Lots to cover today!
First, thank you so much for the great discussion on yesterday’s post. It was fascinating and informative. Of course, there was the usual “You’ve lost a loyal reader” email. I respond to that sort of thing with my sincere best wishes and an acknowledgement that the reader is free to move on.
It does make me wonder, however, how anyone who has read this blog for any length of time – a daily blog of 8+ years and one in which I think I have been transparent enough for you all to have a pretty strong picture of who I am – could think I would ever tolerate those ideas or that sort of speech? There is nothing anywhere in this blog that supports that kind of thinking; in fact, I have been pretty vocal about my feelings over the years. If you’re a “loyal reader,” surely this isn’t a shock?
Inclusion, not exclusion. Love, not hate. Tolerance, not intolerance. Civility, not incivility. Those issues have been covered repeatedly on this blog. And they will continue to be.
And I’ve never hidden the fact that I am a feminist and a proud one. So is my husband. We wouldn’t be together if he wasn’t. I don’t blame women for their husbands’ indiscretions and the reverse is also true. Just as I don’t blame the rape victim for the rapist’s actions. I don’t denigrate women or define them by their physical attributes. I want to see women rise to the top. We are more than fully capable. We can and will make this world a better place.
Okay. Let’s move on!
Yesterday, I continued working in what will be the memorial garden. Don had an audition in the city. Lots of digging, lots of rocks to uncover, but it felt so good to be out there working on this project. It was sunny and warm and, yes, I am happiest when I am outside working. I really love it.
I love self-seeders, like this yarrow that has planted itself smack-dab in front of the Chicken Wire Fence Garden. Welcome!
Feathery and delicate. There’s some coming up in the big garden bed, as well.
I happened upon a listing on eBay for this music stand. It was a souvenir made for a NAME (National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts) National Houseparty that took place in Cleveland in 2011. It’s signed and dated by artist Tom Walden. It’s made out of walnut and is simply lovely.
No one bid on it but me, and I got it for $7.99! Isn’t it beautiful?
I thought it would be perfect for the Top Secret Project.
Also included was a piece of music, though I have yet to put it on the stand. I like the idea of a mix of vintage and new in this studio and the music stand looks vintage, doesn’t it?
16 days and counting.
Today marks four months since we had to say goodbye to our beloved girl. Only four months, yet it seems like a lifetime. The other day a package arrived in our post office box from Shanna, a reader of this blog. I knew she was sending what she called a ‘small token’ of appreciation, but when I opened the package, I was stunned.
Shanna is an artist and she has been experimenting with machine embroidery. This is what she created:
She has perfectly captured our girl. This is simply amazing, Shanna. It’s so beautiful! I’m going to frame it and it will live in a place of honor in our home.
She also sent along the preliminary sketch she made.
Don wants to frame the sketch and I think we’ll hang it by his favorite chair, so he can feel she is right by his side.
Shanna, I wrote to you yesterday and I hope you’ve had a chance to read our heartfelt words. I can’t tell you how much this means to us, especially on this day. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
You’ve captured the look in Scout’s eyes, the way she held her head, the joy in every fiber of her being. Bless you. We are so, so grateful for your generous and compassionate gift.
Don’t forget to leave a comment on Monday’s book review if you want the chance to win a copy. I pick a winner tonight.
Happy Wednesday.
Claudia, the embroidery picture of Scout is beautiful. A very special gift! I have been working on my garden too. I enjoy the yard work. Take care.
It’s such a refreshing change to be out in the garden, isn’t it? Enjoy, Doris!
I find you to be intelligent, interesting, articulate, kind and a wonderful writer. I look forward to your words everyday. Thank you. We are on the same page on many issues
Kaye.
Thank you for your kind words, Kaye. They are much appreciated.
What a beautiful, wonderful gift you received. The embroidery does indeed look just like Scout. Marvelous. Like Kaye, I find you an interesting, articulate and intelligent writer Claudia. I do happen to agree with your belief/philosophy/etc., but even if I didn’t I would still enjoy your blog posts. Isn’t that part of tolerance? Accepting that not everyone will have the same opinion (thank God in most cases), and learning something from those who differ from us. Geeze…. Was speaking with my little brother last night about the state of the primary and how pathetic/sad/scary it is. I mentioned that I couldn’t believe people were tolerating the behavior/talk that is going on. His response is that there are an amazing amount of folks out their with their heads up their butts! Doesn’t explain it all for sure and certainly doesn’t take away the fright for me.
