Thursday, January 12, 2012

Up and down, round and round. . .

(detail of muslin with acrylic paint, ink, wool, embroidery floss)

Up and down, round and round - that's a pretty good description of my life (and moods) lately.  Other than some creative cooking, I haven't had much opportunity to create lately.  Just a few stitches to start embellishing the piece of muslin that I've become obsessed with.  

(detail of muslin with acrylic paint, ink, Inktense pencils, embroidery floss)

Our old dog, Beau, now only eats if we entice him by hand-feeding him first.  Even this takes time and patience on our part, since he is slowly reverting back to the timid dog he was when we adopted him from the shelter.   He is slowly forgetting what he learned during his time with us.  He is forgetting that he learned to feel safe and confident and happy with us, and that the dog food in his bowl is his to enjoy.  It's sad to see him old and confused and in pain.  It's sad to know that our days with him are numbered.

Unfortunately, there's been very little time in my life lately to read and comment on blogs and elsewhere online, either.  But after next week, I think I'll have a bit more time again.

Thanks to all who commented on my last posts.  I may not get around to thanking you each personally, but I value all your comments more than you'll ever know.

In the mean time, I'm really loving this change from painting and drawing on paper and canvas, to stitching on muslin.  More changes are coming, too, I think, but I'll still find my way back to painting those portraits that I love.

I have a feeling this will be an interesting year, and I'm working my way into it slowly. 

"Take a breath,
take your time, 
spread your wings
and rise."

15 comments:

Paula said...

Oh I so very much agree! this is going to be an interesting year! I am so sorry about your old dog. I remember my cat Oscar when he got all confused, didnt eat anymore and couldnt find his way around his home anymore. Big warm hug. Thinking of you. Take your time on this emotional rollercoaster to not get off to early or too late.

Judy Shreve said...

So sorry to hear about your Beau. It's so difficult - we become so attached and our dogs are with us such a short amount of time. It sounds like you are making him as comfortable as he can be . . . :-(
Love your muslin piece! - the colors, the layers, the words, the embroidery - fabulous!
Hope all your changes are welcome ones and those that aren't hope you get through them quickly.
xxoo

franswazz said...

Bonjour, Angela, i am sad for you about Beau and even though i have not lived this exact situation i understand♥ Right now we have a kitty, Kokonut, who has a terribly hard time eating because of her "flat face"...poor little darling! we have to make mounds of her food and re-mound it over and over again so that she gets enough to eat! Kind of hard all the way around!(including the people, hee...hee)
Having said this i want to tell you how much i love these flowers with your embroidery, absolutely lovely, can't wait to see more
♥♥♥

paula said...

and i anxiously await seeing more of your amazing landscape paintings, felt like you were hitting a good stride with those. take care over there!

kj said...

angela, we lost stella two days before christmas. our hearts broke, even knowing it was best for her. i know exactly how you feel. it is a love like no other, and beginning to say goodbye is so awfully hard. i know you will know when that time comes. and then your beau will wait for you on another plane, maybe stella will be nearby too.

i am loving your embroidery and artistry and delicate approach and colors, and i look forward to following every thing you do. but for now, i just want to send my love to you and your family and to your beloved beau.

love always
kj

susan christensen said...

My heart goes out to you, Angela, and your dear old friend Beau. May warm love surround you. xxoo, sus

Sue said...

I'm so very sorry to hear about your dog Beau. It is tough when they are not eating. Our Finley has an abdominal cancer and at the moment, no pain, however his appetite is definitely decreased and I have to cook him rice, meat, veggies every night and then he may only eat a portion of it. You want to do as much as you can for these furry family members, but it can be quite
time consuming. I guess the old adage, one day at a time, applies in both our cases.

I LOVE the muslin piece you are working on. The colours are gorgeous and the embroidery work is just beautiful on top of it. I'm glad it is offering you some respite from your daily concerns.

Hugs

Annie Coe said...

Angela,
So sorry about Beau, you know I know how hard it is, but grace will get you through, lean on it.
You will know when it is time.
I LOVE this muslin piece, it is stunning!!!!!
I miss you, love you and I am sending bunches of hugs.
And to Beau too.
xoxo

Crafty Green Poet said...

Sorry to hear about Beau, it's always difficult to watch animals grow old.

Your embroidery is beautiful

Lorraine Young Pottery said...

Angela,
I have to tell you something ODD...
I opened up your blog and at the same time I had just turned on British Floyd: Live in Liverpool. Pink Floyd.

I read your words:
Up and down, round and round..
and at that moment the band was singing the exact same thing!

What's the odds on that? 1 in a trillion billion maybe? especially considering I don't watch tv often.

You can hear the words at time 3.52 for those that are curious.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsatbU38WhI&feature=related

:-}

I feel for you and Beau. Funny thing I am going through the same thing! My rabbit has gone blind. I have to bring him over to his bowl. Letting him out of his cage I need to direct him.

Congrats on your embroidery journey.

HUGS Lorraine

Angela Recada said...

Thank you all for your comments!
:0)
xoxoxo

Now we also have some computer issues which will keep me from blogging as usual. It's always something, right?

@Lorraine - wow that really was a strange and wonderful coincidence!!! I love Pink Floyd, too!

MulticoloredPieces said...

Hi, Angela. You're stitching on muslim is lovely--a good way to start the new year. And may your dog peacefully follow his path and may you find patience and strength.
best, nadia

Mim said...

Your stitching is beautiful and therapeutic looking, calming.

The issues with your dog are ones that we who love dogs have all gone thru - so so hard to watch them, and know that you have to be the one....

prayers for you and your doggie. be well

Lisa Graham Art said...

Hi Angela,
I am sorry about your poor doggie. I just hate losing pets...it's like losing a little piece of yourself.

It seems like I see more on FB rather than here, but I wanted to drop by your blog and see what is new. I like your stitch work...very delicate!

Hey guess, what...I put a Tumblr up...finally. I don't know if you even remember helping me with that months and months ago. Thank you! You are so so kind. : )

Connie said...

Hi Angela - I'm so happy to visit your blog - I'm an embroiderer and beader, too, and also, I know the sadness you're experiencing now with Beau. My sympathy to you.