Saying Goodbye

 Losing a beloved pet is something that we will all likely experience at one time or another. And although we understand that their time with us will come to an end at some point, it's never easy to let them go.

 

 Our family recently said goodbye to one of our darling little dogs, Gracie. We were all devastated to lose her, and never imagined being so heartbroken by her loss. She captured our hearts from the time those four little white paws hit the floor, and this spirited little diva kept us amused with all of her antics for the past ten years. She was a little spitfire; with a mischievous attitude and a playful heart, entertaining us every day. Never too ashamed to play with a cat toy (an orange mouse who was the perfect size for her!), or beg for belly rubs, or fall head over heels for a little stuffed purple elephant-never a dull moment with Gracie in the house!





 

In January of 2013 she was diagnosed with diabetes and Cushing's disease, and since we already had another dog with the same challenges who coped just fine, we were determined to see her through her tough spell. The Cushing's disease caused complications, and during this time Gracie also lost her sight. Our vet reassured us that many dogs manage just fine without their sight, and usually take 4-6 weeks to adapt to their surroundings. So our feisty little darling slowly regained her health, managed to find her way around the house, and even enjoyed our evening walks with her big brother Theodore.

By early December we noticed a sharp decline in her. Tests confirmed that the Cushing's disease was taking its toll on her organs and that her health was deteriorating quickly. We decided to take Gracie home to spend a few last days with her and on the 12'th we said our final goodbye.
I wasn't sure if I would have the strength to go through with it, but my husband and I held her in our arms wrapped in her favourite blanket as she left us peacefully. Initially there was such a sense of relief to see her suffering end, but the tears and pain quickly caught up with us, and we were lost for the next few days.

With less than two weeks left to get ready for Christmas (including our shopping and decorating), we were forced to carry on which in many ways may have been a blessing. We're also grateful to still have our second dog Theodore, who's doing just fine, being smothered with loads of love and attention. His sweet little face has been the best therapy for our broken hearts.

On Christmas eve, our daughter Patricia also surprised us with this beautiful shadow box to help us remember our darling Gracie.

 

 

 

 

 

The verse is lovely, and although we cried when we read it, seeing Gracie's sweet little face peaking out from the frame helps us remember the joy she brought to our lives.

 

We've decided to keep the box on the mantle in our living room, her favourite room for napping and sunbathing....and cuddling with us.

The perfect way to keep her close.

Take care.....Marian  xo    

 





 



Happy Thanksgiving!

Hoping this Thanksgiving finds you with

plenty of reasons to give thanks!

 

Not what we say about our Blessings but how we use them, is the true measure of our Thanksgiving.

-W. T. Purkiser

 

Today is Thanksgiving in Canada, and hopefully you'll have the opportunity to spend time with family and enjoy some great food. It's also a great time to reflect and take a moment to remember all of the things that you're grateful for.

And a Happy Columbus Day to all of my American friends.

Enjoy!

 

Take care.....Marian  xo    



The Countdown is On Again!!

Well, the countdown is on and I officially have 21 days left to prepare for my first outdoor craft show-and it's a big one! Three days filled with music, food and art in a gorgeous park held in downton London, ON from July 19-21, 2013 . It will be the 40'th anniversary of the Home County Music & Art Festival and it promises to be a fun-filled weekend with entertainment for the entire family. Attendance is expected to be 150,000 so I have my work cut out for me!

I've decided to take a working vacation next week and have high hopes to make lots of new things to sell. I've been busy working on some new displays-some suitcases to display my jewellery, an upholstered screen that will serve double duty as a privacy screen for rest breaks and a chance to eat, as well as a display for my fashion accessories. I've also touched up my business banner with some period details. Just a few more things to tweak and then I'll be making lots of jewellery, scarves, hats, and carpet bags to fill my booth. I never seem to make as much as I would like to, and always worry that I won't have enough. That is, until I set up shop and quickly run out of room to display everything! I always manage to figure it out and I'm sure I will again.

 

Just a quick thanks to my absolutely amazing husband Pat and daughter Jessica. I'd be lost without them, and during the next few weeks they'll basically take over the household chores to allow me to dedicate myself full-time to getting ready. It's truly a family affair and my eldest daughter Patricia will be by my side for the three long hectic days setting up and helping take care of all of my lovely customers. My son-in-law Greg will be helping us transport everything to the city and helping us get our tent set up along with my hubby. Love to you all-I'm so lucky to have you all in my life!! Oh and I can't forget the pups, who wander down to my studio and demand a quick cuddle giving me a chance to take much needed breaks. Never too busy for a snuggle and a belly rub.

We're heading into a long weekend here to celebrate Canada Day on July 1'st. I'll be joining my family for a BBQ and fireworks before getting down to business. To all of my Canadian friends and neighbours, hope you have a great day!

 

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!

 

Take care.....Marian  xo    

 

 

 

 

"Funny Looking Kids"

I have always gotten such a kick out of the line that Peppermint Patty from Peanuts uses to describe Snoopy to her best friend Marcie..."funny looking kid with the big nose". Who could blame her for thinking Snoopy was a kid with a personality like that. Well, meet my funny looking kids-Theodore

and Gracie.

Theodore

Gracie

Theodore came to live with us first and I did everything they advise you not to do when buying  a pet. I bought him on impulse (saw him while I was Christmas shopping) from a pet shop a week before Christmas. We all fell instantly in love with him, especially our girls. At a whopping 1 lb. 2 oz., the first time we crated him he immediately strolled out between the bars of the crate. 

Gracie joined us a little more than a year later. I had heard that another litter of black and white Pomeranians were for sale at the same pet shop and that was enough for me. I knew she was going to be trouble when I saw her in her cage at the store tussling with a Jack Russell who was twice her size. And she did not disappoint. Theodore soon learned who was boss when we brought Gracie home.

Theodore loves carrots, any type of fruit, being scratched behind the ears and cuddling. He is scared of balloons, firecrackers and the crackle of an empty pop can or water bottle. Gracie will eat anything, loves belly rubs, constantly wags her tail and hates cats and squirrels with a passion. She is terrified of thunder storms and stairs. Gracie loves the air conditioning and spreads herself out over the vent in the kitchen all summer long to keep cool.  

Oh, and they both go absolutely crazy when we go for walks!

These two complete our family in a way that I could never have imagined. I remember when our youngest daughter Jessica had her wisdom teeth removed, Theodore spent the entire day sleeping next to her on the couch. He sensed she wasn't well and never left her side. And when my oldest daughter Patricia got married, she insisted on a picture with the dogs before we left for the church. Gracie walked directly over to her, stepped carefully onto the train of the dress, and sat down to pose for her picture. It was as though she understood exactly what we wanted her to do. It was priceless!

Loving them is the easiest thing to do with their adorable little faces, endearing personalities and daily escapades. Every morning they greet me with the same excited little spring and bounce-a perfect way to start my day. Each night when I get home from work Gracie is waiting at the back step with her paw raised in the air, offering it up to me to shake. Theodore sits back, waiting patiently for me to come in and will bark if I take to long to pick him up for our quick cuddle.

I'm sure they know that I'm just as excited to see them too.

Aww...puppy love!  

Take care.....Marian  xo