The Grey Lodge

2012-01-01T13:11:00.003-08:00

Happy 2012 one and all.

I'm not too concerned about what the Mayan calendar prediction is but seriously, couldn't the end of the world come AFTER Christmas? Granted, we could all celebrate a month early. Nothing says "surprise" like opening gifts on November 25. And we would all have time to enjoy our goodies. Then if we all wake up on December 22, 2012, imagine all the joy we will bring the retail market as we dash around getting gifts, food staples and other assorted holiday fixins, not to mention the sales that will surely be in play. Think about it...Macy's One-Day End of the World Sale!!! Best Buy's Last Best Buys Ever!!! Tiffany's Buy 3/Get 1 Half Off!!! And could the end of the world even spark Louis Vuitton to have their first ever sale. Hummm...Have I just found the up side to the end of days???

KH-G

Time flys

2008-12-08T06:19:00.002-08:00

Today Rory & I are celebrating our second anniversary. Funny how it seems like forever...in a good way of course! He continues to be everything I've ever wanted. Love is difficult to explain but in the immortal words of Belinda Carlisle during her Go-Go's period...

"When I'm with you, I shake inside
My heart's all tangled up
My tongue is tied it's crazy.
Can't walk, can't talk, can't eat, can't sleep
Oh, I'm in love, oh I'm in deep 'cuz baby
With a kiss you can strip me defenseless
With a touch I completely lose control
'Til all that's left of my strength is a memory

I get weak when I look at you, weak when we touch
I can't speak when I look in your eyes
I get weak when you're next to me, weak from this love
I can't speak when I look in your eyes
I get weak

Convincing eyes, persuasive lips
The helpless heart just can't resist their power
You know you've got a hold over me
You know you've got me where I want to be ..."

It's been an amazing 2 years and I hope to have many, many more just like them.

Kathy

Addressing the mavens

2008-10-23T08:14:00.006-08:00

Vending at various art shows and dog events gives one a lot of down time. When not chit-chatting with the potential buyers, I'll doddle new drawing ideas or read or simply watch the world go by. Often my inner fashionista goes postal when faced with couture red flags passing my booth.

The time has come to get a few things off my chest. Heed my warnings!!! There are people looking at you ~ and not in a good way!

* If your purse is bigger than your head, your purse is too big.

* Big sunglasses can't hide ugly.

* If people hand you change while you're sitting on a park bench, you've worn the wrong outfit.

* "Designer" does not always mean better.

* Woman wearing too low-riding jeans + too tight top = beer belly look.
It doesn't look good on your dad and it sure doesn't look good on you!

* If you can afford it, you can afford to have taste.

* No matter what Vogue tells you, wearing florals and plaids do not mix.

* You can be too thin (but never too rich!!!!).

* If you can't walk and bend your knees while wearing 4 inch spike heels, perhaps you should
reconsider your footwear.

And one last tip....

Look in the mirror one last time before you walk out of the house. You'll be happy you did. And so will I. ;)

Kathy

When faced with the road you don't want to retravel

2008-10-19T10:02:00.007-08:00

The loss of a beloved parent is traumatic for a child no matter what their age. But when there is no love, the emotions take a different form. Waking up to find the police knocking at your door in the middle of the night to inform you of the suicide of one of your parents can force you to relive a childhood you would, for the most part, rather forget. You face a road you don't want to retravel but you have no choice and you know you have to open your eyes and face what you walked away from.

To say there are no emotions for the death of an unloved parent is incorrect. The emotions swell and crash. It feels as if they will never stop haunting you. They are undefinable aside from the rage, but that rage was always just below the surface. Yet little by little, those emotions are defined and the unanswered becomes clear. Suddenly you discover what you felt, what you thought, what you walked away from really existed. You learn one thing - you made the right choice all those years ago and because of that choice you became the person your parent would never be rather than becoming your parent.

A good friend of mine in Nevada told me to put my thoughts into words, but my words on this are still too harsh. Instead, I will use someone else's words....

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

It's a pity, it's a crying shame.
He pulled you down again.
How painful it must be
To bruise so easily inside.

It's a pity, it's a downright crime.
But it happens all the time.
You wanna stay a little girl.
Wanna hide from the vicious world outside.

But don't cry.
Know the tears will do no good, so dry your eyes.

Your daddy he's the iron man.
A battleship wrecked on dry land.
Your mama she's a bitter bride.
She'll never be satisfied.
Do you know? And that's not right.

But don't cry.
Know the tears will do no good, so dry your eyes.

They told you life is hard. It's misery from the start.
It's dull, it's slow, it's painful.
I tell you life is sweet in spite of the misery.
There's so much more to be grateful for.

Well, who do you believe?
Who will you listen to?
Who will it be?
It's high time that you decide in your own mind.

I've tried to comfort you.
Tried to tell you to be patient.
They are blind.
They can't see.
Fortune gonna come some day.
All gonna fade away.

Your daddy the war machine.
And your mama the long and suffering,
Prisoner of what she cannot see.
For they told you life is hard.
It's misery from the start.
It's dull, it's slow, it's painful.
But I tell you life is sweet in spite of the misery.
There's so much more to be grateful for.

Who do you believe?
Who will you listen to? Who will it be?
Because it's high time you decide.
It's time you make up your own sweet little mind.

Oh they told you life is long. Be thankful when it's done.
Don't ask for more, you should be grateful.
But I tell you life is short, be thankful.
Because before you know it will be over.
'Cause life is sweet and life is also very short.
Your life is sweet .

"Life Is Sweet" ~ Natalie Merchant

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

Oooh I believe that Fate smiled and
Destiny laughed as she came to my cradle
"Know this child will be able"
Laughed as she came to my mother
"Know this child will not suffer"
Laughed as my body she lifted,
"Know this child will be gifted,
With love, with patience, and with faith, she'll make her way, she'll make her way.

"Wonder" ~ Natalie Merchant

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

Kathy

for your holiday viewing pleasure

2008-08-30T07:04:00.008-08:00

It's a long, lovely 3 day weekend. My big plans include some gardening, BBQing and romping with the pups. I plan on getting in some drawing as well as I have been selected to participate in the juried Old Town San Diego Art Festival. I just love the area and this trip will give me the perfect excuse to bask in luxury at the Hotel del Coranado during my free time.

Following are a few of my more lighthearted offerings....

"The Cats: le Chapeau"
I seldom actually I LIKE something I do, but I will admit, this twisted version of the cat in the hat is one of my favorites. The model is one of my homeless cats, Fluffy, who likes to sit on the top of my back porch fence each morning and worship the rising sun.

"Dinner"

"Grey Luv"

"Off Kilter"
My first meeting with an ostrich was not pretty. They are the oddest looking birds and this one was none too friendly. And I'm sure Mr. Ostrich was equally unimpressed about meeting me!

Kathy

Beauty

2008-08-13T11:55:00.003-08:00

"I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night."

She graced our life with the brilliance of a shooting star. And has gone too soon. But oh what joy she brought in her 4 years as part of the tribe. Beauty's brilliance will now light up the heavens as she takes her place among the stars.

Beauty lost her battle with lymphoma this morning. She had done so well with the first part of her treatments but shortly after they were over she developed a slight infection. That went away quickly and things seemed OK. Early last week some of her nodes began to swell again and by Friday she was not eating nor holding down what little she did eat. Our vet did everything possible but cancer has a mind of it's own.

This morning, we knew.

She was our Beauty Girl in a beauty world. Our little old lady. The mama of us all. She was the celebrity of the family, appearing with Rory in the book "Rescued". She was prolific and spunky and sweet and just a bit of a princess. She had Rory wrapped around her tiny paw from the moment he saw her. When I joined the family, she made sure I learned how to be a member of a greyhound pack.

So together again with our Marty and all the friends she knew and meeting my lovely Winston and all the friends she will soon get to know, the little cowgirl named Buxom Beauty starts on a new adventure. She will be missed by a family who loved her dearly and who's hearts will forever be missing a piece. It's nice to know that Beauty's essence will live on in her pups, grandpups and great-grandpups. So if you see Buxom Beauty in your greyhound line, please tell them that Beauty was a wonderful girl.

The evening sky will have an added twinkle tonight.
Our eternal Beauty 1996-2008.

Kathy

In The 'Hood

2008-07-04T07:48:00.006-08:00

In November my neighborhood is having a historic home tour. It's an early 2oth century area, with homes of several architectural styles. There's also lots of grass, trees and flowers surrounded by picket fences and the streets are lined with vintage street lights. It's truly a charming place to live. During the first home tour committee meeting, I volunteered to design the poster for the home tour which will be used in all advertising, promotions, sales, etc. I've never done anything like this before and am very pleased with the end result.

While we do have a lot of homeless cats in the area - many living under my front porch - that's not the reason for the area's name of Catlin Court! Fluffy is the lucky kitty who got to be in the ad but I don't think his new found "fame" will change his routine much.

So if you're in Glendale, Arizona in November, please be sure to take the home tour! For more info visit the Catlin Court Home tour website at http://www.catlincourthometour.com/

Kathy

Catching up

2008-07-02T19:00:00.010-08:00

It's been a while since I've bored you all. My lack of posts have been due partly to laziness and partly to the fact that between traveling and drawing and taking care of the tribe, by the end of the day my brain is a goo-ball that can barely grasp the topic of a "South Park" episode. Overall, life has been pretty darn good. I've ventured into the world of reptiles. This is a looooooooooooon story that you'll be hearing lots more about. Last month ago we found out that Beauty has lymphoma. I'll write more on that soon, but so far things are ok and Beauty is still her sassy, spunky 12 year old self. Last week I was notified that I was accepted into the Old Town San Diego Art Festival so I'm very excited about that and have hardly put down my pencils and pens. A new generation of homeless cats have moved in under my front porch. Oh dear! The 4 kittens have been christened Sundance, Butch, The Kid and Fred (as in Right Said Fred). They are a bit too quick for photos, but I did manage to get one of the blue eyed Miss Sundance through the front window...

Not sure exactly what's going to happen but most likely we'll round them all up and take them to the local shelter to be fixed. Oh well...eventually every homeless cat in the neighborhood finds it's way to my home.

Well before my brain shuts down for the night, I thought I'd share a few of the new doodles ~

"Pink Poodle"

"Nude #1"

"Danserez-vous, Remy"

Logo for the 2008 GPA/Southern Nevada picnic....

"Puppies" (for some odd reason the flash causing a glare on the paper, so I had to tilt the drawing in order to photograph it!!)

"White Star"

More exciting (???) adventures tomorrow. Or the next day. Maybe.

Kathy

Sail Away

2008-07-02T18:36:00.003-08:00

My friend Judy is the proprietress the Singapore Bank Bookstore in Saugatuck, Michigan. Later this month she will be participating in her 37th running of the Chicago to Mackinac Race, which is celebrating it's 100th year. Judy shared some of her Mac Memories with the Chicago Yahct Club.
http://fw.nemexinc.com/modules/video_upload/uploads/237/Judy Hallisy_MacChat.wvx

Judy's the coolest person and Singapore Bank Bookstore is a fun, funky and comfortable bookshop for people who enjoy reading. If you're ever in Saugatuck, be sure to drop in. You won't leave empty handed. And if your in Chicago and can watch the start of the Mac Race, do so!! It's an awesome sight.

