tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49447021104213086882024-02-20T23:19:31.722-08:00these are my dogs, this is my blog.Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-40204773645069829312013-05-05T12:06:00.003-07:002013-05-05T12:09:38.383-07:00Things of Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscYs41BuJwqSOHaZGp60mYbTKWHFnvbRmFCb0PVqMklUZk1bk_KVXusJX6NkDYD78ddpteeKrx_pcj1cmJbItPZPvg87NUSWTIl4CdjQU12g6JUB0Y8I9wMKpKVTeRWnN9NR-ArFmTvY/s640/IMG_3809.JPG" width="640" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since returning home from our trip to California, it's been <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LouPaper?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">business</a> as usual around here. The warmer weather is infectious, and my latest hand-printed cards have a colorful spring in their step. I'm still getting to grips with the whole printing thing, and I mostly end up covered wholly in ink, but there really is nothing more satisfying than a freshly printed picture. The waste-paper basket has seen a lot of action, and I'm going through soap like it's going out of style. This is an honest sort of craft though, and it's fun to produce what feels like a series of mini artworks- each one unique. Chicken soup for the soul, this printing thing. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUE_V0CTUmQbYo0YAt8EZ89TMhURXIclV4wXfOFjHgqoaOQtcMHgryYt10g4y2XxDcnjQJtG-nOQ9hnQ2V6Xwd31GdK_3IQG4HWo-_mO207F00Pi1U8SHswsuZiIL7rXA3hPEuFH_nMZY/s1600/IMG_3863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUE_V0CTUmQbYo0YAt8EZ89TMhURXIclV4wXfOFjHgqoaOQtcMHgryYt10g4y2XxDcnjQJtG-nOQ9hnQ2V6Xwd31GdK_3IQG4HWo-_mO207F00Pi1U8SHswsuZiIL7rXA3hPEuFH_nMZY/s640/IMG_3863.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAu0bQFo5kdvrhOPkr7FIAarh2l0bqFotony3xReHgFKqBlcORAKDiN_qsbC-xN62FgZb125U1YY044LpioQTrNAzqqC5KVTfk_5N8EQRB62yGVFDARvroQMK1qteortzTL6OrgZgY6U/s1600/IMG_3866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAu0bQFo5kdvrhOPkr7FIAarh2l0bqFotony3xReHgFKqBlcORAKDiN_qsbC-xN62FgZb125U1YY044LpioQTrNAzqqC5KVTfk_5N8EQRB62yGVFDARvroQMK1qteortzTL6OrgZgY6U/s640/IMG_3866.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can't go wrong with a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/129695710/thank-you-cards-handprinted-set-of-7?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">rainbow of thanks</a>. Variety is the spice of life, am I right?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-ZmXcuVDgmJOeAh91NKpUKYm_jO3vnh0JHuMbAlaTMEmGogDBxi_dYKPzrufkhDWlR53jUYFIt1Q2RfS7kVIWcuyQAnDtP0bxDx6NfX06IMZK6YvwIZV7JCga87SNOmU_UTrhOfySAY/s1600/IMG_3931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-ZmXcuVDgmJOeAh91NKpUKYm_jO3vnh0JHuMbAlaTMEmGogDBxi_dYKPzrufkhDWlR53jUYFIt1Q2RfS7kVIWcuyQAnDtP0bxDx6NfX06IMZK6YvwIZV7JCga87SNOmU_UTrhOfySAY/s640/IMG_3931.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-ZmXcuVDgmJOeAh91NKpUKYm_jO3vnh0JHuMbAlaTMEmGogDBxi_dYKPzrufkhDWlR53jUYFIt1Q2RfS7kVIWcuyQAnDtP0bxDx6NfX06IMZK6YvwIZV7JCga87SNOmU_UTrhOfySAY/s1600/IMG_3931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> In other news, a certain somebody had a birthday recently. In an ambitious bid for wife-of-the-month award, I did a little research and surprised Forrest with a home-brewing kit. We proceeded to make a big mess, while Felix looked on, wondering why we wouldn't just cook some bacon instead.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And voila! After a few weeks of twiddling our thumbs and checking our watches, we had officially brewed a batch of Belgian ale. We'll make a master-brewer out of my husband yet. One of the finest beverages ever to grace a (fancy schmancy) beer glass. Gold star, Forrest!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It's also that time of year where I have to battle my fears and hold my breath as spiders scurry around me in the garden. I think only three screams have escaped my lips, but jeez do those eight-leggeds know how to leap out at me. Shudder.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have big plans for canning this year and I am SO EXCITED, but it's really not being very sunny and my plants seem to be at a standstill. Maybe I'm just looking at them too often. We also have about a million volunteer tomato seedlings shooting up everywhere, presumably from our compost or old tomatoes from last year that got dug back into the soil. It's pretty neat. Mother Nature is one interesting lady. </span></div>
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<br />Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-28040140322621802382013-05-02T06:19:00.000-07:002013-05-02T06:22:59.588-07:00Dog-tales. Chapter II.<!--StartFragment-->
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, it was February and I was in full planning mode. With
three dogs as my shadow, we wrote lists, mapped routes and loaded up the car.
Fingers crossed for good weather, knock on wood for happy dogs and wish on a star
for our sanity. 2,300 miles til our destination,
so let’s go.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All potential disasters considered -winter weather, the
dog-circus, my navigational deficiencies, etc- it was a pretty successful trip.
I don’t know many hotels that allow German shepherds, (20lb weight limit? Oh
dear)…but when Rudy hopped along to say hello at to the front desk of our
various stops, we sure did our best to melt some hearts. (and then we snuck
Felix and Nessie in the back door. Sorry, but you do what you’ve gotta
sometimes…no?). Anyway, we fooled nobody and got charged a wide array of dog
fees, but at least our sleepy heads got to hit some pillows!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(stretching our legs at a rest-stop, in some where cold, USA)</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We eventually made it to California fueled by adrenaline and caffeine,
in a manner that made us feel like quite the young adventurers. The freezing
winds of Nebraska kept the cobwebs away, and the lure of In ‘n’ Out (burger joint of our dreams) kept us
focused on our destination. If the Golden State was not such a money-suck, I’d
live there for the food alone. And don’t even get me started on the wine. Glug,
glug.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p>So, speaking of wine, we rolled up in Napa where our motley
crew was welcomed with homemade beef-stew and
wide smiles. I’ll say it again, I won the in-law lottery.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conversation turned to the dogs, and discussions upon conferences upon
back-and-forths later, we were faced with a dilemma. Or at least, a new option.
After thinking we were dropping Nessie off at her new home (see previous,
overly-wordy blog post), Forrest’s parents campaigned for keeping Rudy
instead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Deep breath.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It all made perfect sense. Rudy would get the rest and
relaxation he needed, away from a very boisterous Felix. The California climate
is more agreeable than Tennessee for a dog who loves to be outdoors. Nessie and
Felix, both under 2 years of age, needed exactly the same things in life, while
Rudy had an entirely unique set of requirements. But you only need to click
around this blog for two minutes to realize that Rudy is our baby, our beloved
StrudelDoodle, Pooder, BigBum, First Sergeant BooBoo. How do you take all that
love across the country, and leave it there?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, knock me down with a feather, because that is exactly
what we decided to do. To say we stewed, deliberated and agonized over it,
would hardly even scratch the surface. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nonetheless, we found a new vet, introduced her to Rudy and his complex medical history, watched him give her the irresistible Rudy-Show, as I shed an involuntary tear of pride- as is now my custom at every vet-visit. Yep, I have been reduced to mush. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So...while I feel a whole world of
heartache now- 2 months after the fact- I don’t feel any regret. I receive
daily Rudy-Reports from my Mother-in-law, keeping me updated on Roo’s issues,
eating habits, and daily adventures. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday I learned that Rudy had been
getting nervous about the chickens that live in the back yard. Not the kind of
dog to chase chickens, he was more worried that his feathered peers were conspiring to steal his ball or stick. Thusly, he was kept quite busy hopping in
security-guard fashion around his belongings, whilst no doubt singing the
chickens a song of warning, and throwing a multitude of stank-faces in their
direction. What a good boy! This kind of thing let’s me know he’s doing okay!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So it was a bittersweet trip to California. We saw a lot of
old friends and family, enjoyed some indulgences of the ‘it’s-a-vacation’
variety, and ate like royalty, mostly courtesy of my Mother-in-law being an exceptional cook. In fact the 15lb of weight that I had lost- worrying about Rudy- was starting to show up squidgily on my outer edges. Le sigh. All three dogs were spoiled rottenest by their Grandparents, and they
surely got more than their fair share of new sights and experiences. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, back to the now. While Rudy is living out his days in
fruit orchards and horse-stables, lounging on the sofa and dining on gourmet meals
prepared by Forrest’s Mum, we are busy missing him (probably a lot more than he is missing us!). Luckily, Nessie is a dog
that knows when she got a lucky break, and pretty much lives to make us happy.
And she succeeds, with room to spare. Felix is glad to have a little sidekick
who wants to play even more than he does, and Forrest and I are happy to have
such caring and generous parents as our own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And with that, this chapter of the Dog-Tale is concluded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And below: an abundance of photos of the trip, for good measure :)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyTFkv7cOuvul8ItDyydhNJW8nXUNnjaustGbs6A32AF9HhP9GcwUzBqTXKBxjw2pC6cx5VgfvXABDW4FLaSOMVRyqGodSSjnbNRrkds3zYaM03c4f8hHIR7UsNCqJZFJ8qXm4xD6xMY/s1600/IMG_3070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyTFkv7cOuvul8ItDyydhNJW8nXUNnjaustGbs6A32AF9HhP9GcwUzBqTXKBxjw2pC6cx5VgfvXABDW4FLaSOMVRyqGodSSjnbNRrkds3zYaM03c4f8hHIR7UsNCqJZFJ8qXm4xD6xMY/s640/IMG_3070.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Francisco!! </td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8P4bshjypcQlB0bzXLpMIDlJkK5IzghFi-7hq2bNEb7yjxp3SMaJ2gaPwytHYm4eR7oh_WcvXr-_5YKSD6udbzN0FYEIiwoJW0AxE4J4VFN65iVyFOsEmc1QyqwDZ3gMaB6rvkFJyzug/s1600/IMG_3151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8P4bshjypcQlB0bzXLpMIDlJkK5IzghFi-7hq2bNEb7yjxp3SMaJ2gaPwytHYm4eR7oh_WcvXr-_5YKSD6udbzN0FYEIiwoJW0AxE4J4VFN65iVyFOsEmc1QyqwDZ3gMaB6rvkFJyzug/s640/IMG_3151.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Napa Valley</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZX96szWoRGrBAh8_T8bDnTyXc5PHwn8WYrC8doZ6cAbahAF-AB68n74JT3cTmZgF-NZQDDWguRBLcxj8jcv54hxeFjgDmPjpMs6-sEQ71JABChET5BUw4f6Wqdmp3CzdcHcptbXVFyoE/s1600/IMG_3177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZX96szWoRGrBAh8_T8bDnTyXc5PHwn8WYrC8doZ6cAbahAF-AB68n74JT3cTmZgF-NZQDDWguRBLcxj8jcv54hxeFjgDmPjpMs6-sEQ71JABChET5BUw4f6Wqdmp3CzdcHcptbXVFyoE/s640/IMG_3177.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUAOFRqSABTBeZVhf98ABaEYY63iLbt5D27sVfrY6_uOoSAkk9FtS6qn8hL454HIq2IlZVEL1wj_LNw140f-k72eU-3iL550EKblXv4W0dp0AIMWE-Seq2YlPr2wk7cdNtjf1V3QEL9A/s1600/IMG_3208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUAOFRqSABTBeZVhf98ABaEYY63iLbt5D27sVfrY6_uOoSAkk9FtS6qn8hL454HIq2IlZVEL1wj_LNw140f-k72eU-3iL550EKblXv4W0dp0AIMWE-Seq2YlPr2wk7cdNtjf1V3QEL9A/s640/IMG_3208.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaK6ESqGH43-77DtkJOeZ2TT4wrz8wLIWUDWjW7Fqqxpzj6rhLM0-BKndAc3MPuNHfaED70z7oEwbJhl4i6UTHQo1XOHKv8B-a8yQD-0GAWRdi6eDoQobQ2ld65OKPtmII488dhL5aDnU/s1600/IMG_3228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaK6ESqGH43-77DtkJOeZ2TT4wrz8wLIWUDWjW7Fqqxpzj6rhLM0-BKndAc3MPuNHfaED70z7oEwbJhl4i6UTHQo1XOHKv8B-a8yQD-0GAWRdi6eDoQobQ2ld65OKPtmII488dhL5aDnU/s640/IMG_3228.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXpXn67l_E5XhoCNn_aZ0RbBEst8kThIBNKbGIrGQgnvc59IORCPDNWSZtAfe7-kI4sGrqi9EL6XcrHuCa2z2hy_Aha6gbhnY_9fdkk3nsu8mZPFjPw7RzqrNPGS91OD_aHPyE7trYtQ/s1600/IMG_3306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXpXn67l_E5XhoCNn_aZ0RbBEst8kThIBNKbGIrGQgnvc59IORCPDNWSZtAfe7-kI4sGrqi9EL6XcrHuCa2z2hy_Aha6gbhnY_9fdkk3nsu8mZPFjPw7RzqrNPGS91OD_aHPyE7trYtQ/s640/IMG_3306.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBD3NUPbowgVRXHA-AYKAMSBBbwdDCuEmk1SGQb6GPZ2TxMkKrxdmFxOLqaWSscHotW4r1tUhCW134dIMtRDRQFW9ktJ70PwDScDzO2MZFhavqoGKZAgyjKimIahtcTpyz90UHPPPY3Q/s1600/IMG_3365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBD3NUPbowgVRXHA-AYKAMSBBbwdDCuEmk1SGQb6GPZ2TxMkKrxdmFxOLqaWSscHotW4r1tUhCW134dIMtRDRQFW9ktJ70PwDScDzO2MZFhavqoGKZAgyjKimIahtcTpyz90UHPPPY3Q/s640/IMG_3365.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0RcHab1LMijQqvb-xT8-zn5Rr79V6IyW-fNYp_gQEC7oI4tcJ-1pJw9EG-WQcYGk9KUmUnS8aQ4JN4d4rjPfA5f3c0ZkPhhcd2uF6tFptFC08G5DSGzMZ1J9Pt7WoVCMLiXGb3H7vkw/s1600/IMG_3320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0RcHab1LMijQqvb-xT8-zn5Rr79V6IyW-fNYp_gQEC7oI4tcJ-1pJw9EG-WQcYGk9KUmUnS8aQ4JN4d4rjPfA5f3c0ZkPhhcd2uF6tFptFC08G5DSGzMZ1J9Pt7WoVCMLiXGb3H7vkw/s640/IMG_3320.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Roodle asking if he could go swimming. Who needs words, when you are offered this face?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzAYWRGyqmObE7fFKzZUR3hvi90_JVHGIwsDf2Owyk3gkqOMY4y8r_z_fQp9vlahg4bBuI15VrDKrH8C61gymdTlsSK9dTldm7O923AOrY5L3qucQthMVqFpVPra6pI7-H21XXRctCkc/s1600/IMG_3357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzAYWRGyqmObE7fFKzZUR3hvi90_JVHGIwsDf2Owyk3gkqOMY4y8r_z_fQp9vlahg4bBuI15VrDKrH8C61gymdTlsSK9dTldm7O923AOrY5L3qucQthMVqFpVPra6pI7-H21XXRctCkc/s640/IMG_3357.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nessie's first swim! (accidental)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHNbBCsyNwbs0i4BzyHiQ_9SYDKvdk3xD_lmjj6w1osjLa-fr-3lBglXDNR9nO90b2945RzqeCeIOBPoDz_xEd2VS5gRgWPIgoidKNxyWxhkDVw_Zcz1L7Y58JnkFT7Zryc_5k9jm6yw/s1600/IMG_3387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHNbBCsyNwbs0i4BzyHiQ_9SYDKvdk3xD_lmjj6w1osjLa-fr-3lBglXDNR9nO90b2945RzqeCeIOBPoDz_xEd2VS5gRgWPIgoidKNxyWxhkDVw_Zcz1L7Y58JnkFT7Zryc_5k9jm6yw/s640/IMG_3387.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mister Fluff.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilA7VdR04EgCrcCLSG8sOsyl0nqfPueR2_Hix-Ncdyfav9qCoFrd8dcLpu_9tX1OoU7EQ3Wtpa0XQ1XYoFyvD_5pT4sXGLOlJiz7rw75hOP99_PBULE6dCmPaADSQx3U6BBYG00arQvRM/s1600/IMG_3512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilA7VdR04EgCrcCLSG8sOsyl0nqfPueR2_Hix-Ncdyfav9qCoFrd8dcLpu_9tX1OoU7EQ3Wtpa0XQ1XYoFyvD_5pT4sXGLOlJiz7rw75hOP99_PBULE6dCmPaADSQx3U6BBYG00arQvRM/s640/IMG_3512.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whenever Felix started looking fidgety and wide-eyed in the backseat, we'd stop for a little recreation. Happiness!!</td></tr>
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</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDMSK6Wc_Txm5oqHiQ8jVPvbmoUtevhTkL9GxCl9HIfGfUSf9feqJp-2Fpe4anzAyJTsm-upuSi2JikMvl30CNMzpv48G6s5RYJ6ZB5YsGa70tiuozHFeHBOLWwZnh13GT0nqUvxTp_M/s1600/IMG_3402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MIA9CyZLx0JejJKaKsInutllVyixrab_Yl27iwZFqPK2UISfnOHC8ih6A-by2LRrqkv97Qm2t8QuFei7Th-FGj7RokhyGt6NYlf7gT82pWcPoSB-RSZ_xiuWn5r8_x3PwP6LMhee0Ls/s1600/IMG_3449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MIA9CyZLx0JejJKaKsInutllVyixrab_Yl27iwZFqPK2UISfnOHC8ih6A-by2LRrqkv97Qm2t8QuFei7Th-FGj7RokhyGt6NYlf7gT82pWcPoSB-RSZ_xiuWn5r8_x3PwP6LMhee0Ls/s640/IMG_3449.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">annnnnd.....ZONK.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xRVBsMsafG0ggIZ3204SnhZA30-AVPhTnQjYZcWMxPGkDEG6q4lFoZXfW9sD8WWfK8BYU9ld0h5FfmLCNSPjhZZvnLomnxAwG0skd4e0Kh-qrX59_or0BnvNEdZwnHYd4IH3qjwenGY/s1600/IMG_3582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xRVBsMsafG0ggIZ3204SnhZA30-AVPhTnQjYZcWMxPGkDEG6q4lFoZXfW9sD8WWfK8BYU9ld0h5FfmLCNSPjhZZvnLomnxAwG0skd4e0Kh-qrX59_or0BnvNEdZwnHYd4IH3qjwenGY/s640/IMG_3582.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Tetons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTXGCcpWVx22BwXS75uxNRlR6nTTkpjLbMqs-895SaP9XETMwN2cePfGqNtElutKLRtIHsGedH8TldnJzhOG5bl3QhVH-4GyPdacowAyEtC2BcZm5gIZhBcpx29LDi-QEW0y9llMN9pc/s1600/IMG_3614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTXGCcpWVx22BwXS75uxNRlR6nTTkpjLbMqs-895SaP9XETMwN2cePfGqNtElutKLRtIHsGedH8TldnJzhOG5bl3QhVH-4GyPdacowAyEtC2BcZm5gIZhBcpx29LDi-QEW0y9llMN9pc/s640/IMG_3614.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KISSES!