Mystery of the Ripped Sheet

I went to take a much needed nap today, and this is what I found:

Erik wouldn't be caught dead in our room and Caleb denies any involvement. Caleb does not have a history of damaging property, so my suspects are narrowed down to two.

The jury is still out on this one. Both suspects have a long history of property damage using all or part of their nails. Both resist nail trimmings and all attempts at rehabilitation have failed. Agatha Raisin, where are you?

Suspect #1:

5 year old Tabby cat, male, 16 pounds, sharp claws. Known to take frequent naps on this bed.

Previous offense:

Suspect #2:

3 year old German Shepherd, male, 70 pounds, long, dull nails. Not known to frequent this bed unaccompanied.

Previous offense:

Dog day at the beach, part 2

One of the many reasons I love dogs is for their ability to be completely in the moment. They are the epitome of zen, as they live their truth, in the moment...with gusto! Maybe if people were more like dogs, this world would be a better place...at least, it would be more honest.

(These great shots were taken by our friend and dog walker, Mick. Thanks, Mick!)

Dog day at the beach

Roman and I spent some quality time together at Baker Beach this morning. doG, I love being free (or is that, unemployed?).

The gloomy weather certainly did not stop Roman from jumping right into where the freezing Pacific meets the Golden Gate! The waves were amazing, and we had the beach to ourselves. Finally, the sun started creeping out...but, so did the nudists (only in SF, huh?)! Roman, being true to his German heritage, was not fazed in the least and was able to pause for one last portrait.

THE best dog!

I always knew German Shepherds are THE best dog. Not the breed for most people, though, as they are just too smart for the average dog owner, thrive on a connection with their family (usually just one person) and require lots of training (they need a job). Not a dog to have as a garden decoration or leave alone for long periods of time "unemployed"...otherwise, they can, ah, creatively decorate your house and garden while you are away.

I met a guy the other day who was all over Roman. As Roman happily rolled over, exposing his belly for a rub, tongue lolling like a silly golden retriever, the guy said to me, "If anyone breaks into your house, they are meat. MEAT!" Ummm...I don't know about that but this German Shepherd is certainly a hero in my book.

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou

(Hau'oli Makahiki Hou is Hawaiian for Happy New Year!)

Wishing you all prolific inspiration and joyful abundance in 2007!

I usually have a laundry list of resolutions doomed to failure by their very nature. So, this year I decided to make only one New Year's Resolution: to create ART every day...a sketch, a drawing, a small painting, flower arrangement, garden...I resolve to do some sort of art every day, even if it's shit. For me, this resolution is more difficult then "exercising more, eating better, make more money, blah, blah" because I've been blocked, artistically, for some time now. Life's responsibilities sap all my creative energy and then another year goes by with nothing to show for it. The burning to create is still inside, it just can't get out. Art is not a hobby for me, it IS me...So, if I'm not doing it, who am I?

This resolution is difficult because it means I need to do more of the things that support my creative self: be in nature, lots of time to meander about (looks like procrastination, but far from it), quiet meditation & yoga, a nod to my spirit now and then...that sort of stuff...but I'm up to the challenge, so check back as I plan to share my creations with you here.

In the meantime, images from a creative past: