I stayed in bed later than usual this morning because this face wanted to snuggle with my face. Seriously, is there a better way to start a new month??? 

Happy April!!

You may have noticed I have been a little absent this week. My kids wish this Christmas was for their beloved 11 1/2 year old lab, Buddy Bear, to spend one last Christmas with us. His arthritis had become debilitating, his back was filled with cancer, but he still managed to ask for hugs and kisses. 

I am pretty sure he knew their wish. And he simply would never disappoint these two. ever. So, their Christmas wish was honored. 

I know there are so many that read my blog that knew Buddy. When I owned my furniture store downtown, he came to work with me every day. Customers, as well as locals, would visit my store just to visit my sweet man. He was an excellent greeter, especially considering his meager wages.

And quite the poser.

He indulged us with our crazy costumes--you know he had to be embarrassed.

He was my constant, my very best friend, through a tumultuous divorce. I spent many hours cuddled up on that big furry pillow sharing with him things I have never told another. 

We have all shared that pillow.

Christmas 2011

We are so happy that Christmas was indeed spent with our Buddy. But, now that handsome guy is pain free and once again running and swimming. But, we {I} have got to figure out how to walk through this raw pain that has slid in and taken over. Grief is such a complicated, unpredictable emotion.

I look forward to posting about design and my projects. But, it may take a little while. I will be back soon.   

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Buddy Bear 2000-2011

Are these not the most adorable pet portraits EVA? I am seriously crushing on artist Jo

Chambers. Jo is the textile artist and illustrator behind the company Studio-legohead in

England. Her passion is predominately dogs {love her more!!} and she wants stories of

the ‘models’ she is commissioned to paint. I love her simple lines and her inclusion of the

doggie accessories {scarves. hats, tiaras, etc}.     

 You can peruse more of Jo’s work and her models or commission your own portrait
{Christmas present!} by visiting her site here.