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSxAgOZH6oj-sxn6ww33cEytuA7maPcrVVF8mJ3W7aQcudcAHTNlmFUu7AN86cPXgSkv3xHO_eRjpHRx2UENx_2u_dolrANhrSOKmRZRB_OoqZtBrvWA-goPJtJRjQ5tICUEs6FiF9VU/s1600/IMG_3678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSxAgOZH6oj-sxn6ww33cEytuA7maPcrVVF8mJ3W7aQcudcAHTNlmFUu7AN86cPXgSkv3xHO_eRjpHRx2UENx_2u_dolrANhrSOKmRZRB_OoqZtBrvWA-goPJtJRjQ5tICUEs6FiF9VU/s640/IMG_3678.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were amazed by how many of the national parks were in shut-down mode this time of year. The Badlands were eerily quiet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQKao4Fgxhv9Cemk-tRjRvWFLFWY5FDiTMw42yLxjsgIG94cTgk7aYqTJfsL2dxBVakwiBieTm_NvKDqV9askA5_HRHXw95Uz3Bzvl23qPa1PGmC_cAbImUJBoVvykGf57xuo0f4ES_0/s1600/IMG_3562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQKao4Fgxhv9Cemk-tRjRvWFLFWY5FDiTMw42yLxjsgIG94cTgk7aYqTJfsL2dxBVakwiBieTm_NvKDqV9askA5_HRHXw95Uz3Bzvl23qPa1PGmC_cAbImUJBoVvykGf57xuo0f4ES_0/s640/IMG_3562.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCtAKAL0f8HweFeeW-6PyhTS4veNMbIU7rxJSctBWcFGFPnduHmzlHHXeYSxJQk44oM5j_YLCx22jO6RxDBXv_SESJZ7M1YXXADhwKnv1eIjN4nUt4i345klPwhDkGwG3qTOp9ydfkw4/s1600/IMG_3702.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCtAKAL0f8HweFeeW-6PyhTS4veNMbIU7rxJSctBWcFGFPnduHmzlHHXeYSxJQk44oM5j_YLCx22jO6RxDBXv_SESJZ7M1YXXADhwKnv1eIjN4nUt4i345klPwhDkGwG3qTOp9ydfkw4/s640/IMG_3702.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpddA58a0n9iKu7pPZBVdyL28k7HKzNjNpAXq_E2RW2gIGfTa5KfywWgsOinNBrSwtDaBNyaMVhry7qd_U71Eo-CBAPhC_ofN4mgiCxlyeF3ndJKdlU994CufJLkj9C12bSBMvpdXcV0k/s1600/IMG_3257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpddA58a0n9iKu7pPZBVdyL28k7HKzNjNpAXq_E2RW2gIGfTa5KfywWgsOinNBrSwtDaBNyaMVhry7qd_U71Eo-CBAPhC_ofN4mgiCxlyeF3ndJKdlU994CufJLkj9C12bSBMvpdXcV0k/s640/IMG_3257.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby of the bunch. As I proudly present the now-permanent member of our family: Miss Nessie Neumann.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCtAKAL0f8HweFeeW-6PyhTS4veNMbIU7rxJSctBWcFGFPnduHmzlHHXeYSxJQk44oM5j_YLCx22jO6RxDBXv_SESJZ7M1YXXADhwKnv1eIjN4nUt4i345klPwhDkGwG3qTOp9ydfkw4/s1600/IMG_3702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-22467569217936210272013-04-17T13:57:00.002-07:002013-04-17T14:06:37.631-07:00First, make a cup of tea... It's a long story.<!--StartFragment-->
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">If you read this blog, and if you know me at all, then you certainly know a little something about the apple of my eye- BigRudy. This post is about him. Nothing to do with art, as this blog has been geared towards in the past. I will get back to that, but before I can, I need to get the past six months down in writing. Indulgent, I admit. But here it is.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">To be honest, I haven’t really been involved in the art
scene (or as a result, maintaining this blog) lately because there were more
important things filling up my days- namely, handsome Rudy and our efforts to
navigate him back to better health.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">The story of my Three-legged Love is a little painful but it
comes with no shortage of pride in our boy and a round of high-fives for
effort (Rudy’s personal favorite), so fear not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">After the amputation of his leg back in November, we met a
few stumbling blocks. Resulting in an increasingly familiar acquaintance with
our vet (some days, I thought I ought just to set up camp at the clinic), Rudy
developed a series of issues with his kidneys, spine and urinary tract. Trying
to balance a tightrope of kidney-healthy meals, a medley of medicines, and lots
of rest for a dog who lives to chase his ball, it was a pretty trying time. I
have never prepared so much gourmet food for a dog. Raw steak and rice you say? Egg
whites and noodles and oily fish and flaxseed? Well, sure! And would he eat it?
Not often. Needless to say Felix gained a couple of pounds during this time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Dedicating whole days just trying to convince Rudy to eat
something he’d normally swallow my hand for was a test indeed. Chicken thighs? Salmon? How about a bison bite? No thankyou Mummy. Our bat-eared gentledog is nothing if not well-mannered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Time to bring Felix, our 2 year old, 90lb shepherd into the
story. Hi Felix.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsu0Cxx1OlG_ukt0LA7EOKfZ66oANI0g3eR6WuMx8EQTEstze8pNIupmWwuxmVmieEE287CSpd1O5eFry4LPljTKKqZWApEQiDNdiJhjzD990wxASwELNub1q9gs6cBTGgsOh585_mGg4/s1600/IMG_2413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsu0Cxx1OlG_ukt0LA7EOKfZ66oANI0g3eR6WuMx8EQTEstze8pNIupmWwuxmVmieEE287CSpd1O5eFry4LPljTKKqZWApEQiDNdiJhjzD990wxASwELNub1q9gs6cBTGgsOh585_mGg4/s640/IMG_2413.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Felix and Rooder are like chalk and cheese. No two personalities could be
more different, yet they make a wonderful pair. Unfortunately their living
together was not a situation that was conducive to Rudy’s recovery. At all.
Sure Felix loves his brother, will bring him toys and follow him everywhere.
But Felix is not known for being a calm and mellow fellow. 90lb of raw energy
has its drawbacks, especially when paired with Rudy’s fragility. Juggling their
individual needs was not exactly a piece of cake. Which is a shame, because I
love cake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Now, I already felt over-whelmed, overly emotional and
struggling under the weight of my world. I …should’ve worked out more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">All this considered, the next part of the story goes to show I
am not always the sharpest knife in the drawer. If I can float a defense- it’s
that my heart is in the right place. So,
without further ado, let me introduce Nessie and give a sideways glance in the
direction of fate. Something I hadn’t bargained for.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">On a freezing December morning, we were driving through our
neighborhood when a puppy ran across the road in front of the car. We probably
should have said something careless like ‘oh dear, another stray dog’ and kept
on driving- but like I said, fate had gotten involved. I had already jumped
out of the car to say hello before my brain had a chance to give my instincts a
good talking to. Anyway, my intention was to check the puppy’s tag and return it to the
rightful owner. Simple, no? Well, after
an enthusiastic hug from the muddy scrap, she assured me she did not belong to
a good home and was actually half starved, freezing, and dying for some
affection (plus, in my humble opinion- A BATH). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Extremely long story shortish, I cleaned her up, took her to
the vet to see if she was micro-chipped (of course she was not), got her puppy shots and found out that
she was not about 8 weeks old- as I had surmised- but in fact about 6 months and horribly underfed. Clearly this was not a good time for us to welcome a
third dog into the family, so we set about finding her a good home.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"> Which.
