long heartache and a very firm pooch kick from my social standing two years ago with my divorce I have summoned up the courage to try again. I have found a one hour trip to the dog park is now the better half of the evening. Which right now is probably a good thing, a nice boost to a broken ego, to talk with people who were once strangers and are becoming friends, Not a place I saw myself two years ago. Beaver Creek is pushing my professional people skills and paying off in wonderful reference pictures.

I was sad to see yet another childhood landmark close- Artist World Gallery and Supply Store has closed. A few moments in honor of my friend "Skip" who was my childhood hero and my driving target for me wanting to get into a Gallery. The originally gallery is an empty building and has been for years- nothing will fill the space with as much spirit as Skip and his collection of wildlife and Nature related prints and originals.I still remember seeing my first Carl Brenders- a wolf painting I held up to my own 24x36 wolf and wanting my work to look as sharp in focus, and full of emotion as his work. Skip set the bar for where I wanted to see my work and my ability- which is something I never had a chance to tell him.- Thank you Skip.

Happy Fourth of July

Well instead of spending hours along side strangers watching the fireworks I spent it with my best friend Kodiak. 

We went hiking down at Kohler-Andre State park and got a few interesting pictures. But instead of getting all loud and stupid I decided to get reflective about the 4th and mull over my blessings and quietly release some of my woes. One thing that I would like to remind people is that along with being thankful for the military which fights for our American rights abroad please be sure to give thanks for the police, firefighters, EMT's and other emergency personnel that give their days and nights and put their lives on the line on a daily basis to make sure you have your daily freedoms that so many take for granted every day. Happy 4th everyone.

TICA Show Summary and upcoming plans for July

Well it was an adventurous weekend. Got down to the show and back without an issue. Kodiak is a wonderful help with set up- could not have done it without him! There was a jumping horse show at the horse barn that weekend and when the gate was quiet I snuck over and got in some good ref shots! I finished "Plotting" 

 

and have subsequently gotten it framed and matted however; I left it at my parents with the rest of the setup from the weekend so I don't have pictures to share sorry. I decided to try the Beaver Creek Saddle and Bridle Club for their show July 8th, so I have a few horse pieces that I will be knocking out before I get back to working on the tigers. 

Off to do more art... Happy Friday!