Song for a Wolf - Our Guardian Spirit

 

I've been here by myself, quietly studying and relearning Adobe Dreamweaver (software for building web sites). The version I have been using on my old G4 Apple computer for many years is so ancient, I decided it was time to "bite the bullet" and cough up the $$$ needed to buy new software, compatible with my new OS and machine. The first step was retrieving nearly 8,000 files from my hosting site and finding them a new local home on my iMac. Going through some of my old Spirit Art Paintings and files truly rekindled my enthusiasm for Native American spiritual beliefs. As often happens to me while on the computer, one thing led me to another.  Before long, I was searching the web for spiritual inspiration and guidance.

Among many others, I came across some great words of wisdom from Chief Dan George, "(July 24, 1899 – September 23, 1981). He was a chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, a Coast Salish band located on Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He was also an author, poet, and an Academy Award-nominated actor." I found this story here.

Song For A Wolf ~ Chief Dan George

"I wanted to give something of my past to my grandson. So I took him into the woods, to a quiet spot. Seated at my feet he listened as I told him of the powers that were given to each creature. He moved not a muscle as I explained how the woods had always provided us with food, homes, comfort, and religion.
He was awed when I related to him how the wolf became our guardian, and when I told him that I would sing the sacred wolf song over him, he was overjoyed.

In my song, I appealed to the wolf to come and preside over us while I would perform the wolf ceremony so that the bondage between my grandson and the wolf would be lifelong.
I sang.
 In my voice was the hope that clings to every heartbeat.
I sang.
 In my words were the powers I inherited from my forefathers.
I sang.
 In my cupped hands lay a spruce seed-- the link to creation.
I sang.
 In my eyes sparkled love. I sang.
And the song floated on the sun's rays from tree to tree.
When I had ended, it was if the whole world listened with us to hear the wolf's reply. We waited a long time but none came. Again I sang, humbly but as invitingly as I could, until my throat ached and my voice gave out.

All of a sudden I realized why no wolves had heard my sacred song. There were none left! My heart filled with tears. I could no longer give my grandson faith in the past, our past.
At last I could whisper to him: "It is finished!" "Can I go home now?" He asked, checking his watch to see if he would still be in time to catch his favorite program on TV. I watched him disappear and wept in silence. All is finished!"

 ~ Chief Dan George
Chief of the Salish Band in Burrard Inlet, B.C.

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 "Wolf is the embodiment of protection and wisdom and according to some native legends, the tribe's greatest teacher. Being the most intelligent and expressive of all the canines, it lives in a close-knit family group where every member knows their place. Because of this, wolf is often seen as kin to man in that our priorities of family and cooperation are similar. When a wolf howls, its ancient melodies can connect us to a primal power and spiritual energy, also known as original memory. Helping others to understand life better and to find their calling, wolf will bring you the strength to become the teacher as well as the student. As you establish a connection with your own inner leadership, wolf medicine can help cultivate healthy bonds with friends and family." ~ Sandy Sandy Spiritartist ~ Animal Spirits book

 

"If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys." ~ Chief Dan George

Time Spent With Cats Is Never Wasted

 "Time spent with cats is never wasted."  ~ May Sarton

I'd like to thank everyone for their condolences on the unexpected passing of our fur baby, Tommy. My sister, Denise, brought me a CD of photos she took of Tom as a kitten. Wasn't he the cutest?

 

"Kittens can happen to anyone."  ~ Paul Gallico

 

"It is impossible to keep a straight face in the presence of one or more kittens."
  ~ Cynthia E. Varnado

 

  

"Kittens are angels with whiskers."  ~ Author Unknown

 

"I love cats because I love my home and after a while they become its visible soul."  

~ Jean Cocteau

"When I play with my cat, who knows if I am not a pastime to her more than she is to me?" ~Michel de Montaigne, Essays, 1580

 No heaven will ever heaven be

Unless my cats are there to welcome me.
~ Author Unknown

R. I. P. Tommy Two Step

Tommy The Terror

July 4, 2004 - February 13, 2012

 

We woke this morning to the shock of finding our 7 year old silver tabby, Tommy, dead on the living room floor. We got him as a kitten at an art show in the fall of 2004. We were told he was a feral and had been hand raised as the litter had been taken from the mother at a couple of days old.

Although he was a biter and not always the nicest cat, we are very shocked and saddened.  When he was a kitten, we called him Tommy Two Step, because he loved to knead you when you held him. As he got older, his named changed to Tommy the Terror because he got  destructive and would rip up papers. That's when I had to ban him from the studio, which fueled his bad temper even more.