Kathy

An M is just an upsidedown W

2008-01-23T19:55:00.001-08:00

Three years ago today, my lovely Winston left my side. I still miss him. Lots. Every day. He was my first greyhound. My universe. He was perfect. He made me look like a great "mom" but that's because he was so wonderful.

Early this morning I was doing some mindless walking and shopping. Mainly to get my mind off of the day. While shopping, I came across a funky bracelet made from vintage Bakelite mahjong tiles. As I love mahjong (OK, I'm addicted) I decided to take a closer look. One of the tiles on the bracelet was the 8 bamboo...which is 8 sticks forming the letter "W" with a mirror image forming the letter "M". The cosmic side of my brain decided that this was a good omen as not only was it a "W" for Winston, but also an "M" for my dear old boy Marty who passed away in July.

I've been wearing the bracelet all day. Maybe it does have some magic powers. Perhaps it's just wishful thinking. On what started as a sad day in my world, turned warm and soft, like a greyhound's ear and my heart was comforted because I truly believe both Winston & Marty found a special way to say hello today when I most needed it. But ya know, Winston always knew how to make me smile.

"You never know when you're making a memory.
They will wish they were here together again,
Someday..."
Young Blood - Rickie Lee Jones

Kathy

Happy Birthday Remy!

2007-12-30T19:44:00.000-08:00

You are my little one.
My BFF.
You are the one who gave me your paw and told me it was ok to love a greyhound again.
You don't like storms so I keep lots of pillows in the closet when you hide in there till the "boomers" go way.
You have a little football spot at the top of your head where all my kisses go
You like to sleep with me at night but I'm not sure why you like to sleep on my head!
You are a very good model.
You chatter quite a bit but I guess that's because you have a lot to say. Think about getting a blog of your own.
You are my Remy and today you are 8 years old.
It's great to be 8!!!
I love you my silly girl. Have a very happy birthday.

Kathy

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T18:38:00.000-08:00

Well, my company has skidaddled, the pup are all snoozing (and for some reason Remy has holed up in the closet) and the homeless kittys are enjoying a bit of turkey on the back porch. This year's turkey was 20 lbs. juicy goodness, my stuffing was yummy and for the second year in a row my gravy was perfect. Homemade gravy and I have never had a good relationship but lately it's a snap. All in all it was a ideal day. Tomorrow is the start of Glendale Glitters, our annual holiday festival and the zillions of lights throughtout the park and streets. It's really something to see and makes our evening stroll more enjoyable. I didn't think holidays without snow and 20 degree temps would feel right but as long as you are with those you love and you like where you are, you learn that the weather does not make the season.

Kathy

It was a dark and stormy night....

2007-11-05T20:38:00.000-08:00

I attended the Arizona Adopt-A-Greyhound picnic on Saturday and as usual, it was a great day. I've met oodles of greyhound adopters since I've been out here but every now and then I get a knot in my stomach as none of these people will ever know the face that inspired every one of my t-shirt designs. True, I mention that the beautiful brindle on the pebble colour shirt is my first greyhound but it's not quite the same as when year after year friends would drop by my booth just to heap lots of love on my boy. His name was immediately recognized. He had an extended family who loved him as much as I did.

So as I vended at the AGGI picnic, you can imagine my shock when a voice called from the booth next to mine...

"I'd know that greyhound t-shirt anywhere. IT'S WINSTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

And there stood my old friends Pam and Chuck from Illinois. I'd met them at one of my first shows when their group, Greyhound Angels in Disguise (aka Greyhound A.I.D.) allowed me to share booth space with them at a pet fair. Back then everything I sold came in beige and my entire "empire" fit in a 14"x14" box. I'd last seen them in 2004 and knew they were moving but had no idea they'd ended up in Arizona. It was hugs and happy tears and we caught up on what was we'd found life to be like in Arizona and told each other about the new greyhounds in our lives.

I suppose that it was a most perfect pre-reminder of the fact that today, is the 11th anniversary of the dark and stormy night that my lovely Winston arrived on my doorstep. He was just a young, shy brindle pup in a yellow collar who didn't quite know what to make of this strange blond who was grinning from ear to ear. And you know, he always kept me smiling.

And tonight, as I always do, I will say a silent goodnight to Winston and tap the tags on his collar that is above my bed before I go to sleep. I will remember all the wonderful adventures we had. And I will be forever thankful to him for the joy he gave me and for being the most perfect greyhound. And I know tomorrow when I have my morning romp around the yard with Scotty, Dee, Remy, Harley, Nutmeg, Beauty, Blueberry, Bobo and Huey, that Winston, and Marty too, will be watching from a place just beyond the fig tree.

Kathy

Got My New Shoes On

2007-10-26T18:52:00.000-08:00

"Hey, I put some new shoes on,
And suddenly everything is right,
I said, hey, I put some new shoes on
And everybody's smiling."

Yes, I know.

I don't write for almost 2 months and now that I've returned I'm writing about shoes???!!??
In case you, yon devoted reader, have not yet realized, the reason I blog is to show that your life is way more exciting than mine. Which could then spark the question - why the heck are you reading my blog???
And I know you're out there reading 'cause I can hear your eyes moving.

However..."I'm wearing my brand new shoes."

I have never been able to jump on the Crocs bandwagon. I find them waaaaaaaaaaaay too ugly and frankly, I think they make everyone's feet look weird. Sorta like plastic Earth Shoes. Or jellies injected with Botox. The fact that they seemed very functional for gardening and came in yellow did spark my interest. Yet I'm far too self conscience about myself to go out in public wearing something to make me look goofier than I already do.

A few months back I was leafing thru the Soft Surroundings catalogue (one of the over 82 catalogues I receive on a regular tree killing basis) and saw a sassy pair of Sketchers mary janes with tiny red flowers embroidered on them. So I skedaddle down to my local Sketchers store to pick up a pair, plus 2 other styles (oh my are they comfy!!!!) when I spot...

THE CALI

It's Sketchers version of the Croc but with a dash more flair and not as bulky plus a pretty ribbon strap. And they came in bright, Crayola crayon yellow. They looked like such a happy little pair of shoes that I couldn't say no. And I'm very glad I said yes! The pups and I ran around the yard this evening and I had very happy feet. My Calis are adorable!!!!!! Heck I may even make a fool of myself and wear them out in public.

So be on the look out for me 'cause I'll be very easy to spot...

Have a sunny, happy weekend,

Imelda...er...I mean...Kathy

No wonder I'm HOT-HOT-HOT

2007-08-30T10:39:00.000-08:00

Phoenix recently broke a weather record - the most days in a row over 100 degrees is now 32. And many of those record breaking days were 110 and over. CRIPE!!!!!!!!! Gotta tell ya - once you exceed 100 degrees, a few extra degrees does not make much of a difference. Hot is hot. Thankfully the humidity is back down to almost zip and I can have good hair days again. Cause when you're hot, you need to look your best.

STOP ROLLING YOUR EYES PEOPLE!!!!! I CAN SEE YOU!!!!!!!!

;)

Kathy

Just a quick note

2007-08-28T19:30:00.000-08:00

Oh boy! Two blogs in one day. Lucky readers?

As I've been doing a lot of drawing, the TV is sometimes on when I'm too lazy to get up and switch out Cd's. And the music behind the new Saturn VUE commercials has really got my attention. Frankly I think I would be willing to purchase whatever that tune is selling. Not since Martin Barre's driving solo in "Aqualung" have I pumped up the volume so high. My sources tell me the tune, "Higher" will be out soon. Till then I'll just keep looping it on my laptop.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO9e2sLuZ7M

Good thing this tune came along as I needed something to push Emmy nominated "**** In A Box" from the Saturday Night Live skit out of my brain. Emmy nominated??? Oh my! ;)

Kathy

Come on, get happy

2007-08-27T22:51:00.000-08:00

I enjoy good news. It starts the day on a positive note. And it's always welcome. Blah, blah, blah.

A week ago I received a notice that I was accepted into my 1st juried art show. Cool. Way cool. Happy dance way cool. I vaguely recall bouncing up and down in my dining room for 15 minutes. So OK...I like good news. I've been working like crazy creating new pieces for this show (and a large greyhound event I'll be attending in October). The extra good news is that the show is in the Las Vegas area, which means that I can not only drop into The Capital Grille for dinner one night but also get out to Lawry's. (ooooh!!! I can just feel my arteries clogging as I type.) The Lawry's in Chicago, along with Bistro 110 (don't miss their monkfish and be sure to get a table in the back as a window seat there screams "I'm a tourist") have long been my favorites. Oh that reminds me. I need to book my November trip to Chicago. Be right back.....

(38 minutes later)

Phew! All set. Now where was I? Oh yes, Las Vegas art event. My greyhound nephew Nate's mom aka Shel will be there too with her paper art. I love what she does and as I have no clue how she does it, I'm a devoted shopper. I believe I also heard something about a wine walk on Saturday nite. Hopefully it will be a good weekend sales & weather wise or it just may turn into a whine walk.

Good news or not, being an avowed pessimist ensures I'm never disappointed! Now here's a few offerings I hope you won't find disappointing....

"And I Didn't Say"

"Elenora"

"#4"

I recently took photos of the adoptables at the Tucson Greyhound Park kennels and this strappin' boy was the fourth greyhound I met that day.

"Red Deco"

"mon petit Bobo"

Yes, that is my very flexible Bobo who prefers playing with a box of Kleenex over a stuffy any day.

Well, braketime is over. It's back to the drawing board for me.

Kathy

Quantity not quality

2007-08-23T07:23:00.000-08:00

I’ve got so many bits of blogs rolling around in my head that I figured I’d toss them all together and see what happens. (I also do this when I open the fridge during a “Martha Moment” and feel the need to create a culinary masterpiece.) Nothing is involved enough to warrant an entire blog. Think of this as a test run for my one woman way off Broadway play. Now remember…my blog is my kingdom and I have the right of way. The rest of you guys are here because you’re bored or just nosey.

Hugh Grant:
I have seen EVERY film Hugh Grant has ever made. This includes the unintentionally funny “Lair of The White Worm” and the pretty but occasionally uncomfortable “Maurice” as well as the totally perfect “Love Actually”. Funny thing is, while I enjoy his acting, I don’t find him all that cute.

Burger Nation:
There are oodles of burger places. Fast, slow in-between. I sorely miss The Patio, a local chain where I used to live and Wonderburger, a fun and funky 50 year old + eatery in the neighborhood I grew up in. Their curly fries are as legendary as the mouthwatering taste of a “wonderburger”. Since moving to Arizona and jaunting with regularity to California & Nevada, I have discovered perhaps the ultimate in hamburger heaven – In ‘N Out Burger. The first time I ever heard of In ‘N Out was on an episode of “The Osborne’s” when Ozzy & Kelly get lunch to go at the drive-up. The open box rather than a bag totally freaked me out. Well, it’s less scary in person. And all they have are burgers – no chicken, no breakfast, no salads. AMEN!!!! But In ‘N Out offers all their burgers protein style, wrapped in lettuce rather than a bun. Now that is total heaven. Oh sacred In ‘N Out Burger, where have you been my whole life???