Just. Would. Not. Happen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtyt1JXVbn3T3jRiFwBy8uUZT1Bu27NB1OpF4suelmw62bq1GDTdtGHrIDuegDWJtEK6VREGeMOsZNvwfL9O9tFlcNYhM2ziAGpUJX7fxL6YEmnvk_7Lm2HWdapM3uf56vWslSCxbdedQ/s1600/IMG_2651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtyt1JXVbn3T3jRiFwBy8uUZT1Bu27NB1OpF4suelmw62bq1GDTdtGHrIDuegDWJtEK6VREGeMOsZNvwfL9O9tFlcNYhM2ziAGpUJX7fxL6YEmnvk_7Lm2HWdapM3uf56vWslSCxbdedQ/s640/IMG_2651.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">And look at this face! How could anybody resist? But resist
they did. So we were stuck with her for now. Or she was stuck with us. We were
a mess too, after all.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">We tried every avenue we could think of- short of dropping
her off at the animal shelter. That also would have been a bright idea I
suppose but I’m stubborn as a mule sometimes, and drew the line an inch before
the shelter. Sorry, Forrest…but don’t you love me for my compassion? No wait,
it’s my cooking . Maybe my accent. Fine then, but try not to forget that you
love me. (please).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">So it’s Christmas time. Forrest’s parents are coming into
town. My sister and bro-in-law are coming to stay (with </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">their</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"> dogs). We have a sick Rudy. An energetic Felix. A very un-housetrained Nessie. And don’t forget the turtle.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"> I aimed a few prayers in the direction of the sky.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">It transpired that the holiday may not have been an elegant
affair, but there was certainly no shortage of jollity. And here is Nessie, celebrating
her first Christmas with us. Some things just make you feel good, don’t they?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">(Let’s not forget Rudy and Felix. Handsomest dogs on Earth!):</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFA5jjPE2tfAP_Ie_kMt90ankDzc3cn7UChbhmLElqPzln7r5O3p0MfimjRdFZq2w6PcAYnp_4rspeT4aTrmSClsGd0AjD1N4-dBjVpzc1Ky2EgrOBISF02L0G2oOlvNvc78KVEdqzO-k/s1600/IMG_2590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFA5jjPE2tfAP_Ie_kMt90ankDzc3cn7UChbhmLElqPzln7r5O3p0MfimjRdFZq2w6PcAYnp_4rspeT4aTrmSClsGd0AjD1N4-dBjVpzc1Ky2EgrOBISF02L0G2oOlvNvc78KVEdqzO-k/s640/IMG_2590.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">I know this all looks like a foregone conclusion, but I
really was still intent on finding Nessie a new home. In the meantime, she had Rudy
and Felix wrapped around her tiny paw with her sweet and friendly demeanor. She also inhaled every morsel of boring food in her bowl, which is just what
my soul needed while Rudy continued to turn his nose up at steak. Basically,
she was having a ball, relishing her role as Cuddlebug-in-Chief and she
pulled out all the stops to make us want to keep her.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeWgFeMnuch7Q2B7t5LaTa3NvPseIuuvp1RoDpbQJrQHkFGNuhPWNUGiGz4rPeXC0hdkrOpaGtgjuQkdKJlcWniiagsbClU0F8GpeV1HfExzIUFHrQ3X4G4JNEqass5PW9mJPhdQIp3I/s1600/IMG_2725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeWgFeMnuch7Q2B7t5LaTa3NvPseIuuvp1RoDpbQJrQHkFGNuhPWNUGiGz4rPeXC0hdkrOpaGtgjuQkdKJlcWniiagsbClU0F8GpeV1HfExzIUFHrQ3X4G4JNEqass5PW9mJPhdQIp3I/s640/IMG_2725.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1z_lACN-tYR30Fniadx1K9fNR4SWGwFn0IGYFy8orihTtRPDv7ik6m8hdR87pVrBHp7Ktj6uKssUBpj3JDdvI5zlO_VQ4KYwTamIQSlKLeiRSUctg3NcgAP68DslBRljR49mt_GT6Ic/s1600/IMG_2736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1z_lACN-tYR30Fniadx1K9fNR4SWGwFn0IGYFy8orihTtRPDv7ik6m8hdR87pVrBHp7Ktj6uKssUBpj3JDdvI5zlO_VQ4KYwTamIQSlKLeiRSUctg3NcgAP68DslBRljR49mt_GT6Ic/s640/IMG_2736.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">It sure is hard to contain this story in a nutshell. But let
me skip forward to February. My persuasive talents and Nessie’s innate cuteness
were a winning combination, as it turned out. Forrest’s parents had been won
over (or worn down!) and decided they would like to keep Nessie in the family.
If we were willing to deliver her to California, then they would happily adopt
her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">So here we are. Giving the bank account a kick in the shins
(again) and planning a trip to California. Good sense be gone, I have no time
for you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Three dogs, two humans, a lot of anxious planning, and a
road trip. California here we come.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"> (I realize that was two months ago. The rest to follow…)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-77116327671965877682013-04-10T14:30:00.005-07:002013-04-10T14:30:52.203-07:00woah.I've been the worst blogger EVER.<br />
Back soon, I should think.<br />
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The End. (but only for now).Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-46720114915702304752012-11-21T13:27:00.003-08:002012-11-21T13:27:42.180-08:00 Longest Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoztSb2qS5HS-FJb_daTtCsySdmmR0DJ-o478LNe6YDrRqPipOyrtxTAOef5mSXQyIm43D1g9HdEhkwTZFlrxpnWeheEKnSSzeYwji5dhULd0DSw2-OzgGg24KkStKcM34Cmu0iPSeeI/s1600/sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoztSb2qS5HS-FJb_daTtCsySdmmR0DJ-o478LNe6YDrRqPipOyrtxTAOef5mSXQyIm43D1g9HdEhkwTZFlrxpnWeheEKnSSzeYwji5dhULd0DSw2-OzgGg24KkStKcM34Cmu0iPSeeI/s640/sunrise.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well, I can't say that I haven't seen my share of sunrises just lately. Here's one of them! Rudy's health is hanging in the balance, and being Nursie 24/7 doesn't allow for a lot of sleep. That said, I will gladly wake up five times every night for the next decade, if we can get Rudy through this nasty infection that is plaguing him so unkindly. After an especially challenging few days, Rudy is home from the vets and I can give a high-five and a handshake to a successful morning with him. Here is my boy, nesting among the leaves.</div>
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Our vet has been wonderful and every doctor in the clinic knows of Rudy and his troubles. Even during the worst days, he charms everybody he meets.</div>
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We are sinking literally thousands of dollars into medical expenses. Our intended trip to California this Christmas has been cancelled, and thank goodness for having a family who is willing to drop everything and visit us instead! I am considering training Felix to be a butler. He just might be handsome and attentive enough for all the holiday hosting that is coming our way. (I'll have to keep his food-service tasks at a minimum, lest he eat somebody's dinner before it reaches the table). Hmm.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVL40sN0esuB-JFV-Cv2BivgZitfM2uZFWFf21gPBXNr0E5lu_NuggfH7YlekD3XTiY18tGdgv1NJ6WVzZQI_2vXTSLKhbOIX5FsimMXfWxBEv6n0gSmPuu6gkZ5LA-OPQvDaH6FBW23g/s1600/IMG_1851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVL40sN0esuB-JFV-Cv2BivgZitfM2uZFWFf21gPBXNr0E5lu_NuggfH7YlekD3XTiY18tGdgv1NJ6WVzZQI_2vXTSLKhbOIX5FsimMXfWxBEv6n0gSmPuu6gkZ5LA-OPQvDaH6FBW23g/s640/IMG_1851.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVDwQjPnWDfYbs-Z7u8a9P3-2HXuBACAFcjiKj-y_rPMfGNCRg7cUt2vL4Ate5s6DJUl57IDRQWNpMAxQUhuSirXoYyqaaCMjlHwbF42w-tJobMdVG51X7gP-H9hdAF1YpuS25VoED74/s1600/IMG_2306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVDwQjPnWDfYbs-Z7u8a9P3-2HXuBACAFcjiKj-y_rPMfGNCRg7cUt2vL4Ate5s6DJUl57IDRQWNpMAxQUhuSirXoYyqaaCMjlHwbF42w-tJobMdVG51X7gP-H9hdAF1YpuS25VoED74/s640/IMG_2306.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVDwQjPnWDfYbs-Z7u8a9P3-2HXuBACAFcjiKj-y_rPMfGNCRg7cUt2vL4Ate5s6DJUl57IDRQWNpMAxQUhuSirXoYyqaaCMjlHwbF42w-tJobMdVG51X7gP-H9hdAF1YpuS25VoED74/s1600/IMG_2306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVDwQjPnWDfYbs-Z7u8a9P3-2HXuBACAFcjiKj-y_rPMfGNCRg7cUt2vL4Ate5s6DJUl57IDRQWNpMAxQUhuSirXoYyqaaCMjlHwbF42w-tJobMdVG51X7gP-H9hdAF1YpuS25VoED74/s1600/IMG_2306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Forrest gets major applause for bringing home the good bacon, especially with most of my time being dedicated to Rudy-Care this month. But perhaps perhaps perhaps.....you haven't bought your Christmas cards yet? Hand-printed snowflakes! Ugly Christmas Sweaters! Pop into the LouPaper store to see our festive card sets and singles.... </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LouPaper?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">click here</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/115051900/ugly-christmas-sweater-selection" target="_blank">or here</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">....</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114717838/snowflake-handprinted-cards" target="_blank">or here!</a></span><br />
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Oh, and I just realized I have committed the frowned-upon sin of mentioning Christmas before Thanksgiving. Forgive me, I am English! But I'm looking forward to a Turkey Day gathering with some friends and family tomorrow (we are hosting to earn Rudy extra cuddles from our guests!).</div>
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Happy Thanksgiving to You!</div>
