Replenishing Her Spirit

As this year comes to an end, I find myself making my list of resolutions-usually, empty promises to myself. They inevitably involve diet and exercise and a myriad of other "fix me" solutions. Well, I pushed that list aside. I want this New Years Eve's promise to be different. Instead of wanting to "fix" everything I hate about myself only to be discouraged it's not happening fast enough, and then giving up and being hard on myself for failing once again...ugh.

This year I plan to replenish my spirit. I'll love myself, flaws and all. I'll eat better, drink less wine, paint more and love more because I'll be nurturing myself which will allow these other things to happen more easily. What better resolution to make than care of the self?

I finished this painting yesterday and hung it in the gallery. When I titled it, my resolution became clear.

Here's to a rejuvinating, replenishing 2007 for us all!!

"Replenishing Her Spirit" acrylic on canvas 24x30 click to enlarge

Illustration Friday : Phoenix

When I saw what the word was for this week, the obvious came to mind. Usually, I try to weave the word into a sweet animal story somehow, but this time I couldn't get there. The obvious kept luring me back.

When I was a vet tech, I remember this young cat that was thrown into a fire by some very cruel teenagers. A woman followed the cat's cries for help and found him running in circles, smoulderfing from the flames. She sought neccesary veterinary care and continued to nurse him to health over the next several months. Other than crinkled ears and understandable trust issues, Phoenix grew into a beautiful cat who enjoyed many years of loving kindness.

This illustration is my tribute to the millions of people and animals on the planet who have suffered unthinkable tragedies, but they dug down deep and found their will to live, and like my little friend Phoenix, they rose from the ashes. Some of us are these people, lending a hand to others who need help getting away from the flames.

My heart is full of gratitude for the wonderful comments that have been left for me, and for the encouragement to keep posting. You have no idea what that means to me!

I wish everyone a happy,*magical* 2007 !

(watercolor, micron pens and colored pencil)

Illustration Friday : Peace

Terwilliger the cat was friends with Albert the mouse who lived in the stone wall of the house.

Terwilliger will never forget that frightful night back when he was a kitten, the Christmas decorations caught on fire. It was Albert who went screaming all through the house to get everyone's attention. The fire was quickly extinguished, and everyone got out safely.

Because of that night, Terwilliger made peace with Albert and vowed to be best friends forever.

(Oh...and Terwilliger's owner will never again leave his pipe unattended!)

Joyous holidays everyone, and peace for all creatures great and small!

Watercolor, ink and a touch of rubber stamping

Illustration Friday : HELP

Ms. Fancy Striped Pants was the proud mother of two healthy furballs, Steeler and Eddie. She'd lie there day after day, content to nurse them into becoming big strong boys.

One day she heard the hair raising screech of car tires in front of her house, so being the good neighbor she was, she left her boys tucked in bed and went to have a look. Sadly, her friend Maude, the grey squirrel, met her untimely death with Uniroyal and left an orphaned daughter, Nut-Tasha. She knew there was only one thing to do and that was to take Nut-Tasha home and nurse her as if she were her own.

Sometimes we all need a little help now and then, especially the less fortunate.

Blessings to all of you this holiday season!

watercolor and ink on Canson acrylic paper

Illustration Friday : Mask

Penelope and Buster were ever the best of friends.

They wondered what it would be like if they could switch identities once in a while, you know, for kicks. They sought the help of their monkey friend, Millie, and asked her to make a mask for them because neither Penelope nor Buster had opposable thumbs and therefore could not use scissors. They were delighted with the masks that Millie made and continue to wear them proudly!

Watercolor, colored pencils and ultra fine Sharpie.

( click image to enlarge)

Illustration Friday: Might

Olaf is skating against the wind and the snow with all of his might. He's on his way to Olga's house. Could tonight be the magical night he proposes to her??

It might be!!!

Acrylic, colored pencils and micron pens on Bristol paper.