With all of the health challenges and events happening to my family this year, I've not had as much time to work on my art. But I have completed 3 pictures, including these 2 drawings and was thrilled when they were accepted into the Westlake-Westshore Arts Council Juried Showthis summer. When I visited the show at a local library, I was absolutely thrilled to see I had won first and second place, a dream come true. This is a photo of them at the exhibit with their ribbons next to them. I especially liked how the blue ribbon emphasized the blue of the little bird, which is a nuthatch.The other drawing is of a cheetah under an acacia tree.
It was great having something good happen and really boosted my spirits.

Dora crossed the Rainbow Bridge this afternoon. Wednesday night the infection seemed to return & I took her to the vet yesterday, where x-rays showed a lot of stones in her system, some blocking her urinary tract. She got perkier after she was given subQ's & it seemed like she could have a few more good days with pain meds & antibiotics, but this morning she was much worse & the meds were having little effect, so I had to get brave enough to be merciful. We arrived too early for the appointment & the office was closed for lunch break, so I sat on the bench outside of their door, with her next to me, talking & crying and telling her everything I wanted to say, mostly thanks for being in my life. This is a photo of how she greeted me nearly every morning that I had her, I think I shall miss that about her most of all.