My Fairly Odd Parents:
If written as a book, the trials and tribulations of my dysfunctional family would be longer than “War & Peace”. (However, I found “Black Lamb and Grey Falcon” by Rebecca West waaaaaaaay longer!!!) So it should have come as no surprise to me when, prompted by the news of my separation (and subsequent divorce) my parents began speaking to each other after 23 years. Well heck, I hadn’t spoken to my father for give or take 22 years. Kodak family moments were rare for me growing up so it was with dumbfounded amazement that I experienced the 3 of us in the same room actually talking to each other. I guess when push came to shove, they were able to put aside their issues and be there to help me. Oh and those pink thingies you’ve seen flying around? Don’t worry…they’re just pigs.

My Sex And The City moment:
I had my hair guy for almost 20 years. Unfortunately, the ex had my hair guy for about 25 years. In the event of le divorce, make sure you do not have the same stylist as it seem possession of the hair guy goes to whoever’s been going to him longer. While pledging not to take sides, my hair guy called me 10 minutes before my (unknowingly last) scheduled appointment to tell me it would no longer be possible for him to do my hair.
MY HAIR GUY DUMPED ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Luckily I asked him for the #’s and formulas of my hair color. (Oh grow up! Did you actually think my hair was naturally these colors????!!!???) Happily (or so I thought) he complied. A few weeks later I found a new hair babe who did everything she could to talk me out of the color #’s and formulas I had given her saying they did not match what was on my head. Pishaw! Color away, new hair babe, it will be fine. And it was…providing I actually wanted the Elvira, Mistress of the Dark look.
MY EX-HAIR GUY GAVE ME THE WRONG COLOURS!!!!!!!!!
After the initial shock wore off, I got used to my rust, mahogany and dark brown hair. Actually it didn’t look that bad. And looking good is always the best revenge.

Giada de Laurentiis:
Holy Cow! Where have you been my whole life??? Yes, I am a little tardy jumping on the Giada bandwagon. I want to look like her. I want to talk like her. I want to cook like her. I want to have her pipeline to all the best chocolate indulgences. Cripe I’ve turned into a Giadabe!!!!

She's Got Legs:
My legs are my worst feature. One leg is a half inch shorter than the other, giving some wags proof that I really am off balance. An operation when I was young did reduce the difference in length (it had been 1.5 inches) and got me out of orthopedic shoes and lifts after 11 years but it left me with 8 inch scars on each side of my knee and left said knee looking not unlike an overripe grapefruit. Naturally I wear pants as much as possible and my skirts or dresses fall almost to my ankles with boots or dark hose providing total coverage. So with this delightful quirk, you can imagine my joy at living in Arizona, the land of shorts and flip-flops. Flip-flops yes, shorts in public – NEVER!!!

So You Wanna Be A Rock & Roll Star:
Well actually, yes I do. And with my musical ability, I could win “American Idol” hands down. In the “Worst Singer on the Planet” category. I’m so off key I can’t even open the door. I will sing along at the top of my lungs to whatever is playing. So if your ears suddenly start bleeding, look around ‘cause I might be close by.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little peeky-boo into the nether regions of my mind…or lack of one!

Kathy

The soundtrack of life

2007-08-22T10:07:00.000-08:00

There are times when the lyrics of a song completely tell about a moment in life far better than a blog entry ever could. Case in point....Sting's "When We Dance". During an extremely difficult time, I knew things would be better.

If he loved you
Like I love you
I would walk away in shame
I'd move town, I'd change my name
When he watches you
When he counts to buy your soul
On your hand his golden rings
Like he owns a bird that sings

When we dance
Angels will run and hide their wings

And the priest has said my soul's salvation
Is in the balance of the angels
And underneath the wheels of passion
I keep the faith in my fashion

I'm gonna find a place to live
Give you all I've got to give
I'm gonna love you more than life
If you'll only be my wife
I'm gonna love you night and day
I'm gonna try in every way

If I could break down these walls
And shout my name at heaven's gate
I'd take these hands
And I'd destroy the dark machineries of fate,
Cathedrals are broken
And heaven's no longer above
Hellfire's a promise away

I'd still be saying
I'm still in love... still in love
with you

He won't love you
Like I love you
He won't care for you this way
He'll mistreat you if you stay
Come and live with me
We'll have children of our own
I would love you more than life
If you'll come and be my wife

I had a dream last night
I dreamt you were by my side
Walking with me, baby
My heart was filled with pride

Trickle, trickle,spalsh, splash...

2007-08-12T15:24:00.000-08:00

...tell me how long will this rain last?

It's monsoon season time in the Valley of the Sun - and it's NOT a dry heat by any stretch of the imagination. But I think this offering from Remy's diary will enlighten all of you, in a roundabout way, as to what happens at my house during the rainy season.

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

2 August, 2007

Dear Diary ~

Well Blondie...who is no longer blond by the way. For some reason she decided to be one of the brindle boys (Dee, Bobo & Huey) and now has blondie, copper, chestnut and brown hair. She's very stripey. It's a good thing I take a peek in her paint box to learn about such things or else I'd never know what Blondie is talking about half the time. To tell you a secret, I don't know what she's talking about half the time but she's very nice to me and rubs my tummy and snuggles with me at night and calls me her "BFF" and I love her very much. But I digress....anyway, however....Blondie and I had a long discussion about this rain-storm-thunder-lightning thing that's been going on here. And to be frank, well actually, to be Remy, I'm not a happy camper. (to digress once again - I don't like camping. I've never been camping but I know I don't like it!) I mean the wind blows and makes lots of racket and sometimes the branches from the trees fall down. The lightning makes the rooms all bright and I just cannot get a bit of sleep when the lights are on. Then there is the thunder. What's that all about??!!?!?!?!!??? Angels bowling, my eye! I just told Blondie that she's better do something to ease my stress during these storms or I was packing my knapsack and checking into the Hotel del Coranado for a month!! And guess what??? Blondie did some redecorating for me. First she rearranged her closet (read: she put away all her shoes) and layed down 2 very comfy pillows. It's a really big closet and I find it a nice place to hang out during a storm because there are no windows and the storm can't see me. Wonder if Blondie could put a water dish and a treat cart in the closet, too? Then she put up new curtains in my room...well, my room is not actually "my" room as I have to share it with rest of those mopes so I guess it's my dorm room. Theses drapes have special powers 'cause they make the room really dark and the storms sound more quieter. And they are very pretty with roses on them. I like flowers. Lots of people don't know that even tho I look and pee like a boy, I am very feminine and I really like flowers. In my 1st home I would go in the garden and pick all the pretty flowers but that didn't go over very well. I don't do that here but Blondie has planted some very nice flowers that I think would look swell in my dorm. And a lot nicer than the baby birds that Harley brings in. Oh drat...I digressed again....Now I'm not too stressed when the noisy storms come. If it get too loud in the dorm room, I just go into the closet and wait. Sometimes I fall asleep in the closet and Blondie forgets I'm in there and starts running around calling for me. Well DUHHHHHHH!!!! Like I'm going to go outside in a storm? HELLO!!Hummm...clock radio...maybe that's what I need in there...I'll talk to Blondie about putting one of those in too. Ya know...if she'd move all her clothes and shoes out of there, I'd have a nice little apartment for myself...

Healing a heart that aches

2007-07-21T19:03:00.000-08:00

Upon the tragic death of his wife Clover, Henry Adams wrote to his publisher, "what a vast fraternity it is, - that of Hearts that Ache." With the passing of each greyhound I have known those words always come to mind. There is a part of me that will never get over Winston. There is a part of me that will never get over Marty. Yet unbeknownst to us, the heart coaxes a tiny bud to bloom and renew the bond that we thought was gone forever.

Marty's passing left a big hole in the heart of our family. I cannot put into words how much we miss his quiet (and not so quiet) woofs, his "Brighty of the Grand Canyon" ears and his gentle, loving soul. Marty was the old sage, knowing every greyhound who has passed through the house including the most recent foster Huey. You may recall that Huey has been "the greyhound who came to dinner" since November. There were no intentions to keep him. Yet a new family never materialized. The fit was never quite right. So Huey settled in, waiting for a forever home. I began to get worried as Huey quickly bonded with all of us and became my shadow. He would watch Scotty and try to mimic the things he saw. He'd see Bobo race around the yard and follow in hot pursuit. During the day Huey claimed the bed and matching pillows, made by my friend Elaine, and guarded my bookcase full of Russian and English history books. At night he'd snuggle in on one of the pillows at the foot of my bed. Every morning Huey would wait his turn as all the pups wished me good morning.

The bud was starting to open.

Huey was scheduled to have an "overnighter" with one of the adoption group volunteers who was going to take him to meet & greets on July 6 & 7. There were a few families who expressed interest and were coming to see Huey. I knew it had to be. Huey deserved a chance at a forever home.

And then Marty passed away.

It's funny how things are right in front of you all along. It seems that an average sized red brindle greyhound with a long, heart shaped white face and little tiny feet and funny looking ears and a skip-walk (due to an old injury to his back leg) had his life all figured out. After all, he already had Marty's approval. Huey just waited and let the rest of us catch up.

On July 2, 2007, I adopted my newest greyhound - Huey Lewis. Funny, I always thought if I had a rock star greyhound I'd name him after Bruce Springsteen who I have adored since I was 14. Oh well...maybe next time.

The bud was now in bloom.

I don't really think Huey has any clue to the change in his life although last Friday I did get him a brand new mallard blue collar. He continues to worship the ground I walk on and gets all wiggly when I come in the back door, whether I'm returning from a 3 hour shopping jaunt or just taking out the trash. He is still my shadow making sure he's at my side whenever I go into the yard. He enjoys sitting with his head in my lap as I draw. Huey has also enabled me to become a member of the "I Failed Fostering 101 Club". One the weather cools off, we'll start taking walks around the block and to the park and shops as he is very good on a leash.

I know my lovely Winston approves of the heir to his kingdom and that my lil' Martykins is happy to see the circle he started continue.

Please raise your water bowls and welcome Huey to his forever home. Sometimes the best gifts are the ones you never expected.

Kathy

My week

2007-07-08T20:19:00.000-08:00

It has been a difficult week. I can hardly believe Marty is gone, let alone for a full week. The house has been very quiet. No one has taken up Marty's job of starting a group roo. There are no thump-thumps of Marty's lopsided stride through the house. There is no woof to wake me up at 5am. Nor is there a woof to let me know I need to get breakfast ready. I have no one to give me stinky kisses on my cheek. There is no one to sit by my side for hours on end while I draw. But for all the things I miss, there are so many more wonderful things that I will always have in my heart, the best of which is simply having had Marty in my life.

The rest of the pups miss Marty as well. Some more obviously than others. The pack has begun to readjust and that's as it should be. They are proof that life must continue on. Maybe not exactly as before, but go on it must. There are others depending on me. And we will get through it together because we are a family and that's what families do.