Last night Tommy played with his favorite toy for the last time with Jerry. They played for a good fifteen minutes while I was in the shower.  When I got out, Jerry said Tom was really getting into it; jumping and playing just like he did when he was a kitten. He sat on Jerry's lap the rest of the night as we watched a movie, very content and happy.

We can only guess that he must have had some kind of congenital defect. He must have had a stroke or a heart attack in the early morning. He had not been showing any signs of illness and he was certainly feeling very perky last night.

 We buried him in the yard under a big pine with all out other deceased fur babies. 

Even though he was a bad boy, my heart is still aching.

It seems so quiet without him running around, getting into trouble and causing commotion around here.

Our Friends and Ancestors

"Take nothing but pictures.
Leave nothing but footprints.
Kill nothing but time."
~ Motto of the Baltimore Grotto, a caving society
 

"Every creature is better alive than dead, men and moose and pine trees, and he who understands it aright will rather preserve its life than destroy it."  ~ Henry David Thoreau

"Humankind has not woven the web of life.  We are but one thread within it.  Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.  All things are bound together.  All things connect."  ~ Chief Seattle, 1855

"I realized that Eastern thought had somewhat more compassion for all living things.  Man was a form of life that in another reincarnation might possibly be a horsefly or a bird of paradise or a deer.  So a man of such a faith, looking at animals, might be looking at old friends or ancestors.  In the East the wilderness has no evil connotation; it is thought of as an expression of the unity and harmony of the universe."  ~ William O. Douglas, Go East, Young Man, 1974

The Spirit Of Trees

I went out to take down my "Art Spirit Show" yesterday. It was another delightful spring-like day right here in the middle of winter. Although nature's palette is mostly somber now, graceful and enchanting tree skeletons dot the countryside everywhere. I believe there is true glory in every season and naked trees are one of winter's crowning jewels, if only we would take a few moments to really see them. 

"I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape - the loneliness of it, the dead feeling of winter.  Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn't show."  ~ Andrew Wyeth

Of winter's lifeless world each tree

Now seems a perfect part;

Yet each one holds summer's secret

Deep down within its heart.

~ Charles G. Stater

Fruity Artist / Photographer M.I.A.

My friend and college classmate, Carmella Messina, has just started a a blog called Persona. 

She said she came up with the name because of the many hats she wears. Believe me, I can relate. These days, I find I am a house keeper, nurse, wife, photographer, artist and equestrian; not necessarily in that order.

For the past two weeks, in addition to my nursing duties, I have been shooting fruits and vegetables to upload to iStockPhoto. When I get going on a project, I tend to get obsessed, that I will admit.

I think I've spent over $250. on produce so far. Thank goodness for my walk-in, screened-in porch fridge

This is one of the images that has already been accepted and added to my iStockPhoto Online Portfolio.  I just had a piece of one and it was delicious!

These days, my studio looks more like a farm market and smells like citrus and garlic.

The deer and horses here aren't complaining either. Nothing is going to waste. As I shoot and discard, I think the critters here at The Sandarosa are truly enjoying the abundant treats and vast variety of fruits and vegetables in their daily diet. . . They just don't realize how spoiled they really are.

Part Time Nurse By Chance, Not Choice

I know I have been M.I.A. here lately, but I've got a new part time job here at Sandy Land.

My husband has had another illness starting on Saturday morning and continuing through the weekend. First thing Monday morning, it was off to the ER again and an emergency operation to drain three abscesses. This time it was a condition at a totally different end from the head problems he had just one month ago. It's not in a place you can easily blog about, but it does give a new perspective and deeper meaning to the phrase, "Pain in the ass".  I'm doing the best I can to be a good caretaker. I am not the best or most sympathetic nurse, I will admit. But my husband has got to be one of the worst patients I have ever known! The current situation reminded me of this little illustration I did many years ago. I can see it as kind of a self portrait right now. 

Every Winter

Every winter,
When the great sun has turned his face away,
The earth goes down into a vale of grief,
And fasts, and weeps, and shrouds herself in sables,
Leaving her wedding-garlands to decay -
Then leaps in spring to his returning kisses.

~ Charles Kingsley

We Have A Winner!

