Maya...as she has been named, is eating pretty well, and it didnt take too much effort to litter-train her. She loves her little heating pad, wrapped in a blanket and topped with a couple of furry armwarmers for her to nuzzle into. She played a little last night for the first time, but tired out quickly. She has a very sweet face, and I think will be a lovely cat once she gets some weight on her.

I finished up antiquing the Snowfire twittergriffins and Blue Tailstripe Murex dragonsnails FINALLY. Once they get a final dose of clearcoat, I can sand, stamp and photo them. They would already be photo'd....except I found myself totally out of clearcoat and had to beg chris to pick some up for me, so I have to wait til he gets home from work to finish them up.

Spent most of today pouring sculpts I'm in need of. I'm finally getting successful pours of the hermit crab sculpt, his little eyeballs were such a pain to figure out a solution for! Hopefully I'll get a batch of those painted up soon, and in the store. What I really need is an hour or so to do some moldmaking....that DragonOtter sits just waiting for me to make a mold, I can feel impatience in his stare......

Well, the baby kitten is keeping me pretty busy, and the visit to the vet yesterday went pretty good. The vet and I both think it's a girl. They weighed her, checked her over and wanted her wormed immediately, just to be sure that worms arent robbing her of any nourishment. So we got the first dose of wormer in her, and the general consensus is with some care and work getting her to eat, she should survive. For the moment she seems to have been named Mya. It's a name we all like, and everyone can pronounce, which can definately be an issue with young children. :)

I'm still working on doing sketching, and practicing with inkpen. I think working in ink is teaching me not to second-guess my lines so much, or if I make a mistake...it's teaching me to cover them over pretty well, lol. either way, they've been fun and I've done a few more. I dont know what my obsession is with red ink....I just really love the look. So, here's a few more scribbly sketches, and yes...my fingers still twitch for the eraser.




This raven is actually my favorite so far...but I'm very partial to ravens. She takes up the entirety of my sketch page...and probably would have ended up as an even larger picture had I not run out of paper!

I really shouldnt go into petstores. HOW did I end up with another cat?

It was so sick and pitiful looking, all emaciated and forlorn, with the sad face and everything. too young to be taken away from it's mother as well. Tiny little ball of scruff, capable of curling up on the palm of my hand. So emaciated and in poor shape that the pet store gave it to me hopin I could keep it alive. It cant be more than a few weeks old. Solid black with just a couple white hairs on it's chest...and when it stands the teeny tiny hipbones stick out. I was suckered from the moment it laid eyes on me. I must have this "omg it neeeeeds me" complex. Poor little thing is so small I cant tell if it's male or female, and it has frequent diarreah. Apparently someone dumped a very very young litter of kittens at the petstore...there were three other kittens there that were thin, but otherwise active and looked like they could be relatively healthy cats with some food and care. this one was significantly smaller than the others, and very still in the cage, not to mention so emaciated you can see it's little bones. The head looks too big for it's body as well, due to the lack of muscular tissue throughout it's body.

Right now it's being kept separate from all the other cats in our household, just in case there's something bacterial or viral causing the diarreah. It's eaten some softened food, and drank, so that's good. A heating pad has become very helpful for keeping it warm, so it'll sleep in a small cubbyhole I made for it in the spare room without getting cold. Hopefully we can get more fluids in it, and stop the diarreah.

Anyone have any good cat names?

Ink pen is such an unforgiving medium. I cant remember EVER having drawn something purely in pen before this, beyond my grocery list doodles..and the occasional napkin sketch. I think I read somewhere that drawing in pen is supposed to help you improve on something...I cant remember what. I have to admit, there's a small sarcastic part of me that mutters "showoff" when I see other artists post these gorgeous perfect drawings then say, "I drew it all in pen". When not a single line seems out of place.

I'm messy. I'm scribbley....and god help me I love my eraser like my 3 year old daughter loves her blankie. I always have at least 5 of them hiding around the living room, just in case said 3year old decides to eat one (on occasion...I have actually found a perfect bite-sized piece removed from my beautiful white art eraser *cries*).

ANYway...I actually did a couple "all ink" drawings, where I didnt sketch in pencil underneath, or really do any planning at all. Just a random flinging of scribbley ink at the paper. Of course they're messy to an extreme, and my fingers twitch in need of an eraser when I look at them.... here they are.

Donovan has decided he wants to be a birdwatcher. He saw some info on birdwatching on tv, and started askin me about different bird species. So, I dug out a gardeners bird reference book, with good photos of several species native to our area. He currently has an old pool ladder he likes to perch on for a better vantage point. He goes out there, with book in tow to peer at the bushes. I'm considering buying some seed to spread about, so he might get a better variety of visitors. He's already learned to identify chickadees, cardinals and starlings..the most common residents of our area. He looks so cute on that ladder.



Finishing up some paintwork on pieces I've had sitting around halfway done for a while. It's kinda nice to have them off my workdesk. After they've been antiqued in a day or so, I'll try and get some photos up. I've got a new color on the twittergriffin, called Snowfire, and some BlueTailstripe Murex Dragonsnails for the store in the works.