There is a spot in the garden where I can think...about Marty...and Winston...and wonder what sort of adventures the 2 of them are having. I have been reminded that an "M" is just an upside down "W". And so on my heart I will carry my 2 special brindle boys.

Kathy

Marty

2007-07-01T14:35:00.000-08:00

My little Martykins passed away today. Even tho we had only been together for a little over a year, he had touched my heart and had me wrapped around his paw. There is so much I could say but I think this photo, taken by Marty's friend Lauren, says it all.

Sweet dreams Marty. You and Moo-Cow have a wonderful adventure and meet up with lots of your old friends till we see you again.

Kathy

The journey is easy...

2007-06-30T20:35:00.000-08:00

...it's what to do once you get there that's a bit difficult.

Over the last two and a half years my life has taken me on unexpected journeys. Many were unpleasent, one was heartbreaking, one made my eyes roll to the back of my head and almost get stuck there, a couple are a lot funnier now than they were at the time and one has made me happier than I have ever been.

My dog died.

My business almost folded.

I got divorced.

I got a "real" job.

I've learned who my friends are but more important, I've learned who my friends aren't.

I've witnessed my parents resume speaking to each other after divorcing 25 years ago.

I can't figure out why I took the tv cabinet and not the tv, the tea pot and not the teaspoons and most perplexing...why did I finally remember where I hid my mad money stash AFTER I moved???!!!????!?!?

I discovered I could go home again.

The house I grew up in was sold.

I moved twice.

I still can't find many of the things I packed.

My oldest friend Carol died of brain cancer and a huge part of my childhood is gone forever.

I flew for the first time in my life. And then did it 6 more times!

I finally got that old house with a white picket fence.

I found I was a lot stronger than I thought I was.

After many tests, I'm happy to report I don't have macular degeneration - yet!

I now have a life full of dogs and while I wonder just how crazy I am, I wouldn't change a thing!

Much as I hate to admit it, I will always be a material girl.

My house has become my home.

And best of all, I'm living happily ever after!

Kathy

a taste of Chicago

2007-06-27T06:40:00.000-08:00

For years I was told that you could never find good pizza outside of Chicago. And that is 90% fact. Chicagoans are simply pizza snobs. I should know. I was one for many years. But you CAN find good pizza in other states, you just have to look.

For those transplants that have never gotten over the food shock, there is hope. A fellow foodie sent me a catalogue called "Tastes of Chicago" which features nationwide delivery of all the favorites we can't get here. Lou Malnati's pizza is offered and is very good, but my favorites were always Papa Joe's and Salerno's. While I will pass on long distance pizza delivery, my heart skipped a beat to discover I can once again savor a Portillo's beef sandwich. Now if someone could just figure out how to ship me a Portillo's chocolate shake!!!!! Eli's Cheesecake is available and in several yummy choices as are tasty offerings from the Long Grove Confectionery. On a trip back to Chicago in November, I took an Arizona pal on a tour of the city and spent an afternoon in Long Grove, where I'd been many time since I was a child. The confectionery is a really cool place were you will be blown away by all the varieties of chocolate. No trip to Chicago is complete without a plateful of Carson's ribs - pork or beef. The real secret is their sauce. Last but not least in my taste trip down memory lane was the Vienna Beef Chicago style hot dogs. As luck would have it, I live within walking distance of a quaint local hot dog stand that specializes in Chicago style hot dogs - totally authentic, right down to the neon green relish!!!

Now could someone send me a "Taste of Buffalo, NY" by mail catalogue? My life has not been the same since I had my first beef on weck.

Kathy

The Artist Myth

2007-05-21T12:35:00.000-08:00

Just where did the destitute, intense, depressed, bohemian, oddly dressed and insanely talented artist myth come from? Is it true? And why the heck don't I have an artist's statement?????

I'd say somewhere between Vincent Van Gogh, la Belle Epoque and the writings of Jack Kerouac, the myth of the modern artist was born. Remember the good old days, when artists were gainfully employed by a wealthy patron or better yet, ego crazed royalty who wanted to present a pretty face to the world. After all, it was due to the artistic license of Hans Holbien that Henry VIII chose wife #4, only to discover that in person Anne of Cleves looked more sow's ear than silk purse...or as Henry put it "a horse's arse" But I digress...

Yup, I wear a lot of black. Too much actually, but it makes deciding what to wear so much easier. I would not call myself depressed. Often boring. Always dull. But never depressed. The closest I get to anything bohemian is listening to Queen. I'm not intense but the prescription in my tri-focal lenses (oh the humiliation!!!) do make my eyes look a little odd. Regarding that starving artist connotation - been there, still there, don't see that ever changing. And as far as that talent thing...well, it's always come naturally. Looking back, I sometimes wish I had a degree to make those resumes look more impressive. Yet I know what my ability and knowledge is and I'm perfectly comfortable with the works I produce. On the roads I travel there is always something to learn, to see, to remember, to create.

Thinking about some of my friends, only one falls slightly into the myth area but she's not exactly destitute and her fashion sense is to die for. As a whole most of the artists I know are rather nondescript aside from their ability to create beautiful things.

I have never resided in a garret (or worn a beret, though if I did, it would be black) and I have never had the luxury of a studio. Shattering the myth even further, I find the most comfortable place to create is sitting crossed legged on the floor and most times it's on a dog bed with a greyhound curled up against my back. I seldom do formal sketching. My sketches looks like a 3 year olds doodles on a cocktail napkin and my sketchbooks are primarily used to write shopping lists. I do need to prepare if I'm working in watercolour but as far as pen & ink, I just grab my pen & a sheet of paper and go. When people ask me how I do the things I do, I'm lost for an answer. The art just happens.

CRIPE! I think I just made a statement.

Kathy

On this spot....

2007-05-19T21:54:00.000-08:00

When I moved into "historic Catlin Court", little did I know that I was living in a real historic house. On 17 May, my home was presented with a bronze plaque, which is now proudly displayed at my front door, announcing to the world and the unsuspecting public at large that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Well as far as I know George Washington didn't sleep here, which would have been a historic feet in itself as my house was built 120 years after he died. Country singer Marty Robbins lived on the next block but I don't think he ever dropped in. And Jordin Spark's mom had a gift shop about 2 blocks away from my place but alas, she didn't come by either. About the only thing that happened "on this historic spot" is that my favorite homeless cat Charger takes a nap in the sun sprawled out in the middle of the front porch every day about 2pm.

So if you plan on dropping by for a visit, my house is vey easy to find. If you spot a very overweight cat snoring happily in a sunbeam while a woman in paint splattered jeans frantically polishes a 5 pound historic plaque with 4 or 5 greyhounds looking out the window, you've got the right place!

Kathy

Say "cheese"!!!

2007-05-07T06:36:00.000-08:00

I decided to take the big step and purchase a real camera. No, I have not been using a Playskool model but I do have a little cutie - Canon's ELPH, It's handy, takes fine photos and has oodles of useless gizmos and doohickeys but I needed a camera that would not only take sharp, precise photos of my artwork but also enable me to capture the pups running around the yard...or wandering around with no clue, looking for bugs.

Enter the Canon EOS Rebel XTi with 10.1 pixels, a 2.5" LCD monitor, a couple of lenses, a way too heavy extra flash, tripod, lots of media cards, an awesome non-Coach camera bag and oodles of new & improved super duper gizmos and doohickeys.

HUH?????????!!!!!!!!!!!???!?!?!?!?!?!?????!???

To echo the words of legendary photographer and Olympus spokes model Cheryl Tiegs - I can't tell the difference between a lense opening and a Broadway opening.

WHY did I get real camera???? WHAT was I thinking???? Was I out of my depth??? And most important...HOW THE HECK DO I TURN THIS THING ON?????

After a few days of reading the instructions and attempting to push buttons with the hope I would not blow anything up, I got the hang of it. Heck, these digital SLRs are so easy any monkey can do it. It's much easier than my grandfather's vintage Canon Canonet. And I am having tons of fun taking photos of everything. I'm planning on taking a photograpy class or two. And who knows...if I come up with something interesting, I might add "photographer" to my list of talents.

Say "cheese"!!!!

Kathy

Lights, camera...no action

2007-04-27T07:31:00.000-08:00

It was a case of when good ideas go bad. I wanted to take a group photo of the pups and I. Nine greyhounds and I all looking good AND at the camera. How hard could it be?

OK...stop laughing.

Presenting for your amusement, highlights (lowlights?) of the backyard photoshoot ~

Everybody line up. Big dogs in the back row, little dogs up front.

Hey guys, the camera is thataway!!

Apparently no one has a clue as to what we are doing.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh!

Harley smiles for the camera.

Huey takes a kiss break.

WOW!!! It's the incredible 3-headed greyhound!!!

Nutmeg ponders what the other pups find so difficult to understand.

Marty & Kathy start a roo.

Another kiss break. This time it's Bobo.

Ok, everyone say "Kitty".

At least Dee is willing to take a nice photo.

HELP!!!! ;)

Dear Lord, please let the next bright idea I have be doable....

Have a picture perfect day!!!

Kathy

A.I. fever

2007-04-12T19:22:00.000-08:00

My interest in watching "American Idol" begins and ends with the first episode. Once the freak show of off-key, untalented, delusional wannabes is over, I shut the TV off and switch on my "Best Of William Hung" CD. And while I have not changed my original opinion of "American Idol", the fascination of having a hometown girl still in the running seems to be griping even moi. But Glendale is a party place and cheering on Jordin Sparks has become a weekly event.

Fans gather at the Disney-like Westgate City Center in front of the big outdoor screens watching American Idol, amid live bands and other entertainment, homemade posters in hand (on the off chance Jordin will be able to see them from the other side of the screen!) and have a good time. I'm hoping that the local FoxTV reporters will never interview me as I'd hate to admit that I'm not really paying attention to the show on the screens. I have more fun people watching. And I gotta admit, it's a hoot.

Stay tuned...with luck Westgate will be partying with Jordin for a few more weeks.

Kathy

It's just enough

2007-04-10T19:08:00.000-08:00

This magic moment

So different and so new

Was like any other

Until I met you

And then it happened

It took me by suprise

I knew that you felt it too

By the look in your eyes

Sweeter than wine

Softer than a summer's night

Everything I want, I have

Whenever I hold you tight.

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

With a bit of help from The Drifters, Jay & the Americans, Lou Reed and scores of others.

Kathy

On the road - Las Vegas

2007-04-03T07:45:00.000-08:00

I’m in Las Vegas about every 4 months and have become quite the cruise director regarding local attractions. So rather than bore you with my adventures (which are required by law to stay in Vegas) or upload hundreds of photos (well ok, a few won’t hurt), I present…..

~ Kathy's Best & Worst of Las Vegas ~

Best Slots - New York, New York

2nd Best Slots – The Venetian…and they sound so pretty!

Best Hotel Exterior – Paris and Monte Carlo (tie)

Best Old School Hotel - Tropicana

Worst Snootiest Hotel - The Wynn…but who cares as it’s so cool.

