The creative stages of a childrens' picture book about a wonderful dog

Another free slideshow by Smilebox

Jackie in her new purple sweater

Jackie in her new purple sweater
Originally uploaded by janicephelpswilliams

Gracie (Maximillan Pionus)

Gracie (Maximillan Pionus)
Originally uploaded by janicephelpswilliams

Gracie is admiring our Christmas tree. I wonder what she is thinking?

Rosie Red Bottom

IMG_1746
Originally uploaded by Rosie Red Bottom African Grey Parrot

Rosie Red Bottom: A Comedian with Feathers, written by Donna Mann, is now available on barnesandnoble.com. We love you, Rosie!

Jackie in her new purple sweater

Jackie in her new purple sweater
Originally uploaded by janicephelpswilliams

Happy New Year greetings from Jackie Williams.

Cool Dog Photos - infinite!

Here is a link worth visiting. National Geographic has a cool infinite dog photos page, which is basically a photo made up of gadzillions of people's photos of their dog. I could spend hours just looking at these!

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/myshot/dogs/infinite-photograph

Woman's Dog Plays a Part in Her Recovery from Surgery

In honor of National Pet Week and Be Kind to Animals Week: I'd like to profile some of the amazing pet guardians and pets I've come to know since writing Open Your Heart with Pets: Mastering Life through Love of Animals.

Today, I'd like to tip my hat to Florence Clark and her dog, Daisy Mae. I met Flo when she signed up for my Fall 2008 Artist Trading Card workshop. Since then we've become friends and she's kept me up-to-date on her creative endeavors.

Flo's dog, Daisy Mae, was captured so delightfully in a small painting she did recently, that I asked her if I could post it on Appalachian Morning (my creativity blog), and she said yes and sent me a second painting she'd done as well.

In my book, Open Your Heart with Pets, I shared the stories of many people whose lives have been rejuvenated, enhanced, redeemed, restored--really I can't think of strong enough words to express just what a pet can mean in the life of an open-hearted human, but I think you must know... Flo does. Daisy Mae does. They share a bond that time and separation couldn't alter and now they are together again and enjoying each new day. Here's what Flo wrote about Daisy Mae and the benefit of spending time creating:

"During my separation from my life as I knew it — including living without my Daisy — it was making art that saved my sanity; first it was the little ATC cards, then a step into art journaling, and finally painting with acrylics on ATC-size canvas. It is in this medium that I have been able to express my love of my Daisy Mae and of art.

"I must add that Daisy and I have been reunited because of the kind lady who rescued her from the kennel and kept her until I was able to take her to live with me again.

"Daisy has been my inspiration as far as recovering from my surgery — she keeps me exercising and she always makes me laugh. We do share a unique bond; she is a blessing to me, and every day we say grace before our meals (she's even learning to bow her head!)and thank God that we awoke that day, that we are together and that we have so many, many blessings. I AM truly blessed — with recovering health, with good friends, loving family, my Daisy and a creative outlet; God is so very good."

Hats off to Flo and Daisy Mae — and Flo, keep up the wonderful creative work — you have a gift of peace and mindfulness that this world needs more of.

(Paintings on this page copyright Florence Clark, 2009. All rights reserved.)