Also, here's a sketch idea I was playin around with. I was toying with the idea of attempting to sculpt it, though I think it'd be a booger to cast. I believe I may be at the point where I can attempt it though. My moldmaking abilities have improved quite alot, so I may go ahead and give it a shot anyway.

Takin care of some little odds n ends jobs that have needed done for awhile. I need to do some moldmaking later, if I get the chance. The DragonOtter needs a mold made so I can start casting, and the Clockwork Sparrow really needs a second mold, so they'll be easier to pour. Played some with watercolors last night and this morning, experimenting with layering and using stuff for texturing.

It looks like it might rain later, which is nice.... I love the rain.

Watched part of an interesting program on national geographic last night...about a sperm whale that exploded a few years back. we had to switch it off when Donovan started turning green.....I cant really blame him either, some of it really had some eeeeeew factor. Exploding whales...what next?

Spent a good portion of the morning begging and pleading for Lydia to eat. It took over an hour, but she got a small amount eaten. Today is not a good day for her. She's tired, and doesnt feel well. She'll expend the energy to purr, and push her head into my hand when I pet her, but for the most part isnt moving from the windowsill. She likes to watch the birds, and feel the sunshine. It's a warm day.

On a lighter note, an italian art-zine.......asked to feature an old drawing of mine in their next issue. I accepted, of course under the conditions it be credited to me where they use it, but it was a big surprise. This is the piece they're featuring is my hopefish, which was really just a random watercolor and ink experiment for myself.

Yesterday was...not a great day. Sigh. Today is better though, so I'll take what I can get.

Had an amusing incident late last night though. I keep an eye on the homes for sale in this area, since we're looking at moving in the next year or two. We had originally wanted to move to oregon, but....circumstances changed, and it turns out we'll be staying in ky. Either way, We've found a few nice locations nearby that we like, and I keep an eye out for real estate in those areas, especially anything near our pricerange.

So, anyway...there was this listing for a reaaaally old building. It needed some work, but had square footage and beautiful architecture. On top of all that, the interior pictures were nice, and it came with historical documents, because it was over 200 years old. Normally somethin like that would NEVER be sold anywhere NEAR our pricerange...so you gotta ask, "What's the catch?". Rule number 1 in life...if something looks too good to be true, it probably is. Chris did some research on the building, outside of the real estate listing, and of course found out some hugely interesting info. The building was used as a funeral home for near 20 years, in the 50's and 60's ....and alot of the original land was donated to be the county's cemetary. It's currently restructured into 3 apartments.

Big gorgeous house...former funeral home....and next to a huge cemetary. I have my weird boundaries...and I do believe that is just beyond them thank you very much. I've mused over abandoned schoolbuildings and old firehouses before, with desires to convert them into livable space...but an old funeral home, where you can seeeee all the dead bodies graves that the place processed? I'll pass.

And of course...NONE OF THIS was in the real estate listing, ROFL.

Ran errands this afternoon. Twas a pretty busy day overall.

Went scrounging through flea markets and antique shops for pans today. I HATE the fake teflon covered pots and pans. Twice we've been given sets of them..and the finish never stays on. So, for the past 10 years we've been using them....and today I went out to pick out my own cooking pans. I suppose it's a bit silly to be so excited about getting to choose your own pots and pans, but I was thrilled (even if it is from flea markets). Couldnt afford to go to a kitchen shop, though sometimes I pet the pretties in there...I've never taken one home. However, there were some nice pickings today at the various flea markets around town. I went straight for the heavy enamel coated steel or thin cast iron saucepans. Ended up finding 4 nice quality ones, in the sizes I need. They were the old type pans with blue flowers, which chris dubbed "granny pans" but at least I know the finish isnt coming off any time soon. One of these days I'm gonna save up for some of those fancy le creuset saucepans. le sigh.

I had a long talk with the vet over Lydia's medical concerns, about buying her as much time as we possibly can. I just lost Andromeda, I just cant imagine losing Lydia so closely after. However even on a liquid diet, you can see flecks of blood all over the top of her soup as she's lapping it up, from her bleeding mouth. Some days her tongue is a pale whitish pink color, giving me concerns about anemia. We simply cant afford the clinicare or catsure...which run a whopping $1 an ounce average. We do have some, which is being mixed into her diet, but it's just to costly to feed her pure. We're gonna be getting some beef based gerber type babyfoods, since beef is higher in iron than the chicken. Really, it's a matter of her time ticking away. I'm facing it with the attitude of a pissed off badger wielding a two by four. I'm determined to find some way for her to eat without pain. I just havent thought hard enough about it yet.

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D

you cheered me up, to see you again.

welcome back.

I believe dandelions are actually my favorite flower...I just love them. They're so bright, cheerful, and underappreciated. I cant begin to count the number of people I've heard call them weeds. Anyway, these little dragons had been sitting around for a couple weeks now really just needing a quick finish and photo. Twas nice to go downstairs and pick one up, so bright and cheerful on a day where I'm feeling grey. Here they are.