Best Towel Free Hotel - Treasure Island. This had been my favorite, most fun hotel.
However the management change has not been a good thing if
service during my recent stay is any example. No towels for
24 hours? No way! WAY!! “Dear Mr. Lanni….”

Best Dining - The Capital Grill

Best Luxe Dining - Le Cirque

Best Cheap Eats – Canter’s

Best Drink - Champagne at night overlooking the Belliago fountain.

Best Drink I Can’t Make at Home - Ilsa’s Mojito

Best Biggest Drink - The 48 ounce margarita at Gonzalez y Gonzalez

Best Kitch - Hawaiian Village

Best Show (classic) - Wayne Newton

Best Show (contemporary) - Prince

Best “Trifecta” - Starbucks, Krispy Kreme & Cirque du Soleil…available in almost
every hotel!!!!

Worst “Trifecta” - $1.99 margaritas, mud wrestling and a mechanical bull
at the Frontier.

Worst Attraction - Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden. Very overrated. Instead, enjoy the free display as you enter The Mirage. The white tiger is always happy to see you.

Best Place for Air Hockey - Coney Island at New York, New York at 11am.

Best Unsung Sight - the aquarium at the Mirage.

Worst Forgotten Attraction - The Liberace Museum.

Best Fun Fact – the showgirls at MGM’s “La Femme” are required to have champagne
glass size breasts. I have pretty much come up with every imaginable comment regarding this tidbit of useless knowledge, but please let me know if you think you have something original.

Best Weird Moment – Walking down Las Vegas Boulevard and seeing someone you know on the opposite side of the street.

Best Ride - the outdoor gondolas at the Venetian

Worst Best Ride - the roller coaster at New York, New York. Wheeeee!!! OHNOOOOOOO!!!!

Worst Idea - taking a cab.

Best Golf - How should I know? I don’t golf.

Best Side Trip - Hoover Dam at sunrise. So worth getting up early for!

Best Mausoleum - Bunkers Eden Vale Cemetery. Final resting place of Harry James and
The Binions of Horseshoe Casino fame.

Worst Souvenir Since Cedar Salt & Pepper Shakers - Huge fuzzy dice pillow with the
“Welcome to Las Vegas” sign on it. Needless to say, my mom now has one of these in her den.

Best Greyhound in the Las Vegas area - my “nephew” Nate.

On the road - California, Part II

2007-03-28T18:09:00.000-08:00

One of the coolest things about driving along the 101 are the bells that mark the El Camino Real – the road that linked the missions, pueblos and presidios in the early days of California.
In 1902 the design of a mission bell suspended from a staff in the shape of a Franciscan walking stick was chosen to mark each mile of this historic route.

I found two very interesting websites that explain the El Camino Real far better than I ever could!
http://missiontour.org/related/elcaminoreal.htm
http://www.californiabell.com/

Kathy

OTMA

2007-03-18T10:46:00.000-08:00

My fascination with Russian history began at a young age after seeing "Rasputin and The Empress" with the Barrymores on WGN's late night movies. My 7th grade history teacher got me totally hooked and somewhere in the Chicago Public School System archives is my prize winning history project of my drawings of Russian clothing. My best friend Carol and I would go to the local bookstore on Saturdays in hopes of finding biographies of the tsars. (we were such nerds!!!) In high school I did 30 inch charcoal drawing of Grand Duchess Marie for a history final and an etching I did based on "The Snow Queen" fairy tale had a very Imperial Russian twist.

As we got older, interest did not wain. While Carol visited Russia many times and sent me a piece of the Winter Place (bad Carol!!!), I would try new art techniques inspired by the faces of the last Grand Duchesses, the beautiful daughters of Nicholas II who were 4 of the most photographed royals of their day. The girls letters were often signed "OTMA", a combined signature of their names - Olga, Tatania, Marie and Anastasia.

In recent years the book "Tsar" by Peter Kurth, inspired me and the result was this pencil drawing...

In 1999, taking a break from drawing greyhounds, I did a series of 4 small watercolours based on photos of OTMA.

I was pleased with the results as I'm not all that great when it comes to working in colour. On a whim I e-mailed these to Carol who drove me crazy for the next 5 years begging me for them. Our fascination for all things Russian had remained.

Kathy

The Remy Diaries - Part II

2007-03-17T08:43:00.000-08:00

It appears Remy is having a hissy fit about Bobo’s 15 minutes, based on her latest diary entry….
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Life with Bobo is no bed of roses. He does not know the meaning of the word “no” – literally. Now that might have a lot to do with Blondie naming him Bobo. As I learned from my close personal friend, Lee Livingood, it’s very unhelpful giving your dog a name that sounds like something else…Bobo…no no…oh no Bobo no NO!!!!! Cripe, Blondie is clueless. She thought Bobo was a cute name. I’m sure glad I had a name already cause I’d hate to think of what moniker she’d stick me with. Bobo enjoys peeing in the house but to be fair, 80% of the time he does pee in the bathroom. And his idea of treats are a box of Kleenex, a pair of fuzzy socks, Blondie’s art erasers and unshelled pecans fresh off the tree. Thankfully it all comes out in the end so Blondie knows exactly who the problem child is. And he will play with a squeaky stuffie until my ears bleed. Then he does it in the middle of the night so I am forced to grab the stuffie and disembowel it myself just to get rid of the squeaker. Bobo has perfected this Alfred E. Newman look (“What, me worry?”) when caught in the act of civil disobedience or rearranging the garbage can which he follows up giving Blondie kisses all over her face which makes her giggle. Ya know, she fails to giggle when I give her kisses all over her glasses. WOMEN!!!!!

So now Bobo is going to be totally impossible as he thinks he’s soooooooooooo special cause he's famous just because he got his picture in a magazine. All I know is that Blondie has never done a drawing of Bobo but she has done a lot of me and people ooh and ah over them and then buy them and say how pretty I am...Hey…wait a minute! That means I’m famous too. OHBOYOHBOYOBOY!!!!!!

Bobo Daze

2007-03-14T06:35:00.000-08:00

My Spring 2007 issue of CG Magazine arrived yesterday and on the inside front cover and on page 35 , are my photos of Bobo. For those of you in the greater Southwest and parts of Mexico, that was not an earthquake you felt, it was just me doing the dance of joy. I’ll admit, I’m a sentimental slob when it comes to photos of the pups. Sure I can draw them any time I want, but I feel such unbridled joy seeing their actual photo in a magazine. After I finished making a fool of myself, I took all the pups into the yard. Sitting on the grass, surrounded by 9 fuzzy faces I began crying my eyes out. Yes, it was a good cry. Thanks to Bobo, I could once again be that silly, goofy and borderline obnoxious (borderline???!!!???) greyhound owner who’s friends’ eyes grow wide with fear as I drag out my dog-eared copy of the latest CG Magazine and bore them to death for the 100th time with how “my greyhound made it in the magazine!!!!”. I promise not to be such a stage mother this time around, but there’s nothing wrong with being Bobo’s PR babe.

I’m going to cut this entry short and get out into the yard as from what I can see out the window, Bobo is prancing around there woofing “Superstar….superstar".

Kathy

They say it's my birthday...

2007-03-11T13:59:00.000-08:00

...and according to my birth certificate it is. As legend has it, there was a huge snowstorm in Chicago the night I was born. Considering my outdoor thermometer is reading a dry 86 degrees, I'm not too worried about that right now.

So far my grand birthday weekend has been a good one. I'm a Famous Dave's BBQ fan and have been a member of the P.I.G. Birthday Club for years. Each birthday, Dave emails me a birthday jingle and a mystery coupon. In past years it's been for a free desert, and Dave's deserts are as yummy as his BBQ. On Friday night, to kick off my birthday weekend, several of us headed off to Dave's to start a night of fun & frolic. I handed the waitress my mystery coupon. She returned a few moments later with a perplexed look on her face. Turns out I was not getting my usual free desert. I was getting a free All-American BBQ Feast Dinner for 5. The waitress mentioned that they had never had a Feast coupon before. Sounds like I got the golden ticket. Guess I know why they call it the P.I.G. Club!!!!

This morning each of the pups woke me up with birthday kisses. Their card was waiting by the coffee pot. I am continually amazed how they not only sign cards but manage to get them into a sealed envelope. There was also a note to look in the fridge, where I found my princess-themed birthday cupcakes. Hopefully this is an adorable tie-in to my Party Princess persona on Greyhounds Make Great Pets and not a subliminal reference to an unsightly personality trait. Either way it's a lot of frosting and I'm SO there! I have a surprise dinner in store for later this evening. I'm not sure where as it's a surprise.. or it is in Surprise????

And as to which birthday I'm celebrating...(why yes, Kathy, inquiring nosey minds need to know)...well in the words of my friend Pat, who said in all sincerity and sobriety last December "You're what? 36?" Gotta love a friend like that!!!!! So in order not to let Pat down, you may all wish me a happy 37th birthday.

Kathy

Don't leave home without it!

2007-03-10T18:20:00.000-08:00

I just want to fore warn you that I am NEVER going out of the house without make-up on ever again. Heck, I'm so traumatized that I had to trowel it on just to write today's blog entry.

On Friday I woke up bright and early. It was a beautiful morning. Sun shining. Birds chirping. Some even starting to build nests. The orange trees have started to bud and I could just faintly detect the scent of orange blossoms wafting across the yard. The pups had an orderly breakfast and Bobo had almost given me his paw but I'm guessing he had a leg cramp. I'd gone for my pre-birthday (March 11 and remember, nothing says "Happy Birthday" like cash) spa appointment and decided to do a quick shop-a-thon for my upcoming Las Vegas adventure. Trips are so much more fun with a brand new wardrobe. Strolling back home and successfully avoiding a stop for ice cream, I found myself face to face with a crew from the local news - Arizona 3 - who provide me with my nightly dose of "Sex & The City" reruns. They were doing interviews on safety in the Valley and wanted to know if they could interview me. Oh great... I still don't even know what Valley I live in!!!!! So there I am, about to have my 30 seconds of fame - and I'm not wearing make up. THE HORROR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I knew I should have stopped for some plastic surgery while in LA last week. Sigh! I did my best Mariah Carey impression and made sure I kept my good side to the camera while praying they were filming from the neck up.

With luck I'll end up on the cutting room floor but I'm keeping myself glued to the new just in case. My friend Shannon is hoping my segment ends up on the Internet (over my dead body) while another pal, Ev said things could have been worse and at least I didn't run into an old boyfriend while not wearing any make-up.

So on the off chance you see some pale blonde that looks like me on the nightly news babbling about neighborhood safety, just turn the channel.

Kathy

On the road - California

2007-03-08T05:09:00.000-08:00

on my way up north
up on the Ventura
I pulled back the hood
and I was talking to you
and I knew then it would be
a life long thing
but I didn't know that
We could break a silver lining

“a sorta fairytale” Tori Amos

There is nothing as lovely as a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. For those of you who’ve done, you know exactly what I’m talking about. For those of you who haven’t, do it!! I stopped several times and just drank in the amazing view. I took a few photos but it was much nicer enjoying the moments of peace.