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-37978408167674123472012-11-09T14:31:00.001-08:002012-11-09T14:32:28.688-08:00Smoky Mountains and the Big Brave Rudy.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of my favorite things about where we live is the close-ish proximity to Gatlinburg. Scrape up some pennies, get some friends together and break out the camera. It is beeeyootiful.</div>
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Lucky for me my parents and Auntie have been visiting from my native land of Eng. There may be no better place to celebrate a reunion. That said- the start of their visit was spent on the white sands of the Florida panhandle and I'm fairly sure I already declared that it doesn't get any better than that. In many ways, it has been a very charmed month.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrPjBP71Cw66weivM8rkiBY-RXvjGiSk7RZYKJhYfmC3QJhbVaGeWaXarLPQbCWwcbNQRmWfzcEmFOm4nynF_eFC1li4okT8PsXFcHx_dBIhvDDOvq36hcGyV0RdhYZswozh300DJBr0/s1600/IMG_2221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrPjBP71Cw66weivM8rkiBY-RXvjGiSk7RZYKJhYfmC3QJhbVaGeWaXarLPQbCWwcbNQRmWfzcEmFOm4nynF_eFC1li4okT8PsXFcHx_dBIhvDDOvq36hcGyV0RdhYZswozh300DJBr0/s640/IMG_2221.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The view from our cabin, of another cabin (with more cabins behind it).</div>
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It's very cabin-y around these parts.</div>
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This photo of my sister basically sums up family holidays for me. Tea and games, games and tea. </div>
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My main concern this past month has been our eldest Fluffy: BigRudy. After discovering he had a fungal infection in the bone of his leg, we endured an extremely nerve-wracking few days when it was grudgingly decided he had to have his leg amputated. The world has been spinning at a blur-inducing pace lately. </div>
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Despite my tendency for profuse worrying, I am happy to report Rudy is putting forth great efforts towards recovery. His surgery seems to have gone well, and the surgeons all fell under the spell of Rudy's sweet and gentle personality. Nobody is resistant to the charm of that boy. </div>
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He is showing some teenage-like distaste about the cone-collar that is a necessary addition to his daily attire, but admittedly I enjoy his spirit in the matter. We are hoping against hope that the infection didn't spread beyond his leg and that the amputation has taken care of the issue. Bravest boy that he is- three legged-ness will certainly not defeat him. Plus he has received all manner of fancy new toys, bedding and accessories. Our bank account is crying some pretty big tears! My heart remains clenched, but we are hoping for positive reports from our vets in the coming weeks. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiHouun7GSJOL6DBtyEVYEwmD1F8AmLIuAIvF3_L5-tdyPZCx4K5WzMYCbNUSDXJN_P_nwLGrZZPLpt5mTplmSH6WB9veUIO4Vd5ZH_63bz6lLkNF_GsGSkZuIJGLuJPRPoctDbqdjnI/s1600/IMG_2243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiHouun7GSJOL6DBtyEVYEwmD1F8AmLIuAIvF3_L5-tdyPZCx4K5WzMYCbNUSDXJN_P_nwLGrZZPLpt5mTplmSH6WB9veUIO4Vd5ZH_63bz6lLkNF_GsGSkZuIJGLuJPRPoctDbqdjnI/s640/IMG_2243.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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All this talk of Rudy and it's almost as if we forgot about Felix! As if he would allow such a thing.</div>
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Luckily, my wonderful parents took it upon themselves to keep Felix very busy while I was Nurse to BigRoo. Never has one dog received had more ball-throwing, play-dates, walks and attention than has been bestowed upon Felix this week. I suppose it was inevitable that (eventually) he would find a comfy chair and take a nap.</div>
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<br />Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-62563744602469115982012-10-26T11:58:00.002-07:002012-10-26T11:58:32.469-07:00Sunburn and Falling leaves.It has been a wonderful and terrible few weeks. It is a strange sort of stress when the very best and very worst things are happening all at once. From the fabulous-news department, my beautiful sister Kate got married to Hans after 13 years of dating! Well, it was worth the wait. Beach wedding in Florida? Don't mind if I do! I also had the fun task of playing photographer for the day. Most of the photos are still being worked on, but I am excited to share some more of them soon. Such a memorable weekend, not least all the men in the party dancing 'gangnam style' post-ceremony. So festive.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rGdMpPjuTF9sglF6E6oOz9aqd9B1K2o79H8NlDnJW4nxPaWO7TnoGDSQeJXgqFN3xUXxmclkDjD9ztldUcLzSSS9OZHv-haBzcmmcxWgO_ZeK6SuK-SVBHlsTRAnsyorXEODRsRU_lo/s1600/IMG_1911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rGdMpPjuTF9sglF6E6oOz9aqd9B1K2o79H8NlDnJW4nxPaWO7TnoGDSQeJXgqFN3xUXxmclkDjD9ztldUcLzSSS9OZHv-haBzcmmcxWgO_ZeK6SuK-SVBHlsTRAnsyorXEODRsRU_lo/s640/IMG_1911.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4bPndeGjFqPPVXYk2DTGRyetS8iveZ7dXSOHphUS6FwiWztttIy0kjzO9aTGdG6ZJbZzFRn6aD6fYqWOfT7G4VKIq744hk2KFfRYO7TwkqHgR1kiLtY7dxTKw5aSS3JU-8nM-kNdOoo/s1600/IMG_2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4bPndeGjFqPPVXYk2DTGRyetS8iveZ7dXSOHphUS6FwiWztttIy0kjzO9aTGdG6ZJbZzFRn6aD6fYqWOfT7G4VKIq744hk2KFfRYO7TwkqHgR1kiLtY7dxTKw5aSS3JU-8nM-kNdOoo/s640/IMG_2012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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On the heartbreaking side of things, our beautiful boy Rudy has been battling with a sore leg that has turned out to be a very rare and aggressive fungal disease in the bone of his hind leg. After numerous visits to the vet and specialist, it has been decided that surgery is Rudy's best chance for recovery. As such we are currently preparing for his transition to three-leggedness. His surgery is on Monday morning, so wish him luck!<br />
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Thankfully we have still been able to do gentle exercise with him, which worked out perfectly while my parents-in-law were visiting this week. A trip to the lake helped everybody's mood, and Felix indulged in his signature brand of mischief to keep a smiles on our faces....<br />
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Fall is putting on quite a show here in Tennessee. Hope it's just as lovely wherever you are!</div>
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-20026146259761200112012-10-10T08:43:00.000-07:002012-10-10T08:43:51.467-07:00Thank You!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I send a lot of cards- the result of having my friends and family dispersed across two continents. Plus I'm old fashioned, with my penchant for snail-mail. As such, it was high time I made some 'thank you' cards! So I whipped out the linoleum, carving tools and got pretty messy. I'm really still getting into this block-printing thing, but a uniquely printed image is very pleasing. It takes the concept of <i>handmade</i> to a new place for me. A cosy sort of place where it's warm and there is probably a cup of tea and a blanket waiting for you. I like this place! (the cards are also available at the <a href="http://etsy.com/shop/loupaper" target="_blank">LouPaper store</a>).</div>
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Speaking of thanks, I am reminded daily of how grateful I am for my friends and all the brave men and women who are currently serving in Afghanistan and Kuwait. We all have our own opinions on the situations overseas... but regardless of the politics, some of my best friends are out there representing American interests today. They are wonderful people who work hard and have a lot of heart. Forrest and I had a lot of fun putting together some Halloween care-packages. It is my hope that the plastic rats will assist in some excellent pranking. Plus...there is nothing like a Box of Boogers to boost morale. Ha! We miss our boys!</div>
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-35709560068495543022012-09-25T12:14:00.001-07:002012-09-25T12:18:49.646-07:00Work & Play<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have achieved a fine balance of work and play just lately. Especially when work feels so playful.</div>
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My wonderful friend (aka my deployment wifey) Jessica and her husband Norm, are soon-to-be-parents of a bouncing baby boy. Her baby-shower theme was 'Under the Sea', and I was tasked with the honor of making her 'thank you' cards. Jess's request for the design was described roughly as 'A baby floating in the sea, please' (yes. really). And as such, I came up with the card that is here before you..... </div>
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I think I did well, under the circumstances!</div>
