Art Saves Lives

I’ve been a little absent from this blog. It is not a sign that I haven’t been reading – just a sign that I am knitting like a madwoman and relaxing. I have read a number of really great things, but haven’t had the discipline to sit down and write about them. Such is the life of a teacher in summer.

A recent YA read I really enjoyed was Sorry For Your Loss  by Jessie Ann Foley. Recently, I was talking with a friend about the different ways people process grief, sharing how each of my siblings behaved differently following the death of my mother. Sorry For Your Loss tells the story of how a large Irish-American family deals with an unexpected death. As the youngest (by 4 minutes) in a family of five, I loved how Foley depicts the way birth order impacts your role in a family.

Publisher’s Summary: As the youngest of eight, painfully average Pup Flanagan is used to flying under the radar. He’s barely passing his classes. He lets his longtime crush walk all over him. And he’s in no hurry to decide on a college path.

The only person who ever made him think he could be more was his older brother Patrick. But that was before Patrick died suddenly, leaving Pup with a family who won’t talk about it and acquaintances who just keep saying, “sorry for your loss.”

When Pup excels at a photography assignment he thought he’d bomb, things start to come into focus. His dream girl shows her true colors. An unexpected friend exposes Pup to a whole new world, right under his nose.

And the photograph that was supposed to show Pup a way out of his grief ultimately reveals someone else who is still stuck in their own. Someone with a secret regret Pup never could have imagined.

 

The Good Old Dog Project

Almost a year ago, the girls and I had our portraits done by Pauline Zonneveld. During Winter Break, when my sister and her family were visiting we had an appointment with Pauline to look over the photos and I chose the ones I wanted.

On Thursday, Pauline held an exhibition of senior dogs, the Good Old Dog Project.

(That’s my Lucy in the ad.)

The exhibition runs all month in the lobby of Antoinette Hatfield Hall  (1111 SW Broadway Ave., Portland, OR 97205).

Thursday was the opening reception and I went because Fiona’s portrait was going to be part of the exhibit accompanied by a haiku that would reflect her personality. It was a gorgeous show. Naturally, I went straight to Fiona’s picture.

That’s her in the center, flanked by two other beautiful seniors. I had hoped this was the photo Pauline was going to use because it shows her feisty side, and most people don’t get to see that. Here is the haiku about Fiona

Graceful but not broken

My ears are my pride and joy.

Eh, what’s that you say?

I got a little weepy looking at her photo and reading that haiku. Then, I took a look at all the other dogs and their haiku.

Here are some samples of Pauline’s work.

 If you are in or around downtown Portland this month, take a short detour to the theater and admire theses beautiful photos and the senior dogs they celebrate.

My weekend went to the dogs

It was all about dogs this weekend – mine & others’.

Yesterday Oregon Basset Hound Rescue ran a “Pet photo with Santa” booth at the PetSmart in Salem. There were a lot of small dogs and one very sweet pit bull. I think though, I got my Christmas spirit when a family came in with their shih tzu and their three-year old son. The son thought our Santa was the real deal. The little fellow’s eyes were big and, honest to goodness, they sparkled. He had such a look of awe and respect. He was a little nervous approaching, but Will, our Santa, is dad to two little girls. I got a little weepy. like you do at a Hallmark movie or commercial. It was great.

Today, it was my girls’ turn. We had a 2:00 appointment with Pauline Zonnefeld, who is going a series called “In bed with Rufus”.

I got my jammies on and the girls & I posed in bed. This is not us, just the promotional photo she uses for the project. The girls also got photos taken alone for Pauline’s Good Old Dog Project. I thought Fiona might be too nervous to cooperate, but she was a pro. Lucy is just naturally photogenic and she loves attention. I can hardly wait to see the results.

Good Old Dogs

I’m off to the Good Old Dog Photo Exhibition by Pauline Zonneveld.

Here’s how she explains the project on her website:

Good Old Dog Project – celebrating the spirit of dogs in their golden years.

Old dogs have a charm and beauty all their own.

It’s the beauty of a life well lived as your companion, friend, playmate and soul mate. Over the years, your stories have entwined and now your bond deserves to be documented in a beautiful portrait.

Dedicated to dogs that are near the end of their lives due to old age or illness, the Good Old Dog Project seeks to capture your senior dog’s special beauty and the lifetime of friendship, comfort, love and sacrifice you have shared. In a photo session that is joyful and playful, we will work together to create a portrait that show off your companion’s unique beauty. Every accommodation is made so that your pet will feel relaxed and comfortable. We can meet at my studio or if you prefer a meaningful location of your choice.

Having had 3 senior dogs and working in rescue, I have come to love and respect senior dogs and the people who care for them. When I do home visits, people always say they want a young dog so they can have more time together. I understand that. I really love the people who change their minds and take someone a little older who will be grateful for a happy end.

So, if you have some time today, between noon and 4, stop by the exhibition. It is located on the east side at

305 SE 3rd Avenue – 4th floor.

All dog lovers are welcome.