While walking along the beach I came across a bit of seaweed in the sand....

Our fairytales are found in the special moments.

Kathy

Dee

2007-02-23T10:32:00.000-08:00

Dee is my quiet greyhound. I have never heard him bark. He will lie on the bed, barely lifting an ear when the pack begins a roo. He’s a big red fawn brindle who measures in at 30 inches at the shoulder and has an impressive 24 inch tail. He likes to run but is a bit of a klutz and always comes in with a scrape or two. I wonder if it’s because he has a vision problem that requires daily medication. Dee knows how to sit and can give his paw – either right or left – if asked. He’s not what you’d call a “chick dog” but he follows me around and snuggles up to me whenever possible. He’s also very fond of my mom who is just crazy about him and is always giving him treats. Dee is a very social greyhound who will happily stand for hours when we’re out and about, which I find odd as he’s the ultimate sleeper at home. And for some reason when he sleeps, all 90 pounds of him likes to sleep on me. Dee has big sad looking brown eyes and an eyebrow that occasionally wrinkles giving him that quizzical cartoon dog expression.
My old friends will understand how emotionally difficult it was for me to get to know Dee. I may have subconsciously not wanted to get too close as in almost every way Dee reminded me of Winston and it hurt a lot even looking at him. I would often burst out crying just giving him his eye drops. But as time passed, I found that Dee helped me overcome my feelings of loss and allowed me to remember all the fun, silly and happy times. In the process, I found I had been given the gift of a truly beautiful greyhound who I came to know and love for who he is.

Dee is very special to me because he brings to mind wonderful memories. But Dee is very special to me because he is Dee and is giving me wonderful new memories.

Huey, my foster (left) and Dee (right) in my pen & ink drawing "Waiting".

Kathy

AB comes to AZ

2007-02-22T21:14:00.000-08:00

While reading The Arizona Republic, I learned that Aaron Brown will be joining the faculty at ASU’s school of journalism and will be speaking there on March 8. Well, well, well…as a devoted follower of Mr. Brown during his tenure at CNN and a faithful viewer of the lamented “News Night” this is definitely a bit of catnip I doubt I’ll be able to pass up. And you all thought I only got excited when Bruce Springsteen came to town. Wonder if my GMGP credentials can get me a back stage pass?

Kathy

In search of greyhound "stuff"

2007-02-08T05:11:00.000-08:00

I enjoy finding unique and unusual greyhound related items aka greyhound "stuff". What greyhound owner doesn't? But when one of my favorite places is the source of a greyhound find...well that's even better.

I've long been a fan of Pewabic Pottery in Michigan and have a small collection. Their selection is always interesting, natural and really gives you the feeling of the beauty that you find across Michigan. While they have an on-line store, I breathed a huge sigh of relief to discover Pewabic in a Flagstaff boutique during a recent day trip.

The Pewabic gallery contains an adorable greyhound statue....

Oh my...I bet The GEM Babes from Greythounds of Eastern Michigan are making plans for a field trip to Pewabic right about now!! ;)

Kathy

Catching up

2007-02-04T17:44:00.000-08:00

No, I haven't forgotten about all of you. Just been a tad busy. In Arizona, this time of year is the start of gardening season. Amid my blooming daffodils, I'm busily planting bulbs, snapdragons, herbs and plants I've never seen before let alone heard of. The pups have done their best to dig holes for me but unfortunately, not where I want them.

I've also been drawing like crazy. The West Coast Greyhound Gathering in Solvang, California is less than a month away. I'm doing logos for 2 upcoming greyhound events. One is still under wraps but here's my design for the 2007 Phoenix Invasion.

If you can't make the event, you can order a tshirt. Drop me an email at greyhoundstudies@yahoo.com and I'll tell you how to get one.

I'm also doing some non-greyhound related artwork. Other breeds, the Southwest and just some fun images.

This drawing was based on a photo from a Greytalk friend.

I'm very pleased with how this image worked.

Remy's been pretty busy as well. I know she's still writing her diaries and now she wants to be a dancer. Something about trying out for "Dancing With the Stars". Here we are - with Dee looking on - taking a twirl around the yard.

I've done more hiking the last few weeks. The weather has been perfect for it. On Friday I tried a longer trail that went up into the mountains.

OK...I'm not ready to scale Mt. Everest quite yet. But I did see a deer and took I did take a few photos along the way.

This weekend was our 12th Annual Chocolate Affaire - a little music, a little romance and a whole lotta chocolate. Chocolate covered everything. Strawberries. Cheesecake. Key Lime pie. Chips. Turtle crepes. Make your own heart shaped chocolate pizza. And all within 3 blocks of my house. Oh and the horse drawn carriages were back, too! The Chocolate Affaire was recently listed among the Top 100 Events in North America by the Washington Post. I did my best to up the weekend's chocolate consumption in addition to a bit of shopping.

Now, enough about me, what have you guys been up to? ;)

Kathy

how true!

2007-01-26T09:22:00.000-08:00

My friend Gail sent this to me. What a hoot!

The Greyhound Studies Sale

2007-01-23T09:14:00.000-08:00

Greyhound Studies - and yes, that would be me - is having a huge sale that you won’t want to pass up.
Polos. Tank tops. Oxfords. Baby clothes. Tshirts. All sale items are $10 and $20.
Now you just can't say no to that! Cool artwork combined with hot fashions. Zowie! (zowie??!!?)
Please visit the Greyhound Studies at www.greyhoundstudies.com for a full list of items and sizes. Styles and sizes are limited so act now. ‘Cause when they’re gone – they’re GONE!
If you have any questions regarding availibility, shipping costs or would like to place an order, send an email to greyhoundstudies@yahoo.com . Heck, you can even email me just say "hi and ya got a great blog!". ;)

Kathy

Take A Hike!

2007-01-22T08:47:00.000-08:00

My newest form of entertainment is hiking in the mountains. Those of you who know me have undoubtedly passed out from shock. For those who don’t, my idea of the outdoor life is sitting on the porch of a 5 star hotel over looking the water and drinking a glass of champagne. The prospect of encountering dirt, snakes, bugs, poisonous plants, having no cell phone reception and, God forbid, sweating has never been my idea of fun. Let alone getting up at some unnaturally early hour of the morning to set out on this smorgasbord of horrors.
But yet there I was, driving out to the White Tank Mountains for my first hiking adventure.

While civilization is rapidly encroaching the foothills, the drive to the White Tanks still offers acres of rose farms, fields of cotton, soaring hawks and a perplexed looking coyote or two. A local stable allows you to explore the area on horseback. The trail I chose was not overly long but it did involve some climbing if I intended to make it to the waterfall. Bringing along my best friends – Liz, Calvin and Louis V. – I was overdressed as usual but thankfully I wore comfortable shoes. Greyhound Studies backpack over my shoulder, camera in hand, I began my journey. About a minute into the trail I passed a sign warning about rattlesnakes. Everything I thought about hiking in the middle of nowhere was apparently coming true.

The crisp air, white puffy clouds on a picture perfect blue sky and amazing scenery more than made up for the excessive dust and lack of Starbucks. Since arriving in Arizona, I have a growing fondness for the Saguaro cactus. Cacti in Arizona are like cows in Wisconsin – they’re everywhere! And on my hike I was able to get up close and personal with several varieties.

I never imagined that Saguaros were that big!!!

The benefits of an early morning hike become clear as you discover how relaxing it is enjoying the surroundings without hordes of people. This was extremely welcome while viewing the many petroglyphs on this trail. While some are trail markers, others serve as magical ways to control nature or as religious symbols. Viewing them as ancient graffiti is total misconception even though I am sure one looked like a drunken cartoon turkey.

The closer I got to the waterfall, the more difficult the trial became. And it was all uphill. Now the fact that I’m a whoosie may have played into my judgment of trail difficulty but an escalator would be a nice option to the area. In the end it was worth all my complaining as the waterfall was nestled in a cave like surrounding, flowing slowly as there had not been an excessive amount of rain. Several bird stood on the rocks at the base of the pool that lead out to the wash.

The walk back was a bit easier as it was all downhill. The trail was beginning to fill up and I was happy to be leaving. Several dogs were out for an adventure filled walk that morning with their owners and I couldn’t help but wonder which one of the pups would have enjoyed coming along for my first hike. Most likely Bobo, as he is the most wiry, flexible greyhound I have ever seen and would have been able to navigate the rocks with the confidence of a mountain goat though I’m not sure how he would have taken to the necessary walking booties. I may look for a greyhound-friendly trail on my next outing. For now, I’ve got to look for a pair of Manolo Blahnik hiking boots.

Kathy

Is it me?

2007-01-21T17:23:00.000-08:00

First...the hottest summer on record.
Now...the coldest winter in 40 years.
Well thank goodness it's a dry cold!

Guess it's not my grandma's Arizona.

Kathy

15D

2007-01-13T06:19:00.000-08:00

"Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life, I love you more."

"In My Life"

Blog, Interrupted

2007-01-09T11:49:00.001-08:00

While vacuuming the dog room (yes, the pups have their own room) I discovered a small book stashed under one of the beds. At first I thought someone had taken a novel of mine to (literally) devour, but no! It was a tiny diary. Who knew greyhounds kept diaries? Let alone write. And being the good step-mom that I am, I picked the lock and read it. (Oh come on…you discover your greyhound has a locked diary and you don’t read it?) Turns out that there is much more to my silly, hyper cowdog Remy than meets the eye. I guess I know why she barks so much – she has a lot to say.

We now interrupt this blog for an excerpt from "The Remy Diaries"...

“Blondie took me for walkies today. Cripe! It’s about time. Does she not know that I need constant visual and nasal stimulation???!!! I have a very cool new collar. It’s really big and straps around my shoulders and tummy and there’s no more unsightly chaffing on my neck when I start to jump on the passerbys to say hello. None of the other guys have a collar like mine. So me & Blondie are doing walkies around town but does she take me into the stores shopping?? Noooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!! She says it cause I’m too jumpy but I’m just a tiny little thing and I need to jump up to see all the things that are way up high. Like when there is food up on the counters. Why does she put it up there? It certainly is not easy for me to get to. And Blondie’s nose. I like to give her kisses on her nose when she comes home but she’s way up there and I need jump and jump. The same goes for people who come to visit. Like the Lauren lady. She smelled really nice, just like a greyhound. And being the good girl that I am, I wanted to give her a proper welcome but I jumped and jumped and could not reach her nose. So then I tried to hug her as I jumped. Everyone got all postal and WELL!!!! Last time I try to be cordial. Lauren lady was way too interested in Marty anyway. It’s always Marty-Marty-Marty. Did Marty defend the pecan tree when a chicken flew into the tree and tried to steal all the pecans? I don’t think so! Blondie said the chicken was just lost but I have my doubts. Does Marty let the rest of the pack know when a thunderstorm is on the way? Nope, nope and nope. I have a sure fire early warning system so all the pack knows it’s going to rain soon. I shake and run around in a tizzy. And I will do this all night till long after the rain goes away. That’s just the kind of girl I am. Marty is ok really but he doesn’t like to snuggle with me. Hrumph! Oh but he will snuggle with Blondie. I like to snuggle with Blondie too. In the middle of the night when I want to talk to her, I jump into the bed and wiggle all the way up to the top and then I sit on her head. She wakes up really fast then! And does she ever talk. But most times I snuggle up along side Blondie so she can rub my neck while I fall asleep. I’m glad she wised up and took me for walkies today. I better go for walkies tomorrow!”