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I also waved a bittersweet farewell to one of my most treasured friends last week. Lesley has ventured to pastures new, pursuing her career as a nurse. I look forward to all the future adventures we are sure to have together, but I will miss the dog-walking, gym-going, wine-drinking routine we have nurtured fondly as neighbors this past year and a half. (I also love the starring role of the shark featured on this picture of the two of us. It clearly thinks we are dinner). Thanks for the memories!Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-37769017004578711602012-09-07T14:36:00.002-07:002012-09-07T14:43:27.163-07:00Some days look a lot like this....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes the dogs just rule my world. That has especially been the case this past ten days whilst puppy-sitting for friends. Baby Charlie (trouble-maker-in-chief) has been keeping Felix on his toes and warming all our hearts. Rudy has gradually adjusted to her, though he initially spent much time hiding from the puppy whirlwind. Gentle giant that he is, this morning I caught a glimpse of him offering her a tiny toy when he thought I wasn't looking. Felix served as the frontman of the welcome committee, and has been used as a climbing frame, chew-toy and partner-in-crime ever since they first laid eyes on each other. Such a good sport!</div>
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We also rescued a cottontail bunny from a very close shave with a neighbors lawnmower. Forrest can be seen here sporting his 'I've got a new pet' face...but alas Baby Foo was shortly released into a patch of clover, based on what we hope was our better judgement. We really should build an ark for all these guys though. In other news, I've been kind of busy with linocut and the printing press. More on that soon!</div>
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-56375672776968193512012-09-06T12:23:00.000-07:002012-09-06T12:23:37.443-07:00The Way a Summer Ends<br />
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Long weekends pretty much come with the unspoken expectation of lake-time and dog days. The boys can practically smell it. Regular weekends bring their fair share of head-tilts and wide eyes, but a long weekend? We'd better be high-tailing it to some water-hole by 7am, or live with Rudy's SadFace. I dare you to try.</div>
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'Land Between the Lakes' on the Tennessee/Kentucky border is our go-to place for splashing our toes and breaking out the picnic goodies with our friends. A perfect day.<br />
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From the department of wonderful news, has come whisperings that Forrest and I are to become an Auntie and Uncle! This is fabulous news indeed, and so with a paintbrush and a flourish, I set about designing <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/107537304/new-baby-card" target="_blank">a card</a>. Inspired by my favorite scene in Dumbo...and plus, that is where baby's come from. Right? Congratulations Smanth and Rob!Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-70685097235539873262012-08-26T09:32:00.000-07:002012-08-26T09:35:09.041-07:00Parts of the whole.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Like most people, I was afflicted with Olympic Fever for those three weeks of sporting entertainment. Being a British transplant here on American soil, I was quite glowing with national pride, and the abundance of Union Jacks on the TV was a heartwarming sight indeed. As flags go, I'm pretty much a fan of ours. So much so, that I set about <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/107267118/union-jack-print" target="_blank">this</a> little painting project- a nice representation of the tea-drinking, chip chip cheerio-ing member of this household. It was probably long overdue!</div>
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Last Summer Forrest was sweating it out in Afghanistan whilst I was here in Tennessee trying to settle into our new house, train a crazy puppy and generally stay afloat in the mess of those circumstances. I am very dramatic. It really wasn't bad. On the other hand, having my husband here this year is a delight. Family lake-trips, neighborhood BBQs, and somebody to clink my wineglass with. </div>
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The Good Life.</div>
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-66494609440260171602012-08-09T14:35:00.001-07:002012-08-09T14:35:29.707-07:00A Rainbow A Day.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbOHT0j5V2YqDgyM0OK96_Jo0_D1e-X0f4ak22ksjrQLPdFGqPKgDZQIZ-D3PJdOPaDWewyxOam8HCDqtWjam0dWcC7VDi1OQ54c3Zrm3iEbC4GdETxYUYCnApJ5NPE29X-fZdZP_qgU/s1600/08:09:12_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbOHT0j5V2YqDgyM0OK96_Jo0_D1e-X0f4ak22ksjrQLPdFGqPKgDZQIZ-D3PJdOPaDWewyxOam8HCDqtWjam0dWcC7VDi1OQ54c3Zrm3iEbC4GdETxYUYCnApJ5NPE29X-fZdZP_qgU/s640/08:09:12_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I make lists as if my life depended on it. Open any notebook in my house and there will be a list. Actually 100 of them. Among these volumes and catalogues of my intentions are 'project lists'. Forever is how long I've been meaning to design some notebooks (stuck somewhere in the <i>middle</i> of a list, no doubt). I have this great idea for them and I'm excited. But then. Oh Then... I get sidetracked. This is what happened here when I started designing said notebooks, jumped on a tangent and ended up with something completely different. Totally. Entirely. Oopsy.... But I rather like these ones too! <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106461220/rainbow-jotter-pack" target="_blank">Rainbow Jotters</a>, anybody?</div>
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Mister Fluff has been an almost constant presence in my studio lately. Every day he inches closer to crossing the line between dog and human. He has a habit of sitting on things in a way that makes me expect him to throw on some reading glasses and open a newspaper. Any day now. Any day.<br />
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The garden has offered a welcome break from the magnetic lure of my desk. I'm not sure if it's wishful thinking or if it <i>is</i> in fact slightly cooler, but the vegetables seem to be breathing a sigh of relief that July is a thing of the past. Tomato plants are loving life, and grasshoppers and other crawlies are getting their share. Next I'll be living the dream (well, my dream anyway) and getting down to some canning. Proud of me, Mum? </div>
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Rainbow notebooks, the newest addition to the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LouPaper?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">LouPaper store</a>. Come and visit!</div>
<br />Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-74932121269936073722012-08-02T06:18:00.003-07:002012-08-02T06:18:46.251-07:00The Details that make up a Day.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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May I just say hooray! My first official order from the LouPaper shop is about to ride off into the sunset. Safe travels, little package! And thank you to my first customer (who is not a friend or family member...little steps, little steps!)</div>
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Other small delights arrive in the form of ripe raspberries and a pocket full of tomatoes. These little 'yellow boys' were from a volunteer plant (our home-composting really paid off!) and some of our most delicious harvests yet.</div>
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The carrots definitely underperformed this Summer, but they sure do look purdy. Curious George is always trying to find his way into the vegetable patch, but not this time, little man (probably next time. He is very sneaky!)</div>
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On the last weekend of Forrest's Summer leave, we were dutiful tourists in our State of Tennessee, and moseyed down to the Jack Daniels distillery with our neighbors. Here is Forrest with his 'back-to-work' haircut, and loaded up like a packhorse (his pockets are probably full of my junk, also! Good husband!). I could spend the rest of my life smelling whiskey more than I could drinking it, but it was a pretty beautiful place with a neat little tour. Sadly that marked the end of our Summer vacation, and Goodbye July.</div>
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(Greetings, August. I hope you are cooler!)</div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-20838284691471092102012-07-30T12:11:00.001-07:002012-07-30T12:14:14.077-07:00Endless Summer, occasional bummer.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mostly it's been a Summer of weird looking bugs and spirit-breaking humidity here in Tennessee, but we squeezed a slice of Florida into July to balance things out. Swapping creepy crawlies for white sand and ice cream? Go on then, twist my (un-tanned) arm!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezeH-7Wh9nohEnnHEGP0Ril-HammjeBjryT_SzP3IRJbTlW1uEzFXBKQc6We6meYp2OuZvqGpphtSXXRRxZZS6K7YmlevMqETknhWnC4KmDJDhjXiy_6PJrze3g3Z0ovLCq6M5O7LjLw/s1600/07:28:12_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezeH-7Wh9nohEnnHEGP0Ril-HammjeBjryT_SzP3IRJbTlW1uEzFXBKQc6We6meYp2OuZvqGpphtSXXRRxZZS6K7YmlevMqETknhWnC4KmDJDhjXiy_6PJrze3g3Z0ovLCq6M5O7LjLw/s640/07:28:12_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Felix, the reluctant swimmer has come on leaps and bounds (though he still whinnies like a horse as he paddles along). Rudy on the other hand cannot be contained at the sight of water, and is halfway across the lake before I've even stepped out the car, usually. Here he is safely anchored to a picnic bench, since he cannot be trusted to stay dry for more than 5 seconds otherwise.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72hngJOGwyVT3740rvNUjtQdcvWTQsl7S3Sdaz-QAkv1cUJzIHXmYMrYVmI44vhqJa9yBEnOCFyxsYsr5QFLz3oFkdLamTqnydXOL44KhOUyIE8A-4ROBZ6XIDzxRmCXTL3GZ6MYXhWY/s1600/07:28:12_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72hngJOGwyVT3740rvNUjtQdcvWTQsl7S3Sdaz-QAkv1cUJzIHXmYMrYVmI44vhqJa9yBEnOCFyxsYsr5QFLz3oFkdLamTqnydXOL44KhOUyIE8A-4ROBZ6XIDzxRmCXTL3GZ6MYXhWY/s640/07:28:12_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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August looks a little less promising on the vacation front, but at least we have the Olympics to cheer about for a while longer. You may notice I have not posted much art-related content this month.... Cough cough. My studio has been neglected, but now I'm back to work (or more accurately- make a mess, clear it up, and repeat), while I try and ignore the sunshine which turns me into such a terrible fidget. In fact, I think there are some zucchini seeds that need planting. And off I go!</div>