I like what your brother said, Vera! Perfect. Thanks for your kind words.
good to hear (read). may we all use our voices to help make life easier and better for everyone!
and to shanna – what talent and kindness you have! your portrait of miss scout is beautiful.
kathy in iowa
Shanna is very talented, Kathy. How lucky we are to have one of her creations!
Hugs to you and Don today. I know how hard it is. The sketch and embroidery piece of Scout, well words don’t convey the love and kindness that Shanna has shown to you. I’m healing as the months roll by but my heart will always have an empty spot as I know yours does also (several in fact). Glad the garden is coming along. I seem to be reading a great deal lately, escaping into a book is one of my favorite things to do. Wishing you a wonderful day sweet friend.
hugs,
Linda
Reading is a source of comfort for me, and for you as well. I know you’ve just gone through this same ‘anniversary’ as you lost Charlie right before we lost Scout. You know I understand, my friend.
Claudia, you are so welcome. I couldn’t help but cry with you when you lost your girl. When I first came upon your blog you were dealing with an aging, ailing Riley. I was dealing with the same with my boy, Calder, so your posts instantly resonated with me. I think that your blog posts reveal exactly who you are and it surprises me that anyone could miss the love and respect for your fellow man/being that you confirm for us every day. This world needs more like you!
Bless all our beloved pets, those with us and those who have moved on. Calder was a beautiful boy, Shanna. Thank you so, so much. You filled our hearts with joy.
What a beautiful gift you received…it is a treasure! And that music stand…the detail is phenomenal! How lucky are you to win the bid?
I went back and read your post yesterday, and all the comments…and I felt hopeful, and relieved that there are so many like minded people who feel as I do. You do inspire a lively discussion….and a very eloquent one at that.
I’m excited to see the memorial garden…do you have specific plants in mind? Enjoy your day! ;)
I couldn’t believe no one else was bidding, Donna!
I loved yesterday’s discussion, as well. It was very lively!
Plants to do with remembrance and the specific qualities of each dog, if we can!
The Golden Rule will always prevail. If only more people had it reinforced from the time they were small children and then throughout their lives.
What a beautiful work of art you received from Shanna! It truly is just wonderful. I understand why Don would want the sketch framed as well.
Things like this show us that good and kind and loving people are here amongst us. There is much hope when we see such kindness being shared. ♡
I am continually reminded that there are so many good people out there. Thank heavens!
Loyal readers do not get up and leave because they disagree with something you said..she needs to look up the definition of LOYAL…Please don’t ever let a reader determine what the content of your blog will be…although knowing you Claudia..that would never happen..lol..You write from your heart..that is what your truly loyal readers come here for..not the same tired drivel that is in so many blogs these days… What a great little addition to the TSP…he will love it…As I said yesterday I think of Scout and miss seeing her here…It is wonderful how Shanna has captured the look on Scout’s face..what a sweet gift she has given you both…Hugs
You can rest assured, that will never happen!
I really miss sharing Scout with my readers. There is definitely a hole here on the blog, but posting old photos of her just makes me sad. Ah well. Shanna’s gift is priceless. I’m looking at it right now!
Beautiful photo of Scout. Brings tears to my eyes…
To mine, too!
How funny! You had readers that left you because of your words and I JOINED your blog yesterday:) Besides the words – I LOVE where you live and all of your pictures and adventures. You go girl!
Thank you, Karen! I’m glad you’re here!
So many ways to honor treasured animal family members, and to continue showing the love you feel for Scout, Winston and Riley….the memory garden, and now the absolute astounding embroidery and drawing of Scout. As a fellow crafter, I truly appreciate Shanna’s handiwork. Every day, I look forward to your blog post, Claudia, because every post has an underlying current of optimism and refusal to let bad things beat you down. I love starting my day realizing you and your loyal readers represent sane corners in today’s world.
Thank you so much, Wendy. That means a lot to me.
Hi, you are one of the most honest and transparent blogger’s out there…without any agenda. I love you for that! ❤️ xx
I love you back! Thank you!
Oh my! That gift from Shanna is beautiful. She is indeed very talented and compassionate. My thoughts are with you and Don today. The music stand couldn’t be more perfect. I love it and I’m sure Don will too.