I'm not exactly sure why, but I'll share more of The Remy Diaries in upcoming future. And below is my drawing of the Samuel Pepys wannabe herself.

Why can't she just sleep all day like a normal greyhound?

Kathy

Don't worry, be happy

2007-01-08T20:36:00.000-08:00

I read an article not long ago which stated that people are far too worried about being happy and that their goals for being happy are unrealistic. The article suggested reviewing each day and finding 3 good things that happened to you, and then focus on why those things came about. Slowly but surely you will discover that you have many good things that occur in your life to be happy about, both big and small. Well, that’s so simple even I could do it. And I did. And it worked!

So every day for the last few weeks before I fall asleep, I think of 3 good things that happened during the course of the day. What am I happy about today?

I made a pecan pie for the first time - from scratch no less - using the pecans from the trees in my yard…and it was a success!!!!

I did a half hour on my exercise equipment without grumbling.

I cleaned out my closet. Heck, if you’d seen my closet, you’d understand why cleaning it out was a good thing and why I’m happy.

Kathy

The Spice Girl

2007-01-05T09:55:00.000-08:00

The resident “spice girl” in my house is Nutmeg. (Hey! I heard that groan!!!)
She’s a very quiet greyhound and usually hangs in the background.
She knows all. Especially who causes trouble when I’m away. And it’s usually her.
She has an oddly shaped square head and it’s rather large…which has also been said about me… and not regarding my hat size!
She loves dirt. Sitting in it. Laying in it. Eating it.
She also like to smile – which is why I know she eats dirt.
She has a terrific sense of fashion. She has enjoyed eating my funky Dansko sandals, several pairs of leather shoes and my designer glasses. Luckily, she does not have a taste for Coach purses. Yet.
She can bust a move and does an adorable happy dance before every meal.
She’s my scullery maid and stands faithfully at my side when I’m in the kitchen.
She likes to dig holes. Which will come in handy when I need to plant bulbs.
She’s my girlie. My missy. My Miss Thang. My desert rose.
She’s Nutmeg.

clip, clop

2007-01-02T16:44:00.000-08:00

My favorite place in the whole world is Mackinac Island, Michigan, a tiny picturesque island in Lake Huron. While the island and Grand Hotel were the setting for "Somewhere in Time" and "This Time for Keeps", it has been attracting visitors for well over 130 years. Lilacs and fudge not withstanding, the most famous thing about Mackinac Island is that it does not allow any sort of motorized vehicle. The 3 modes of transportation on the island are bikes, horses and your feet. This adds to the charm. However, waking up to the sound of clip clop, clip clop under your window as the horses pulling the drays and carriages pass by is initially a bit jolting but once you get used to it, the sound is quite soothing. At night, you can hear the clip clops in the distance echoing across the island.

Shortly after Thanksgiving while sitting on my front porch, I was sure I was having a Mackinac flashback as I heard the faint clip clop, clip clop coming from a couple of blocks away. It turns out that the historic district has nightly carriage rides from mid-November thru early January as part of the holiday festivities. As there isn't much traffic in my neighborhood, the evening is punctuated with this delightful sound for hours on end.

I won't have much longer to listen to the clip clop of the carriages but you can bet I'll be out on my front porch, on my white rocker, surrounded by red geraniums for the next few evenings.

Kathy

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

2007-01-01T20:29:00.000-08:00

I recently returned from a long weekend in Las Vegas – my third trip actually – and each time I’ve done very little gambling, though I do have a fondness for the Green Acres slot machine. I mainly enjoy exploring the hotels, people watching and seeing the many art exhibits. There always seems to be something interesting to check out each time I go but I was very surprised to discover The Titanic Artifact Exhibition sitting quietly at The Tropicana.

Historic tragedy has fascinated me for as long as I can remember - Custer at The Little Big Horn, the murder of Nicholas II and his family, the sinking of The Titanic. Each had first hand accounts by witnesses. Each continues to have the power over peoples’ imaginations to inspire the endless what-if scenarios. Each was seared into the memories of their time much as 9/11 is to us. And while each event remained strangely isolated and mysterious, the clues were there, waiting to be discovered. “Images of sorrow. Pictures of delight. Things that go to make up a life.”

Growing up, I remember seeing the British classic “A Night to Remember” numerous times on WGN (before it was a “super station”). Maybe because it was the late night movie, maybe because it was in black & white, maybe because at the time it was something I knew nothing about, I found the film to be more frightening than any slasher movie. In my teens I read “Raise The Titanic” finding it far fetched but it sparked my what-if’s. Who really knew what was down there. “Raise The Titanic” was made into a mediocre film but two scenes had me hooked – when the Titanic is found and when it is raised, a tad rusty and filled with water but amazingly intact, having sat at the bottom of the North Atlantic waiting to be discovered. In 1985 finding the Titanic is exactly what Dr. Robert Ballard did. The Titanic was more than a tad rusty, it was hardly intact and would never be raised as it had been in the film but it had been found. I devoured everything I could find. I watched every documentary. I read every article. A relative collected National Geographic and I remember begging him to give up the Titanic issues, which he graciously did. The gleaming black and white photographs of history were replaced by ghostly images that were both tragic and beautiful. I admired Dr. Ballard for his choice to leave the ship undisturbed. It was the final chapter.

No, it was just the beginning of the final chapter. I was horrified to learn that artifacts from the Titanic would be pulled from the sea and put on exhibit. I wasn’t sure why I felt that the Titanic was any more sacred than other shipwrecks. History is filled with grave robbers in all forms. The Titanic would be no different. I swore I would never see an exhibit of Titanic artifacts.

Never say never.

I was the only person in the exhibit. Well, it was 10am on a Friday at a historical exhibit in Las Vegas – of course I was the only person there!!! I was handed a boarding pass at the start of the exhibit with the name of a Titanic passenger. Her name was Miss Edith Corse Evans, age 36, a single woman traveling in 1st Class cabin A-29 on her way home to New York after a visit to family in Paris. At the end of the exhibit I would discover her fate.

SPOILER ALERT – if you plan on seeing the Titanic Exhibition and do not wish to read a review, stop right now and go listen to the newest “Greyhounds Make Great Pets” broadcast. I love seeing exhibits without any forewarning. I also hate those audio sets that are handed out. It detracts from the oneness of what you are seeing. An art or historical exhibit should be able to move and inspire you all on its own, without a recording playing in your ear, telling you what you are perfectly able to discover by simply opening your eyes.

The exhibit is set up to resemble movie sets. This is not as tacky as it sounds. In the beginning of the exhibit you learn a bit about the historical period, White Star Line and Harland & Wolff, the builders of the Titanic. The interiors switch from warehouse offices to the docks as the building of the Titanic progresses. Artifacts are mingled in with the background information. It’s interesting but slightly unimpressive. Already knowing the background of the Titanic, I was not sure if a Titanic novice would be as equally bored. Yet this gave me a slight feel of anticipation of what was to come as I climbed the gangplank into the main portion of the exhibit.

Walking down the hallway of lower deck cabins, I discovered just how uncomfortable the crew and 3rd class passengers must have been. The large area with many artifacts and room displays was more fascinating than I would have ever imagined. The biggest shocker for me was not to see these items, but to see them in color. For years the black & white photos of the Titanic captured my imagination but to give these items colors changes the entire perspective. Floor tiles, dishes, copper pots, marble fixtures, the elegantly simple 3rd class mug. The opulence of la belle epoc is tantalizingly hinted at.

Turning the corner, my mouth literally dropped open.

I stood before a one third size reproduction of the grand staircase of the Titanic. It was stunning. The artificial “natural” light from the domed skylight was realistic and almost blinding. However the souvenir photo op completely brought me back to reality. The idea of having a snapshot on the reproduced Titanic staircase, embossed with the exhibition logo reminded me why I was so against the exhibit in the first place. I continued through the exhibit, lights, sounds and documentation told me that the night of 14 April 1912 was fast approaching.

Was it getting colder? Had the lights dimmed? Looking through the porthole, I saw stars. I heard the ocean. My imagination was getting the best of me I thought as I opened the door. Or had it? A burst of freezing air hit my face as I walked into the darkness. Once my eyes adjusted I found myself on the Promenade Deck of the Titanic on that cold, moonless last night in one of the most creative illusions of exhibition staging. Being the only person there that morning, I closed my eyes and wondered what it must have been like. I knew the end of the story and yet I understood how everyone thought she was unsinkable. Through another door and around a dark corner, barely visible at the far end of the next room was the iceberg. Not “the” iceberg but an interactive example of what might have been.

I found the remaining part of the exhibit anti-climatic and portions bordered on ghoulish. Personal belongings of those both known and unknown gave the final portion of the exhibit the grave robbing quality I had always been leery of. The passenger list of the Titanic took up a huge floor to ceiling wall. I searched for Edith.

The Titanic is literally rusting away and estimates are that what remains of the ship will totally collapse in 45 to 60 years. For 95 years, the names of those who perished that fateful night have lived on. For many, their name on the ship’s manifest is the only record of their life. Long after I am gone, the dead of the Titanic will be remembered.

Miss Edith Corse Evans never arrived in New York.

Not a creature was stirring...

2006-12-24T19:20:00.000-08:00

I love this time of night. All the pups are sleeping, visions of squeaky toys dance in their heads. I've made sure the homeless cats are all snug in their beds...well actually they have a home. It's my potting shed. My "Charlie Brown Christmas CD" is playing and I will be dancing around the living room when the "Lucy & Linus" tune comes up. And a bit later I'll go down to the village square to enjoy the lights. It's cold here tonight - gloves and scarf weather - so my Christmas Eve is complete. Tomorrow morning I'll get up bright and early, call a few friends and then start to prepare everything for Christmas dinner.

I wish you all the happiest Christmas and hope your day is filled with joy and good cheer!

Kathy

Christmas Shopping

2006-12-23T10:19:00.000-08:00

Just got back from some last minute Christmas shopping at the mall. What the heck was I thinking???!!!?!?!?!?!?!???? It was insane. Makes me wonder if re-gifting is really so bad.

Kathy

Marty's Moment

2006-12-19T07:53:00.000-08:00

Marty is the senior member of the house – both in age and in residency. He’s a sweet 12 year old brindle boy with a kabuki white face and huge dark eyes surrounded by long, lovely lashes. Marty loves to give kisses. His breath is terrible so I guess you could call them stinky kisses but Marty gives the BEST stinky kisses. Marty has very big, very expressive ears even if they do make him look like Brighty of the Grand Canyon. He has a little trouble walking as there are problems with 2 of his disks, but Marty is nothing if not spunky and has learned to navigate around all the pushing and shoving of the other pups. It’s a joy to see him romping around the yard with his lopsided gait, leading off a group roo.