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Hope you are having a magical Summer, and avoiding 'horned tomato worms' more successfully than I! </div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-6747362409212224542012-07-18T09:46:00.001-07:002012-07-18T09:46:02.443-07:00Tuesday Schmooze-day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have always had a soft spot for Tuesdays.</div>
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and yesterday proved to be a fine day for BBQing with friends, soaking up some sunshine and inventing cocktails. Blood orange + berries + mint + rum had Forrest begrudgingly accepting that all his favorite cocktails are pink. Ha, macho man.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGtW9525hk1XlgP-Ygc4V1qXS9zlxjJK9E7Pu-5XQ2kaW7Zy-T6GpB0NRFY9-_QgSWTAQBnb1wlLzplKYJtLVkJ_hziMVVShJakUImCkv1fxdXgsKy_d6kwEyL7-UrOtXWVYwcXA-Jik/s1600/IMG_1000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGtW9525hk1XlgP-Ygc4V1qXS9zlxjJK9E7Pu-5XQ2kaW7Zy-T6GpB0NRFY9-_QgSWTAQBnb1wlLzplKYJtLVkJ_hziMVVShJakUImCkv1fxdXgsKy_d6kwEyL7-UrOtXWVYwcXA-Jik/s640/IMG_1000.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And Rudy melts my heart in his 'scared of the vacuum' mode. BigRudy? BigBaby!</div>
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<br /></div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-13815738344658238722012-07-17T11:53:00.000-07:002012-07-17T11:53:30.612-07:00Summer at a Snail's Pace.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPE9uHx0m3aK2qgWDdRtanFIpoGJRUQmdoU7f5tIvHZPT7b63qUiog9Eg8GOGoUiPULNIg1qSTnZXsh8afjyzuFeGKV3RvkBQh667gnpHavforxfjXabHK7WR-WgljGbQb4yDbMEZcAi8/s1600/7.17.12_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPE9uHx0m3aK2qgWDdRtanFIpoGJRUQmdoU7f5tIvHZPT7b63qUiog9Eg8GOGoUiPULNIg1qSTnZXsh8afjyzuFeGKV3RvkBQh667gnpHavforxfjXabHK7WR-WgljGbQb4yDbMEZcAi8/s640/7.17.12_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Print-making! A delight and a frustration all at once, as I cover myself from head to toe in ink, mostly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7X5ckdZcFgU-bn1O8bm9uBmpf0m-RsTdj_4D6Zi9w0gManz4m3u3eC_bw4YUi8GugGXIFKkcJCSn_8bmwj25z2T-Q9tzY49VgUM9-dM7q3ybcTJGsH-KpaiurtPOdxuWkflQYjL0mPA/s1600/7.17.12_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7X5ckdZcFgU-bn1O8bm9uBmpf0m-RsTdj_4D6Zi9w0gManz4m3u3eC_bw4YUi8GugGXIFKkcJCSn_8bmwj25z2T-Q9tzY49VgUM9-dM7q3ybcTJGsH-KpaiurtPOdxuWkflQYjL0mPA/s640/7.17.12_2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Veggies from the garden are growing colorfully and deliciously. <a href="http://www.teaandcookiesblog.com/2010/09/tomatoes-worth-making-a-trip-for.html" target="_blank">Slow-roasted tomatoes</a>? Yes please.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Kv6XmMrMcQV9WUOLDB5JJg6ew9KLR9MGFVpnRIbwFegPFIzTfZPciOIYjhsgVX4RWTGn9iI6V3D6h-XoMgCOVK1Z5oXHyghv5BW5TKagbh_7cQ0TRnQUjBUUcDX4QpEdZRUzdgR9dB0/s1600/7.17.12_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Kv6XmMrMcQV9WUOLDB5JJg6ew9KLR9MGFVpnRIbwFegPFIzTfZPciOIYjhsgVX4RWTGn9iI6V3D6h-XoMgCOVK1Z5oXHyghv5BW5TKagbh_7cQ0TRnQUjBUUcDX4QpEdZRUzdgR9dB0/s640/7.17.12_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And who's been sleeping in <i>my</i> bed? (asked Mummy-bear). Felix! </div>
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July has brought us a pair of hotdogs. Nobody feels like moving, much. Maybe only to go and grill some dinner. Or jump in a lake. Or....nope, that's pretty much it.</div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-91282580285357404542012-07-12T07:14:00.000-07:002012-07-12T07:14:28.084-07:00Step Inside!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I rather fancy the idea of being an enterprising young
thing, so I have opened an online ‘art & paper products’ shop. Perhaps you
are familiar with Etsy? I know it has inhabited my consciousness for the last
few years, as the place to discover <i>the</i> most wonderful handmade goodies. So
that’s where I’m stationed now. Trying to fit in.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Also as a longtime intrepid doodler and maker of things, it seemed like the way to go. (plus, I really need a new pair of sandals, and beautiful birkenstocks aren’t cheap, hey?)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabBLmqF2b7oN_FUX3Flpbint6QGhK-edbKEq7425oUlSi8dInFPQTBXgyJp2lLUDmQxti-m7PZEsw0K7nV_TWHpPPuVhugKB42cNSwBj7EV7_CnPZFMGqFJXSaL1cfPTy-UAotJDmAPk/s1600/7.11.12_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabBLmqF2b7oN_FUX3Flpbint6QGhK-edbKEq7425oUlSi8dInFPQTBXgyJp2lLUDmQxti-m7PZEsw0K7nV_TWHpPPuVhugKB42cNSwBj7EV7_CnPZFMGqFJXSaL1cfPTy-UAotJDmAPk/s640/7.11.12_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So I’m starting small, with things I know I can do well. I
have spent recent months sourcing the strongest, smoothest, loveliest
cardstock. Jabbing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>away at my
calculator, measuring envelopes and calculating shipping costs. Tightening up
designs and making new ones. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIsUCPrwIAgpuNsrj16BZS0ChOVXBgkUUM0jl6FiD8j9wOrC7_Xlt3v2DKQ_HGydpktXTEOXz4TLXrmkShy_Sm4THt3EGScEIp30kFZOQJ0ArrGtSe_KAi101tHb9jh_D2atlidQKhRk/s1600/7.11.12_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIsUCPrwIAgpuNsrj16BZS0ChOVXBgkUUM0jl6FiD8j9wOrC7_Xlt3v2DKQ_HGydpktXTEOXz4TLXrmkShy_Sm4THt3EGScEIp30kFZOQJ0ArrGtSe_KAi101tHb9jh_D2atlidQKhRk/s640/7.11.12_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9G7PW4Ew74WB5LUA70DSeQs-t291Jeb9lqT-kHNw5kTBgOhN84ppY6-vkIWZJGkPDPR599hioy1pz8m2LUg7-QVAneUJPA9LFtFyMBlk1YG9kRm-4pc8hHCN-eh4WFlQA36r07bqXfo/s1600/7.11.12_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9G7PW4Ew74WB5LUA70DSeQs-t291Jeb9lqT-kHNw5kTBgOhN84ppY6-vkIWZJGkPDPR599hioy1pz8m2LUg7-QVAneUJPA9LFtFyMBlk1YG9kRm-4pc8hHCN-eh4WFlQA36r07bqXfo/s640/7.11.12_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you would like to support this venture by taking a look
around <a href="http://etsy.com/shop/loupaper" target="_blank">my store</a> or ‘liking’ my <a href="http://facebook.com/loupaper" target="_blank">facebook page</a> (I know, look at me all down with
the kids), I would be entirely appreciative. I am told this is how these things
get going, afterall!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqcBo7xkdfurAF1kHzXxPK2VH7gVst2aTD0pEv6ZqBnsgD4ipXC333suTImcQsrCW2p9RIoY4hQO6NEgf9f2crYqqVMbxVG5UyQws0TCLbr3TxR_fxRv9hwC3TESFZ9ld_wHmJnX3lQ0/s1600/07.11.12_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqcBo7xkdfurAF1kHzXxPK2VH7gVst2aTD0pEv6ZqBnsgD4ipXC333suTImcQsrCW2p9RIoY4hQO6NEgf9f2crYqqVMbxVG5UyQws0TCLbr3TxR_fxRv9hwC3TESFZ9ld_wHmJnX3lQ0/s640/07.11.12_4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So I present to you: <a href="http://etsy.com/loupaper" target="_blank">LouPaper- my shiny new shop</a>. It will
remain pretty small while I get my sea legs. But check back regularly for new
additions!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO71bdqc4ThATLy_ZTHb5tieViUzQyGhnDedixM7QlUfoNQyZ0FjosED3yX5b_Q9W8y_jmnMAmpGfAtmOgfXoi5YCyaFGaQsf7DREuBdHeUdCWRP0r9xVPNdGcxkW7YWYkDnjJU6qSU0Y/s1600/7.11.12_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO71bdqc4ThATLy_ZTHb5tieViUzQyGhnDedixM7QlUfoNQyZ0FjosED3yX5b_Q9W8y_jmnMAmpGfAtmOgfXoi5YCyaFGaQsf7DREuBdHeUdCWRP0r9xVPNdGcxkW7YWYkDnjJU6qSU0Y/s640/7.11.12_5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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(Thanks for the help, BigRudy!)</div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-61791709347758833832012-07-09T13:01:00.001-07:002012-07-09T13:01:34.491-07:00A Tennessee Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWn978ye0_CI2lmCThn7XduMQoZYcObarzXl1j_RWaQbrRCPXxvB6szYk1slQ4j2vVCufWdVxwSv58MkP0OtB21OAUBHZeU8gGL1GxsruUopBviBJiaX7RedZgO5Cugdu5mgROVhiVgM/s1600/07:09:12_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWn978ye0_CI2lmCThn7XduMQoZYcObarzXl1j_RWaQbrRCPXxvB6szYk1slQ4j2vVCufWdVxwSv58MkP0OtB21OAUBHZeU8gGL1GxsruUopBviBJiaX7RedZgO5Cugdu5mgROVhiVgM/s640/07:09:12_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUj7mkOAV8oAZulOrm9XHjBKuouJdMvLHxHlXIG4iRoqlWCBMnYcoYhN7wVjXWZERzFNtbX4yiuz584kviCcDlb8r4rO40hDdwhhN7klVDUXzj-JajUWTpsYxGyRoOm5uiKbeuRTRbLd4/s1600/IMG_0893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUj7mkOAV8oAZulOrm9XHjBKuouJdMvLHxHlXIG4iRoqlWCBMnYcoYhN7wVjXWZERzFNtbX4yiuz584kviCcDlb8r4rO40hDdwhhN7klVDUXzj-JajUWTpsYxGyRoOm5uiKbeuRTRbLd4/s640/IMG_0893.