Things I Learned from Lucy

Lucy was a wild puppy when we got her at 6 months old.  She lived with my brother and sister-in-law for a short while.  They had gotten her from the animal shelter.  We think originally she was a Christmas puppy, but whoever had her couldn't handle her.  Then my husband's brother gave her to us when they had an elderly relative living with them.  Again, too wild.

She was almost too wild for us.  One time she broke my foot when I had her on the leash walking through a forest area.  She didn't mean to.  She just wanted to run and my foot twisted.  For the next two years we constantly walked her and threw the frisbee.  We tried to wear her down a little.  No such luck.

Then one day, she started calming down.  Her true personality shined through and she completely wormed her way into everyone's hearts.  Here's what she taught me:

Be tolerant.  Even with the ungrateful cat.

Chase coyotes off the property.  We need to protect our loved ones.

Wag your tail when you see people you like.

And most of all, never pass up the opportunity to have a good time, like chasing the ball, swimming or playing frisbee.

We had to put Lucy down Monday evening. She let us know that it was time.  I'm sure that right now she's in heaven being a totally wild puppy.

Acceptance

Acceptance

16x20

This painting is one that I've titled Acceptance.  It's symbolic of what I'm going through with my creative process this year.  Artists draw on their imaginations at the beginning of creating any new piece.  That's where it all starts.  Then comes the composition, color choices and a few hundred other decisions until the piece is finally completed.

I find that the final piece is seldom what I initially envisioned.  But when some time has passed and I look back at the piece with fresh eyes, I see something entirely different.  I'm no longer disappointed.  I see a place I must have been at that particular time.  I accept it.

I've learned something else this year.  My dog, Lucy, had eye cancer and had her eye removed in January, just after we got back from our Florida trip.  At first I couldn't even talk about it.  But the operation was completely successful and I love her even more now (and she's spoiled from all the extra attention she gets).  She adjusted well to her new handicap and enjoys life with the same zest as always.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all accept things so easily?