"Your mental attitude attracts to you everything that makes you what you are." ~ Napoleon Hill

The winner of my "Little Christmas" Holiday Hummingbird Original Watercolor Giveaway was picked today at 3pm. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw who it was! Well actually, I could believe my eyes, because Jennifer MacNeill-Traylor is one of the luckiest and most positive people I know. She is always winning contests and experiencing the most awesome successes and adventures! Of course, other than the luck of the draw, I believe her powerful attitude has as much to do with it as anything. I wouldn't be at all surprised if she told me she was already envisioning winning the piece. I'm a firm believer in "What you think about comes about".  Jennifer is a dedicated blogger, artist, photographer and gardener. She propels herself with her winning attitude and puts 110% into everything she does. Congratulations Jen! Your painting is on its' way!

"Our attitudes control our lives. Attitudes are a secret power working twenty-four hours a day, for good or bad. It is of paramount importance that we know how to harness and control this great force." ~ Irving Berlin

"Attitude will always define who we are in life." ~ Mark A. Brennan

LOVE

Burr, it was a good day to be inside today, so I've been working on some new Valentine's Day images for my iStock portfolio. February 14th will be here again before you know it!  It's always been one of my favorite holidays. How cool is it to have a special holiday in honor of LOVE, now really? Since my birthday is February 17th, it has always seemed like an extended one too! That, and we still continue the tradition of celebrating birthday week here in Sandy Land. I always try to plan something special for my special honey on that day. Even the critters usually get an extra treat or two. What do you usually do on St. Valentine's Day? Do you have any special memories or traditions?

And a Reminder: I am having A  Painting Giveaway this Friday at 3pm EST. Be sure to leave a comment and enter the contest if you would like a chance to win my little "Holiday Hummingbird" watercolor! 

They Go Bonkers For Bananas!

My horses truly love their fruits!  Not just apples either. 

Did you know that most horses actually love bananas?

Would you believe me if I said my horses start salivating at the casual mention of grapes, peaches, plums, oranges, nectarines or pineapple?

Of course, they also love most melons too, even the rind if it's cut in very small pieces.  My guys are 20 and 31 years young and get hay with small quantities of grain 4x's a day.

I add water to their ration with a small amount of fruit or vegetable mixed in. I also occasionally feed them small quantities of carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, radishes and cauliflower; although I've just read at one source online that the potato and cabbage family are not recommended as they can cause gas. I've never had a problem, but again, I keep my quantities very small, about the size of one medium sized apple per feeding.

If you are thinking of supplementing your horse's diet, offer a taste first and don't over do it. If they spit it out at you, try another small piece later. They may change their mind. A little goes a long way when cut up small for treats or mixed in their feed. Of course, I remove all pits or large seeds or rough skins first. The rule of thumb is that it should be smaller than the size of a ping pong or golf ball, but I think this is still too big. I cut mine even smaller (about 1/2" diameter or less), especially with hard foods like carrots or sweet potatoes. This size is still big enough to chew, but small enough to be easily swallowed, if it isn't fully masticated. I want to eliminate any danger of choking, because at 31, Rudy doesn't have the greatest teeth anymore.

My equines are spoiled, I admit it, but the joy and great workout I get from riding and taking care of them everyday is well worth all the effort, time commitment and expense involved.

Find a great article on how to prepare fruit and veggies for your equine friends here, where I just found out that out you can feed the banana pieces with the skin still on after removing the hard ends.

Your horses will thank you if you put some kind of fruit or vegetable in their feed regularly. It adds excitement to their day and variety to their diet and vocabulary. My horses know so many more words now!

Remember, do not feed too much at a time and wipe off or wash the food first.

The images used here in this post are available for licensing from my iStock portfolio.


Thanks for reading and as always, your input is most welcome and very appreciated.

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Celebrating 500 Posts with a Painting Giveaway!

I am still in the Christmas Spirit here and have just painted this little holiday hummingbird today. The Christmas Day post on my web log was my 500th post on this blog! To celebrate, I am having an original watercolor painting giveaway! To be eligible to win this one of a kind, 5" x 7" double matted painting, you have to leave a comment here on this post and tell me why you would like to win this piece. If you subscribe to my blog, or are already a follower, with your comment you get an extra two entries into the drawing, making it a total of three! The drawing will be held at 3pm, EST on January 6th, Little Christmas, the traditional end of the Christmas Season. This contest is open to all residents of the USA and Canada. The winner will be notified here on my blog and by email. I will mail the painting as soon as I have the winner's shipping address. Thanks to everyone who reads my posts and adds their thoughts and comments! Please tell your friends about this drawing and good Luck to you all!!