Dandelion Murex Dragonsnail

Dandelion Shyla Dragonsnail

Finally finally FINALLY got new business cards ordered. I'd been meaning to get it done for a long while...due to the fact that the email address on the old ones is no longer accurate. It was also a piece of digital artwork I had done..which I STINK at digital art, and its not a facet of my artwork that's very professional. Sooo, here's a shot of the image that'll be on the new cards. I'm fairly pleased with it!

Please be sure to check out the newly added "Paragon Vault" subforum at the Lamplight Woods forum, where I'll be featuring a new artist each month, and we'll have general art discussion.

thanks!

one day at a time I suppose. even with the loss of a good friend, life gives us limited choices. move forward or stay still.

I'll never ever forget the love Andromeda showed me, or the times she made me laugh. she made me appreciate sillyness, and the necessity of it in life. She was truly a cat I would describe as a "dingbat" personality. The times as a kitten she was so tiny...she fell in the toilet..but was too small to get out, teaching us to always close the lid. Or the times she ran up the cloth we had decorating one wall of our small apartment...clear up to the ceiling, where she'd get stuck and caterwaul for rescue. Or how she chirped at birds, or at me when I sneezed.

We still miss her..there's a gaping cat shaped hole in our lives at the moment. I'm also glad she's not hurting anymore...but it's a gladness tarnished by my selfish lonesomeness for her company.

So, I'll move forward...one day at a time. I'll try to have some more art, and other updates, soon.

My friend was euthenized today. Andromeda was my talky kitty. We got her not long after i miscarried our first child. She's been sick a long while. I knew it was only a matter of time. For awhile now we've had two sick cats, Lydia and Andromeda. There really wasnt anything we could do for Andromeda...most of her issues came with age. It never makes it easier though. My friend...my cat...who's been a part of my life longer than most people I know....who's comforted me through rough times...is gone. I was shocked when her eyes never closed. They simply went dull as I stroked her...

I still have the adoption certificate from the shelter from near 10 years ago for her.

I miss her.

I have to admit...here lately I havent been doing as much art.

The last week and a half I've really tapered off. Lack of motivation I suppose. A break isnt necessarily a bad thing. It wont really affect my income either, considering I've barely had sales in the past 3-4 months. It's bound to get discouraging after awhile. I was really down when the new dragonsnails, roseguardian, and clockwork sparrow were a flop. The only thing I've sold more than 1 of is the new twittergriffin (a grand total of 3). Sooooo...for the most part I'm focusing on homeschooling, and doing some organizing, rather than stressin about gettin stuff to sell, when it just doesnt right now. I'm tired of tryin to figure out what I'm doin wrong, so i'm takin a short break before comin back to it with a fresh perspective..hopefully.

I'm hoping to get some work on the website done, sometime soon. When I get back into gear, I'll probably put more in the Etsy shop in hopes some will sell. Stuff is just really really slow right now.

There's a gallery that has juried viewings when they consider new artists...I'm considering picking up an application for it, and putting together a selection of my better pieces. I need to find out the dates though..as I heard they only do this once or twice a year. I'm not sure yet whether I'm ready for that though.

Lydia's new liquid diet seems to be doing really well. She's eating consistently, two small meals a day.

Beware:

Life Advice of the Day --- Always use extreme caution when allowing children beneath the age of 5 to eat fruit. of any kind.

diaper duty times ten

Lydia couldnt handle soft food.

It still seems to hurt her badly to handle any sort of solids. Even something as soft as cooked white rice, or pureed chicken. The vet didnt have any suggestions either. My father did though. We're trying a liquid diet on her now. There's some liquid cat stuff for exactly this purpose I need to get some of, when I find it. For now she's eating cream of chicken soup made with halfnhalf. I give it to her at room temperature, cause something too hot would be horribly painful for her. So far it's workin pretty well, she's eating it at least. Hopefully she'll gain some weight back. I know it doesnt have all the things cats need in there, but for now she's in desperate need of calories, and I'll take any sort of eating I can get outta her.

(and yes...I checked to make sure there are no garlic, onions or other poisonous substances to cats in the soup. :)

fingers crossed.

What do people have against fall leaves? they are not evil.

The older lady across the street cant stand a SINGLE leaf on her grass...and is pitching a fit cause the garbage trucks wont take her garbage bags of leaves anymore. So she doesnt know what to do with them. I told the lady that cares for her to just bring them over to me and I'll make them into mulch for my flower beds.

Probably after making a monster pile for the kids to jump in. :)

How can you pass that up? lol...they rake, we jump!

I mean...seriously.....WHO put the magnets in the my little pony feet? The logo in the foot is actually a magnet. When and why did they do this?

Though I did not notice this on my own.....my children never miss fun details like that. Although i admit it'll freak you out to walk into your kitchen to this....




my first thought was OMG WTH HOW did they get SUPERGLUE?

thank goodness it was just magnets.