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjildVC3NTfMb6FXS4H00BUTYgVi4M4yYJdtIHBAIzWzn3WglEsDj9eCjQvHqmWhFSP7HVejrBDvZj0gj8R96LVZNZ1mx-o4jb3othxz5xPcLwANMTow4GBS1KJ1ewyHhYOz-6rihWTnbQ/s1600/07:09:12_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjildVC3NTfMb6FXS4H00BUTYgVi4M4yYJdtIHBAIzWzn3WglEsDj9eCjQvHqmWhFSP7HVejrBDvZj0gj8R96LVZNZ1mx-o4jb3othxz5xPcLwANMTow4GBS1KJ1ewyHhYOz-6rihWTnbQ/s640/07:09:12_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGw2QZhOe3v2okIs-0B2gemnN6YAni4mLKUfA2heDgO1c_NzD1wsdo4B_nLYUpU7J0f8zaJbmM1kTyU2pduqU-1eOOh7c8NwiFUJqXnA8DdfYhTAtYWQkqv62t4F9vrr3WIsGbRRtrPcM/s1600/07:09:12_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGw2QZhOe3v2okIs-0B2gemnN6YAni4mLKUfA2heDgO1c_NzD1wsdo4B_nLYUpU7J0f8zaJbmM1kTyU2pduqU-1eOOh7c8NwiFUJqXnA8DdfYhTAtYWQkqv62t4F9vrr3WIsGbRRtrPcM/s640/07:09:12_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-1605429849714952622012-06-25T11:07:00.000-07:002012-06-25T15:52:00.217-07:00Welcome inside our brand new book!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">(Continuing from my last post)...We are eager to share with you a small selection of the characters and full pages from the children's book my friend Jessica and I have just gotten published. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">When I was young I gobbled up stories at an astonishing rate. There were favorite books that I would go back to time after time that had me giggling until I'd cry, or just caught my imagination in some memorable way.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">It was our priority to achieve a sense of fun throughout the story, with our game of 'Find the Spiders', and lively little details such as the family pets in their Halloween costumes. We hope our readers enjoy the story and illustrations as much as Jess and I relished working together on this project!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Jessica is a huge fan of holidays, and wrote this story because Halloween is her absolute favorite. Fun Fact: Jess and her husband are now expecting a baby, and the due date, you ask? October 31st. Gold star for timing!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">We have had a lot of support and encouragement from our friends and family throughout this project, and you all deserve a cookie for the kind words and wishes you have sent our way! It is very much appreciated!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Herculanum; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"> </span></span></span>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-79138651512249601272012-06-21T07:59:00.001-07:002012-06-21T07:59:06.433-07:00Charlotte's Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In a manner that befits a puppy or a breathless 5 year old, I am pretty much excited to present a book that I have illustrated for Jessica Smith, an author friend of mine. It is now available for purchase on Amazon and barnesandnoble.com, and I know it's only June but, well, it's never too early to get excited about Halloween!</div>
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This project swallowed up a good few months for me while Forrest was deployed in Afghanistan and the fun and charming nature of the story kept a smile on my face all the while. As a child, I was always a huge fan of 'Where's Wally?' (yes, that'd be Waldo here in America!), and loved having little details to search for whilst pawing through the pages of a book. As such, we developed a little game, where spiders are hiding on every page, waiting to be sought out by an eagle-eyed young (or old!) reader.</div>
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As an illustrator, I feast upon the details of other peoples processes. I love the scribbles, photos of studios, paint splatters and happy accidents. As such I thought I would share with you a few of the scribblings from my sketchbooks as the project progressed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvGUnre0pmpajsT9efHYz1mytXHltt2FGsNetKfon8Vt3LLt7CDHZ_L6IdIl7fXG92o95ayclGdhY6jeFLTRli8kihsUb3-Xyj7cSf2_GsrrgHUbd6FIULBNhKbQglYxoLNqb1ffIZnM/s1600/CH_scribbles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvGUnre0pmpajsT9efHYz1mytXHltt2FGsNetKfon8Vt3LLt7CDHZ_L6IdIl7fXG92o95ayclGdhY6jeFLTRli8kihsUb3-Xyj7cSf2_GsrrgHUbd6FIULBNhKbQglYxoLNqb1ffIZnM/s640/CH_scribbles.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Rudy the Dog, possessing a winning mix of good-looks, charming clumsiness and an instinct for fun made the cut as one of our characters. Here he is in his Halloween dinosaur costume! Jessica's cat (Halo) also features. The sleeping spider cannot be claimed as a family member by either of us, but I must admit, he looks cute enough for a little squeeze.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBX0dFNEOP-ZfgovSB66ewggxGeqPfMyv7crDLUD-lX3nmLoO8qXaz4fe7GkJ01ji7bRNCb6iCttaq4UR72mGfXWboCe3nNAuhyphenhyphenG0OIHb2tmzLLwhr8mRCwkIoWpxcJmK8jt2OPmxUPIM/s1600/rudy_snooze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBX0dFNEOP-ZfgovSB66ewggxGeqPfMyv7crDLUD-lX3nmLoO8qXaz4fe7GkJ01ji7bRNCb6iCttaq4UR72mGfXWboCe3nNAuhyphenhyphenG0OIHb2tmzLLwhr8mRCwkIoWpxcJmK8jt2OPmxUPIM/s640/rudy_snooze.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Soon I will share with you some pages from the story. Thanks for stopping by!Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-28741296799146541462012-06-20T19:16:00.002-07:002012-06-20T19:16:41.391-07:00All in A Days Work.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sleep, Eat, Play, Cuddle. </div>
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Somebody around here knows how to relax. Big Rudy!</div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-64967239974691765262012-06-16T14:08:00.002-07:002012-06-16T14:24:16.042-07:00Does it Sound Like a Helicopter? (Brrrrr)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've had that song by Cher Lloyd (I Want You Back) stuck in my head all week. And no, it doesn't sound like a helicopter.<br />
Anyhow, I have been busily crafting away at the request of a friend of mine who is stationed in Germany. Who knew there were plate hangers for this sort of thing?! We just use <a href="http://doodle-lou.blogspot.com/2010/10/october-arrived-with-pride-and.html" target="_blank">ours as lap trays</a>....<br />
My humble plaque is to be auctioned off, or maybe raffled at a company event they are holding. Because sometimes it feels good (great!) to give. I hope it finds an enthusiastic home. Shout out to military families in Germany (including my own beloved bro-in-law). I am envious of your pretzels!<br />
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Opening my online shop within weeks....custom plaques will be available. Add it to your shopping list! Maybe, baby. Hope you are having a great weekend, friends!<br />
<br />Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-67540056053612129622012-06-10T14:29:00.000-07:002012-06-10T14:29:10.877-07:00Ingredients of a Weekend.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A bit of everything this weekend. Not least, sweet peas from the garden that dress up a salad in my new bowl (thanks, Brianna, the green stuff never tasted so good!). </div>
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Drawing. Printing. Cutting. And repeat. Feeling a little warm and fuzzy about the cool selection of antique pen nibs discovered at a thrift store. I feel like I'm back at art school. Delight is in the details.</div>
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Our poor overgrown turtle (hello, Bob!) is dearly in need of a new (bigger) aquarium. In the meantime he's pretending to be a Nascar driver, tearing up and down the lawn in a bid for freedom/ victory/ fame- who knows?. Relax little buddy, have a shrimp. And maybe next month we'll buy you a mansion.</div>
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<br />Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944702110421308688.post-33177277712714767352012-06-08T14:16:00.001-07:002012-06-08T14:16:14.162-07:00Be A Producer, Not A Consumer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I read the title of this post somewhere and immediately a lightbulb switched on. Doesn't it just fill you with renewed motivation? For me, it did. I promptly rearranged my studio and got to work.</div>
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I have been so productive lately that I had a sushi date. With myself. At my desk. Now that is dedication.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiqt_gK0_oofeGqnIzt53j9qnH2g9HdY1S8yw_MaI42UW6cLK4MdF7EMKKIv36mWszQTLi_vJDQ5B0TrONWyp9O_LCx9v1AAzgO40cdFzwUicXeCpzwHSqTwozDKvTH-Sd9uySzyUcLM/s1600/IMG_0478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiqt_gK0_oofeGqnIzt53j9qnH2g9HdY1S8yw_MaI42UW6cLK4MdF7EMKKIv36mWszQTLi_vJDQ5B0TrONWyp9O_LCx9v1AAzgO40cdFzwUicXeCpzwHSqTwozDKvTH-Sd9uySzyUcLM/s640/IMG_0478.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our efforts in the garden are starting to pay off. Behold this proudest bean. I almost got excited and ate it. Had to remind myself to slow down. Relax. Eeeasy. Wait a few.</div>
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I have been making and will soon be selling cards. That's what's new, pussycat. What's new with you?</div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480033613499283282noreply@blogger.com1