Peace On Earth Good Will To All

"Let time, space and language lay no limitations upon human brotherhood."

May the Spirit of Christmas Bless You and Yours

When Jerry was in the hospital last week, we got a Christmas card from friends with this poem enclosed. After searching online for the author, I found several who have claimed it as their own. The earliest published version however, was in 1949, by Helen Steiner Rice (1900-1981).  Each and every one of you has had an impact on my life and I want to thank you and let you know that you are remembered and appreciated at this festive time. MY SINCERE WISHES TO YOU ALL FOR A JOYOUS CHRISTMAS!! With Love, Sandy

01 Days Till Christmas!

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve! OMG, I can't believe it ! ! This month, especially the past couple of weeks, have been a blur.

We had a scare here when hubby, Jerry, became very ill two and a half weeks ago. It was probably a combination of things; abscess, root canal, flu, dehydration, pinched nerve and low blood pressure from not eating. Then there was fainting, ER visits and a couple of falls resulting in stitches and a broken nose. He was in the hospital for three days over last weekend. His many tests; MRIs, CATs, blood work and heart tests showed nothing. 

I knew he was finally turning the corner yesterday when he took the truck up the road to get feed for our beloved critters. Today we went to the doctor's office and he got his stitches out. Then it was on to the bank and out to do a little Christmas shopping. When we got home, he even did a few small jobs outside around the property before collapsing in his chair. He's moving slower, but things are finally getting better for him. I am so thankful that the old Jerry is starting to reappear. It looks like we're going to have a Very Merry Christmas after all! 

Easy To Make Party Favor Magnets

As little gifts for people attending this year's Holiday Open Studio, my friend, Nancy Louie, suggested I make fridge magnets. I had never done this before but thought I'd give it a try with some of my snowman images from iStock.

Here's what one of the art layouts looked like. This was printed on magnetic sheets I got from Staples. The thick plastic material was fed it into the ink jet printer and to my surprise, it worked just as good as paper.  Bobbie had the tedious job of cutting four sheets of magnets apart with an X-acto knife. She said she didn't mind doing it though. She always loved getting away from her reception desk and thoroughly enjoyed working in the shop at our old sign company. Especially when she got to cut sandblast masking with her X-acto!

I put the magnets on the fridge at the party and let people pick some to take home.

I also had the idea of cutting up some of my failed watercolors and making them into bookmarks.

It was Bobbie's idea to dress them up a little with yarn and string.

There is still a variety to offer those who read physical books.

I thought other watercolorists may want to try this too. It's just a way of recycling and sharing. If any of you readers would like a couple of bookmarks and/or magnets, Email me at sandy @sandysandy.com with your mailing address. I'd be happy to share these little token gifts with my friends while the supply lasts.

Here's a photo of some of the food at the party. Bobbie did such a nice job with everything, I sure was lucky to have her. I think she may have missed her calling as a caterer, although her varied skills and unending assistance was truly appreciated.

The Yuletide Season Continues

In preparation for my Open Studio last weekend, my friend, Bobbie Zurbach came everyday and helped me. No, I should say, directed all the preparations and decorating. Living out in the middle of the pines, I normally don't get this involved with it.  I do have a lot of Christmas stuff though. Bobbie was full of great ideas of what we could do with this and that, so I listened, collaborated and mostly just let her do her thing.

The front porch, lights, tree, packages and garland was practically an all day project. It's funny how decorating always turns into a bigger job than you anticipated, especially when working with lights.

After some heavy rain last week, the temperatures have dropped and it's expected to stay colder now. I don't mind the chilly weather and know I should be careful what I wish for, but I'd still like to see a little snow for Christmas.

The back studio porch took almost as much time to decorate as the front one did. Thanks again to Bobbie for making the outside feel as welcoming, cheerful and festive as the inside. 

This natural balsam snowman wreath was given to us by my good friend and collector, Dorrie Heil last Saturday. The snowmen decorations by the studio are all from previous years' wreaths. 

This one hangs inside my back screened porch, our main doorway, off of my kitchen entrance.  It stays cool and protected there, so I can keep it up and enjoy the vibrant color and refreshing fragrance until spring! Thank you again, Dorrie, for such a beautiful and heartfelt gift.

I hope you are all making headway with your holiday preparations, taking some time for yourself and most of all, enjoying this Yuletide season!