Marty has mastered the art of the woof. If he stands by the French doors wagging his tail and giving two soft woofs that means I should open the door and let him out. One loud woof after meals means he’s finished eating and I can remove his bowl. Several agitated woofs of increasing volume means he would like me to come ASAP to give him hugs and kisses.

So it’s only natural that this very special boy is suddenly an artist’s supermodel. I recently drew Marty sleeping with his MooCow stuffie and a Swiss cheese pillow as a fundraising image for GPA-Wisconsin (www.gpawisconsin.org) . The group has turned it into a great assortment of must have items – t-shirts, cards, holiday ornaments. Marty hasn’t said much about all this but I think it’s very cool!

Marty had another modeling go round when I was asked to do illustrations for a story called “Sandell’s Exciting Day” by Carol Sumilas Boshears which appears in the Winter issue of CG Magazine. True a brindle male looks nothing like a fawn female but that’s where artistic license come into play. And Marty already had the long eyelashes. I don’t think Marty minds too much.

Well, I must dash...someone is woofing and it's getting louder.

Kathy

My 1st Foster

2006-12-18T09:20:00.000-08:00

One would think that with 9 greyhound running around the house, I'd be crazy to take in a foster greyhound. About a month ago, my first foster greyhound, Huey, arrived at my doorstep. (no comments on my sanity, please) To say I was nervous is an understatement! Huey had been in a previous home for several years and the owners had issues with his behavior. Things happen, I 'spose. Huey was understandably perplexed upon his arrival even though the pups made him welcome. As I was not sure just what to expect, a living room/dining room lock down had been imposed for the evening. During final bed check I discovered that Huey was missing - from inside the house that is. He'd gotten the hang of the doggie door and was laying on one of the outdoor beds in the moonlight. While he seemed perfectly happy, he was shivering so I went outside and persuaded him to come back into the house. By that time all the good sleep spots in the house were occupied and Huey looked up at me with big sad greyhound eyes. Against my better judgement I brought Huey into the living room where he promptly plopped himself down on the fluffiest bed and fell asleep. He sure didn't look like he'd do anything dastardly to my living room but just to be on the safe side I spent the night on the couch.

Huey is the happiest of greyhounds. He's sweet and loving and if you tickle his ears just right, he'll smile. He's very easy going and trusting. Huey has even let me trim his nails...a very risky thing as I had never trimmed nails before. Huey's are white and a bit translucent so it was quite easy however, I still won't trim the nails of the other pups. There have been a couple of families interested in Huey but so far he has not found his "family" but he will!

Huey will make someone the perfect greyhound. For now, there will be a couple of extra presents under the tree this year.

Kathy

Fa-La-La-La-La

2006-12-16T11:58:00.000-08:00

I've had rather a funky couple of days so leave it to my friend Pat to send me a goofy e-mail to make me giggle. Pat is warped, marginally wicked and tons of fun. My grandfather, who is on the far right of the photo, was much the same and would have loved Pat and thoroughly enjoyed her sense of humour. Heck, if I didn't know better, I would have said he wrote the e-mail she sent me. So from my cozy little dysfunctional family to yours, join me in singing some disturbed Christmas carols.

Kathy

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

1. Schizophrenia --- Do You Hear What I Hear?

2. Multiple Personality Disorder --- We Three Kings Disoriented Are.

3. Amnesia --- I Don't Know if I'll be Home for Christmas.

4. Narcissistic ---Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me.

5. Manic --- Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and
Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and Fire Hydrants and...

6. Paranoid --- Santa Claus is Coming to Get Me.

7. Borderline Personality Disorder --- Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire .

8. Full Personality Disorder-- You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout,
Maybe I'll tell You Why.

9. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ---Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells...

10. Agoraphobia --- I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day But Wouldn't Leave My House.

11. Senile Dementia --- Walking in a Winter Wonderland Miles From My House in
My Slippers and Robe.

12. Oppositional Defiant Disorder --- I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus So I Burned
Down the House.

13. Social Anxiety Disorder --- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas while I Sit
Here and Hyperventilate.

Big Paw Prints to Fill

2006-12-11T07:56:00.000-08:00

When my lovely Winston passed away in January 2005, I was devastated. He was the perfect spot in my world and I was suddenly adrift. While he did not define me as a person, I felt that his presence had shaped who I was and how my art evolved for the 8 years we were together. Who would recognize me without the big brindle greyhound in the Crayola yellow collar leashed to my arm? It was difficult to express my grief in words so I expressed my grief over Winston the only way I knew how – through my art. The three images I created allowed me to survive the rawness of those first months in a quiet house. When they were finished, it was time to face the world again.

But was it? I felt I was still not ready. I began to doubt if I would ever adopt another greyhound but I missed having a dog. I missed the touch of a cold nose under my arm, jolting me out of a sound sleep. I missed the understanding of a sweet, fuzzy face as I shared all my secrets. I missed “that look”. Would another greyhound ever look at me like that again? I was uncomfortably jealous of my friends as they had what I no longer did. Winston is forever engraved on my heart. He left very big paw prints to fill. Another greyhound would never be Winston but I didn’t want him to be. A new greyhound deserved to be a dog of his own uniqueness, finding his place in the world and in my life. But my life was not as it should be and I had no idea when and if it would ever be normal again.

It’s funny how life manages to get you back on track even when you have no clue as to where the track will take you.

The prospect of suddenly sharing my life with 9 greyhounds never fazed me. How could it? I had nothing to compare it to. I had nothing to be afraid of. Ignorance can be bliss. 9 fuzzy faces opened their hearts and their home to me. One by one they each offered me their own unique gift.

Beauty made sure she took care of her newest “pup”.
Marty made sure I smiled.
Remy made sure I had a friend to snuggle with.
Scotty made sure I was protected.
Harley made sure I had someone to play with.
Nutmeg made sure I shared my things.
Blueberry made sure I continued what I started.
Bobo made sure I learn to expect the unexpected.
Dee made sure my new house felt like my home.

No, they are not Winston. Nor would I want them to be. They are Remy, Scotty, Marty, Blueberry, Nutmeg, Harley, Beauty, Bobo and Dee. And I love each of them for who they are. Hopefully as time goes on, I can give each of them a tiny bit of what Winston gave me.

Yes, Winston had very big paw prints to fill and it took 9 greyhounds to fill them.

Kathy

"Who's There?"

2006-12-10T12:36:00.000-08:00

In my last entry I told you a little bit about Scotty, my beautiful, noble and camera shy greyhound. I'd like to share a drawing I did of Scotty which captures his typical pose when he detects a camera pointed in his direction.

"Who's There?" by Kathy Hoynes 2006

Have a wonderful weekend!

Kathy

Stinky Feet

2006-12-06T14:52:00.000-08:00

Ya know how people say that after a period of time a human begins to resemble their dog? What happens when the dog starts to imitate the human??!!

Scotty is my beautiful red fawn. He's stunningly regal and has huge soft brown eyes. He hates getting his picture taken and I have yet to get a photo of him that isn't blurred or with his head turned. He loves getting his tummy rubbed when no one else is looking. And he has a very big "woof". If I were a greyhound, I'd like to be like Scotty.

I am a klutz. If there is a pile of poop, I'll be the one to step in it...literally! In the yard, on a walk, minding my own business (no pun intended). Especially if I have on a to-die-for pair of Jimmy Choo's. I'm hopeless!!!

So why would a greyhound as noble as Scotty feel the need to "be like Kathy"?

Scotty has observed me well for he's developed the uncanny knack of stepping in poop. Full paw. It's like he's making a plaster cast for posterity. But Scotty is very neat about this faux-paw (there I go again!). Rather than tracking his discovery thru the house, he will promptly sit on the closest bed and wait for his poopy paw to be discovered and cleaned. He would never dream of walking around with this paw in such a state. And to be honest - how could he? Scotty never fails to encase his finely doggyicured toenails in 2 inches of...er...um...poop. Even if he tried to walk, he'd be totally off balance. Which is what a lot of people say about me. But I digress....

Then again, maybe Scotty has not picked up my klutziness. Perhaps he is just exerting his own unique form of artistic expression.

Valley of the Sun my fanny!!

2006-11-30T18:05:00.000-08:00

It's 7pm and The Weather Channel is telling me it's 50 degrees and will hit 31 tonight. That means BELOW freezing in ARIZONA!!!!!!!! I'm wearing a turtleneck, fuzzy socks and a fleece blanket. The heat's on. There is snow 1.5 hours north of me. And I'm ready to fire up the smudge pots for the oranges and cover up all the roses and herbs. Right now 4 of the pups are on the bed with me and a fifth is sizing up the only available corner.

If I wanted weather like this, I could have stayed in Chicago. Just call me a pasty white and freezing Midwesterner who's typing with her gloves on.

Kathy

I Blog, Therefore I Am

2006-11-29T14:19:00.000-08:00

I'm not quite sure why I've decided to start a blog. It's not like I have this exciting jet-set life that everyone needs to read about. Frankly, I'm as dull as dirt and if it wasn't for a natural artistic ability and an amazing head of hair, I'd be indistinguishable from the wallpaper. As 90% of the population seems to be blogging and reading other people's blogs, I figured it was time to jump on the bandwagon. It's entirely possible that if 90% of the population jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge, I may join in that as well.

So who am I?
My name's Kathy. I'm an artist and have been drawing ever since I can remember. Aside from eating a half a box of crayons at the age of 3, writing and staring in a commercial about voting and being nominated for a Dog Writer's Association of America Award for humorous illustration, my life has been fairly average. I was born and raised in Chicago and after my recent divorce, I've relocated to Arizona. It was time for new horizons and less humidity. It's amazing here - how many places have seasonal extremes of 30 to 118 degrees?? I'm surrounded by eucalyptus, orange, lemon, pecan and fig trees. No clue where to find a Newton tree. Gardening is a bit perplexing as it's totally opposite from what I did in the Midwest. Thankfully red geraniums and yellow snapdragons bloom like mad here so I'm not too lost. As the area is older, there's all sorts of trees and lots of grass. In short, nothing like the Southwest of my movie influenced imagination - not in my neighborhood anyway.

I'll be telling you more about the herd of greyhounds, as well as my beloved first greyhound Winston, in upcoming installments. Winston was with me for 8 years. He passed away in January 2005. For those chomping at the bit with wild anticipation, take a gander at my Greyhound Studies website www.greyhoundstudies.com for lots of photos, artwork and really cool shopping. Thank you for allowing me the shameless plug.

Well, it's almost time for dinner. On the menu tonight is BBQ'ed pulled pork with garlic toast. The pups will be having plain old kibble with turkey leftovers. Later tonight after I work on my newest commission - a stunning brindle greyhound named George - it's time for "Nip/Tuck" and the umteenth rerun of "Sex and the City". Like I said, I'm as dull as dirt!

Thanks for reading. Hope you got a chuckle or two. And please drop by again.

Kathy

Is This Thing On?

2006-11-27T13:08:00.000-08:00

test...test...this is only a test.
If this had been an actual post...ok, enough with the lame comedy.

My blog postings will begin soon.

Kathy