Blessings,
Betsy
I hope he does – if he doesn’t, I’m stealing it for myself!
You should reduce that wonderful sketch of Scout and hang it in Don’s secret project. I know that must have meant so much to you.
Oh goodness, what a great idea! I think I’ll do that, Debra! Thanks for the suggestion!
The music stand; wow. Looks very well crafted. You have so many goodies for the TSP. I am looking forward to Don’s reaction. It’s been such a treat to see the TSP come together.
Have a nice rest of the day. We’re fogged in here; SoCalif June Gloom. But I’m loving it; it keeps us cool. About 1:30pm and I’m off to do errands…much easier than if we were in searing summer heat, which will be here before you can sneeze. We’re bathing in blooms…oh, the roses! They got a second wind, from much before Mother’s Day. And I have never enjoyed so many glads…it seems every bulb we dug two years ago has decided to come to life. It is so nice to see the yard full of color.
I have to tell you, and this is no lie…when I saw that beautiful rendition of Scout just now, I cried real tears. This is one of the most poignant pieces of art I have seen in a long time; how did she make that, and capture Scout so perfectly? I’m stunned. What a gift. Claudia, I am continually blown away by the generosity of your readers; you and Don and Scout are all clearly loved. The cyber connection is not so impersonal after all, is it.
Ha. I looked at your clock instead of own; PST is 10:30am, not 1:30pm! I need another cup of coffee.
I felt that way today, as well. We stayed up late watching the returns and I feel like I never quite woke up.
I was stunned, too. Still am. My readers are the most wonderful people – I’ve found blogging to be anything but impersonal and I’m so grateful for all of you.
Isn’t it wonderful how so many people can come together through blogging. Thank you for orchestrating your site. People’s appreciation for your daily postings continually show up with their kind words of encouragement, gifts, and best of all, good energy. The fabric artwork of Scout is WONDERFUL! So generous and a gift you could never put a price tag on. There are so many special people in this world of ours and isn’t it great to be reminded of them. Through your blog we’re able to witness it first hand. Your postings are healing for you when writing about your personal journey, but it also helps me think outside my personal box. It’s healing for me as well. Love the photos of your garden. Keep up the great work! You’re the best!
Oh, thank you Lyndia. That means so much to me! I am profoundly grateful for all of you!
What an immensely-thoughtful gift! Both Scouts – the embroidered and the sketched – are just gorgeous. Framing BOTH of them is a terrific idea too. And that little music stand is perfect. Every time you post anything about dollhouses, miniatures etc, I find myself marvelling over how authentic – and high-quality – some miniatures look. These folks are genuinely-talented and serious craftspeople & artists. ?
How someone could make that music stand – with all the detail – is beyond me! And the gift of Scout, in sketch and embroidery form, is priceless.
The music stand is amazing.
The yarrow lovely and delicate.
And, as I mentioned before, your posts are interesting because you are so articulate and I appreciate it.
May your hearts be held gently today in remembering dear, dear Scout. The beautiful gifts from your friend brought tears to my eyes.
To mine, as well. I am deeply touched by them.
Thank you for your kind words, Joan.
Is it only me? I find it odd that people would be offended by your blog post and NOT offended by the man ( I can not even say his name) himself.
P.S. I am not a fan of Hillary by any means.
On to better things. The images of Scout gave me goosebumps. What a gift Shanna has for capturing the look that Scout had when she was looking at you her Mom. Absolute goosebumps.
I find it odd, too!
Shanna has captured Scout beautifully, that’s for sure!
I agree with your life philosophy too, Claudia. I didn’t get a chance to comment yesterday, but I can’t help but think what is going through people’s minds that they actually think that what Trump is saying is something to be encouraged. It is nothing but racist drivel of the worst kind, and no I don’t think it is an act. I think he really believes all these inflammatory things he says, he is such a narcissist and thinks the whole world revolves around him. Why else would he put his name on everything.
I think the world will only get better when women start to rise at the very top, and we are finally making a start. Wanted to mention that the gift you received from Shanna made me weepy just thinking about your dear Scout. What a wonderful friend she is. Love the embroidery and sketch, just beautiful!
Oh, how we miss our Scoutie. Shanna’s gift was balm for our wounded hearts.
Thanks for your thoughts on yesterday’s post, Diane. He is a narcissist whose ego knows no bounds and who will never get enough attention. I would say it was sad if he wasn’t so dangerous.